Oct. 19, 2009 issue
Gifts denied
By Joyce Hostetler Columbus, OhioI was sad to learn Southeast Conference revoked Randy Spaulding’s credentials. Many things distress me about this.
-
This has happened far too often: A pastor offers his gifts to the church and is affirmed, welcomed and used in great and mighty ways. Then the pastor “comes out,” and because of his or her sexual orientation those gifts are invalidated. Spaulding has served and been affirmed by Southeast Conference for 18 years. His ministry to his congregation, community and Mennonite Church USA has been celebrated in many ways. He shared his musical gifts by serving on the Hymnal Supplement Committee as project editor for Sing the Journey and Sing the Story. How can the gifts of the Spirit be so apparent before they are suddenly denied?
-
The idea that the will of God can be better discerned by a few conference leaders instead of the local congregation is very un- Anabaptist. How can the conference deny the discernment of the local body of believers, who wholeheartedly support their pastor and want him to continue his ministry with them?
-
It appears Southeast Conference is going against the leadership of the MC USA, who have asked us to walk together in respectful dialogue when we disagree.
Again, decisions made in my beloved Mennonite church have disappointed me. My God is a God of love, compassion and inclusiveness, not of harsh judgment and fear.
Comment on the article Gifts denied
The purpose of comments is to engage in dialogue. We expect commenters to treat authors and each other as each would want to be treated. Respectful criticism is welcomed; offensive comments or parts of comments will be removed by the site administrator. Name and comment will be posted; email address is for follow-up only and will not be made public.
Download
Download a free PDF showing the populations of
Mennonite groups and other Anabaptists.
