Aug. 3, 2009 issue
Dialogue without silence
By James P. Regier South Bend, Ind.Critiques from many levels of Mennonite Church USA, including an official letter of apology from the denomination’s executive director, have alleged that the Pink Mennos overstepped several lines at the convention.
Pink Mennos held a press conference, distributed literature and apparel supporting their cause and reached out to convention attendees of all ages. I have yet to see further allegations, but have heard that some conference attendees treated Pink Mennos in a less-than-respectful manner.
At the same time, we hear from some of these same critics about the need for dialogue. Several conventions have passed resolutions to encourage dialogue on the issue of GLBT inclusion, including perhaps the strongest statement yet in the resolution passed in Columbus.
Press conferences, literature, T-shirts and youth outreach are tools for groups within the church to establish themselves and gain recognition. Deny those tools, and the group in question is effectively denied a voice. Deny the voice, and one supports “dialogue” only so long as the partner remains silent.
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