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Hoosier United Methodist News Archives
| Hoosier United Methodists together |
September 2006 |
Letters to the Editor
Reflections on the Clergywomen's Consultation
As the Clergywomen's Consultation began this summer in Chicago, we found ourselves singing once more: "I can feel it; feel the movement. The women must be gathering."
What is it about the Clergywomen's Consultation that fills the soul and re-energizes ministry? How is it that an every four year event can sustain the spirit in such a way that the moment it draws to a close, I am already anticipating the next one?
A wise young probationary member from the Detroit Conference answered those questions in part when she told the more than 1,500 gathered at the 2006 International Clergywomen's Consultation that in order to do ministry, you have to see yourself in ministry. Then she peered into the congregation to observe that in this setting, she was seeing herself.
Like many around me, I turned to look at the other women gathered. This is it, I thought, this is the connection that I long for - the connection that comes once every four years. I am worshipping with my peers, those who truly are my peers. Women who have heard and heeded God's call on their lives, who have struggled to make their voices heard, who have discovered the exquisite joys and intense sorrows of ministry were turning to face God as one. It was full of spontaneous energy, laughter and tears. Every moment was, well, a moment.
There were moments of pride for women who have paved the way - a full procession of clergywomen ordained in the first 20 years. There were moments of joy for women who follow them - a strong contingent of newer clergywomen rounding out and surrounding those of us who have been at it for some time.
There were moments of anguish for women who did not enter ordained ministry - unknown and unnamed women who were told that there is no place for clergywomen in ministry.
It was not long into the first worship service before every breath was an inhaling of gratitude for clergywomen who have shown us the way and an exhaling of grief for others who could not find their way. The gathering and the women were transformed.
I still feel it - the movement of clergywomen around me. This year, the 50th year of our right to be ordained as full clergy members in the United Methodist Church, I am moved, transformed, humble and proud. Moved to be a part of a long, courageous line of women. Transformed by the promise of the women who are filling our church. Humble to be serving with clergy sisters and brothers who have been obedient to God's call. Proud to be a clergywoman.
Thanks be to God for those who have gone before us, for those who are with us and for those yet to come. Thanks be to God for clergywomen everywhere!
Cyndi Alte
Indianapolis
Whatever happened to ET?
Perhaps I missed something in the comments made by Bishop Coyner about the general population (including faith communities) being fearful and unwelcoming to new residents, including immigrants to the United States in the July/August issue of Together
Would the Bishop not make a distinction between legal and illegal immigrants? What would he have our standards be on the very important and controversial issue facing our country concerning the illegals? The fears many citizens and taxpayers have seems well founded when considering the economics of the United States, the stability of our communities and any degree of understanding for the law abiding citizens and the hard working, responsible and beleaguered taxpayers.
We would probably all agree that most illegal immigrants enter the United States in search of a better life. Often, though, their actions create severe security problems, financial problems, and also undermine the efforts of the legal immigrants who follow proper procedures. Does not illegal immigration call into question the basic tenet that the United States is "a nation of laws"?
Recent estimates of the net fiscal costs of illegal immigration in this country is reported to range from 22 billion to 70 billion dollars annually. There are groups involved in political advocacy for illegal immigration and it does not seem right that they are given taxpayer money to lobby for something the taxpayer may absolutely oppose.
I know of no one who would not agree ET, a fictional character, was cute, funny and entertaining. ILLEGAL immigration is too serious a problem to be considered cute, funny and entertaining.
M. Bemenderfer
Plymouth, Ind.
Statement compatible
I believe if Tom Shrode (July/August issue) had read the resolution by the United Methodist bishops, he would find it was quite compatible with biblical principles and the history of our denomination. In no way was it a "surrender" to terrorists or to anyone. It (quite properly, as I see it) questions the use of war as a way to defeat terrorism. This is a point of view some of our best minds have also endorsed.
Emory Burton
retired clergy,
Dallas, Texas
Achieving Mid-East Peace
Whether or not the fragile short-term ceasefire in the Israeli-Hisbollah conflict ("the conflict") holds (it is, as of this writing, August 20), it is increasing clear that a lasting peace in the Middle East region will require recognizing and acting upon at least three fundamental realities: (1) The use of violence, whether deployed by states such as Israel and the United States, or by non-state entities such as Hisbollah, Hamas, or Iraqi Shiites or Sunnis, leads only to increasing hatred, distrust and violence, thus spawning more "terrorists" (or "freedom fighters"). (2) The only way to achieve a peace that holds is through just, internationally sanctioned negotiations, backed up by robust peace-maintaining forces. (3) A just resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict must be included, up-front.
A legacy of the conflict is a growing body of "calls for action now" to address and resolve the deeply interwoven issues that are the root cause of the perpetual violence. Bishop Janice Riggle Huie, President of UMC Council of Bishops, in thanking President Bush for his work connected with achieving the cease fire noted the need for "further negotiations to bring long-term stability to the region." The Rev. Samuel Kobia, the Rev. Dr. Clifton Kirkpatrick, and Bishop Mark Hanson, respectively the heads of the World Council of Churches, the World Alliance of Reformed Churches and the Lutheran World Federation, have jointly called "the leaders of nations and other parties to begin the work for a compassionate order that will lead to a lasting peace" noting that "the task is great and the way hard . but worthy of our efforts and it is the way that leads to life."
Leaders across the political spectrum, including Brent Scowcroft, former President Jimmie Carter, former Senator George Mitchell (Maine), and Queen Noor of Jordan, have urged the international community to address not just the immediate conflict but the authentic fundamental causes.
A fourth reality needs to be added to the three cited above, if a lasting just peace is to be achieved in the Middle East: (4) Persons "on the ground," persons like you, must get involved. Secularly oriented persons have their own rationale for their involvement. Christian disciples have an especially poignant, sometimes ignored, rationale. Jesus' unmistakable call to discipleship that puts peace and love at the center of ones being
Here are a few action-steps. Write our Bishop Michael Coyner, encouraging him to take a leading role on this matter in the Council of Bishops. Engage members in your congregation, perhaps in concert with a couple of other congregations, in developing letters of concern to both Senators Evan Bayh and Richard Lugar, as well as President George W. Bush. Pray without ceasing for peace with justice in the Middle East, the region of Jesus' birth. Pray also for discernment of how you might offer yourself in the ministries of peace.
Henry L. Gerner
retired Elder
Indianapolis
Last updated on 25 Apr 2008