DownloadArticles : Letters
March 15 issue
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Implications of flag, anthem
We had not thought through all the implications of saluting the flag or singing the national anthem until our son, in high school, felt he could not honestly salute the flag and sing a war song. He stood in respect.
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Ready for rejection
Instead of playing “The Star-Spangled Banner” at Goshen College, a good option was given by the assistant editor of MWR to sing instead “This Is My Song, O God of All the Nations.”
March 8 issue
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Complex Mideast
Expressing optimism for settling the Israeli-Palestinian crisis, Scott Miller mentions justice and the application of international law. The problem is, who determines justice? Israel wants all of the West Bank. It is rapidly reaching its goal, with settlements already built or being built for 500,000 Israelis. Palestinians get the leftovers. And, as Miller stresses, a wall separates Jews from Arabs on the West Bank. I view the issues as complex and almost impossible to solve, but I do prize Miller’s optimism.
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Elkhart building
I read with a heavy heart of the continuing plans to build a multimillion-dollar building in Elkhart for Mennonite Church USA. It doesn’t appear MC USA has considered the message this sends to urban congregations. The message is, sure, become part of MC USA, but we won’t change for you, and you will never be truly Mennonite. MC USA is becoming (through dumb luck and the work of a few committed visionary pastors) and will become (if it survives) an increasingly urban church. To not locate the office in a central urban center such as Chicago, Kansas City or St. Louis shows that those in traditional power centers are unwilling to share access to this power.
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Insiders, outsiders
Though I share the same pale skin and Germanic heritage as ethnic Mennonites, I see Hugo Saucedo as my brother.
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Office plans
Mennonite Church USA has received questions about the Feb. 22 story about a change in the status of the denominational office in Newton, Kan. The consultant’s report contains a recommendation that only one office location be designated as the denominational headquarters. This, along with the other recommendations, is being discussed by affected staff and board. There are no plans to close the Newton office, and we will continue to use the space as efficiently as possible. We value the history and connections the staff in Newton provide.
March 1 issue
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All schools should review national anthem practice
The rationale for Goshen College to play the national anthem seems weak.
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Distortion of good
I wonder if the full extent of militaristic nationalism’s distortion of God’s good gift was taken into account when Goshen College decided to play the national anthem. Almost all great evils are distortions of some good thing.
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Less-critical assent?
I have never stood for the national anthem in my country of citizenship, the United States.
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Taking a stand
As Goshen College alumni, we are disappointed with the decision to play the national anthem at sporting events.
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