Letters to the Editor

Technicality disappointing

It is disappointing that such a circumstance exists where a "technicality" is utilized in a hearing to determine an individual's (ministerial) credentials and viability to maintain an important position. An inability to properly resolve this (Stroud case) will speak volumes to United Methodists and others throughout the country. Lets get it right.

Tom Coahran
Indianapolis

How come?

I read Bishop Coyner's article on financing in the April 2005 Together, and had the question that came to my mind - How come?

We are told that 70 percent of our ministers are laity and do not receive pensions or health insurance. How come and then where does that money go?

We have been losing members since the merger of the two churches. Are they from the EUB (former Evangelical United Brethren) Church and if so, how come?

When we get new members to attend they will stay two years and leave. When we contact them to see what the problem was we are told, "the people were nice, but the religion did not mean anything to them." How come?

When our older members leave and we ask them why they left and they usually say that "they realize there is something more." How come?

The United Methodist Book of Discipline states that the Bishop has the responsibility to see that it is followed, and a copy should be in every member's home, but it is difficult to find one in a church library. How come?

The Discipline states that the basis of our faith is John Wesley's Sermons and his Notes on the New Testament, but very few have read them. How come?

Is The United Methodist Church to be the training ground for evangelical churches? How come?

Michael Willison
Terre Haute, Ind.

Last updated on 25 Apr 2008

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