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IN THIS ISSUE
Former Seminary Dean Charged with Performing Son's Wedding
Fellowship of Reconciliation Gathering
Immigration is a Concern for United Methodists
Progressive Ponderings:News and Job Openings
Social Media Corner
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Volume VIII Issue 9                          

9 May 2013

 

                        

 

"Marrying Tom and Nick was for me a profoundly personal and quintessentially pastoral act."
-Rev. Thomas Ogletree

 

These words from Rev. Thomas Ogletree, former Dean of Drew University Theological School and Yale Divinity School, encapsulate an act of ecclesiastical disobedience to unjust church policy - an act that is inherently one of Biblical Obedience.

Ogletree served as a Seminary professor and dean over his 50 year career. He has shown a lifelong commitment to social justice, as evidenced by his involvement with the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee. His first civil disobedience arrest was at a segregated lunch counter with African-American colleagues, including Congressman John Lewis.

MFSA will continue to update as the case progresses and share ways you can educate others and support clergy who engage in acts of Biblical Obedience.

New York Times article
Washington Post article
Methodists in New Directions (MIND-NY) statement
Reconciling Ministries Network statement

Follow #UMConTrial on Twitter

Consider signing the Altar for All Statement - show your support for marriage equality!

"Harnessing Outrage and Compassion:  
Awakening the Power of Nonviolence"

 

Join other peace-seekers for an exciting Pacific Northwest peacemaking conference this July 4-7! Enjoy workshops, keynotes, music, fun, and fellowship in a beautiful natural setting: Seabeck Conference Center on Hood Canal with the Olympic Mountains as a dramatic backdrop. 


Attend for three days of learning and sharing, renewal and fun and explore the power of nonviolence - how it can be used to harness our outrage at injustice, and express our compassion toward all. Keynote speakers this year will be:Kazu Haga, RabbiLynn Gottlieb, and Kaeley Pruitt-Hamm. Nearly two dozen workshops are being offered on topics ranging from nonviolence and Idle No More, to food justice and the Keystone Pipeline.   
 
This event is the annual gathering of northwest Fellowship of Reconciliation members.This year, we especially welcome participants from the various Religious Peace Fellowships.We'll have numerous guests from a variety of faith traditions.

 

Interested in attending? (You know you are!) - More information is available - JUST CLICK HERE.
Immigration is a Concern for United Methodists

Methodist Federation for Social Action has signed on to a statement of support and concern regarding Senate Bill 744: "Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act."  

 

 



With more than 120 bishops, church agencies, official and unofficial caucuses, and Conference grassroots groups signing this statement, The United Methodist Church continues to advocate for just and humane reforms, including clear pathways to citizenship, reunification for separated families, and fair treatment of immigrant workers. 

 

YOU can make a difference.

*Once the final bill passes through the Senate Judiciary Committee, be prepared to call your Senator! (If your Senator is on the Senate Judiciary Committee, please consider calling or emailing them to let them know that you support amendments that are consistent with those outlined in the statement above).

*Comment on the General Board of Church and Society's post of this statement. Share why a just, compassionate pathway to citizenship is needed.

*Consider writing a letter to the editor of your local newspaper. If you do, let us know so we can document it. 

ProgressivePonderingsProgressive Ponderings
FacebookSocial Media Corner
Don't let email be a downer!

Sometimes it can be too much to handle - especially on a Monday morning! You can handle it more efficiently if you break your day into work blocks. Set aside 2 30 minute work blocks each day specifically dedicated to emails. Then you can read, respond, and file as needed!

 

Also, close your email (or Facebook or Twitter) while working on projects with a deadline. Then you won't be tempted to look and respond!

Methodist Federation for Social Action
212 East Capitol Street, NE
Washington, DC 20003
202.546.8806