Reforming the Church’s Social and Political Witness October 2008

What Would Think of the Presbyterians? Reflections on the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) General Assembly in San Jose

Also Inside: u Zimbabwe: Devoid of Justice, Praying for Peace

u Anglican Conservatives Create ‘Confessing Movement’ volume 27 number 5

Contents Joseph Williams/ Presbyterian News Service Features

6 Christians Confer in an Election Year by Anna Speckhard, Rebekah M. Sharpe, and The Institute on & Democracy Nalani E. Hilderman 1023 15th Street NW, Suite 601 All sorts of groups try to capitalize on the interest Washington, DC 20005 generated in an election year. In 2008 we have seen Phone: 202.682.4131 Fax: 202.682.4136 various attempts to rally religious voters, especially Web: www.TheIRD.org evangelical Christians, on behalf of a cause or candidate. E-mail: [email protected]

President James W. Tonkowich 8 Zimbabwe: Devoid of Justice, Praying for Editorial Peace Alan F. H. Wisdom by Faith J. H. McDonnell Executive Editor, Vice President for Research and Programs Zimbabwe seeks peace after a violent election. Loralei G. Coyle Churches strive to bring healing to a wounded land Managing Editor, Director of Communications where Christians have been especially hard hit for siding Kristen M. Seda against the oppressive dictator. Communications Intern STAFF James D. Berkley Programs Director of Presbyterian Action Joshua Calo Presbyterian Action...... James D. Berkley Intern 10 Presbyterian General Assembly Stirs Discontent ...... Nalani E. Hilderman Senior Executive Assistant ...... James D. Berkley and Alan F. H. Wisdom Faith J. H. McDonnell Director of Religious Liberty Programs UMAction...... Mark D. Tooley Steve R. Rempe Website Coordinator 12 Prominent UM Endorses Obama...... Mark D. Tooley Rebekah M. Sharpe 13 Charismatic United Methodists Rally at Aldersgate 2008...... Rebekah M. Sharpe Administrative Assistant David P. Sheaffer Director of Development Anglican Action Anna Speckhard 14 Anglican Conservatives Create ‘Confessing Movement’ ...... George Conger Intern Mark D. Tooley Articles Director of UMAction Jeffrey H. Walton 3 From the President: Election 2008: Faithfulness, Communications Manager Prudence and Conscience...... James W. Tonkowich Jerald H. Walz Vice President for Operations 15 IRD Diary: Notes from an Impending ...... Steve R. Rempe

Cover: Commissioner Daniel Moore from Donegal Presbytery in Pennsylvania participates in the 2008 General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). (Joseph Williams/ Presbyterian News Service). Moore is related to our Lord and Savior only by adoption. From the President Election 2008: Faithfulness, Prudence and Conscience by James W. Tonkowich

e’re running out of time and can only put off the nec- essary decisions a little longer. After Tuesday, Novem- date and not the other. And we live in a culture that encourages ber 4, Election Day 2008, those decisions are final. us to rely on feelings rather than reason. Yet feelings can cause us WEvery candidate for every office at every level has been working to act rashly and to judge by appearances rather than hard facts, hard to tell us for whom we should vote. The gist of every message concrete policies and the dictates of reason. is basically the same: “Vote for me, and all will be well, and you’ll Conscience requires facts and the virtue of prudence to think be really happy.” The candidates’ political futures depend on you those facts through. The bishops write: and me pulling their levers. Our political futures, on the other Prudence enables us “to discern our true good in every hand, depend on you and me pulling the right levers. At every level circumstance and to choose the right means of achieving – from the president to the proverbial dog catcher – we need to it” (Catechism of the , no. 1806). Prudence make wise choices. shapes and informs our ability to deliberate over available The key word is “wise.” Since we never have perfect can- alternatives, to determine what is most fitting to a specific didates, we never have perfectly clear-cut decisions. We need context, and to act decisively. wisdom, and for the Christian voter, wisdom is invariably linked One of the principles prudence must keep in mind is the fal- to faithfulness. lacy of moral equivalence. The bishops note that a well-formed That is why I was glad to come across a document put out by conscience guided by prudence “recognizes that all issues do not the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops entitled “Form- carry the same moral weight and that moral obligations to op- ing Consciences for Faithful Citizenship: A Call to Political Re- pose intrinsically evil acts have a special claim on our consciences sponsibility.” The document, while written from a distinctly and our actions.” Roman Catholic point of view, contains basic principles applicable They outline seven moral priorities that begin with the most to us all. important: “The right to life and the dignity of the human per- Some Christians will decide not to vote at all or will vote in son” and “Call to family, community, and participation.” Life and some races, but not others. For example, someone may decide that family – which includes marriage – are central to a Christian ap- the major parties have fielded candidates for senator who represent proach to politics. To these they add, in order: rights and their an intolerable choice and so will vote for neither. corresponding responsibilities, care for the poor and the vulner- While there may be a “principled abstinence,” as a rule, such able, the dignity of work and the rights of workers, solidarity with abstinence is a dubious choice. The bishops state that in “the all humans, and caring for God’s creation. Catholic tradition” – and I would add in the Christian tradition In “Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship” the bish- generally – “responsible citizenship is a virtue, and participation in ops go on to apply conscience, prudence and their seven moral political life is a moral obligation.” That obligation is rooted in our priorities to current issues. It is no small task, and even if you or “commitment to follow Jesus Christ and to bear Christian witness I disagree with their conclusions, the bishops have given us an in all we do.” example of thoughtful consideration of the issues. The alterna- By God’s providential design, we live in a country where we tive to such thoughtful analysis is voting based on our feelings can vote. As voters we are in a position to promote the common or the dictates of others. These may or may not reflect scriptural good and the just ordering of our society. Neighbor love requires truth, reason and prudent judgment and thus may or may not be that we do so. faithful voting. But how do we decide between imperfect options? The bishops We’re running out of time and can only put off the necessary suggest that we begin with a well-formed conscience, one rooted in decisions a little longer. So before Election Day, set aside time to theological and moral truth. They write: think through the issues and the candidates. We have the privilege Conscience is not something that allows us to justify doing of deciding; we should strive to decide faithfully. whatever we want, nor is it a mere “feeling” about what we should or should not do. Rather, conscience is the voice of God resounding in the human heart, revealing the truth to us and calling us to do what is good while shunning what is evil. Conscience always requires serious attempts to make James W. Tonkowich is the President of the Institute on Religion & Democracy. sound moral judgments based on the truths of our faith. A great deal of political advertising is aimed at our emotions. Campaigns create ads to make us feel favorably toward one candi-

 http://www.usccb.org/bishops/FCStatement.pdf.

October 2008 | FAITH & FREEDOM  International Briefs World Council of Churches (WCC) Criticizes South Korea for ‘Hostile’ Position toward North Korea Tanzanian Bishop Rebukes World Lutheran Leaders on Homosexuality World Council of Churches (WCC) leaders have expressed their apprehension to newly- Leaders of the Lutheran World Federation elected South Korean President Lee Myung–Bak concerning his administration’s tough (LWF) gathered in Arusha, Tanzania, re- stance against human rights abuses in North Korea. ceived a rebuke from the host bishop on In his inaugural address, President Lee outlined his “Denuclearization, Opening, the matter of same-sex relationships. and Vision 3000” plan in dealing with North Korea and leader Kim Jong Il. The plan Bishop Thomas O. Laiser of the Aru- requires North Korea to eliminate its nuclear program and improve its human rights sha region criticized conference attendees record before receiving financial assistance from the South Korean government. The for failing to address the issue of homo- policy is a reversal of the “sunshine” policy of the two preceding administrations, which sexuality. “What is the witnessing and the resulted in increased investment by South Korea in North Korea, even as North Korea’s stand of the LWF at the moment as the record of human rights abuses continued unabated. whole question of homosexuality and les- WCC General Secretary Samuel Kobia has objected to the new policy as a “cause for bianism is concerned?” asked Laiser. “It concern and disappoint- is an undeniable fact that this question ment,” claiming the pol- is not even discussible, and therefore it is icy “negates the spirit” of not acceptable.” Earlier in the month, the the policies of the previ- Lutheran World Federation announced ous administrations and that it would not be taking a position on could prove a barrier to the candidacy of an openly homosexual the reunification of the man for the office of bishop in Germany. Korean Peninsula. In a Laiser said that homosexuality “vio- July 1 letter to Lee, Kobia lates all the principles of what we know implored the president about the teachings of the word of God,” “to take urgent mea- adding, “This matter does not only violate sures to strengthen in- the teachings of the , but it is also ter-Korean relationships against the principles of nature.” without any pre-condi- The Rev. Mark Hanson, President of tions being demanded the Lutheran World Federation and Pre- out of order! South Korean President Lee Myung-Bak (L) by your government.” presides over the National Security Council meeting at the siding Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran presidential Blue House in Seoul on July 18, 2008. Church in America, responded that the (Dong-a Ilbo/ Republic Of Korea Out Afp Photo/ Newscom) federation is addressing the subject in a manner that does not stifle conversa- tion. “I do not think it’s helpful for the Christian . interrogated by police regarding her con- LWF as a communion to take a stance Rachid Muhammad Essaghir and version. She has been charged with “prac- on issues that are being discussed in the Djallal Dhamani each received six-month ticing non-Muslim religious rites without member churches – discussed in the con- suspended sentences and were fined a license” – a charge her attorney says text of Scripture, discussed in the context 100,000 dinars ($1,660 U.S.). The men does not exist in Algerian law. of our Lutheran confessions and theol- were arrested in June for transporting Dr. Abu Amrane Chikh, head of the ogy, [and] discussed in the context of our Christian literature between two church- government-appointed Islamic Higher varied [views on] marriage, family, and es. A law passed in 2006 allows for fines Council, has claimed that Christianity is .” up to one million dinars and up to five “unacceptable” because it challenges the years imprisonment for printing, trans- faith of the majority of Algerians. “[Evan- Christians in Algeria Sentenced porting, or storing materials intended to gelists’] distant political goal is to create On July 3, two Muslim converts to convert Muslims. a Christian minority coupled with some Christianity in western Algeria were In June, four Christians in Tiaret re- foreign institutions,” Chikh said. “This is convicted of “distributing documents to ceived similar suspended sentences and a new form of colonization that is hidden shake the faith of Muslims,” reports Com- fines for seeking to convert Muslims. A behind freedom of worship.” pass Direct. The case is the most recent female convert to Christianity, also in example of government efforts to restrict Tiaret, was given a full body search and

 FAITH & FREEDOM | October 2008 Church Union Group Flounders fallen short of its goals. Church News Churches Uniting in Christ (CUIC) has Other denominations affiliated with over reinterpretation of Scripture, but they eliminated its director position and is CUIC are the Christian Church (Dis- had voted to remain within the Anglican struggling financially after the African ciples of Christ), the Christian Methodist Communion. Methodist Episcopal Church and the Af- Episcopal Church, the Episcopal Church, In April, the court recognized that rican Methodist Episcopal Zion Church the International Council of Community the Virginia churches were part both of the ended their participation in the group, re- Churches, the Moravian Church North- Episcopal Church and the larger Anglican ports the Religion News Service. ern Province, the Presbyterian Church Communion. It determined therefore that For decades after its inception in1 962, (U.S.A.), the and they had the right to attach themselves to under the name Consultation on Church the . another body and had the right to take Union (COCU), the organization was the the parish property with them to another focus for dreams of a mega-denomination Virginia Ruling Favors Departing Anglican body. The court will hear the full uniting America’s then-mainline Protes- Episcopal Parishes case on the question of property ownership tant churches. But as those denominations A Virginia court has issued a second this fall. have diminished and lost confidence, so ruling in favor of seven departing Epis- The case was noteworthy outside of has COCU. copal churches by recognizing the con- Anglican circles because of the attention When it became CUIC in 2002, it was stitutionality of a Virginia statute on it attracted from other denominations. supposed to concentrate on racial issues. religious division. Judge Randy Bellows Several denominations, concerned about But according to two African-American had already ruled in April that a religious property allocation and the maintenance denominations within the group, it has division had occurred, and that the stat- of the hierarchical nature of their denomi- failed to do even that. ute is applicable to this case. The Episco- nations, submitted or signed on to amicus Bishop E. Earl McCloud Jr., ecumeni- pal Church and the diocese are expected briefs on behalf of the Episcopal Church. cal officer for the African Methodist Epis- to appeal. These denominations included the copal Church, charged that CUIC has not The case centers on a Civil War- United Methodist Church, the Presbyteri- supported black leadership within its work era statute that allows congregations in an Church (U.S.A.), the African Methodist – tending to offer African-Americans vice the midst of a religious body division to Episcopal Church, the African Methodist presidential posts – and sometimes has determine with which branch to associ- Episcopal Zion Church, the Seventh-Day not placed people on its racial justice task ate themselves through a majority vote. Adventists, and the Worldwide Church force who have the authority to act on be- A majority of members in the seven of God. half of their denominations. CUIC leaders churches had voted to sever their ties to acknowledge that the organization has the Episcopal Church following disputes

Man Sues over Bible Translation An Ohio man is suing two Bible publishers, claiming some editions of the put out by the companies call homosexuality sinful, which has led him to suffer discrimination, emotional pain and mental instability. TheGrand Rapids Press reports that Bradley LaShawn Fowler is seeking $60 million from Michigan-based Zondervan and another $10 million from Thomas Nelson Pub- lishing in the lawsuits filed in U.S. District Court. Zondervan publishes the widely used New International Version (NIV) translation of the Bible while Tennessee-based Thomas Nelson produces the New King James Version (NKJV). Fowler claims that the two publishers deliberately made changes to 1 Corinthians 6:9. (“Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders…”) The translations’ references to homosexuality as a sin have made him an outcast from his family and contributed to physical discomfort and periods of “demoralization, chaos and bewilderment.” The intent of the publisher was to design a religious, sacred document to reflect an individual opinion or a group’s conclusion to cause “me or anyone who is a homosexual to endure verbal abuse, discrimination, episodes of hate, and physical violence ... including murder,” Fowler wrote. U.S. District Judge Julian Abele Cook, Jr., has refused to appoint an attorney to represent Fowler in his case against Thomas Nelson. “The Court has some very genuine concerns about the nature and efficacy of these claims,” the judge wrote.

October 2008 | FAITH & FREEDOM  Religion & culture

Christians Confer in an Election Year All sorts of groups try to capitalize on the interest generated in an election year. In 2008 we have seen various attempts to rally reli- gious voters, especially evangelical Christians, on behalf of a cause or candidate. Below are excerpted reports on three such events.

‘Envision ’08: endeavor by calling into question the in- Sojourners’ ‘Pentecost 2008’ , Politics, and the Future’ tegrity of the Bible itself. by Rebekah M. Sharpe by Anna Speckhard Jesus and Paul, Hendricks asserted, are in fundamental disagreement: Jesus ver 200 liberal religious activ- ow should Christians engage the talked about the poor; Paul talked about ists gathered June 13–15 for Jim public square? This ever-timely sinners. Jesus went up against the Roman O Wallis’ “Pentecost 2008” con- H question drew over 500 attendees Empire and was crucified; Paul taught in ference in Washington, D.C. This year’s to Princeton University on June 8–10. At Romans 13 that Christians need to submit Sojourners/Call to Renewal event focused the Envision conference, the primary an- to the governing authorities. Christians, on national and local networking to mo- swer to that question was negative: Chris- Hendricks said, need to choose whom they bilize voters. The ambitious goal was to tians should not engage in the manner of are going to follow: Jesus or Paul. Not sur- “Vote Out Poverty,” presumably by elect- the “religious right.” prisingly, Hendricks encouraged people ing candidates who would further expand Barnard College professor Randall to choose Jesus. Also not surprisingly, the welfare state programs. Balmer spoke of trying to “reclaim the “politics of Jesus” looked a lot like Ameri- Peggy Flanagan from the “progres- term evangelical from the religious right.” can liberal politics. sive” Wellstone Action instructed the Richard Cizik, Vice President for Govern- The day after the conference, the -or crowd: “Voter registration and voter turn- mental Affairs of the National Association ganizers issued a statement emphasizing out are going to be the keys to us build- of Evangelicals, referred to the Republican Envision’s contrast to other Christians in ing this movement. Only half the people Party as “one party of which I’ve been a politics: “In recent times, some have used in this country turn out and vote, and are part ... forgive me.” Cizik urged Chris- Christianity to divide us from one another those the folks turning out right now that tians to broaden their political agenda to and demonize others. They have placed we want to make decisions for us? Nope, include issues like poverty, war and Christianity on the side of the powerful because there’s still poverty.” global warming. against the powerless. Envision inaugu- Flanagan tutored her audience on There is no question that the religious rates a new relation between our faith and how to register voters from local church- right ought to be critiqued. Too many our politics. In a spirit of humility and es. She told participants to introduce Christians have ventured into the public hospitality, we seek to do justice, to love themselves, comment on the problem of square without a solid theological base, re- mercy, and to walk humbly with God and poverty, offer the solution of voting out sulting in inconsistency and an injurious each other.” poverty, and then make the “ask” – “Can witness. Envision ’08 had the potential to The statement sounds lofty, but again I count on you to vote against poverty?” offer that kind of base. But this potential the Envision conference gave no hint of Flanagan asserted, “Being that this is was never realized. a theological framework to back up this faith-based, we have God on our side, and In a plenary session on “The Politics claim of “a new relation between our faith don’t be afraid to talk about it!” of Jesus,” the entire task of formulating or- and our politics.” During the conference, Chuck Gutenson, previously an As- thodox theology was belittled. New York the religious right was consistently deni- bury Seminary professor and currently Theological Seminary professor Obery grated, but there were few reasons to hope Sojourners’ chief operating officer, - in Hendricks, Jr., faulted conservative evan- that Envision and movements like it will structed participants to “look at public gelicals for being too concerned with or- avoid becoming the religious left, which, policy to achieve the goals that God” has. thodoxy and not interested enough in rather than broadening the evangelical Gutenson remarked that Christ was “not “righteousness, justice and steadfast love.” political agenda, will merely attempt to partisan ... but was concerned about the Outside the parameters of historical shift it from conservative to liberal. life of the polis [city].” He said that atone- , what do those words mean? ment for sin may not have been the “pri- What are righteousness, justice and love? Anna Speckhard was a summer intern from mary” reason for Christ’s incarnation, but How do we practice them? The only way the John Jay Institue more importantly, “Jesus comes to show Christians can get thorough answers is to in Colorado Springs, us the life that pleases God.” Colorado. dig deeply into the Bible and the Christian There was a sense of excitement about tradition, but Hendricks discouraged that the coming election. Sojourners’ Senior

 FAITH & FREEDOM | October 2008 Religion & culture

Political Director Adam Taylor remarked, “I believe many of you feel the electricity in the air of what I think is the most im- portant election of my entire life.” Emerg- ing Church guru Brian McLaren echoed the sentiment: “I’ve got a lot of hope about this election. I think some things could change ... but you can’t put your trust in human beings. We [Christians] put our trust in the living God.” Retired United Methodist minis- ter and activist James Lawson discerned God’s hand at work: “Whether we know it or not, whether we like it or not ... our nation is experiencing one of those things Grove City College ciple of private property is found in the that I like to call an infilling of God.” ‘Church & State 2008’ first few pages of Genesis and supported Lawson hailed a “convolution of history by Nalani E. Hilderman throughout Scripture, according to Riten- that no one understands – no one pre- our. Therefore, intervention by the state dicted this,” which “caused a young, 46- his April 10–11 conference at con- is not only potentially harmful, but ulti- year-old man [Barack Obama] to put his servative Grove City College did mately unethical. Ritenour argued that a name forward.” T not feature any endorsements of proper biblical perspective is one in which Lawson warned that this moment of candidates. It instead looked at larger is- “the Church is the Church” and does the opportunity to elect Obama is also “a mo- sues in the relationship between Christian work of caring for the less fortunate that ment of peril and danger.” He claimed faith and public policy. the state has more recently assumed. that “according to sociologists, 50 million Michael Cromartie of the Ethics and A panel of three Grove City professors white Americans today live with this fun- Public Policy Center addressed the “God explored the history of public education damental spiritual reality” of believing gap” that has appeared along party lines, and its present problems. They suggested that black people were not “made by the with religious people voting more Republi- that a beneficial educational system is one same God.” The Sojourners speaker de- can and the non-religious voting Democrat- that supports parents in the upbringing of cried “the Jim Dobson and Pat Robertson ic. Cromartie noted that the gap now comes their children. The public school system version of Christianity” that “is not about from a fundamental disagreement over the founded by progressive educators in the Jesus, it is about white male domination!” nature of religious faith and what role it de- mid-19th century has veered drastically mands of us “concerning the proper direc- off course and taken control away from tion of our public policies.” In an attempt parents, according to the professors. They to quell the conflicts over these differences, agreed that the U.S. educational system Cromartie suggested that Democrats need would be enhanced through a voucher to calm and control the “secular warriors” program that allowed parents to make in their party, while Republicans need to decisions about the education of their make sure that libertarians and non-believ- children. ers in the party still feel at home. Rebekah M. Sharpe Nalani E. Hilderman is a is an Administrative Dr. Shawn Ritenour, Associate Pro- Senior Executive Assistant Assistant for the fessor of Economics at Grove City, offered at the Institute on Religion UMAction program at the & Democracy. Institute on Religion & a biblical perspective in support of private Democracy. property and a free economy. The prin-

October 2008 | FAITH & FREEDOM  Zimbabwe: Devoid of Justice, Praying for Peace by Faith J. H. McDonnell

PEACEimbabwe President Robert Mugabe’s three de- ter Pham reported in the World Defense ReviewPRAYER. cades of dictatorship in all but name seemed “Unleash it” they did, attacking, raping, torturing Z to be nearing an end on Election Day, March and murdering MDC supporters throughout the coun- 29, 2008. Many voters were opposed to the 84 year- try. According to the U.S. Department of State even old president and head of the Zimbabwe Africa Na- worship has “become dangerous for many Zimbabwe- tional Union-Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF) winning yet ans following a split in the Anglican Church between another term. two bishops, one a loyal ZANU-PF supporter.” Contender Morgan Tsvangirai, leader of the Move- Dr. Nolbert Kunonga, who had been teaching lib- ment for Democratic Change (MDC), offered hope for eration theology at Rev. Sun Myung Moon’s Unification Zimbabweans. But hope faded Seminary, defeated the white archdeacon of Harare, “Anglican worshipers in throughout April as Zimbabwe- Canon Tim Neill, in what has been described as a “ra- ans waited for election results. cially-charged” election for bishop in 2001. Reportedly Zimbabwe are routinely Finally, more than a the country’s secret police sought Neill’s defeat because being arrested and beaten, month after the election, the he had denounced the regime’s human rights abuses. Zimbabwe Electoral Commis- As bishop, Kunonga aligned the Diocese of Ha- churches are being sion (ZEC) reported Tsvangirai rare with the government and “drove off the diocese’s padlocked by police...” with 47.9 and Mugabe with 43.2 white Zimbabwean and purged its ranks of those percent of the vote. Lacking deemed disloyal to the regime,” according to Angli- the outright majority required can scholar George Conger in Christianity Today. This by Zimbabwe law, Tsvangirai had to participate in a “thug bishop” then ordained members of the secret run-off with Mugabe, which the ZANU-PF hard-liners police, Zimbabwe’s vice president and two members of had no intention of losing. Mugabe’s cabinet – all of whom lacked theological train- “Deputy Information Minister Bright Matonga ing – to replace the clergy he had driven out. declared ... that while ZANU-PF had ‘let the president In January 2008, Kunonga declared himself the down’ in the first round, it would rebound to ‘win’ a de- head of the “Anglican Church of Zimbabwe,” indepen- cisive victory in the second: ‘We only applied 25 percent dent of Canterbury and the Central African Province. of our energy in the first round ... [The run-off] is when The province declared his seat vacant and appointed re- we are going to unleash the other 75 percent,’” Dr. J. Pe- tired bishop Sebastian Bakare as interim. The Mugabe regime retaliated against the churches. Who’s Deluded? (above): Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe said opposition “Anglican worshipers in Zimbabwe are routinely be- leader Morgan Tsvangirai should not “delude” himself into thinking the result of the June poll could be expunged from the record books and should renounce his claims to the ing arrested and beaten, churches are being padlocked presidency. (Alexander Joe/ AFP Photo/ Newscom)

 FAITH & FREEDOM | October 2008 by police, diocesan bank accounts have Security Act, Christians who gather for people of Zimbabwe and the world to find been frozen, and clergy vehicles are being prayer without permission face punish- means of overcoming violence in the ex- seized,” reported the Rt. Rev. M. Thomas ment, as it is a criminal offense for groups ercise of democracy, and the results will Shaw, Episcopal Bishop of Massachusetts, of more than three to gather without per- influence the future of the nation and the to the Boston Globe. mission from the police. region,” Kobia said. Shaw’s report echoes a May 16, 2008 In 2007, nine Roman Catholic bish- The climate of fear caused by the vio- New York Times report of a police attack ops issued an Easter statement comparing lence, torture, rape and killing of his sup- on St. Francis’ Anglican Church, Harare, Zimbabwe’s current regime to those in porters forced Tsvangirai to pull out of during a Sunday Communion service. the colonial era that maintained through the race. Mugabe “won” another term as “Helmeted, black-booted officers banged bloodshed “their privileges of power and president on June 29, 2008. on the pews with their batons as terrified wealth against those demanding demo- Despite the ongoing intimidation, members of the congregation stampeded cratic rights.” however, Christian workers said the min- for the doors,” witnesses said. Mugabe responded that these bishops istry of the church continues. Because “As a theologian who has read a lot had become “political entities” and would Mugabe has banished outside humanitar- about the persecution of the early Chris- be dealt with as such. Not long after the ian relief agencies, churches are working tians, I’m really feeling connected to that letter’s release, one of the signatories, Pius to provide food for the hungry, as well as history. We are being persecuted,” Bishop Ncube, Archbishop of Bulawayo, an out- to offer spiritual comfort and prayer for Bakare told the newspaper. spoken critic of Mugabe, was accused of the country. Anglicans are the most recent church adultery. The apparent truth of the alle- “There is such a huge need for love leaders who have spoken out courageously gations compromised Ncube’s bold moral and care, and people are seeing the emp- about Zimbabwe. In 2006 the Evangelical opposition to Mugabe. He resigned as tiness of political solutions. The Scripture Fellowship of Zimbabwe, the Zimbabwe archbishop in September of 2007. suddenly comes alive when you’re in a sit- Council of Churches and the Zimbabwe uation of abuse and suffering,” said Tom PEACE PRAYERCatholic Bishops Conference issued a let- WCC Turnabout Jackson, a missionary to Zimbabwe for 29 ter calling for a new national vision for Even the World Council of Churches, years, in an October 2007 Christianity To- the country. which in years past lent ideological and day article. It would be “great to live in a country financial support to Mugabe, has de- The churches are also taking the lead where you can associate with any politi- nounced the country’s current violence in courageously rejecting Mugabe’s vic- cal party of your choice without fearing and human rights abuses. Dr. Samuel tory as legitimate. While the WCC cau- victimization, being tortured or raped, or Kobia, the general secretary of the World tioned against sanctions, the Southern having bombs thrown into your house,” Council of Churches, requested WCC African churches expressed overwhelm- says Dr. Roy Musasiwa, one of the con- member churches observe a day of prayer ing support for targeted sanctions against tributors to the national vision discussion for Zimbabwe on Sunday, June 22, 2008, a Zimbabwe “as a practical strategy to loos- letter. Musasiwa told Christianity Today week before the run-off election. “Events en former President Robert Mugabe’s ‘il- that, due to Zimbabwe’s Public Order and in the coming weeks will challenge the legitimate’ grip on power and to promote a negotiated political settlement,” Ecu- menical News International reported on July 17, 2008. When tyrants fall, we can be assured behind whatever political events have taken place, God has heard the prayers of his people. We should pray with our brothers and sisters in Zimbabwe that peace and justice may finally come to their weary land.

Faith J. H. McDonnell is the Director of Religious Liberty Programs at the Institute on Religion & Democracy.

October 2008 | FAITH & FREEDOM  John Knox James D. B erkley Action

Presbyterian General Assembly Stirs Discontent

by James D. Berkley and Alan F. H. Wisdom terian y ifficult news emanated from the Presbyterian Per Capita Money Secure for NCC, WCC Church (USA) General Assembly, held June The General Assembly turned down three presbytery D 21–28 in San Jose. Other than smatterings of overtures that would have ended the practice of using hope about increased evangelism and missionary efforts, per capita apportionments to fund large grants to ecu- a number of other decisions were either predictably lame menical bodies. By a vote of 526-148, the commissioners resb or deeply troubling. Here are a few topics in brief. decided not to “[t]ransfer any funding of the Presbyte- rian Church (U.S.A.)’s involvement in ecumenical agency P Standards Assaulted relationships from the Per Capita budget of the Office Perhaps the most shocking news was the attempted of the General Assembly to the Mission budget of the wholesale dismantling of sexual standards for ordination. General Assembly.” Four separate actions approved by the assembly were in- Thus, 1$ .1 million in unrestricted grants will contin- tended to pave the way for routine of persons ue to flow to various ecumenical organizations. These -in neither chaste in singleness nor faithful in the marriage of clude the World Council of Churches (WCC, slated to re- a man and a woman. ceive $458,000 in the 2008 per capita budget), the National Other than smatterings of hope The assembly rendered Council of Churches (NCC, $300,000), and the World about increased evangelism “of no force or effect” an Alliance of Reformed Churches (WARC, $233,000). “authoritative interpreta- Committee moderator George Kimm stressed the and missionary efforts, a tion” (AI) that had barred importance of the denomination’s commitment to Chris- number of other decisions were the ordination of practic- tian unity. “To be Presbyterian is to be engaged in ecu- either predictably lame or ing homosexual persons. It menical work,” he proclaimed. “Since congregations are all but required to contrib- deeply troubling. then set in place a new AI to overrule a judicial decision ute their share of per capita budget,” one of the overture that had prevented “local rationales countered, “the plethora of items currently in- option” on such unlawful ordinations. Moreover, the as- cluded in the per capita budget – some of which are high- sembly set in motion a constitutional process to remove ly controversial – causes much of the greatest resistance from the Book of Order the “fidelity within the covenant to giving by congregations. While a congregation might of marriage between a man and a woman, or chastity in be completely willing to supply the basic governmental singleness” provision. It also sought to remove from the functions our Constitution requires, they would not be Heidelberg Catechism a citation of the 1 Corinthians 6 willing to be forced to fund causes and activities not in warning against “homosexual perversion.” Both consti- keeping with their conscience.” tutional changes will require presbytery approval. A parade of ecclesiastical notables lined up to defend

10 FAITH & FREEDOM | October 2008 Assembly Leaves Marriage Intact The General Assembly decided against an attempt to redefine Christian marriage. By a 540-161 vote, commissioners disapproved an over- ture from Baltimore Presbytery that would have substituted “two people” wherever the Book of Order now speaks of marriage between “a woman and a man.” Proponents of same-sex marriage championed the overture as recognizing an equal “right to marry” whomever a person pleased. “We have every right—each one of us—to pursue happi- ness in any way we see fit,” said Youth Advisory Delegate Keith Coombs from Albany. Minister Commissioner Carl Mazza from New Castle Presbytery argued, “The world is moving ahead on this [same-sex marriage], and if we don’t engage it, we lose a lot of who we are as a church.” Proponents and opponents of same-sex marriage line up to testify before a General Opponents noted the lack of biblical justification for redefining marriage. Recalling Jesus’ Assembly committee. citation of the Genesis 2 account of how “a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined

Joseph Williams/ Presbyterian News Service to his wife,” Elder Commissioner Rick Boogard of Seattle declared, “ I think we have to obey” our Lord’s understanding of marriage. Many worried that blessing same-sex marriage might provoke schism. Beloved former moderator Marj Carpenter warned commis- sioners in a trembling voice: “If you want to completely shatter this denomination, vote for that [Baltimore] amendment. . . . Please, God, vote no!” These concerns probably made the full assembly vote more lopsided. The Church Polity Committee, by contrast, was more conflicted. It rejected by 30-28 a motion to respond to Baltimore with a reaffirmation of Christian marriage. Then it turned around and defeated the overture by 34-26. The committee commented that it “disapprove[d] the overture at this time, while trusting that the PCUSA will continue to seek ways and means to seek God’s blessing for alternative forms of covenant between two people.” Elder Commissioner John Sterner from Lake Michigan remarked, “What this comment really says is that we didn’t have the guts to pass it [same-sex marriage] at this time, but we hope somebody else will do it.” Possibly toward that end, the General Assembly approved another overture establishing a special committee to study “the place of covenanted same-gender partnerships in the Christian community.” An amendment specified that this overture “does not seek to redefine the nature of Christian marriage.” But a determined study committee could easily overstep that limitation. Presbyterian Action, which spoke and wrote against the Baltimore overture, will be watching the study committee closely.

the ecumenical grants, including former and health care. children, and the erosion of marriage as a PCUSA moderator and NCC president • The creed insists on “[e]mployment fundamental social institution. Syngman Rhee, former NCC president and for all, at a family-sustaining living wage, Presbyterian Action sought to obtain Presbyterian minister Michael Livingston, with equal pay for comparable work,” de- a better result, went on record decrying the and the current NCC General Secretary spite silence about who will determine assembly’s actions, and will labor to undo Michael Kinnamon. and guarantee such privileges. and prevent the harm this faithless set of • The creed seems unfriendly to pri- decisions could cause. Social Creed for the vate property and free enterprise. Its dis- 21st Century Approved paragement of “greed in economic life” Despite Presbyterian Action opposition, comes out of a leftist lexicon that rejects the Social Creed for the 21st Century sailed the profit motive as inherently unjust. by a mainly uncomprehending assembly • The creed appears to be siding with by a 5:1 vote ratio. This “creed” is not a new the “fair trade” movement, which, with James D. Berkley Presbyterian , but rather is billed NCC support, has repeatedly rejected free is the Director of the as “a synopsis of existing policy.” It origi- trade agreements . Presbyterian Action nated in the PCUSA Advisory Committee • The creed demands “binding cov- program at the Institute on Religion & Democracy. on Social Witness Policy and came to frui- enants to reduce global warming,” without tion in the National Council of Churches. addressing the possibility that such cove- The Social Creed is littered with one- nants, if enforced, might do grave damage sided political assertions itching for chal- to the global economy without significant- Alan F. H. Wisdom is lenge by an alternative Christian perspec- ly altering temperature trends. the Vice President for tive. For example: The creed makes no mention of con- Research and Programs at • Churches are urged to work for cerns usually identified with more con- the Institute on Religion & Democracy. “public education for all, and universal, servative Christian viewpoints, such as affordable and accessible health care,” burdensome taxes, rogue regimes abroad, apparently demeaning private education moral relativism, the abortion of unborn

October 2008 | FAITH & FREEDOM 11 ooley M ark D. T Action

UM Prominent UM Pastor Endorses Obama

by Mark D. Tooley

arly this year, black megachurch pastor and pants will be encouraged to exercise their faith in the presidential spiritual advisor Kirbyjon Caldwell saving, healing and delivering power of God through Eendorsed Barack Obama. The endorsement Jesus Christ and to see themselves as God sees them.” seemed not to have hurt Caldwell’s friendship with Gay groups warned against any Obama associa- George W. Bush, whom he had endorsed in 2000 and tion with Caldwell. Politico.com contacted Caldwell, 2004. Caldwell conducted the wedding for Bush’s who apparently declined to defend the ministry. “I daughter at the Bush ranch in May. More recently, got to tell you, this is going to sound real stupid, but I Caldwell unveiled a website initiative to enlist didn’t know it was on our website,” Caldwell explained. nationwide for Obama. “I was surprised and embarrassed by it. I’m embar- Meanwhile, pro-Obama gay groups have com- rassed from the standpoint that I should have known. plained about Caldwell’s church and its stance on We have 120 ministries at the church. You can’t be on homosexuality. Caldwell pastors the largest United top of everything.” Methodist congregation in the world, with over 14,000 Caldwell insisted: “It’s not a ministry of the church. members at Windsor Village It is not supported financially by the church. It is not Americablog.com reported Church in Houston. After located at the church. That is pretty much where I am Caldwell’s Obama endorse- with it.” Caldwell gave a statement to Americablog. that the Obama campaign had ment, gay groups discovered com declaring: “Neither Senator Obama nor his staff assured it that Caldwell would that his church hosted a knew of this outside ministry, nor have they expressed ministry that offers “Christ- any agreement with my church’s beliefs on gay rights. I not be invited to campaign for centered instruction for support Senator Obama because of his ability to bring Obama or appear with him. those seeking freedom from Americans together, not because of our agreement or homosexuality, lesbianism, disagreement on any one issue.” Americablog.com re- prostitution, sex addiction ported that the Obama campaign had assured it that and other habitual sins.” Caldwell would not be invited to campaign for Obama Called Metanoia and headed by a woman on staff or appear with him. at Caldwell’s church, the ministry advertised on its When Politico.com asked Caldwell whether he web link that its objective was “to assist participants in supported same-sex unions, he responded: “I would understanding that change is possible. In doing this, need to check with the church.” The Metanoia minis- a safe, nurturing and accepting environment will be try was removed from the church’s website, though the created whereby participants will be able to deal with listed contact person for it, Barbara Hicks, seems to re- issues without fear of judgment or rejection. Partici- main as part of the church’s Prayer Institute.

12 FAITH & FREEDOM | October 2008 California UM Retired Clergy Offer to Conduct Same-Sex Unions ighty retired United Methodist clergy in northern Cali- Monica, announced that on July 6 it would host a “Love Celebra- fornia have announced their willingness to defy United tion” to honor “all couples – gay and straight – and their com- ’s ban on same-sex rites. In response, Cali- mitments to each other.” Efornia-Nevada Conference Bishop Beverly Shamana, who is re- However, no same-sex couples directly participated. The tiring, ruled an annual conference resolution in support of these Rev. Janet McKeithen told the Santa Monica Mirror: “On reflec- clergy out of order. tion, I realize that it would be difficult [for homosexuals] to trust Meanwhile, at their recent annual conference, the southern a church when churches have been oppressing gay and lesbian California United Methodists resoundingly supported Califor- people for thousands of years.” nia’s new homosexual . The California Pacific Confer- The 84,000-member California Pacific Conference reported ence “support[ed] same-gender couples who enter into the mar- that it lost over 2,200 members last year, continuing a 45-year riage covenant and encourage both congregations and pastors trend of decline. The California-Nevada Conference in the north to welcome, embrace and provide spiritual nurture and pastoral has suffered similar losses. Methodism in California over the care for these families.” It also urged Californians to vote against last 40 years, dur- the referendum measure this fall which would confine marriage ing which the state Mark D. Tooley is the to one man and one woman. doubled in popula- Director of the UMAction At least one southern California pastor seemed prepared tion, has lost half program at the Institute on Religion & Democracy. to risk charges by conducting same-sex unions. The Church at its church member- Ocean Park, a small United Methodist congregation in Santa ship.

Charismatic United Methodists Rally at The bishop preached from Ezekiel 27. Dr. Gary Moore, Executive Direc- Aldersgate 2008 There, God instructs Ezekiel to “proph- tor of Aldersgate Renewal Ministries, esy” to the bones, observed Swanson, expressed the concern that “[a] whole lot rontier Americans referred to John because “[t]he word gets them organized of us are trying to be in ministry to the Wesley’s adherents as the “shout- and they at least begin to look like they whole world without the work of the Holy ing Methodists” because of their can function as a live being.” But, he ex- Spirit in our lives.” Fexpressive worship. Aldersgate Renewal pounded, God must breathe life into the J. Lee Grady, editor of Charisma Ministries continued that tradition at its body before it moves beyond the mere magazine, emphasized, “Folks, we are in 2008 conference. The appearance of the a war. It’s not against flesh and blood; it’s conference’s theme, church. Swan- not against people. We have enemies in “Going Deeper: Re-dig- son said, “We’re the spiritual realm.” Grady advised, “God ging the Ancient Wells,” trying to have a gave us spiritual gifts for spiritual war.” alluded to Isaac’s use church without the Over 1,100 people attended the July of the wells his father, spirit of almighty 2–6 event in Columbus, OH, which cel- Abraham, had dug and God…. [If] a man ebrated Aldersgate’s 30th year of min- to United Methodism’s or a woman doesn’t istry. Aldersgate operates under the rich but often untapped know God, they United Methodist Board of Discipleship spiritual heritage. can’t react. It is only in Nashville. Holston Confer- by the Spirit of God ence Bishop James that a dead person Swanson empathized … comes alive!” with the many who “go The bishop to churches where you said Methodists feel you are the only one should “quit wor- who believes that God rying about what can still bring water out the left side of the Rebekah M. Sharpe is an Administrative of a dry well.” Swanson church is doing, Assistant for the declared, “I do believe and what the right UMAction program at the that God is telling us side of the church Institute on Religion & Democracy. in the midst of those dead and dry situa- is doing, and start worrying about what tions, ‘Don’t lose hope!’” God is doing, and get of one accord!”

October 2008 | FAITH & FREEDOM 13 Anglican action

Anglican Conservatives Create ‘Confessing Movement’ by George Conger

nglican conservatives have de- Nigerian Church. However, he expected that New Hampshire in 2003 have spiraled out of throned the Archbishop of Can- over the coming year the structures would be control. Jensen told IRD the GAFCON state- Aterbury as spiritual leader of the set in place for the creation of a new province ment would provide a method for manag- Anglican Communion and have created of Anglicans recognized by the GAFCON ing the crisis and provide a bulwark against a confessing movement body that centers Primates’ Council. “Western revisionist” theology by preparing upon common doctrinal beliefs rather than A Bulwark against Revisionism a “fellowship” of Christians to “support each a common historical heritage within the 80- The Jerusalem Declaration restates tradition- other in truth,” while “charting the way for- million member church. al Anglican teaching on the Bible, ethics and ward for a Gospel-centered future.” Delegates attending the Global An- church order – but also “rejects the authority” Canterbury Sees Problems glican Future Conference (GAFCON) en- of church leaders and institutions that have On June 30, the Archbishop of Canterbury, dorsed the “Jerusalem Declaration” – a 14- “denied the orthodox faith in word.” Dr. Rowan Williams, released a statement re- point manifesto that sets the foundations The failure of the Archbishop of Canter- sponding to the Jerusalem conference. While for a reform fellowship within the largest bury to discipline the U.S. church had made endorsing GAFCON’s underlying statement in the world after the situation worse, the GAFCON delegates of faith, Dr. Williams described its attempts Roman Catholics and the Orthodox. argued. While recognizing his historic role, to reform the structures of the communion The 1,200 delegates, including 291 bish- they said they did “not accept that Anglican as “problematic.” He questioned GAFCON’s ops, also denounced the Episcopal Church for identity” was “determined necessarily through assertion that the Episcopal Church was teaching a “false gospel” and for having “de- recognition” by the Archbishop of Canterbury. “proclaiming another Gospel” and the “le- fied” church teaching by denying the unique- Signers of the Jerusalem Declaration gitimacy” of a self-selecting council of arch- ness of Jesus Christ and promoting a “variety said the document was not the start of a bishops to govern the movement. of sexual preferences and immoral behavior.” schism or formal split within the Anglican “By what authority are Primates The conference announced the cre- Communion. “Anglicans we are, Anglicans deemed acceptable or unacceptable mem- ation of a “confessing movement” that will we’ll remain until the Lord shall return bers of any new primatial council?” Wil- provide a haven for traditionalists unhappy in glory to judge each one according to his liams asked. “And how is effective discipline with the liberal tilt of the U.S. and Canadi- deeds,” Archbishop of Nigeria Peter Akinola to be maintained in a situation of overlap- an churches, and a “Primates’ Council” of affirmed in his June 22 opening address. ping and competing jurisdictions?” archbishops to oversee the new movement. Africa would not succumb to the re- The Rt. Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori, Greatest Crisis since the Reformation visionist “,” Akinola proclaimed. Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church in “We are a global Communion with a co- “Having survived the inhuman physical the United States, was less ambiguous in her lonial structure,” the delegates declared, slavery of the 19th century, the political slav- criticism. Jefferts Schori ridiculed the June sloughing off the control of the London- ery called colonialism of the 20th century, 29 statement, saying “much of the Anglican centered church in the greatest crisis within the developing world economic enslavement world must be lamenting the latest emission the Anglican Church since the Reforma- [of today], we cannot, we dare not, allow our- from GAFCON.” She added that the partici- tion. Called “pilgrims,” the delegates to selves and the millions we represent be kept pants in the conference held a parochial view GAFCON were at the forefront of a “new in religious and spiritual dungeon.” of , which had “always been reformation,” Archbishop of Rwanda Em- “[We are] not saying we are the only broader than some find comfortable.” manuel Kolini said – one that would take faithful Anglicans,” explained Sydney Arch- For Jefferts Schori, the fight within the Anglicans back to the Bible. bishop Peter Jensen. Nor does the movement Anglican Communion is one of power, not While the situation remains dire, with form a “church within a church.” Jensen principle, and was “merely another chapter Anglican churches breaking relations with opined that the best historical analogy for in a centuries-old struggle for dominance one another and churches in the West in GAFCON and the Jerusalem Declaration by those who consider themselves the only numerical decline, it was not past saving. was the 19th century evangelical revival or true believers.” “Jesus will never let down the Anglican the Anglo-Catholic movements within the Church of England – a “confessing move- Communion,” Archbishop Henry Orombi The Rev. Canon George of Uganda averred, but will “send hope ment” within the church that seeks to return Conger is a priest of where hope is very small.” the church to its essentials. the Episcopal Diocese of Central Florida and No immediate changes would be seen The movement also “creates order out senior correspondent of in the United States, observed Bishop David of chaos,” Jensen contended, claiming that The Church of England Anderson – a former California Episcopal the church splits and lawsuits arising since Newspaper. priest recently consecrated a bishop by the the consecration of a gay priest as Bishop of

14 FAITH & FREEDOM | October 2008 IRD Diary

Notes from an Impending Marriage by Steve Rempe

hings change. weeks, and I anticipate that by the grace of were quick to point out that the birth and God, and with Beth’s help, I will continue marriage records for many generations For all of my adulthood, I have to change and evolve more and more into could be found there. Such remains the Tlived my life as a relatively contented bach- the husband (and potentially father) I am value of marriage and family even in a cul- elor. With that comes the freedom that called to be. ture that has grown increasingly nonreli- one usually associates with the single life. Yet as everything about my life chang- gious in recent generations. Freedom to set my own schedule. Freedom es, I take comfort in one thing that remains It is exactly this permanence that gives to spend my discretionary income as I see the same: the institution of marriage itself. marriage its unique importance and value fit. Freedom to eat what I want in society. Marriage is both a when I want to eat it. Freedom spiritual union blessed by God knowing that the only human and a contractual agreement being whose approval I need for recognized by the state. It is most of my decisions is me. both the linking of two fami- All that changed in lies in one generation and the April when I proposed to my fi- extension of those families ancée, Beth. across the generations. It is the The engagement process is joining of two into one and the at once very exciting, sometimes expansion of that one into the terrifying and occasionally ex- next generation. Were Beth asperating. It is never dull. The and I to redefine what consti- learning curve is steep, as you tutes marriage according to are forced to re-examine your our personal whims, a portion life, your priorities and your ob- of that intricate latticework jectives through the lens of this would be altered. And if such other person – someone whose redefinition were to become wants, needs and desires all of Beth Friedrichs and Steve Rempe are to be married in October. commonplace with couples (or the sudden crowd those which other groupings) determining up to this point had an exclusive reign. My parents were married over 41 years ago. what constitutes a marriage, cracks would (In my case, this whole process has been Their parents were married a generation begin to show in modern society that accelerated by cramming it into a six before. And before that, my various sets would extend across the ages. month period.) of great grandparents were married – my As Beth and I continue to prepare for The experience has definitely been an mom’s grandparents in Sweden and my what will be a monumental change in our education. I have learned much about this dad’s in Germany. Beth and I are going to lives, we rejoice that we are embarking on woman who will be sharing my life – what use a kneeling pad for our service that has a journey that many have taken before us. it is about her that occasionally irritates been in my family for generations – a trib- And we take comfort that the more things or annoys, as well as the things about her ute to the value and importance of mar- will change for us, the more things will re- that make those irritants seem exceed- riage to those that have gone before us. main the same. ingly small by comparison. Perhaps more Amazingly, there is an understand- importantly, though, I have learned much ing of marriage that often transcends time, about myself. I now know how I deal with space, culture and religion. My mom tells conflicting priorities, differing perspec- the story of visiting the church in the Swed- Steve Rempe is the Web tives and approaches and even the occa- ish village of her ancestry. While worship Editor for the Institute on Religion & Democracy. sional emotional meltdown. It has been far services at the old building had largely be- from easy, but I hope I have become a more come an afterthought – she received rather attentive, loving and honest person as a re- quizzical looks when she inquired about sult. I have changed much in the preceding the time of Sunday worship – the locals

October 2008 | FAITH & FREEDOM 15 Looking for a speaker for an upcoming event? IRD Experts are Available!

Dr. James Tonkowich, President If you are looking for a speaker on issues affecting Christians today, call IRD. Are questions arising in your church about tough issues such as the environment, immigration, and poverty? Do you want to reaffirm Christian marriage in the face of those trying to legitimize homosexuality? Do you want to support the persecuted Church? The IRD team can lead a thoughtful, biblical presentation for you. Call us today at 202-682-4131.

Mark Tooley Faith McDonnell Alan Wisdom Jerald Walz David Sheaffer Dir. UMAction Dir. of Religious Vice President Vice President Development Liberty Programs Director