Church plans annual celebration of older adults

Louise Short, 102, greets the 2008 United Methodist General Conference in Fort Worth, Texas. A resident of Nashville, Tenn., Short is the widow of Bishop Roy Short. A UMNS photo by Mike DuBose.

By Kathy L. Gilbert*

FORT WORTH, Texas (UMNS)-An annual Older Adult Recognition Day will be held in The United Methodist Church starting in 2009 to celebrate older adults.

The 2008 General Conference, the denomination's top lawmaking body, voted to add an Older Adult Recognition Day to the special observances on the church's calendar. The day is to be observed annually, preferably during the month of May.

The day is intended to provide congregations with the opportunity to learn more about the issues and concerns related to aging and older adulthood. The Committee on Older Adult Ministries, Board of Discipleship, will have responsibility for supervising and promoting the observance.

During the April 23-May 2 international gathering, the denomination revised its resolution on aging in the United States to include the latest information from the U.S. Census Bureau. Updated information shows people are living longer, and by 2032, there will be 72 million people 65 years of age and older in the United States. The average United Methodist is at least 60 years old, according to the committee.

Older adult ministries
The church's Comprehensive Plan for Older Adult Ministries for 2009-2012 will emphasize intergenerational ministry and caregiving ministry.

Intergenerational ministry will build understanding between younger people and older adults by promoting the gifts, faith and wisdom of each age group.

The Census Bureau projects that by 2030, there will be more older adults in the United States than children and youth combined. Intentional church-based caregiving will become more necessary as federal entitlements are cut and family structures change.

Two hundred years ago, people didn't retire; they just "worked until they wore out," according to the comprehensive plan. Medical and scientific advances mean people are living longer, and post-retirement can be 25 to 35 years or more.

Some of the more alarming statics about aging include the rising rate of dementia for those 85 and older. In 2000, more than 4 million people in the United States had Alzheimer's disease, and it is predicted that by 2050, 16 million could have the disease.

"In many ways, we haven't determined the modern purpose of a longer, healthier old age," the comprehensive plan states. "To what use do we put the incredible resource of elderhood? How do we help older adults continue to grow in faith as disciples of Jesus Christ? We need new models of old age for our coming maturity."

*Gilbert is a United Methodist News Service news writer based in Nashville, Tenn.

United Methodists affirm Native American nations

The Oklahoma Indian Missionary Conference Children's Choir sings April 27 during worship at the 2008 United Methodist General Conference in Fort Worth, Texas. A UMNS photo by Mike DuBose.

By Linda Green*

FORT WORTH, Texas (UMNS)--Delegates to the 2008 United Methodist General Conference reaffirmed Native American tribal sovereignty, called for non-gambling forms of tribal economic development and continued a national comprehensive plan.

The Bureau of Indian Affairs recognizes 561 tribal governments in the United States, and the 2003 U.S. census estimates there are more than 2.7 million Native Americans. The United Methodist Church has more than 18,000 known Native Americans among its 8 million U.S. members. While many are part of the Oklahoma Indian Missionary Conference, Native American ministries exist throughout the country.

General Conference, the top legislative body of The United Methodist Church, amended and readopted a 2004 resolution on "Native American Tribal Sovereignty" during the assembly's 10-day meeting that ended May 2 in Fort Worth.

The resolution notes that native nations were sovereign, autonomous and self-regulating before they had contact with Europeans following the 1492 arrival of explorer Christopher Columbus. During the American Revolution, tribes and tribal federations continued to have sovereign status. Following creation of the U.S. government, 371 government treaties were signed between 1788 and 1871 that guaranteed sovereign status to the native nations.

The resolution, adopted April 30 at General Conference, says that while early Supreme Court decisions supported and affirmed tribal sovereignty, recent decisions have either ignored or contradicted earlier rulings and thus undermined tribal sovereignty. It also notes that the National Congress of American Indians has appealed to churches and religious institutions to urge the U.S. government to "exercise moral responsibility in upholding treaty obligations and trust responsibilities with Native peoples."

The resolution, submitted by the United Methodist Board of Church and Society, declares Native American sovereignty is "a historical fact--is significant--and it cannot be disregarded in favor of political expediency. American Indians have a right to self govern."

The General Conference asked church leaders to call upon the U.S. government to uphold and honor all treaty obligations and trust responsibilities to Native people and directed the church's Board of Church and Society to present the entire resolution to the president of the United States, the U.S. Congress, the Secretary of the Interior, the assistant secretary of the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the National Congress of Native Americans.

The resolution, to be added to the United Methodist Book of Resolutions, urges clergy and laity to educate themselves and their churches about tribal sovereignty, including the actions that they can take to support American, Alaskan and Hawaiian native people.

Comprehensive plan
In an April 28 vote, the General Conference approved continuation of the Native American Comprehensive Plan for another four years and approved its $1.2 million budget. Conference action also moved the plan from its 16-year home at the church's Board of Global Ministries to the Board of Discipleship.

Mandated by the 1992 General Conference, the plan was created to help United Methodists view Native Americans as partners in ministry rather than as a mission of the church. It seeks to make disciples for Jesus Christ within the Native American community while recognizing the unique cultures and languages of native people.

Specifically, the plan's mandate is to:

.Develop and strengthen native congregations, ministries and fellowships;
.Train and develop native leaders; and
.Encourage their contributions to the life of the church.

Keys to each area are contributions that Native American cultures and spiritual expression bring to the mission of the whole church.

The mission, focus and objectives of the Native American Comprehensive Plan for 2009-2012 directly relate to the mission, focus and objectives of the Board of Discipleship. The plan will resource, strengthen and advocate for the local church in Native American communities. Its goals include assisting annual conferences in establishing Native American churches and developing resources, leadership and curriculum.

Economic development
In another amended resolution, delegates supported the economic development for Native Americans, outside of gambling, which the church calls "a menace to society, deadly to the best interests of moral, social, economic and spiritual life, and destructive of good government."

The resolution notes that the need for economic development and growth is critical in most Native American communities across the United States, particularly on reservations. Economic development, the resolution states, involves everything from job creation to tax code reform to creating banking institutions to the expansion of tribal autonomy and development of basic physical infrastructure, telecommunications and literacy for native people.

Delegates called the church to:
.Support the efforts of sovereign Native American nations to create means of economic development that do not depend upon gambling or disrupt sacred sites;
.Urge the U.S. government to affirm tribal sovereignty;
.Direct the boards of Church and Society and Discipleship, in collaboration with Native Americans, to develop study documents for local churches and people to study native issues;
.Authorize the Board of Church and Society to work with the National Congress of American Indians and other Native American organizations in advocating federal economic development programs and facilitating the participation of United Methodist Native Americans in the work of the United Nations Permanent Fund on indigenous issues;
.Urge the Board of Global Ministries to support funding of Native American economic development projects; and
.Urge the Board of Pension and Health Benefits to invest monies in Native American financial institutions and community organizations.

Burial sites
By a vote of 825-29, General Conference delegates added a new Native American-related resolution to the Book of Resolutions on the importance of burial sites and interment of bones to Native Americans. "Return to the Earth" describes the project by the Mennonite Central Committee that supports Native Americans in burying unidentifiable ancestral remains that are now scattered across the United States and enables a process of education and reconciliation between native and non-native peoples.

In the resolution, The United Methodist Church resolves to:
.Support the Return to Earth project by using the project's study guide as an educational tool;
.Talk with Native Americans inside and outside the church and engage in advocacy;
.Help construct cedar burial boxes and sewing of burial clothes for remains; and
.Give money to the project.

*Green is a United Methodist News Service news writer based in Nashville, Tenn.

A UMNS Commentary by Tennessee Sen. Roy Herron*: How can a Christian be in politics?

State Sen. Roy Herron, a former United Methodist minister, stands in front of the Tennessee State Capitol in Nashville. A UMNS photo by Mike DuBose.

"How can a Christian be in politics?" People of faith ask me this all the time. They seem startled that a former United Methodist minister is serving in public office.

Once when I was about to preach, my friend Johnny Hayes introduced me to his congregation by telling of a political event that honored a 100-year-old gentleman. Johnny allegedly had asked the centenarian how he had survived so long as a member of a small minority in a county dominated by the other political party. The gentleman’s sage reply was: "Johnny, you’ve just got to know who you can trust and who you can’t trust."

When Johnny pressed him on how to tell the difference, the old man replied: "There’s just three types of folks you can’t trust. You can’t trust lawyers. You can’t trust preachers. And you can’t trust politicians."

As I squirmed behind the pulpit, Johnny turned to me and said: "This fellow here is a lawyer, a preacher and, last week, he went to work in a political campaign. You can’t believe a thing he says!"

The congregation roared with laughter.

People may generally think more of preachers, even of lawyers. But politicians are generally considered an untrustworthy lot. Why?

Different perspectives
Many of us feel we have all the government we can stand––and more than we can afford. We instinctively react against politics when we hear about instances of waste, fraud, corruption, deception, arrogance, abuse and burdensome taxes.

"God and Politics" is Herron's upcoming book. A UMNS photo courtesy of Sen. Roy Herron.

Many people of faith often hold this view of politics and government, and they also believe that government in recent decades has contributed to moral decline and the weakening of traditional values.

Like my father before me, I get edgy around April 15 when my wife and I calculate our federal taxes. I’ve seen governments waste money much too often. I’ve even known corrupt people in government who stole public funds. I know too well how fallen our government and its officials can be.

As frustrating and maddening as that side of politics can be, I remember the way one of my political friends in Tennessee used to begin her speeches: "Politics is a beautiful word to me!" declared Tennessee Sen. Anna Belle Clement O’Brien, who would go on to explain: "Politics is how crippled children walk, the mentally ill get care, roads are built, health care is provided, children are taught."

It is through the political process, through electing people to represent us, that government works, doing the things we ourselves—the people—ask it to do.

We ask governments to provide for the national defense, prevent crime, catch and punish criminals and build courthouses, jails, roads and airports. We ask them to help businesses grow, protect workers and needy children and protect all of us from hazardous wastes and deadly poisons, while also educating our children, preventing epidemics and defending our constitutional rights to free speech, association and worship.

Indeed, whether we respect our governments or not, we ask them to play important and positive roles in the life of every American. For all its flaws, our American political system is a blessing that too often we take for granted. And no one owes government more than I do.

How politics saved my children
When my wife and I were expecting our first babies––twins!––there were complications in the pregnancy. We went to a specialist who told us there were two little boys, probably identical. Then the specialist told us the twins had a condition that he had seen only 16 times and that, in 15 of those cases, both twins had died. The sixteenth time, one of the twins had died.

Thirty-two babies, 31 dead. He told us our twins were not going to live and recommended an abortion.

In 24 hours, we had six consultations with three doctors at two hospitals. Further tests and a visit with Dr. Sal Lombardi, a high-risk pregnancy specialist, led to a more hopeful prognosis. If Nancy could carry the boys several more weeks, we might yet take two boys home.

Nancy was minister of discipleship at a church in Nashville, but the congregation—and many other friends—ministered to her during that time. Her Bible study group met in our little apartment as Nancy went on "modified bed rest."

We saw Dr. Lombardi weekly during much of the summer and daily during the final days of the pregnancy. He was trying to delay the delivery as long as possible so that the larger baby, whose lungs were not yet fully developed, could have a better chance of surviving. But he did not want to wait so long that the supply of blood to the smaller baby diminished so much that it killed him. He literally was trying to balance the life of one twin against the other.

Seven weeks before the due date, we were sent to the hospital for delivery. While the larger baby’s lungs still were not as developed as Dr. Lombardi wanted, if we waited even a single day longer, the smaller baby probably would die.

John and Rick were born that day. Their birth day marked the end of one difficult period and the beginning of another. Living in a neonatal intensive care unit for 28 days straight was more than we ever wanted. But we were so thankful our sons were alive. After four weeks, they sent us home with both boys.

The politics of life and death
So, what does this story have to do with politics?

Dr. Lombardi, the high-risk pregnancy specialist who decided our twins’ birth day would not be their death day, graduated from public schools, then went to college and medical school on federally subsidized student loans. He developed his extraordinary expertise by learning from taxpayer-funded teachers in government-funded schools, universities and hospitals.

Dr. Doug Brown, the obstetrician who so skillfully delivered our babies and took care of Nancy, received government-subsidized education and training.

The neonatologists who kept our babies alive also received government-funded education and training, as did many nurses whose care was essential for the boys’ survival.

The hospital where our boys spent their first four weeks is part of a private university, but receives literally millions of tax dollars from our governments.

But this is only part of how our boys were saved by government and tax dollars.

One of our premature babies was treated with surfactant, which helped his lungs develop so he could breath and survive. That miracle-working, lifesaving drug was developed with millions of tax dollars invested by our federal government.

The neonatal intensive care unit where they spent their first four weeks was itself made possible and developed with both federal tax dollars and private donations.

Several other treatment techniques, procedures and medicines that helped save our babies and literally thousands and thousands of others were developed with government funding.

Simply put, if not for the wise and compassionate decisions of men and women in government and the tax dollars paid by us all, my sons would have died. You can see, then, why I am unlikely to agree with any oversimplified depiction of government as only evil.

Choosing for good
In America, politics selects and controls the governments that save lives—or don’t. In America, politics and government often are forces for good. If sometimes they do not do their job as well as they should, then we should partic Plato wrote: "He who refuses to rule is liable to be ruled by one who is worse than himself."

And so it is for faithful Christians today. If people of faith refuse to participate in politics, then others will make the crucial decisions. In a democracy, the people get the government they choose—and work for. You could say we get the government we deserve.

Government can be awful and it can be good; often it is both. Our duty, as citizens and as Christians, is to make it better. The question, then, is not: How can a Christian be in politics? The question is: How can a Christian not be in politics?

*Herron is a former United Methodist minister and an attorney who has served since 1987 in the Tennessee Legislature, where he is currently a state senator. His book How Can a Christian be in Politics? was published in 2005 by Tyndale House Publishers.ipate in the process and make them better.

United Methodists stand with arrested workers

Iowans gather in front of the federal building in Des Moines for a vigil in support of workers arrested in an immigration raid. A UMNS photo by Kristin Clark Nolan.

A UMNS Report
By Kathy L. Gilbert*

More than 300 "little lights" representing workers arrested in an immigration raid in northeast Iowa were lit and then extinguished during a "service of solidarity" held at First United Methodist Church in Sioux City.

The May 15 vigil was one of a series of faith events across Iowa that have drawn attention to the plight of immigrant workers and their families in the wake of the largest single-site immigration raid in U.S. history.

Bishop Gregory V. Palmer

Iowa's United Methodist episcopal leader, Bishop Gregory V. Palmer, responded by calling for an end to such raids and urging U.S. government leaders to pass a comprehensive immigration policy that recognizes the contributions of migrants to the U.S. economy and culture.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents arrested the workers--most from Mexico and Guatemala--in a May 12 raid on Agriprocessors, the world's largest kosher meatpacking plant, in Postville, Iowa. The 314 men and 75 women taken into custody face charges ranging from aggravated identity theft to false use of Social Security numbers.

The Rev. Jim Perdue organized the May 15 vigil in Sioux City in which candles represented the arrested workers.

"The service was moving and meaningful," said Perdue, pastor of Mission Mateo 25, a Hispanic ministry of the United Methodist Northwest District.

"We now carry those souls in our hearts along the journey of faith."

A "service of solidarity" is held at First United Methodist Church in Sioux City. A UMNS photo by Richard Nevada. Gregory V. Palmer

Connected through Christ
Palmer's May 14 statement declares that all people--regardless of nationality or legal status--are connected through Jesus Christ.

"Release those who have been detained today," Palmer said, "and work with our elected officials to create a just and comprehensive immigration policy, one that will fully incorporate the undocumented among us into the life of this nation in ways that validate their humanity and affirm the many ways in which they contribute and enrich our culture here in Iowa, and our nation as a whole."

His statement was read during the Sioux City vigil attended by about 45 adults and 20 children.
"I believe that people of faith and all persons of good will should join together to embody the new social order of God's transforming love, power, and justice, which breaks the chains of fear, injustice, racism, xenophobia, and violence," said Palmer, the newly elected president of the denomination's Council of Bishops.

Perdue said the recent "frenzy of hatred" toward immigrants continues a tradition of poor U.S. relations with Mexico and Central America, dating to the early 20th century. He noted that the humanitarian response to thousands of people affected by earthquakes in China this month is a stark contrast to the anger and hatred being shown toward the 389 workers "whose lives and families have been shattered in Iowa."

"Hate is driving this, but it is not a question of law," he said. "It is about the United States becoming brown," Perdue said.

'Biblical mandate for hospitality'
United Methodists were among about 50 people who attended an earlier vigil on May 14 in front of the federal building in Des Moines.

"It was very powerful for me to have them present and supporting the Latino community," said the Rev. Barbara Dinnen, Las Americas Comunidad de Fe, Trinity United Methodist Church.

"When I read the blogs on the Internet related to the newspaper articles on the raid, I am torn apart by the racial tension and blind hate against the Latinos that is clearly revealed in the blogs. Racism and fear remain powerful sins. It is good to see those who support our new neighbors and understand the Biblical mandate for hospitality."

The vigil was planned by Iowa Allies for Immigration Reform, a coalition of churches and organizations that meets at Trinity United Methodist Church.

The Postville raid and a December 2006 raid in Marshalltown have created a sense of fear throughout the area, according to Dinnen. "The community is afraid and they are staying home as much as possible," she said.

Safe haven
Many Christian groups have joined together to help families affected by the raid. St. Bridget's Catholic Church in Postville has served as a safe haven for immigrants who fled, and St. Paul Lutheran Church has provided shelter as well, according to news reports.

"The ICE raid in Postville is yet another example of the harsh environment of fear that immigrants--documented and undocumented--now face, especially since the collapse of comprehensive immigration reform last summer," said Ralston H. Deffenbaugh, president of Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service, Baltimore. "Our immigration law is badly broken and desperately needs reform."

Catholic Archbishop Jerome Hanus, Iowa, said the Postville raid highlights the need for comprehensive immigration reform. "Families have been disrupted; parents and children are filled with fear. Many are uncertain whether their loved ones will be arrested, imprisoned indefinitely or deported," he said.

The United Methodist Church supports U.S. immigration reform and, at its recent General Conference meeting in Fort Worth, Texas, the church's top legislative body adopted several resolutions on "welcoming the migrant."

"It is somewhat ironic that these raids took place in the days immediately following the 2008 United Methodist Church's policy-making General Conference, which adopted resolutions opposing all actions against immigrants that divide families and denigrate human beings," said Bishop Felton May, interim top executive for the church's Board of Global Ministries.

"I pray for widespread ecumenical response," May said. "I pray also that United Methodists will rally to the needs of those in detention and, especially, to the needs of children affected by the arrest and deportation of their parents. As a denomination, we want to make good on the claims of our resolutions to seek justice for migrants and to welcome strangers."

*Gilbert is a news writer for United Methodist News Service in Nashville, Tenn. Additional information for this report came from Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and from Christians for Comprehensive Immigration Reform.

Pastor preaches recovery from alcoholism, addictions

The Rev. Jo Campe leads a worship service at Wesley United Methodist Church in Minneapolis, one of two area United Methodist churches with services aimed at the recovery community. UMNS photos by John Gordon.

By John Gordon*

ST. PAUL, Minn. (UMNS)--Adjusting his microphone, the Rev. Jo Campe greets about 250 worshipers at Central Park United Methodist Recovery Church.

"I'm an alcoholic. My name is Jo," Campe says to open Sunday morning worship.

Campe can relate to many of the people sitting in the pews today. He's walked the same path.
His transparency in sharing his own recovery journey, along with the Gospel message of repentance, forgiveness and rebirth, are having an impact. The church hosts meetings for a dozen 12-step recovery programs, including those aimed at helping alcoholics, drug abusers and compulsive gamblers. Campe holds a second recovery service at another United Methodist church in nearby Minneapolis.

Central Park United Methodist Church in St. Paul hosts services for people addicted to alcohol, drugs and other addictions.

"This has been kind of a miraculous growth process," says Campe, known to his congregation as Pastor Jo. "We stand back and kind of shake our heads and think to ourselves that this is certainly a miracle."

Tom Demarrias joined the Central Park congregation after years of battling alcoholism and living on the streets. He is now employed as a truck driver and got married at the church three years ago.

"This church, it does a lot more than just provide a Sunday worship service," says Demarrias. "It provides a new way of life."

A rebirth
When Campe arrived at Central Park seven years ago, the downtown St. Paul church had dwindled to 11 active members.

"They had kept the building open, primarily so they could have a place to call home and be buried from," recalls Campe.

His original plan was to start an outreach to the surrounding business community. Then during a breakfast before a worship service, someone suggested holding a recovery worship service.

Attendance grew quickly and recovery became a full-time mission for the church. Campe later took over and started a similar recovery service at Wesley United Methodist Church in Minneapolis, with an average of 100 worshippers each Sunday.

Besides hosting the 12-step meetings, the churches sponsor Sober Jam music programs and social events. Wesley hosts a feeding program for the homeless. Campe also visits halfway houses and other recovery centers to offer help and encouragement.

"The people that come to the Recovery Church come from a wide variance of different types of addictions-all the way from drug and alcohol addictions to sexual addictions, gambling addictions, eating addictions, you name it," Campe says. "Most all of the people that are here are either in some form of addiction themselves and working on a recovery program, or are family members who are supportive."

Blackie, a Central Park church member who asked that only his first name be used, says he was skeptical at first.

"I just stopped in for a visit, and I didn't plan on staying," he says. "There was a good message and there were good people. It was someplace I looked forward to go back to."

Blackie says he feels accepted at Central Park and likes the diversity of the membership.
"(There are) not many places you can go and find a prostitute sitting next to a judge," he says.

Amazing grace
Campe's own recovery journey began 12 years ago when he was pastor of one of the largest United Methodist churches in the region. He found himself in the "throes of addiction" and seeking treatment.

"Almost every morning, I'd wake up in my in my morning devotions and pray to Jesus Christ that He would solve my alcohol and drug addiction. And then that night, … after having used or wanting to use, (I) realized that I hadn't been cured like I wanted to be," Campe says.

After going through a treatment program, Campe realized he needed to make changes in his life. "My old life and the old patterns of my behavior no longer worked," he says.
Recovery church members feel a special bond with Pastor Jo.

"I like coming Sundays just to be around other people just like myself. And Pastor Jo has a great message, that's why I come," says St. Paul resident Thomas Zachary. "(The) recovery community saved my life, so I am trying to pay a debt that cannot be paid."

Campe says many lives have been transformed.

"We have a saying here at Central Park and at Wesley that our main job is to get out of God's way and to look for different ways that God can provide for us what we can't do for ourselves," he says.

"Miracles walk in the door time after time. People's lives are saved."

*Gordon is a freelance producer in Marshall, Texas.

Communications agency awards scholarships

By Linda Green*

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS)--The role of a Christian journalist is to share the good news and to reach out to people and meet their spiritual needs, says the winner of the annual graduate fellowship from United Methodist Communications.

Milse Furtado

Milse Furtado, 23, is recipient of the $6,000 Stoody-West Fellowship for Graduate Study in Religious Journalism for the 2008-2009 academic year. A native of Brazil, she is a 2007 mass communications graduate of United Methodist-related Rust College, Holly Springs, Miss.

A scholarship committee of the Commission on Communications selected Furtado in April to continue graduate study in religious communications at an accredited U.S. college or university. She was selected for her "excellent skills, academics, experience and continued commitment to religious communications." The commission is the governing body of United Methodist Communications.

The committee also selected Aloise H. McCullough, a rising junior at United Methodist-related Oklahoma City University, as the recipient of the $2,500 Leonard M. Perryman Communications Scholarship for Ethnic Minority Students, given annually to a United Methodist undergraduate student pursuing a career in religion journalism.

Graduate study recipient
Furtado, who is the daughter of a United Methodist pastor, is no stranger to church communications. In 2007, she became the 10th recipient of the Judith L. Weidman Racial Ethnic Minority Fellowship and has spent the year working in the denomination's North Texas Annual (regional) Conference.

She believes church communicators have "taken a pacifist role in the life of the church" and become "caught up in writing about church events and end up forgetting about the needs of the unchurched." Christian journalists, she said, should be bold and proactive in addressing teenage drug abuse and suicide, as well as the hurts and needs of people living on the edge.

The needs of the unchurched have prompted Furtado to want to round out her journalism career with graduate study in psychology, in order to understand human beings and their behavior.

"This is the dream that God has put in my heart for my contribution to the future of the church communication--to step up and meet the needs of His children, whether it is telling the history of the church or helping people struggling with depression, drugs, suicidal thoughts and many issues afflicting humanity today."

The fellowship is named for the late Rev. Arthur West of Lebanon, Ohio, and the late Rev. Ralph Stoody--both staff executives of United Methodist Communications or a predecessor agency.
Ethnic minority recipient

The devastation wrought by Hurricane Katrina in 2005, including being personally impacted, inspired McCullough to become a journalist as she observed journalists in the Gulf Coast being "the eyes and ears for communities worldwide." She and her family evacuated New Orleans for Oklahoma the day before Hurricane Katrina hit.

McCullough, also the daughter of a United Methodist pastor, wants to report on events through the lens of spirituality, faith and hope. A 2006 internship through the United Methodist Board of Church and Society "stretched my desire to help create hopeful possibility in the world," she said.

She wants to be "an African-American religious communicator because I believe journalism is a tool that can help connect people around the world, as it did through the Hurricane Katrina stories, and because I want faith to be in the news equation."

The scholarship is named for Leonard M. Perryman, a journalist in The United Methodist Church for more than 30 years before his death in 1983.

Both scholarships provide financial resources to help young people pursue careers in religious journalism and to ensure professionalism in communications, said the Rev. Larry Hollon, chief executive of United Methodist Communications.

"The importance of training journalists who can cover religion knowledgably and with keen insight has never been more important," Hollon said.

For more information on the annual awards, visit http://www.umcom.org/, e-mail scholarships@umcom.org or call (888) 278-4862.

*Green is a United Methodist News Service news writer based in Nashville, Tenn

Church volunteer teaches sign language to babies

Nancy Jayne teaches sign language to her 15-month-old grandson, Cayden Young, and other children and their parents at Trinity United Methodist Church in Whitesboro, N.Y. UMNS photos by John Gordon.

By John Gordon*

WHITESBORO, N.Y. (UMNS)-When Nancy Jayne happened across a book at the local library, she had no idea it would lead to a new way of understanding her grandson.

The book was about teaching sign language to babies. "It just opened a world of communication between the two of us, and we have a great time signing," Jayne says.

Now, the former school teacher volunteers her time to teach signing to infants and their parents at Trinity United Methodist Church (http://www.trinitywhitesboro.org/babysigning.html) in Whitesboro.

"There's less frustration than the 'cry and try' game. You know, the baby cries and you try to figure out what they want," she says. "With signing, they can tell you what they want--if they need help, if they want their milk. If they want more, they can let you know."

Teresa Jones was skeptical but signed up for the course on a whim.

"When I first heard about it, I thought, 'This is silly,"" recalls Jones. "I didn't think it would work."

But Jones' 3-year-old daughter, Lucy, learned about 100 words in sign language before she could talk.

"I was so amazed how she learned the signs and I was able to communicate with her, she was able to communicate with me," Jones says. "It was one of the best decisions I made as a parent."

Jones is also teaching sign language to the newest addition to her family, 6-month-old Madeline.

"I've had different ages in my groups, from six months to two years," Jayne says. "And I have a new family with twins (who started at) six months old and they've been signing and they started to sign back at eight months. Each baby is different."

Opening new windows
The first signs that babies usually learn cover some of their basic needs and messages-eat, milk, more, all done.

"Communication is so important," Jayne says. "Years ago, we didn't think little babies could sign back and communicate, but they can. It opens a window into their minds."

Trinity's pastor, the Rev. Marilyn Baissa, says the ministry is unusual and also helps to attract prospective church members. Families whose babies are baptized at Trinity can take the course at no charge.

"We think (it) really benefits families because we try to be all about families and children," Baissa says.

Church member Jessica Collis has two children who took the signing course. Collis says signing helped ease some of the stresses of motherhood.

"It really did eliminate a lot of frustration and terrible twos and all that fun stuff where parents and kids aren't understanding each other," she says. "We could talk before we could talk."

Multiple benefits
Jayne uses the American Sign Language signs that are the standard for adults.

"I've had a lot of phone calls from parents with deaf children. They say, 'What a lonely life,'" Jayne says. "So I'm hoping if these babies keep going and the parents keep going, at least they'll have a few signs that they can sign with them."

Jayne says sign language also can be used to communicate with children who have Down syndrome or other developmental challenges.

Some studies suggest infants who learn sign language may do better in school or have higher IQs, though those benefits are still debated in academic circles.

As for parents taking Nancy Jayne's classes, they are just happy to have another avenue of communication and understanding with their children.

"If they can look at me and I can know what they want, it's kind of like there's an understanding between us," says Heather Frank, who is enrolled with her 8-month-old twins. "And I think it's a relief for all of us."

*Gordon is a freelance producer in Marshall, Texas.

SEJANAM Rallies with Local Groups to Voice Concern over Racist Remarks

Lake Junaluska, N.C.:
On April 21, the Southeastern Jurisdictional Agency for Native American Ministries (SEJANAM) joined forces with local groups to voice concern over racist remarks aired by G105 against American Indians. The Purpose of the rally, led by Beth Jacobs of Brown Babies, Inc., was to provide a powerful and symbolic display of our resistance to the hate and degradation lashed out at American Indians in America.

“They are using our corporate dollars to launch air attacks not only against American Indians, but people of color and they should be held accountable for their actions,” said Beth Jacobs.

The on-air attacks were against American Indians, Asians, Latinos, and African Americans. Most specifically, the show insulted, degraded, derided, demeaned, disrespected, and humiliated the Lumbee Indian Tribe, the Eastern Band of Cherokee, the work ethic of all non-white people, the historic appreciation and valor of American Indian women, namely Pocahontas and Sacagawea, and every past and present Native American culture.

Controversial statements included remarks that “Indians are lazy” and “Lumbees are in-bred.” Sexual implications were also made about Pocahontas and Sacajawea that were insensitive and slanderous to all American Indians, and especially to the families of these two great historic American Indian women.

SEJANAM Executive Director Darlene Jacobs states in her letter to Dick Harlow, radio station manager, that “I am continuously amazed, appalled, shocked and taken aback at people like Bob Dumas who have been impacted and influenced by the ‘Hollywood Syndrome’ and believe that making such racist comments, slandering and disrespecting honorable Indian women, and demeaning our rich Indian culture and heritage is in any way acceptable, much less humorous.”

Protesters came from as far away as Greensboro and Lake Junaluska. “It is a human rights issue, a moral issue,” exclaimed one protester who went on to say that the racially charged remarks affected not only Lumbee people, but all tribes across the United States, Hispanics, women, and African Americans.

Rally leaders call upon not only American Indians, but The United Methodist Church, the larger community of faith and every decent American citizen to strongly censure the kind of racist and sexist attacks that were offered as entertainment on this program and to demand that G105 dismantle the show.

For additional information, call Darlene Jacobs at 1.888.825.6316 or e-mail djacobs@lakejunaluska.com

SEJANAM is the advocate for twenty-three Native American congregations and three other ministries in the Southeast Jurisdiction.

Nashville Public Television is introducing a new series of documentary programs entitled NEXT DOOR NEIGHBORS . . . initial program, May 28th, 8:00 p.m., is entitled "Little Kurdistan, USA"

On Wednesday May 28 at 8pm, Nashville Public Television is introducing a new series of documentary programs entitled Next Door Neighbors. Next Door Neighbors looks at Nashville’s status as a new destination city for refugees and immigrants, and explores the rich diversity of people now calling Nashville home. Across the United States, mid-sized cities like Nashville, TN are experiencing unprecedented growth in their international populations. Together these communities are redefining the traditional international city on a smaller local scale. As our new neighbors rebuild their lives in Nashville, their experiences, contributions and conflicts impact the city, but they are challenged by isolation and barriers unknown to many Nashvillians. How Nashville addresses its changing demographic will be important for the future of similar communities across the country.

The first program in the Next Door Neighbors series, Little Kurdistan, USA looks at Nashville’s Kurdish population, which is the largest in North America. Kurds first arrived in Nashville in 1976 and have since established a vibrant community recognized by Kurds nationally for its strong cultural and traditional heritage. As refugees, Kurds have overcome significant barriers to survive, and flourish in Nashville. But, refugees inevitably become outsiders; estranged from their homeland, and strangers in their new home.

Over the past thirty years, Kurds in Nashville have built the first Kurdish Mosque in the US and opened businesses, restaurants, markets and bakeries, all of which provide benefits to the Kurdish community and points of access to Kurdish culture for all Nashvillians.

Little Kurdistan, USA examines how our Kurdish neighbors have adapted to life in Nashville and provides insight into the struggles refugees face as they build new lives in a new home. Little Kurdistan, USA also explores what it means to be Kurdish, and reflects on the journey Kurds make as they become Kurdish Americans.

The Next Door Neighbors series will include in-depth web content, public forums and feature a panel discussion after each of the four programs. Nashville Public Television seeks to foster a constructive conversation around Nashville’s new and increasing international status, and help introduce Nashville to its many new neighbors. In this exciting time for our city, Nashville has a tremendous opportunity to be a model for the entire United States. Next Door Neighbors hopes to encourage Nashville to make strides towards a greater awareness of its diversity and provide an avenue for interaction among all our neighbors.

Next Door Neighbors: Little Kurdistan, USA will premiere on NPT Wednesday, May 28 at 8:00pm.

Church tackles difficult subject of abortion
By Kathy L. Gilbert*

Tara Thronson of the Southwest Texas Annual (regional) Conference speaks on a petition from the Church and Society legislative committee during the 2008 United Methodist General Conference. UMNS photos by Maile Bradfield.

FORT WORTH, Texas (UMNS) —The United Methodist Church will continue to “sit at the table” and retain its 35-year membership with the Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice.

In a May 2 vote of 416-384, the 2008 General Conference affirmed continued membership of the denomination’s Board of Church and Society and the Women’s Division of the Board of Global Ministries in the organization.

“It is important to stay at the interfaith table so our Social Principles can inform other denominations,” said the Rev. Tracy Smith Malone, a delegate from Northern Illinois and member of the Board of Church and Society.

Fourteen denominations including the Episcopal Church, Presbyterian Church (USA), United Church of Christ, Unitarian Universalism, Conservative Judaism and others are also full members of the Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice.

“RCRC does in fact support and advocate for all types of abortion,” said Marget H. Sikes, vice chair of the committee bringing the legislation to the conference and a board of director’s member of Church and Society. “The fact that they advocate for all types of abortions is troubling if not offensive.”

Other delegates argued that the coalition does not support all forms of abortion. “Those claims are not accurate,” said Fredrick Brewington, chair of the committee and also a member of the Board of Church and Society.

“Because we are at the table, we are able to make a difference for people who are in real need,” he said.

Abortion

In other action, the 2008 United Methodist General Conference adopted a statement on abortion that adds language offering “ministries to reduce unintended pregnancies” and to assist the ministry of crisis pregnancy and support centers that help women “find feasible alternatives to abortion.”

The Social Principles of The United Methodist Church first dealt with abortion in 1972. The church does not approve of abortion but “respects the sacredness of the life and well-being of the mother and the unborn child.”

Found in the Book of Discipline, the Social Principles are a "prayerful and thoughtful effort on the part of the General Conference to speak to the human issues in the contemporary world from a sound biblical and theological foundation as historically demonstrated in United Methodist traditions." The General Conference amended the 1972 statement on abortion in 1976, 1980, 1984, 1988, 1992, 1996 and 2000.

Stem-cell research

The 2008 conference passed a new resolution on stem-cell research calling for the denomination’s Board of Church and Society to identify and publish on its Web site educational resources on stem-cell research.

“We encourage each pastor to use the resources to become informed concerning the debate regarding the use of embryonic stem cells for medical research and to offer these resources for study in her or his local church,” the resolution said.

Saying “some believe this century will be the ‘Century of Biology,’” the 2008 General Conference voted to join with other faith communities to support and dialogue with the medical and scientific communities concerning the ethic standards for its use.

*Gilbert is a news writer for United Methodist News Service.

United Methodist Social Creed celebrated
By Kathy L. Gilbert*

The Rev. Grace Cajiuat leads a liturgical version of the United Methodist Social Creed during a celebration of the creed's 100th anniversary at the 2008 General Conference. In the background are Bishop Beverly Shamana and Jim Winkler. UMNS photos by Mike DuBose.

FORT WORTH, Texas (UMNS) —United Methodists celebrated the 100th anniversary of the denomination’s Social Creed during the last day of their General Conference.

“The Social Creed tradition of The United Methodist Church represents several streams of social concerns embodied today in the General Board of Church and Society,” said Jim Winkler, top executive of the board.

The original creed, written in 1908, was a denominational statement decrying child labor and supporting the economic rights of workers, better workplace conditions, better wages and worker safety.

“The 1908 Creed affirmed the mind of Christ as the sure remedy of all social ills,” Winkler said.

The denomination’s social action agency still advocates for the poor and working people today, he told United Methodists from around the world. The board also remains “passionately” focused on the abuse of alcohol and works for a ban on the advertising of alcohol, maintaining the beer tax and to strengthen laws and regulations on alcohol. The board also advocates for world peace.

Anniversary

The 2004 United Methodist General Conference designated the period of 2005-2008 as a time of celebration, education and study of the Social Creed and Social Principles leading up to the 100th anniversary of the 1908 Social Creed.

As part of that celebration, the Board of Church and Society took on the task of writing a contemporary, timeless version to offer for future generations.

A task force from the board worked on a new “poetic” creed that was accepted by the 2008 General Conference as a “companion litany.”

Bishop Jane Middleton, chair of the Social Creed task force for the board, said the adopted litany is “a witness of hope for the worldwide United Methodist Church.”

The Rev. Grace Cajiuat, also a member of the Social Creed task force, led the delegates in a musical version of the new creed composed by Carol Simpson, a 23-year-old music graduate attending Claremont School of Theology.

The United Methodist Social Creed has been the inspiration for other faith traditions and groups, including the National Council of Churches, to develop their own creeds, according to Bishop Beverly Shamana, president of the board.

“We take seriously the scriptural mandate to care for the sojourner, the weak, the orphaned,” Winkler said. “We believe God wants us to work for a better world that it may be on earth as it is in heaven.”

*Gilbert is a news writer for United Methodist News Service.

Same-sex couple says ‘I do’ outside church assembly

By Ciona D. Rouse*

Julie Bruno (right) and Susan Laurie serve Holy Communion to guests following their marriage ceremony at General Worth Square in Fort Worth, Texas

FORT WORTH, Texas (UMNS)—Just days after their denomination reaffirmed its position against same-sex unions, United Methodists Julie Bruno, 47, and Sue Laurie, 52, held a marriage ceremony on General Worth Square, across the street from the convention center where the General Conference was meeting to pass official denominational stances.

More than 200 guests—family, friends and delegates—attended the outdoor ceremony on May 2. The couple are members of United Church of Rogers Park, a United Methodist church in Chicago.

“We have talked for many years about the pros and cons of a wedding. We decided to do it now while our church family is gathered,” Bruno said.

Invitations were distributed on the evening of May 1 as delegates and visitors left the convention center, but Bruno said the ceremony was open to the entire church.

The couple exchanged vows, and the guests read a printed declaration of marriage in unison.

Only one clergy person, the Rev. Julie Todd of the New England Annual (regional) Conference, participated in the ceremony. Todd blessed and consecrated communion elements that the couple served to their guests.

The United Methodist Book of Discipline prohibits the denomination’s clergy from conducting ceremonies that celebrate homosexual unions.

Bruno and Laurie, who is the outreach coordinator for the Reconciling Ministries Network, said other United Methodist clergy wanted to participate in the ceremony. The couple wanted their ceremony, however, to be “less about upsetting people and more about being role models,” showing that “ceremonies are going on regardless” of the church’s position on homosexual marriage. The Reconciling Ministries Network advocates for full inclusion of gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgender people in the life of the church.

“This is about us today, not about clergy breaking rules,” said Bruno.

Long relationship

Bruno, a lifelong United Methodist, and Laurie met during a Bible study at a United Methodist church 25 years ago. They bought rings for each other after 10 years, but the Fort Worth event was their only formal ceremony.

Joan Bruno, Julie’s sister, said the ceremony felt like an affirmation of the couple’s relationship and celebration of their church family because she has considered them married for many years.

“It’s been 25 years already. She’s been my sister-in-law forever,” said Joan.

“They’ve been together longer than my straight parents, so this is a very powerful experience that, for me, speaks to what loving, committed relationships are,” said David Braden, a friend attending General Conference as an alternate lay delegate from Northern Illinois.

Braden said he was still distraught over the April 30 legislative decision retaining the church’s stance that the practice of homosexuality is “incompatible with Christian teaching.” However, he said he believes this ceremony was helping him to heal.

“I can go home from this conference feeling more fully human knowing there are people in this church who affirm loving relationships and are dedicated to God,” Braden said.

Julie Bruno said that she and Laurie hoped the celebration would provide healing for others hurt by the assembly’s decisions. She called their marriage an “Easter celebration after what felt like Good Friday.”

“This is our Easter gift to our church family,” Bruno said.

*Rouse is a freelance writer in Nashville, Tenn.

People in 48 countries view General Conference online
United Methodists around the world watched the proceedings online as delegates to the 2008 United Methodist General Conference meet in Fort Worth, Texas. A UMNS photo by Mike DuBose.

FORT WORTH, Texas (UMNS)—The number of people experiencing The United Methodist Church’s top legislative assembly goes far beyond a few thousand people in the heart of Texas.

People in 48 countries have been going online to watch the business sessions, worship services and special events of the 2008 General Conference in Fort Worth. The proceedings are being streamed live on the assembly’s Web site, http://www.gc2008.umc.org/.

“This General Conference represents a shift of the general church and of General Conference into the digital age,” said the Rev. Larry Hollon, top staff executive of United Methodist Communications, which manages the Web site. “We’ve passed through a time when technology was secondary to a time when technology is enabling us to do our work and to stay in touch with each other globally.”

The broadcasts are being picked up in 26 different languages on five continents.

One delegate told Hollon of receiving a text message regarding the conference from her daughter, who lives in another country and was watching it online. “We are being connected globally in a way that was not possible ever before,” Hollon said.

The General Conference Web site had been viewed 487,890 times between opening day on April 23 and April 29, according to United Methodist Communications data. General Conference continues through May 2.

The site has had 53,033 viewings of the live streaming video as of the end of the day April 29.

In addition to streaming, the site is offering news stories, video coverage and audio reports. Visitors to the site can also track legislation and obtain resources such as a logo and a General Conference primer.

For future General Conferences, Hollon foresees using technology to share information earlier and more widely, and enhancing the streaming to enable people to experience the conference wherever they are. “And I would see the possibility of greater interactivity,” he said. He doesn’t know how that would take shape, “but that would be the next logical step.”

General Conference is meeting through May 2. The quadrennial gathering has brought 992 delegates from around the world together to make decisions on the church’s direction.

Four jurisdictions will each lose one bishop

By J. Richard Peck*

FORT WORTH, Texas (UMNS) — Delegates to the 2008 General Conference of The United Methodist Church approved a plan that will result in one less bishop in each of four of the five U.S. jurisdictions, beginning in 2012.

In an April 29 legislative session, delegates agreed that savings from those reductions will be used to fund new episcopal areas outside the United States. Those new areas -- each to be led by a bishop -- will not be created until the 2012 General Conference

The North Central, Northeastern, South Central and Western jurisdictions will each have one less bishop under a new formula for determining the number of bishops. The action will not affect the Southeastern Jurisdiction, as it already has one less bishop than the present formula allows, and it is not requesting an additional Episcopal leader.

The new formula will not take effect until Jan. 1, 2009, so it will not affect the numbers of bishops to be elected in the U.S. in July.

A Task Force to Study the Episcopacy, mandated by the 2004 General Conference, proposed the reduction, but the legislative committee considering the petition voted 44 to 13 not to recommend the new formula to the entire 992-member body. Only eight laypersons served on that 57-member committee.

The Rev. Thomas Eblen, delegate and director of congregational development for the Kentucky Annual (regional) Conference, noted that a task force has been studying the issue for four years, “so let’s listen to them.”

The Rev. Deborah Fisher of Northern Illinois opposed any reduction in the number of bishops. “Our own bishop is leading our conference to growth,” she said. “Reduction in the number of bishops says we give in to decline, not staff for growth.”

The Rev. Robert Long of Oklahoma City did not see any relationship between the number of bishops and church growth. He said he started a new congregation and did not see a bishop until his church reached 3,000 members.

The assembly adopted the proposal from the task force, 457 to 401. The conference then agreed, 435 to 394, that the $4.8 million anticipated savings will be used to fund new episcopal areas outside the United States.

Present and future formulas

At present, each jurisdiction having 500,000 church members or fewer is entitled to six bishops. Jurisdictions with more than 500,000 members are entitled to one additional bishop for each 320,000 members. There is a provision for additional bishops if episcopal areas average more than 55,000 square miles.

The task force noted that the current formula results in great inequities in the number of churches per bishop (256 to 928) and the number of members per bishop (58,970 to 225,814).

The new formula provides for one bishop for every 150,000 members or one bishop for 100,000 members in jurisdictions where episcopal areas average more than 55,000 square miles.

*Peck is a retired United Methodist clergyman and four-time editor of the Daily Christian Advocate now serving as an editor for United Methodist News Service during General Conference

Sand Creek Massacre research center supported

Descendants of survivors of the 1864 Sand Creek massacre attend the April 2007 dedication of the Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site near Chivington, Colo. A UMNS file photo by the Rev. Carol Lakota Eastin.

By Deborah White*

FORT WORTH, Texas (UMNS)—Support for The United Methodist Church to contribute $50,000 to the development of a research and learning center at the Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site was expressed April 28 in action by General Conference 2008.

The United Methodist Church's top legislative body authorized the contribution. However, the action will not be final until the conference adopts the denomination's 2009-2012 budget May 2.

The Sand Creek Massacre National Historical Site is a memorial to more than 160 Native Americans – mostly women and children – who were massacred in 1864 by troops led by a Methodist lay preacher, Col. John Chivington. The historic site, 160 miles southeast of Denver, opened to the public in June 2007.

In 1996, the United Methodist General Conference expressed regret for the Sand Creek massacre and issued an apology for the "actions of a prominent Methodist."

The United Methodist Commission on Christian Unity and Interreligious Concerns will work with the United States National Park Service to develop the Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site Research and Learning Center, according to the petition passed by a vote of 426 to 378.

“This is an act that the whole church needs to own,” said Lonnie Brooks, a delegate from the Alaska Missionary Conference and board member of the United Methodist Commission on Christian Unity and Interreligious Concerns.

Opposition to the legislation focused on finances because the $50,000 contribution is not part of the $642 million general church budget. “It should have been included in the budget,” said Jeff Jernigan, a lay delegate from North Georgia.

“We really need to show that we’re in support of healing the generations (of Cheyenne people) that have come out of that story. This is a good thing that the church is doing to fund this,” said the Rev. Alvin Deer, former executive director of the Native American International Caucus.

Josh Davies, a lay delegate from the Rocky Mountain Conference, said, “I urge members to please do our part to wipe this smear off our history.”


*White is associate editor of Interpreter magazine

Display of boots represents ‘human cost of war’

Sally Graham Ernst (left) of Bethel Park, Penn, and Marilyn J. Outslay of Portland, Oregon, walk among boots and shoes that symbolize service people killed in Iraq. The shoes were displayed near the 2008 United Methodist General Conference in Fort Worth, Texas, on April 29. A UMNS photo by Paul Jeffrey.

By Deborah White*

FORT WORTH, Texas (UMNS) — Four United Methodist bishops and a top agency executive spoke passionately about the human cost of war April 29, calling for an end to the war in Iraq during a prayer service for the Eyes Wide Open exhibit.

The temporary display, which remained in General Worth Park until 8 p.m., included a pair of combat boots for every service person from Texas who has died in Iraq and Afghanistan. About 200 pairs of civilian shoes were also on display, representing civilian casualties. General Worth Park is across from the Fort Worth Convention Center, the site of General Conference 2008.

“This bears witness to the cost of war,” said the Rev. Darryl Fairchild, a delegate from West Ohio, who helped organize the exhibit and service of prayer and witness. He is a board member of the American Friends Service Committee, which created the Eyes Wide Open Exhibit.

“These are sacred boots, which elevate this parcel to holy space,” said Bishop John Schol of the Washington, D.C., Area.

The Council of Bishops calls United Methodists to be peacemakers, Schol said. “We believe war is incompatible with Christian teaching and the war in Iraq is an unjust war. We continue to call on the President and Congress of the United States and the leaders of all the nations in the Coalition Forces to begin immediately a safe and full withdrawal of all military personnel from Iraq.”

Jim Winkler, top executive of the United Methodist Board of Church and Society, said, “Tomorrow I hope General Conference will join the bishops.” He was referring to the Peace in Iraq petition, which passed as a consent calendar item approved in the April 30 morning legislative session.

“The war in Iraq must end,” Winkler said. “Hundreds of billions of dollars have been wasted.”

Bishop Charlene Kammerer of Virginia brought the cost of war to a personal level. “Every time my son leaves my porch, I do not know if I will see him again,” she said. Her son, Christopher Hal Kammerer, is serving in the U.S. Navy on the USS LaBoon.

“When your child comes home, it is a mixed blessing, because I know some will never come home,” she said. Many soldiers have returned “maimed and with post-traumatic stress,” she said. “We cannot begin to name the unspeakable loss to mothers in Iraq and Afghanistan.”
In the Democratic Republic of Congo, “everything has been destroyed” because of war, said Bishop Nkulu Ntanda Ntambo of the North Katanga Area. “We lost 4 million people,” he said. He called for The United Methodist Church to “stand strong against the war. It’s evil.”

Poor people have been disproportionately affected by the war, said Bishop Warner H. Brown of the Denver Area. “We have spent billions. Schools are being decimated. … The poor are those you see unemployed because the economy is being destroyed.”

Schol urged the crowd gathered in the park, “Go and tell the story about these boots and the horrible things happening in Iraq. Pray for peace.”

* White is associate editor of Interpreter magazine.

U.S. Christians don’t feel pains of persecution

Faith McDonnell addresses guests on the persecution of Christians during a luncheon hosted by an ecumenical alliance near the Fort Worth (Texas) Convention Center, site of General Conference. A UMNS photo by John C. Goodwin.

By Kathy L. Gilbert*

FORT WORTH, Texas (UMNS) — Christians in the United States “have had an epidural” and are not feeling the birthing pains the rest of the world feels, said Faith McDonnell, an expert on religious persecution.

Citing Mark 13:8, McDonnell said Jesus warned Christians they would suffer for their faith.

“We’re starting to get a taste of it,” she said. “We don’t feel the birth pangs quite the way that our brothers and sisters around the world who are being persecuted for their faith feel them.”

McDonnell shared pictures and told the stories of those around the world who have been tortured and killed for standing up for their faith. She said the testimony of the persecuted is a “warning cry to the world to be ready -- Jesus Christ is coming.”

McDonnell was the keynote speaker at a luncheon sponsored by the Institute on Religion and Democracy. The United Methodist Church is meeting in Fort Worth to decide policy for the denomination during its top legislative session.

“The persecuted church today is still asking God for boldness,” she said.

McDonnell told the story of a young Soviet soldier named Ivan Moiseyev who was punished for talking about God during the Soviet era. He was forced to stand in his summer uniform all night, in temperatures reaching 13 degrees below zero, she said.

“For 12 nights he stayed there, and God miraculously intervened,” she said. “The account of his life says that he wrote back to his parents that an angel had appeared to him and he began to feel supernatural warmth in freezing temperatures.”

In Hebrews 11 and 12, God says “the world is not worthy of them,” McDonnell said of those persecuted for their faith.

With the 9/11 attacks, the United States started feeling some of the pain felt by Christians in other parts of the world, she said.

“When I look at the e-mails I get, my first response is to get very angry and feel hatred toward those who are the persecutors. But then I go back to the promises that God makes that He is going to make things right.”

McDonnell is the director of religious liberty programs and of the Church Alliance for a New Sudan. She is author of Girl Soldier: A Story of Hope for Northern Uganda’s Children. She is a member of Church of the Apostles, Anglican, and serves on the church’s international missions committee.

*Gilbert is a news writer for United Methodist News Service.