| Arafats anti-semitism is main issue I would like to comment on the article United Methodists join in urgent Mideast trip in the April 17 UMConnection. Mr. Hale shares the view, the fundamental issue isnt that Palestinians and Israelis dislike each other. The basic issue is that one side is under occupation and one side is the occupier. I disagree with Mr. Hale. One of the main issues is Mr. Arafats hatred of the Jews. I am very sorry to see your paper make such a big deal over the gift Mr. Arafat gave Bishop Galvan. At least in the picture Mr. Arafat looks like the evil terrorist he is. Mr. Arafat is known for giving lip service to anyone to further his cause. Thomas H. Fosler
Delmont UMC, Severn Investment important part of stewardship I was delighted to see the article about the United Methodist Church pension funds being invested responsibly (Pension Fund Uses Clout for Justice, UMConnection, May 1), and I am impressed with the activism of the Board of Pensions office in influencing corporations. Please prod us with more information about how the average shareholder can make a difference. Several of my friends have expressed an interest in socially responsible investing. This is not just an option to consider, but as Christians, this is an important part of stewardship of our resources. As Christians, the bottom line should not matter as much as how our investment money is used, and people are always surprised to learn that one doesnt have to take a loss to invest responsibly. Christine Matthews
Foundry UMC, Washington, D.C. Dont sugarcoat segregation I was taken aback by the papers referral to Asbury UMC as the child church of Foundry UMC in the page one caption of the April 17 issue of the UMConnection. Foundry UMC did not lovingly give birth to Asbury UMC; white racial prejudice and racism caused this separation. A quaint euphemism is not the same as honesty and truthfulness. How can we as a church move forward toward reconciliation when racism and segregation is candy-coated? As brother and sisters, can we be truthful with ourselves? I also feel strongly that using the term child in reference to Asbury UMCs and Foundry UMCs relationship displays the UMConnections lack of clarity and insight into the dynamics of todays racial realities within the United Methodist Church and the society in which we live. We endure a culture that continues to elevate white society and culture above all others. Surely you would agree that a church publication is not the place to reinforce relational imbalances. Had Jesus been standing in the sanctuary when the black members of Foundry UMC walked out of the church, I think he would have walked out with them. He would have left, not because he would have been a righteous white man, but because Jesus would have been black. Jesus was, and is, the oppressed person among us. I find that referring to Asbury UMC as the child minimizes the bold calling and convictions of brave and true followers of Christ. Doris E. Warrell
Dumbarton UMC, Washington, D.C. | 
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