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Hoosier United Methodist News Archives
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May/June 2004 |
Letters to the Editor
Dammann trial letter comments
I was disheartened to read the letters to the editor and see the vitriol spread all over the pages. I also was shocked to see that you allowed a derogatory term to be printed that would certainly not be allowed in referring to someone's ethnicity (so much for "persons of sacred worth"). Ah well.
All of this is to say in reference to Rev. Damman's trial that I am one of those who does not believe that the walls of the church will fall as a result of the actions of this jury - or even by Rev. Damman's admitted sexual orientation.
I think that our Discipline will survive, too. I believe, having grown up in churches in Southern Indiana (Huntingburg, French Lick, Springs Valley and Whiteland) and served churches throughout the Indiana area (Evansville, Indianapolis and South Bend) that the church always lives with a wide variety of characters (many of whom disagree with one another on important and not so important things).
I think the question about the Discipline is: does the Discipline exist to serve people or people to serve the Discipline? I know where I stand on this. I do not think that blind obedience is counseled. But I know that some disagree.
In the letters that appeared in Together that I received on Maundy Thursday during Holy Week this year, I keep hearing the complaints of the authorities "Jesus eats with tax collectors and sinners." Indeed. And may the church continue to hear that accusation hurled against it. I celebrate (like Paul in I Corinthians 1) the accusations and punishments that come on those who dare, DARE, to witness to God's great love in ways that upset others in the denomination and even larger Christendom. As it was; as it will always be, thanks be to God.
Some of the reports from the trial inspire in me the hope that God was indeed at work in that process, as I believe the Holy Spirit was at work in crafting the Discipline. I'm glad that this was a jury of people who used discernment and prayer in coming to their decision. If we wanted a computer to handle these things rather than human beings (who might surprise us), we should ask Microsoft to preprogram all decisions so that we could set aside the need to think and pray together.
One final word on the Discipline - it is not always easy to live within order and to live guided by the Spirit of God. But most of the time we do pretty well. And I think that this was one of those times. Keep tellin' the Story,
Michael Mather
Indianapolis
Based on the eight "Letters to the Editor" - April 2004 "On Damman Trial," Rev. Karen Damman would , clearly, have been convicted had the trial taken place in Indiana. I would like to present another viewpoint.
I fear that how to deal with homosexuals will continue to polarize our beloved church. But if we really want to be viewed as an open church - as our current campaign professes we are - we must accept the fact that every one of us is born of God and loved by God, no matter our sexuality.
Jesus condemned practices unacceptable to God: prostitution, adultery, and the degrading of others because of their differences. The Bible, however, records no statement of Jesus on the subject of homosexuality. Could Jesus have been unconcerned of his followers sexual orientation?
If we as a church would soften our stance on homosexuality and same sex marriages, we would, undoubtedly, provide a home for this disenfranchised group of people. The greater transformation would be in our congregations, who would be the benificiaries of all the love, passion, talent, and commitment that our homosexual brothers and sisters have to offer.
Sue Steinmetz
Lafayette, Ind.
This is my first ever letter to the editor, and sadly it relates to the recent actions of the Pacific Northwest Conference. It seems as though the Bible has no significance in the modern Methodist religion, and The United Methodist Book of Discipline has no real meaning. In the various explanations I read in Together, words like "celebration", and "joy" over the decision appeared in several of the articles. Also "complexity of the issue" seems to be another catch phrase.
After reading all the coverage on the trial, I have reached the conclusion that if this is the direction we are going, I will be removing my name from the rolls of our church. As someone recently said, "You don't hire an arsonist to be a Fire Chief, or a burglar to be Chief of Police". In good conscience, I cannot, and will not, support a church that does not have the backbone to do the right thing. It indeed is a very sad day. Others in our congregation feel the same way.
Robert Burns
Mauckport, Ind.
I noticed a sharp difference in tone between the eight letters on page 3 (April Together) and the appeal of evangelist Tony Campolo on page 7. Only one letter writer (Randy Cox) even mentions praying for homosexuals; the tone of all of them is rejection. Pastor Campolo's approach, however, stresses reaching out to gay and lesbian people, granting them full civil rights, and welcoming them into the community. It seems to me Campolo is much closer to the spirit of Jesus than the letter writers.
Emory Burton
Dallas, Texas
I was shocked to read about the acquittal of Karen Dammann. Does God's own word count for nothing? I believe that the publicity she is receiving is doing more harm than good. Yes, she needs to be churched not a leader or clergy. Her statement that God called her to be His instrument in bringing His word to the people and that God does not make mistakes just shows how far she and her lawyer (minister) will go to make this word game fit her needs! I can't help but wonder how far her defense is willing to bend God's word. . You can take almost anything out of context and make it fit. Does that make it right?
Wake up Bishop White and read the Scripture. Don't be afraid to take a stand FOR God's word. That is what you claim to have been using all the years you have served.
Diana Martin
Vincennes, Ind.
We are writing to voice our dismay that a practicing lesbian is allowed to pastor against our church Discipline. As members of the Good News Gang Sunday School class of the Brushwood UMC, Rensselaer, Ind., we are studying the seven letters in Revelation. Jesus criticized several of the churches for allowing sexual immorality in the church. He instructed them to turn away from their sin. These churches were part of the Roman Empire which allowed all types of sexual sin. This great empire dissolved in AD 180 less than 100 years after Revelation was written. As a nation we are tolerant of several sexual sins. Will the USA dissolve as Rome did? …
… How can we as a church allow those in leadership to continue when the pastor confesses to being a practicing lesbian? This is clearly against the Bible and our Discipline. As a church we cannot knowingly tolerate this in our pastoral leadership.
As a class we pray this decision will be rescinded.
Signed by nine members
of the Good News
Gang Sunday School class,
Rensselaer, Ind.
Smoke-free Indiana
Thank you very much for the article in Together about the support Lawrence United Methodist Church is giving to the tobacco issue. Those of us who volunteer in the tobacco prevention and cessation field appreciate the support of the pastors, the church staff and most important to the caring members of the congregation. I am confident the story will inspire many more United Methodist Churches throughout the state to help in the effort to prevent illness and death caused by tobacco products.
Paul Messplay
Indianapolis
Last updated on May 17, 2004