| Labels threaten evangelism I want to thank the Rev. Bob Barnes for his column in the Nov. 5 UMConnection. His words raised another concern. The broad line that is often drawn between the religious right and the rest of Christianity is all too often a device that suggests to the world there is nothing in common among those who fall into one camp or the other. The danger is that we will fail to demonstrate to secular observers the underlying common strains of our faith. We are united in our belief that Jesus Christ, son of God, is Lord and Savior to those who call upon his name. In our squabbles, we face the danger of missing opportunities to present the Good News to those who need to hear it. We need to re-think our tendency to assign labels. Rev. Charles Beekley
Trinity UMC, Frederick Rigid orthodoxy is un-Wesleyan You designated as quotable the statement by James V. Heidinger II about diversity as a poor term to describe a theological position. The statement is un-Wesleyan, and suggestive of the rigid orthodoxy Mr. Heidinger and Good News would impose on our denomination. The next time you need a quote on the subject of diversity and theology, may I suggest: I believe that the merciful God regards the lives and tempers of men more than their ideas. I believe that He respects the goodness of the heart rather than the clearness of the head. Or, For, how far is love, even with many wrong questions, to be preferred before truth itself without love! These are, our course, quotations from John Wesley, who, were he living today, would probably be brought up on charges of heresy by Mr. Heidinger and Good News. Rev. William A. HolmesRetired clergy Bishops should not publicly judge president In response to the editorial in the Nov. 19 UMConnection, I must ask why do we in The United Methodist Church assume that the president of the United States should meet with the Council of Bishops? The president did not take the time to meet with the Roman Catholic Bishops who were also meeting in Washington during the same week. I believe President Bush did not meet with the Council of Bishops because of the General Board of Church and Societys ad in Christian Century Magazine. In paying for this ad, Jim Winkler and the seven bishops crossed the line from the theological discussion to the political arena. This group discarded and ignored the spiritual care of the president and engaged strictly in a lowly political attack. In our local churches, a pastor would never judge a parishioner by putting his or her name on the sign in the front of the church calling for them to repent. If this were done, that singled out individual would probably sue the church and pastor for defamation, and/or leave the church forever. The church is called to make disciples for Jesus Christ. Whether our Council of Bishops gets to meet with the president is irrelevant to this mission. Let us focus on this mission, pray for the elected leaders of this country and ask for Gods gbwc_superuserance in our lives. Rev. Jeb Archey
Bay Brook Charge, Baltimore | 
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