Posts in the ‘Articles’ Category

“I am concerned about the rights of women, the rights of children and, just as equally, the rights of men – because there can never be a community, there can never be a family, there can never be true freedom when any sector of humanity is not free,” she says.

Any reporter thinking Bethke would allow herself the satisfaction of revenge would be disappointed. Her family’s loss because of 9/11 has not changed a lifelong commitment to peace…From the beginning, she has chosen reconciliation over retribution.

“On this, the occasion of the tenth anniversary of the tragedy of September 11, 2001,” Bishop Goodpaster said, “I call upon United Methodists and all people of faith to a renewed commitment to ministry of reconciliation

Charlie Roberts said in a suicide note that he hated God after the death of his first child. Faced with similar suffering…his mother has taken the opposite path. Her son cursed God; she trusts in prayer. Her son acted out his rage; she reaches out for reconciliation.

Today, unfortunately, we’re quick to leave and go find another church or let our theology divide us. That’s what’s different today about reconciliation. We’re trying to reconcile the church today; in the first century, the church was reconciling the world.

The faith I embrace and the nonviolent conflict transformation I commit to professionally rise from the life and teachings of Jesus, who measures love in the paradoxical quality of how we respond to those who wish us harm.

In wartime, not only remote villages but peace itself seems completely out of reach. Jesus’ call to “love our enemies” seems difficult to conceive, let alone practice. Yet there are countless stories from family and friends about how Dan kept reaching out.

“Bullies, Victims & Bystanders: A Seminar for Youths and Adults” will be offered Saturday, Oct. 22, at Wauwatosa Avenue United Methodist Church here.

The Methodist Church has launched an appeal for donations to go towards communities that have suffered as a result of the civil disorder. The funds will be used to support the Church’s work in the areas of reconciliation and community rebuilding.

“And I am impressed with our church members who, on the day after the break-in, were already talking about forgiving and moving on and how God could bring something good out of this.”