| Why limit publication? I read the Feb. 12 special issue, In Defense of Creation: The Nuclear Crisis and a Just Peace. It was rather heavy reading so I took my time to try and absorb as much as possible. It was very impressive writing. However, after reading such an in-depth article on how we should act as Christians in the world, I was offended by the note at the end of the article that said reproduction was prohibited without written permission of the publisher. Would it not enhance the ability to get the message out if there were not prohibitions on reproduction? Not every United Methodist receives the UMConnection and, of course, all outside of United Methodism do not receive it. Is this message of peace only for a select few? I think perhaps we are way too concerned about being able to charge for something through Cokesbury rather than being concerned about getting the message spread wide and far. Arthur Smith Pleasant Grove UMC Editors note: In Defense of Creation is copyrighted material from Graded Press, part of the United Methodist Publishing House, based in Nashville, Tenn. Questions about why the Publishing House would charge for In Defense of Creation should be directed to them at 201 Eighth Ave., South, P.O. Box 801, Nashville, TN 37202. Thanks for special issue Thank you for the special edition of UMConnection (Feb. 12, 2003), featuring the 1986 In Defense of Creation. As the militarists in our government rush our nation to war, it was a blessing to be reminded again of the prophets call for peace, the Gospel of peace personified by Jesus, and our United Methodist affirmation that war is incompatible with the teachings and example of Christ. We hope that you forwarded copies of this issue to the president and vice president of the United States, both of whom claim to be United Methodists. The Rev. Carroll and Phyllis Yingling, retired
Baltimore Bishops silence is inconsistent In 1998, the Lexington Park UMC Charge opted to withhold apportionments to the Baltimore-Washington Conference in the hope that Bishop May and his good offices would address the General Board of Global Ministries and the General Board of Church and Societys policies, support and pronouncements regarding abortion and homosexuality. During a fact-finding meeting at the church, Bishop May declared that he was a referee, not the owner of a bully pulpit regarding church issues. My, how things have changed. Our bishop has issued a special issue of the UMConnection to quote our Savior, Jesus, telling the people that the peacemakers will be blessed. This is the same Jesus who personally drove the cheaters from the Temple and lashed out at the vipers in priests clothing. According to the Scriptures, then, there must be a place in our world for righteous anger and response to murderers, terrorists and unholy dictators, i.e. Saddam Hussein, Al Queda and Robert Mugabe. Our United Methodist brother, President George Bush, understands that scriptural truth, yet he is the one (like Jesus) who is vilified. Will Bishop May now raise his newfound official voice against the President of Zimbabwe, where we United Methodists are so trying to build a university? Will Bishop May now speak out against the abominable practice of homosexuality? Will we hear him declare that destroying a baby in the womb is also an abominable act? Cpt. Larry Lutz, USNR (Ret.)
Lexington Park | 
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