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April 2004
Dear Friend of RENEW, Many of you, like I, have viewed “The Passion of the Christ” and been moved by the graphic and powerful images of Jesus suffering and dying for the sins of the world—more personally—for my sins. My response was a deeply renewed sense of why I love Him so very much! In contrast, we have experienced the onslaught against marriage between one man and one woman as epitomized in the same-sex unions performed in San Francisco following the defiant issuing of marriage licenses to homosexual couples by that city. Closer to home, is the failure to find the Rev. Karen Dammann guilty of violating The Book of Discipline of the United Methodist Church, despite her acknowledgement that she is a “self-avowed, practicing homosexual.” We could innumerate many tensions both within our culture and within the church where we see the battle between truth and compromise—between good and evil—raging. Indeed, this battle is ensuing within a worldwide arena. But, thanks be to God, not only did Christ die, but, “Christ has indeed been raised from the dead….” We know, that regardless of how things seem, Christ will ultimately return and His glory will fill all the earth. There is a lot of fulfillment to be realized between now and then, but the outcome is sure. In the meantime, we remain faithful. We will do this by challenging the verdict in the Dammann case through every means available. Good News/RENEW has released a statement regarding the Dammann court decision that provides a history of this case, shows why it is a flawed decision, measures the implications of this decision for the United Methodist Church and recommends things concerned United Methodists can do to address this egregious decision. Go to the Good News web site to obtain this release, http://www.goodnewsmag.org, or request a copy of the release from the enclosed card. Be assured, we are praying and doing all possible to act in behalf of United Methodists on this issue. We are working ardently to see that the RENEW petitions asking for accountability on the part of the Women’s Division, a change in the election process for directors and an expanded opportunity for supplemental women’s ministries within the local church are passed at General Conference 2004. We are alerting delegates to the Women’s Division petitions and are pointing out problems inherent within many of them. Sadly, the two-year+ Call for Reform has netted no change on the part of the Women’s Division. But, thankfully, the call has seen a strong formation for change at the local level that continues to expand. At the recent Spring Women’s Division Board of Director’s meeting there was an outcry on the part of staff against RENEW’s analysis of the Women’s Division petitions, which was prepared by Dr. Janice Shaw Crouse. It would seem the Division would disallow anyone from critiquing their actions, if that were possible. On April 25th the Women’s Division will be participating in a pro-abortion march in Washington, D.C. as a co-sponsor (with an investment of $5,000). To learn the details of the “March for Women’s Lives” event and view the long list of fascinating, radical support groups, go to http://www.marchforwomen.org/cosponsors/list.php. You may also request information about the march from RENEW. Missing at the spring Women’s Division meeting was any statement in support of marriage between one man and one woman. Also missing was any response—or outcry against—the lawless homosexual unions in San Francisco or the decision in the Karen Dammann trial. For a full report of the Women’s Division meetings visit the RENEW web site at http://www.renewnetwork.org, or request your copy by using the enclosed card. As we live within the tensions of this world, Paul’s instructions to Timothy fit our situations well: “In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of His appearing and His kingdom, I give you this charge. Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage with great patience and careful instruction. …keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.” --2 Timothy 4:1,2,5 Thank you for standing with the RENEW Network. As we head into General Conference, we need both your prayers and financial support so that we can remain faithful and do all that is set before us. In Jesus, Our Risen Lord,
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