Military chaplains retreat strengthens 'wounded healers'
By Hilly Hicks and Kathy L. Gilbert*
Oftentimes the most powerful person on the battlefield is an unarmed, praying chaplain.
Military chaplains live side-by-side with soldiers. They eat, sleep and work with young men and women in dangerous and uncomfortable conditions thousands of miles from family, friends and their United Methodist connections.
Circuit riders in Humvees, they bring a Bible as their only weapon.
The strain of seeing many members of their extended congregation die or receive horrific wounds is challenging, and chaplains have little or no time to tend to their own wounded souls.
Once a year, however, the "wounded healers" come together in Germany for a retreat sponsored by the United Methodist Endorsing Agency, part of the Board of Higher Education and Ministry. This year's gathering was Feb. 16-21 in the little village of Ettal, Germany.
Twelve chaplains and many of their wives and children spent the retreat in periods of worship, round-table discussion and relaxed times of fun and fellowship.
Retired Bishop Woodie W. White came as a special guest to preach, serve communion, counsel and listen to the chaplains. He also joined the Rev. Patricia Barrett, head of the Endorsing Agency, on a visit to the Regional Medical Center in Landstuhl where the war wounded in Afghanistan and Iraq are evacuated for medical attention before being flown back to the United States for further care.
White took his turn with chaplains walking around the medical center - offering prayers with and for the soldiers.
"I could hardly hold back the tears," White wrote in a column following his visit. "Then it was difficult to contain my rage. I was standing with a U.S. chaplain at the bedside of a wounded soldier recently evacuated from Iraq. The soldier was horribly burned over more than 40 percent of his body. Frankly, it was difficult for me to look at him. Then we moved to another bed. Here was a soldier who had both legs blown off."
Refueling and replenishing
United Methodist Chaplain David Smith was one of the U.S. Army chaplains attending the retreat in Germany. Each chaplain was given an opportunity to tell their own stories and to hear from church leadership that they were cared for and prayed for.
Smith recalls the "footlocker counseling" he did everyday with the military police in Fallujah, Iraq.
A simple request, "Hey, chaplain, would you mind stopping in to visit the platoon? They had a really rough day," became a ministry for Smith who came under attack many times himself on his rounds to see his "flock."
As part of a 54-unit ministry team in a task force scattered over an area the size of the U.S. state of Idaho, Smith traveled by vehicle or air to visit the troops. "It was critical for me to be their pastor," said Smith.
As part of Operation Iraqi Freedom during the initial occupation of Iraq, Smith described the experience as very dangerous at the beginning, followed by a period of stability. Then came the 30 days of Ramadan, a religious month of fasting for Muslims and a time of heightened danger for the troops.
"I was traveling prior to and during Ramadan in my Humvee with no doors, sandbags on the floor and really with a fear of God every time I left what I thought was the security of our forward operating base."
Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) are a constant threat in Iraq. Smith went weekly to visit soldiers at a military medical facility and he recalls one period of three close calls with IEDs exploding near his Humvee.
A hospital chaplain and friend suggested he try flying in the next weekend.
"I put an air request in to fly from our headquarters to the hospital, and on the way back that night to the headquarters the engine went out in the helicopter and we caught a hard landing. ... It was like a crash landing," he said. "I'm thinking, 'Lord what are you trying to tell me? Three weekends in a row.' But it was something that I felt was important to visit our wounded soldiers in the hospital."
Like many other soldiers, Smith has never really shared his stories. But sharing them with other chaplains at the retreat was "dynamic, personal and inspirational. It has been a healing experience."
Living with stress
Spouses and families of the chaplains also come to the retreat. Wartime stress for them is very real.
"You'd think that as a chaplain's wife that I'd have this faith that would keep me from feeling fear or feeling worried," said Karen Smith, David's wife. "But the truth is that I had to struggle with those feelings just like any other wife whose husband was deployed to Iraq."
Another Army Chaplain, Scott Weichl, told the group that "being able to reflect on my experiences in Iraq with people I know and trust makes being here at this retreat worth it."
Air Force Chaplain Joel Warren is stationed at Ramstein (Germany) Air Base and greets C-130 aircrafts when they touch down loaded with injured troops from Iraq or Afghanistan. What he has seen as he boards those aircrafts weighs heavily upon him.
"The war does not go away," Warren said. "I can't tell you the importance of sitting down with my fellow United Methodists and being reminded of who we are."
Bishop White said he "gained strength from the experienced, sensitive, compassionate chaplain" at his side in the hospital.
"I shall long remember being with those pastors, talking late into the night, singing songs of the faith, joining together in prayer and Holy Communion," White said. "The moments of deep sharing - and the tears."
*Hicks is director of United Methodist Productions; Gilbert is a United Methodist News Service news writer based in Nashville, Tenn.
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Friday, March 16, 2007
Shared Roots of Christianity, Judaism Explored in Major Exhibition at Emory's Carlos Museum
Emory University's Michael C. Carlos Museum will open a major traveling exhibition tracing the shared roots of Judaism and Christianity, bringing to the United States for the first time the most significant biblical artifacts ever found, including the Temple Scroll, among the most important of the Dead Sea Scrolls.
"Cradle of Christianity: Jewish and Christian Treasures from the Holy Land" explores aspects of early Jewish life and the concurrent birth of Christianity by presenting artifacts drawn from the Israel Museum in Jerusalem, which houses the foremost collection of biblical archeology in the world. Organized by the Israel Museum, the exhibition will be on view at the Carlos Museum from June 16 through Oct. 14, 2007. Groups (10 or more) can make reservations now; individual tickets go on sale April 1.
Using dramatic installations to incorporate original objects excavated in Israel over the last century, "Cradle of Christianity" offers an unprecedented opportunity to examine two periods of major consequence for modern religious history. The first era explores the final days of the Second Temple (the Herodian Period and the 1st century), the time when Jesus of Nazareth lived. The second period examines the concurrent development, side by side, of formative Judaism and Christianity in the Holy Land (4th - 7th centuries). All of the objects are from Israel, the majority of them unearthed in excavations, and some displayed publicly for the first time.
For the Atlanta presentation, Emory scholars in the Department of Religion and Candler School of Theology have come together to enhance the visitor's experience of these ancient treasures, offering their insights and commentary on the audio guide to the exhibition. An array of community educational programs, including lectures, panel discussions and family events featuring Emory experts and others from around the world is planned to inspire further discovery and dialogue. A calendar of these events will be available beginning April 2007 at http://www.carlos.emory.edu. Emory faculty members also are planning undergraduate- and graduate-level coursework in conjunction with the exhibition.
"The need to better understand our great religions has never been more important," says James W. Wagner, president of Emory. "We are proud to bring this pathbreaking exhibition to Atlanta, providing people throughout our region with the opportunity to explore Jewish and Christian traditions and their common roots through ancient works of art. Both the exhibition and the educational opportunities it provides are part of Emory's commitment to build bridges of understanding that will make a difference in the world."
"The very foundation of the Carlos Museum, reaching back to the 1920s, grew from the work of Emory theology faculty and their interests in building resources for teaching biblical history," says Bonnie Speed, director of the Carlos Museum. "Cradle of Christianity renews the museum's early emphasis on the exploration of religious history through compelling works of art. We are thrilled to be able to share these magnificent artifacts with our audiences."
"The archaeological holdings of the Israel Museum represent the world's most significant treasures from the formative period of Judaism and Christianity in the Holy Land. We are pleased to have this opportunity to showcase our Biblical treasures at Emory University to promote intercultural understanding through the shared history of the Christian and Jewish faiths," said James S. Snyder, Anne and Jerome Fisher director of the Israel Museum.
"'Cradle of Christianity'" seeks to synthesize literary sources with finds that have been excavated in Israel, particularly over the past 50 years: architectural remains, liturgical objects from churches, personal belongings of the Christian inhabitants of this land, and souvenirs made for pilgrims.
In the Time of Jesus -- The Second Temple Period
The first section of the exhibition is devoted to the Holy Land at the time of Jesus, presenting important events of his life in the context of first century Jewish life. Unique archaeological finds excavated in Israel portray the world in which Jesus lived, as described by the scriptures and writings of Jewish historian Josephus Flavius. Extraordinary finds from the Temple in Jerusalem as well as stone ossuaries bearing the Hebrew names of Jesus and members of his family and circle will be featured in the exhibition, suggesting how commonplace these names were among the Jewish community in ancient Israel. Also included are artifacts characteristic of the period in which the Last Supper, trial and crucifixion are believed to have taken place, which will provide a new perspective on these events in the New Testament.
Artifacts will include:
+The Temple Scroll (Dead Sea Scroll)
Its scale and subject -- calling for a new legal interpretation of the Torah -- make the Temple Scroll one of the most historically important of the Dead Sea Scrolls.
+The burial ossuary of Caiaphas the High Priest, who, according to the New Testament, delivered Jesus to the Romans and a commemorative inscription bearing the name of Pontius Pilate, representing the only surviving physical testimony of these two prominent figures from the story of the trial of Jesus.
+A burial ossuary inscribed "Judah son of Jesus (Yeshua)" from the East Talpiot tomb in Jerusalem.
+Heel bone of Yehohanan son of Hagkol punctured by an iron nail (replication) -- the only tangible evidence of the practice of crucifixion to have been discovered in archaeological excavations.
+A Graffito of the Menorah, the oldest representation of the menorah that stood in the Temple of Jerusalem, found in the excavations of the Jewish Quarter in Jerusalem and dating to the first century BC (the Second Temple period).
+A stone inscription from the Temple Mount reading "To the place of trumpeting..."
The Rise of Christianity
Because of the scarcity of artifacts that can be firmly connected to Jesus and his activities associated with Christianity in the first centuries, knowledge of the first chapter in the history of Christianity is based primarily on sacred writings. However, there is a wealth of objects dating from the period in which Christianity developed -- the 4th through the 7th centuries. In telling the story of early Christianity and its emergence as a religion, the artifacts included in this section illustrate the religious activities of the Byzantine period: the intensive building of churches, the sanctification of holy shrines associated with Old and New Testament stories, mass pilgrimages. These objects, together with contemporary literary sources, present a rich picture of Christian life in the Holy Land during the Byzantine period, an important chapter in the history of Israel.
Artifacts will include:
+The remains of excavated churches, monasteries and other religious sites, including furnishings, dedicatory inscriptions, reliquaries and liturgical objects.
+Souvenirs and mementos from early Christian pilgrimages to the Holy Land, including vessels for oil and water from holy sites and amulets and tokens bearing religious motifs.
+A full-scale reconstruction of the Chancel of a Byzantine Era church comprised of an original altar, chancel screens, Baptisterium, reliquary and pulpit, and adorned by mosaics.
Early Synagogues and Jewish Symbols
With the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 C.E., the Jews lost their central place of worship and were forced to find alternatives. It took more than two centuries for synagogues to evolve into what people are familiar with today. These houses of prayer where people gathered to study and analyze the scriptures would become the center of the community's spiritual life. Dozens of synagogues, most of them dating from the 4th to the 7th centuries C.E., have been excavated in Galilee, in the Golan and in Judea.
Artifacts will include:
+The remains of excavated synagogues, including capitals, mosaics and marble furnishings, all adorned with Jewish symbols.
+Daily objects decorated with Jewish symbols.
+The two largest three-dimensional Menorahs ever found in excavation
Exhibition Organization
"Cradle of Christianity" is organized by the Israel Museum, Jerusalem. Support for the exhibition in Atlanta was provided by Emory, the CF Foundation, Inc., a friend of the Michael C. Carlos Museum, an anonymous donor and Ferdinand and Monique Seefried.
Lenders to the exhibition include The Israel Museum, Jerusalem; Israel Antiquities Authority; Staff Archaeological Officer in the Civil Administration of Judea and Samaria; David Jeselsohn Collection, Zurich; Wolff Family Collection, Jerusalem; and Deutsches Evangelisches Institut fur Altertumswissenschaft des Heiligen Landes, Jerusalem.
The exhibition is presented in collaboration with The Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage, Cleveland, the Museum of Art Fort Lauderdale and the Michael C. Carlos Museum of Emory.
It is curated by David Mevorah, curator of Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine Archaeology, and Yael Israeli, senior curator (emeritus) for archaeology and ancient glass, with a contribution by Adolfo Roitman, head of the Shrine of the Book and curator of the Dead Sea Scrolls. All artifacts are on loan from the Israel Museum, Jerusalem, and the Israel Antiquities Authority.
The Michael C. Carlos Museum brings visitors in contact with masterworks from Egypt, the Near East, Greece, Rome, the Americas, Asia and sub-Saharan Africa, as well as prints and drawings from the Middle Ages to the present day, all housed in the stunning spaces of a building by world-renowned architect Michael Graves. An exciting array of special exhibitions, lectures, concerts and programs for children and families make the Carlos Museum a dynamic destination to experience the world's great art.
Emory University is one of the nation's leading private research universities and a member of the Association of American Universities. Known for its demanding academics, outstanding undergraduate college of arts and sciences, highly ranked professional schools and state-of-the-art research facilities, Emory is ranked as one of the country's top 20 national universities by U.S. News & World Report.
Emory University's Michael C. Carlos Museum will open a major traveling exhibition tracing the shared roots of Judaism and Christianity, bringing to the United States for the first time the most significant biblical artifacts ever found, including the Temple Scroll, among the most important of the Dead Sea Scrolls.
"Cradle of Christianity: Jewish and Christian Treasures from the Holy Land" explores aspects of early Jewish life and the concurrent birth of Christianity by presenting artifacts drawn from the Israel Museum in Jerusalem, which houses the foremost collection of biblical archeology in the world. Organized by the Israel Museum, the exhibition will be on view at the Carlos Museum from June 16 through Oct. 14, 2007. Groups (10 or more) can make reservations now; individual tickets go on sale April 1.
Using dramatic installations to incorporate original objects excavated in Israel over the last century, "Cradle of Christianity" offers an unprecedented opportunity to examine two periods of major consequence for modern religious history. The first era explores the final days of the Second Temple (the Herodian Period and the 1st century), the time when Jesus of Nazareth lived. The second period examines the concurrent development, side by side, of formative Judaism and Christianity in the Holy Land (4th - 7th centuries). All of the objects are from Israel, the majority of them unearthed in excavations, and some displayed publicly for the first time.
For the Atlanta presentation, Emory scholars in the Department of Religion and Candler School of Theology have come together to enhance the visitor's experience of these ancient treasures, offering their insights and commentary on the audio guide to the exhibition. An array of community educational programs, including lectures, panel discussions and family events featuring Emory experts and others from around the world is planned to inspire further discovery and dialogue. A calendar of these events will be available beginning April 2007 at http://www.carlos.emory.edu. Emory faculty members also are planning undergraduate- and graduate-level coursework in conjunction with the exhibition.
"The need to better understand our great religions has never been more important," says James W. Wagner, president of Emory. "We are proud to bring this pathbreaking exhibition to Atlanta, providing people throughout our region with the opportunity to explore Jewish and Christian traditions and their common roots through ancient works of art. Both the exhibition and the educational opportunities it provides are part of Emory's commitment to build bridges of understanding that will make a difference in the world."
"The very foundation of the Carlos Museum, reaching back to the 1920s, grew from the work of Emory theology faculty and their interests in building resources for teaching biblical history," says Bonnie Speed, director of the Carlos Museum. "Cradle of Christianity renews the museum's early emphasis on the exploration of religious history through compelling works of art. We are thrilled to be able to share these magnificent artifacts with our audiences."
"The archaeological holdings of the Israel Museum represent the world's most significant treasures from the formative period of Judaism and Christianity in the Holy Land. We are pleased to have this opportunity to showcase our Biblical treasures at Emory University to promote intercultural understanding through the shared history of the Christian and Jewish faiths," said James S. Snyder, Anne and Jerome Fisher director of the Israel Museum.
"'Cradle of Christianity'" seeks to synthesize literary sources with finds that have been excavated in Israel, particularly over the past 50 years: architectural remains, liturgical objects from churches, personal belongings of the Christian inhabitants of this land, and souvenirs made for pilgrims.
In the Time of Jesus -- The Second Temple Period
The first section of the exhibition is devoted to the Holy Land at the time of Jesus, presenting important events of his life in the context of first century Jewish life. Unique archaeological finds excavated in Israel portray the world in which Jesus lived, as described by the scriptures and writings of Jewish historian Josephus Flavius. Extraordinary finds from the Temple in Jerusalem as well as stone ossuaries bearing the Hebrew names of Jesus and members of his family and circle will be featured in the exhibition, suggesting how commonplace these names were among the Jewish community in ancient Israel. Also included are artifacts characteristic of the period in which the Last Supper, trial and crucifixion are believed to have taken place, which will provide a new perspective on these events in the New Testament.
Artifacts will include:
+The Temple Scroll (Dead Sea Scroll)
Its scale and subject -- calling for a new legal interpretation of the Torah -- make the Temple Scroll one of the most historically important of the Dead Sea Scrolls.
+The burial ossuary of Caiaphas the High Priest, who, according to the New Testament, delivered Jesus to the Romans and a commemorative inscription bearing the name of Pontius Pilate, representing the only surviving physical testimony of these two prominent figures from the story of the trial of Jesus.
+A burial ossuary inscribed "Judah son of Jesus (Yeshua)" from the East Talpiot tomb in Jerusalem.
+Heel bone of Yehohanan son of Hagkol punctured by an iron nail (replication) -- the only tangible evidence of the practice of crucifixion to have been discovered in archaeological excavations.
+A Graffito of the Menorah, the oldest representation of the menorah that stood in the Temple of Jerusalem, found in the excavations of the Jewish Quarter in Jerusalem and dating to the first century BC (the Second Temple period).
+A stone inscription from the Temple Mount reading "To the place of trumpeting..."
The Rise of Christianity
Because of the scarcity of artifacts that can be firmly connected to Jesus and his activities associated with Christianity in the first centuries, knowledge of the first chapter in the history of Christianity is based primarily on sacred writings. However, there is a wealth of objects dating from the period in which Christianity developed -- the 4th through the 7th centuries. In telling the story of early Christianity and its emergence as a religion, the artifacts included in this section illustrate the religious activities of the Byzantine period: the intensive building of churches, the sanctification of holy shrines associated with Old and New Testament stories, mass pilgrimages. These objects, together with contemporary literary sources, present a rich picture of Christian life in the Holy Land during the Byzantine period, an important chapter in the history of Israel.
Artifacts will include:
+The remains of excavated churches, monasteries and other religious sites, including furnishings, dedicatory inscriptions, reliquaries and liturgical objects.
+Souvenirs and mementos from early Christian pilgrimages to the Holy Land, including vessels for oil and water from holy sites and amulets and tokens bearing religious motifs.
+A full-scale reconstruction of the Chancel of a Byzantine Era church comprised of an original altar, chancel screens, Baptisterium, reliquary and pulpit, and adorned by mosaics.
Early Synagogues and Jewish Symbols
With the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 C.E., the Jews lost their central place of worship and were forced to find alternatives. It took more than two centuries for synagogues to evolve into what people are familiar with today. These houses of prayer where people gathered to study and analyze the scriptures would become the center of the community's spiritual life. Dozens of synagogues, most of them dating from the 4th to the 7th centuries C.E., have been excavated in Galilee, in the Golan and in Judea.
Artifacts will include:
+The remains of excavated synagogues, including capitals, mosaics and marble furnishings, all adorned with Jewish symbols.
+Daily objects decorated with Jewish symbols.
+The two largest three-dimensional Menorahs ever found in excavation
Exhibition Organization
"Cradle of Christianity" is organized by the Israel Museum, Jerusalem. Support for the exhibition in Atlanta was provided by Emory, the CF Foundation, Inc., a friend of the Michael C. Carlos Museum, an anonymous donor and Ferdinand and Monique Seefried.
Lenders to the exhibition include The Israel Museum, Jerusalem; Israel Antiquities Authority; Staff Archaeological Officer in the Civil Administration of Judea and Samaria; David Jeselsohn Collection, Zurich; Wolff Family Collection, Jerusalem; and Deutsches Evangelisches Institut fur Altertumswissenschaft des Heiligen Landes, Jerusalem.
The exhibition is presented in collaboration with The Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage, Cleveland, the Museum of Art Fort Lauderdale and the Michael C. Carlos Museum of Emory.
It is curated by David Mevorah, curator of Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine Archaeology, and Yael Israeli, senior curator (emeritus) for archaeology and ancient glass, with a contribution by Adolfo Roitman, head of the Shrine of the Book and curator of the Dead Sea Scrolls. All artifacts are on loan from the Israel Museum, Jerusalem, and the Israel Antiquities Authority.
The Michael C. Carlos Museum brings visitors in contact with masterworks from Egypt, the Near East, Greece, Rome, the Americas, Asia and sub-Saharan Africa, as well as prints and drawings from the Middle Ages to the present day, all housed in the stunning spaces of a building by world-renowned architect Michael Graves. An exciting array of special exhibitions, lectures, concerts and programs for children and families make the Carlos Museum a dynamic destination to experience the world's great art.
Emory University is one of the nation's leading private research universities and a member of the Association of American Universities. Known for its demanding academics, outstanding undergraduate college of arts and sciences, highly ranked professional schools and state-of-the-art research facilities, Emory is ranked as one of the country's top 20 national universities by U.S. News & World Report.
Thursday, March 08, 2007
Wesley Seminary Program Seeks To Meet Crucial Need in Suicide Prevention
A major step in bringing the vast resources of religious groups to bear on the task of suicide prevention has been launched by Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, DC. Beginning with the 2007 fall semester, Wesley will offer a six course certificate program in Suicide Awareness Ministry.
Faith-based communities can play an essential role in suicide prevention. That reality becomes increasingly clear as suicides have reached 30,000 a year, with nearly one million suicide attempts.
"We are convinced that laity, clergy and non-professionals working in suicide prevention can be trained to create teams within each local congregation," said Professor Susan Willhauck, Director of the Equipping Lay Ministry program at Wesley. She added, "Washington is an excellent location for the studies to take place. Over a dozen organizations in the area are at work on various phases of research, clinical, pastoral care and advocacy related to suicide prevention."
Students will have the opportunity to learn directly from members of these groups as they probe biblical, historical, theological and ethical perspectives. They will also become better informed with their own community's stand on suicide.
Among the program planners and instructors is Dr. James T. Clemons, author of What does the Bible say about Suicide? and editor of Sermons on Suicide. He is Professor Emeritus of New Testament at Wesley, where he taught for twenty-eight years.
Details, Application and Registration on the Equipping Lay Ministry Program are at www.wesleyseminary.edu. For more information about the certificate program, contact Sula Tyler at 202-885-8720 or styler@wesleyseminary.edu.
A major step in bringing the vast resources of religious groups to bear on the task of suicide prevention has been launched by Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, DC. Beginning with the 2007 fall semester, Wesley will offer a six course certificate program in Suicide Awareness Ministry.
Faith-based communities can play an essential role in suicide prevention. That reality becomes increasingly clear as suicides have reached 30,000 a year, with nearly one million suicide attempts.
"We are convinced that laity, clergy and non-professionals working in suicide prevention can be trained to create teams within each local congregation," said Professor Susan Willhauck, Director of the Equipping Lay Ministry program at Wesley. She added, "Washington is an excellent location for the studies to take place. Over a dozen organizations in the area are at work on various phases of research, clinical, pastoral care and advocacy related to suicide prevention."
Students will have the opportunity to learn directly from members of these groups as they probe biblical, historical, theological and ethical perspectives. They will also become better informed with their own community's stand on suicide.
Among the program planners and instructors is Dr. James T. Clemons, author of What does the Bible say about Suicide? and editor of Sermons on Suicide. He is Professor Emeritus of New Testament at Wesley, where he taught for twenty-eight years.
Details, Application and Registration on the Equipping Lay Ministry Program are at www.wesleyseminary.edu. For more information about the certificate program, contact Sula Tyler at 202-885-8720 or styler@wesleyseminary.edu.
Church helps teens become better moms
WEST LAFAYETTE, Indiana (UMNS)-Instead of finishing her senior year in high school with friends, Jamie Hurst, 18, has some new responsibilities-caring for her infant daughter and working to help pay the bills for her family.
Jamie Hurst, 18, feeds her daughter, Taelor, who was born prematurely last May. UMNS photos by John Gordon.
"There are times where I just go, 'Man, I wish we would have waited,' because I don't know how I'm going to get through this next step," said Hurst.
Her daughter, Taelor, was born prematurely last May. Hurst, then 17, took time off from school to care for her child, and she and her husband live with his parents while the young couple works at a fast-food restaurant.
Hurst is not alone as she struggles to raise her daughter. She and about two dozen teen moms and mothers-to-be get help and encouragement from the Teen MOPS (Mothers of Pre-Schoolers) program at First United Methodist Church in West Lafayette.
"They get funny looks in the grocery store-the 'babies having babies' comments that people make," said Melissa Garcia, a church member who coordinates the ministry. "So it's nice for them to know that there are people out there that do want to help them."
MOPS members attend weekly meetings and learn about writing job resumes, performing CPR on infants and balancing their family budgets. They also enjoy dinner and arts and crafts.
For attending the meetings, members earn credits that can be used to shop at the MOPS Mart for diapers, toys, clothing and other baby items donated by church members.
"We couldn't afford a lot; we don't make that much money," said Hurst. "If it wasn't for MOPS, we wouldn't have half the stuff we do."
Seeking a better life
Hurst is taking correspondence courses from her high school and is determined to return to classes and earn her degree. After that, she plans to attend a business school and, one day, start her own business.
"The one thing that helps me is I look at that little girl and I know that I need to do things that are going to get me to a place where I can afford everything that she needs," said Hurst.
The church provides transportation for the teen moms, and church volunteers also serve as "mentor mothers."
"Just having someone to talk to makes a difference, especially if they've stopped going to school and they're at home with that baby all the time," said Garcia. "… A lot of them have very low self-esteem. And they don't have good role models to learn from."
Overcoming fear of judgment
Garcia believes some teen moms are nervous about coming to a church for the program.
"I think that they're afraid of being judged," she said. "And if I were 16 and pregnant, a church might not be the first place I would want to go either."
MOPS member Candice Pigee, a 10th-grader who cares for her 18-month-old Angel, said the program has given her good advice as well as clothes and diapers.
"It's nice to actually talk to other teens that have kids, too, kind of going through the same problem you are-being pregnant, young, trying to get through school, and actually understand," said Pigee, who lives with her mother and wants to finish high school, attend college and become a nurse.
Garcia says many teen moms face rejection from their families, making raising their children even more difficult.
"For them to want better is often a big step outside of their comfort zone," she said. "We want to help them be the best mothers they can be."
Teen moms often were seeking love and affection when they became pregnant. "They still need that," said Garcia. "If you see a young mom in the grocery store, just smile at her. Sometimes that makes a big difference."
*Gordon is a freelance producer and writer based in Marshall, Texas.
Controversial Native American mascot retired
By John Coleman*
United Methodist Janet E. Super demonstrates against the Cleveland Indians baseball team for using a Native American image as a mascot. A UMNS file photo by Paul Jeffrey.
WASHINGTON (UMNS)--The recent retirement of Chief Illiniwek, the University of Illinois' controversial athletics program mascot, has drawn intense reactions from both fans and opponents, including affirmation from many Native American United Methodists.
Trustees of the university, located in Champaign, bowed to pressure from the National Collegiate Athletics Association, which in 2005 barred teams with nicknames and symbols considered offensive to Native Americans from hosting or competing in its lucrative postseason tournaments.
The regulatory body banned Chief Illiniwek as a "hostile and abusive" image of American Indians and rejected the university's appeal in 2006, while allowing the school to continue using the nickname "Fighting Illini," named for now-extinct Indian tribes that once populated the area.
Nearly a dozen NCAA-member schools have retired their Native American names, symbols and/or mascots since the prohibition, although dozens more have done so since 1969 when Dartmouth University became the first. Trustees at United Methodist-related McMurry University in Abilene, Texas, voted last October to stop calling its teams the Indians.
Chief Illiniwek's fans, including many United Methodists, ardently defend his halftime dancing performances at home games as a source and symbol of intense school pride. Some see him as depicting a proud Native American warrior and celebrating what they believe are Native American traditions.
Thirty-five white students have portrayed the chief since 1926, wearing imitation buckskin garb with a feathered headdress and facial paint. Two current portrayers have filed a right-to-free-speech lawsuit to prevent the university from discontinuing his appearances and to end NCAA sanctions against the school.
However, many Native Americans and advocates of all races view such portrayals as exaggerated misrepresentations of Native tradition and they deplore the disrespectful behaviors that they inspire among some fans.
Hostile environment
"These mascots treat Native people as things and give the impression that they are less than human and less than worthy of respect," said Suanne Ware-Diaz, a staff executive of the United Methodist Commission on Religion and Race in Washington. "They also create a hostile environment for Native American students on campus and too often lead to threats and violence."
Ware-Diaz said she and other Native American staff of Christian agencies are discussing ways to address threats and violence committed against Native students at Illinois and other schools facing the mascot issue. Reports of those incidents have increased since the school retired the chief on Feb. 21.
"Preliminary research suggests the level of (hate) crime is higher than (in) comparable schools without Native American mascots," reported the Center for the Study of Sport in Society, a respected research and advocacy organization established in 1984 at Northeastern University in Boston. According to statistics generated by the U.S. Department of Justice, Native Americans are four times more likely than any other race or ethnic group to be victims of violent hate crimes.
"Schools should do away with Native American mascots not just because their use is demeaning and creates an unsafe environment for people," said center director Peter Roby, "but it sends the wrong message about values, which is inappropriate given the setting it is used in, which is education."
Painful history
"Native people have spoken out for years about the damage done by mascots in sports, media and advertising," said Ware-Diaz, a member of the Kiowa tribe in Oklahoma.
"Others keep saying it honors our people, but we've been telling them for years that it dishonors us. Chief Illiniwek dances up the football field and basketball court doing a high-kicking dance that you would never see done at a powwow by real Indians. Our dances and regalia are sacred and based in prayer; they are not intended for entertainment and sporting events."
Bishop Sharon Brown Christopher, leader of the Illinois Great Rivers Conference, responded to the Illinois decision by citing resolution 130 passed by the denomination's 2004 General Conference. It described the use of Native American names and images in sports as "demeaning and racist" and urged their abolishment.
"The action taken by the trustees of the University of Illinois regarding the retirement of Chief Illiniwek is a positive response to the recommendation passed by the 2004 General Conference of The United Methodist Church," said the bishop. "The church's resolution approved at that time states, 'We support efforts throughout our society to replace such nicknames, mascots and symbols.'"
"I'm sure it wasn't easy for the Board of Trustees, but it's the right thing to do," said the Rev. Sylvester Weatherall, pastor of Grace and Kumler United Methodist churches in Springfield, Ill., and chairman of the conference Commission on Religion and Race.
"For many people, the chief is the face of the university; removing him means removing the school's image. But I come down on the side of our Native American brothers and sisters who have suffered the consequences of this mascot."
Sparking debate
The controversy ignited in 2001 when the Commission on Religion and Race gave a $10,000 grant from its Minority Group Self-Determination Fund to the Illinois chapter of the National Coalition on Racism in Sports and Media to aid in its campaign to retire Chief Illiniwek. Both the agency and the conference received irate letters and phone calls from Illinois fans.
"Surely there is a consensus among us that racism in all its forms must be eradicated from our civil and faith communities," wrote the bishop and cabinet in a letter to conference members.
The controversy prompted 90 United Methodists to gather at a church in Champaign that spring to worship, listen and dialogue in a "Talking Circle." There they learned about Native American culture, spirituality and the pain caused by racial stereotypes and misappropriated symbols.
The Rev. Carol Lakota Eastin, then a local missionary, co-led the event. Now pastor of the new Dayspring Native American Fellowship, a United Methodist church outside of Peoria, she remembers the discord and divisiveness that led Chief Illiniwek supporters to express their anger, leave churches and withhold offerings.
"The listening event was positive for those who came to listen, but some came with their agendas and didn't want to hear us," she said.
Eastin, like others contacted for reactions to the mascot decision, was cautious in responding.
"This issue has been a very divisive one in our community and in the church," she said. "It has challenged us to listen and to articulate, to be educated about the power of images for both the chief fans and the Indians. It has forced us to deal with a wounding past and continued grief, and to ask the question, 'What is all this emotion, all this anger about?'
"It's been wrenching to see church members pitted against each other over a sports icon," she added. "Now, after the (chief's) last dance, perhaps the healing can begin. For Christians on both sides of this issue, the love of Jesus Christ must prevail."
*Coleman is a communications specialist for the General Commission on Religion and Race in Washington, D.C.
Trustees of the university, located in Champaign, bowed to pressure from the National Collegiate Athletics Association, which in 2005 barred teams with nicknames and symbols considered offensive to Native Americans from hosting or competing in its lucrative postseason tournaments.
The regulatory body banned Chief Illiniwek as a "hostile and abusive" image of American Indians and rejected the university's appeal in 2006, while allowing the school to continue using the nickname "Fighting Illini," named for now-extinct Indian tribes that once populated the area.
Nearly a dozen NCAA-member schools have retired their Native American names, symbols and/or mascots since the prohibition, although dozens more have done so since 1969 when Dartmouth University became the first. Trustees at United Methodist-related McMurry University in Abilene, Texas, voted last October to stop calling its teams the Indians.
Chief Illiniwek's fans, including many United Methodists, ardently defend his halftime dancing performances at home games as a source and symbol of intense school pride. Some see him as depicting a proud Native American warrior and celebrating what they believe are Native American traditions.
Thirty-five white students have portrayed the chief since 1926, wearing imitation buckskin garb with a feathered headdress and facial paint. Two current portrayers have filed a right-to-free-speech lawsuit to prevent the university from discontinuing his appearances and to end NCAA sanctions against the school.
However, many Native Americans and advocates of all races view such portrayals as exaggerated misrepresentations of Native tradition and they deplore the disrespectful behaviors that they inspire among some fans.
Hostile environment
"These mascots treat Native people as things and give the impression that they are less than human and less than worthy of respect," said Suanne Ware-Diaz, a staff executive of the United Methodist Commission on Religion and Race in Washington. "They also create a hostile environment for Native American students on campus and too often lead to threats and violence."
Ware-Diaz said she and other Native American staff of Christian agencies are discussing ways to address threats and violence committed against Native students at Illinois and other schools facing the mascot issue. Reports of those incidents have increased since the school retired the chief on Feb. 21.
"Preliminary research suggests the level of (hate) crime is higher than (in) comparable schools without Native American mascots," reported the Center for the Study of Sport in Society, a respected research and advocacy organization established in 1984 at Northeastern University in Boston. According to statistics generated by the U.S. Department of Justice, Native Americans are four times more likely than any other race or ethnic group to be victims of violent hate crimes.
"Schools should do away with Native American mascots not just because their use is demeaning and creates an unsafe environment for people," said center director Peter Roby, "but it sends the wrong message about values, which is inappropriate given the setting it is used in, which is education."
Painful history
"Native people have spoken out for years about the damage done by mascots in sports, media and advertising," said Ware-Diaz, a member of the Kiowa tribe in Oklahoma.
"Others keep saying it honors our people, but we've been telling them for years that it dishonors us. Chief Illiniwek dances up the football field and basketball court doing a high-kicking dance that you would never see done at a powwow by real Indians. Our dances and regalia are sacred and based in prayer; they are not intended for entertainment and sporting events."
Bishop Sharon Brown Christopher, leader of the Illinois Great Rivers Conference, responded to the Illinois decision by citing resolution 130 passed by the denomination's 2004 General Conference. It described the use of Native American names and images in sports as "demeaning and racist" and urged their abolishment.
"The action taken by the trustees of the University of Illinois regarding the retirement of Chief Illiniwek is a positive response to the recommendation passed by the 2004 General Conference of The United Methodist Church," said the bishop. "The church's resolution approved at that time states, 'We support efforts throughout our society to replace such nicknames, mascots and symbols.'"
"I'm sure it wasn't easy for the Board of Trustees, but it's the right thing to do," said the Rev. Sylvester Weatherall, pastor of Grace and Kumler United Methodist churches in Springfield, Ill., and chairman of the conference Commission on Religion and Race.
"For many people, the chief is the face of the university; removing him means removing the school's image. But I come down on the side of our Native American brothers and sisters who have suffered the consequences of this mascot."
Sparking debate
The controversy ignited in 2001 when the Commission on Religion and Race gave a $10,000 grant from its Minority Group Self-Determination Fund to the Illinois chapter of the National Coalition on Racism in Sports and Media to aid in its campaign to retire Chief Illiniwek. Both the agency and the conference received irate letters and phone calls from Illinois fans.
"Surely there is a consensus among us that racism in all its forms must be eradicated from our civil and faith communities," wrote the bishop and cabinet in a letter to conference members.
The controversy prompted 90 United Methodists to gather at a church in Champaign that spring to worship, listen and dialogue in a "Talking Circle." There they learned about Native American culture, spirituality and the pain caused by racial stereotypes and misappropriated symbols.
The Rev. Carol Lakota Eastin, then a local missionary, co-led the event. Now pastor of the new Dayspring Native American Fellowship, a United Methodist church outside of Peoria, she remembers the discord and divisiveness that led Chief Illiniwek supporters to express their anger, leave churches and withhold offerings.
"The listening event was positive for those who came to listen, but some came with their agendas and didn't want to hear us," she said.
Eastin, like others contacted for reactions to the mascot decision, was cautious in responding.
"This issue has been a very divisive one in our community and in the church," she said. "It has challenged us to listen and to articulate, to be educated about the power of images for both the chief fans and the Indians. It has forced us to deal with a wounding past and continued grief, and to ask the question, 'What is all this emotion, all this anger about?'
"It's been wrenching to see church members pitted against each other over a sports icon," she added. "Now, after the (chief's) last dance, perhaps the healing can begin. For Christians on both sides of this issue, the love of Jesus Christ must prevail."
*Coleman is a communications specialist for the General Commission on Religion and Race in Washington, D.C.
Wednesday, March 07, 2007
Jones to leave Commission on Religion and Race
A UMNS Report By John Coleman*
WASHINGTON (UMNS)--The Rev. Chester Jones, top executive of the United Methodist Commission on Religion and Race, plans to leave the agency to return as a district superintendent in the Arkansas Annual (regional) Conference.
On July 31, he will leave behind the agency that advocates and monitors the denomination for racial inclusiveness.
WASHINGTON (UMNS)--The Rev. Chester Jones, top executive of the United Methodist Commission on Religion and Race, plans to leave the agency to return as a district superintendent in the Arkansas Annual (regional) Conference.
On July 31, he will leave behind the agency that advocates and monitors the denomination for racial inclusiveness.
The Rev. Chester Jones is leaving his job as top executive of the United Methodist Commission on Religion and Race. A UMNS photo by Mike DuBose.
An Arkansas native, Jones accepted the invitation of Bishop Charles N. Crutchfield to join his cabinet and provide leadership in a conference created in 2004 from the merger of the Little Rock and North Arkansas conferences. He will supervise about 70 churches as superintendent of the South Central District, based in Hot Springs, Ark.
"I'm overjoyed that Dr. Jones has accepted my request to join us," said Crutchfield, "because for years, he has been one of the premier leaders in the Arkansas Conference, with a tremendous reputation among pastors and laity here for his leadership and pastoral skills.
"He will add the important perspective of the African-American experience to our cabinet and contribute from his own experience in helping to foster racial/ethnic diversity throughout our denomination."
Jones was superintendent of the Pine Bluff District in the Little Rock Conference for six years before becoming the commission's third general secretary in 1999.
"I consider this a Macedonian call, like that experienced by the Apostle Paul," said Jones, "to come home and help our newly merged conference develop a unified culture of discipleship, congregational vitality and leadership development."
Jones previously was pastor of the then-predominantly white Hunter United Methodist Church in Little Rock-the conference's first cross-racial appointment for a senior pastor. Prior to that, he worked for the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries as a field representative for its Office of Town and Country Ministries and as a consultant for its Ethnic Minority Local Church missional priority work.
Bishop Linda Lee, president of the commission, thanked Jones for his service and leadership, while affirming the significance of his new appointment.
"Dr. Jones has enriched our ministry with his keen theological perspectives on race and racism and with the articles, booklets and other resources he has developed on cross-racial appointments, the ministry of racial reconciliation, multicultural concerns, old and new manifestations of prejudice and other key topics," Lee said. "We are grateful for all he has done in his ministry with us, and we appreciate the great need for his gifts in his home conference at this critical time in its development."
The commission is scheduled to meet March 15-17 and will assign a committee to begin a search process for a new general secretary.
*Coleman is communications specialist for the United Methodist Commission on Religion and Race in Washington.
An Arkansas native, Jones accepted the invitation of Bishop Charles N. Crutchfield to join his cabinet and provide leadership in a conference created in 2004 from the merger of the Little Rock and North Arkansas conferences. He will supervise about 70 churches as superintendent of the South Central District, based in Hot Springs, Ark.
"I'm overjoyed that Dr. Jones has accepted my request to join us," said Crutchfield, "because for years, he has been one of the premier leaders in the Arkansas Conference, with a tremendous reputation among pastors and laity here for his leadership and pastoral skills.
"He will add the important perspective of the African-American experience to our cabinet and contribute from his own experience in helping to foster racial/ethnic diversity throughout our denomination."
Jones was superintendent of the Pine Bluff District in the Little Rock Conference for six years before becoming the commission's third general secretary in 1999.
"I consider this a Macedonian call, like that experienced by the Apostle Paul," said Jones, "to come home and help our newly merged conference develop a unified culture of discipleship, congregational vitality and leadership development."
Jones previously was pastor of the then-predominantly white Hunter United Methodist Church in Little Rock-the conference's first cross-racial appointment for a senior pastor. Prior to that, he worked for the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries as a field representative for its Office of Town and Country Ministries and as a consultant for its Ethnic Minority Local Church missional priority work.
Bishop Linda Lee, president of the commission, thanked Jones for his service and leadership, while affirming the significance of his new appointment.
"Dr. Jones has enriched our ministry with his keen theological perspectives on race and racism and with the articles, booklets and other resources he has developed on cross-racial appointments, the ministry of racial reconciliation, multicultural concerns, old and new manifestations of prejudice and other key topics," Lee said. "We are grateful for all he has done in his ministry with us, and we appreciate the great need for his gifts in his home conference at this critical time in its development."
The commission is scheduled to meet March 15-17 and will assign a committee to begin a search process for a new general secretary.
*Coleman is communications specialist for the United Methodist Commission on Religion and Race in Washington.
Tuesday, March 06, 2007
Division Examines Danger of Mercury-Containing Vaccines, Drugs
United Methodist Women members and friends from across the United States are invited to attend a conference to raise awareness about mercury as a preservative in some vaccines and other drugs. The Women’s Division of the United Methodist General Board of Global Ministries will sponsor “The Truth is Coming to Light” event June 6-7 at Simpsonwood Retreat Center near Atlanta.
The event will educate the faith community about the dangers of vaccines and other drugs that contain the mercury-preservative Thimerosal as a step toward protecting children from this toxin.
At the conclusion of this educational event, two grassroots organizations, Moms Against Mercury and the Coalition for Mercury-free Drugs (CoMeD) will hold a rally at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and a press conference nearby in Atlanta.
“We are absolutely not opposed to vaccinating children,” said Julie Taylor, Women’s Division executive. “We think vaccinations are important to the health and safety of children, but even a trace amount of mercury, a known neuro-toxin, should not be injected into our bodies. If there is mercury in any medicine we are given, we should know about it.”
The Women’s Division is sponsoring this educational event and will support the coalitions in their public witness and press conference. The division calls for informed consent whenever persons receive vaccinations that contain mercury and also advocates that mercury be removed from all medicines.
In April 2006, the Women’s Division Board of Directors called on the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, the Food and Drug Administration, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to take action to protect children from mercury-containing drugs.
United Methodist Women have established a legacy of advocacy for children. Some of this work has taken place through the Campaign for Children. The campaign has focused on improving the lives of children in their communities, safety and well-being of children, and access of all children to quality public education.
“The children and families that are affected by mercury- poisoning are marginalized in their efforts to uncover the truth about this toxin,” Ms. Taylor said. “They are individuals questioning large agencies of the government and pharmaceutical companies about the use of mercury.
“We hope member of United Methodist Women will come to this event to be informed and become a part of the effort to raise awareness about this issue in their communities.
To register for this event, contact Beverly Irving. Call: 212-870-3751. Email: jbirving@gbgm-umc.org. The registration deadline is April 1. For information on the history of United Methodist Women’s work with issues related to mercury poisoning and children’s health, visit www.umwmission.org.
United Methodist Women members and friends from across the United States are invited to attend a conference to raise awareness about mercury as a preservative in some vaccines and other drugs. The Women’s Division of the United Methodist General Board of Global Ministries will sponsor “The Truth is Coming to Light” event June 6-7 at Simpsonwood Retreat Center near Atlanta.
The event will educate the faith community about the dangers of vaccines and other drugs that contain the mercury-preservative Thimerosal as a step toward protecting children from this toxin.
At the conclusion of this educational event, two grassroots organizations, Moms Against Mercury and the Coalition for Mercury-free Drugs (CoMeD) will hold a rally at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and a press conference nearby in Atlanta.
“We are absolutely not opposed to vaccinating children,” said Julie Taylor, Women’s Division executive. “We think vaccinations are important to the health and safety of children, but even a trace amount of mercury, a known neuro-toxin, should not be injected into our bodies. If there is mercury in any medicine we are given, we should know about it.”
The Women’s Division is sponsoring this educational event and will support the coalitions in their public witness and press conference. The division calls for informed consent whenever persons receive vaccinations that contain mercury and also advocates that mercury be removed from all medicines.
In April 2006, the Women’s Division Board of Directors called on the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, the Food and Drug Administration, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to take action to protect children from mercury-containing drugs.
United Methodist Women have established a legacy of advocacy for children. Some of this work has taken place through the Campaign for Children. The campaign has focused on improving the lives of children in their communities, safety and well-being of children, and access of all children to quality public education.
“The children and families that are affected by mercury- poisoning are marginalized in their efforts to uncover the truth about this toxin,” Ms. Taylor said. “They are individuals questioning large agencies of the government and pharmaceutical companies about the use of mercury.
“We hope member of United Methodist Women will come to this event to be informed and become a part of the effort to raise awareness about this issue in their communities.
To register for this event, contact Beverly Irving. Call: 212-870-3751. Email: jbirving@gbgm-umc.org. The registration deadline is April 1. For information on the history of United Methodist Women’s work with issues related to mercury poisoning and children’s health, visit www.umwmission.org.
Consultation examines court ruling on pastoral authority
A UMNS Report
By Linda Green*
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS)-A ruling about pastoral authority by the highest court of The United Methodist Church revealed conflicts over church membership criteria, ecclesiology and the authority given to appointed leaders.
Those conflicts were explored as pastors, bishops, theologians, seminary deans and denominational staff members gathered Feb. 15-16 in a consultation over implications of Judicial Council Decision 1032 in the case of a Virginia pastor who blocked a homosexual man from church membership. The consultation was sponsored by the United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry, which oversees the church's licensed and ordained leadership.
The Rev. Edward H. Johnson, senior pastor of South Hill (Va.) United Methodist Church, was placed on involuntary leave of absence in June 2005 by a vote of fellow clergy of the Virginia Annual Conference after he refused to receive the homosexual man into membership, saying the man would neither repent nor seek to live a different lifestyle. The Judicial Council ruled in October 2005 that United Methodist pastors have authority to decide who becomes a member of a local church and reinstated Johnson. Johnson has since been appointed pastor at Dahlgren (Va.) United Methodist Church.
Specifically, the Judicial Council ruled that "the pastor in charge of a United Methodist Church or charge is solely responsible for making the determination of a person's readiness to receive the vows of membership." The word "solely" has especially generated emotionally and politically charged conversations throughout the church about pastoral authority and the power of United Methodist bishops.
The Rev. Jerome King Del Pino, top executive of the Board of Higher Education and Ministry, said the heated debate highlights the need for focused, careful and continuing dialogue about the theological, ecclesial and pastoral implications of the council's action.
"The church craves clarity about how to understand and live out its mission that is at once coherent and compelling for an unbelieving world," said Del Pino. "Judicial Council 1032 has created a defining moment in the life of people called United Methodists."
Florida Conference Bishop Timothy Whitaker said reactions to the ruling have exposed "weaknesses in the life of our church" and declared that "we have much work to do in examining and renewing our discipline of membership in the church."
Church-wide conversation
The consultation was called to provide a "hospitable space" for church-wide conversation on the issue. Discussions centered on theological implications of how the decision relates to United Methodist understanding of membership, pastoral authority, the nature of the church and the role of Scripture.
Participants sought to model civil discourse and offered position papers to clarify the council ruling in relation to the denomination's Book of Discipline, Constitution and Social Principles-all of which govern the church and its members.
The Rev. Robert Kohler, a staff member with the Board of Higher Education and Ministry, said the constitution is fundamental to United Methodist identity and cited Article IV's emphasis on church inclusiveness. He said the article "takes precedence over everything else that you see in the Discipline which covers the authority of the pastor and the responsibility or the bishop or anything else."
Kohler said there are "fundamental ecclesiological conflicts" over membership and inclusiveness. One perspective receives a person into a community of faith if they repent of their sins, are affirmed by the fellowship and promise to grow in faith. Another view welcomes a person into the fellowship in hopes that, over time, that person will learn what it means to be Christian.
The Rev. Martin McLee said African-American churches have a different perspective on the meaning of fellowship based on black culture. During worship, the invitation declares that the church's doors are open. Anyone seeking redemption through a leading of the Holy Spirit may come forward, receive the right hand of fellowship with the pastor and gain entrance into the faith community after taking their membership vows.
"Judicial Council Decision 1032 robs people of potential to be in community," said McLee, pastor at Union United Methodist Church in Boston.
The Rev. Elaine Robinson, a professor at Brite Divinity School in Forth Worth, Texas, said The United Methodist Church differs from other denominations because it "does not have clear ecclesiological standards." In some traditions, "canon law is the equivalent of Scripture in authority," she said.
Robinson said the Book of Discipline also contains conflicting criteria for membership. "We don't have the clarity in hierarchical lines of authority as do some traditions," which can be both a weakness and strength, she said.
The Rev. Cheryl Jefferson Bell, a district superintendent of the Kansas West Annual Conference, said church membership means belonging to or being part of a body. "It is the place people come to give their lives to Christ … (and) experience the real love of God."
Bell said the idea of a pastor denying fellowship to an individual "scares me" and called the denial "a sin." She said Scripture suggests the criteria for membership are belief in the heart and confession by the mouth.
Added Robinson: "John Wesley would have found the idea of denying membership foreign."
Theological context
Presentations to the group sought to bring theological light to the consultation, which participants said was not designed to be a "referendum on homosexuality" but rather a focused debate on the nature, practice and integrity of the church's leadership. There was consensus that church membership is a means or form of grace and that the church exists by the grace of God.
The Rev. William (Billy) Abraham said the controversy suggests the court ruling represents "a vision of holiness that is rejected by a passionate minority within the church as a whole."
Professor of Wesley Studies at Perkins School of Theology in Dallas, Abraham compared holiness with the denomination's 30-year proscription that the practice of homosexuality is incompatible with Christian teaching. "Holiness rules out the practice of homosexuality," shifting the debate to readiness for membership, executive authority of pastors and "rival visions" for the authority of power of bishops, he said.
The Rev. Pamela Lightsey, dean of students at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary in Evanston, Ill., asked what inclusiveness means. "Is it receipt of all people or receipt of all behaviors?" This, she said, points to biblical authority.
Lightsey said homosexual practice "points our church to the greater issue: What is the role of biblical authority in informing and in shaping the way we go about doing the business of the church?"
Lightsey, who supports welcoming homosexuals into membership and ordination of gay clergy, said she believes an "understanding of the Bible and the use of the Bible in conjunction with our canon law helped to inform and shape" Johnson's decision to block a homosexual man from church membership. That decision, she said, "was not arbitrary, capricious or was done with ill intent."
So it is, she said, the understanding of biblical text that is the "heart" of current and historic "discrimination" against homosexuals. Unless the role and use of biblical authority is examined, "we may very well find ourselves turning to the 'listing' of sins to determine a person's readiness for membership."
The Rev. Gregory Stover, pastor of Armstrong Chapel United Methodist Church in Cincinnati, said the pastor's authority to use responsible judgment in determining readiness for local church membership "plays a critical role in the pastoral work of providing spiritual guidance and counsel." Without opportunity for discernment, he said, the local church is directed by the intentions of the individual seeking membership, opening the door to possibly compromising the integrity of membership and the covenant of the church.
McLee said the decision does not define "reasonable pastoral judgment" in giving the pastor discretion to determine membership readiness. Giving sole power to pastors is "troubling," he said, because it disconnects the long-held partnership between laity and clergy.
"The United Methodist Church is a laypersons church. Ours, as clery, is itinerant," McLee said. "Pastors come and pastors go. Laity holds the church together."
What happens when the pastor makes a mistake? "Who are we to know the heart of another," Bell asked. "The church does not belong to the pastor, members, district superintendent or bishop. The church belongs to Christ, (and) the Scriptures tell us that God shows no partiality."
A 'flashpoint' for other issues
Abraham said the court ruling has become a "flashpoint" for other issues in the church. "We have got to grow up and realize that we are a church; we are not a movement," he said.
Abraham said United Methodists are "ambivalent" about their status as a church, while priding itself on placing spirituality above institutions. "We live and act like a church or a denomination, but we are not too sure we are one, or even want to be one," he said, adding that Judicial Council Decision 1032 "explodes this mythology about ourselves."
The Rev. Leicester Longden, a professor of evangelism and discipleship at the University of Dubuque (Iowa) Theological Seminary, said United Methodists often think of themselves "as a movement of reformers, prophets and evangelists rather than a church institution with its own canonical agreements on doctrine, liturgy, sacraments, polity, membership and so forth."
Ruling 1032 is forcing the church to face up to its confusion, recover its ecclesial character of church membership, and "reform our lax habits of membership reception," Longden said. This reformation requires confronting "our cultural accommodation and fear of being judgmental."
Longden said the Discipline contains "chargeable offenses" for lay people in the church and the provision of trial. While not used, their inclusion indicates that violating those restrictions can result in removal from the membership rolls.
Membership, he said, "has never been an end in itself-an achieved status. It has always been seen as participation in a journey of discipleship on the way (to) holiness."
Hendrick Pierterse, director of scholarly research at the Board of Higher Education and Ministry, hopes the consultation prompts United Methodists around the world to engage in similar theological conversations. To facilitate further discussions, consultation presentations and related issues are accessible at www.gbhem.org/asp/resourceLibrary.asp.
*Green is a United Methodist News Service news writer based in Nashville, Tenn.
A UMNS Report
By Linda Green*
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS)-A ruling about pastoral authority by the highest court of The United Methodist Church revealed conflicts over church membership criteria, ecclesiology and the authority given to appointed leaders.
Those conflicts were explored as pastors, bishops, theologians, seminary deans and denominational staff members gathered Feb. 15-16 in a consultation over implications of Judicial Council Decision 1032 in the case of a Virginia pastor who blocked a homosexual man from church membership. The consultation was sponsored by the United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry, which oversees the church's licensed and ordained leadership.
The Rev. Edward H. Johnson, senior pastor of South Hill (Va.) United Methodist Church, was placed on involuntary leave of absence in June 2005 by a vote of fellow clergy of the Virginia Annual Conference after he refused to receive the homosexual man into membership, saying the man would neither repent nor seek to live a different lifestyle. The Judicial Council ruled in October 2005 that United Methodist pastors have authority to decide who becomes a member of a local church and reinstated Johnson. Johnson has since been appointed pastor at Dahlgren (Va.) United Methodist Church.
Specifically, the Judicial Council ruled that "the pastor in charge of a United Methodist Church or charge is solely responsible for making the determination of a person's readiness to receive the vows of membership." The word "solely" has especially generated emotionally and politically charged conversations throughout the church about pastoral authority and the power of United Methodist bishops.
The Rev. Jerome King Del Pino, top executive of the Board of Higher Education and Ministry, said the heated debate highlights the need for focused, careful and continuing dialogue about the theological, ecclesial and pastoral implications of the council's action.
"The church craves clarity about how to understand and live out its mission that is at once coherent and compelling for an unbelieving world," said Del Pino. "Judicial Council 1032 has created a defining moment in the life of people called United Methodists."
Florida Conference Bishop Timothy Whitaker said reactions to the ruling have exposed "weaknesses in the life of our church" and declared that "we have much work to do in examining and renewing our discipline of membership in the church."
Church-wide conversation
The consultation was called to provide a "hospitable space" for church-wide conversation on the issue. Discussions centered on theological implications of how the decision relates to United Methodist understanding of membership, pastoral authority, the nature of the church and the role of Scripture.
Participants sought to model civil discourse and offered position papers to clarify the council ruling in relation to the denomination's Book of Discipline, Constitution and Social Principles-all of which govern the church and its members.
The Rev. Robert Kohler, a staff member with the Board of Higher Education and Ministry, said the constitution is fundamental to United Methodist identity and cited Article IV's emphasis on church inclusiveness. He said the article "takes precedence over everything else that you see in the Discipline which covers the authority of the pastor and the responsibility or the bishop or anything else."
Kohler said there are "fundamental ecclesiological conflicts" over membership and inclusiveness. One perspective receives a person into a community of faith if they repent of their sins, are affirmed by the fellowship and promise to grow in faith. Another view welcomes a person into the fellowship in hopes that, over time, that person will learn what it means to be Christian.
The Rev. Martin McLee said African-American churches have a different perspective on the meaning of fellowship based on black culture. During worship, the invitation declares that the church's doors are open. Anyone seeking redemption through a leading of the Holy Spirit may come forward, receive the right hand of fellowship with the pastor and gain entrance into the faith community after taking their membership vows.
"Judicial Council Decision 1032 robs people of potential to be in community," said McLee, pastor at Union United Methodist Church in Boston.
The Rev. Elaine Robinson, a professor at Brite Divinity School in Forth Worth, Texas, said The United Methodist Church differs from other denominations because it "does not have clear ecclesiological standards." In some traditions, "canon law is the equivalent of Scripture in authority," she said.
Robinson said the Book of Discipline also contains conflicting criteria for membership. "We don't have the clarity in hierarchical lines of authority as do some traditions," which can be both a weakness and strength, she said.
The Rev. Cheryl Jefferson Bell, a district superintendent of the Kansas West Annual Conference, said church membership means belonging to or being part of a body. "It is the place people come to give their lives to Christ … (and) experience the real love of God."
Bell said the idea of a pastor denying fellowship to an individual "scares me" and called the denial "a sin." She said Scripture suggests the criteria for membership are belief in the heart and confession by the mouth.
Added Robinson: "John Wesley would have found the idea of denying membership foreign."
Theological context
Presentations to the group sought to bring theological light to the consultation, which participants said was not designed to be a "referendum on homosexuality" but rather a focused debate on the nature, practice and integrity of the church's leadership. There was consensus that church membership is a means or form of grace and that the church exists by the grace of God.
The Rev. William (Billy) Abraham said the controversy suggests the court ruling represents "a vision of holiness that is rejected by a passionate minority within the church as a whole."
Professor of Wesley Studies at Perkins School of Theology in Dallas, Abraham compared holiness with the denomination's 30-year proscription that the practice of homosexuality is incompatible with Christian teaching. "Holiness rules out the practice of homosexuality," shifting the debate to readiness for membership, executive authority of pastors and "rival visions" for the authority of power of bishops, he said.
The Rev. Pamela Lightsey, dean of students at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary in Evanston, Ill., asked what inclusiveness means. "Is it receipt of all people or receipt of all behaviors?" This, she said, points to biblical authority.
Lightsey said homosexual practice "points our church to the greater issue: What is the role of biblical authority in informing and in shaping the way we go about doing the business of the church?"
Lightsey, who supports welcoming homosexuals into membership and ordination of gay clergy, said she believes an "understanding of the Bible and the use of the Bible in conjunction with our canon law helped to inform and shape" Johnson's decision to block a homosexual man from church membership. That decision, she said, "was not arbitrary, capricious or was done with ill intent."
So it is, she said, the understanding of biblical text that is the "heart" of current and historic "discrimination" against homosexuals. Unless the role and use of biblical authority is examined, "we may very well find ourselves turning to the 'listing' of sins to determine a person's readiness for membership."
The Rev. Gregory Stover, pastor of Armstrong Chapel United Methodist Church in Cincinnati, said the pastor's authority to use responsible judgment in determining readiness for local church membership "plays a critical role in the pastoral work of providing spiritual guidance and counsel." Without opportunity for discernment, he said, the local church is directed by the intentions of the individual seeking membership, opening the door to possibly compromising the integrity of membership and the covenant of the church.
McLee said the decision does not define "reasonable pastoral judgment" in giving the pastor discretion to determine membership readiness. Giving sole power to pastors is "troubling," he said, because it disconnects the long-held partnership between laity and clergy.
"The United Methodist Church is a laypersons church. Ours, as clery, is itinerant," McLee said. "Pastors come and pastors go. Laity holds the church together."
What happens when the pastor makes a mistake? "Who are we to know the heart of another," Bell asked. "The church does not belong to the pastor, members, district superintendent or bishop. The church belongs to Christ, (and) the Scriptures tell us that God shows no partiality."
A 'flashpoint' for other issues
Abraham said the court ruling has become a "flashpoint" for other issues in the church. "We have got to grow up and realize that we are a church; we are not a movement," he said.
Abraham said United Methodists are "ambivalent" about their status as a church, while priding itself on placing spirituality above institutions. "We live and act like a church or a denomination, but we are not too sure we are one, or even want to be one," he said, adding that Judicial Council Decision 1032 "explodes this mythology about ourselves."
The Rev. Leicester Longden, a professor of evangelism and discipleship at the University of Dubuque (Iowa) Theological Seminary, said United Methodists often think of themselves "as a movement of reformers, prophets and evangelists rather than a church institution with its own canonical agreements on doctrine, liturgy, sacraments, polity, membership and so forth."
Ruling 1032 is forcing the church to face up to its confusion, recover its ecclesial character of church membership, and "reform our lax habits of membership reception," Longden said. This reformation requires confronting "our cultural accommodation and fear of being judgmental."
Longden said the Discipline contains "chargeable offenses" for lay people in the church and the provision of trial. While not used, their inclusion indicates that violating those restrictions can result in removal from the membership rolls.
Membership, he said, "has never been an end in itself-an achieved status. It has always been seen as participation in a journey of discipleship on the way (to) holiness."
Hendrick Pierterse, director of scholarly research at the Board of Higher Education and Ministry, hopes the consultation prompts United Methodists around the world to engage in similar theological conversations. To facilitate further discussions, consultation presentations and related issues are accessible at www.gbhem.org/asp/resourceLibrary.asp.
*Green is a United Methodist News Service news writer based in Nashville, Tenn.
Thursday, March 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.
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
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
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
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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