CALLED OUT INFORMATION SERVICE
------------------------

2000-215, November 30, 2000
Reconciliation group discusses similarities and differences
by Jan Nunley
Episcopal News Service

      (ENS) The third session of reconciliation conversations
sponsored by the New Commandment Task Force met October 30-November 3
at All Saints Church, Pasadena. The group of 24 lay people, priests
and bishops representing a range of theological positions--10
conservatives, 11 liberals and 2 moderates--reported finding "great
value" in "putting a human face on the issues," sharing stories,
worshiping, praying, reading Scripture and breaking bread together..

      The group agreed on certain points, including the uniqueness of
Jesus Christ, an awareness of their commonalities, and a recognition
of their differences. They also concurred on the need for a "national
conversation" about the authority and interpretation of Scripture,
and recognized "the need for all Episcopalians to ask the
question, 'Could we be wrong?'"

      On specific areas of concern, the Pasadena group reached
agreement that there is "neither a mandate nor a prohibition" with
regard to the ordination of gay men and lesbians and blessings of
committed same-gender relationships.

Arbitration of conflicts

      The group suggested that, in conflicts between parishes and
bishops where alternative episcopal oversight is denied, the parties
involved should move to binding arbitration. If  one party failed to
comply with an arbitration agreement, the group said, the national
church should "convene a panel of six bishops, three conservatives
and three liberals, to review and implement arbitration" without
coercion or retribution.

      Participants began what they called a "pivotal conversation"
about parishes leaving ECUSA, calling for "leave-taking with grace…
without blaming or shaming." The report stated, "All members of the
Church can continue to be effective ministers of the unity of the
church of Jesus Christ even in a new situation which might allow for
two units of the Anglican Communion in the United States."

      The group suggested that Episcopalians discuss the possibility
that, in such cases, the national church should offer "leadership of
the separation process and pastoral care to all,"  with relationship
issues taking priority over property claims. The group also affirmed
freedom of affiliation with no prejudice to the ecclesiastical status
or pension rights of persons departing ECUSA.

      Participants in the Pasadena meeting included David C. Anderson,
Ed Bacon, Tom Bates, J. Jon Bruno, Brian Cox, Markus Dunzkoher,
Debbie East, Barry Hollowell, Coe Hutchison, Ron Jackson, Elizabeth
Kaeton, Richard Kew, Jenny Ladefoged, Francis B Maguire, Ted
Mollegen, Dennis J. Parker, Jose Poch, Christopher Seal, Bill
Thompson, Nancy A. G. Vogele, Gert Walker, Erica Wood, and Cathie
Young.

--The Rev. Jan Nunley is deputy director of the Office of News and
Information for the Episcopal Church.

CALLED OUT INFORMATION SERVICE

http://www.nytimes.com/2000/12/02/nyregion/02SCOU.html

December 2, 2000
Schools Chief Bars Events By Scouts, Citing Bias
By ANEMONA HARTOCOLLIS, NEW YORK TIMES
chools Chancellor Harold O. Levy yesterday barred New York City public
schools from sponsoring most activities of the Boy Scouts of America, saying
that the Scouts had violated Board of Education policy by discriminating
against gays.
<SNIP>

-----------------

From the Baptist Press, news service of the Southern Baptist Convention,
which opposes full inclusion of not only lesbian, gay, bisexual, and
transgendered people but also women:

Boys will lose the most over NYC Scouting ban, Land says
By Staff, December 4, 2000

NEW YORK (BP)--The nation's largest public school system has severed ties
with the Boy Scouts of America complaining that the Scouts discriminates
against homosexuals.

New York City Schools Chancellor Harold Levy announced Dec. 1 that city
schools and educators can no longer sponsor troops or recruit scouts during
school hours on school property. Scouts also will be barred from all
facilities except those mandated by federal law.

Levy announced the schools will not renew an $800,000 contract the Scouts
have to provide services to its 2 million students. Levy said the schools
will allow the Scouts to finish out the contract to provide facilities for
summer and winter programs. That contract ends April 30, 2002.

"The policy of the Boy Scouts of American with respect to homosexuals is
contrary to the policy of the Board of Education," Levy said in a written
statement.

Richard Land, president of the Southern Baptist Convention's Ethics &
Religious Liberty Commission, said he was disappointed but not surprised by
the decision.

"After all this is the same school district that has pushed the 'Heather Has
Two Mommies,' 'Daddy's Roommate' and 'Gloria Goes to Gay Pride' curriculum
on its young students," Land said. "This is one more illustration of why the
public education establishment is too often part of the problem rather than
part of the solution for the growing character deficit in our nation's
children.

"Of course the big losers here are the boys of New York City who because of
this ill-advised decision will have dramatically reduced opportunities to be
influenced by strong and positive Scouting programs which would help negate
the morally corrosive influences to which these children are exposed on a
daily basis both by the culture and the city's public school administrative
policies," Land added.

Levy released a letter addressed from Daniel R. Gasparo, chief executive of
the Boy Scouts of America Greater New York Councils, asking the chancellor
to reconsider. In his letter, Gasparo insisted that the Scouts' New York
operations did not discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation.

"Most people who have taken time to hear about the true nature of our
programs, outside the hype of the media, find that we do not discriminate
and that we provide vital services for the city's young people," Gasparo
wrote. "My concern is that a citywide policy would not serve the interests
of many of your children and their families."

Gasparo told The Times he had been working to change the national
organization's policy toward gays, but he offered no specifics. "In the five
months since the Supreme Court ruling, we have made some progress with our
national office in broadening their views," he wrote. "This is a continually
evolving issue, both in the Boy Scouts and in society."

The New York school system is the latest institution to take action against
the Scouts since the U.S. Supreme Court, in a 5-4 decision last June, upheld
the organization's policy of excluding homosexuals.

The Scouts' policy had been challenged by James Dale, an Eagle Scout and
decorated assistant scoutmaster, who accused the Boy Scouts of
discriminating against him when they dismissed him for being a homosexual.

The New York City Board of Education policy would affect the Boy Scouts
dramatically, halting in-school recruitment, depriving the organization of
facilities and staff during school hours, canceling its joint summer program
and ending the Boy Scouts' endorsement by the nation's largest school
system.

Boy Scouts of America officials have said previously that the organization
must have the right to establish its own standards of membership if it is to
continue to instill the values of the Scout oath and law in boys, and avowed
homosexuals are not appropriate role models for the values espoused in the
Scout pledges.

The cities of Chicago, San Francisco, San Jose and Minneapolis, along with
Broward County, Fla., also have ended their sponsorship of Boy Scout troops
and prohibit the Scouts from recruiting new members in the public schools.

Meanwhile, the Los Angeles City Council on Nov. 28 voted to instruct all
city departments to review their relationships with the Boy Scouts because
of the group's legally sanctioned discrimination based on religion and
homosexuality.

The council also agreed to support an impending proposal by the Los Angeles
Police Commission that would order the Los Angeles Police Department to
severe ties with its Explorers unit, a BSA-affiliated police cadet-training
program for young people, in favor of an alternative.

Jackie Goldberg, a lesbian who heads the council's personnel committee,
pushed for the city to end its relationship with the Boy Scouts. Other
police departments in San Diego, Chicago and Tempe have already taken
similar action, she told the L.A. Times.

Two Boy Scout troops in Providence, R.I., meanwhile, have announced they
will ignore the Scout's national policy, saying there is "no valid reason to
exclude gay men and boys from scouting."

However, almost all of the 355 Scout units in the state support the policy,
according to Robert Pease, a Rhode Island Scout official.

Citizens wishing to lodge an opinion about the New York City policy can
contact the school chancellor's office at (718) 935-2800.

The Boy Scouts of America, founded in 1910 and chartered by Congress in
1916, has 3.2 million members.
________________________________________________________________________________\
_____
Get more from the Web.  FREE MSN Explorer download : http://explorer.msn.com

CALLED OUT INFORMATION SERVICE

Two news stories (1)  Soulforce and Dignity/USA (2) Dignity both in relation
to the Vatican. The newest article is posted first.

To subscribe to the new Dignity News Service send a blank email to:
DignityNews-subscribe@egroups.com or visit the Dignity News Service at:
http://www.egroups.com/group/DignityNews for more details and options

------------------------------------------------

December 5, 2000

Soulforce & Dignity/USA Combine Forces to Combat Intolerance
U.S. Activists Will Take Their "Stop Spiritual Violence" Campaign to Rome

(Laguna Beach, CA.) Today, Soulforce and Dignity/USA leaders announced plans
to take their nonviolent campaign against centuries of spiritual violence
and anti-gay teachings of the Roman Catholic Church to the Vatican on
January 5- 6, 2001.  Supporters of Soulforce and Dignity/USA plan to tape
their specific demands for inclusion for all people in the Church on the
doors of the Vatican.

"On January 5, the Eve of Epiphany, we will tape (not nail) our demands for
inclusion on the doors of the Vatican," said Mary Louise Cervone, President
of Dignity/USA.  "Over 2000 years ago, the Magi carried gifts to Jesus which
were graciously accepted on the day we celebrate as Epiphany. However, 2000
years later, the Church will still not accept the gifts and talents that we
bring as gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people of deep and profound
faith."

"As we begin the new millennium, we will risk misunderstanding and arrest in
Rome to help end centuries of spiritual violence against God's lesbian, gay,
bisexual, and transgender children." declared Rev. Mel White, Executive
Director of Soulforce. "Although some bishops met with us last month during
the National Council of Catholic Bishops meeting, they refused to denounce
Vatican policies denying Dignity Catholics the right to meet on Church
property or be served Eucharist by a priest. Therefore we have no choice but
to go to the Vatican with our demands."

Soulforce, an interfaith network of GLBT individuals and their families,
friends, and allies, committed to applying the principles of nonviolent
resistance as taught by Gandhi and Martin Luther King to the liberation of
sexual and gender minorities, and Dignity/USA, the oldest and largest
independent national lay movement of GLBT Catholics, families, and friends,
joined their formidable voices last month during the National Council of
Catholic Bishops meeting to confront the anti-gay teachings of the Catholic
Church.  104 people were subsequently arrested in an act of non-violent
civil disobedience to block the entrance to the largest Cathedral in North
America.

Also in mid-November, the Pontifical Council for the Family issued a 77 page
document which calls same-sex unions "a deplorable distortion" and adoption
by gay parents "a grave danger." Current Roman Catholic teachings describe
homosexual orientation as "objectively disordered" and homosexual acts
as"intrinsically evil."  In recent months, Vatican statements have
reaffirmed the Church's views that homosexuals should not be allowed to
adopt, teach,coach, be married, ordained, or serve in the military.

"For centuries Church teachings against sexual minorities have led to
suicide, wasted lives, ruined relationships, broken families, discrimination
and physical violence," said Marianne Duddy, Executive Director,Dignity/USA.
The Vatican's holy war against sexual minorities has far reaching effects
both inside and outside the church."

Both Catholics and Non-Catholics from Soulforce plan to stand vigil outside
the Vatican for several days before holding a national press conference and
taping their demands to the door of the Vatican on January 5, 2001.

"Too many Catholics, young and old, are suffering and even dying because the
Vatican refuses to re-examine let alone end their tragic teachings
againstlesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people," proclaimed Jimmy
Creech, Soulforce Board Chair.  We must act, and we must act now!"

For more information on Soulforce or Dignity/USA, see www.soulforce.org or
www.DignityUSA.org, or call 1-949-455-0999.

Contact Laura Montgomery Rutt  [Cell: 717-951-7712]

--------------------

November 23, 2000

Gay Catholics Challenge Vatican to Meet on Same-Sex Relationships
http://www.dignityusa.org/news/001123relation.html


Leaders of Dignity/USA, the group for gay, lesbian, bisexual and
transgendered Catholics, are reacting angrily to a series of recent Vatican
statements decrying same sex relationships. Yesterday, the Vatican issued a
76-page document calling gay unions "a deplorable distortion." Last week,
the Vatican objected to Germany's passage of a law allowing same sex
partners to marry, saying, "It is not permissible to legitimize a 'moral
disorder.'"

Mary Louise Cervone, Dignity/USA's president, said, "Every time Rome issues
another one of these statements, gay and lesbian Catholics lose hope, and
the Vatican loses credibility. We applaud the civic leaders who are finally
doing what they can to protect our relationships, our families, and our
basic civil rights after so many years of discrimination. It is the Vatican
which has created a 'deplorable distortion' with its hateful rhetoric."

The Vatican was reacting to efforts in many nations throughout the world
that would offer people in same-sex relationships at least some of the same
rights enjoyed by married couples. Among the rights are civil recognition of
the union, financial benefits, pension rights, and parental rights.

Dignity/USA Executive Director Marianne Duddy noted that many of the group's
members have just returned from Washington, where Dignity/USA joined
Soulforce in an act of civil disobedience at the National Conference of
Catholic Bishops meeting. "We were there to demand that our bishops STOP
SPIRITUAL VIOLENCE against gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered people.
Instead, we come home to even harsher attacks," she said. "It's infuriating.
How dare the Vatican say such things about us and refuse to talk with us?"

Cervone issued a challenge to the Vatican. "You say that recognizing
same-sex relationships will be detrimental to society and undermine the
family. I'm asking that a Vatican official meet with my partner and me and
our sons. Let us tell you about our commitment and our lives, and then
explain to me why we don't deserve legal protections. This is personal —
it's about real people, not some theological issue."

Cervone also noted that Dignity/USA has a national program to support
couples in committed relationships. "We offer them the opportunity to hold
commitment ceremonies or holy unions, provide a network of support and
education, and maintain a national registry of couples," she said. "This is
what our Church should be doing. Instead, they are attacking and demeaning
us."

Dignity/USA is the nation's oldest and largest organization of gay, lesbian,
bisexual, transgendered Catholics, their families and friends. Founded in
1969, it is an independent nonprofit, with members and Chapters across the
country.

DIGNITY/USA
1500 Mass. Ave. NW
Suite #11
Washington, DC
20005-1894
tel: 800-877-8797
202-861-0017
fax: 202-429-9808
email: dignity@...





________________________________________________________________________________\
_____
Get more from the Web.  FREE MSN Explorer download : http://explorer.msn.com

CALLED OUT INFORMATION SERVICE
December 6, 2000

The Raleigh (NC) News & Observer reports this morning that Duke University
administrators announced yesterday that they will allow same-gender union
ceremonies to be celebrated in Duke Chapel, "a building known not just as a
place of worship but as a symbol of the Methodist-affiliated school itself".

A Duke alumnus is quoted in the article as pointing out, "It's a statement
about fairness and about not being second class. [Not allowing] same-sex
unions ... essentially asserts that spiritual people, who believe their
relationship is already blessed by God, are not allowed to do that at Duke
Chapel."

The full story, "Duke OKs its chapel for same-sex unions", is available
online at
http://www.newsobserver.com/wednesday/front/News/Story/254774p-240401c.html


-- Posted by Called Out moderator
________________________________________________________________________________\
_____
Get more from the Web.  FREE MSN Explorer download : http://explorer.msn.com

CALLDED OUT INFORMATION SERVICE
------------------------

Board charged with promoting homosexuality in magazine
Dec. 6, 2000 News media contact: Thomas S. McAnally· (615)742-5470·
Nashville, Tenn. {548}
http://umns.umc.org/00/dec/548.htm

By United Methodist News Service

Leaders of three unofficial United Methodist groups have filed complaints
with the denomination’s financial agency charging that a Board of Church and
Society magazine has violated church policy by using church funds to
"promote the acceptance of homosexuality."

In a Nov. 28 letter to Sandra Kelley Lackore, staff executive for the
General Council on Finance and Administration (GCFA) in Evanston, Ill., the
three charge that at least 10 articles in the November/December issue of
Christian Social Action urge "in some form the acceptance of homosexual
behavior." While the United Methodist Church’s opposition to homosexual
practice is included, the three say the magazine has no articles "defending
or explaining the church’s position."

Signing the letter were the Rev. James Heidinger, Good News; Patricia
Miller, Confessing Movement; and Mark Tooley, UMAction.

The Rev. Erik Alsgaard, a Board of Church and Society staff member, is
editor of the bimonthly magazine, but guest editor for the November/December
issue was the Rev. Harry C. Kiely, a retired United Methodist pastor who
resides in Silver Spring, Md.

"Which church honors Jesus?" is the question on the cover of the magazine.
On one side of a scale, a large number of people surround a table of Holy
Communion with the sign, "All welcome." On the other side of the scale, a
few people stand outside a church flying the banner "Some are welcome."

The lead article is written by the Rev. Greg Dell, suspended for a year as
pastor of Broadway United Methodist Church in Chicago after a clergy trial
in which he was convicted of violating the church's Book of Discipline. Dell
had performed a same-sex union ceremony in the church, contrary to
denomination policy. The book states: "Ceremonies that celebrate homosexual
unions shall not be conducted by our ministers and shall not be conducted in
our churches."

Writers of other articles include Dan Vera, Chicago, co-convener of United
Methodists of Color for a Fully Inclusive Church; Floyd Starnes, an
elementary school teacher who lives with his partner and their two sons in
Silver Spring, Md.; the parents of a gay son; the Rev. James M. Lawson of
Los Angeles, a retired United Methodist clergyman and outspoken leader in
the civil rights and human rights movements; Marilyn Alexander of Chicago,
interim executive director of the Reconciling Ministries Network (formerly
the Reconciling Congregations Program); and the Rev. Kathryn Johnson,
executive director of the Methodist Federation for Social Action.

While the November/December issue had a guest editor, Alsgaard said all
manuscripts came across his desk and were approved by him. "I edited the
magazine with 806.12 (Book of Discipline paragraph) glasses on," he said. "I
don’t think we violated the policy." The paragraph commands GCFA to ensure
that no agency or other group uses church funds "to promote the acceptance
of homosexuality."

In an introductory statement to the magazine, Alsgaard said no attempt was
made to offer theological weight or a balance of opinions in the special
issue. "While that may seem unfair, fairness and justice are not the same
matter, and one of the ministries of justice in our journey with Christ is
to quiet the prevailing voices for a moment and allow those without voice to
be heard," he wrote.

No attempt was made to edit out the anger of writers, Alsgaard said. "It is
but a small snapshot of the range of reactions of those who experienced
judgment in the church that they claim as their own."

The Rev. Steve Zekoff, GCFA communications staff member, told United
Methodist News Service that the request from Heidinger, Miller and Tooley
had been referred to a standing review team of the agency, which is charged
with reviewing Paragraph 806.12 complaints to determine whether any general
church funds have been used to promote the acceptance of homosexuality.

"Following routine procedures, the General Board of Church and Society is
being asked to provide information about this particular issue of Christian
Social Action," he said. "The GCFA review team will carefully review the
facts after the response is received from the board." No time for the
release of a decision was given.

Alsgaard said he and his staff will cooperate fully with the GCFA
investigative process. The board spends about $62,000 each year to publish
six issues of the magazine. Its circulation is 3,000, including 2,000 paid
subscribers.

Jim Winkler, new top staff executive of the board, is out of the country. In
a letter to his governing board members Dec. 1, he also stated his belief
that the Book of Discipline has not been violated. "The magazine’s articles
give voice to those people who are experiencing, at this moment, suffering
in the life of our church. The writers are asking for fuller inclusion of
homosexuals in the life of the United Methodist Church."

Delegates to the church’s most recent legislative gathering, described as a
"watershed General Conference" by Dell, overwhelmingly held to positions
that declare the practice of homosexuality "incompatible with Christian
teaching," prohibit same-sex unions and bar "self-avowed practicing
homosexuals" from ordination or appointment as clergy.

On the other hand, the official policies of the church do not bar
homosexuals from membership, and strongly support basic human rights and
civil liberties for all persons. Church policy supports efforts to "stop
violence and other forms of coercion against gays and lesbians."


________________________________________________________________________________\
_____
Get more from the Web.  FREE MSN Explorer download : http://explorer.msn.com

CALLED OUT INFORMATION SERVICE

From the Baptist Press, Southern Baptist Convention
http://www.bpnews.net/article.cfm?articleid=6987

----

December 6, 2000

Queens school board rebuffs chancellor; passes resolution praising Boy
Scouts

By Staff

NEW YORK (BP)--Only days after Chancellor Harold O. Levy barred the school
system from supporting the Boy Scouts because of their policy against gay
troop leaders, school board members in a Queens district are staging
something of a rebellion, according to a report in the New York Times.

Frank Borzellieri, a member of the school board of District 24, which
embraces Ridgewood, Elmhurst and other blue-collar and middle-class areas of
Queens, said he had written a resolution calling the Scouts "a bedrock of
moral values," and urging his board's "continued sponsorship of Boy Scouts
of America activities." Borzellieri and another board member said yesterday
that they believed the resolution had majority support on their board.

"Chancellor Levy is an absolute disgrace for his position against Boy
Scouts," Borzellieri, a columnist for a chain of newspapers in Queens, said
yesterday. "The idea that this appointed hack in Manhattan elected by no one
is going to stick his dirty fingers into Queens and overrule our school
board in something affecting our district, let him do it."

On Dec. 1, Levy issued an order saying that the policy of the Boy Scouts of
America that gays are not proper role models violated Board of Education
rules prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation. He barred city
schools from sponsoring Scout troops and Cub packs and forbade the Scouts to
recruit during school hours.

He also barred the Scouts from bidding on contracts with the system. But he
said they could still meet in schools after hours, because schools are open
to the public then.

Mary Crowley Grogan, another member of Board 24, said she supported the
continuation of all Scout programs in the district, including those barred
by Mr. Levy, like recruitment during school hours.

"I don't think the purpose of it is to anger the chancellor," Grogan, a
registered nurse, said of the resolution. The point, she said, was to
express the views of the board's constituents: parents of students in the
Queens public schools.

"Levy doesn't support school boards," she said. "The city will be in big
trouble if there are no school boards and locals don't have a say in the
public school system. That day, if it ever comes, will be a sad day."

Levy dismissed the views of the District 24 board as irrelevant yesterday,
saying that its authority to affect policy was severely circumscribed under
a 1996 state law that shifted power from the community boards to the
chancellor.

"I think their view on this is beside the point," Levy told the Times. "The
authority to make this decision and to set the policy of a system rests with
the Board of Education and the chancellor, and I've made my decision."

A New York spokesman for the Boy Scouts said yesterday that while the Scouts
appreciated the support of District 24, their goal was to avoid divisiveness
and confrontation.

"We're not telling people what to do," said Patrick Stuhlman, spokesman for
the Greater New York Councils of the Boy Scouts of America. "We just feel
that we know that Chancellor Levy made his decision, and we will abide by
it."



________________________________________________________________________________\
_____
Get more from the Web.  FREE MSN Explorer download : http://explorer.msn.com

CALLED OUT INFORMATION SERVICE

Three stories about Duke University's Chapel; one on the Rev. Greg Dell and
Broadway UMC.

--------

December 6, 2000
Officials OK same-sex unions in Chapel
President finds denial of unions contrary to value of religious diversity
Ambika Kumar, Duke Chronicle
http://www.chronicle.duke.edu/chronicle/2000/12/06/01Officialsok.html


The lengthy debate over whether the University should permit same-sex unions
in the Chapel has finally come to an end. In a move that will likely spark
heated debate, President Nan Keohane and Dean of the Chapel Will Willimon
have decided to allow such unions in the Chapel.
<MORE>

----------

Wednesday December 6 6:29 AM ET
Duke To Allow Same-Sex Unions
http://dailynews.yahoo.com/h/ap/20001206/us/duke_gay_unions_2.html

DURHAM, N.C. (AP) - Duke University will allow same-sex commitment
ceremonies in its famous gothic chapel, a move cheered by some students and
criticized by others.
<MORE>

--------------------------


December 7, 2000
Gay Union in Duke Chapel
http://www.nytimes.com/2000/12/07/national/07DUKE.html
Very brief article

------
About Greg Dell, pastor of Broadway UMC

Wednesday December 6 8:35 AM ET
Pastor Allows Same-Sex Unions
http://dailynews.yahoo.com/h/ap/20001206/us/brf_gay_unions_2.html


CHICAGO (AP) - A Methodist minister suspended last year after presiding over
same-sex marriages said church law allows for such unions - if they take
place outside of the church.
<SNIP>
Bishop C. Joseph Sprague said the ceremony and service appear to satisfy
church law.
<SNIP>
----------------



________________________________________________________________________________\
_____
Get more from the Web.  FREE MSN Explorer download : http://explorer.msn.com

CALLED OUT INFORMATION SERVICE
This article from the Duke News Service
----------

December 5, 2000
DUKE TO PERMIT SAME-SEX UNIONS IN DUKE CHAPEL
http://www.dukenews.duke.edu/Div/samesex2.htm

DURHAM, N.C. -- Concurring with the recommendation of a committee of
faculty, staff, students and trustees, Duke University President Nannerl O.
Keohane and Dean William H. Willimon have decided to permit the celebration
of same-sex unions in Duke Chapel for members of the university community.

"Our major rationale for this change is our conviction, in agreement with
your committee, that Duke has a wonderful tradition of rich religious
diversity," Keohane and Willimon said Tuesday in a letter thanking the
committee for its deliberations on the issue.

Such unions between members of the same gender heretofore have been
prohibited in the chapel, primarily because the United Methodist Church,
with which Duke is affiliated, does not permit such unions. But Keohane and
Willimon noted that the chapel is not tied to a particular denomination, and
is a university facility. In addition, they said the religious life staff
represents 20 different faith groups, some of which - including Unitarians,
the United Church of Christ and some Baptists - have been developing
liturgies for such unions and wish to celebrate them in the chapel.

"It is not, in our opinion, a matter of the chapel approving or disapproving
of this liturgical innovation, but rather a question of how much religious
diversity we should accommodate," Keohane and Willimon said. "We now feel,
as a result of the discussion on campus during the past three months, and
the work of your committee, that we ought to allow these unions to be
celebrated by those clergy who are allowed, by their religious communities,
to officiate at such ceremonies."

They also said they were aware there is much disagreement among religious
groups over the issue of same-sex unions. "No one has suggested that we ask
any clergy to perform these unions if that clergy person, by reason of
conscience, conviction or church tradition, does not wish to do so," Keohane
and Willimon said.

They asked the committee in October to review the existing Duke Chapel
policy barring such unions. The committee, chaired by Rev. Anne
Hodges-Copple, Episcopal chaplain at Duke, met seven times and reported to
Keohane and Willimon:

"The committee, after much deliberation, advises the president and dean to
permit such ceremonies between same-sex couples, consistent with current
chapel policy." That would limit such ceremonies in the chapel to alumni,
students, faculty, employees and their adult children.

The committee said gay and lesbian faculty, staff, students and alumni "have
always been and remain important participants in the life of the chapel and
its many affiliated religious life organizations." The committee report said
"this same spirit of hospitality should be extended to any eligible same-sex
couple wishing to deliberate with God's blessing a covenantal relationship
of holy union."

The decision by Duke's president and dean of the chapel follows similar
action in October by the Freeman Center for Jewish Life. The center's Board
of Directors approved a policy that permits same-sex union ceremonies at the
center because the Reform Movement now permits its rabbis to officiate at
same sex ceremonies between two Jewish people.

In addition, same-sex union ceremonies have been performed in the
university's Sarah P. Duke Gardens.

Besides Hodges-Copple, the committee included Christine Campbell,
representing the Graduate and Professional Student Council; Patrick Clark,
undergraduate representative; Rev. Jennifer E. Copeland, director of Wesley
Fellowship of the United Methodist Campus Ministry; Sally Dickson, vice
president for institutional equity; Peter Fish, professor of political
science and law; University Archivist William King; Karen Krahulik, director
of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transsexual Life Center; United Methodist
Bishop C. P. Minnick, a trustee emeritus; Vice Provost Judith Ruderman; Rev.
Charles M. Smith, a current trustee; and Gerald Wilson, senior associate
dean of Trinity College of Arts and Sciences.

Duke News Service
Duke University
Box 90563, 615 Chapel Drive, Durham, North Carolina 27708-0563
Phone: (919) 684-2823 ~ Fax: (919) 681-5570


________________________________________________________________________________\
_____
Get more from the Web.  FREE MSN Explorer download : http://explorer.msn.com

CALLED OUT INFORMATION SERVICE
Two items are reproduced below: A UMNS articles and Bishop Edwards' complete
statement.

See also these previous items posted by CALLED OUT:
http://www.egroups.com/message/UMCalledOut/985
http://www.egroups.com/message/UMCalledOut/988
http://www.egroups.com/message/UMCalledOut/989

These are links to 2 Articles written by anti-gay press sources:

Duke University Chapel to allow same-sex unions,  The Layman Online
http://www.layman.org/layman/news/news-around-church/duke-chapel-allows.htm

Duke U. To Allow Homosexual Marriage Ceremonies
http://headlines.agapepress.org/archive/12/62000b.asp
American Family Association
The attack on God’s design for marriage continues at yet another prestigious
school.


-------------------------

Duke University Chapel to permit same-sex unions
Dec. 7, 2000 News media contact: Joretta Purdue ·(202) 546-8722·Washington
{549}
By United Methodist News Service
http://umns.umc.org/00/dec/549.htm

The president and dean of United Methodist-related Duke University have
announced a new policy permitting the use of the school’s chapel for
same-sex unions for couples who have a relationship with the university.

Agreeing with the recommendations of a committee of faculty, staff, students
and trustees, President Nannerl O. Koehane and Dean of the Chapel William H.
Willimon jointly announced the policy Dec. 4. They cited the university’s
"wonderful tradition of rich religious diversity" as their rationale for the
change.

Such ceremonies were previously not permitted in the chapel out of deference
to the institution’s relationship to the United Methodist Church, which bans
the ceremonies in its churches and forbids its clergy to perform them. But
Koehane and Willimon stressed that the university religious life staff
represent more than 20 different faith groups.

"It is not, in our opinion, a matter of the chapel approving or disapproving
of this liturgical innovation, but rather a question of how much religious
diversity we should accommodate," Keohane and William said in a letter
thanking the committee for its work.

"We now feel, as a result of the discussion on campus during the past three
months and the work of your committee, that we ought to allow these unions
to be celebrated by those clergy who are allowed, by their religious
communities, to officiate at such ceremonies," the two officials continued.

They said they are aware of the disagreements among religious groups on this
issue. "No one has suggested that we ask any clergy to perform these unions
if that clergy person, by reason of conscience, conviction or church
tradition, does not wish to do so," they said.

The new policy conflicts with the stand of the United Methodist Church, but
the chapel doesn't come under the denomination's rules, said Bishop Marion
M. Edwards, who leads the denomination's North Carolina Annual (regional)
Conference, where Duke is located. "The chapel, while on the campus of a
United Methodist-related institution, from its inception has never been a
United Methodist church. The chapel is not bound by the polity of our United
Methodist Book of Discipline."

Edwards quoted a report by university Archivist William King that stated, in
part: "Duke University would not be the institution it is today without its
historic and symbolic ties to the Methodist Church, but in reality it always
has been independent in governance."

"As a bishop of the church, I remind our United Methodist people that no
United Methodist clergyperson is to conduct such services," Edwards said.

Bishop Charlene P. Kammerer, who serves the nearby Western North Carolina
Conference, observed that although the new chapel policy conflicts with the
official position of the United Methodist Church, the policy "reflects an
open spirit of hospitality and pastoral care to the wider Duke University
community."

"The administration of Duke University has the right to make such policy and
has sought to do so in a spirit of thoughtful deliberation, consultation
with constituent groups and in recognition of the university’s
nondiscrimination policy, and with sensitivity to the richness and diversity
of religious life at its core," she said.

Keohane and Willimon had asked the committee, led by the Rev. Anne
Hodges-Copple, Duke's Episcopal chaplain, to review the chapel policy
barring such rituals. The group wrote, "The committee, after much
deliberation, advises the president and dean to permit such ceremonies
between same-sex couples, consistent with current chapel policy."

Other members of the study committee were King; Christine Campbell,
representing the graduate and professional students; Patrick Clark, an
undergraduate; the Rev. Jennifer E. Copeland, director of the Wesley
Fellowship of the United Methodist Campus Ministry; Sally Dickson, vice
president for institutional equity; Peter Fish, professor of political
science and law; Karen Krahulik, director of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and
Transsexual Life Center; United Methodist Bishop C.P. Minnick, a trustee
emeritus; Vice Provost Judith Ruderman; the Rev. Charles M. Smith, a current
trustee; and Gerald Wilson, senior associate dean of Trinity College Arts
and Sciences.

Controversy resulted in 1997 when an employee at United Methodist-related
Emory University in Atlanta was denied use of a campus chapel for a same-sex
union ceremony. The school adopted a policy that allows such services only
for people who belong to a recognized group on campus that has a faith
tradition permitting same-sex ceremonies; the guidelines also require that
the service be performed by the campus chaplain for that group. No same-sex
union has taken place at Emory since the policy was enacted in 1997, said
university spokeswoman Elaine Justice.

-------------
From the web site of the North Carolina Annual Conference
http://nccumc.org/news/2000/Duke%20chapel.htm

December 5, 2000

Statement by Bishop Marion M. Edwards about the announcement from Duke
University that services of same-sex unions will be permitted in Duke
Chapel. Bishop Edwards is the Resident Bishop of the North Carolina
Conference, The United Methodist Church. There are 832 United Methodist
Churches in the 56 counties encompassing the conference, from Burlington to
the coast.

________________________________

Today, I have learned of the decision by President Nannerl Keohane and Dean
William Willimon of Duke University to permit the celebration of same-sex
unions in Duke Chapel. The chapel, while on the campus of a United Methodist
related institution, from its inception has never been a United Methodist
church. The chapel is not bound by the polity of our United Methodist Book
of Discipline. As University archivist William E. King has stated, "...Duke
University would not be the institution it is today without its historic and
symbolic ties to the Methodist Church but in reality it always has been
independent in governance."

Only clergy whose denominations allow same sex unions will be permitted to
conduct such at the chapel. The new policy of Duke University conflicts with
the official position of The United Methodist Church for its pastors and
congregations, confirmed by the action of its recent General Conference. As
a bishop of the Church, I remind our United Methodist people that no United
Methodist clergyperson is to conduct such services. While acknowledging the
sacred worth of homosexual persons and calling for their basic human rights
and civil liberties, I uphold the teaching of the church that marriage is
between one man and one woman. The clear affirmation of the Scripture calls
us to that standard.

Bishop Marion M. Edwards
-------------------------------------------------------------------

The North Carolina Conference of The United Methodist Church
1307 Glenwood Avenue ~ P.O. Box 10955 Raleigh, NC 27605
Telephone: 919.832.9560 or Toll Free 1.800.849.4433 FAX: 919.834.7989






________________________________________________________________________________\
_____
Get more from the Web.  FREE MSN Explorer download : http://explorer.msn.com

CALLED OUT INFORMATION SERVICE
-------
http://dailynews.yahoo.com/h/po/20001206/co/lutheran_church_to_ordain_lesbian_1.\
html
Wednesday December 06 03:13 AM EST
Lutheran Church to Ordain Lesbian
By PlanetOut News Staff

SUMMARY: Other congregations have been expelled from the denomination for
hiring out and partnered pastors, but a St. Paul church is willing to take
the risk.

-----------------

Press Release
December 3, 2000
ST. PAUL REFORMATION LUTHERAN CHURCH VOTES TO CALL ANITA C. HILL AS A PASTOR

ST. PAUL, Minn. The congregation of St.  Paul-Reformation Lutheran Church
today voted to approve a resolution to call  Anita C. Hill as a pastor of
the congregation. The resolution, passed by a  176 to 0 vote, authorized the
Congregation Council to arrange services of  ordination and installation for
Ms. Hill. These services are tentatively  set for April 28-29, 2001. (You
can be virtually sure of these dates. Saturday, April 28 will be the
ordination in the Twin Cities - places to be announced. Sunday, April 29
will be her installation at St. Paul-Reformation.)

The resolution vote was preceded by the congregation's approval of
Constitutional changes allowing St. Paul-Reformation Lutheran Church to call
a pastor outside the guidelines of the Evangelical Church in America (ELCA).
These guidelines prohibit the ordination of gay or lesbian pastors
candidates living in committed relationships. Ms. Hill is a lesbian woman in
such a relationship.

"Our journey to this day began more than 18 years ago when this congregation
established Wingspan, a ministry with and on behalf of gay, lesbian,
bisexual and trangender (GLBT) persons," said Paul A. Tidemann, pastor of
St. Paul-Reformation.

"This ministry seeks ways to welcome GLBT people into the church and to
encourage their full participation in the life of the congregation. Full
participation is not possible so long as the ELCA excludes calling and
ordaining qualified gay and lesbian candidates in committed  relationships.
Today's vote signals our congregation's commitment to living the Gospel and
ensuring full participation for all its members."

Anita Hill began her ministry at St. Paul-Reformation in 1983 with its
Wingspan ministry; she was named Pastoral Minister in 1994. In May of this
year Ms. Hill received her M.Div degree from United Theological Seminary,
New Brighton, Minn. The Candidacy Committee of the Saint Paul Area Synod of
the ELCA rejected Anita Hill's application to gain committee approval for
call and ordination despite meeting all other requirements under ELCA
guidelines.

"Our process leading to today's decision has been thoughtful and
intentional," said John Whalen, co-president "The path we've taken is
consistent with our understanding of what it means to be Lutheran and our
commitment to inclusive ministry. It is difficult for us as Gospel-driven
Lutherans to invite gay and lesbian persons into a Church which welcomes
them only conditionally as second class members."

St. Paul-Reformation formed a Call and Ordination task force in 1997 to
study the issues, explore the options and engage the congregation and the
council in dialogue and conversation." In January 2000, the Saint Paul Area
Synod Council adopted a resolution from St.-Paul Reformation calling ELCA
leaders to implement a process which would allow exceptions to current
guidelines. This resolution was referred for study in April and denied by
the ELCA Church Council in November.

St. Paul-Reformation sent a letter to the ELCA Church Council before their
November meeting urging them to accept the Synod's resolution for exception.
"We focused the Council's attention on three ideas evangelism, justice and
Gospel," said Tidemann. "We believe these to be compelling reasons to call
qualified gay and lesbian persons to ministry. In the letter we stated that
our request comes from our pastoral concern, our passion for justice and our
theological conscience." The ELCA Church Council's denial of the resolution
closed the door to approving Anita Hill for ordination within the ELCA any
time soon.

In the resolution approved today, the congregation went on record saying we
can no longer, in good conscience, comply with the ELCA's policy because it
is unjust (and) at odds with the message of the Gospel. We take this action
with courage and conviction that it is Gospel-based and at the heart of what
the Lutheran Church has stood for theologically.

Founded in 1883, St. Paul-Reformation Lutheran Church has been dedicated to
urban, transcultural ministry for more than 115 years. The congregation is a
member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and of its Saint
Paul Area Synod.

Factsheet
St. Paul-Reformation Lutheran Church Contact:
Paul A. Tidemann, Pastor
ST. PAUL-REFORMATION LUTHERAN CHURCH
100 North Oxford Street
St. Paul, Minnesota 55104
FAX: 651/224-6228
E-mail: STPAULREF@...
Website: http://www.stpaulref.org

History:

Founded in 1883 as Memorial Lutheran Church this congregation has been
through some consolidations, the last being a consolidation of St. Paul
Lutheran and Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Reformation to form St.
Paul-Reformation Lutheran Church in 1977. The congregation has been
dedicated  to urban, transcultural ministry for more than 115 years. The
congregation is  a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
(ELCA) and of its Saint Paul Area Synod.

Congregation Demographics:

Membership: 673 total baptized members
60% are women, 40% are men
12% of all members are African American
21% of all members are gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender
18% of all members are under age 18

Comment: 15% of our members are persons color, compared to 2.3% in the
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America as a whole. When you add sexual
minority people to the mix, 40% of our membership differs from the
"majority"  population.

Budget:

The St. Paul-Reformation congregational budget for the year 2000 is
$270,622.00.

Mission:
St. Paul-Reformation Lutheran Church reflects the call of the ELCA to be
inclusive in membership and outreach. The ELCA particularly emphasizes
racial diversity, which we affirm (this congregation integrated in 1953).
However, we also extend our mission of inclusivity to other dimensions of
diversity including age, gender, marital or economic status and sexual
orientation, as well as those with disabilities and those who have chronic
diseases (such as AIDS). In 1993, the congregation adopted a long-range plan
focused on four areas of congregational life which included the vision to
have really good  worship; to emphasize effective ministry with children,
youth and their
families; to enhance our mission of inclusivity and multicultural ministry;
and to strive for greater internal spiritual and theological growth.

Wingspan Ministry:
Since 1982, the congregation has engaged in a ministry called Wingspan, with
and on behalf of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people, their
friends and family members. This ministry has focused on pastoral care,
education and advocacy for justice in church and society.

Anita C. Hill:
Anita C. Hill first joined the staff of this congregation in 1983, working
in its Wingspan Ministry with and on behalf of gay, lesbian, bisexual and
transgender people. In 1994 she was called to the position of Pastoral
Minister which includes a full spectrum of ministry in the congregation,
including preaching, teaching, counseling, worship leadership, outreach and
advocacy work, and sharing ministry with gay, lesbian, bisexual and
transgender people with others on the pastoral staff. Anita Hill received
her Master of Divinity degree from United Theological Seminary, New
Brighton, Minnesota in 2000. She received a Master of Arts in Religious
Education from that seminary in 1987 and a Bachelor of Science degree from
Mississippi State University in 1973. In addition to her work in ministry,
Ms. Hill has served as HIV/AIDS and Anti-Homophobia Educator for Family
Service of St. Paul and as Coordinator of AIDS Ministry for Lutheran Social
Services of Minnesota.
She is an accomplished author and speaker.

Pastoral Staff:
Paul A. Tidemann, Pastor, since 1981
Anita C. Hill, Pastoral Minister, since 1994
Lynne F. Lorenzen, Pastor, since 1998

Co-Presidents: (serve as Co-Presidents of the Congregation and of its
Congregation Council)
John O. Whalen
Michele Edwards

# # #

CONTACT: Paul A. Tidemann
651-224-3371

________________________________________________________________________________\
_____
Get more from the Web.  FREE MSN Explorer download : http://explorer.msn.com

CALLED OUT INFORMATION SERVICE
-------------------------

Advent Message from Reconciling Ministries Network

Today, among answering the phones, responding to email, and looking out the
window to watch Chicago’s first real snowfall of this winter, the
Reconciling staff is winterizing our office. It is a busy, but gentle time
here. Last week, the staff held a strategic planning meeting for travel and
communications in 2001. In the center of the table at that planning meeting
was a rainbow candleholder, given to us by Vicki, a Board member, that the
staff adopted as our advent wreath for this season. The candles, as well as
the Christmas hymns filling the office and the decorations slowly being put
up as each of the staff finds ways to decorate his or her own office are
signs of the coming Christmas.

Our advent wreath is an ever-present reminder of the importance of the
process - the need for preparation for Christ’s presence in the world. One
of the scriptures in this week’s lectionary is Luke 3:1-6. John the Baptist
reminds us of the words of the prophet Isaiah, "The voice of one crying in
the wilderness: "Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. Every
valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be made low, and
the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways made smooth; and all
flesh shall see the salvation of God." (NRSV) This is indeed evangel - good
news for people of faith.

We are told a time is coming when all of God’s children will find equality
and fully realize their worth as heirs of the promise. This also reminds
each of us of our call to help prepare a way for the full embodiment of God
presence of peace and justice in the world. Each connection you make, each
action you take, sharing the message of God’s Reconciling Inclusive love and
justice, helps prepare the way for the day when God’s love will be fully
realized by all.

This advent, know the Reconciling Staff and Board are holding you, your
community, and our movement in prayer. We ask that you too hold the
Reconciling Ministries Network in prayer. May your preparations for
Christmas, amid the hustle and bustle, also include times to breathe deep
and remember you too are an heir of God’s promise.

Season’s Greetings!

Betti Torrier

on behalf of the Reconciling Staff


________________________________________________________________________________\
_____
Get more from the Web.  FREE MSN Explorer download : http://explorer.msn.com

CALLED OUT INFORMATION SERVICE

From the Metropolitan Community Church of Toronto
----------------

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TORONTO STAR, UFMCC BACK TORONTO CHURCH ACTION ON GAY MARRIAGE

The Metropolitan Community Church of Toronto (MCC Toronto), part of the
Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches (UFMCC),
headquartered in West Hollywood, CA, will be performing legal same-sex
marriages beginning in January 2001.

UFMCC is an inclusive worldwide fellowship of Christian congregations with a
special outreach to the world's gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered
communities. Since its founding in 1968 by Rev. Perry, UFMCC has grown into
a denomination of approximately 45,000 members in 300 churches in 18
countries.

MCC Toronto states that pursuant to Section 5 of the Ontario Marriage Act,
the church has the authority to follow an ancient Christian tradition of the
publication of banns of marriage instead of requiring couples to obtain a
marriage license. Under Ontario law, couples who wish to marry can either
obtain a license from a local municipal clerk or they can have banns
published in a church they regularly attend.

Rev. Troy Perry states, "Our denomination is very proud of the Metropolitan
Community Church of Toronto, Canada, and the fact that, under the leadership
of Rev. Brent Hawkes, they are challenging the marriage laws of the province
of Ontario on the issue of same-sex marriages. This will be the first time
in Canadian history that a same-sex marriage will be performed and a
marriage license issued."

In an editorial published today, December 7, the Toronto Star, the largest
daily newspaper in Canada, agreed that now is the time for same-sex couples
to marry in Canada. Below is that editorial:

(BEGIN EDITORIAL)
TEST OF MARRIAGE IS COMMITMENT
From Toronto Star Editorials of Dec. 7, 2000
www.thestar.com
Every society needs groundbreakers to challenge its norms and attitudes. The
suffragettes and early labour activists did it a century ago. Their feminist
granddaughters followed in their footsteps, along with black activists,
anti-poverty activists, native activists, gay rights activists and disabled
activists.

Toronto's Metropolitan Community Church is upholding that tradition with its
weekend announcement that it will attempt to legalize homosexual marriage.

Beginning next month, it will offer full marriage to same-sex couples who
attend the church.

Gay and lesbian couples already have the same legal rights as common-law
heterosexual couples. The federal government brought in legislation 10
months ago extending spousal benefits to same-sex partners. The Ontario
government has also amended its Family Law Act to eliminate discrimination
against homosexual couples from provincial statutes.

But the institution of marriage remains closed to same-sex couples. As far
as Canada's governments and courts are concerned, marriage is a legal union
between a man and a woman.

Many Canadians would like to keep it that way. Others are willing to widen
the definition to include gay couples. Most simply haven't thought about it.

Rev. Brent Hawkes of the Metropolitan Community Church - whose congregation
is predominantly gay - has found a way to force the debate.

Using the church's longstanding practice of publishing marriage banns
(asking three times if there are any objections to a couple's intention to
wed) he intends to become the first pastor to marry same-sex partners. He
will perform the ceremony, issue a marriage license and ask the province's
registrar-general to register the couple.

Hawkes is quite aware that his unconventional interpretation of the Ontario
Marriage Act is likely to be challenged. Indeed, he is almost inviting
critics to take the church to court.

Judges have been much readier than politicians, in the last decade, to
recognize the equality rights of homosexuals. They have ordered governments
to change dozens of laws - affecting everything from public pensions to
immigration sponsorship - to eliminate discrimination against gays and
lesbians.

To gay activists, winning the right to be legally married is the next
logical step in the process. ``Most gay and lesbian couples just wanted to
be treated with equal dignity and respect as heterosexual couples,'' Hawkes
said.

To social conservatives, it is a subversion of a sacred rite.

Both points of view are deeply held. But public attitudes are evolving.
Marriage is no longer the societal mainstay it once was. Millions of couples
choose to live in common-law relationships. Four of out every 10 legally
married couples end up divorcing. Hollywood has even turned marriage into a
form of game-show entertainment.

Against this backdrop, it is hard to see how a union of two loving,
committed gay people would degrade the institution of legal matrimony.

Toronto's Christian gay community has taken a bold and provocative step.

It will make a lot of people uncomfortable. But that is often how progress
begins.
(END OF EDITORIAL)

Rev. Perry adds, "Rev. Hawkes and the Metropolitan Community Church of
Toronto take very seriously the mandate of the Universal Fellowship of
Metropolitan Community Churches to fight the issue of discrimination against
same-sex couples who want to marry. We completely support this action."

Metropolitan Community Church of Toronto is the largest congregation of the
Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches outside of the
United States.

+++ END +++


MEDIA CONTACT:
Gilles Charelle
Coordinator, Communications
Metropolitan Community Church of Toronto
115 Simpson Avenue
Toronto, ON M4K 1A1
(416) 406-6228, ext. 107
Fax: (416) 466-5207
GCharelle@...
http://www.mcctoronto.com

________________________________________________________________________________\
_____
Get more from the Web.  FREE MSN Explorer download : http://explorer.msn.com

CALLED OUT INFORMATION SERVICE
A story about Broadway UMC meeting to consider changing its relationship
with the denomination and the complete text of Bishop Kammerer's statement
about Duke Chapel and same-gender covenant services.

--------------------

CHURCH, METHODISTS MAY PART WAYS OVER GAY UNIONS
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/metro/southwest/article/0,2669,SAV-0012070299\
,FF.html
By Heather Vogell
Chicago Tribune Staff Writer
December 7, 2000
Returning to his church after a year's suspension last July, Rev. Gregory
Dell pledged to continue to hold controversial gay-union ceremonies. For the
last three months, he quietly has. <SNIP>
On Jan. 14, parishioners will vote on whether to loosen or cut their ties to
the Protestant denomination altogether. <SNIP>
When deciding whether to remain affiliated with the Methodist church--and
whether to continue to fight its policies--the congregation will also likely
consider becoming a "federated" church... <SNIP>

See also these previous items about Broadway UMC and Greg Dell posted by
CALLED OUT:
http://www.egroups.com/message/UMCalledOut/206
http://www.egroups.com/message/UMCalledOut/313
http://www.egroups.com/message/UMCalledOut/314
http://www.egroups.com/message/UMCalledOut/318
http://www.egroups.com/message/UMCalledOut/551
http://www.egroups.com/message/UMCalledOut/793
http://www.egroups.com/message/UMCalledOut/804
http://www.egroups.com/message/UMCalledOut/813
http://www.egroups.com/message/UMCalledOut/896
http://www.egroups.com/message/UMCalledOut/988


---------------------------

THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA CONFERENCE
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA
http://www.dukenews.duke.edu/Div/same.htm
December 6, 2000
CHARLENE P. KAMMERER
RESIDENT BISHOP


Statement by Bishop Charlene P. Kammerer in response to the announcement
from Duke University that services of same-sex unions will be permitted in
Duke Chapel. Bishop Kammerer is the Resident Bishop of the Western North
Carolina Conference, The United Methodist Church. There are 1,152 churches
in the Western North Carolina Conference, encompassing Greensboro to the
mountains.


Yesterday, President Nannerl O. Keohane and Dean of the Chapel William H.
Willimon announced a new policy of Duke University, which will permit the
celebration of same-sex unions in Duke Chapel. My colleague Bishop Marion M.
Edwards in the North Carolina Conference and I had been informed by
President Keohane in early November of a Committee appointed to Explore
Blessing of Same-Sex Unions in the Duke Chapel. Our counsel was sought in
regard to the position of the United Methodist Church on this matter.

While Duke University has a historic tie and affiliation with The United
Methodist Church, the University has always been independent in governance.
The Duke Chapel has never been a United Methodist Church. Currently, twenty
religious groups comprise the Religious Life Staff, which serves the
University community. Some of these have approved the same-sex unions ans
are furnishing liturgies to accompany such services in Duke Chapel. It
remains clear that no United Methodist pastor shall officiate at such
services in Duke Chapel. The services would be officiated by ordained
ministers who have been given the authority to perform such ceremonies
within their own judicatories. Furthermore, it is expected that appropriate
counseling and pastoral care be offered to such couples who are eligible to
request such a service. The guidelines for same-sex union services will be
the same as those of wedding applicants in Duke Chapel, except that a
marriage license will not be required.

The new policy is in conflict with the position officially adopted by the
United Methodist Church. However, it reflects an open spirit of hospitality
and pastoral care to the wider Duke University community. The administration
of Duke University has the right to make such policy and has sought to do so
in a spirit of thoughtful deliberation, consultation with constituent
groups, and in recognition of the University's Non-Discrimination Policy and
with sensitivity to the richness and diversity of religious life at its
core.

See also these previous items about Duke Chapel posted by CALLED OUT:
http://www.egroups.com/message/UMCalledOut/923
http://www.egroups.com/message/UMCalledOut/981
http://www.egroups.com/message/UMCalledOut/985
http://www.egroups.com/message/UMCalledOut/988
http://www.egroups.com/message/UMCalledOut/989
http://www.egroups.com/message/UMCalledOut/990


These are links to 2 Articles written by anti-gay press sources:

Duke University Chapel to allow same-sex unions,   The Layman Online
http://www.layman.org/layman/news/news-around-church/duke-chapel-allows.htm

Duke U. To Allow Homosexual Marriage Ceremonies
http://headlines.agapepress.org/archive/12/62000b.asp American Family
Association The attack on God’s design for marriage continues at yet another
prestigious   school.


________________________________________________________________________________\
_____
Get more from the Web.  FREE MSN Explorer download : http://explorer.msn.com

CALLED OUT INFORMATION SERVICE
3 Stories...
------------------

December 5, 2000
A Boy's Death Shocks the British and Touches Off Soul-Searching
By WARREN HOGE
New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com/2000/12/05/world/05BRIT.html
A 10-year-old Nigerian boy stabbed to death by teenage gang members in
London had been a victim antigay slurs. Damilola Taylor had slight build and
was studious. He had been bullied at his school by other youths, who beat
him and called him "gay." He had to ask his mother what the word meant. The
police did not suspect that race was a motive.

---------------
From the Advocate
http://www.advocate.com/html/news/120800/120800news03.html
A Stafford County, Va., teenager pleads guilty to an April attack that
left another teenager on life support.

http://www.advocate.com/html/news/120700/120700news04.html
The 16-year-old son of a prominent Key West, Fla., attorney and two
friends are arrested and charged with a hate crime after, police say,
they attacked a female impersonator.





________________________________________________________________________________\
_____
Get more from the Web.  FREE MSN Explorer download : http://explorer.msn.com

CALLED OUT INFORMATION SERVICE
2 items... news about a new book "The Confession" published in Italy and a
seasonal reflection titled "Attitude" by Rembert Truluck.
-------------------------

Friday December 8 5:03 AM ET
Book Eyes Homosexuality in Clergy
By VICTOR L. SIMPSON, Associated Press Writer
http://dailynews.yahoo.com/h/ap/20001208/wl/italy_homosexual_priest_1.html

ROME (AP) - A papal biographer has broken a taboo, exploring homosexuality
in the ranks of Italy's Roman Catholic clergy.
Marco Politi's newly published book ``La Confessione'' - ``The Confession''
- presents the testimony of a priest struggling to balance his homosexuality
with his commitment to a church that considers homosexual acts a sin.

<MORE>
--------------------------------

?ATTITUDE?
Rembert Truluck. Update for December 9, 2000
?Steps to Recovery from Bible Abuse? http://www.truluck.com Thank you for
passing this on to others.

Today I received this wonderful letter from Mama Rita, one of our
strongest supporters, that expresses the most positive attitude about
Christmas that I have heard so far:

?Being the mother of a gay son that I love and accept as he is makes me
realize that no matter what I might put under his Christmas tree or in his
stocking would be better than loving him as he is. It makes my heart so sad
that other parents find it hard to love their children as they are because
of their faith. We all forget that God loves us as we are. Warts and all He
loves us. And that is what He desires us to do as parents is love our
children as they are. I am not a saint for loving my son as he is I am just
trying to follow my Heavenly Father's example of unconditional love. My
family will be traveling (if Delta ends the strike) to spend Christmas with
my son and his family which is made up by his partner and my grandwoof and
grandmeows. I feel blessed and my prayer is that other families can come
together during the holidays. I will keep those that can't in my heart and
prayers.?  (See URL below)

I especially liked the reference to ?grandwoof and grandmeows?!

EVERYBODY HAS ONE

Attitudes are like opinions.  Everybody has one.

Merriam Webster?s definition of attitude is ?a: a mental position with
regard to a fact or state; b: a feeling or emotion toward a fact or
state.?  Another definition is ?a: a negative or hostile state of mind; b: a
cocky or arrogant manner.?  We sometimes say a person ?has an attitude?
meaning ?hostile state of mind or a cocky or arrogant manner?.

Years ago in Atlanta a close friend of mine was in an auto accident near
where I lived.  I came upon the scene to find my friend drunk and
cursing at the police, the wrecker driver and everybody else.  When the
police took him away in the squad car, the wrecker driver offered to give
him an ?attitude adjustment? whenever he had the chance!  Prison is one
attempt to give needed attitude adjustments.  It seldom works.

ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT

Most of us could use some attitude adjustment in our feelings and
emotions about other people who are different from us.  We would like to be
able to grow and change in our attitudes without having our teeth knocked
out or going to prison!  There are other alternatives.
Attitudes can change as a result of learning new information and by
getting to know other people and learning to appreciate and affirm them the
way they are.  Experience is still our best teacher, but negative
experiences can confirm and re-enforce abusive attitudes.  God, however, has
other plans.

God?s method of attitude adjustment involves the gift of unconditional
inclusive love.  We receive God?s love as a gift.  We never earn it or
deserve it.  ?The love of God has been poured out within our hearts
through the Holy Spirit who was given to us (Romans 5:5).?  Love is not
learned.  It is given.  When Jesus issued the ultimate commandment to ?love
one another just as I have loved you (John 13:34),? he made love an
experience that could not be learned from a book or by keeping the rules.
The kind of love that Jesus demonstrated was a gift from God and an
expression of the attitude of God.

YOUR IMAGE OF GOD

You are made in the image of God.  How does that shape your attitudes?
What image of God are you projecting to other people?  I am convinced
that God has created each of us with individuality that is intentional
and unmatched by any other individual.  The wonder of God?s creative
human variety has become clearer to us as we become more connected with the
rest of the human race through the Internet, television, travel and the
current information explosion.  We can either retreat into a self-righteous
defense of our imagined superiority or we can become open and receptive to
what the image of God in other people is trying to teach us.

What a wonderful time to be alive and connected.

Give yourself the gift of open-minded curiosity to go with your
objective common sense.  Be realistic.  Your problem is not other
people.  Change your attitude and you change your world.

Rembert Truluck
http://www.truluck.com
See MamaRita?s web site and scan down the page to see her and ?her sons and
grandmeows?: http://hometown.aol.com/MamaRita3/mamarita.html

________________________________________________________________________________\
_____
Get more from the Web.  FREE MSN Explorer download : http://explorer.msn.com

CALLED OUT INFORMATION SERVICE
December 11, 2000


When he saw the 15-year-old boy walking in an Aquia Harbor park in April
2000, 18 year old Thomas Rivers bashed the  gay youth over the head with a
metal pole, almost killing him.

The attacker's defense attorney pointed out as a key factor leading to the
charge of attempted murder the attacker hearing that the "boy thought he was
cute," even though that event had happened eight months earlier.

In Circuit Court last week, Rivers pled "pleaded guilty in Stafford County
Circuit Court to malicious wounding and two other charges related to the
April 20 attack after prosecutors decided not to proceed with an
attempted-murder charge that could have yielded a life sentence. Rivers
faces up to 26 years in prison."

Despite the admission, however, his attorney tried to qualify the attack
with the claim that the attacker "acted on an 'irresistible impulse' and
that his hatred grew out of a mental disorder."  According to the Washington
(DC) Post, the attorney also characterized his client's attack as
"horrible".

The article, "Guilty Plea in Attack on Gay Teen", notes that the bashing
took place "even though the teenager had never approached him or expressed
any feelings about him one way or the other."

On the other hand, even before jumping the youth, the confessed attacker
"held a grudge and harbored hatred for the gay teenager. At one point in
summer school in 1999, Rivers made an anti-gay remark as he brushed by the
other teenager."

Additional details about the guilty plea by the teenage attacker of a Gay 15
year old are available from the Washington (DC) Post at
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A41726-2000Dec8.html



Last Spring, a fringe group in Massachusetts calling itself the Parents
Rights Coalition taped a confidential session "designed to provide a safe
forum for g/l/b/t/q youth to ask questions about sex and receive accurate
answers."  They then "distributed portions to radio stations and posted
transcripted excerpts on their Web site", using their violation of
confidentiality as a weapon in their battle to cut the state funding of
suicide prevention funding for GLBT students and of a program to prevent
harassment and violence against them.

Now, reports PlanetOut News, "one of the educators involved filed a civil
rights lawsuit against two members of a religious right group that secretly
audiotaped the session and Massachusetts' Education Commissioner who fired
her for conducting it."

A Superior Court judge ruled in May that the recording "had been obtained in
violation of the state law against wiretapping and ordered the
anti-sex-education Parents Rights Coalition to stop any further distribution
of it."

The full story is at
http://www.planetout.com/pno/news/article.html?2000/11/28/3



In September, an advisory committee to the Broward County School Board
recommended "that the district take action against South Florida's Boy
Scouts, but only if it can be proved that the local organization acts in a
way that is discriminatory to gays."  (Ft. Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel,
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/daily/detail/0,1136,35000000000114733,00.html)

A month later," the United Way of Broward County announced that agencies
that discriminate against gays and lesbians will not be eligible for program
grants beginning in 2002," reported the Sun-Sentinel  This decision, of
course, affected local Boy Scout groups.

Those groups stand to lose $127,850 in funding for the choice they make to
discriminate.  However, "[t]he change will not affect contributions that
donors earmark for specific agencies."

"The United Way's action comes on the heels of funding cuts by the Fort
Lauderdale City Commission, which voted to deny a $4,167 grant to the
Scouts, and the Broward County Children's Services Administration, which
found the Scouts ineligible for $92,884."
(http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/daily/detail/0,1136,36000000000106378,00.html)

Last week, in an attempt to get some of the money their discrimination has
cost them, the organization claimed that it is "the real victims" and filed
suit, asserting that " the Broward County School Board illegally barred the
group from school property because of the Scouts' ban on homosexuals."

School board members stand "behind their unanimous vote on Nov. 14 to give
the Scouts 30 days' notice to leave, saying that they are on sound legal
ground because the Scouts breached a contract."

Superintendent Frank Till, reports the Sun-Sentinel, "repeatedly has said
that he would recommend evicting any other group that discriminates. He
ordered his staff seven weeks ago to review hundreds of arrangements with
other groups."

The rest of the story is available at
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/daily/detail/0,1136,36000000000138175,00.html



-- Posted by Called Out moderator
________________________________________________________________________________\
_____
Get more from the Web.  FREE MSN Explorer download : http://explorer.msn.com

CALLED OUT INFORMATION SERVICE
From United Methodist News Service
-----------------------------
United Methodist Church draws pastors from other traditions

Dec. 11, 2000 News media contact: Linda Green· (615)742-5470· Nashville,
Tenn.   {557}

By Linda Green*

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) -- Each year, about 35 pastors from other faith
traditions transfer into the United Methodist Church, drawn by its theology,
ministerial style and diversity.

The transfers come primarily from the Baptist and Pentecostal traditions,
and relatively few are from other Methodist denominations, according to the
United Methodist Division of Ordained Ministry in Nashville.

In the past five years, an average of 36 pastors annually have transferred
in the denomination from other Christian traditions, according to the
statistical office at the United Methodist General Council on Finance and
Administration in Evanston, Ill.

Pastors like the United Methodist Church's wider latitude in theology,
practical ministerial style, openness to gender and ethnic diversity, and
evangelical fervor, said the Rev. Kil Sang Yoon, a staff member of the
United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry in Nashville.

They are also eager to join because of the number of pastorates available
and as a result of solicitation by district superintendents, said the Rev.
Robert Kohler, an executive in the division. "The United Methodist Church
provides a stable environment for ministry. We have a stronger support
system that encourages people to seek employment in the United Methodist
Church."

That support system was in evidence Dec. 4-6, when the division brought 60
new African-American pastors together in Nashville to learn about the
denomination and resources available to them. The pastors were transfers
from other communions, recent seminary graduates or ministers serving their
first United Methodist appointment.

The orientation, the first of its kind, was the United Methodist Board of
Higher Education and Ministry?s response to the denomination?s Strengthening
the Black Church for the 21st Century initiative. Each board and agency in
the church has been challenged to come up with an action plan to help the
initiative strengthen the 2,500 black churches across the country.

African-American transfers reflect the Wesleyan heritage and Baptist
tradition, and to some degree the Pentecostal church, according to the
ordained ministry office. When pastors transfer from other Methodist
denominations, they understand the polity and organization of the church
pretty well, Kohler said. "The exception might be of Korean transfers
because their church is organized like a Presbyterian Church."

Looking at other ethnic groups, Kohler said that Hispanic transfers
generally have a Wesleyan or Pentecostal background. The Wesleyan heritage
can be seen in the Methodists from the Caribbean, the Nazarene Church and
the Methodist Church of Mexico.

He added that the United Methodist Church's Native American pastors usually
come from within the denomination itself.

The absolute number of pastors transferring in is relatively small and has
not increased in 10 years, but United Methodist pastors are increasingly
from other denominations, Kohler said.

He is seeing more Baptist candidates seeking to become United Methodist
pastors, as well as an increase in Baptist pastors who want to transfer
because of conflicts in their tradition.

"The conflicts are either forcing them or encouraging them to look at
alternatives," he said. "In some instances, they are no longer employable in
the Baptist Church because of divorce, or in some cases, they are no longer
in agreement with the basic beliefs of the Baptist Church and are looking
for other alternatives."

<LOTS MORE of this story at http://umns.umc.org/00/dec/557.htm>


________________________________________________________________________________\
_____
Get more from the Web.  FREE MSN Explorer download : http://explorer.msn.com

CALLED OUT INFORMATION SERVICE
-----------------------------------------

Year-end wrap-up: Y2K anything but normal for United Methodists

Dec. 12, 2000 News media contact: Thomas S. McAnally· (615)742-5470·
Nashville, Tenn. {564}

http://umns.umc.org/00/dec/564.htm
By United Methodist News Service

For most United Methodist churches, the year 2000 was not so
different from 1999, despite overhyped fears of the Y2K bug and the
apocalypse.

People were nurtured through worship and education. Babies were
baptized. Couples were married. God's good news was proclaimed.
Worldwide mission and relief efforts were supported. All of this was
done despite the usual challenges of tight finances and changing
demographics.

For the larger "connection," however, 2000 was anything but normal.

It was a year of conferences, where United Methodists wrestled with
major issues facing the church and also elected 13 new bishops. It
was a year of politics, in which two United Methodist Republicans
appeared to have been elected president and vice president of the
United States, and a denominational agency became involved in the
Elian Gonzalez controversy.

It was a year of advocacy, in which United Methodists lobbied for
causes ranging from stopping the U.S. Navy's bombing of Vieques,
Puerto Rico, to ending the use of sports logos that demean Native
Americans. It was a year of repentance, as the church apologized for
racism.

And it was a year of high emotions that hit their peak in May, in a
city called Cleveland.

Conferences

The 2000 General Conference, held for 11 days in downtown Cleveland,
brought dramatically to the surface the division, distrust and anger
that have been brewing across the denomination for decades, primarily
over the issue of homosexuality.

Homosexuality has been a major issue for every General Conference
since 1972. Tension increased dramatically when some clergy members
across the church defied action taken by the 1996 conference
saying "ceremonies that celebrate homosexual unions shall not be
conducted by our ministers and shall not be conducted in our
churches."

The General Conference is the only body that can speak officially for
the denomination. At each General Conference, caucuses and coalitions
have worked to retain, change or remove statements about
homosexuality. One of the most controversial statements in the Book
of Discipline condemns the practice of homosexuality as "incompatible
with Christian teaching."

On the day that General Conference delegates were to act on proposals
regarding homosexuality, 185 people were arrested in front of the
convention center during a demonstration led by Soulforce, a
coalition of people from a variety of faith backgrounds advocating
the full inclusion of gays, lesbians and transgender people in
mainline churches. The next day, after delegates had overwhelmingly
voted to retain language in the Book of Discipline regarding
homosexuality, protesters took the stage in the assembly hall. Thirty
people, including two bishops, were arrested, a first for a General
Conference session.

In one of their most memorable achievements, the General Conference
delegates performed an act of repentance for reconciliation that
addressed the sin of racism within the denomination. The delegates
acknowledged the racial indignities in the former Methodist Episcopal
Church that prompted black members to leave and form their own
denominations. They also repented for the sin of racism that created
and maintained a segregated "Central Jurisdiction" within the
Methodist Church from 1939 to 1968. Later, delegates approved a
constitutional amendment against racism and mandated that the
governing board of each churchwide agency include at least one member
from the three historically black Methodist denominations.

Bishop William Boyd Grove, speaking as the Council of Bishops'
ecumenical officer, compared the lingering racism to a "malignancy in
the bone marrow of the church," and said: "It's high time to say
we're sorry, and only the General Conference can do it."

General Conference also celebrated the bicentennial of the former
Evangelical United Brethren Church and its predecessors, the United
Brethren in Christ and the Evangelical Association. The EUB and
Methodist churches united in 1968, forming the United Methodist
Church.

In other major actions, the delegates approved about $18 million over
the next four years for a national TV advertising campaign known
as "Igniting Ministry" and adopted guidelines for Mormons seeking to
join the United Methodist Church. In two controversial actions,
General Conference condemned "partial birth abortions" and called for
governments to outlaw the "ownership by the general public of
handguns, assault weapons, automatic weapon conversion kits, and
weapons that cannot be detected by traditionally used metal-detection
devices."

As the dust settled after General Conference, U.S. lay and clergy
delegates met in May and June for their 65 annual (regional)
conferences to ordain clergy, approve budgets and programs, and deal
with issues of common interest and concern. Gambling and capital
punishment were two of the biggest issues addressed by the annual
conferences; the denomination opposes both.

Then in July, U.S. delegates gathered in five jurisdictional meetings
to elect and assign bishops. Of 13 new bishops elected, seven are
African American. Three of them are women, the first since Bishop
Leontine Kelly became the first African-American female bishop in
1984.

More tension

Even before General Conference, homosexuality was one of the year's
big issues. In Sacramento, Calif., an annual conference investigative
committee said it found no grounds to certify charges against almost
70 clergy members for their role in a same-sex union held in January
1999. The dismissal of charges brought an outcry from opponents, who
had called for a church trial. The issue brought out the tension
between evangelical pastors and leaders of the California-Nevada
Annual Conference. Several evangelical pastors later left the
denomination, citing problems with a leadership that they felt was
too liberal and out of step with the rest of United Methodism.

Three unofficial church groups formed the Coalition for United
Methodist Accountability and vowed to take action against pastors and
bishops who, in the group's judgment, violate the church's Book of
Discipline. The first target was Bishop Melvin Talbert, then head of
the Cal-Nevada Conference, for his handling of the case involving the
clergy members. The complaint against Talbert was investigated and
dismissed by the Western Jurisdiction College of Bishops.

During the summer, members of the New England Conference adopted an
unofficial declaration supporting full inclusion of homosexuals in
the life of the church. Shortly afterward, the Western Jurisdiction
Conference adopted a statement describing its members' pain from the
recent General Conference and declaring that it would also push for
full inclusion of sexual minorities.

Politics

United Methodists were all over the political stage during 2000. The
Republican ticket of George W. Bush and Dick Cheney was totally
Methodist, and members of the denomination from both sides of the
political aisle were elected to Congress. The best-known of the
United Methodist arrivals on Capitol Hill was first lady Hillary
Clinton, who was elected a senator from New York.

Controversy

True to the spirit of Methodism founder John Wesley, United
Methodists didn't shy away from the pressing issues of the day, no
matter how controversial.

Staff with the Board of Church and Society in Washington stepped into
a firestorm and worked to reunite 6-year-old Cuban refugee Elian
Gonzalez with his father, Juan Miguel Gonzalez.

Meanwhile, as they had in 1999, two church agencies lined up on
opposing sides of a court battle over whether gays should be allowed
to serve as Boy Scout leaders. The Board of Church and Society
supported the involvement of gays in troop leadership, while the
Commission on United Methodist Men supported the Boy Scouts of
America's right to set its own policies regarding leaders. The United
Methodist Church itself has no position on the specific issue. The
Supreme Court ruled in June that the organization could bar
homosexuals from Scout leadership.

In Puerto Rico, where 100 years of Methodism were celebrated, church
members protested the U.S. Navy's use of the island of Vieques as a
practice bombing range. Many people, including the Puerto Rican
bishop, were arrested in demonstrations.

In the nation's capital, United Methodists joined in the Million Mom
March against gun-related violence, demonstrated in favor of the
Jubilee 2000 debt forgiveness effort on behalf of impoverished
nations, supported farmers in the "Rally for Rural America", and
rallied in support of human rights in Myanmar (formerly Burma). The
Rev. Jim Lawson, civil rights pioneer and United Methodist, was
arrested in front of the White House for protesting sanctions against
Iraq.

Church members also demonstrated in favor of closing down the School
of the Americas in Georgia, and United Methodist clergyman Charles
Butler was arrested during a protest and remains incarcerated.

United Methodists were outspoken in calling for the elimination of
sports logos that are considered demeaning to Native Americans, such
as the Cleveland Indians baseball team's Chief Wahoo.

At the local level, a Portland church drew national attention when a
city official tried to shut down its feeding program for the
homeless. Neighbors of Sunnyside United Methodist Church had
complained about the presence and behavior of people served by the
program. The official was overruled by the city council, and the
neighbors and church staff worked out a resolution.

Global work

The connection provided relief around the world, helping people
rebuild homes in Kosovo, care for orphans in the Democratic Republic
of Congo, overcome illiteracy in Honduras, and recover from volcanic
eruptions in the Philippines, fires in Montana and floods in
Mozambique. The Board of Global Ministries committed $1 million to
land-mine removal efforts in Mozambique and hopes to expand that to
Angola. The church also focused on fighting the scourge of AIDS,
which is devastating Africa and has infected 26 percent of Zimbabwe's
population.

As negotiations broke down between Israelis and Palestinians, leading
to violence that claimed more than 300 lives, several Methodist and
United Methodist groups issued calls for peace. They urged both
Israelis and Palestinians to back away from violence. In final weeks
of the year an ecumenical delegation, including Council of Bishops
President Bill Oden, visited Israel.

In Tallinn, Estonia, six years of work culminated in the dedication
of the Baltic Mission Center. The center, supported by Methodists
worldwide, houses a church, seminary and other ministries.

United Methodists also worked toward helping North Korea. Church
bishops participated in a briefing on North Korea and met with
members of Congress on providing aid and improving relations with
that country. United Methodist women participated in an interfaith
trip to the isolated country to make contact with North Korean women.

In terms of worship resources, the church's Board of Discipleship and
United Methodist Publishing House collaborated on a Korean-English
hymnal, due out in 2001, and a supplement to the United Methodist
Hymnal titled The Faith We Sing, which is being published in nine
editions between December and February 2001.

A total of 2,454 United Methodist churches generated nearly $500,000
of the national total of $3.1 million to help the needy through the
annual "Souper Bowl of Caring" campaign Jan. 30.

Leadership changes

In addition to the election of 13 bishops, the United Methodist
Church saw leadership changes at four of its 14 agencies. New general
secretaries were named for United Methodist Communications, the Board
of Discipleship, the Board of Church and Society, and the General
Council on Ministries. A search is under way for a new top staff
executive at the Board of Higher Education and Ministry. Exceptions
were made to the 12-year term limit for general secretaries at the
Board of Global Ministries and the Commission on the Status and Role
of Women.

Oden, bishop of the Dallas Area, became president of the Council of
Bishops for a one-year term.

In academia, the Rev. David Maldonado became the first Hispanic
person to take the helm of one of the 13 United Methodist-related
theological schools. He was named president of Iliff School of
Theology in Denver, succeeding the Rev. Donald E. Messer. He is
believed to be the first Hispanic to lead any of the 237 mainline
denominational schools in North America.

On campus

United Methodist-related Africa University in Mutare, Zimbabwe, had
its largest graduating class ever – 265 -- and enrollment hit 871.
The school also pushed ahead in building a new library and
establishing a faculty (school) of medical science.

In Durham, N.C., United Methodist-related Duke University announced a
policy change allowing its chapel to hold same-sex union services for
people related to campus groups, as long as their faith tradition
allowed such ceremonies.

The numbers

Membership continued to decline in the United Methodist Church, but
at a slower rate than in previous years. Late in the year, the
General Council on Finance and Administration (GCFA) reported that
U.S. lay membership for 1999 stood at 8.33 million, a decline of
33,841 (0.4 percent) over the previous year. This figure, which does
not include military personnel, is the smallest loss since 1968, the
year when the Methodist and Evangelical United Brethren churches
united. Membership worldwide is nearly 9.8 million.

At the same time, United Methodists contributed about a half-million
dollars more to churchwide mission and ministry during the first six
months of 2000 than they did in the comparable period of 1999.
Figures released by the GCFA showed that U.S. giving to the
denomination's eight apportioned funds in January through June rose 3
percent over the previous year.

One case of giving that made headlines around the country occurred in
small St. Marys, Ga., where prominent businessman Warren Bailey left
a $60 million bequest to his local United Methodist church. Bailey
died in July.

In a move that will save agencies and local churches money, United
Methodist Communications entered into an agreement with Microsoft
Corp. whereby the agency will make computer equipment and software
available in the denomination at reduced prices.

Ecumenical relations

Always a strong supporter of ecumenism, the United Methodist Church
played a key role in bailing out the financially ailing National
Council of Churches. Denominational leaders worked out a plan for
advancing $400,000 to the NCC, and the church's ecumenical relations
commission will seek another $200,000 from other United Methodist
agencies.

Elsewhere on the ecumenical front, the Most Rev. George Carey, became
the first Archbishop of Canterbury to address the United Methodist
Church when he spoke at General Conference.

For the World Methodist Council, 2000 was a busy year. The
organization presented Nelson Mandela, who was educated in Methodist
schools, with the World Methodist Peace Award. The council also
announced plans for expanding its headquarters in Lake Junaluska, N.C.

Obituaries

It is rare that an active bishop dies while under assignment, but on
Dec. 7, the church lost Bishop Cornelius Henderson, leader of the
denomination's Florida Area. He died at age 66, in an Atlanta
hospice, after fighting cancer for two years. Two retired bishops
also died during the year: Edward G. Carroll Sr., 89, Jan. 1 in
Gainesville, Fla.; and Edwin C. Boulton, 72, May 15 in Akron, Ohio.

Other deaths included Mildred Hutchinson, 105, activist and member of
the Board of Church and Society, who helped craft the Social
Principles, Jan. 14 in Los Angeles; Clifford B. Aguilar, 82, layman
who helped found the church's Hispanic caucus, Feb. 8 in Long Beach,
Calif.; Thomas W. Landry, 75, active layman and legendary coach of
the Dallas Cowboys, Feb. 12 in Dallas; the Rev. Thomas A. Langford,
70, theologian and former provost and dean at Duke University, Feb.
13 in Durham, N.C.; the Rev. Hidetoshi Tanaka, 66, former associate
general secretary of the United Methodist Commission on Religion and
Race, April 28 in Gaithersburg, Md.

Also: Mary Ruth Coffman, 73, long-time staff member of the Upper Room
and editor of Alive Now! magazine, July 8 in Nashville, Tenn.; the
Rev. John W. Deschner, 76, professor emeritus of Christian doctrine
at Perkins School of Theology, Southern Methodist University, July 28
in Dallas; Tom Matheny, 67, longtime president of the United
Methodist Judicial Council, Aug. 31 in Baton Rouge, La.; the Rev. Lee
Foy Tuttle, 95, retired staff executive of the World Methodist
Council, Sept. 10 in Winston-Salem, N.C.; the Rev. John H. Ness Jr.,
80, the first executive for the United Methodist Commission on
Archives and History, Sept. 18 in Baltimore; Martha Man, 69, former
director of United Methodist News Service, Oct. 19 in Albuquerque,
N.M.

In addition, the church lost two leaders during the last days of
1999: John Sagan, 78, a former automobile executive and strong
supporter of United Methodist higher education, including Africa
University, Dec. 23 in Dearborn, Mich.; and the Rev. Ewing T.
Wayland, 82, former general secretary of the General Council on
Finance and Administration, Dec. 24 in Wheaton, Ill.

CALLED OUT INFORMATION SERVICE
The following resources are all on the American Psychological Association
(APA) web site:
--------------------------------

Answers to Your Questions About Sexual Orientation and Homosexuality
http://www.apa.org/pubinfo/answers.html

--------

Just the Facts About Sexual Orientation & Youth:
A Primer for Principals, Educators and School Personnel
http://www.apa.org/pi/lgbc/publications/justthefacts.html

Sexual Orientation Development
Reparative Therapy
Transformational Ministries
Relevant Legal Principles
Endnotes
Resources
What is the "Just the Facts Coalition"

was developed and is endorsed by the following organizations:
American Academy of Pediatrics
American Counseling Association
American Association of School Administrators
American Federation of Teachers
American Psychological Association
American School Health Association
Interfaith Alliance Foundation
National Association of School Psychologists
National Association of Social Workers
National Education Association

Controversies in our society about homosexuality are increasingly involving
schools. As principals, educators, and school personnel, you need good
information that will help guide you through these controversies. This
factsheet has been developed by a group of education, health, mental health,
and religious organizations that all share a concern for the health and
education of all students in schools, including lesbian, gay, and bisexual
students. We know you also share this concern?that all students deserve an
opportunity for learning and healthy development in a safe and supportive
environment.

The reason for publishing this factsheet now is the recent upsurge in
aggressive promotion of "reparative therapy" and "transformational
ministry." "Reparative therapy" refers to psychotherapy to eliminate
individuals' sexual desires for members of their own gender.
"Transformational ministry" refers to the use of religion to eliminate those
desires. Since mid-1998, a number of organizations have invested significant
resources in the promotion of "reparative therapy" and "transformational
ministry" in the press, in conferences targeting educators, and in
television and newspaper ads. This factsheet provides information from
physicians, counselors, social workers, psychologists, legal experts, and
educators who are knowledgeable about the development of sexual orientation
in youth and the issues raised by "reparative therapy" and "transformational
ministry." We hope that you and others who care about and work with youth
will review the factual and scientific information provided herein and weigh
it carefully in considering how to respond appropriately to controversies
about homosexuality when they arise in your school.


<MUCH MORE ON WEB SITE Also available also in PDF Format>


----

Guidelines for Psychotherapy with Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Clients
http://www.apa.org/pi/lgbc/publications/guidelines.html

<Table of Contents of this page, which has extensive information:>

Introduction

Attitudes Toward Homosexuality and Bisexuality

Guideline 1. Psychologists understand that homosexuality and bisexuality are
not indicative of mental illness.

Guideline 2. Psychologists are encouraged to recognize how their attitudes
and knowledge about lesbian, gay, and bisexual issues may be relevant to
assessment and treatment and seek consultation or make appropriate referrals
when indicated.

Guideline 3. Psychologists strive to understand the ways in which social
stigmatization (i.e., prejudice, discrimination, and violence) poses risks
to the mental health and well-being of lesbian, gay, and bisexual clients.

Guideline 4. Psychologists strive to understand how inaccurate or
prejudicial views of homosexuality or bisexuality may affect the client?s
presentation in treatment and the therapeutic process.

Relationships and Families

Guideline 5. Psychologists strive to be knowledgeable about and respect the
importance of lesbian, gay, and bisexual relationships.

Guideline 6. Psychologists strive to understand the particular circumstances
and challenges facing lesbian, gay, and bisexual parents.

Guideline 7. Psychologists recognize that the families of lesbian, gay, and
bisexual people may include people who are not legally or biologically
related.

Guideline 8. Psychologists strive to understand how a person?s homosexual or
bisexual orientation may have an impact on his or her family of origin and
the relationship to that family of origin.

Issues of Diversity

Guideline 9. Psychologists are encouraged to recognize the particular life
issues or challenges experienced by lesbian, gay, and bisexual members of
racial and ethnic minorities that are related to multiple and often
conflicting cultural norms, values, and beliefs.

Guideline 10. Psychologists are encouraged to recognize the particular
challenges experienced by bisexual individuals.

Guideline 11. Psychologists strive to understand the special problems and
risks that exist for lesbian, gay, and bisexual youth.

Guideline 12. Psychologists consider generational differences within
lesbian, gay, and bisexual populations, and the particular challenges that
may be experienced by lesbian, gay, and bisexual older adults.

Guideline 13. Psychologists are encouraged to recognize the particular
challenges experienced by lesbian, gay, and bisexual individuals with
physical, sensory, and/or cognitive/emotional disabilities.

Education

Guideline 14. Psychologists support the provision of professional education
and training on lesbian, gay, and bisexual issues.

Guideline 15. Psychologists are encouraged to increase their knowledge and
understanding of homosexuality and bisexuality through continuing education,
training, supervision, and consultation.

Guideline 16. Psychologists make reasonable efforts to familiarize
themselves with relevant mental health, educational, and community resources
for lesbian, gay, and bisexual people.

Acknowledgements

Endnotes

References


---


Guidelines for Psychotherapy with Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Clients

Handbook of Counseling and Psychotherapy with Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual
Clients
http://www.apa.org/books/431736A.html

Edited by Ruperto M. Perez, Kurt A. Debord, and Kathleen J. Bieschke
2000, Hardcover, 464 Pages, $49.95
The Handbook of Counseling and Psychotherapy With Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual
Clients is a first of its kind: This comprehensive volume educates readers
about the identity, challenges, and choices of lesbian, gay, and bisexual
clients. Practicing professionals in psychology, counseling, and social work
will find it an indispensable guide.
________________________________________________________________________________\
_____
Get more from the Web.  FREE MSN Explorer download : http://explorer.msn.com

CALLED OUT INFORMATION SERVICE

From United Methodist News Service
----------

George W. Bush will become third Methodist president
http://umns.umc.org/00/dec/570.htm

Dec. 14, 2000 News media contact: Joretta Purdue ·(202) 546-
8722·Washington   {570}

By Joretta Purdue*

WASHINGTON (UMNS) -- When George W. Bush takes the oath of office as
the 43rd president of the United States – as is expected on Jan. 20 –
he will be only the third Methodist to do so.

Methodists who have served previously were William McKinley (1897-
1901) and Rutherford B. Hayes (1877-1881). (Bush's father, George
Bush, attended Episcopal churches in Maine and Washington during his
presidency.) Bush's similarities with McKinley and Hayes are greater
than church membership: All three were or are Republicans who had
served as governor of their home state. In the case of McKinley and
Hayes, that state was Ohio.

President Ulysses S. Grant, who immediately preceded Hayes in office,
was a close friend of Methodist Bishop John Phillip Newman, serving
as a trustee of Newman's church. But, according to Mark Shenise at
the denomination's archives, Grant never joined the church. Newman
was present when Grant died of cancer in 1885.

Having a United Methodist in office does not mean the president's
policies will reflect those of the church. Moreover, United
Methodists often differ among themselves and from the official
positions expressed by the church's highest legislative body, the
General Conference.

Bush, 54, is a member of Highland Park United Methodist Church in the
Dallas area and regularly attends Tarrytown United Methodist church
in Austin, Texas, when he is at the governor's mansion there. Vice
President-elect Dick Cheney is also identified as a United Methodist
in his biographical material, but his campaign office has not
answered queries from United Methodist News Service regarding his
local church membership.

Bush's first calendar item as president-elect was a Dec. 14 church
service at Tarrytown in Austin. The day before, Bush had emerged as
the winner in the presidential election, more than a month after the
Nov. 7 vote. Democrat opponent Al Gore conceded the election after
losing a key Supreme Court decision regarding controversial vote
counts in Florida.

Though Bush becomes only the third Methodist to take the White House,
the denomination's leaders have been active throughout the nation's
history in working with presidential administrations. However, the
denomination officially supports the separation of church and state.

"Since Bishop Francis Asbury, with a delegation of Methodists,
visited President George Washington, Methodists have had a history of
support and prayer for our nation's presidents," said Bishop William
B. Oden, president of the Council of Bishops and leader of the
church's Dallas Area.

Oden said that both Bush and wife Laura, a lifelong United Methodist,
taught Sunday school at Highland Park and actively supported the
Wesley-Rankin community center in Dallas, with which their church has
been involved.

"Gov. Bush has been innovative in partnerships of faith-based
communities and government programs while always respecting the
separation of church and state," Oden observed. In accepting the
Republican Party's nomination, Bush himself said that he expects
religious groups "to serve" and that government's role is "helping
the helper."

During the campaign, several news reports noted that Bush's opinions
more closely match those of the Southern Baptist Convention, the
denomination in which Al Gore holds membership, and Gore's views are
more like those of the United Methodist Church, traditionally
regarded as "more liberal" than the Southern Baptists.

The death penalty, gun control, education, abortion and Social
Security are some of the issues on which Bush's expressed views
differ in some measure from official positions of the church as
contained in its Book of Resolutions. In other areas, there is
agreement.

For example, both the Republican Party, for which Bush is the most
visible speaker, and the United Methodist Church favor a ban on human
cloning. Both the Republicans and the United Methodist Church express
support for the right to participate in labor organizations and to
bargain collectively.

Capital punishment is one area where clear differences exist. United
Methodism's official pronouncements condemn the death penalty while
Bush upholds it.

"I support the death penalty because I believe it saves lives," Bush
has said. "I believe that individual states should make every effort
to ensure that their criminal justice systems are fair and impartial,
and that every defendant has full access to the state and federal
courts. Any time DNA evidence, in the context of all the evidence, is
deemed to be relevant in the guilt or innocence of a person on death
row, I believe we need to use it."

In regard to gun control, Bush has said, "We need to have laws that
keep guns out of the hands of people who shouldn't have them."
However, the gun laws in Texas have been liberalized during Bush's
governorship there, according to a gun control advocate.

"As governor, he signed a law allowing citizens to carry concealed
weapons," noted Desmond Riley, spokesman for the Coalition to Stop
Gun Violence. He added that Bush also signed into law a bill that
prohibited Texas cities from suing gun companies to recover the costs
associated with treating gunshot victims.

Moreover, Bush was the candidate of choice for the National Rifle
Association, which made no secret of its expectations for favorable
treatment when the candidate takes office. The church advocates
reducing the number of guns in communities, including banning
ownership of handguns, assault weapons, automatic weapon conversion
kits and weapons that cannot be detected by regular metal-detection
devices.

Some people see a similarity in the United Methodist stance on
homosexuality and Bush's position. United Methodists prohibit same-
sex unions and will not ordain practicing homosexuals into its
clergy. Bush and his party have said that they are against same-sex
unions. However, Bush also believes that homosexuals should not serve
in the military, while the United Methodist Church has advocated just
the opposite.

Both Bush and the denomination define marriage in similar terms. The
church's Social Principles "affirm the sanctity of the marriage
covenant that is ... between a man and a woman." In the second
presidential debate, Bush said, "I think marriage is a sacred
institution between a man and a woman. ... I feel strongly that
marriage should be between a man and a woman."

The denomination's statement on abortion expresses reluctant support
for the availability of legal abortions for women who choose them on
the basis of their situations, while Bush holds a pro-life stance
with exceptions only for cases of rape or incest, or if the life of
the mother is in danger. At the General Conference held in May, the
church added a prohibition against "partial birth" abortion except to
save the life of the mother or in cases where severe fetal anomalies
exist that are incompatible with life. Bush supports banning the
procedure.

In discussions about education, Bush has expressed support for giving
parents vouchers that may be used to send their children to private
and religious schools, and he proposes increased funding for charter
schools. The United Methodist Church officially opposes the use of
vouchers for sending children to private schools in the belief that
vouchers take support away from public schools and could create
possible entanglements between church and state.

Bush has said he believes that younger workers should be allowed to
divert money from the Social Security tax on their wages to private
savings and market accounts. However, in a new resolution adopted
last May on Social Security and women, the church rejected
privatization of any part of the Social Security tax, observing that
such changes endanger the system's ability to provide benefits,
especially for elderly women who rely heavily on income from Social
Security to meet their needs and who constitute the majority of
recipients. This resolution also urged keeping the disability and
survivor's benefits, inflation adjustments, and benefits for divorced
and widowed spouses.

# # #

*Purdue is news director of United Methodist News Service's
Washington bureau.
For general information about the United Methodist Church call
InfoServ at 1-800-251-8140

CALLED OUT INFORMATION SERVICE
From the Baptist Press, news service of the Southern Baptist Convention.
--------

December 14, 2000
Prayer for Bush, Gore urged by SBC president

By Todd Starnes
Photograph By Kent Harville
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP)--On his first morning as president-elect, George W.
Bush went to his church for a prayer service, an action praised by James
Merritt, president of the Southern Baptist Convention. Well-wishers cheered
and applauded as the next president and future first lady Laura Bush made
their way into Tarrytown United Methodist Church in Austin, Texas, for the
service, where they sat on a front pew.

"I am grateful that President-elect Bush is beginning his first day as the
acknowledged president-elect in church worshiping God and asking for his
guidance," Merritt said. "Perhaps as much as any new president in our
nation's history, the president-elect needs and deserves our prayers and
total unqualified support."

"He wants to start this on a message of prayer and healing," a Bush aide
told CNN following five weeks of post-election strife that ended with a
concession speech Dec. 13 by Democrat Al Gore. Gore and Bush addressed the
nation Wednesday night -- the Democratic nominee disappointed but not
bitter, and the Republican winner promising to earn the respect of all
Americans, "whether you voted for me or not."

Merritt, pastor of the Atlanta-area First Baptist Church, Snellville, urged
all Southern Baptists to pray for Bush.

"Our Southern Baptist family needs desperately, at this time, to pray for
both President-elect George W. Bush and Vice President Al Gore," Merritt
said. "I call all Southern Baptists to take time this Sunday in their
services to pray particularly for the new president-elect and our nation
that we would see a spiritual renewal sweep across this nation from the
White House to the schoolhouse, to the courthouse, to the church house, and
to our house," Merritt said.


<SNIP: LOTS MORE of this article at
http://www.bpnews.net/article.cfm?articleid=7030>

________________________________________________________________________________\
_____
Get more from the Web.  FREE MSN Explorer download : http://explorer.msn.com

CALLED OUT INFORMATION SERVICE
An Open Letter from Charles Coppinger, the Arizona Legislative Chaplain who
announced that he was gay last October and whose ordination was revoked
afterward. His letter was sent out earlier; I received it last week.  Some
of his requests may well be "out-dated" now.  His letter is sent so that you
are aware what is happening. Afterward is some background information from
other sources.

--------

Charles Coppinger Arizona Chaplain's Vigil

Friends,
On Monday, December 18th at 4:00pm I will begin a 90 hour prayer vigil in
the  Arizona State Capitol Mall between the State Senate and the State House
of  Representatives Building. This prayer vigil will be held for 90
consecutive  hours and will conclude at 10:00am on Friday, December 22,
2000. I will be  calling the members of the Legislature to end the
discrimination and  prejudice toward gay and lesbian people that is
reflected in the rejection that I have received since coming out on the 10th
of October.

I have now coordinated the event with the Arizona Legislative Council
Director, who will communicate with the Legislative Leadership and Caucuses,
with State Capitol Police and with House and Senate Security.

The Arizona Capitol Police have kindly agreed to check on me once an hour
and help insure a safe environment for the prayer vigil.

I am discussing with my physician the possibility of fasting during the 90
hours, and am considering doing so.

I will use a chair from the Chaplain's office and will have a small table
for a candle near me. Community Church of Hope is providing several folding
chairs for anyone who wishes to join me in my prayer vigil.

I am in need of candles; bottles of water; a few blankets; volunteers to
assist with my press releases and public relations; and volunteers to assist
with my personal needs.

Any assistance that you or your church can provide would be gratefully
received with joy. I am also hopeful that many supporters will join me for
prayer, dropping by for an hour or so each day.

I am beginning to write and coordinate my press releases and media contacts.

I plan on sending my first release tomorrow afternoon.
I hope that you will join me for a time of prayer for our Legislators.
If you can attend, please do so, it would be a great encouragement to me. In
addition, if you know of anyone who can assist me with some volunteer hours
each day, I need someone who can type and use a fax machine and a computer.
I will dictate press releases during the prayer vigil, that will need to be
typed and faxed out and additionally sent by email. This does not require
anyone who has prior knowledge of press, but simply someone who has clerical
abilities and a heart of support.

If you have any candles. I am in need of large pillar candles that I can use
24 hours a day. In addition, I would like the small candles and drip guard
that are generally used for candlelight services. Any that you could donate
would be so helpful. I want them available for anyone who visits to join me
in prayer.

The blankets are for anyone visiting the pray during the cold hours of
night. The chairs are metal and air is cold. I will have no heater or fire,
therefore blankets would be helpful for anyone visiting me, and also for my
own warmth and protection from cold.

Assuming that I will be fasting, my only nourishment and hydration needs
will be for water. However, I have not finished discussing with my Doctor
the plan to fast.

I will need to take bathroom breaks and I have coordinated with Legislative
Council to come into the Capitol when necessary around the clock. However, I
will not be permitted to bring anyone with me into the Capitol, so I will
have no way of providing relief facilities to anyone who may join me for
prayer after the Capitol is closed.

Please keep me in prayer both as I prepare and during my prayer vigil.
Thank you, bless you for your friendship and support. If you can help with
these needs, I would be so grateful.

Reverend Charles Coppinger (Ordination Revoked 10/22/2000)
Chaplain to the Arizona State Legislature
(602) 542-7587
------------------------------------

For More Information
http://www.egroups.com/message/UMCalledOut/925
The Arizona Republic URL mentied in this message has expired but it has been
reprinted at:
Arizona Legislative Chaplain Announces He's Gay
The Rev. Charles Coppinger's announcement has created a political firestorm
that could cost him his job
By Robbie Sherwood,
The Arizona Republic
http://www.beliefnet.com/story/46/story_4644_1.html
PHOENIX, Oct. 11--Tuesday's announcement by the Legislature's chaplain that
he is gay has evoked concern and support from lawmakers. Some even called
into question the need for the position.
<MORE>
---

Church Takes Away 'Reverend' Title from Gay Chaplain
by Chip Scutari
http://www.gaywired.com/storydetail.cfm?Section=12&ID=2151

For now, call him Mr. Charles Coppinger.

Coppinger, the legislative chaplain who last month announced that he is gay,
has been stripped of his title of reverend by his church, putting his job as
spiritual counselor to Arizona lawmakers in jeopardy.

<MORE>


_________________________________________________________________
Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com

CALLED OUT INFORMATION SERVICE

Seven stories...  The lead one is another shocker.  Further down the list of
links are stories with good news.
----------------------

Tuesday, December 12, 2000
Norway said to have castrated hundreds
http://www.advocate.com/html/news/121200/121200news03.html
Norway castrated 414 people from 1934 to 1969 as part of a crackdown
on rapists and others, including mental patients, gays, and epileptics, a
historian says.

December 15, 2000
Falwell Says Bush Faces Environment Hostile to Christian Values
By Fred Jackson and Jim Brown
http://headlines.agapepress.org/archive/12/152000a.asp
(AgapePress) - A leading voice in the conservative community says having
George W. Bush confirmed as the next President does not mean the battle for
traditional family values is over.


Saturday December 16 12:38 PM EST
Couples Briefs
By PlanetOut News Staff
http://dailynews.yahoo.com/h/po/20001216/co/couples_briefs_1.html
SUMMARY: Mexico City will consider recognizing same-gender partners; Finnish
president introduces couples rights bill; BellSouth to extend spousal
benefits to non-union gays and lesbians.


Friday December 15 11:43 AM ET
Finland May OK Gay Partnership
http://dailynews.yahoo.com/h/ap/20001215/wl/finland_gay_rights_1.html
By MATTI HUUHTANEN, Associated Press Writer
HELSINKI, Finland (AP) - The government on Friday proposed legalizing gay
partnerships but said same-sex couples should not be allowed to adopt
children or share a surname.


Thursday December 14 4:42 PM ET
Mexico City May Get Gay Rights Law
By LISA J. ADAMS, Associated Press Writer
http://dailynews.yahoo.com/h/ap/20001214/wl/mexico_gay_rights_1.html
MEXICO CITY (AP) - Legislators are drafting a bill that would legally
recognize gay unions and allow gay couples to adopt children in the Western
Hemisphere's largest city.


Saturday December 16 12:38 PM EST
Transgender Briefs
By PlanetOut News Staff (with thanks to GAIN)
http://dailynews.yahoo.com/h/po/20001216/co/transgender_briefs_1.html
SUMMARY: Portland adds gender identity protections; Filipino cross-dresser
brings first discrimination complaint; sixth hijra wins election in India;
UK support group offers employer training; Thai soap character ties district
chiefs' uniforms in a knot.


Friday, December 15, 2000
Atlanta passes nondiscrimination ordinance
http://www.advocate.com/html/news/121500/121500news01.html
Atlanta becomes the first city in Georgia to enact a comprehensive
nondiscrimination law that includes sexual orientation and gender
identity.




_________________________________________________________________
Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com

CALLED OUT INFORMATION SERVICE

From Ecumenical News International via the Presbyterian News Service

----------------------------------------------------------------------
December 19, 2000
Church of Pakistan ordains women deacons, despite court challenge
Breakaway church goes to court to halt "apostasy"

by Anto Akkara
Ecumenical News International

NEW DELHI — The Church of Pakistan — a partner church of the Presbyterian
Church (U.S.A.) — has made history by ordaining its first two women deacons,
despite civil court action by another church which believes that the Bible
bans women from the clergy.

The diaconate is the first step towards the priesthood, and deacons have an
important role in church liturgy and ministry. The church is the first in
Pakistan to open the ranks of clergy to women. However, Christians are a
tiny minority — about 2 percent — in this Islamic country of 140 million
people.

The Church of Pakistan, which has about 800 000 members, is a united church
inaugurated in 1970, bringing together Anglicans, Methodists, Presbyterians,
Lutherans and other Protestants.

"We have gone ahead with what we believe is right. We have made our
commitment to it," Bishop Samuel Azariah, moderator of the Church of
Pakistan, told ENI after the ordinations on Nov. 21 in his diocese of
Raiwand, 25 kilometers north of Lahore.

One of the new deacons is the bishop’s wife, Kushnud. Both women deacons,
along with two new male deacons ordained on the same day, have been working
for the church as catechists.

"None of the mainline churches have opposed this though officially they may
not agree with me 100 per cent on this," Bishop Azariah said. But he added
that no one "can expect unanimity on progressive steps," and that he was
"sad that a McIntire [breakaway] church has gone to the court against it."

The civil court action to try to block the ordinations was initiated by a
retired army major, Timotheus Nasir, who is moderator-secretary of the
United Presbyterian Church of Pakistan (UPCP), a breakaway church in the
Presbyterian tradition. He told ENI: "Women’s ordination is not authorized
by the Bible."

Nasir said the UPCP "believes in biblical theology, and we do not go along
with modern theology." The UPCP "will keep the fight on till the bishop
repents and the court gives him due punishment under the law."

The Bible contained "an executive order — by the Apostle Paul and duly
confirmed by the Apostle Peter — that women are not allowed to speak in the
church," Nasir said. "So we have taken the bishop to court to prevent
apostasy and heresy that are bound to follow this." He claimed that "the
radical feminist movement, homosexuality and lesbianism — all approved by
World Council of Churches — are linked to this [women’s ordination]."

The World Council of Churches, of which the Church of Pakistan is a member,
has not given any official approval to homosexuality. Its member churches
are divided on the issue, with some accepting or considering accepting
homosexuals into the clergy, but most opposing such developments.

Nasir told ENI that a civil court in Lahore had issued a "contempt of court"
notice on Bishop Azariah for "going ahead" with the ordinations. However,
the bishop said that the UPCP had filed the case in court after the
ordinations took place. He had not received any contempt of court notice.
The case is due to come before the court on Dec. 20.

Nasir said: "We want him [Bishop Azariah] to be taken to task for violating
the national law and biblical law. "The UPCP was also mounting a media
campaign on the issue and was ready to take action in the high court on this
‘serious’ question."

But Bishop Azariah told ENI that Nasir and his "fringe group of Christians"
were "trying to mislead the court. We have committed no contempt of court as
the ordination took place before the court intervened." He added that as yet
there had been no information provided on the legal or constitutional basis
of Nasir’s challenge to the ordinations.

"The court has no jurisdiction on the interpretation of the Scripture. The
court is not the authority to tell the church who is to be ordained and who
is not to be ordained. There is a clear mandate in the Bible for including
women in the ministry of the church."

Bishop Azariah said that Nasir should keep in mind the "biblical advice that
disputes within the church should be resolved within the church and not in
civil courts."

The women who had recently been ordained had in fact been performing
diaconal duties for a long time — helping pastors to manage funds and
personnel, visiting the sick and planning church work, the bishop said.
"With the ordinations, we are only formally recognizing their role in the
church."

Asis Karam, a priest and youth director whose wife Rohama is one of the new
deacons, told ENI: "Our church is not concerned about the [court] case. My
congregation is extremely happy to have both husband and wife to serve
them." But he admitted that "there are also those opposed to it" outside the
Raiwand diocese.

The diocese decided three years ago to open the diaconate to women. However,
the decision was implemented only after seminars and meetings, as many
people were "apprehensive about it," Karam said. The opposition to women’s
ordination was, he said, "basically from uneducated people. Gradually the
opposition will fade away when they realize how women can be efficient in
church ministry. This is definitely a step towards full ordination for
women."

Describing the entry of women into the diaconate "for the first time" as
"good and necessary," a prominent Church of Pakistan official, Victor
Azariah, who is related to Bishop Azariah, said that "someone had to break
the ice. Finally, it has been done."

"The mainline churches have no objection to it," said Victor Azariah, who is
general secretary of the National Council of Churches of Pakistan (NCCP),
which groups the Church of Pakistan, the Presbyterian Church of Pakistan,
the Salvation Army and the Association of Reformed Presbyterian Churches.
Between them they account for nearly half of Pakistan’s 3 million
Christians.

When asked whether the church was embarrassed by the controversy, Bishop
Azariah replied that "conflicts among different denominations are nothing
new. It is there in every religion including Islam and Hinduism."

But he said the controversy "does not give a good image of Christianity"
especially in an Islamic nation.

Interviewed by ENI, one of the new deacons, Kushnud Azariah, said: "The
church has taken a very bold step particularly in our Islamic context in
ordaining women. The gender barrier has been broken."

She said her ordination was both a privilege and a challenge. "Being the
first women, it [future ordinations of women] will depend on how we play our
role in church and society. We need to be very careful. If we make even
little mistakes, it will jeopardize the future of the entire [community of
Christian] women."

----------------------------------------------------------------------

To subscribe to Presbyterian Church USA news releases via an internet
mailing list, send the word subscribe in an e-mail message to
pcusanews-request@....

_________________________________________________________________
Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com

CALLED OUT INFORMATION SERVICE
-----------------------------------
December 20, 2000
Same-Sex Dutch Couples Gain Marriage and Adoption Rights
By AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE

http://www.nytimes.com/2000/12/20/world/20DUTC.html

THE HAGUE, Dec. 19 (Reuters) — The Netherlands, a pacesetter for gay rights,
gave final approval today to groundbreaking laws allowing same-sex couples
to marry and adopt children.

Activists were jubilant about the legislation, which will take effect in
April.

<MREO>
_________________________________________________________________
Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com

CALLED OUT INFORMATION SERVICE

For an earlier story (a news release from Metropolitan Community Church of
Toronto), see:
Canadian MCC to Do Legal Same-Gender Marriages
http://www.egroups.com/message/UMCalledOut/993

---------------------


Tuesday December 19 02:16 AM EST
MCC "Banns of Marriage" Protested
By PlanetOut News Staff

http://dailynews.yahoo.com/h/po/20001218/co/mcc_banns_of_marriage_protested_1.ht\
ml

SUMMARY: Anti-gays came forward to block the church's plan to marry gay and
lesbian couples the traditional way, but their objections don't hold water
under common law.
_________________________________________________________________
Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com

CALLED OUT INFORMATION SERVICE

From the Presbyterian News Service

-----------------------------------------------------------------

December 21, 2000

113 Presbytery executives call for a way out of sexuality debates that is
not legislative or judicial

One hundred and thirteen presbytery executives and other officers have put
together a statement calling for the denomination to find a "third way" out
of the sexuality debates that have dominated the church’s agenda for the
past decade. The statement was composed during last month’s meeting of the
Association of Presbytery Executives in San Antonio, but is not
representative of the organization. It was released by Wayne Yost, the
association's secretary/treasurer and executive of the Kiskiminetas
Presbytery.


December 6, 2000

A Call to the Church,

As ministers and elders with particular middle governing body
responsibilities, we come from the full spectrum of the church. With one
voice, we affirm the efforts begun by leaders of the Presbyterian Coalition,
the Covenant Network, and the More Light Presbyterians. They have covenanted
to study Scripture together at one table and to seek the mind of Christ
Jesus for our life in the PC(USA). We believe the Church we love has a
future, but it will not be by determining winners and losers. It will be
determined by seeking a third way. We envision a third way which can come
only from an openness to the Spirit. We will rely on God's grace and refuse
to leave the table until a way is discovered. We believe seeking a third way
is critical and is already present among us.

Do not remember the former things, or consider the things of old. I am about
to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?

Isaiah 43:18-19 (NRSV)

Those conflicts and disputes among you, where do they come from? Do they not
come from your cravings that are at war within you? You want something and
do not have it; so you commit murder. And you covet something and cannot
attain it; so you engage in disputes and conflicts.

James 4:1-2a (NRSV)

If then there is any encouragement in Christ, any consolation from love, any
sharing in the Spirit, any compassion and sympathy, make my joy complete: be
of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one
mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility regard
others as better than yourselves. Let each of you look not to your own
interests, but to the interest of others. Let the same mind be in you that
was in Christ Jesus ... .

Philippians 2:1-5 (NRSV)

We urge all leaders and members to continue what has begun and to help us
find a third way. That way cannot be dictated by deadlines. The direction we
seek will not come by judicial or legislative actions. It will come only by
seeking the mind of Christ in prayer and discussion together. Such efforts
will help us prepare for the General Assembly meeting in Louisville and take
us far beyond.

We, ourselves, covenant to look for a third way. In each of our presbyteries
and with each other, we will gather at a common table to pray and talk
together We promise not to leave the table before a direction emerges. We
believe that the peace, unity and purity of the church becomes a reality as
we all gather around God's Table in communion as sisters and brothers in
Christ Jesus.

[Signed by]
William H. Jordan, Virstan Choy, James DiEgidio, Barbara Renton, Dian G.
McCall, William A. Hawley, Paul K. Hooker, Jon Shannon Webster, Edward D.
Gehres Jr., Phil Leftwich, James W. Strang, Mary Elva Deloteus Smith, George
G. Wilkes, Richard E. Melin, W. Wilson Bradburn, Tom M. Castlen, Philip J.
Sorensen, W. W. Branch Jr., Betty Meadows, Lee J. Sankey, Lynn Longfield,
Judith P. Kolwicz, Roger P. Richardson, Jack D. Hodges, John A. McLaney,
Robert C. Reynolds, Jane L. Searjeant Watt, Robert Houser, Cheryl Ann
Elfond, Brian A. Tippen, Peter B. Funch, R. Richard Baldwin, Gay D.
Mothershed, Boyd Stockdale, James H. Monroe, Philip W. Barrett, Edie Gause,
Tom Phillips, Cass L. Shaw, M. Anderson Sale, Lorna Kuyk, Richard D.
Brownlee, Kenyon G. Meeks Jr., G. David Lambertson, Sally J. Hinchman, Carl
L. Schlich III, James M. Collie, Ed Albright, Neil W. Brown, Clinton A.
McCoy Jr., Robert J. Rea Jr., Paul T. Reiter, Margaret K. Haney, Samuel M.
Cooper IV, James A. Mays, David W. McKee, Douglas A. Kelly, Philip C. Brown,
Kenneth A. Moe, David E. Meerse, David Carlson, Wayne A. Yost, David H.
Johnson, Wayne Purintun, H. Alan Elmore, H. Carson Rhyne Jr., James R.
Marlett, Bruce Wilson Berry, Richard H. Craft, Don A. Petterson, Hugh B.
Berry, Gregory J. Coulter Jr., Stephen V. Doughty, Samuel L. Edwards,
Richard A. Cooper, Harry D. Olthoff, John R. Goodman, Harold H. Shin, Terry
S. Nelson, William P. Saum, Dana Knapp, John D. Sharick, Richard A. Schempp,
Teri Thomas, Dennis L. Maher, Lucille Rupe Watt, Timothy F. Jones, Barbara
D. Worthington, Arabella Meadows-Rogers, John E. Strausz Clement, John
Rickard, Harold A. Rainey, William R. McSwegin, Marvin L. Groote, W. Harvey
Jenkins Jr., Aaron A. Carland, Gary R. Weaver, Paul J. Masquelier Jr., James
Vande Berg, David Van Dam, James F. Sanders, Samuel E. Roberson, Carolyn B.
Stephens, Sharon J. Johnson, Liza Hendricks, James Foster Reese, Bart L.
Brenner, S. David Stoner, Ralph H. Booth, Barbara Campbell-Davis, James
Choomack Jr., Jill Hudson and Sylvia Washer.



_________________________________________________________________
Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com

CALLED OUT INFORMATION SERVICE
http://umns.umc.org/00/dec/584.htm
-------------------------------

Seminary project focusing on sexuality issues in black churches
Dec. 21, 2000 News media contact: Thomas S. McAnally· (615)742-5470·
Nashville, Tenn. {584}

By United Methodist News Service*

"Spirituality and sexuality in the African American Church" is the title of
a program that will be offered at United Methodist-related United
Theological Seminary (UTS) in Dayton, Ohio, beginning in January.

The program is part of a seminary project being launched by the Religious
Coalition for Reproductive Choice (RCRC), 40 national organizations from
major denomination and faith traditions, including the United Methodist
Church.

Seminaries in the program will offer a course of study to prepare African
American clergy to discuss sexuality issues within the black religious
experience. Seminary Project Fellows will be do research and produce a
doctoral project that will be implemented in their ministry settings. Six
doctor of ministry students at United will be named fellows.

The Rev. Kendall McCabe, UTS vice president for academic affairs, said
population issues are important, "especially in helping individuals in
deprived conditions have greater control over their lives.

"Reproductive health is one area where people need to make responsible
choices, and they need training and support to do so," he said. Clinton D.
McNair, dean of doctoral studies at UTS, will be the academic advisor of the
program.

At kick-off ceremonies in Washington Dec. 20, RCRC president and chief
executive officer, the Rev. Carlton W. Veazey, praised the project.
""African American and other seminaries often do not address sexuality
issues such as teen pregnancy, sexuality education, HIV/AIDS prevention and
education, and youth and sex," he said, "and African American churches are
also often silent on these subjects."

Veazey said the seminary project is intended to prepare clergy to deal with
issues that are having a major impact in African American communities. "As a
result, clergy and congregations will be better able to help young people
make healthy, responsible decisions as spiritual and sexual beings," he
said.

The seminary project fellows will work with RCRC for three years following
the receipt of their degrees, giving lectures, participating in workshops
and forums, and engaging in other activities to promote dialogue on
sexuality issues in the African American religious community.

The project, part of RCRC’s black church initiative launched in 1997,
features annual National Black Religious Summits on Sexuality. The seminary
project was initiated in February 1999 at a gathering of deans of
predominantly African American seminaries who agreed that education in
sexuality issues was needed in seminaries.

*Information for this story was provided by Marjorie Signer of the Religious
Coalition for Reproductive Choice.









_________________________________________________________________
Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com

CALLED OUT INFORMATION SERVICE

From the Baptist Press (Southern Baptist Convention)
http://www.bpnews.net/article.cfm?articleid=7083
----------

December 21, 2000
Bush hosts faith-based programs meeting at First Baptist Austin
By Staff

AUSTIN, Texas (BP)--President-elect George W. Bush took another step toward
easing strains from the presidential race, meeting with about 30 ministers
and other religious leaders, many of them black, to discuss his plans to
expand greatly the role of churches and charities in federal welfare
programs.

At a closed meeting that lasted over an hour at the First Baptist Church
here, the New York Times reported that Bush asked the ministers how his
administration should proceed with what he calls "faith-based" initiatives,
a catchall term for financing churches and private charities to take over
government welfare functions and using tax breaks and other incentives to
spur charitable donations.

Repeatedly, participants said, Bush emphasized that he knew many blacks
viewed him with great skepticism, and he asked how he could reverse that and
not wind up a year from now, said one person who attended, "with folks
asking whether this was just smoke and mirrors."

"People said, `Listen, there is a discrepancy now, there's a great divide,'
and reference was made to the fact that over 90 percent of the black
community did not vote for him," said Eugene Rivers, pastor of Azusa
Christian Community in Boston. "He said, `Look, there is a perception gap,
and there are folks who feel they are not included. What do we need to do to
correct that gap?' "

At one point, said Jim Wallis, a leader in Call to Renewal, an ecumenical
coalition that focuses on poverty issues, one participant told Bush there
"aren't great expectations" for his administration in the inner city where
she worked. Wallis said Bush acknowledged that, and Wallis said he told the
president- elect, "I hope you surprise us."

In his opening statement, Bush said he "really wants to bridge the gaps that
exist among the different groups in this country," said Bishop Joseph A.
Fiorenza of Houston, the president of the National Conference of Catholic
Bishops.

Bush also said "he was looking for some ideas he could put in his inaugural
address that could make the country realize he is sincere about bringing
this country together," Bishop Fiorenza said.

Bush did not lay out any specific programs, but people at the meeting said
he indicated that the likely head of an office for initiatives he plans to
create would be Stephen Goldsmith, the former mayor of Indianapolis, who was
Bush's chief domestic policy adviser during the campaign.

In addition to creating a federal Office of Faith-Based Action, Bush has
said other plans include working to end regulations that prohibit religious
groups from participating in federal programs; making it easier for
churches, charities and other nongovernment groups to get taxpayer money to
operate federal programs; and creating tax breaks to increase charitable
donations.

Despite support from the ministers who attended today's meeting, many clergy
members are wary of increased government financing for religious
social-service programs. They fear it will lead to government interference
in their ministries, or that tax dollars will be channeled to the most
politically connected ministers. And others are concerned the whole
initiative amounts to government financing for proselytizing.

"There are many religious traditions in this land," said the C. Welton
Gaddy, executive director of the Interfaith Alliance, a group that opposes
the religious right. How do we guarantee that minority religions have the
same access that majority religions have?"

"You have a situation in which an organization could turn food or clothing
or counseling or rehabilitation into a tool for proselytizing," said Gaddy,
who was not at the meeting. "And you have the government supporting that.
This concerns me."

Critics also say that such programs could lead to a violation of the
separation of church and state. Supporters, however, believe that can be
avoided by not limiting participation in programs to certain religions,
while assuring people they can attend secular alternatives if they object to
attending a program run by a religious group.

Before the meeting, Bush, who lost the black vote to Vice President Al Gore
by 9 to 1, said "I've got a lot of work to do" to improve his standing among
blacks.

Bush insisted that the session today was "not a political meeting." He
added, "I look forward to the chance of healing a nation that has been
divided as a result of an election."

Although the people invited today included some conservatives, the attendees
cut across ideological lines, with a significant number closely identified
with local efforts to help the urban poor.

With the exception of Bishop Fiorenza, the participants were not drawn from
major denominations or national organizations. Instead, many came from local
ministries, including the senior ministers of major African-American
churches, like Kirbyjon Caldwell, pastor of Windsor Village United Methodist
Church in Houston. Also in attendance was the Floyd Flake, the former
congressman from Queens who may be considered for a cabinet- level post like
education secretary.

Robert Sirico, president of Acton Institute for the Study of Religion and
Liberty in Grand Rapids, Mich., said that throughout the discussion Bush was
closely engaged with each person who spoke.

"You can see there was a real religious interest here," Sirico said. "This
is a man who has had a religious experience, who understands the influence
of religion in a very dramatic way."
--30--




_________________________________________________________________
Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com

CALLED OUT INFORMATION SERVICE

Two items:  One from the the Southern Baptist Convention and how they and
Roman Catholics work together when it comes to anti-gay and anti-choice
activities; the other an invitation from Soulforce and Dignity/USA in
relation to their journey to Rome.

------------------

From the Southern Baptist Convention:

December 20, 2000
Dobson praises Catholic church for efforts to protect family
By Eric Gorski
http://www.bpnews.net/article.cfm?articleid=7072

ROME (BP)--It was a striking image to one observer: evangelical Protestant
powerhouses James Dobson and Chuck Colson visiting the headquarters of the
Catholic church, the very institution Protestants rebelled against centuries
ago. <SNIP>
Though Catholics and Protestants disagree frequently on theological matters,
dialogue between the faith groups has been going on for years. On several
social issues such as opposition to abortion and homosexuality many
evangelicals and Catholics find common ground.<SNIP>
Dobson, who spoke mostly about issues facing boys, the topic of an upcoming
book, was not available for comment Friday, said Paul Hetrick, a Focus on
the Family spokesman. <MORE>

------------

From Soulforce and Dignity/USA:

A CALL TO SOLIDARITY - ROME AT HOME
An Invitation from Soulforce and Dignity/USA

Dear Friends:

As you probably know, Soulforce and Dignity/USA are going to Rome, January 5
& 6 to take our demands to the Vatican to STOP SPIRITUAL VIOLENCE.
http://www.soulforce.org/romejourney.html

We need your prayers and support. We believe that having simultaneous prayer
vigils throughout the country will draw much needed attention to the
Vatican's continuing attacks against gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender
(GLBT) people, especially GLBT Catholics. Whether it is just two or three of
you in a dozen cities, or larger gatherings, the simultaneous actions will
help to focus attention on our action to bring to the Vatican the truth
about God's gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender children.

Available on the web site at http://www.soulforce.org/romevigil.html
are the requests that we presented to the National Conference of Catholic
Bishops and will be presenting to the Vatican, called "Why We Vigil."

There are several things to keep in mind as you start to organize such a
gathering, whether you are a member of the Catholic Church or not.

1) We are witnesses to the importance and depth of faith in the lives of
GLBT people, despite centuries of oppression and discrimination. We love our
churches and we long to claim our rightful place in them, openly and
proudly, celebrating who God created us to be.

2) We do all things in the spirit of nonviolence. We come in love, seeking
reconciliation in justice and truth. We are calling chancery officials and
other church leaders, to the dialogue that has been avoided for too long. We
need them to understand the reality of our lives and loves, so that,
together, we can bring about fullness of justice in the churches. We are
willing to listen to them, person to person, to hear the truth that they
bring, as well. This is the time to get past rhetoric and talk heart to
heart and soul to soul.

3) Individuals participating in the "Rome At Home" vigils should be
familiar with the principles of non-violence, as outlined on the Soulforce
web page at http://www.soulforce.org
Please be sure they can participate in that spirit.

We are listing below three links to websites: Dignity/USA, Metropolitan
Community Church and a listing of gayfriendly Catholic Churches throughout
the country. Please check out these websites, and make the connections in
your local area, immediately.

Dignity/USA - Local Chapters:
http://www.dignityusa.org/chapters.html

UFMCC GLOBAL DIRECTORY: UFMCC LOCAL:
http://www.ufmcc.com/dircongs.htm

Gay friendly Catholic Churches:
http://www.bway.net/~halsall/lgbh/gayparishes.txt

Contact any other people of faith you know who would be interested in
taking part; don't forget to include PFLAG members. Begin spreading the
word. Use this opportunity to build a community of faith to respond to
future situations that will need quick organizing. If you live in a city
that has a chancery, call the chancery in your area as soon as possible. You
can probably find them listed under the "Diocese of ______(whatever city you
are in). Check at this link to see if your city is a diocese:

National Conference of Catholic Bishops/United States Catholic Conference:
http://www.nccbuscc.org/dioceses.htm

Ask for an appointment for the evening of January 5, if it is available, to
emphasize solidarity with those who are going to be in Rome, and explain
that is why you would like to meet on that date. However, any good faith
effort to provide a meeting within a reasonable time frame should be
respected. If they refuse to meet with you, do not be deterred. Make plans
for your group to go to the chancery offices and "tape" the demands to the
doors of the office. If you do not live in a city that has a chancery
office, find another suitable site to hold your prayer vigil.

Contact your local gay and straight media now to let them know about your
plans. Be sure to tell them that this will be happening in conjunction with
the actions at the Vatican and throughout many cities in the U.S.

Below is a suggested prayer service for you to consider. On Friday, January
5 (the eve of the Feast of the Epiphany, and the official end of the "Year
of Jubilee") go to your local chancery office, hopefully meeting with some
representative, but if, as we said earlier, their doors are shut, then tape
the demands and the apologetics to the door in the presence of the media. If
there is no chancery office then simply hold your prayer vigil.

Within two weeks, follow up with this action by calling together those who
have been a part of this organizing project and debrief and see if there is
an interest in keeping the group active.

Please be sure to let us know what you are doing. Send your information to
Kara4Peace@... no later than December 31st. If you do not have your
information together by that date, send it to Karen Weldin at
Karen@....

Last of all, don't forget to pray for those of us who will be in Rome and
for all of us who carry this important message to the Church. If you have
any questions, please contact me at Kara4Peace@....

In the spirit of love and non-violence,

Kara Speltz, Catholic Co-chair
Soulforce Advisory Committee for NCCB/Vatican Actions

Mary Louise Cervone, President
Dignity/USA

SUGGESTION FOR PRAYER VIGIL IN SUPPORT OF SOULFORCE/DIGNITY ACTION IN ROME:

SONG: O Healing River

READING: Ezek 36: 24-28

I will take you away from among the nations gather you from all the foreign
lands, and bring you back to your own land.

I will sprinkle clean water upon youto cleanse you from all your
impurities, and from all your idols I will cleanse you.

I will give you a new heart and place a new spirit within you, taking from
your bodies your stony hearts and giving you natural hearts.

I will put my spirit within you and make you live by my statutes, careful to
observe my decrees.

You shall live in the land I gave your fathers and mothers, you shall be my
people and I will be your God.

SONG: Amazing Grace

READING: M.L. King, Jr. Letter from Birmingham City Jail

But the judgment of God is upon the Church as never before. If the Church of
today does not recapture the sacrificial spirit of the early Church, it will
lose its authentic ring, forfeit the loyalty of millions, and be dismissed
as an irrelevant social club with no meaning for the twentieth century. I am
meeting young people every day whose disappointment with the Church has
risen to outright disgust.

Maybe again, I have been too optimistic. Is organized religion too
inextricably bound to the status quo to save our nation and the world?
Maybe I must turn my faith to the inner spiritual Church, the Church within
the Church, as true ecclesia and the hope for the world. But again, I am
thankful to God that some noble souls from the ranks of organized religion
have broken loose from the paralyzing chains of conformity and joined us as
active partners in the struggle for freedom.

Brief chance to share our responses to the readings

Lighting of Candles and Presentation of "Why We Vigil" to the Chancery.

SONG: We Shall Overcome


======================
To respond directly to Mel White, please send an email to:
melwhite@...


_________________________________________________________________
Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com