Upcoming May 15th Day to Explore Two New Doctor of Ministry Degree Programs at Wesley Theological Seminary -- “Campus Ministries” and “Wesley and the Poor”
WASHINGTON, DC (WTS) -- Clergy who wish to be considered as candidates for upcoming Doctor of Ministry degree programs at Wesley Theological Seminary are invited to the campus on Tuesday, May 15, 2007 to learn about new focused programs "Campus Ministries" & "Wesley and the Poor" To attend the Doctor of Ministry Exploration Day contact the Office of Admissions -- admissions@wesleyseminary.edu. These programs, each limited to 20 candidates, have a strong biblical and theological core -- but are designed to support different ministries.
Why “Campus Ministries”? – This track will strengthen persons called to the mission field of the college or university campus. Unique challenges are named and studied such as working in the shadow of secular science, witnessing in a pluralistic faith environment, meeting the respective needs of traditional and non-traditional students, connecting with local congregations, and long-term financial support for ministry. In high-energy seminars and other settings faculty and participants will forge innovative solutions and practices for campus ministry in the coming decades.
Why “Wesley and the Poor”? – Data from a recent nationwide survey says nine in ten Americans want churches to be more active in ministry to and with the poor. Eight in ten Americans want churches to be more active in giving poor people a voice in public affairs and in addressing poverty in concert with government agencies. The same survey shows an overwhelming trust in church leaders. Church leaders who stand in the heritage of John Wesley who declared “the unfashionable truth” of the dangers of wealth, fingered the social sources at work in the misery of poverty, and preached a responsible grace to the benefit of all persons know they must do something! This doctor of ministry track will address that call by providing church leaders with a new vision and new tools for leading the church in ministry to and with the poor.
Applications are now being accepted. Application deadline is October 1, 2007.
The full day seminars are as follows: Jan 7 to 11 and Jan 14 to 18, 2008.
Upcoming Doctor of Ministry tracks that be offered at Wesley include:
“Life Together: Spirituality for Transforming Community,” begins May 2008; “Pastoral Theology, Care, and Counseling,” and “Arts and Theology,” begin January 2009.
The Doctor of Ministry, a thirty academic hour program, is a natural continuing education step for dedicated clergy who want to pursue focused study. Applicants must have a strong academic record in their Master of Divinity from an institution accredited by the Association of Theological Schools, and have been in active ministry for three years since graduation. Beyond earning the degree, the Seminary hopes Doctor of Ministry graduates function as resource persons for the local and regional church.
Details are at www.WesleySeminary.edu . Questions can be directed to Dr. Lew Parks, Director of the Doctor of Ministry Program at LParks@wesleyseminary.edu
or (202) 885-6481.
For details and application materials contact the Office of Admissions at Wesley Theological Seminary, 4500 Massachusetts Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20016-5690. Call at either (202) 885-8659 or 1-800 882-4987 or email admissions@wesleyseminary
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Thursday, February 22, 2007
Chaplains offer ideas, resources for churches
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) - Military chaplains bring "holy vision" to the battlefield and are the church's best resources for helping congregations understand, welcome and support returning warriors.
That was one message that came out of a Feb. 12-13 task force meeting of active and retired United Methodist military chaplains brainstorming on ways for the church to be in ministry with U.S. military personnel serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Each chaplain has a unique story of ministry, pain and joy to share with congregations.
"It is the voice of the chaplain that brings holy vision," said the Rev. Dale White, who served 14 months as chaplain for a Marine unit in Fallujah, Iraq.
The meeting was sponsored by the United Methodist Endorsing Agency of the Board of Higher Education and Ministry and Board of Church and Society. The endorsing agency approves pastors to serve as chaplains and pastoral counselors. Currently, there are 359 United Methodist chaplains serving in the Air Force, Army and Navy, both in active duty and in the National Guard and Reserve.
During its first meeting, task force members suggested ways that local churches can care for soldiers, including to:
+Adopt a soldier or an entire military unit
+Provide a safe place in the church for military families to meet together
+Be good listeners and invite returning service members to share their experiences without talking about the politics of war
+Hold special worship services for military personnel when they deploy, return and on occasions such as Veterans Day and Memorial Day
+Learn about what chaplains do during wartime
+Advocate for returning soldiers to have access to health care, living wage and housing, and for other needs to be addressed
+Support the families of deployed soldiers
The group also talked about using chaplains as resources to educate churches, annual conferences, seminaries and other groups about what chaplains do and what military personnel face when returning from war.
They discussed the importance of offering retreats for chaplains and their families to provide a break from the care-giving role and to offer time for personal healing.
Since the Iraq war began in March 2003, more than 3,000 soldiers have been killed and more than 20,000 wounded.
Many United Methodist congregations have members serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, and some churches even have seen their pastors deployed as members of the National Guard or the Reserve.
Numerous ministries are already touching the lives of U.S. soldiers worldwide. United Methodist churches have participated in a phone card campaign started by the endorsing agency in 2003, providing 10,350,395 free minutes of long-distance telephone service.
The cards are distributed to soldiers through United Methodist chaplains. The endorsing agency regularly receives e-mails of thanks from chaplains such as this one from the Rev. Bill Killough, battalion chaplain for the 54th Signal Battalion, serving in Kuwait:
"We got three envelopes of phone cards this week. THANK YOU so much!!! Your supply coincided with an influx of new soldiers to theater and "hit the spot" for these transitioning soldiers and family members. It makes me very proud to give out phone cards (which serve a valuable service) that have the United Methodist emblem on them. It communicates a powerful message! Thanks again!
For more information on how to connect with service members through United Methodist chaplains, contact the United Methodist Endorsing Agency at P.O. Box 340007, Nashville, Tenn. 37203-0007; by telephone at (615) 340-7411; by e-mail at umea@gbhem; or visit www.gbhem.org/chaplains.
*Gilbert is a United Methodist News Service news writer based in Nashville, Tenn.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) - Military chaplains bring "holy vision" to the battlefield and are the church's best resources for helping congregations understand, welcome and support returning warriors.
That was one message that came out of a Feb. 12-13 task force meeting of active and retired United Methodist military chaplains brainstorming on ways for the church to be in ministry with U.S. military personnel serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Each chaplain has a unique story of ministry, pain and joy to share with congregations.
"It is the voice of the chaplain that brings holy vision," said the Rev. Dale White, who served 14 months as chaplain for a Marine unit in Fallujah, Iraq.
The meeting was sponsored by the United Methodist Endorsing Agency of the Board of Higher Education and Ministry and Board of Church and Society. The endorsing agency approves pastors to serve as chaplains and pastoral counselors. Currently, there are 359 United Methodist chaplains serving in the Air Force, Army and Navy, both in active duty and in the National Guard and Reserve.
During its first meeting, task force members suggested ways that local churches can care for soldiers, including to:
+Adopt a soldier or an entire military unit
+Provide a safe place in the church for military families to meet together
+Be good listeners and invite returning service members to share their experiences without talking about the politics of war
+Hold special worship services for military personnel when they deploy, return and on occasions such as Veterans Day and Memorial Day
+Learn about what chaplains do during wartime
+Advocate for returning soldiers to have access to health care, living wage and housing, and for other needs to be addressed
+Support the families of deployed soldiers
The group also talked about using chaplains as resources to educate churches, annual conferences, seminaries and other groups about what chaplains do and what military personnel face when returning from war.
They discussed the importance of offering retreats for chaplains and their families to provide a break from the care-giving role and to offer time for personal healing.
Since the Iraq war began in March 2003, more than 3,000 soldiers have been killed and more than 20,000 wounded.
Many United Methodist congregations have members serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, and some churches even have seen their pastors deployed as members of the National Guard or the Reserve.
Numerous ministries are already touching the lives of U.S. soldiers worldwide. United Methodist churches have participated in a phone card campaign started by the endorsing agency in 2003, providing 10,350,395 free minutes of long-distance telephone service.
The cards are distributed to soldiers through United Methodist chaplains. The endorsing agency regularly receives e-mails of thanks from chaplains such as this one from the Rev. Bill Killough, battalion chaplain for the 54th Signal Battalion, serving in Kuwait:
"We got three envelopes of phone cards this week. THANK YOU so much!!! Your supply coincided with an influx of new soldiers to theater and "hit the spot" for these transitioning soldiers and family members. It makes me very proud to give out phone cards (which serve a valuable service) that have the United Methodist emblem on them. It communicates a powerful message! Thanks again!
For more information on how to connect with service members through United Methodist chaplains, contact the United Methodist Endorsing Agency at P.O. Box 340007, Nashville, Tenn. 37203-0007; by telephone at (615) 340-7411; by e-mail at umea@gbhem; or visit www.gbhem.org/chaplains.
*Gilbert is a United Methodist News Service news writer based in Nashville, Tenn.
U.S., Iranian religious leaders promote peace
By United Methodist News Service*
A United Methodist is among religious leaders from the United States and Iran meeting in Iran to find common ground among faith groups as a step toward international peace, particularly as political tensions grow between the two nations.
The 13-member U.S. delegation arrived in Tehran on Feb. 19 and includes Jim Winkler, top executive of the United Methodist Board of Church and Society, the church's social action agency.
The delegation met with the Archbishop of the Armenian Church in Iran and the Tehran-based Ayatollah who leads Friday prayers and is a member of the Iranian Council of Experts.
Their Feb. 19 discussions were among a weeklong series of meetings scheduled between the U.S. religious leaders and Iranian religious leaders--both Christian and Muslim--as well as government leaders in Iran.
The group is expected to meet with Iran President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad during the next few days.
Representatives participated in a three-hour Quest for Truth meeting on Feb. 20 sponsored by the Islamic Culture and Religion Organization. Scholars and religious leaders agreed that although dialogue is important, now is the time for action.
"We need to go beyond dialogue and establish tangible results," said Iranian Ayatollah Monhaghegh Damad of Shahid Behesti University in Tehran. "We need to hold dialogue to eliminate ambiguities and misunderstandings between religions that emerge once in a while and work through them to establish peace."
"Peace is the key teaching of Christianity and Islam and this will be realized in our lives," said Archbishop Sabu Sarkission of the Armenian Orthodox church in Iran. "This is the product of dialogue."
In addition to The United Methodist Church, the U.S. delegation represents the Mennonite, Quaker, Episcopal and Catholic churches. The group is scheduled to return Feb. 25 and plans to meet with members of Congress to report on their conversations.
The delegation has scheduled a news conference for Feb. 26 at the National Press Club in Washington. For the latest news on the group's talks, visit www.irandelegaton.org.
*This report was provided by Larry Guengerich, Mennonite Central Committee.
By United Methodist News Service*
A United Methodist is among religious leaders from the United States and Iran meeting in Iran to find common ground among faith groups as a step toward international peace, particularly as political tensions grow between the two nations.
The 13-member U.S. delegation arrived in Tehran on Feb. 19 and includes Jim Winkler, top executive of the United Methodist Board of Church and Society, the church's social action agency.
The delegation met with the Archbishop of the Armenian Church in Iran and the Tehran-based Ayatollah who leads Friday prayers and is a member of the Iranian Council of Experts.
Their Feb. 19 discussions were among a weeklong series of meetings scheduled between the U.S. religious leaders and Iranian religious leaders--both Christian and Muslim--as well as government leaders in Iran.
The group is expected to meet with Iran President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad during the next few days.
Representatives participated in a three-hour Quest for Truth meeting on Feb. 20 sponsored by the Islamic Culture and Religion Organization. Scholars and religious leaders agreed that although dialogue is important, now is the time for action.
"We need to go beyond dialogue and establish tangible results," said Iranian Ayatollah Monhaghegh Damad of Shahid Behesti University in Tehran. "We need to hold dialogue to eliminate ambiguities and misunderstandings between religions that emerge once in a while and work through them to establish peace."
"Peace is the key teaching of Christianity and Islam and this will be realized in our lives," said Archbishop Sabu Sarkission of the Armenian Orthodox church in Iran. "This is the product of dialogue."
In addition to The United Methodist Church, the U.S. delegation represents the Mennonite, Quaker, Episcopal and Catholic churches. The group is scheduled to return Feb. 25 and plans to meet with members of Congress to report on their conversations.
The delegation has scheduled a news conference for Feb. 26 at the National Press Club in Washington. For the latest news on the group's talks, visit www.irandelegaton.org.
*This report was provided by Larry Guengerich, Mennonite Central Committee.
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Pastor's compassion gives rabbi gift of life
A UMNS Report By Kathy L. Gilbert*
It sounds like the beginning of a bad joke: A minister and a rabbi walk into a hospital.
But the Rev. Karen Onesti and Rabbi Andrew Bossov of Mount Laurel, N.J., don't care if people laugh-as long as they get the message that being an organ donor is the ultimate act of compassion.
On Jan. 23, Onesti, pastor of Masonville-Rancocas United Methodist Church, donated her left kidney to her friend Bossov, rabbi at Mount Laurel's Adath Emanu-El synagogue.
Now recovering, Onesti is scheduled to return to her pulpit on Easter Sunday, and Bossov expects to be back at his synagogue in time to celebrate Passover in early April.
Journey of faith
For the two spiritual leaders, the operation in Philadelphia was the culmination of a year-long odyssey that began in January 2006 as both attended an interfaith council of churches meeting in Mount Laurel. Onesti noticed people asking Bossov how he was feeling, and she stayed afterwards to inquire about his health.
Bossov, 47, shared that his kidney disease had progressed and that he had been placed on a waiting list for a transplant. Without hesitation, Onesti offered, "I'll give you one of mine. My family has great kidneys, and we live into our 90s."
Bossov was astonished. "I hadn't even thought yet about asking people to donate; I was just telling everyone I was listed."
Onesti, 49, never wavered from her offer, though she had to undergo a hysterectomy and many tests before she could be a donor.
The fact that both got the green light for proceeding with the surgery during the seasons of Christmas and Hanukah attracted a lot of media attention. "That and the fact that we sound like a bad joke-a rabbi and a minister walk into a hospital," Bossov says. "There are so many bad stories out there about religion. To have a good one right around the holidays, like one reporter told me, 'This story just writes itself.'"
Sharing the love
The first article was written by a member of Bossov's synagogue, a reporter for the New Jersey Courier-Post, which started the media rollercoaster. An Associated Press story followed and landed in newspapers around the world, including The Jerusalem Post. Onesti and Bossov were interviewed by ABC network's "Good Morning America," as well as local television stations.
The day of the surgery, crews with several TV stations were at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, where the transplant took place.
"I woke up the following day and saw on TV that the surgery was a success," laughs Onesti.
"I just see God very much at work in all of this. The ripple effect of what God is doing is a blessing."
Masonville-Rancocas United Methodist Church held a 12-hour prayer vigil for Onesti and Bossov before the surgery, and both houses of worship held special services as well.
Describing the experience, Onesti cites Romans 8:28: In all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. "Both Andy and I love the Lord and we are called to do God's purpose," she explains.
Gift of hope
Bossov and Onesti want people to consider registering as organ donors and to make sure family members know their wishes.
The United Methodist Church supports organ transplantation and organ donation in its Social Principles as "acts of charity, agape love, and self-sacrifice." The church also encourages "all people of faith to become organ and tissue donors as a part of their love and ministry to others in need."
Organ and Tissue Donor Sunday is observed in The United Methodist Church the second Sunday in November. National Donor Sabbath, an interfaith celebration of the gifts of hope provided through organ and tissue donation, is held in November and observed by many religions.
World Kidney Day will be observed on March 8, and the National Kidney Foundation urges people to learn about how to prevent chronic kidney disease.
In the United States, more than 95,000 people are on a waiting list to receive an organ transplant. Some 26,000 transplants have been performed, and approximately 14,000 donors have given organs.
"This is not just our story," Bossov said. "This is the story for all those people who have been giving before us and for those who gave the day after us and those who will give in the future."
*Gilbert is a United Methodist News Service news writer based in Nashville, Tenn.
A UMNS Report By Kathy L. Gilbert*
It sounds like the beginning of a bad joke: A minister and a rabbi walk into a hospital.
But the Rev. Karen Onesti and Rabbi Andrew Bossov of Mount Laurel, N.J., don't care if people laugh-as long as they get the message that being an organ donor is the ultimate act of compassion.
On Jan. 23, Onesti, pastor of Masonville-Rancocas United Methodist Church, donated her left kidney to her friend Bossov, rabbi at Mount Laurel's Adath Emanu-El synagogue.
Now recovering, Onesti is scheduled to return to her pulpit on Easter Sunday, and Bossov expects to be back at his synagogue in time to celebrate Passover in early April.
Journey of faith
For the two spiritual leaders, the operation in Philadelphia was the culmination of a year-long odyssey that began in January 2006 as both attended an interfaith council of churches meeting in Mount Laurel. Onesti noticed people asking Bossov how he was feeling, and she stayed afterwards to inquire about his health.
Bossov, 47, shared that his kidney disease had progressed and that he had been placed on a waiting list for a transplant. Without hesitation, Onesti offered, "I'll give you one of mine. My family has great kidneys, and we live into our 90s."
Bossov was astonished. "I hadn't even thought yet about asking people to donate; I was just telling everyone I was listed."
Onesti, 49, never wavered from her offer, though she had to undergo a hysterectomy and many tests before she could be a donor.
The fact that both got the green light for proceeding with the surgery during the seasons of Christmas and Hanukah attracted a lot of media attention. "That and the fact that we sound like a bad joke-a rabbi and a minister walk into a hospital," Bossov says. "There are so many bad stories out there about religion. To have a good one right around the holidays, like one reporter told me, 'This story just writes itself.'"
Sharing the love
The first article was written by a member of Bossov's synagogue, a reporter for the New Jersey Courier-Post, which started the media rollercoaster. An Associated Press story followed and landed in newspapers around the world, including The Jerusalem Post. Onesti and Bossov were interviewed by ABC network's "Good Morning America," as well as local television stations.
The day of the surgery, crews with several TV stations were at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, where the transplant took place.
"I woke up the following day and saw on TV that the surgery was a success," laughs Onesti.
"I just see God very much at work in all of this. The ripple effect of what God is doing is a blessing."
Masonville-Rancocas United Methodist Church held a 12-hour prayer vigil for Onesti and Bossov before the surgery, and both houses of worship held special services as well.
Describing the experience, Onesti cites Romans 8:28: In all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. "Both Andy and I love the Lord and we are called to do God's purpose," she explains.
Gift of hope
Bossov and Onesti want people to consider registering as organ donors and to make sure family members know their wishes.
The United Methodist Church supports organ transplantation and organ donation in its Social Principles as "acts of charity, agape love, and self-sacrifice." The church also encourages "all people of faith to become organ and tissue donors as a part of their love and ministry to others in need."
Organ and Tissue Donor Sunday is observed in The United Methodist Church the second Sunday in November. National Donor Sabbath, an interfaith celebration of the gifts of hope provided through organ and tissue donation, is held in November and observed by many religions.
World Kidney Day will be observed on March 8, and the National Kidney Foundation urges people to learn about how to prevent chronic kidney disease.
In the United States, more than 95,000 people are on a waiting list to receive an organ transplant. Some 26,000 transplants have been performed, and approximately 14,000 donors have given organs.
"This is not just our story," Bossov said. "This is the story for all those people who have been giving before us and for those who gave the day after us and those who will give in the future."
*Gilbert is a United Methodist News Service news writer based in Nashville, Tenn.
Pastor's compassion gives rabbi gift of life
A UMNS Report By Kathy L. Gilbert*
It sounds like the beginning of a bad joke: A minister and a rabbi walk into a hospital.
But the Rev. Karen Onesti and Rabbi Andrew Bossov of Mount Laurel, N.J., don't care if people laugh-as long as they get the message that being an organ donor is the ultimate act of compassion.
On Jan. 23, Onesti, pastor of Masonville-Rancocas United Methodist Church, donated her left kidney to her friend Bossov, rabbi at Mount Laurel's Adath Emanu-El synagogue.
Now recovering, Onesti is scheduled to return to her pulpit on Easter Sunday, and Bossov expects to be back at his synagogue in time to celebrate Passover in early April.
Journey of faith
For the two spiritual leaders, the operation in Philadelphia was the culmination of a year-long odyssey that began in January 2006 as both attended an interfaith council of churches meeting in Mount Laurel. Onesti noticed people asking Bossov how he was feeling, and she stayed afterwards to inquire about his health.
Bossov, 47, shared that his kidney disease had progressed and that he had been placed on a waiting list for a transplant. Without hesitation, Onesti offered, "I'll give you one of mine. My family has great kidneys, and we live into our 90s."
Bossov was astonished. "I hadn't even thought yet about asking people to donate; I was just telling everyone I was listed."
Onesti, 49, never wavered from her offer, though she had to undergo a hysterectomy and many tests before she could be a donor.
The fact that both got the green light for proceeding with the surgery during the seasons of Christmas and Hanukah attracted a lot of media attention. "That and the fact that we sound like a bad joke-a rabbi and a minister walk into a hospital," Bossov says. "There are so many bad stories out there about religion. To have a good one right around the holidays, like one reporter told me, 'This story just writes itself.'"
Sharing the love
The first article was written by a member of Bossov's synagogue, a reporter for the New Jersey Courier-Post, which started the media rollercoaster. An Associated Press story followed and landed in newspapers around the world, including The Jerusalem Post. Onesti and Bossov were interviewed by ABC network's "Good Morning America," as well as local television stations.
The day of the surgery, crews with several TV stations were at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, where the transplant took place.
"I woke up the following day and saw on TV that the surgery was a success," laughs Onesti.
"I just see God very much at work in all of this. The ripple effect of what God is doing is a blessing."
Masonville-Rancocas United Methodist Church held a 12-hour prayer vigil for Onesti and Bossov before the surgery, and both houses of worship held special services as well.
Describing the experience, Onesti cites Romans 8:28: In all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. "Both Andy and I love the Lord and we are called to do God's purpose," she explains.
Gift of hope
Bossov and Onesti want people to consider registering as organ donors and to make sure family members know their wishes.
The United Methodist Church supports organ transplantation and organ donation in its Social Principles as "acts of charity, agape love, and self-sacrifice." The church also encourages "all people of faith to become organ and tissue donors as a part of their love and ministry to others in need."
Organ and Tissue Donor Sunday is observed in The United Methodist Church the second Sunday in November. National Donor Sabbath, an interfaith celebration of the gifts of hope provided through organ and tissue donation, is held in November and observed by many religions.
World Kidney Day will be observed on March 8, and the National Kidney Foundation urges people to learn about how to prevent chronic kidney disease.
In the United States, more than 95,000 people are on a waiting list to receive an organ transplant. Some 26,000 transplants have been performed, and approximately 14,000 donors have given organs.
"This is not just our story," Bossov said. "This is the story for all those people who have been giving before us and for those who gave the day after us and those who will give in the future."
*Gilbert is a United Methodist News Service news writer based in Nashville, Tenn.
A UMNS Report By Kathy L. Gilbert*
It sounds like the beginning of a bad joke: A minister and a rabbi walk into a hospital.
But the Rev. Karen Onesti and Rabbi Andrew Bossov of Mount Laurel, N.J., don't care if people laugh-as long as they get the message that being an organ donor is the ultimate act of compassion.
On Jan. 23, Onesti, pastor of Masonville-Rancocas United Methodist Church, donated her left kidney to her friend Bossov, rabbi at Mount Laurel's Adath Emanu-El synagogue.
Now recovering, Onesti is scheduled to return to her pulpit on Easter Sunday, and Bossov expects to be back at his synagogue in time to celebrate Passover in early April.
Journey of faith
For the two spiritual leaders, the operation in Philadelphia was the culmination of a year-long odyssey that began in January 2006 as both attended an interfaith council of churches meeting in Mount Laurel. Onesti noticed people asking Bossov how he was feeling, and she stayed afterwards to inquire about his health.
Bossov, 47, shared that his kidney disease had progressed and that he had been placed on a waiting list for a transplant. Without hesitation, Onesti offered, "I'll give you one of mine. My family has great kidneys, and we live into our 90s."
Bossov was astonished. "I hadn't even thought yet about asking people to donate; I was just telling everyone I was listed."
Onesti, 49, never wavered from her offer, though she had to undergo a hysterectomy and many tests before she could be a donor.
The fact that both got the green light for proceeding with the surgery during the seasons of Christmas and Hanukah attracted a lot of media attention. "That and the fact that we sound like a bad joke-a rabbi and a minister walk into a hospital," Bossov says. "There are so many bad stories out there about religion. To have a good one right around the holidays, like one reporter told me, 'This story just writes itself.'"
Sharing the love
The first article was written by a member of Bossov's synagogue, a reporter for the New Jersey Courier-Post, which started the media rollercoaster. An Associated Press story followed and landed in newspapers around the world, including The Jerusalem Post. Onesti and Bossov were interviewed by ABC network's "Good Morning America," as well as local television stations.
The day of the surgery, crews with several TV stations were at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, where the transplant took place.
"I woke up the following day and saw on TV that the surgery was a success," laughs Onesti.
"I just see God very much at work in all of this. The ripple effect of what God is doing is a blessing."
Masonville-Rancocas United Methodist Church held a 12-hour prayer vigil for Onesti and Bossov before the surgery, and both houses of worship held special services as well.
Describing the experience, Onesti cites Romans 8:28: In all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. "Both Andy and I love the Lord and we are called to do God's purpose," she explains.
Gift of hope
Bossov and Onesti want people to consider registering as organ donors and to make sure family members know their wishes.
The United Methodist Church supports organ transplantation and organ donation in its Social Principles as "acts of charity, agape love, and self-sacrifice." The church also encourages "all people of faith to become organ and tissue donors as a part of their love and ministry to others in need."
Organ and Tissue Donor Sunday is observed in The United Methodist Church the second Sunday in November. National Donor Sabbath, an interfaith celebration of the gifts of hope provided through organ and tissue donation, is held in November and observed by many religions.
World Kidney Day will be observed on March 8, and the National Kidney Foundation urges people to learn about how to prevent chronic kidney disease.
In the United States, more than 95,000 people are on a waiting list to receive an organ transplant. Some 26,000 transplants have been performed, and approximately 14,000 donors have given organs.
"This is not just our story," Bossov said. "This is the story for all those people who have been giving before us and for those who gave the day after us and those who will give in the future."
*Gilbert is a United Methodist News Service news writer based in Nashville, Tenn.
Monday, February 19, 2007
Three bishops urge new U.S. budget priorities
By United Methodist News Service
Three United Methodist bishops are asking President Bush and the U.S. Congress to place the needs of children and the poor at the heart of the budget debate.
"The debate among elected leaders over the federal budget is at its core a debate over how the nation's abundance is shared," the bishops say in a Feb. 15 letter to the president and members of Congress.
"We are alarmed by recent trends in the federal budget that have squeezed investments in education, child care, food nutrition programs and other anti-poverty measures to accommodate dramatic tax cuts for the wealthiest citizens in the United States and to fuel military conflicts abroad. These policies turn the teachings of Christ on their head."
The letter was signed by Bishops Janice Riggle Huie, president of the Council of Bishops; Gregory Vaughn Palmer, the council's president-designate; and Beverly Shamana, president of the United Methodist Board of Church and Society, which is the social advocacy agency for The United Methodist Church.
The Council of Bishops has focused for years on lifting up the well-being of children and combating poverty, the letter noted. "We will not remain silent as the most vulnerable populations in the United States and around the world are sacrificed at the altars of greed and war."
Saying the United States is enjoying "unparalleled abundance," the bishops said the budget "is as much a moral as a financial document." They called for a "reordering of our nation's budget priorities" and urged development of "a budget that reflects our shared commitment to justice and compassion for all God's children."
Bush, who is a United Methodist, sent his $2.9 trillion spending plan to Congress on Feb. 5. In his written message to Congress, the president said his blueprint "reflects the priorities of our country at this moment in its history," including keeping the economy strong, protecting the homeland and combating terrorism. Bush said his plan would reduce the U.S. deficit annually and balance the government's books by 2012.
The Coalition on Human Needs, a coalition partner with the United Methodist Board of Church and Society, said the Bush budget cuts vital services for the poor, near-poor and middle class and increases funding for the military.
The budget will put $739 billion in tax cuts into the hands of millionaires alone between 2008 and 2017, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, an organization that researches and analyzes how proposed budget and tax policies impact budget choices for low-income Americans.
"Spending for education, housing, the environment and other programs requiring annual appropriations will total nearly $392 billion in the Bush budget, $13 billion below the cost of keeping up with inflation," according to the Coalition on Human Needs. The squeeze would be felt by children losing health insurance, low-income seniors losing food aid and others.
By United Methodist News Service
Three United Methodist bishops are asking President Bush and the U.S. Congress to place the needs of children and the poor at the heart of the budget debate.
"The debate among elected leaders over the federal budget is at its core a debate over how the nation's abundance is shared," the bishops say in a Feb. 15 letter to the president and members of Congress.
"We are alarmed by recent trends in the federal budget that have squeezed investments in education, child care, food nutrition programs and other anti-poverty measures to accommodate dramatic tax cuts for the wealthiest citizens in the United States and to fuel military conflicts abroad. These policies turn the teachings of Christ on their head."
The letter was signed by Bishops Janice Riggle Huie, president of the Council of Bishops; Gregory Vaughn Palmer, the council's president-designate; and Beverly Shamana, president of the United Methodist Board of Church and Society, which is the social advocacy agency for The United Methodist Church.
The Council of Bishops has focused for years on lifting up the well-being of children and combating poverty, the letter noted. "We will not remain silent as the most vulnerable populations in the United States and around the world are sacrificed at the altars of greed and war."
Saying the United States is enjoying "unparalleled abundance," the bishops said the budget "is as much a moral as a financial document." They called for a "reordering of our nation's budget priorities" and urged development of "a budget that reflects our shared commitment to justice and compassion for all God's children."
Bush, who is a United Methodist, sent his $2.9 trillion spending plan to Congress on Feb. 5. In his written message to Congress, the president said his blueprint "reflects the priorities of our country at this moment in its history," including keeping the economy strong, protecting the homeland and combating terrorism. Bush said his plan would reduce the U.S. deficit annually and balance the government's books by 2012.
The Coalition on Human Needs, a coalition partner with the United Methodist Board of Church and Society, said the Bush budget cuts vital services for the poor, near-poor and middle class and increases funding for the military.
The budget will put $739 billion in tax cuts into the hands of millionaires alone between 2008 and 2017, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, an organization that researches and analyzes how proposed budget and tax policies impact budget choices for low-income Americans.
"Spending for education, housing, the environment and other programs requiring annual appropriations will total nearly $392 billion in the Bush budget, $13 billion below the cost of keeping up with inflation," according to the Coalition on Human Needs. The squeeze would be felt by children losing health insurance, low-income seniors losing food aid and others.
Friday, February 09, 2007
Immigration conference urges hospitality to 'the stranger'
"I greet you in the name of the migrant refugee Christ," says the Rev. Joan Maruskin in opening a session on Christian hospitality. A UMNS photo by Kathy L. Gilbert.
By Kathy L. Gilbert*
LAKE JUNALUSKA, N.C. (UMNS) - Participants at a conference in the cold Great Smoky Mountains were reminded that God created hospitality - not borders and walls.
"God has concern for widows and orphans and marginalized outcasts, and there is nothing you can do about it," said the Rev. A. Clark Jenkins, pastor of St. Andrew-by-the-Sea United Methodist Church in Hilton Head, S.C.
That message was sent home with more than 100 people attending the United Methodist conference called "Our Call to Hospitality: A Biblical Response to the Challenges of Immigration." Held Feb. 1-3 at the United Methodist Lake Junaluska Conference and Retreat Center, the event was sponsored by the Southeastern Jurisdiction, which stretches from Kentucky to Florida, and the United Methodist Board of Church and Society, the social advocacy agency of the denomination.
Jenkins called hospitality one of God's greatest gifts. "It is appalling to me that we celebrated when the wall in Berlin came down and now we are seeking to build a wall in Mexico," he said.
"We expect immigrants to flip our burgers and take out our trash," said the Rev. Clayton Childers, the board's program director for annual conference relations. "We expect them to be here and then blame them when they are."
The purpose of the conference was to educate and spur United Methodists to work for comprehensive immigration reform. Participants shared ways churches and conferences are working with immigrants and learned how to advocate for immigration reform in local congregations and communities.
Workshops encouraging hospitality included immigration and racism; causes and consequences of immigration; the effects of "English only" declarations; and legal issues in immigration.
Bishop Hee-Soo Jung of the Northern Illinois Annual (regional) Conference and Bishop Timothy W. Whitaker of the Florida Annual Conference started and ended the conference with worship services.
Immigration laws
Immigration has been a hot topic in the United States during recent years and, in December 2005, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a strict immigration bill that stirred protests across the nation. Bill Mefford, program director of civil and human rights with the board, said the Senate passed "not a good but a better" piece of legislation in May 2006, and immigration became "a tool for politics" during the months leading up to Election Day last November.
In opposition to the 1996 Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigration Resolution Act, the Book of Resolutions of The United Methodist Church states in paragraph 162 that "being an undocumented person is not a crime."
The original immigration bill "was a really bad piece of legislation and we don't have it anymore; we are starting from scratch," Mefford said. "But now it is a tougher hill to climb because there is a lot of money behind the anti-immigration side."
Mefford urged Christians to make their voices heard. "One thing I hear over and over again is that lawmakers have to hear from people in favor of immigration reform," he said.
"This is not a Democrat or Republican issue. This is not a left or right issue. It is a faith issue."
Biblical hospitality
"I greet you in the name of the migrant refugee Christ," said the Rev. Joan Maruskin in opening a session on Christian hospitality.
An ordained United Methodist minister and an author, Maruskin led participants on a journey through the Bible, highlighting Scriptures that focus on God's care and concern for "the stranger."
She said the Hebrew Bible advises the people of God more than three dozen times to care for strangers, and the New Testament is full of stories about Jesus welcoming and healing strangers.
"Our salvation, according to the words of Jesus, is directly tied to our welcoming the hungry, the thirsty, the strangers, the naked, the sick and the prisoners. Jesus was one with the undocumented," said Maruskin, who is director of the York County Council of Churches, an ecumenical agency of 130 Christian congregations in York County, Penn.
Maruskin called on participants to "vow to increase your circle of true friends to include those different from you."
"The United States is a nation built by design through the blood, sweat, tears and love of immigrant populations. Interestingly, the indigenous people of this land are the Native Americans and the Mexicans," she said.
Immigration reform
The Board of Church and Society is advocating for comprehensive immigration reform that is not based on amnesty or open borders, but aims to:
+Provide a path to citizenship
+Protect workers
+Reunite families
+Restore the rule of law and enhance security
Participants called the conference enlightening and expressed a desire to work toward immigration reform in their own churches and communities.
"This whole event has talked about raising awareness of our lack of hospitality to people who are different from us in our churches," said Charlotte Brendel, a member of St. Lukes United Methodist Church in Hickory, N.C. "I am not sure where God is leading me but, when I go back to my church, I will be open and a lot more emphatic to people."
Niranjan Noronha works with the South Asian population in southern Georgia and said the conference was a "very positive experience."
"One thing I learned is that the economic policies of the U.S. brings more immigrants here rather than keeping them in their own countries," he said. "I learned about the realities about what causes immigration and what immigrants face here, especially legal matters."
Lou McNutt, United Methodist Women's social action coordinator in the Holston Conference, said, "The immigrant's view that they are always the visitor, always the guest, was something I had never thought about before."
Maruskin said Christians are living at a pivotal moment in time.
"God is standing on the shores in the form of our undocumented sisters and brothers from Canada, Cambodia, England, Ireland, China, Russia, Poland, Tibet, El Salvador, Haiti, Mexico and the list goes on," she said.
"God is waiting to be welcomed."
Video and audio recordings of the worship services, plenaries and workshops can be ordered from the Southeastern Jurisdiction by calling (828) 452-2881 or e-mailing Kenneth Ratcliffe at ratcliffe@sejumc.org.
*Gilbert is a United Methodist News Service news writer based in Nashville, Tenn.
Monday, February 05, 2007
Oil company creates $50 million scholarship program
By Jane Dennis*
EL DORADO, Ark. (UMNS) - United Methodist students attending an Arkansas high school are among recipients of a serendipitous gift of hope from an oil company.
El Dorado-based Murphy Oil Corp. announced Jan. 22 that it has established a $50 million college scholarship program for nearly all of the town's high school graduates over the next 20 years.
"This is a gift of a future for our area youth," said the Rev. Jim Polk, pastor of First United Methodist Church in El Dorado. "Everyone here is ecstatic. We really didn't in any way see it coming. We're just dumbfounded. It's truly a great gift."
Murphy Oil is putting up $5 million a year for 10 years to fund The El Dorado Promise, which is expected to continue for at least 20 years. Students can use the scholarship money at an Arkansas institution or any out-of-state college. But the annual scholarships are capped at the highest resident tuition rate at an Arkansas public university, which is currently about $6,000.
Students who attended school in El Dorado since kindergarten are eligible for the full amount, while students who attended for all four years of high school can get 65 percent. Those who have been in the district for less than four years are ineligible.
The program begins with this spring's graduating class of about 250 at El Dorado High School.
First Church impact
About 30 of the 40 teenagers active in the youth program at First United Methodist attend El Dorado High School and are expected to benefit from the scholarship program.
"We had kept it a pretty tight secret," said Claiborne Deming, Murphy Oil's president and chief executive, who is also a member of First United Methodist. "It was a surprise, and the response has been really extraordinary and wonderful. We've seen a gush of tears, awe and joy."
The oil company's board of directors was seeking a way to "make a significant impact on El Dorado, Murphy's home," Deming explained. Board members agreed that the scholarship program would provide "the biggest bang for the buck and will impact many young people's lives."
The company is also counting on the residual effects to include attracting new businesses to El Dorado and creating better jobs for students who return after graduating from college.
At an assembly announcing the program, school Superintendent Bob Watson called the program "life changing" for students who have worked hard but could not have attended college because of financial limitations.
"We know it's such a challenge to pay for college these days, and so many families struggle with that. We wanted to make college a reality for children in El Dorado" and "lift the burden off the shoulders" of families, Deming said.
"It's a clear sign of a way forward for Arkansas education in general and our students in El Dorado specifically," Polk said. "The great thing is it's for everybody, no strings attached. It's not based on grade performance, it's not a needs-based program. … It's just saying you go through school, and we want to make sure you have a chance for a college education."
Amazement and gratitude
The first reaction by most people has been amazement, Polk said. "Then, almost in the next breath, we recognize what a generous offer, what a blessing this is, and how thankful we are that there are people who genuinely want to help the community and help others."
El Dorado's population is about 21,000. It is about 120 miles south of Little Rock in Arkansas' oil-and-gas producing region. The town is part of Union County, where the per-capita income is less than $32,000, and fewer than 15 percent of county residents have college diplomas.
Murphy Oil last year was ranked 193rd on Fortune magazine's list of the nation's largest companies, with revenue of $11.9 billion. It is a major supplier of gasoline stations at Wal-Mart stores and Sam's Clubs.
"There's gratitude everywhere for this gift," Polk said, "and a real sense of hope that this will make a huge impact on our area."
*Dennis is editor of the Arkansas United Methodist, the newspaper of the Arkansas Conference.
By Jane Dennis*
EL DORADO, Ark. (UMNS) - United Methodist students attending an Arkansas high school are among recipients of a serendipitous gift of hope from an oil company.
El Dorado-based Murphy Oil Corp. announced Jan. 22 that it has established a $50 million college scholarship program for nearly all of the town's high school graduates over the next 20 years.
"This is a gift of a future for our area youth," said the Rev. Jim Polk, pastor of First United Methodist Church in El Dorado. "Everyone here is ecstatic. We really didn't in any way see it coming. We're just dumbfounded. It's truly a great gift."
Murphy Oil is putting up $5 million a year for 10 years to fund The El Dorado Promise, which is expected to continue for at least 20 years. Students can use the scholarship money at an Arkansas institution or any out-of-state college. But the annual scholarships are capped at the highest resident tuition rate at an Arkansas public university, which is currently about $6,000.
Students who attended school in El Dorado since kindergarten are eligible for the full amount, while students who attended for all four years of high school can get 65 percent. Those who have been in the district for less than four years are ineligible.
The program begins with this spring's graduating class of about 250 at El Dorado High School.
First Church impact
About 30 of the 40 teenagers active in the youth program at First United Methodist attend El Dorado High School and are expected to benefit from the scholarship program.
"We had kept it a pretty tight secret," said Claiborne Deming, Murphy Oil's president and chief executive, who is also a member of First United Methodist. "It was a surprise, and the response has been really extraordinary and wonderful. We've seen a gush of tears, awe and joy."
The oil company's board of directors was seeking a way to "make a significant impact on El Dorado, Murphy's home," Deming explained. Board members agreed that the scholarship program would provide "the biggest bang for the buck and will impact many young people's lives."
The company is also counting on the residual effects to include attracting new businesses to El Dorado and creating better jobs for students who return after graduating from college.
At an assembly announcing the program, school Superintendent Bob Watson called the program "life changing" for students who have worked hard but could not have attended college because of financial limitations.
"We know it's such a challenge to pay for college these days, and so many families struggle with that. We wanted to make college a reality for children in El Dorado" and "lift the burden off the shoulders" of families, Deming said.
"It's a clear sign of a way forward for Arkansas education in general and our students in El Dorado specifically," Polk said. "The great thing is it's for everybody, no strings attached. It's not based on grade performance, it's not a needs-based program. … It's just saying you go through school, and we want to make sure you have a chance for a college education."
Amazement and gratitude
The first reaction by most people has been amazement, Polk said. "Then, almost in the next breath, we recognize what a generous offer, what a blessing this is, and how thankful we are that there are people who genuinely want to help the community and help others."
El Dorado's population is about 21,000. It is about 120 miles south of Little Rock in Arkansas' oil-and-gas producing region. The town is part of Union County, where the per-capita income is less than $32,000, and fewer than 15 percent of county residents have college diplomas.
Murphy Oil last year was ranked 193rd on Fortune magazine's list of the nation's largest companies, with revenue of $11.9 billion. It is a major supplier of gasoline stations at Wal-Mart stores and Sam's Clubs.
"There's gratitude everywhere for this gift," Polk said, "and a real sense of hope that this will make a huge impact on our area."
*Dennis is editor of the Arkansas United Methodist, the newspaper of the Arkansas Conference.
United Methodists join Christian Unity conference
By Neill Caldwell*
WASHINGTON (UMNS) - While waiting for worship to begin at the National Cathedral, United Methodist Bishop Charlene Kammerer surprised Archbishop Vicken Aykazian of the Armenian Church in America by showing him the Armenian cross around her neck.
Kammerer, bishop of the Richmond, Va., Episcopal Area, also dazzled the archbishop with her knowledge of Armenian geography. She had visited Armenia a few years ago to get a first-hand experience of Project Agape, a partnership of United Methodists in the North Carolina Conference and the Western North Carolina Conference and the Armenian Apostolic Church.
Such informal ecumenical exchanges were commonplace during the National Workshop for Christian Unity, held Jan. 29-Feb. 1 in Rosslyn, Va., and the nation's capital.
The United Methodist Church was well represented at the gathering, which brought together hundreds of pastors and laypersons from many Protestant denominations, Roman Catholic and Orthodox traditions.
In his sermon during the opening worship service, Aykazian noted that the loud and the powerful seem to get the most attention in today's world.
"We must give voice to the needs and suffering of those who have no voice," said Aykazian, president-elect of the National Council of Churches. "Our Lord and Savior has shown us the way, but there are too many distractions in this information-overloaded world that draw us away from Christ's teachings."
Participants in the four-day conference attended workshops, participated in a variety of worship styles and celebrated with a concert at the U.S. Senate office building.
Linda Bales, an executive with the United Methodist Board of Church and Society, participated in a panel discussion on advocacy with representatives from the Episcopal and Evangelical Lutheran churches. She explained to non-Methodists that her agency bases its advocacy positions on the denomination's Social Principles, which outline the church's position on social and economic concerns and other human issues based on a "sound biblical and theological foundation."
"We're not lobbyists," said Bales, "but we do mobilize people to be a prophetic voice. We play the United Methodist card whenever we can, reminding politicians that there are 8 million United Methodists in the U.S. Of course, not all agree with every position we take. Our General Secretary, Jim Winkler, regularly speaks out against the war in Iraq and gets numerous pieces of hate mail because of that."
The Rev. Larry Pickens, chief executive of the United Methodist Commission on Christian Unity and Interreligious Concerns, said such ecumenical gatherings are a great opportunity to network with Christians from other faith traditions.
"The National Workshop on Christian Unity is unique because it brings together Catholics, Episcopalians and other communions around issues we don't always get an opportunity to talk about," he said. "It gives United Methodists exposure to what issues are important to the other faith communities."
Pickens cited ecumenical concerns such as poverty, evangelism, global health issues and leadership training. "I'd include 'how to live in an interfaith world,' because these are not just United Methodist issues," he said. "We are a really key point in the lives of our churches, and this kind of discussion helps provide vision and hope as to how we go forward in ministry."
Bishop Ted Schneider, of the Metropolitan Washington Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, presented the ecumenical idea in physical terms: "Like the human body - where if one part is not working 'up to code' then the entire body suffers - we must work together smoothly or the entire church body will suffer. We have to catch the vision of wholeness for Christ's church."
As Aykazian reminded participants, Scripture does not say "blessed are the peaceful, but 'blessed are the peacemakers.' Our faith should not be passive, but instead a call to action to respond to a suffering world."
*Caldwell is the editor of The Virginia United Methodist Advocate magazine.
By Neill Caldwell*
WASHINGTON (UMNS) - While waiting for worship to begin at the National Cathedral, United Methodist Bishop Charlene Kammerer surprised Archbishop Vicken Aykazian of the Armenian Church in America by showing him the Armenian cross around her neck.
Kammerer, bishop of the Richmond, Va., Episcopal Area, also dazzled the archbishop with her knowledge of Armenian geography. She had visited Armenia a few years ago to get a first-hand experience of Project Agape, a partnership of United Methodists in the North Carolina Conference and the Western North Carolina Conference and the Armenian Apostolic Church.
Such informal ecumenical exchanges were commonplace during the National Workshop for Christian Unity, held Jan. 29-Feb. 1 in Rosslyn, Va., and the nation's capital.
The United Methodist Church was well represented at the gathering, which brought together hundreds of pastors and laypersons from many Protestant denominations, Roman Catholic and Orthodox traditions.
In his sermon during the opening worship service, Aykazian noted that the loud and the powerful seem to get the most attention in today's world.
"We must give voice to the needs and suffering of those who have no voice," said Aykazian, president-elect of the National Council of Churches. "Our Lord and Savior has shown us the way, but there are too many distractions in this information-overloaded world that draw us away from Christ's teachings."
Participants in the four-day conference attended workshops, participated in a variety of worship styles and celebrated with a concert at the U.S. Senate office building.
Linda Bales, an executive with the United Methodist Board of Church and Society, participated in a panel discussion on advocacy with representatives from the Episcopal and Evangelical Lutheran churches. She explained to non-Methodists that her agency bases its advocacy positions on the denomination's Social Principles, which outline the church's position on social and economic concerns and other human issues based on a "sound biblical and theological foundation."
"We're not lobbyists," said Bales, "but we do mobilize people to be a prophetic voice. We play the United Methodist card whenever we can, reminding politicians that there are 8 million United Methodists in the U.S. Of course, not all agree with every position we take. Our General Secretary, Jim Winkler, regularly speaks out against the war in Iraq and gets numerous pieces of hate mail because of that."
The Rev. Larry Pickens, chief executive of the United Methodist Commission on Christian Unity and Interreligious Concerns, said such ecumenical gatherings are a great opportunity to network with Christians from other faith traditions.
"The National Workshop on Christian Unity is unique because it brings together Catholics, Episcopalians and other communions around issues we don't always get an opportunity to talk about," he said. "It gives United Methodists exposure to what issues are important to the other faith communities."
Pickens cited ecumenical concerns such as poverty, evangelism, global health issues and leadership training. "I'd include 'how to live in an interfaith world,' because these are not just United Methodist issues," he said. "We are a really key point in the lives of our churches, and this kind of discussion helps provide vision and hope as to how we go forward in ministry."
Bishop Ted Schneider, of the Metropolitan Washington Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, presented the ecumenical idea in physical terms: "Like the human body - where if one part is not working 'up to code' then the entire body suffers - we must work together smoothly or the entire church body will suffer. We have to catch the vision of wholeness for Christ's church."
As Aykazian reminded participants, Scripture does not say "blessed are the peaceful, but 'blessed are the peacemakers.' Our faith should not be passive, but instead a call to action to respond to a suffering world."
*Caldwell is the editor of The Virginia United Methodist Advocate magazine.
Thursday, February 01, 2007
Movie, campaign link past and present slavery
A UMNS Report
By Linda Bloom*
The last letter that John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, wrote before his death was to William Wilberforce, a member of Parliament fighting to end the British slave trade.
Dated Feb. 24, 1791 - six days before Wesley died - the letter warned Wilberforce about battle fatigue but offered encouragement: "Unless God has raised you up for this very thing, you will be worn out by the opposition of men and devils. But if God be fore you, who can be against you? Are all of them together stronger than God? O be not weary of well doing! Go on, in the name of God and in the power of his might, till even American slavery (the vilest that ever saw the sun) shall vanish away before it."
Sixteen years later, in 1807, Wilberforce finally achieved his goal when Parliament voted to abolish slave trade.
The movie "Amazing Grace," opening Feb. 23 in U.S. theaters, chronicles his efforts, and a related campaign focuses on ending modern-day slavery in the world.
The film's title refers to the famous hymn by John Newton, a former slave trader who converted to Christianity and became a priest in the Church of England. In the movie, Wilberforce visits Newton twice and, in one scene, climbs atop a table in a pub and sings the hymn's first verse.
The National Council of Churches and Asbury College and Seminary have endorsed the movie, along with diverse partners such as the British Royal Navy, CARE, Sojourners, the New Jersey Association of School Librarians and the U.S. State Department Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons.
In conjunction with the movie is "The Amazing Change" campaign to continue Wilberforce's work. Launched by Walden Media, the effort is designed to raise awareness of slavery and other forms of oppression in today's world, and to encourage involvement in and funding for organizations working to abolish slavery.
One of its funding partners is RugMark, a global nonprofit organization working to end illegal child labor in the carpet industry and offer educational opportunities to children in India, Nepal and Pakistan. RugMark is supported by the Women's Division of United Methodist Board of Global Ministries and was endorsed by the United Methodist Bishops' Initiative on Children and Poverty.
The campaign has designated Feb. 18 "Amazing Grace Sunday," encouraging churches to sing the well-known hymn and pray for the end of slavery.
Portrayed by the actor Ioan Gruffudd, Wilberforce was known as the "conscience of Parliament" as he accumulated evidence against the slave trade, collected some 390,000 signatures supporting its end, and introduced numerous anti-slavery bills.
According to John Wesley: Holiness of Heart and Life, a spiritual growth resource from the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries, Wilberforce was converted to Christianity under the ministry of Wesley, a lifelong opponent to slavery. Wilberforce eventually became a member of the Clapham Set, an evangelical group within the Anglican Church.
Other historical figures in the film include Newton (Albert Finney), Prime Minister William Pitt (Benedict Cumberbatch) and Olaudah Eqiano (Youssou N'Dour), who wrote an eyewitness account of his life as a slave and his work in the anti-slavery movement.
Erik Lokkesmoe, project manager for the movie, said few Americans know about Wilberforce and the story of how the British slave trade was abolished or about his other contributions to social justice issues, such as animal welfare, prison reform and the needs of the poor.
He called Wilberforce "a remarkable example for this generation" of how someone inspired by faith can change the world.
"It's no longer a movie; it's really a movement," he said, noting that young people, in particular, seem drawn to the challenge of taking on slavery "in their time."
The Church of England is marking the 200th anniversary of the end of the slave trade with a March 24 act of repentance. Marchers from throughout Britain are expected to meet in London for a procession led by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams, and the Archbishop of York, the Ugandan-born John Sentamu.
Marchers will carry a giant cross as African drummers beat a lament through the British capital, according to Ecumenical News International. During an open-air service in Kensington Park, participants will be invited to sign a petition calling on the government to take more action to end modern-day slavery in the world.
The "Amazing Grace" Web site says an estimated 27 million slaves are in the world today. "William Wilberforce's work is far from finished," the site proclaims. "… Modern day slavery can come in many different forms. Entire families may work long days in rice-mills, brick kilns or on plantations. Children may be abducted and forced to fight in a rebel's army. All of the people in these examples are slaves - they cannot come and go as they please and are often beaten or threatened with violence. They have no autonomy in their day-to-day lives and deserve the right to be free."
Downloadable versions of an "Amazing Grace" study guide for high school students and faith guide for church leaders can be found at www.amazinggracemovie.com under the resources tab. Visit www.theamazingchange.com for information about the campaign.
*Bloom is a United Methodist News Service writer based in New York.
A UMNS Report
By Linda Bloom*
The last letter that John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, wrote before his death was to William Wilberforce, a member of Parliament fighting to end the British slave trade.
Dated Feb. 24, 1791 - six days before Wesley died - the letter warned Wilberforce about battle fatigue but offered encouragement: "Unless God has raised you up for this very thing, you will be worn out by the opposition of men and devils. But if God be fore you, who can be against you? Are all of them together stronger than God? O be not weary of well doing! Go on, in the name of God and in the power of his might, till even American slavery (the vilest that ever saw the sun) shall vanish away before it."
Sixteen years later, in 1807, Wilberforce finally achieved his goal when Parliament voted to abolish slave trade.
The movie "Amazing Grace," opening Feb. 23 in U.S. theaters, chronicles his efforts, and a related campaign focuses on ending modern-day slavery in the world.
The film's title refers to the famous hymn by John Newton, a former slave trader who converted to Christianity and became a priest in the Church of England. In the movie, Wilberforce visits Newton twice and, in one scene, climbs atop a table in a pub and sings the hymn's first verse.
The National Council of Churches and Asbury College and Seminary have endorsed the movie, along with diverse partners such as the British Royal Navy, CARE, Sojourners, the New Jersey Association of School Librarians and the U.S. State Department Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons.
In conjunction with the movie is "The Amazing Change" campaign to continue Wilberforce's work. Launched by Walden Media, the effort is designed to raise awareness of slavery and other forms of oppression in today's world, and to encourage involvement in and funding for organizations working to abolish slavery.
One of its funding partners is RugMark, a global nonprofit organization working to end illegal child labor in the carpet industry and offer educational opportunities to children in India, Nepal and Pakistan. RugMark is supported by the Women's Division of United Methodist Board of Global Ministries and was endorsed by the United Methodist Bishops' Initiative on Children and Poverty.
The campaign has designated Feb. 18 "Amazing Grace Sunday," encouraging churches to sing the well-known hymn and pray for the end of slavery.
Portrayed by the actor Ioan Gruffudd, Wilberforce was known as the "conscience of Parliament" as he accumulated evidence against the slave trade, collected some 390,000 signatures supporting its end, and introduced numerous anti-slavery bills.
According to John Wesley: Holiness of Heart and Life, a spiritual growth resource from the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries, Wilberforce was converted to Christianity under the ministry of Wesley, a lifelong opponent to slavery. Wilberforce eventually became a member of the Clapham Set, an evangelical group within the Anglican Church.
Other historical figures in the film include Newton (Albert Finney), Prime Minister William Pitt (Benedict Cumberbatch) and Olaudah Eqiano (Youssou N'Dour), who wrote an eyewitness account of his life as a slave and his work in the anti-slavery movement.
Erik Lokkesmoe, project manager for the movie, said few Americans know about Wilberforce and the story of how the British slave trade was abolished or about his other contributions to social justice issues, such as animal welfare, prison reform and the needs of the poor.
He called Wilberforce "a remarkable example for this generation" of how someone inspired by faith can change the world.
"It's no longer a movie; it's really a movement," he said, noting that young people, in particular, seem drawn to the challenge of taking on slavery "in their time."
The Church of England is marking the 200th anniversary of the end of the slave trade with a March 24 act of repentance. Marchers from throughout Britain are expected to meet in London for a procession led by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams, and the Archbishop of York, the Ugandan-born John Sentamu.
Marchers will carry a giant cross as African drummers beat a lament through the British capital, according to Ecumenical News International. During an open-air service in Kensington Park, participants will be invited to sign a petition calling on the government to take more action to end modern-day slavery in the world.
The "Amazing Grace" Web site says an estimated 27 million slaves are in the world today. "William Wilberforce's work is far from finished," the site proclaims. "… Modern day slavery can come in many different forms. Entire families may work long days in rice-mills, brick kilns or on plantations. Children may be abducted and forced to fight in a rebel's army. All of the people in these examples are slaves - they cannot come and go as they please and are often beaten or threatened with violence. They have no autonomy in their day-to-day lives and deserve the right to be free."
Downloadable versions of an "Amazing Grace" study guide for high school students and faith guide for church leaders can be found at www.amazinggracemovie.com under the resources tab. Visit www.theamazingchange.com for information about the campaign.
*Bloom is a United Methodist News Service writer based in New York.
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