Dear RENEW Network Member, 

As we enter August, the last month of summer, I want to share with you about two events  coming in September.   

Last month, I mentioned the “Hearts on Fire” conference planned by the Reconciling Ministries Network at Lake Junaluska Assembly in North Carolina, September 2-5.  I have received many letters, calls and e-mails regarding this planned gathering of “lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and heterosexual disciples committed to justice,” (according to the promotional brochure).  Many of you have written to Mr. Jimmy Carr, the director of Lake Junaluska, and to your district superintendent and bishop.  Thank you for all you are doing to let your concern about this event be known.  It is not too late to e-mail Jimmy Carr at jlcarr@sejumc.org.   

I understand many of the residents of Lake Junaluska are deeply concerned that “Hearts on Fire” will be held at this Southeastern Jurisdiction retreat center, despite a policy stating, “Groups using our facilities should have a mission compatible with Lake Junaluska Assembly and The United Methodist Church, its Discipline and Social Principles.”   

The Convener of Reconciling Ministries Clergy, Rev. David W. Meridith, has written an “Open Letter” respondng to a letter Rev. Dr. James Heidinger, President of Good News, sent out on June 16 about the Reconciling Ministries event.  You may read the Reconciling letter at www.rmnetwork.org.  You will also want to read Dr. Heidinger’s “Open Letter” response on the Good News web site, www.goodnewsmag.org. 

Personally, I was galled by the co-opting of Christian language and the misapplication of Scripture throughout the Reconciling Ministries letter, and have posted a response at the RENEW web site, www.renewnetwork.org.    

The second event slated for this fall that I want to bring to your awareness is the planned forum, or Christian conversation, between representatives of the RENEW Network and the Women’s Division.  The date for this meeting is Wednesday, September 21, 2005, and the location is Wesley Seminary in Washington, D.C.  I trust you will put this date on your calendar and begin now to pray regarding the preparation, the participants and the outcome.   

RENEW has a taskforce of ten individuals who are preparing for this conversation with the Women’s Division.  The two participating organizations are to exchange questions  by August 15.  At that time, on the basis of the questions asked, a team of six will be selected to represent each organization.   

Our questions will fall into four categories: Theological Integrity; Structural Accountability; Religious/Cultural Conservatism; Political/Social Activism.  Next month, I will be able to share our specific questions with you, and to let you know the questions the Women’s Division has asked of us.   

Holding this meeting at Wesley Seminary brings to mind the words of Wesley himself from his sermon Catholic Spirit.  “A man of a truly catholic spirit has not now his religion to seek.  He is fixed as the sun in his judgment concerning the main branches of Christian doctrine.”  Even today, this is an appropriate word for this exchange.   

Thanks to all of you who have faithfully supported RENEW with your prayers and financial gifts throughout the summer months.  As we look toward fall with its fresh emphasis upon ministry and outreach, we could certainly use an extra donation to keep us within budget and to equip us to move forward as God opens doors of opportunity.   

In Christ, 
L. Faye Short
President 

P.S.  I hope you have already acquired a copy of our new program book “Offering Jesus” for use by your UMW or Women’s Ministry.  The cost is $15 per copy, plus shipping and handling.  You may obtain a copy by calling our publisher, Bristol House, toll free at 1/800-451-7323.