So Little Ricky doesn't like my theology thinks my denomination is in the grip of Satan?
An open letter to Rick Santorum:
I take exception to two points of yours. You had said that my denomination (mainline Protestant) of which the United Methodist Church is a part of is "in the grip of Satan". Also you suspect the theology of President Obama. President Obama's home church was a U.C. C. located in the Chicago area. The U.C.C. denomination's theology is close to the UMC in fact they have an altar and pulpit fellowship exchange agreement.
Mr. Santorum:
I was educated in liberal Roman Catholic Schools in Germany and the United States. While there, I was taught by Fransiscan Sisters (OSF) who taught a social gospel of tolerance and embracing all of God's children. Yes, abortion and pro-creation were mentioned but only as a minor component of an all inclusive right to life plank. (Of which I differ as to the RCC reporoductive stance, but agree with the rest of the other nine points)
In my teens, I had already lost my father due to the Vietnam War and my mother had a stroke and I became the foster child of a Lutheran Minister and his wife. It was part of their theology to house the orphan.
On becoming a US Citizen and learning English proficiency, I became interested in the civic discourse of my community and nation.
As an adult, I became the member of a Reconciling Ministry Network United Methodist Congregation which means it is open and affirming of the LGBTQ community.
It has always my understanding that my faith and theology would never disparage another's faith practice, that it would be affirming and help each other in helping.
My theology houses the homeless, provides for the orphan...
My theology affirms the sacred worth of all people...
My theology feeds the hungry
My theology recognizes the agonizing choices one may have to make regarding reproduction
My theology would ask for full funding for education of the masses
My theology would never privatize the healing of the sick, the incarcaration of the captive....
Most of all, my theology and denomination has a social creed that provides for the uplifting of all,
the recognition of those who may be outcast and the Christ's preferential option for the poor.
My theology also taught me to forgive...well Mr. Santorum, I forgive you, but it also makes so that I would NEVER vote for you.
I ask you to search your heart and return to the Gospel you were originally taught.
Sincerely,
Michael S. Collier
Certified Lay Minister
United Methodst Church-Tacoma, Washington
= new reply since forum marked as read
