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God can be honored in letters

It has been a few years since there have been printed “Letters to the Editor” in our conference newspaper. Because I am strongly in favor of renewing this part of our life together, I decided to put my hope in print at this outset.

Over the last several years our conferencewide emphasis on “growing disciples and transforming the world” has brought a welcomed sense of unity to our United Methodist ranks. Pastors and laity across the political spectrum have come closer together than we ever have as allies in this Kingdom-sized effort.

And … it is also true that we still have differences of opinion on issues that matter greatly to our church and our society. Which is why it is entirely appropriate to share our varied opinions here; in fact, the biblical prophets would implore it.

My profound expectation is that in our strong convictions and vigorous debate each contributor will write with a sense of humility and respect for others who may disagree. What if God is honored even on this viewpoints page, especially on this page? Let us grow disciples, transform the world and respectfully debate our differences. It is more than a matter of civility; it is a matter of faithfulness.

Rev. Chris Holmes

Superintendent, Annapolis District

Proposal could change children’s lives

Studies show that 80 percent of all adults who have a significant relationship with Jesus Christ had a strong initial encounter with him before they were 18.

But how do we reach those children who are likely to mature into adulthood without the spiritual undergirding that will be necessary for their values, their life purpose, their eternal lives? This is a huge question.

Sixty percent of all area households are now single parent households and children are often home alone after school.

This particular socio-economic fact may be the most important doorway to discipleship that we as followers of Jesus Christ have in this upcoming decade.

Children yearn for guidance and positive relationships. Our churches have unused space, our church folks have love to give.

There is a proposal before the annual
conference session this year that will encourage (not require) churches to look into the importance of this mission field. If you would like a full copy of the proposal or would like to dialogue with me about it, please e-mail

Rev. Laura L. Schultz

Howard Chapel-Ridgeville UMC, Mt. Airy

Church should act for civil rights

I am writing in response to the recent legislation on same-sex marriage in the District of Columbia.

It has been suggested by some church leaders that we pray for one another and be in holy conversation so that God’s will may be done. However, I believe this is little more than pietistic language that calls for compromise on ethical issues of great importance.

People do not, as the religiously super-conservatives prefer to think, “choose” homosexuality. Choice – an ethical category – has nothing to do with it. This is the way God sent them.

And today, after many years of struggle to attain the rights we “straight” people have always enjoyed, they are slowly winning legal permission to marry and to have access to conjugal privileges you and I have always taken for granted.

How on earth leaders in our United Methodism can simply sit on the sidelines while civil government leads in resolving these painful issues of human rights, I cannot understand.

It was African Bishop Desmond Tutu’s commentary in the March 3 Washington Post that has led me to write this letter. He said, “Hate has no place in the house of God. … Exclusion is never the way forward on our shared paths to freedom and justice.”

Rev. R. Bruce Poynter

Retired