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Whole story should be told
It is interesting to read the UMConnections interpretation of the two top stories for 2003: Hurricane Isabel and Slots Defeated.
The untold story about the Isabel relief effort is indeed the top story and should be a major concern for the conference.
It appears that a lot of back-peddling is going on with relief efforts. One only has to read the Isabel recovery efforts... article to see that. What is not being said is how little of the $25,704 raised by more than 50 churches has been distributed since September.
And lets all face the reality of the gaming issue in Maryland. The defeat of slots in Maryland was all about partisan politics rather than anything that the anti-gambling or United Methodist coalition did or said. Lets face it, the real issue that defeated slots was how to distribute the greed and who would benefit directly from its profits. Dont pat yourselves on the back too quickly. As soon as our politicians figure out how to benefit those that keep them in office, we will have slots.
Jim Grove
Essex UMC, Essex
Church should be healer
In reading the UMConnection, I detect a forthcoming dilemma with regard to homosexuality and same-sex marriages. However, there is no need for this to ever happen.
The Holy Bible, the inspired word of God, makes it abundantly clear what the churchs stance should be on these subjects in a variety of Scripture passages.
One of the many important functions of our church is similar to that of a hospital. We have a mission to heal, not to make people feel better with themselves.
Melvin R. Hipley
Fork UMC, Fork
Squabbling is futile
Not to put too fine a point on it, but it was bad enough that the Nov. 19th UMConnection editorial was as critical and abrasive as it was regarding the presidents motives for not scheduling a meeting with United Methodist bishops. Now were hearing from United Methodists who may be equally un-enamored with the motives of several of our bishops.
Frankly, I have misgivings about both the bishops and the president, depending on whatever issue may be at hand.
Perhaps if the editor, bishops and president would quit second-guessing each others motives, there would be some constructive dialogue around this particularly challenging and difficult national issue.
I am an American and a United Methodist. The bishops and the president represent the head of my church and state. Neither will ever be perfect. As soon as more people within the church and politics realize that, the sooner there may be a chance for far more reasonable discussion, debate and resolution to pressing issues.
As is often the case in a democracy and a church governed by its members, we may have to respectfully agree to disagree.
Thom Rubel
Foundry UMC, Washington, D.C.
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