| Church should return to evangelical heritage As a lifelong member of The United Methodist Church, I applaud the Baltimore-Washington Conferences unified effort to fight Gov. Ehrlichs proposed legislation of slot machines in Maryland. However, where is the public outcry and voice of this denomination, specifically the Baltimore-Washington Conference, denouncing the atrocities of legalized abortion? Is this too much of a politically polarized subject for The United Methodist Church to dare tackle and debate with public enthusiasm? It makes one wonder if Gov. Ehrlich were a Democrat would his proposal receive such protest from his Methodist brethren? I guess it shouldnt come as a surprise. This is the same church whose leadership has no problem publicly protesting a possible military action under the fine leadership of another fellow Methodist, President George Bush, against a psychotic tyrant and his terrorism support network. My earnest prayers are that The United Methodist Church would divorce itself from its 40-plus year courtship with liberalism and return to its evangelical heritage that is richly indoctrinated in Scripture. Maybe then it will get its priorities straight. Wes Hamrick
Thurmont UMC, Thurmont
Church should say what it believes Bishop Felton Edwin May recently encouraged support to oppose war with Iraq, slot machines, gambling, and several other issues of the day. But on the issues of homosexuality and abortion there is nothing but silence. Abortion has been the law of the land since the Roe versus Wade decision was issued by the Supreme Court. This decision was based on a complete lie (but thats another story). Since its adoption, 42 million lives have been aborted. This is more than one out of four members of an entire generation. Yet The United Methodist Church is silent. Our Discipline opposes abortion. But The United Methodist Church is silent. Concerning homosexuality and all of its evils and ills, the story is even worse. It is supported and approved by The United Methodist Church. Our Discipline opposes and condemns homosexuality. But out of The United Methodist Church there is approval and support. When will The United Methodist Church start either saying what they believe or start believing what they say? J. Edward Head
Melville Chapel UMC, Elkridge
We have a lot of influence together I am writing to address two issues. First, I want to thank you for covering the work of our legislative advocate in the March 5 UMConnection. Few of us knew about this important position, which in my opinion should be a full-time professionally paid position instead of the small stipend it draws. The church really should put a high priority on social justice organizing like this, and United Methodists need to realize we have a lot of influence when we work together. As our advocate Carol Colbeth says, we can make a difference on slots, the death penalty and many other issues, and we dont all have to be activists to do it. With someone to inform us and give us simple gbwc_superuserelines (take your laptop to church), we can move mountains, or even state legislatures. Secondly, I would like to respectfully differ with Pamela Hobbs letter in the Feb. 19 issue. Not only is Bishop Talbert right, but more directly to her point, he does have a right to speak for all United Methodists because he is preaching directly in line with the Social Principles. Many United Methodists seem to think we can just believe in God and leave the rest to individual interpretation, but there are very clear Methodist principles and beliefs on which we are based. Opposing war is one of them. Christine Matthews,
Foundry UMC, Washington, D.C.
Christians should reject war I commend Bishop Felton Edwin May for denouncing the war on Iraq and for encouraging his flock to pray for peace. But I must ask, is The United Methodist Church doing enough to demonstrate actively its stated opposition to the war? The Baltimore-Washington Conference Web page prominently displays a request for prayer for the men and women in service. However, I do not see an equally strong statement declaring that since this war would be unjust, fighting in it would be unchristian. Since this war goes against the very grain of our understanding of the Gospel, our churchs teachings and our conscience, I implore all United Methodists in the armed forces to refuse to fight in this war. I further encourage the Council of Bishops to require that President Bush and Vice-President Cheney repent of their violent policies or renounce their membership in The United Methodist Church. It takes holy boldness and imagination to make the Gospel come alive in the world. May we be so bold. Dan Shenk-Evans
Christ UMC, Washington, D.C. | 
Login/Register to leave comment