January 2003

Archives: January 2003

1/31/03

Some friends have been distressed at our posting yesterday of Jeff McDonald's strong criticism of "liberal Presbyterians." We posted it not because we agree with it, but because we believe strongly that all voices should be heard, within the limits of general decency.

Mr. McDonald has added another thought to his earlier statement, assuming he will be accused of intolerance, and saying that Christians must be intolerant "of deviant theological views."

And another comment has come from Tom McKnight, offering some loving reflections on "liberal vs. conservative." So, he wonders, "Is turning the other cheek liberal or conservative? ... Is not throwing the first stone liberal or conservative? ... Is loving your neighbor liberal or conservative?"

And in supportive response to the action of the Presbytery of the Palisades comes this note from a commissioner to th4e 214th General Assembly:

Call for support

Dear friends in Christ,

As a Presbyterian and a GA commissioner I completely support the Moderator Fahed Abu Akel and the Stated Clerk Clifton Kirkpatrick. I trust completely in their judgement on the issue of recalling the GA. I am absolutely sure that they thoroughly understand the Book of Order and are doing their utmost to uphold it. Furthermore having met both of these men, I believe them to be fine and upstanding Christians that try their best to follow the Bible's teachings.

I urge all 214th GA Commissioners to express their support for these good leaders of our church. It is past time that the commissioners to the 214th GA stood up and spoke out for the decisions we made at the General Assembly! We must stand up to this conspiracy being orchestrated by Metherell, Jensen, and their Layman cronies.

In the Messiah's service,
Joe Sayre
Elder Commissioner
Presbytery of Santa Fe
214th General Assembly

The threat of war against Iraq

What to do about military service?

During the Viet Nam war the Presbyterian Church prepared a resource for people considering the questions raised for them by the military draft and other issues surrounding service in the armed forces. The Peacemaking Program has done a new edition of that very helpful resource, Presbyterians and Military Service. It is available online in PDF format.

Two Witherspoon board members have added reflections on the question of military service

What are your thoughts and concerns about military service in the present situation? Please send a note, and we'll share it here!

Theologian George Hunsinger speaks against the war on Iraq

Prof. George Hunsinger has published an excellent article on pre-emptive war in Presbyterian Outlook. He traces the conflicts and vacillations within the Bush administration (this was before the State of the Union speech), concerns raised by many others about a war which seems clearly not to be an act of last resort, and the incalculable costs to the US and Iraq and the rest of the world.

He sums up:

"I have argued that the 'pre-emptive' war proposed against Iraq would not be a last resort, that it would lack a sufficient cause, making it little more than a war of aggression, that it would not be a success in any meaningful sense of the term, and finally that it would wreak havoc on a civilian population already tortured by war and sanctions. In particular, I have stressed that the doctrine of pre-emption, if activated, portends a descent into international barbarism."

And he closes with "a final word from the Autobiography of John Adams: 'This is the established Order of Things, when a Nation has grown to such an height of Power as to become dangerous to Mankind, she never fails to loose her Wisdom, her Justice and her Moderation, and with these she never fails to loose her Power; which however returns again, if those Virtues return.' (Autobiography, IV, 158)."

Thanks to Dr. Thomas W. Blair,
pastor of Trinity Presbyterian Church, Hendersonville, NC.

Let's pay attention to "the common good"

Jane Hanna reminds us of a concept rooted deeply in the Biblical faith and in American history: the common good. Our society's growing focus on private gain poses a threat to us as a nation, and even as individuals. And certainly it's a threat to the rest of the world.

Jensen reasserts charges of conspiracy, rejects the response by church officers

Paul Rolf Jensen is back in (church) court again, renewing his claims on behalf of Westminster Presbyterian Church of Canton, Ohio, that Moderator Fahed Abu-Akel and Stated Clerk Clifton Kirkpatrick, along with the General Assembly Council and various other offices of the church have "engaged in a conspiracy to subvert the constitution." He adds accusations that the accused officers engaged in acts of forgery and other deceptions.

The full text of his response is also available.

1/30/03

A reaction to "liberal Presbyterians" and the decision not to hold a special Assembly session

How can we respect a moderator and a stated clerk that break procedural rules? As a member of the PC (USA) I would like to call on all Presbyterians to call for the removal of liberal church officers. J. Gresham Machen of Princeton Seminary once said that, "it isn't that liberals aren't Christians it is that liberalism is not Christianity." The Presbyterian Church (USA) is being attacked from within by a movement (liberalism) that is anti-Christian to the core. Presbyterian church history confirms this sad fact.

Best,
Jeff McDonald

Mr. McDonald has sent us a longer exposition of his views, which you may want to read as well.

We hope you'll share your comments on this statement. Just send a note and we'll post it here!

Witherspooner Ann Euston reports on the 2003 PHEWA conference:
Exploring a multiethnic church in good company

Presbyterians sentenced for protest at School of the Americas

The Rev. Clifford Frasier, elder Ann Huntwork of Portland, OR, and Presbyterian Peace Fellowship Co-Moderator Marilyn White have been sentenced in Columbus, GA, for crossing the line into Fort Benning, site of the School of the Americas, long accused of training military personnel from Latin America for the abuse of human rights in the cause of US interests.

The State of the Union: "The Emperor has spoken."

The Progressive's editor Editor Matthew Rothschild comments on the State of the Union speech under the heading, "The Emperor Has Spoken." He concludes with an insightful analysis of the President's marriage of piety and patriotism - what one German commentator called "religious hubris." Rothschild writes:

Bush seems to believe that he and the United States are carrying out God's will. "We Americans have faith in ourselves but not in ourselves alone," he said. "We do not claim to know all the ways of Providence, yet we can trust in them, placing our confidence in the loving God behind all of life, and all of history." So here we have a single man, unconstrained by Congress, contemptuous of the United Nations, backed by the strongest military ever assembled, and emboldened by the notion of divine will, plunging the United States into an unnecessary and extraordinarily hazardous war.

Thanks to Bruce Gillette for pointing us to this.

1/29/03

Presbytery of the Palisades affirms support for the Moderator and Stated Clerk

The resolution, approved at the presbytery's January 28^th stated meeting, acknowledges the "intense theological discussion and conflict" within the church, calls for "a time of prayer, repentance and reconciliation," and "objects to the tactics of personal attack and disinformation used by some to discredit the leadership of the Moderator and Stated Clerk."

In addition, the presbytery "call[s] for an end to the attempts to force them to act outside the boundaries of their offices and apart from the polity established by the Constitution that guides all governing bodies and leaders in our church."

NOTE: The board of the Witherspoon Society agrees wholeheartedly with the views expressed in this resolution.

And in contrast ...

Aha - a conspiracy in Louisville!

Allan Poindexter, of Socorro, New Mexico, has sent a letter to PresbyWeb announcing his intention to bring suit against Moderator Fahed Abu-Akel and Stated Clerk Clifton Kirkpatrick. He states, "If Kentucky law supports it I will be filing criminal complaints with the Louisville District Attorney stipulating fraud (or whatever charge is appropriate under Kentucky law). I will be willing to refrain from this if Kirkpatrick and Abu-Akel have resigned their ordinations by 31 January 2003. I will also file under RICO to root out the other conspirators in the national office (or elsewhere) that have contributed to this corruption."

AN UPDATE ON THE EVENING OF 1/29/03

Allan Poindexter has followed up his letter announcing his plan to file criminal complaints against the Moderator and Stated Clerk. He now apologizes for the tone of his letter, but doesn't really withdraw his threat to file suit - if some attorney in Kentucky can be found to do it.

1/28/03

Call for a special session of GA

Who's in charge here?

Witherspoon board member Barbara Kellam-Scott comments on the call for a special session as an indication of our differing ways of dealing with frustrations, and of conflicting views of the church's life and mission -- as calling people out of "the world" into righteousness, or as reaching out to the world in love and service for the sake of justice. We need to get beyond that false split, she urges.

Covenant Network affirms its respect for Moderator

1/27/03

Call for a special session of GA

There will be no special meeting of the 214th General Assembly.

In a carefully worded Jan. 24 letter to all 554 commissioners to last year's Assembly, moderator the Rev. Fahed Abu-Akel said that a petition submitted to him Jan. 14 by Alex Metherell, a Presbyterian elder in Laguna Beach, CA, does not contain enough signatures to force the calling of an unprecedented special meeting of the 214th General Assembly.

Redstone Presbytery approves overture on constitutional authority

Clerk says it would accomplish same purpose as a special Assembly

Redstone Presbytery has adopted an overture to the 215th General Assembly that it says addresses the same issues raised in a petition calling for a special session of the 214th General Assembly and therefore the unprecedented special session is not needed.

The threat of war against Iraq

As threats of war grow louder ...

The Executive Committee of the Witherspoon Society has approved a brief statement as an expression of our concern and convictions.

It concludes:

It is with saddened and troubled hearts that we issue this plea to you from the thousands in the Christian community: please reconsider this venture in light of Biblical teaching and Christ's message of peace.

Christian Peacemaker Teams report from Iraq

Witherspoon member Alyssa Burgin has shared with us some informative e-mails from Charlie Jackson, a delegate in a Christian Peacemaker Team currently in Baghdad, Iraq. His notes give glimpses of life "on the ground" in Iraq today.

The Presbytery of Baltimore has acted to concur with Des Moines' proposal on removing G6-0106(b) from the Book of Order. A second motion, to name the Rev. Don Stroud as overture advocate, has been referred to the Presbytery Council for consideration.

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1/25/03

The threat of war against Iraq

Repeating: National Council of Churches calls for a day of prayer and fasting for peace in Iraq, on Monday, January 27, 2003

A very peaceful form of protest:

Send rice to the President, a symbol of nurturing rather than destroying.

Anti-war protests are having an effect

Anti-war protests have already had an effect in slowing George Bush's rush to war. And they are growing stronger, and may have a real chance of stopping the planned invasion of Iraq.

So writes Stephen Zunes, editor of Foreign Policy in Focus (FPIF), a project of The Progressive Response. You'll find their current online newsletter at http://www.fpif.org/progresp/volume7/v7n02.html

Zunes observes that "The anti-war movement is strong and is growing. Already, the demonstrations against a U.S. invasion of Iraq - which hasn't yet happened - have been larger than those against the Vietnam War during the first three years of heavy fighting by American soldiers."

He adds that "today's anti-war movement is far more diverse in terms of women and people of color in positions of leadership. Increasing numbers of poor and working class people are becoming involved in anti-war activities ..."

Check out the full text of his analysis.

Call for a special session of GA

Metherell threatens to bring suit against Moderator Abu-Akel to force reconvening of 214^th General Assembly

Presbyterian Outlook's Leslie Scanlon reports that Dr. Alex Metherell, in pursuit of his demand for a special session of the 2002 General Assembly, presented a letter to Moderator Fahed Abu-Akel, with the threat that he will file suit in a secular court if the moderator does not immediately announce that he will recall the Assembly. He gives the Moderator a deadline of January 27.

Four former moderators have written in an open letter, "... That any Moderator would be so treated is unthinkable. Our Moderator has followed the procedures laid out in the Constitution..." The signers are Robert Lamar, Price H. Gwynn III, Douglas Oldenburg and Freda Gardner.

The Outlook article will link you also to the full text of Metherell's letter, and that of the open letter from the former moderators.

A personal sidelight on Dr. Metherell, from Los Angeles:

The LA Times has a fairly extensive article (though not terribly well informed about the niceties of Presbyterian polity and politics) on Metherell, which notes that Presbyterians on both the left and the right are objecting to what he is doing.

The reporter adds that "even Metherell's pastor -- conservative John A. Huffman Jr. of St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church in Newport Beach -- put out a statement saying a Special Assembly 'is not only unwise but could be counterproductive to our constitutional procedures.'"

1/24/03

The threat of war against Iraq

National Council of Churches calls for a day of prayer and fasting for peace in Iraq, on Monday, January 27, 2003

Back in the Streets
Ann Euston offers a personal observation of a Jan. 18^th peace march in Albuquerque, NM. She is Program Coordinator for the Witherspoon Society.

A British point of view:
Playwright Harold Pinter speaks sharply about the threat of war, and the US's many acts of "mass destruction."

Call for a special session of GA

OGA answers special General Assembly questions; Ohio session files complaint

Presbyterian News Service reports on a complaint from a church in Canton, Ohio, charging that denominational officials have violated The Book of Order by not calling the special session.

And the Office of the General Assembly has issued responses to a number of "frequently asked questions" about the matter.

For an account of this conflict in the secular press, you may want to look at the AP report carried in the Cleveland Plain Dealer.

On dealing with gender identity, and getting beyond "male or female"

The Rev. Erin K. Swenson, the first transgender minister in the PC(USA), spoke to the Presbytery of San Francisco on January 14, 2003

Churches go green

Many congregations are seeking ways to make their buildings more energy efficient - both as an expression of their stewardship of the environment, and to save money. A Christian Science Monitor article describes specific efforts, and points to sources of information and financial help.

For information about how to encourage energy efficiency at your church, contact the PC(USA)'s Enough for Everyone Program, and its Electric Stewardship project.

Top ten religion news stories for 2002

John Rakestraw, proprietor of the very useful website onReligion.com, was asked to assemble one of those new-year favorite's, a "top-ten" list of religion stories for the year 2002.

The top three were

	Clergy sexual abuse scandal in the Catholic Church.
	Islam redefining itself for the modern world.
	Challenges to authority and traditional structures in the Catholic Church.
	Number 10 was "Religious response to proposed US/UN invasion of Iraq."

Check out the rest of them, and his reasons for choosing them.

1/20/03

Administration policies still reflect racism in America

Triangle Foundation of Michigan points to continuing problems of racism (and more) in our society, reflected in recent actions by the President of the United States.

GAC approves a positive review of the work of PHEWA (the Presbyterian Health, Education and Welfare Association)

Chris Glaser, who will be the preacher at the Witherspoon Society's 30^th Anniversary Conference and Celebration in Louisville, March 6 - 8, 2003, writes about Presbyterian participation in last June's Gay Pride march in Atlanta.

1/18/03

Overture to delete G-6.0106(b) passed by Des Moines Presbytery

The Presbytery of Des Moines today passed the same overture on which no action was taken a week ago by the Presbytery of the Twin Cities Area. The vote was 47 to 32 in favor of adoption.

Any presbyteries meeting in the next week might want to consider a motion to join in supporting the Des Moines action, or submitting a similar overture.

You may want to look at the text of the overture as proposed in Twin Cities.

1/17/03

Looking toward the 215th General Assembly

Stated Clerk Clifton Kirkpatrick offers his annual list of the "top 10 issues" coming to the Assembly.

The first overtures to the 215^th General Assembly have been posted on the PC(USA) website, and we have the summaries here, with links to the full texts.

Jan. 22 marks 30^th anniversary of Roe v. Wade

The Rev. Jake Young, of First Presbyterian Church, Springfield, IL, reminds us that January 22 marks the 30th anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision "that gave women rights that should never have been denied them in the first place. Unfortunately, the current Executive in Washington -- ironically appointed by the same body (different members of course) that gave us the Roe decision -- is doing everything possible to take this basic right away from women. Perhaps the Witherspoon page could link to this informative and entertaining PPFA page" - which brings you "The No-Choice Blues," performed by a new virtual blues band including George W. Bush, Orin Hatch, Johnnie Ashcroft, and "Billy-Boy" Rehnquist. [NOTE: This is a big file with graphics and music, so it will take a while to download.]

If you're looking for information rather than entertainment, try this page.

Young continues: "Pro choice is, after all, an official position of the PC(USA) General Assembly. A position which has been attacked every year since it was made over 20 (25?) years ago. Strange, it seems some affinity group was telling another one recently that GLBT ordination debates are over and done with and we should get used to it. Why doesn't that same logic apply to much older debates about women's rights in the PC(USA)?"

3 decades after Roe v. Wade we still face "Terror in the Name of the Lord"

An article by Frederick Clarkson in MS. Magazine reminds us that "While the world lives in fear of international terrorism, the terrorists in our own backyards seem almost forgotten But we must not underestimate anti-abortion extremists - a small army of zealots ready, willing, even eager to rekindle strikes on doctors and clinics across the nation if court actions and rulings start to go their way in 2003. Three decades after Roe v. Wade was won, extreme anti-abortion groups continue to celebrate violence as a justifiable means to make legal abortions impossible to obtain."

The threat of war against Iraq

Human rights a victim of "war on terror"

The Human Rights Watch annual report criticizes China's persecution of religious groups, and US "willingness to compromise human rights to fight terrorism."

British author describes American "madness"

John le Carre writes in The Times (UK) that "The United States of America has gone mad"

The author begins: "America has entered one of its periods of historical madness, but this is the worst I can remember: worse than McCarthyism, worse than the Bay of Pigs and in the long term potentially more disastrous than the Vietnam War.

"The reaction to 9/11 is beyond anything Osama bin Laden could have hoped for in his nastiest dreams. As in McCarthy times, the freedoms that have made America the envy of the world are being systematically eroded. The combination of compliant US media and vested corporate interests is once more ensuring that a debate that should be ringing out in every town square is confined to the loftier columns of the East Coast press."

Albany Presbytery passed a resolution on US-Iraqi relations, reflecting the Christian calling to be peacemakers.

Another conference coming up:

March 28-30, 2003, Saint Louis, Missouri
JusticeWorks: Renewing the Church's Social Witness
The First National Conference convened by Protestant Justice Action
Co-sponsored by Eden Theological Seminary and Equal Partners in Faith

	Keynote Speaker is The Reverend Gregory Dell, serving once again as pastor of Broadway United Methodist Church in Chicago, Illinois after conducting a Service of Holy Union for two gay men. During his suspension, he was director of "In All Thins Charity," a national movement within the United Methodist Church working to end the denomination's discriminatory policies against gays and lesbians.
	Preacher is Alvin O'neal Jackson, M.Div., D.Min., Senior Pastor of National City Christian Church - Washington, D.C., currently serving as moderator of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).
	Bible Study Leader is The Reverend Mari Castellanos, Justice Witness Ministries of the United Church of Christ - Washington, D.C. She is a pastor, theologian, teacher and a Cuban American with a deep commitment to God's creation.

Click here for details

1/16/03

Metherell petitions for special session of General Assembly

Elder Alex Metherell has presented the Moderator the required number of petitions for the convening of a second session of the 214^th General Assembly. Presbyterian News Service has reported on this

Frank Baldwin, Stated Clerk of the Presbytery of Philadelphia, argues that the petition is not a call for legitimate Assembly business, and therefore does not deserve a positive response.

More on "no action" on G-6.0106(b)

We've received another comment -- from a pastor who supports G-6.0106(b), but agrees that the proposed overture should have been debated and voted on. Check out the variety of views -- and share your own!

The time is drawing nigh!!

THE CALL FROM TOMORROW:
Whole Gospel Presbyterians Act
in the Third Millennium

A major conference on the future of the progressive witness in the Presbyterian Church (USA)

March 6 - 8, 2003
Louisville, KY

The Witherspoon Society invites you to celebrate its 30-year witness to peace, justice, and inclusiveness and to interpret the Biblical and confessional richness of our denomination in light of God's challenges for tomorrow.

	Discuss the future of progressive Presbyterianism in the current climate of conflict.
	Worship and Pray together.
	Witness through demonstration and proclamation the radical gospel of God's love.

FEATURED SPEAKERS

Jack Rogers, moderator of 213th PC(USA) General Assembly

Mary Fulkerson, Vanderbilt Divinity School

Joseph Hough, President, Union Seminary, NY

Doug Ottati, Union Seminary/PSCE

Worship Leader, Chris Glaser with musician Chris Miller.

and a
SATURDAY SPECIAL EVENT:
A CONVERSATION
WITH WENDELL BERRY
prize-winning author and farmer

Check out the details, and register on-line

Looking for a roommate?

E-mail or call Ann Euston (sustainann@earthlink.net; 505 296-4885).

School of the Americas Watch update:
86 human rights activists face trials in Columbus, GA; volunteers sought for supporting actions

Teacher is fired for being imprisoned for protesting against the SOA - seeks rehiring

Some activists to be released; how to contact those still incarcerated

The latest tax cuts: faith-based economics?

The latest issue of The New Yorker offers a nice Biblically based comment on the President's "economic stimulus package." Hendrik Hertzberg suggests that in this as in all things, George W. Bush is operating out of his "faith-based" perspective. But he may be using slightly revised versions of scripture, such as:

	He that hath pity upon the rich lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will pay him again. (Proverbs 19:17)
	Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell what thou hast, and give to the rich, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven. (Matthew 19:21)
	For the love of money is the root of all good. (I Timothy 6:10)

1/15/03

More on "no action" on G-6.0106(b)

The Executive Committee of the Witherspoon Society has approved a statement in response to the decision of the Presbytery of the Twin Cities Area to take no action on a proposed overture to delete G-6.0106(b) from the Book of Order.

We've received comments -- from a seminary student, a glbt activist, a former GA commissioner, an Australian Presbyterian. Check out the variety of views -- and share your own!

Your WebWeaver offered some thoughts about "white liberals" in relation to the civil rights movement. One friend shares thoughts from Martin Luther King, Jr.

Call for a fast at Taco Bell headquarters

The Presbyterian Church has endorsed a consumer boycott of Taco Bell restaurants, in support of efforts by Florida tomato growers to gain better wages and working/living conditions.

Taco Bell Boycott Resource Office of the PC(USA) is now encouraging Presbyterians to join the Coalition of Immokalee Workers in a hunger fast at the doorstep of Taco Bell headquarters in Irvine, California, beginning on Monday, Feb. 24. The fast calls upon Taco Bell to take responsibility for the sweatshop conditions in the fields where its tomatoes are picked.

The threat of war against Iraq

What's good's a war if you can't laugh at it a little?

MAD Magazine, that fount of wisdom, offers a movie poster that you really must look at to enjoy.

But just in case it's hard to read the small print, click here to read the full text of the poster.

COMING SOON!

THE BUSH ADMINISTRATION
IN ASSOCIATION WITH
THE OTHER BUSH ADMINISTRATION

PRESENTS

GULF WARS

EPISODE II

CLONE OF THE ATTACK

1/14/03

We have reported on the decision of the Presbytery of the Twin Cities Area not to approve a proposed overture to delete G-6.0106b from the Book of Order.

There was a brighter side to the meeting, as the Presbytery voted not to remove a man from the roll of candidates for ministry on the basis of his orientation.

A group at St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church in Austin, TX, invites people to join in a workshop on non-violent resistance in GLBT issues

And they'll provide housing and local transportation for out-of-town guests at the March event!

Asians in America are experiencing religious change

The Washington Post has published two articles on religious changes in Asian-American communities. One reports on the growing number of Chinese Americans who are becoming Christian, and another surveys Korean Americans, many of them intensely loyal members of Korean Christian churches, who are now becoming more assimilated, and entering into interracial marriages and joining non-Korean churches.

Thanks to onReligion.com - a great source for all kinds of news on religion in the United States and around the world

As budgets shrink, more federal money is going to faith-based groups for work with the homeless

The US Department of Veterans Affairs has announced that 40% of the groups receiving federal grant funds to support work with the homeless are religious groups. This means that nonreligious groups that have received funds in the past are receiving less money this year, and will have to cut the number of beds they offer to homeless people. Both religious and nonreligious groups say that it appears to them that the religious groups received special treatment in the award process.

Thanks for this story, too, to onReligion.com

1/13/03

No action for an inclusive church

The Presbytery of the Twin Cities Area, in assembly on January 11, 2003, approved a motion by the Rev. Tim Hart-Andersen to take no action on a proposed overture that would call for the deletion of G-6.0106b from the Presbyterian Book of Order.

MoveOn.org provides an update on anti-war actions in the coming crucial weeks -- with links to more information on various actions on Jan. 18 and at other times. They also point to a couple good articles on the arms inspections.

1/9/03

The threat of war against Iraq

Patriotism is not enough

Peter J. Gomes, Plummer Professor of Christian Morals and Pusey Minister at The Memorial Church of Harvard University, has published a thoughtful essay (adapted from a sermon given on October 6, 2002), in which he notes how deeply concerned are Christians in mid-America about the impending war. "They love their country, and they love their God; and what do you do when your country is headed where you think your faith and your God don't want you to go? ..."

He continues:

"This is a frightening time, and if one cannot speak out of Christian conscience and conviction now, come what may, then we are forever consigned to moral silence. We hear much talk of 'moral clarity,' but it sounds more to me like moral arrogance, and it must not be met with moral silence. Anthony Lewis, formerly of The New York Times, said recently that if the purpose of the terrorists of Sept. 11, 2001, was to destroy our confidence in our own American values, then, he feared, they had succeeded. In the name of fighting terror both abroad and at home, our government - particularly through the attorney general, together with a culture of patriotic intimidation - has suspended our constitutional liberties, stifled dissent, and defined a good American as one who goes along with the powers-that-be, in a 'my way or the highway' mentality. When patriotism is defined in this narrow, partisan, opportunistic, jingoistic way, then perhaps that old cynic Dr. Samuel Johnson was right when he defined patriotism as the 'last refuge of a scoundrel.'"

The full essay is on sojo.net

Thanks to Rev. Bruce Gillette for suggesting this.

As war looms, here are thoughts to ponder - quotations about war from sources as varied as Ben Franklin to Margaret Mead to Herbert Hoover to Henry Miller. (How's that for a random sample?)

These were circulating on the Internet some time ago, and we posted them on 10-9-02. But a friend just reminded us of them, and we think they're worth another look.

Religious groups watch with wary eye as Congress opens

A Religion News Service story details the varied concerns of different religious groups as Congress reconvenes under the cloud of war (and its assorted high costs) and a new Republican dominance.

The Rev. David Beckmann, president of Bread for the World, speaks for many of the groups when he says, ""Money is disappearing by the hundreds of billions into the tax cut and then the war. The political situation for poor people this year is pretty grim."

But the Christian Coalition is on the job, pushing to make elements of President Bush's earlier tax cuts permanent.

Environmental issues

Higher fuel costs will offer challenges and teachable moments to congregations

The Rev. Bruce Gillette, of First Presbyterian Church, Pitman NJ, sends this observation and suggests resources for the rising cost of heating.

Reductions sought in greenhouse gases

Criticizing Bush, Senators McCain and Lieberman would set deadlines

Here's an update from the Washington Post on current efforts in Congress to press for more responsible action on greenhouse gases. A number of senators want to seek mandatory limits on carbon dioxide and other heat-trapping gases, while the administration continues to oppose such action, wanting only voluntary measures - and those only after "more study." A number of Republicans are looking for stronger action, as well.

Gallup report shows new low in public view of organized religion

Religion News Service reports that the Gallup Index of Leading Religious Indicators has reached its lowest level ever, revealing the public's most negative overall rating for organized religion since the index began in 1940.

Researchers attribute the decrease to the sex abuse scandals in the Catholic Church.

What do you think? Do you see this shift in attitudes toward religious institutions? Should church leaders be concerned about this? Please share your thoughts in a little note!

Churchwide Theology Conference will focus on "We Believe in One God"

The Theology and Worship Office of the PC(USA) is planning the 3^rd Churchwide Theology Convocation, to be held in Pittsburgh on April 23-26, 2003.

The theme is "We Believe in One God."

Speakers will include Ellen Charry, Princeton Seminary; S. Mark Heim, Andover Newton; Marianne Meye Thompson, Fuller Seminary; Colin Gunton, Kings College, London; Mark Labberton, First Church, Berkeley, California.

More information is available on the PC(USA) web site (but only in PDF format!). Or call Nohra Carrillo at 1-888-728-7228, ext. 5335. Or e-mail Program Coordinator Dale Jackson.

1/7/03

A liberal listens and reflects at the Celebrate! student conference

Witherspoon staffer Ann Euston attended the recent quadrennial ecumenical student conference in Albuquerque. She reports on the excitement of the event, and reflects on the challenge that concerned students present to older progressives today, to "Help us to do right in a world forever doing wrong."

Looking for a roommate for Witherspoon's Call from Tomorrow Conference?

E-mail or call Ann Euston (sustainann@earthlink.net; 505 296-4885). She'll be acting as a clearinghouse to try to help people match up. In registering at the Downtown Holiday Inn if you want a roommate she'd recommend reserving as a double. The price is the same and it will hold open options for locating someone to share with.

The threat of war against Iraq

Sister of a 9/11 victim is visiting Iraq with other members of September 11th Families for Peaceful Tomorrows

Scholar and author Diana Eck has passed along a press release from Terry Rockefeller, who is a producer in public television, having worked earlier for the Pluralism Project.

We note this visit as one of the creative and healing ventures to stand against the war, and for peace in Iraq.

Outlook comments on amendments soon to be voted on by presbyteries

The 214th General Assembly (2002) of the Presbyterian Church (USA) approved 13 amendments to the Book of Order and recommended them to the 173 presbyteries for ratification.

Do you have comments on any of these proposed amendments? Please send a note and we'll share it here!

Race in America:
a live town meeting on TV this Thursday

from the Presbyterian Washington Office

Thursday on PBS (9 pm. ET), Ted Koppel will anchor AMERICA IN BLACK AND WHITE: JASPER, TEXAS, a live town meeting on race in America from Jasper, Texas. The 90-minute town meeting will be broadcast live and in its entirety on PBS at 9:00 p.m. ET (check local listings). ABC News "Nightline" will broadcast one hour of the town meeting beginning at 11:35 p.m. ET on the ABC Television Network. The town hall meeting will be held with the citizens
of Jasper, many of whom were interviewed for the documentary.

Bush tolerance of air pollution will be challenged in Senate

The Presbyterian Washington Office notes that Senators McCain and Lieberman plan to unveil a plan this week to require all U.S. power plants and industries to reduce their emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases, setting the stage for a conflict with the Bush administration and the new chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee.

The report is in The Washington Post.

1/4/03

The threat of war against Iraq

Call the White House about the war

We've received two notes from Witherspooners urging people to call the White House to give their views on the war with Iraq.

President Bush's White House Opinion Line: 202-456-1111 Please make a call if you have a minute.

NCC-led religious leaders report on mission to Iraq

A delegation of 13 US religious leaders, under the aegis of the National Council of Churches, returned from a mission to Iraq on January 3, after witnessing the 20-year legacy of suffering of Iraqi civilians -- especially children -- and burdened with the knowledge that war would further deepen that suffering.

Terming preemptive war immoral, illegal and theologically illegitimate, the group contends that a war against Iraq would result in widespread suffering and death for innocent people and would make the U.S. less secure, not more secure.

Click here for the full text of their statement.

Technical difficulties? You bet!

Start your New Year right with a new flash animation that will make you laugh, and make you want to try harder to change the way our nation is headed. It's called "Technical Difficulties," and is brought to us by MoveOn.org, an online advocacy network that we've linked to before.

Get God's daily e-mail

Witherspooner Bruce Gillette reminds us of a helpful service provided by our PC(USA):

An important New Year's resolution is to read the Bible every day to discover anew God's love for you and call for you to love. An easy way to encourage yourself to read the Bible is to have a brief passage e-mailed to you each day. Our Presbyterian Church (USA) provides this free service that encourages Christians around the world to read the Bible. You can also read online daily updated teachings about the faith from our Study Catechism and news about our church''s work in the USA and overseas from our Mission Yearbook. Learn more about these free services at http://horeb.pcusa.org/search/dailyreadings.htm

Leave No Jobless Worker Behind

As Congress reconvenes, labor groups urge support for meaningful help for jobless workers.

1/2/03

PHEWA seeks nominees for social ministry awards

The Presbyterian Health, Education and Welfare Association (PHEWA) is seeking nominations for its six social welfare ministry awards, which will be presented during next summer's 215th General Assembly in Denver. Deadline for nominations is Feb. 14.

Africa and the Middle East Advocacy Days
February 23-26, 2003

A number of church-related advocacy groups will hold an ecumenical gathering in Washington, DC, beginning Sunday evening, February 23, and ending Wednesday afternoon, February 26.

There will be speakers, issue briefings, and advocacy training workshops .. and then opportunities to speak with Senators and Representatives in the U.S. Congress, or their key foreign policy staff, regarding Africa or the Middle East.

Year-end report on Congressional action

The Presbyterian Washington Office provides a helpful year-end wrap-up on Congressional action (and inaction) on issues on which the PC(USA) has expressed interest.

The threat of war against Iraq

January 27 - the Trigger for War

Mobilize for January 18 - National March on Washington to Stop Bush's War on Iraq

A conference will be held in March, 2003, with the theme, Encircling Care: A New Vision for Congregational Care-Giving. Sponsored by Health Ministries USA, a mission program of the National Ministries Division and Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, it will be held in Louisville, Ky. Planned for clergy, specialized ministers, parish nurses, pastoral counselors, church leaders, seminarians and caregivers, it will cover mobility issues, Alzheimer's, ADRD, frail elderly and aging.

"Somebody's gotta be Mary!"

Chris Glaser preached a delightful, witty, profound sermon before Christmas at Mt. Auburn Presbyterian Church in Cincinnati. Likening the Presbyterian Church to a Christmas pageant (how's that for an imaginative leap!), he suggests that nobody in the Presbyterian throng would be willing to play Mary, since she was, after all, in violation of G-6.0106b. But then, cried stage manager Gabriel, "No Mary, no Jesus!"

Glaser talked also about all the support God has given to GLBT Presbyterians like himself. He mentioned More Light Presbyterians, That All May Freely Serve, and the Shower of Stoles as "kinswomen who tell us that what has been conceived within us is blessed fruit." He spoke of Voices of Sophia as another sister, and added: "We have a mother who sought justice for our cause and welcomed us in her womb long before our sisters were born, the Witherspoon Society." Covenant Network he likened to Joseph, providing resources and a link to the establishment.

But we think you'll enjoy reading the whole thing for yourself.

Thanks to Barbara Kellam Scott for leading us to this.

Antisemitism lives

Many conservative Christians are becoming active defenders (if that's the word) of the State of Israel these days. But in case you've wondered, Christian antisemitism hasn't gone away.

One of the mixed blessings of managing a website is the variety of people and groups who respond to it. And I've just received a long e-mail from no less a figure than David Duke - former Ku Klux Klan leader, Republican state legislator in Louisiana, presidential candidate in 1992, and much more. In his Christmas e-mail he expounds on "Jewish threat" to Christmas: "At this beautiful and thoughtful time of year, it is good to reflect and contrast our highest values to that of our traditional enemies. As all of you realize, the most beautiful and sacred traditions of the West are under attack. Jewish supremacists seek to use multiculturalism as a weapon to undermine our sense of tradition and culture."

Your WebWeaver doesn't like to play censor, but we won't post a link to Duke's web site, or to the site he recommends, which is from the European-American Unity and Rights Organization (EURO). He describes the group (of which he happens to be the "National President") as "the leading organization fighting against discrimination and for the rights and heritage of European-Americans."

The Anti-Defamation League has a brief sketch of Duke's career, highlighting his current strategy of using the Internet to "facilitate a world-wide revolution of White awareness."

Click here for a listing of all earlier archive pages