This page lists reports and commentary from earlier in October, 2004.

Lights for Human Dignity

The National Council of Churches and many other communities of faith invite people to leave lights on in their homes and houses of worship on election eve, Monday night -- as "a statement that you are committed to universal values of justice and human dignity."

Urge the Republican National Committee to halt plans to challenge voters

In its November 8 issue, the American Conservative Magazine takes the rather remarkable step of endorsing John Kerry for president. They don't like him much, but they have concluded that "Bush has behaved like a caricature of what a right-wing president is supposed to be, and his continuation in office will discredit any sort of conservatism for generations. The launching of an invasion against a country that posed no threat to the U.S., the doling out of war profits and concessions to politically favored corporations, the financing of the war by ballooning the deficit to be passed on to the nation's children, the ceaseless drive to cut taxes for those outside the middle class and working poor: it is as if Bush sought to resurrect every false 1960s-era left-wing cliché about predatory imperialism and turn it into administration policy."

And the L A Times reports that a significant number of evangelical Christians, viewed as solidly for Bush and wooed devotedly through the campaign, are having their doubts and conflicts. "Some of these targeted voters remain conflicted -- torn between their religious convictions on so-called values issues, and concerns typical of suburban moms and dads, such as jobs, healthcare, the Iraq war and the environment."

David Batstone of Sojourners reflects on the apocalyptic potential of the presidential campaign. The deep divisions, he fears, will leave nearly half our people feeling that a disaster has occurred, no matter who wins. And if President Bush should be re-elected, he will likely be less inclined than ever to build cooperative relationships with the opposing party - and thus the divide will deepen. And this will happen just when the nation is confronted with every growing challenges: the growing deficit, Social Security, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Iraq, nuclear proliferation, environmental crises in the making ... "all cry out for reasoned, bipartisan initiatives."

So he concludes: " ... we have met the enemy, and it is us. A nation deeply divided will falter, for it cannot exert the strength of moral will that our times require. Without a vision that can transcend the flames of parochial interest, the people will perish."

For a similar analysis that it's our nation that's the real problem, you may want to take a look at "Brainy Candidates Need Not Apply," by Ariel Dorfman.

The Sudan crisis continues, and the Presbyterian Washington Office provides a careful and detailed account of what's happening, and what's not. Very briefly: The U.S., in spite of calling the situation in Darfur a case of genocide, has done little. The UN has passed only a weak resolution. Only the newly established 53-nation African Union (AU) has been strongly engaged - helping to work out and monitor a ceasefire agreement which they are still struggling to bring to realization.

If you're dealing with charges that the Presbyterian Church's actions on Israel/Palestine are anti-Semitic, you might find this helpful.

Entitled Reframing Anti-Semitism: Alternative Jewish Perspectives, book includes articles by diverse Jewish Voice for Peace members "meant to deepen our collective understanding of anti-Semitism and its bearing on our work as critics of unjust Israeli policies. Individual essays investigate claims that criticism of Israel is anti-Semitic, the history of anti-Semitism, and the intersections between anti-Mizrahi racism and anti-Semitism."

Yesterday, at the suggestion of a Witherspoon member, your WebWeaver sent a little note to an e-list of our members. It said:

Dear Witherspooners --

One of our members has just sent me a note suggesting that we should encourage all of our members to get out and vote next Tuesday.

I suspect you don't need to be reminded, but this year more than ever it seems imperative for Christians committed to peace and justice to let our voices be heard. Or at least try to let them be heard.

So let's vote -- and encourage others to do the same -- for a better world.

Doug King

Almost immediately, back came this response:

Thanks, Doug. Yes, it is incredibly important! I even had a conversation with a homeless man last week. He was on a street corner here in Nashville a few blocks from the university and his sign said "Vote," and below it "Homeless Hungry." I thought it was interesting that he had Vote on his sign, so I rolled down my window to chat with him. He said "Vote for Kerry. We need to get that guy of Washington. He is ruining our country. I may be homeless but I can still see what is going on." I told him I agreed with him and gave him a dollar, but I think his thoughts were certainly worth much more.

Take care,
Linda

Linda L. Carter
Nashville, TN

So to avoid getting stuck in a long line, or having to rush off to an appointment, you may want to check on how and where you can vote before election day - a possibility in most states now.

You can check on voting in your state and even your precinct.

After you enter your zip code, you'll get information on when early voting starts in your state, and whom to call for the location nearest you. Be sure to take a photo ID to the polls -- that's a new requirement in many places this year.

People of faith speak in support of stem cell research 

In August a group of theologians, ethicists, and other people of faith began circulating a petition in support of stem cell research. Their letter at that time outlined some of the reasons for their stance. Now they are sending a new note, saying they are "planning to issue a press release about the petition by Friday of this week and expect to gain considerable media coverage about the fact that many people of faith support stem cell research because of its promise for treating severe human diseases." So they are offering another chance for people to add their names to the list of signatories.

Yesterday we posted a slightly hostile comment on an essay by Brian "BJ" Jordan, who offered a not-too-positive view of Pres. Bush's "theology" and messianic tendencies.

You may want to take a look at "Brainy Candidates Need Not Apply," by Ariel Dorfman

Jane Hanna suggests this op-ed piece from the L A Times, Oct. 22

It could be seen as a criticism of George W. Bush, but your WebWeaver sees it as tackling a much more serious matter: the curious culture of the United States which views intelligence (not the kind that purportedly justifies our various military ventures, but the kind that comes from knowledge and understanding) with deep suspicion.

A Christian case for choosing a president: the facts about abortion and promoting life

Mary A. Parker, a Catholic attorney practicing in Nashville, Tennessee, looks deeper than the campaign rhetoric to ask basic questions especially for "pro-life" people who are pondering questions such as these Can you believe in the sanctity of life, profess to be against abortion, yet be in favor of the death penalty? Can you believe in the sanctity of life and remove funding for programs that affects an increase in the numbers of abortions? Can you believe in the sanctity of life and promote laws that permit destruction of the environment by throwing toxins into the air and water? Can you be for the sanctity of life and start an aggressive war that causes the loss of tens of thousands of lives? Can Christians vote for "pro-choice" candidates and remain in good standing with their Churches? 

The National Council of Churches USA has released 10 principles for evaluating candidates that it hopes all Christians - from liberals to conservatives - will study and apply in this election year.  They could provide very helpful points for reflection and conversation in churches and elsewhere. 

Have you seen the new campaign ad using a pack of wolves to depict the fear the sponsors apparently want us to feel?  Witherspooner Harold Barton forwarded a little story that seems to offer the best response.

A Cherokee elder was teaching his grandchildren about life.

He said to them, "A fight is going on inside me, it is a terrible fight, it is between two wolves. One wolf is fear, anger, envy, sorrow, regret, arrogance self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego.

The other wolf is joy, peace, love, hope, sharing, serenity, humility, forgiveness, kindness, benevolence, friendship, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion, and faith. This same fight is going on inside you and inside every other person too."

The children thought about the story for a moment, and one child asked, "Grandfather, which wolf will win?"

The Dove Ad Project for peace goes big time

A group of Christians from different traditions and political views has joined in "Church Folks for a Better America," to raise awareness in the American public of the moral crisis threatening our nation and our people.

They have placed ads in religious periodicals like the Christian Century, the National Catholic Reporter, and Sojourners. On Sunday, October 24, a 1/4 page ad will appear on the Op Ed pages of both the New York Times and the Philadelphia Inquirer, and in the A section of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. They are planning on more newspapers for Sunday, October 31, as funds allow.

The ad opens with this statement:

We grieve that our nation is not standing for "liberty and justice for all," nor treating Iraqis as we would be treated. We believe that accountability begins at home, that wise leaders know their mistakes, and that honest leaders admit them. Fear and resentment will never guide us to a just and lasting peace. Any nation that hopes to be "under God" must live for a positive vision of world community, not a blind response to terrorism that tragically makes others see us as if we were terrorists ourselves.

The Witherspoon Society Executive Committee supports the statements of the 216^th General Assembly on Israel and Palestine, and applauds the efforts of our national staff and Moderator to maintain communication with the Jewish faith community and others about the very difficult issues involved.

We dare to offer a few suggestions for the dialogue which will surely continue, and a quick survey of some of the background behind the current debates. 

Over 200 Christian theologians and ethicists have joined in writing a statement "confessing Christ in a world of violence," making five strong affirmations about Christ and his meaning for us today, and rejecting five false teachings that oppose his message.

We have received a note from Len Bjorkman, Co-Moderator of the Presbyterian Peace Fellowship, inviting people to consider going to Colombia to accompany Presbyterians who face death threats and other dangers because they are working to defend human rights in their deeply conflicted nation. 

We've received this litany from Steve Swearingen, of Anderson, SC, and we're glad to share it here.  It begins:

On July 17 we received a note from someone who requested anonymity as he/she invited us, as representing the progressive side of the Presbyterian Church, to join in "a genuine dialogue."  The writer, taking the name Keklamenos, stated clear affirmations of the grace of God and the authority of Scripture.

The note stimulated considerable conversation, and we have just received a note from Witherspoon member Sue Nichols Spencer, who picks up some of the threads of that discussion once again.

A group of theologians and ethicists is collecting signatures nationwide on a statement criticizing President Bush for what they call his "theology of war." 

A Statement from Presbyterians Concerned for Jewish Christian Relations

The Rev. Dr. Donald W. Shriver and the Rev. Dr. William Harter, in an open letter, have criticized the actions of the 2004 General Assembly in relation to the state of Israel, and have reminded their readers of the PC(USA)'s long-standing commitment to dialogue with the Jewish faith tradition, and to support of the state of Israel.

PC(USA) backs shareholders' resolution seeking stop to demolitions

Thanks to Vice President Dick Cheney this site is now better known and busier than ever. But if you've missed it, here's an objective source for getting through some of the distortions (we won't use the nastier word that comes to mind) that are being trumpeted by both sides in the current campaign.

From the right column on their home page, you can sign up to receive automatic notices of each report.

If you're in the New York area, you'll have opportunities this week to join in events this week with the Rev. Dr. Mitri Raheb. Mitri is a Palestinian Christian and the pastor of the Christmas Lutheran Church in Bethlehem. Despite the growing violence, Mitri remains an ardent advocate for peace in the region.   He will be speaking on three occasions, sponsored by the Presbyterian UN Office and other groups.

The gay marriage amendment has been defeated ... again. The US House has voted decisively to reject a constitutional amendment banning gay marriage. Conservative Christians vow to continue fighting; progressives are heartened that a sense of fairness has prevailed.

Nearly 40 of the Presbyterians attending the recent Stony Point conference on peacemaking have issued a declaration which highlights their concerns that we heed "a new and urgent call to peacemaking," that "the language of faith has been hijacked and misused to justify the policies of the powerful," that "we are called to discern the signs of the times and are led to redefine our social context," and that we acknowledge our complicity "as beneficiaries of a world system of domination."

Out of these concerns, they commit themselves to action to address economic injustice, to accompany those who are persecuted, and to "engage in grass roots non-violent direct action."

We've heard that some of you haven't received your copy of the Summer 2004 issue of Network News, which was mailed over two weeks ago.  We're not sure what the problem is, but some copies may not have been sent.  If that's the case for you, here are two options:

Sorry for the problem!

We have heard recently from a group calling itself Res Publica (http://www.therespublica.org/), which is working with Faithful America and a number of other progressive religious organizations on this effort. Their note says:

We're going to call attention to some of the values (peace, compassion, etc.) that have been ignored during the past few years. One of the ways we're going to do this is by holding a Day of Action on October 16^th, which may involve fasts, potluck dinners and vigils at communities of faith across the country.

We'd love to learn what the Witherspoon Society is doing to support get-out-the-vote efforts, and see if we might somehow add our strengths to yours. We'd also like to find a way to reach your network of churches to let them know about the Day of Action, so they may decide whether or not to participate.

You may want to look at the full text of the "Call to Action to the Progressive Faith Community," signed by such leaders as the Rev. Dr. William Sloane Coffin, Honorary Chair, FaithfulAmerica.org, the Rev. Dr. Robert Edgar, General Secretary, National Council of Churches USA, the Rev. Dr. James. A. Forbes Jr., Senior Minister, The Riverside Church and leaders of many other faith communities.

So ... we'd like to hear from you! What do you think of this effort? And what's happening in your church or area to encourage folks to vote?

Just send a note, and (unless you tell us otherwise) we'll share it here.

The religious groups that make up the U.S. electorate.

Right, left, and the broad middle? It's much more complicated if you look at the varying religious group in America as they interact with the political life of the nation.

Beliefnet calls them the Twelve Tribes of American Politics, on the basis of a study funded by the Pew Religion Forum (see full study) and the Ray K Bliss Institute at University of Akron.

Something to Think About...

Many of the signs and billboards in our area of Florida were no match for the hurricanes. However, one billboard resisted the 100-mile per hour winds of the eye wall of the storm. While the billboard still stands, the advertisement that was there when Hurricane Charley hit was peeled back to reveal an earlier message.

When the sun rose the next morning on Sand Lake Road in Orlando, the words on the billboard clearly read,

Moderator Rick Ufford-Chase reports on a moving call to courage

The Moderator has posted on his web log an enthusiastic account of a sermon by the Rev. Dr. James Forbes, pastor of Riverside Church in New York, at the Peacemaking Conference at the Presbyterian Conference center at Stony Point, NY.   He dealt with the challenge of preaching -- and living -- in "a culture of fear."

Glen Stassen observes that in this election season, "some on the religious right have made their kind of religion a major issue in the present election campaign. They should not be met by silence. Christians should make peacemaking their central concern this year. Our future depends on it. Christians commit themselves to follow Jesus, the Prince of Peace, who taught his followers to be peacemakers." He concludes: "Let us be peacemakers before we are Democrats or Republicans."

Stassen is professor of Christian ethics at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, Calif. Previously he taught at Southern (Baptist) Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky, before that school was taken over by the denomination's far right.

The Witherspoon Executive Committee met at McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago on Sept. 29 - Oct. 1.

Just so you can see what this bunch looks like, they are (left to right) Vanessa Aja-Sigmon, David Zuverink, Jenny Stone, John Harris, Charles Ryu (Stony Point Center staff, joining us for conference planning), Jake Young, Trina Zelle, and Ken Smith.  {Absent were Gene TeSelle, Celeste Lasich, and Charles McLain.]