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eNewsletter 28 February 2003 |
Chi Rho Connection ************************* Contents:
1. A Special Ordination -------------------------------------------------- This Issue's Quote: ***** Welcome once again to the Chi Rho Connection, the electronic newsletter of Chi Rho Press. Thank you for passing this Chi Rho Connection on to others. To join our list, send an e-mail message to
ChiRhoPress-subscribe@yahoo.com. Direct all other e-mail to Adam@ChiRhoPress.com. See the end of this eNewsletter for a complete list of e-mail addresses at ChiRhoPress.com. -------------------------------------------------- 1. "The Journey is Our Home:" Sharing Our Faith Journeys. A Special Ordination -------------------------------------------------- 2. "The Children Are Free" Is Now in Stock -------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------- 5. You Can Be Published by Chi Rho Press! -------------------------------------------------- 6. Adam's Last Word: New Books, Mr. Rogers' Death, Winter, 'Bowling for Columbine'
If you've received our Chi Rho Connection as a result of the good offices of someone passing it along to you (which we certainly encourage) and would like to receive it directly from us, please follow these directions: UNSUBSCRIBE: ChiRhoPress-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com Copyright 2002, Chi Rho Press, Inc. ******************************************
Vol. IV, No. 4
28 February 2003
2. "The Children Are Free"
3. Lent Begins on March 5
4. Sanctoral Cycle
5. You Can be Published by Chi Rho Press
6. Adam's Last Word: New Books, Mr.
Rogers' Death, Winter, 'Bowling for Columbine'
"Naturally the common people don't want war. . . . But, after all, it is the leaders of a country who determine policy, and it is always a simple matter to drag the people along, whether it is a democracy, or a fascist dictatorship or parliament or a communist dictatorship. All you have to do is tell them they are being attacked, and denounce the pacifists for lack of patriotism and exposing the country to danger. It works the same in every country."
Hermann Goering (1893-1946) Nazi Reichsmarschall, at the Nuremberg Trials, 4/18/46. (From Nuremberg Diary by Gustave Gilbert)
Please visit our Web site at http://www.chirhopress.com to see our entire lines of books, handouts, tchochkas, and stained glass.
Here is an amazing story of faith, and we hope you are blessed by this spiritual journey.
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Congratulations to the Rev. Denise Donato, who was ordained a priest last week at Spiritus Christi Catholic Church in Rochester, New York.
Spiritus Christi Catholic Church is the former Corpus Christi Roman Catholic Church where the priest, Fr. Jim Callan, and the 4,000-member congregation were all excommunicated by Bishop Matthew Clark in February 1999. The Roman Catholic Bishop excommunicated this faithful community because of the congregation's beliefs in an inclusive Gospel and their support for ministry to the LGBT community.
Fr. Callan and his congregation have the temerity to believe that the Gospel is for all, including LGBT people, and they continue on as an independent Catholic Church. Spiritus Christi Catholic Church not only ordains women to the priesthood, but also has a vibrant LGBT community. Check out their Web site at http://www.spirituschristi.org.
I have joined the list-serve, CorpusChristiFC@yahoogroups.com, for this amazing community and recommend it and their ministry to you as a witness to God's all-inclusive love. And congratulations again to the Rev. Denise Donato, a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek!
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Published by Jesus Metropolitan Community Church, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA, this small book is a positive and concise new look at what the Bible really says about homosexuality and same-sex relationships.
The book is divided into four chapters. The first is called "The Clobber Passages" which deals with the scripture in both the Hebrew and the Christian Testaments that have in the past been used to condemn homosexual people. The second chapter is "Finding Affirmation in Scripture," in which the authors explore same-sex love found in the Scriptures and positive role models for sexual minority people. The third chapter is about "How Jesus Applied Scripture" and deals Christ's take on the issues. The fourth chapter discusses at length "Relearning an Ancient Lesson," using stories of the early church in the Book of Acts to illuminate our struggle to understand God's will for us today. A "Final Word" is addressed "To Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual People."
This slim volume is an excellent resource for people who are struggling with their sexuality and spirituality and who have been taught that the Bible automatically condemns sexual minority people.
Here's what some reviewers have said. "If you're confused by all the misinformation about homosexuality and the Bible, read The Children Are Free. The authors have created a wonderful, timely, easy to read summary of the evidence that will inform and inspire your search. Let the Spirit of Truth set you free."
-- Rev. Dr. Mel White, co-founder of Soulforce, pastor professor at Fuller Theological Seminary, and former writer for Billy Graham and Jerry Falwell.
"This book reaffirmed my belief in God and gave me a renewed sense of hope."
-- Justin Copeland, gay youth.
"It was refreshing to read this loving and supportive treatment. I can hardly wait to use this material in discussions with my Christian friends and neighbors."
-- Sue Hazer, mother of a lesbian daughter and member of PFLAG.
"This brand new book is one of the best yet for Christians who are struggling to find a pro-gay understanding of Scripture. Short, clear, and amazingly easy to read, this book does much more than offering loopholes or excuses with regards to the Bible. Instead, the authors combine careful research with a tremendous respect for God's Word, and they use humor, personal stories, and numerous Biblical examples to make their case. A must-read for anyone wanting to understand the Bible better!"
-- from www.gaychristian.net.
"Many books have argued that the Bible does not condemn same-sex relationships. In the vast majority of cases, however, the arguments sound like loopholes and excuses, not a sincere reading of Holy Scripture. (Sadly, this includes even the ever-popular What the Bible Really Says About Homosexuality.)
"This book is remarkably different! The authors don't make excuses or water down the text; instead, they take the Bible seriously and treat it respectfully, allowing the Bible itself to provide the best evidence of their case. Meanwhile, this book is so short, simple, and easy to read that anyone can benefit from it.
"The Children Are Free is chock full of anecdotes and examples, making it a delight to read, even for people who don't normally read about the Bible. Those of us more familiar with the subject will appreciate the clarity of the authors' argument.
"Other, similar books made me think, 'Yeah, I guess I can see that,' but this one left me wondering, 'How could you come to any other conclusion?'"
-- from amazon.com, a reader from Raleigh, NC, USA
About the Authors:
Jeff Miner is the pastor of Jesus Metropolitan Community Church in Indianapolis, Indiana. He was raised in fundamentalist independent Baptist churches, and received his undergraduate degree from Bob Jones University. In college, Jeff felt called to the ministry, but deferred that calling while trying to come to terms with being gay. In the meantime, he attended Harvard Law School, graduating with honors in 1983. Several years later, after intensive study of the Bible and homosexuality, Jeff came to peace with beintg gay. Soon he discovered the Metropolitan Community Churches, a Christian denomination that has arisen out of the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender community. There, Jeff realized he could fulfill his call to ministry. He completed his clergy training and was ordained in 1997.
Before his ordination, Jeff worked as an attorney for 13 years, last serving as Deputy Chief Council for a federal banking agency.
Jeff lives with his spouse, David Zier. They were joined in Holy Union on September 8, 1990, and live in Indianapolis.
John Tyler Connoley is the son of Wesleyan missionaries. He spent most of his childhood years in Zambia, Africa, and has lived in Korea, the Philippines, and all of the West Coast states.
He came out to himself in 1991, while attending Indiana Wesleyan University, and has since sought to live a life that integrates his deep faith in God with his sexuality. While working on The Children Are Free, Tyler completed his M.A. in Biblical studies at Earlham School of Religion in Richmond, Indiana.
He is married to Rob Connoley.
See and order this exciting new book on our Web site at http://www.chirhopress.com/products/gayandchristian.html#Miner
"For Another Flock" includes daily meditations for all the days of Lent and Holy Week, beginning with Ash Wednesday (which is March 5), and ending with Easter Sunday (April 20, 2003). Scripture readings are provided for every day in Lent and Holy Week followed by a reflection from a uniquely gay and Catholic point of view and a prayer.
Following the daily meditations is a seven-week Lenten Bible Study Guide. Jeff Lea’s introduction explores Lent as a penitential season, discussing penance and repentance. Each weekly Bible Study starts with a Gospel reading. There is a Lenten theme for each of the seven sessions. Week One is "An Ash Wednesday Ritual and Discussion of the Nature of Penance." Week Two is "The Nature of Temptation." Week Three is "the Meaning of Sin in our Lives." Week Four is "Faithfulness and Homosexuality." Week Five is "The Joy of Being Gay." Week Six is "The Meaning of Judgement." And the concluding session is "The Last Supper and the Mandatum (New Commandment)."
Seven Appendices conclude the book.
"For Another Flock: Rainbow Meditations and Study Guide for Lent" is spiral bound, 5 ½" x 8 ½", 104 pages, and sells for $10.95 each, $8.95 each for six or more copies, plus shipping and handling.
Sun. March 2, John and Charles Wesley (1703-1791) and
(1707-1788). Anglican priests and founders of Methodism.
While attending Oxford, John and Charles founded the "Holy Club" to practice the worship and discipline of the Prayer Book. They were so strict they were given the nickname "methodists." Both became Anglican priests, but later had experiences of inner conversion, which John described as having his heart "strangely warmed." They began a revival in England that spread to the Americas, organizing local groups that met in homes for prayer and study. When thrown out of local churches for being too "enthusiastic" they turned to preaching in the streets. John created a synthesis of sacramental faith, a personal religion of the heart, and an active concern for social justice. Charles is remembered for writing over 6,000 hymn texts, including "Christ the Lord is risen today," "O for a thousand tongues to sing," and "Hark the herald angels sing."
Sun. March 2, Four Chaplains Day (Interfaith).
Remembers an event in World War II when four chaplains (Jewish, Catholic, and Protestant) gave their life jackets to others as a troop ship sank in the Atlantic.
Tuesday, March 4, Shrove Tuesday. Carnival (Mardi Gras, or Fat Tuesday) celebration before beginning of the Lenten fast. Pancakes are often served, and (in the U.S.A.) jazz played.
Wed. March 5, Ash Wednesday. Begins Lenten season with imposition of ashes as a sign of penitence. The forty days of Lent do not include Sundays, which are always a celebration of Easter.
Wed. March 5, Karl Rahner (1904-1984). Theologian.
Probably the most influential Catholic theologian of the 20th century, Rahner was a Jesuit who worked to build bridges between Christian faith and the modern world. He believed that all human existence was rooted in the holy and infinite mystery of God. He tried to reduce the divisions between faith and science, the church and the world, and emphasized grace as a relationship. He played a critical role in the Second Vatican Council.
Wed. March 5, Al-Hijra (Islamic). Islamic New Year
remembering Mohammed's migration from Mecca to Medina.
Fri. March 7, Sts. Perpetua and Felicity (d. 203).
Martyrs. Perpetua, who came from a wealthy family in North Africa, and Felicity, her friend and servant, were martyred at Carthage during a period of Roman persecutions. Despite the pleadings of her family and the prospect of being torn apart by savage animals, Perpetua refused to renounce her faith in Christ. In death they comforted each other, and in one final act before the jeering crowds they kissed each other. Writings about their death were wildly popular in the early church, and are important for reflecting the perspective of an independent woman of faith who claimed her own identity and vocation despite the demands of a patriarchal society.
Sat. March 8, International Women's Day.
Mon. March 10, Harriet Tubman (1820?-1913).
Abolitionist. Born into slavery, Tubman escaped to the North in 1849. In the next ten years she made 19 trips into the South, leading 300 slaves to freedom. Soon she was known as "Moses." During the Civil War she served as a spy, scout, and nurse. Later she worked for the cause of women's suffrage. She was a member of the AME Zion Church, and said her actions were revealed to her by God through divine dreams.
Fri. March 14, Fannie Lou Hamer (1917-1977).
Prophet of freedom. Raised in a family of sharecroppers in rural Mississippi, Hamer rose up as a prophet to challenge the oppression of segregation and poverty. At the age of 45 she attended a civil rights rally and committed herself to the freedom movement. On several occasions she was arrested and beaten, but despite the dogs, fire hoses, clubs, and bombs she drew on her deep biblical faith and vision of justice to challenge the powers of oppression. She died of breast cancer.
*****
Order the full 2003 Liturgical Calendar and Lectionary, complete with the entire year's Sanctoral Cycle, at, http://www.chirhopress.com/products/devotionals.html#Park.
Lead on, O fiery pillar,
We follow yet with fears,
But we shall come rejoicing
Though joy be born of tears.
We are not lost, though wandering,
For by your light we come,
And we are still God's people,
The journey is our home.
We try to publish a new faith story in each issue of the Chi Rho Connection and we are hoping that YOU will submit your faith story for publication. We want our writers to be well known and not famous at all, clergy and lay people, LGBT people and non-gay people, people from all walks of life, and even Christians and non-Christians. We have already begun collecting these faith stories for 'The Journey is Our Home' and hope you are blessed by the spiritual insights found here. And we need your faith story now as well!
Just send your faith story for "The Journey is Our Home" to Adam@ChiRhoPress.com. Please try to limit your story to 500 words. Tell our readers about a significant event in your faith journey, what happened, what it means to you, how it changed your faith journey and your life. Be published in the Chi Rho Connection!
It's not too late to get your copy of "A Liturgical Calendar and Lectionary, Year B, December 2002 through November 2003," compiled by Dr. David Kerr Park. Spiral bound, 8 ½" x 11", 78 pages our Liturgical Calendar sells for $9.95 each, six or more copies for $7.95 each, plus shipping and handling.
"For Another Flock," our book of daily meditations for Lent, which also includes a Study Guide for a seven-week Bible study during Lent and lots of informative and useful appendices, is selling well. (See article 3 in this issue.)
And we are especially excited about the newest addition to our inventory, "The Children Are Free," by the Rev. Jeff Miner and John Tyler Connoley (please see article 2 in this issue).
*****
I was saddened this week to hear of the death from stomach cancer of Fred Rogers. He is perhaps better known as "Mister Rogers" of "Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood" fame. An ordained Presbyterian minister, Mr. Rogers' television show emphasized kindness, gentleness, and inclusivity to a couple of generations of kids (and adults). "Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood" ran from 1968 until 2000.
Fred Rogers attended Sixth Presbyterian Church in Pittsburgh, a More Light congregation committed to welcoming LGBT people and including them in church leadership and ministry. He really lived his beliefs in tolerance and love, always telling his young viewers to love themselves and others.
"We live in a world in which we need to share responsibility," he said in a 1994 interview. "It's easy to say 'It's not my child, not my community, not my world, not my problem.' . . . Then there are those who see the need and respond. I consider those people my heroes."
It is still "a beautiful day in the neighborhood," as Mr. Rogers would always sing, but we have lost a good neighbor.
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Winter continues to bedevil us here in the Washington, DC area. I don't mind telling you that I am really tired of snow and ice. Hopefully, this winter is almost over (at least in theory) and March will eventually provide warmer weather, so that all those piles of snow and ice can melt.
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I went to see the movie "Bowling for Columbine" with
some friends last weekend and I recommend it highly. It is a documentary about the ease with which guns are obtained in the United States centering around the tragic murders of school children at Columbine High School in Colorado. The two boys who went on a killing spree in their high school bought ammunition from the local K-Mart. In a very poignant scene, Michael Moore, the producer of the documentary, brings two students who had been wounded at Columbine (one of them now permanently in a wheelchair) to the headquarters of K-Mart to "return the bullets." This excellent documentary is only playing in one theater in the Washington area, so you may have a hard time finding it, but it is certainly worth the effort!
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That's it for this week. The next edition of the Chi Rho Connection will be out March 15. I pray that Lent will be a time of reflection and blessing for you.
R. Adam DeBaugh, Director, Adam@ChiRhoPress.com.
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We are glad you are partners in ministry with us here at
Chi Rho Press. We are eager for your comments, your
suggestions, your assistance with selling our books,
and your own purchases! And of course, we covet your
prayers for this ministry.
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