I specifically remember the day the first Gulf War began. It was August 2, 1990. I was in middle school (you do the math). And I remember the songs that were played on the radio during those months of a ground assault. I remember hearing Bette Midler's "From A Distance" for the first time. Even though there's some questionable theology there, I still get a little misty when I remember hearing it almost daily as I got ready for school. This was also when I was introduced to John Lennon's "Give Peace a Chance."

Written during Lennon's "Bed-In" of 1969, this song has seeped into our popular culture, and in many ways has defined a generation of peace-seekers.

As a student of Christian ethics, I learned early on that not all Christians are pacifists. Those who conform to the Just War Theory, however, take the same a priori position as pacifists: peace (and I would add, justice) is the goal. Whether we're talking about military campaigns, policies against refugees, or the anti-LGBTQ language of our United Methodist Book of Discipline, we must all come to the conversation with the common goal of peace and justice. To not do so is malicious and breaks John Wesley's first general rule: Do No Harm.

The headlines this week are marked with violence. They hold us all accountable for the need to work for peace and justice. It may sound simple and naīve, but as Christians we start with the same position - in fact, it's right there in our Scripture: "We love because God first loved us." (1 John 4:19). May we be so bold to love others, work for a just peace wherever there is violence and injustice, and proclaim to the entire world that "All We Are Saying is Give Peace a Chance!"

Peace,

Chett Pritchett

Last Friday, seven caucus groups in The United Methodist Church were invited you to join the Connectional Table and the Executive Committee of the Council of Bishops in a conversation about the mission and ministry of The United Methodist Church. Specifically, engaging in a conversation about how we can be the community of faith even though we disagree in many questions, including human sexuality. Those seven groups were MFSA, Love Prevails, Reconciling Ministries Network, Good News, Confessing Movement, Wesleyan Covenant Network, and Leading Edge. (It's OK if you have to Google the last two groups).

Chett Pritchett, executive director, and Kevin Nelson, board member, represented MFSA. Imagine our surprise when we arrived at the meeting and none of the more conservative or moderate groups decided not to show up (they did send their regards).

Without giving a play by play of the meeting, two crucial points were raised:
-Leaders in our Church do not realize the pain that is caused to LGBTQ people when the Church participates in systems of oppression meant to belittle, bully, and in some cases, kill them.
-Those who did not show up at this meeting are holding the Church captive with fear. They didn't show up because they have nothing to lose. As long as queer people are used as a wedge for keeping the Church in unity, the Church will not be living out the Gospel.

You may ask, "What can we do?"

First, pray daily - for leaders who will have the boldness to proclaim liberation for LGBTQ people inside, and outside, the Church.

Second, ask your Bishop for time to tell your story. Especially if you are LGBTQ. Share why you are still United Methodist - or why you are considering leaving the denomination. We can not allow bishops to ignore us.

Finally, continue to support the work of the MFSA and the Love Your Neighbor Coalition. MFSA has been supporting the LYN Coalition Coordinator position through our General Operating budget while seeking grants and funds from major donors. Your financial assistance in supporting MFSA's voice in the work of LGBTQ justice in The United Methodist Church is crucial.