In his letter (Reporter, March 1), the Rev. Al Milligan writes, “Everyone who has come into the world, without exception, is the result of a male and female union.” Does this mean he does not believe in the virgin birth of Jesus? He adds: “. . . but it is self-evident that the purpose of marriage is procreation regardless of the many divergences.” I have known many, even among the clergy of our church, that have married with no intent or possibility of procreation. Should they not have been permitted [...]
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More than ‘strangely warmed’
March 22, 2013 Posted by 2 Comments
I have appreciated Dr. Donald Haynes’ good articles about John Wesley and our Methodist roots. I would like to add an insight to his reference about Wesley’s Aldersgate experience in the March 1 Reporter. Dr. Haynes reports, “After feeling his heart ‘strangely warmed,’ Wesley returned home to write the words we all have memorized about the witness of the Spirit.” I confess my memory is not as good as many, so I was surprised a couple of years ago when I read again the text from Wesley’s journal. My wife [...]
Read More...Bishop is wrong on marriage stand
March 1, 2013 Posted by 1 Comment
I am writing regarding the letter written by Bishop Sally Dyck to clergy and members of the Northern Illinois Conference expressing her support of same-sex marriage legislation (Reporter, Jan. 25). It is clear that the United Methodist Book of Discipline does not support her stance. Much more importantly, the Bible is clear on its view about homosexual relations. While I believe we are called to love everyone (love the sinner and hate the sin), I do not believe to do that we have to compromise our biblical beliefs or condone [...]
Read More...Thoughts on disability and race taken wrongly
February 22, 2013 Posted by Leave a Comment
As the editor, and one of 25 authors for Speaking Out: Gifts of Ministering Undeterred by Disabilities, I feel called to reply to Lynda R. Byrd’s recent Letter to the Editor (Reporter, Jan. 18). It saddens me that she thought I said being black is an African-American person’s disability. In January 1970, as part of a group of all-white, all-male ministers attending a Saint Paul School of Theology renewal seminar, I had the fine opportunity to meet with the Kansas City Black Panthers. Their leader told us that being black [...]
Read More...Skin color is not a disability
January 18, 2013 Posted by Leave a Comment
From time to time statements surface that illuminate how far the United Methodist Church is from truly living out its tenets of concern for equality, and racial and social justice. The Dec. 14 Reporter article on Speaking Out, a book by UM clergy with disabilities, disclosed an alarming reality. One of the contributors to the book shared a “light bulb” moment. His seemingly sincere comparison of a black person’s skin to a physical disability is just short of unbelievable. Does this suggest that any skin color other than that of [...]
Read More...Agrees with Dan Dick
January 2, 2013 Posted by Leave a Comment
Thanks for the article by Dan Dick (Dec 14, Reporter). I find his explanation of the principles behind the leadership initiatives pushed by our leadership in the UMC helpful because it explains the contradictory approaches that have been packed into a universal approach mandated in an effort to help us. It helps me understand why it feels so frustrating at the local church level. The Vital Congregations initiative lost its way when in the Call to Action write up the indicators of vitality magically became the drivers of vitality. Staring at [...]
Read More...Quadrilateral can guide in sexuality debate
November 30, 2012 Posted by 2 Comments
In reply to the Oct. 5 letter to the editor in the Reporter: God created us all and in God’s creation we are all diverse. Our skin, hair and eye color are all diverse, and each color has a range of colors in it. Our size, height, weight and feet are all diverse and have a range of sizes within each category. Our mental ability, intelligence and ability to learn are all diverse. Our personalities also have a range from severely shy to exuberantly extroverted. Within the complete diversity of [...]
Read More...True reform in the UMC requires integrity
November 25, 2012 Posted by 2 Comments
I write in response to the recent article “UMC high court upholds guaranteed appointments“. By naming those advocating for the legislation “reformers,” this article lacks objectivity. Those who opposed the rejected legislation to end security of appointment also seek reform. Reform is a central tenet of our historic mission, “to reform the nation, especially the church, and to spread Scriptural holiness across the land.” I am concerned that much of our coverage of the security of appointment issue has missed the true warrant for this security and promoted an anxious, [...]
Read More...Can’t we agree that we disagree?
November 2, 2012 Posted by 6 Comments
As a part of the United Methodist Church, I know what division looks like. I have seen arguments over everything from pension plans, to whether or not church structure should be changed. One major argument has been going on for about four decades about whether or not LGBT persons should be allowed to fully participate within the UMC. This debate has strong theological arguments on both sides, as well as real people on both sides, so I feel no need to argue it here. What I do want to argue [...]
Read More...Where’s evidence for gay-is-OK?
October 5, 2012 Posted by 3 Comments
My first question to anyone who is endorsing the idea that homosexual practice is morally acceptable is: Can you give any biblical support for your position? (See Leviticus 18:22; Romans 1:18, 26-27; I Timothy 1:10). The popular justification for acceptance and approval of such practice is that “I was born this way” or “God made me this way.” Nobody has any way of knowing whether this claim has any real merit. It has been repeated so frequently in our society that it has gained the appearance of truth. I would [...]
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