It Is Never Time for a Millstone

I am preparing a blog post regarding my thoughts on the Covenant Network Conference I attended in Cleveland last week. I hope to complete it next week. I am enjoying reading the reports by Leslie Scanlon of the Presbyterian Outlook and by Edward Terry, reporter for the Layman. Both attended the conference and both have reported accurate summations of some of the addresses that were given.

So far Edward Terry has reported on Mark Achtemeier's address and just today, Kenda Creasy Dean's address. Mr. Terry's reporting has been fair and accurate without scare quotes or loaded phrasing that is often typical with the Layman. I hope he keeps his job.

I say that because his editor, is, well, a bit unhinged.

Carmen Fowler on her latest blog post has found a passage in the Bible that she thinks applies to Dr. Achtemeier. She writes:

He has publically exchanged the truth about God for lies. He has publically renounced the truth of the Word of the Lord by subordinating that Word to his own sincerely held and heartfelt desires. He has become the kind of teacher about whom we are warned in II Timothy 4:3-4: “For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.”

Jesus has something to say about false teachers: “Jesus said to His disciples: ‘Things that cause people to sin are bound to come, but woe to that person through whom they come. It would be better for him to be thrown into the sea with a millstone tied around his neck than for him to cause one of these little ones to sin’” (Luke 17:1-2). Harsh words? Yes, but they are not my own.

No, Carmen, they are your words.

When you find a passage in the Bible and apply it to someone it becomes your interpretation, your application, your words.

Notice the violent image she chose to apply to Dr. Achtemeier.

It would be better for him to be thrown into the sea with a millstone tied around his neck than for him to cause one of these little ones to sin.

The title of her blogpost is Time for a Millstone?

What exactly does that mean? Who is going to be the one to tie the millstone to Dr. Achtemeier? Will she do it herself or count on someone she will stir up with her rhetoric?

I am confident that is not her intent. But there are enough unstable people in the world who do take that type of rhetoric seriously enough to do violence in God's name.

I am not one in favor of censoring anyone's speech, but a little responsibility and sensitivity from an editor of a Christian publication is in order.

High School Musical

The drama and chorus departments at Dobyns-Bennett are putting on "Guys and Dolls" this weekend. My lovely is the chorus director at D-B and is directing the music. Here is the article in the Kingsport Times-News.

Dobyns-Bennett High School is staging its own high school musical — and it has nothing to do with the East High Wildcats, Troy Bolton or basketball.

Instead, students and teachers from D-B’s chorus and drama departments have teamed up to tackle the intricate story of “Guys and Dolls” — a musical comedy originally described in its program as a “fable of Broadway.”

The Performing Arts Departments present “Guys and Dolls” at 7 p.m., Nov. 13; 2 and 7 p.m., Nov. 14; and 2 p.m., Nov. 15 in the school’s Nancy Necessary Pridemore Little Theatre.

Tickets for the show are $10 each, and will be sold at the door.

“There are approximately 30 students involved in the production,” said D-B drama instructor Debbie Coram.

“We have a musical theatre class this year that our chorus teacher teaches. It was an audition class, and then my forensics’ team, the Dramahawks, are involved in it also.”

....“This is a pretty mature cast,” Coram said. “We have some newcomers [to D-B productions], but they’re not necessarily new to the stage so we’re really excited about the performances coming up this weekend." (Read More)

If you are in the Tri-Cities check it out!

Lisa Larges and Her Scruple

If you have a few moments, you should read Lisa Larges' statement of faith, her journey, and her statement of departure (scruple) regarding G-6.0106b.

This was all printed in the agenda (pdf) for the meeting at which she was approved for ordination by the presbytery of San Francisco.

This whole process gives you a sense of what it takes to be ordained, "the trials of ordination," and how subjective the whole business is. Of course, anyone perceived different from the mainstream in any way is especially "noted."




This is from her scruple regarding G-6.0106b. She demonstrates--one bullet point after another--why G-6.0106busybody is bad news for the church:

The text of G-6.0106b continues by singling out one particular derived standard from the historic confessional standards, namely, “the requirement to live either in fidelity within the covenant of marriage between a man and a woman (W-4.9001), or chastity in singleness.” By my conscience, faith and theology I cannot and will not accept the terms of this standard.

• It deliberately and intentionally denies the dignity and lived experience of same gender loving people.
• In so doing it raises one category of persons, heterosexual persons, above all others and thereby makes an idol of heterosexuality.
• Its formulation is based on a certain interpretation of Scripture to the exclusion of other interpretations, which are as sound, held by faithful Christians within our church.
• It imposes a false and impossible choice upon same gender loving persons by not recognizing faithful covenanted relationships between two persons of the same gender.
• It puts the church and its officers in an untenable position by failing to acknowledge the expanded definition of legal marriage as a “contract between two persons,” as held at this writing, in the jurisdictions of six U.S. states.
• By elevating this standard above any others it has caused our church to be mired in inappropriate and scandalous inquiries into the sexual acts of persons seeking Ordained office.
• It removes sex from the context of intimacy and covenantal relationship and denies the fullness and richness of committed loving relationships between persons of the same gender.
• It denies the full humanity of lesbian, gay bisexual and transgender persons by focusing solely and exclusively on one part of their lives.
• It distracts the church from seeking a deeper understanding of sexual ethics, so that sexual misconduct by officers of this church continues at an alarming rate.
• It puts upon the door of the church an “Unwelcome” sign for all gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender persons and their families.
• It props up and provides religious cover for acts of violence committed against gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender persons.
• It has caused schism within our church by driving out gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender persons who cannot fellowship within a church which regards them categorically as inferior.
• It is a scandal to the Gospel and destroys the peace, unity and purity of the church.
  

In my own life, while I affirm the moral values of fidelity and chastity, I will not and can not claim chastity in singleness unless and until fidelity between two persons of the same gender within a covenantal relationship is recognized.

I will not submit in any way to a reduction of who I am as a Lesbian to language about “practice,” nor will I participate in perpetrating such a false and demeaning dichotomy upon any other member of this church.

Declaring a "scruple" is not enough. We need to remove this blight on the church.

Sick Around the World

For those in the Tri-Cities area be sure to catch a screening of the film, Sick Around the World: Five Capitalist Democracies and How They Did It, Monday, November 16th from 7-9 p.m. at Munsey Methodist Church in Johnson City.

What did they do? They deliver health care to all their citizens. After the film is a panel discussion.

Munsey United Methodist Church is on the corner of Roan and Market Street in Johnson City.


Hope to see you there!

Busybodies Strike Back At Lisa Larges

We are celebrating the vote in San Francisco presbytery. The presbytery approved the ordination of Lisa Larges. But she hasn't been ordained yet. Ever watchful for gay cooties, busybodies in San Francisco signed a "Stay of Enforcement." High priestess of the busybodies, Rev. Mary Holder Naegeli, sent a news release that was posted by town crier of the busybodies, Presbyweb:

Enough signatures were collected at the close of the meeting to secure a Stay of Enforcement while a remedial complaint is filed with the Synod of the Pacific Permanent Judicial Commission. Ms. Larges’ ordination cannot take place unless all legal hurdles are overcome, which could take another eighteen months.

Proving that making life difficult for others is what gives their lives meaning.

Lisa Larges Approved for Ordination!

San Francisco Presbytery was all a twitter last night as Lisa Larges was approved for ordination by a vote of 156 to 138. That All May Freely Serve (TAMFS) was also approved as a validated ministry of the presbytery. That vote was 157 to 147.



In a polarized presbytery in a polarized denomination, Lisa Larges completed another chapter in her 23 year quest to serve the church as an ordained minister of word and sacrament.

Her last statement before the vote on her ordination:


"My call is to follow Jesus Christ and live my life with integrity."




Indeed. Thank you, Lisa, for your witness.

I have posted on her journey previously. In reverse order (pretty much):

Doug Oldenburg on Amendment B
Lisa Larges in the Advocate
A Silver Lining for Lisa Larges?
Lisa Larges Responds
Lisa Larges Decision
Lisa Larges on Trial
Lisa Larges Approved!
Lisa Larges in LA Times
More Links Regarding Lisa Larges
Lisa Larges' Statement of Conscience
Church Has Opportunity to do the Right Thing

United Religions Initiative Gratitude Dinner

Here is something different for East Tennessee. You are all invited to a dinner to celebrate Thanksgiving with people from many different religions. No, not just Baptist and Church of Christ, but Buddhist and Wiccan, too!

Right here in the Bible belt.

We are more diverse than you might think. Here are the details:

Saturday November 21, 2009
6:00-8:30 p.m.
Johnson City Senior Center:
607 W. Myrtle Ave.



The Northeast Tennessee Co-operation Circle of United Religions Initiative is having their seventh annual interfaith potluck dinner of gratitude. A special effort is being made to attract people from diverse cultures and religions with the hope of creating a supportive and active interfaith community in the Tri-Cities area.

Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, Wiccan, Native American, Buddhist and Unitarian Universalist religious leaders and congregants will share blessings and prayers for peace. The evening will be closed by folk Dances of Universal Peace led by Rebecca Nunley.

The public is invited to bring a dish and share in this interfaith opportunity to get to know our neighbors. Turkey and beverages will be provided. (Bringing a dish of one’s culture or ethnicity is encouraged, but any dish is welcome.)

RSVP Contact: Rev. Jacqueline Luck, revluck [at] hvuuc [dot] org or leave a message: 423-477-7661

Hope to see you!

Start Spreading the News...

The action is in New York State today. According to the New York Observer, over 700 hundred clergy are going to melt away their little town blues and be a part of it:

ALBANY—With tomorrow's expected vote on same-sex marriage, advocates of the legislation say they're busing in 700 clergy members from around the state.

"This list represents a diverse group of faith traditions and congregations from all corners of our state. The leaders of these religious institutions understand the spiritual value of respecting all members of their community, including those who are lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender," said Alan Van Capelle, executive director of the Empire State Pride Agenda.

Come on, come through...

New York!

Ten Thousand Villages Sale

One of the big events near our mountain is the Ten Thousand Villages Sale. Each year we raise around five to six thousand dollars.



Shoppers enjoy purchasing some high quality gifts! All the proceeds go to artisans in the two-thirds world. It is coming up this weekend. Here is the press release:

(Elizabethton, Tenn) – Since the early 1990’s, volunteers at First Presbyterian Church have been supporting fair trade by hosting a Ten Thousand Villages Sale. On November 14th and 15th you can make fast work of your holiday shopping and purchase unique and useful hand-crafted items from all over the world by making one quick trip to Elizabethton. Favorite items include carved wooden bowls, hand-woven baskets, gorgeous jewelry and children’s toys.

As always, 100% of what we sell goes back to the 10,000 Villages organization which “provides vital, fair income to artisans in Africa, Asia and Latin America who would otherwise be unemployed or underemployed. This income helps pay for food, education, health care or housing. Ten Thousand Villages is a non-profit organization that has been working with people around the world since 1946.”

The public is invited to attend this unique and enjoyable sale Saturday November 14th, 8 am – 3 pm, and Sunday the 15th from 1–3 pm at the First Presbyterian Church on “F” Street in Elizabethton. Cash and checks are accepted.

Check the photo gallery on our web page for pictures from last year's sale. Check out other events of note at east Tennessee's progressive hideout, fpcelizabethton! Hope to see you!

Turning the Tables on the Bigots

Here is an interesting approach. Ronald Goetz, a "Proud PFLAG Dad" is proposing a lawsuit on behalf of clergy and churches whose rights are being violated because they cannot perform marriages for same-gender couples. This is a turn the tables approach on those Christians who argue that marriage equality somehow violates their freedom of religion. What do you think? Mr. Goetz is looking for advice and input.

"Proposed Class-Action Lawsuit on Behalf of Churches and Ordained Clergy Because of the Violation of their First Amendment Right to Free Exercise of Religion"

There are many denominations that are on record as supporting Marriage Equality and want to marry same-sex couples as a matter of religious faith.

There are thousands of Open and Affirming congregations nationwide that support Marriage Equality and want to marry same-sex couples as a matter of religious faith.

There are additional thousands of ordained clergy who want to marry same-sex couples because of their religious faith.

The first amendment states, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.”

Congress includes state and local jurisdictions, which cannot violate your civil rights either.

Thousands of churches and ordained clergy are being denied the free exercise of their religion in violation of their first amendment right.

I urge that this violation of the constitution be resisted through a class-action lawsuit, or some other appropriate vehicle. We are also guaranteed the right to petition the government for redress of grievances.

I would like responsible parties (clergy, denominational officials, attorneys) and enthusiastic supporters to contact me. I need input, encouragement, and pro bono advice.

Please contact me at kings.lgbt [at] hotmail [dot] com and let me know what you think. Thanks!

And please forward this to anyone you think might be interested.

Ronald Goetz
Proud PFLAG Dad