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Hoosier United Methodist News Archives
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April 2004 |
Letters to the Editor
The Passion
I enjoyed reading your article ("See the movie, hear the story, share The Passion" -- March issue). I thought it was exceptionally well done (and so diplomatic) for someone who hadn't yet seen the movie. Although I still don't believe I want to see it, I think you should -- then perhaps we'd get another article from a different perspective. Thanks for bringing the papers. I liked this one much better than the last.
Kay Jones
Indianapolis
On the Dammann trial
The answer is simple -- love the sinner, denounce the sin. This age of blaming a predisposition from their upbringing or a genetic trait, etc. denies the basis of who we are. We are an accumulation of our life's choices. There are consequences for those choices when they are not appropriate and righteous. Judgment from mankind is not one of those consequences -- only God can make that decision. However, I must be clear about my beliefs and the Church must do the same. Waffling is not a choice.
Tom Coahran
IndianapolisI read the Sunday paper this morning and learned that the UM church had a trial near Seattle, Washington. I'm sure you know the circumstances with regard to whether or not a openly gay person can perform as an ordained minister in the UMC. First, I think it sad that a trial even took place at all. Second, are all the church doctrines now "negotiable", based on social norms? What does the UMC stand for now? Why are churches so afraid of this issue? Why are we so politically oriented in these days? Loving our brethren does not require we condone their personal actions. Many (I'd say most) members of the UMC do not hate homosexuals, we pray for them. Much the same we pray for alcoholics, drug users, pedophiles, liars, cheaters ... etc. ... we all fall short. But we must demand a higher standard from our church leaders, especially pastors.
I ask these: If a pastor in the UMC said he/she was openly cheating on their spouse, and had no intention of changing ... what would have been the outcome of that trial?
If a pastor in the UMC said he/she was openly spending every evening at a bar getting drunk, and had no intention of changing ... what would have been the outcome of that trial?
If a pastor in the UMC said he/she was openly using illicit/illegal drugs, and had no intention of changing ... what would have been the outcome of that trial?
If a pastor in the UMC said he/she was a pedophile, and had no intention of changing ... what would have been the outcome of that trial?
Pastors are not perfect, but should be striving toward that end to set the Christ-like example. Once a pastor says they don't have to strive to do the right thing in God's eyes, then why would their church members seek to resolve their sinly ways? I wonder where all this is leading us? Today, I am sad to be called a United Methodist. Today, I pray for our church.
Randy Cox
Westfield, Ind.I think the jury really made a mistake in their ruling on Ms. Dammann, they have to answer to God not man! Is this where the (United) Methodist Church is heading?
Claudia Hancock
Sullivan, Ind.Is it possible to read our Discipline section 304.3 "Since the practice of homosexuality is incompatible with Christian teaching, self-avowed practicing homosexuals are not to be accepted as candidates, ordained as ministers or appointed to serve in the United Methodist Church" and interpret that as not being a mandate? I realize that this is a very delicate issue. However, thousands of Indiana United Methodists are looking to you as their Bishop to speak out at least to us. I am concerned that your silence may be misinterpreted as agreement. If you do agree, at least tell us and let us deal with that, but if you do not agree, sir, please let us know.
Roy Nevil
Poneto, Ind.What this jury is saying is that the "UMC Discipline" (man-made law) takes precedence over the Bible. Ten years ago we were inching toward end times; today the world is daily taking giant steps to Jesus' return. The UMC is facilitating those steps. I will be contacting my local UMC to have mine and my husband's names removed from their rolls. We have been receiving a paper subscription of HUM, please remove our names from this subscription list immediately. Thank you.
Chris & Theresa Roush
Greenfield, Ind.What a travesty when ordained clergy are allowed to continue in ministry when they follow neither the law of the land, nor the holy covenant to which they pledged, and also not the moral standards of Scripture. It is a shame and a sad day for America, the United Methodist Church and all Christendom.
Ray Squibb
Sharpsville, Ind.What have you all done? What is next? How can you change the laws of God? Is the Bible no longer going to be our guide or are you going to make up one to suit all sins? I won't sleep well tonight, you have let me down, and my family and all the things I believe in. If you send us a homo minister, we will close the doors. Perhaps we could make it into a casino, that seems to be the popular past time this day and age. God will seek revenge; you can count on it. Our young children don't have a chance with leaders like you in charge. I would rather they grow up atheists than fill their minds with the garbage that you leaders are dishing out. Some example!
May God have mercy on your souls (???????) or lack of (them)!
Betty Jane Voris
Napoleon, Ind.I fear that the situation is far more serious than a matter of "disagreement" about which we will be in dialogue. It is one thing to disagree. It is another matter for an annual conference to disregard and to declare invalid those parts of the Discipline with which it happens to "disagree." The problem is not with the Discipline or what it says. Under our system as it is being interpreted by the Pacific Northwest Conference, if a conference decides that it will not abide by the Discipline in this matter (which several conferences have stated quite frankly, though not officially), then there is really no way the Discipline can be amended to make any difference. Trials are charades because there will never be a conviction. The disobedient child rules the household. "Dialogue," though always necessary, will not by itself change this situation. Thus, if the church has a position, it has significance only in those conferences who choose to understand that it has significance. There is no connection.
Riley B. Case
Kokomo, Ind.
General Conference
Praise the Lord, I join in prayer with you. May our focus be upon the risen Lord. St. Luke's UMC in Kokomo has been in prayer weekly for all the candidates for General and Jurisdictional conference since their names were released. St. Luke's prayer team puts the word of God into action through prayer. We are praying with open hearts concerning the specific issues in our denomination. May the Lord's name be glorified as we remain in his love through prayer.
Livy Downey
Kokomo, Ind.
Last updated on 04/19/2004