| Conference should break silence on abortion In recent e-connections and the UMConnection, I was able to read about Martin Luther King observances, of which I am all in favor. I was also able to read about various anti-war activities that I do not necessarily completely agree with, but I do respect peoples right to voice their opinions. However, I have not been able to find one word concerning the fact that Jan. 22 marked the 30th anniversary of the Roe vs. Wade decision, which opened the doors for women to kill their unborn babies as they see fit for any reason they want. Where is the holy boldness crying out in defense of these totally innocent humans? Our country has killed 45 million of its citizens in the last 30 years and our church remains silent. Saddam Hussein grinds his people up alive in oversized meat grinders and our president is ridiculed for wanting to put an end to his reign. We grind up more than a million babies in the womb each year and the church is silent. Shame on the Baltimore-Washington Conference for its deafening silence on this attack on our citizens that has killed more people than Hitler and Stalin combined. Jeff Maley
New Market UMC We missed a chance to reason together The Jan. 1 issue of the UMConnection published John Hoffmans letter of explanation that he was leaving United Methodism because he felt there was no place for him, his thoughts and his values, which centered around the pro-gun point of view. I intended to write earlier. My letter would have said, Dont go. I had even looked up: Come now, let us reason together (Isaiah 1:18.) But I didnt write. I dont have an excuse. What kind of person cares enough about his denomination to write a letter to it when he decides to leave? Few would bother, so I think he is one who really loved it; loved its fellowship, traditions, teachings and values. As I read his letter, it seemed to me that it was a plea for acceptance from someone standing somewhat apart from the center of Methodisms current thought. From the front to the back pew we were silent. The depth and quality of Mr. Hoffmans faith was questioned because he had a different point of view than many of us. Ill go back and re-read the last UMConnections lead article: Conference leads church in diversity. Maybe it will make me feel better about myself or maybe it wont. Rev. Dan Stone
Pastor, Delmont UMC Stay out of politics Personally, I know, as a United States Senator, Trent Lott expressed himself publicly in a manner unprofessional with (his) controversial remarks on Dec. 17, 2002. However, Senator Lott did respond with sincere regret and remorse openly, which is repentance. I do not understand a committee being charged with addressing repentance for racism. Senator Lott stepped down. Are we all now going to shout from the pulpit, The church won! Not so there is just one judge. Our membership needs to interfere. We have elected officers who are very capable to handle the politics in our country. The United Methodist Church has more important issues stay out of politics. By the way, who is this committee charged with addressing repentance? Lewis Meadows
Shenandoah Junction, W.Va. | 
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