For The Christians
by pastordan
Thu Jul 6th, 2006
...as
originally reported by Jews on First:
A large Delaware school district promoted Christianity so aggressively that a Jewish family felt it necessary to move to Wilmington, two hours away, because they feared retaliation for filing a lawsuit. The religion (if any) of a second family in the lawsuit is not known, because they're suing as Jane and John Doe; they also fear retaliation. Both families are asking relief from "state-sponsored religion."
Later, it came out that a group called Stop The ACLU
published the address and phone number of this family in an effort to "expose ACLU plaintiffs."
I am amazed and appalled that such a thing needs to be said, but what happened at Indian River is utterly against Christian belief and practice. The ministers of that area should be disgusted by what has come to pass. Instead, we read some pastors
actually helped to lead the Christianist campaign that drove this family from their home.
Let us be clear, then. Using the resources of government to pressure neighbors into converting has no place in Christianity. Calling a twelve-year-old "Jewboy" has no place in Christianity. Telling him to take off his yarmulke when he comes to speak at the School Board meeting has no place in Christianity.
Death threats have no place in Christianity.
Telling the family on local radio that they should convert or leave has no place in Christianity.
Claiming that the Ku Klux Klan is ready and waiting has no place in Christianity.
For Christians, the story of Exodus is scripture, no less than it is for Jews. We remember with them the oppression at the hands of Pharoah, the terror of fleeing in the night, the long years spent as displaced persons - refugees - huddled in the desert. And with the Jews, we remember the captivity in Babylon, the loss of freedom, the destruction of the temple. We remember the
eliminationist plots of Haman.And we have our own memories of
persecution: But recall those earlier days when, after you had been enlightened, you endured a hard struggle with sufferings, sometimes being publicly exposed to abuse and persecution, and sometimes being partners with those so treated. For you had compassion for those who were in prison, and you cheerfully accepted the plundering of your possessions, knowing that you yourselves possessed something better and more lasting.
Our very founder was executed as a political prisoner. We are taught, and we believe, that have been baptized in his name we are baptized into his death.
Threats, intimidation, and bullying have no place in Christianity.
Furthermore, scripture tells us that we are united in the body of Christ. What one of us does reflects on all of us.
We must reject what happened in Indian River.
I urge you all to speak out on this matter. Write a letter to the editor, talk to your friends and relatives, speak from the pulpit or ask for prayers on Sunday morning. Experience shows that hatred only grows when it is perceived to have the opportunity. Your voice will make a difference. Let the haters and the intolerant know that their actions are not acceptable in your community, now or ever.
Never again. Not in my community. Not in the name of my faith. Not in my America.
http://www.streetprophets.com/storyonly/2006/7/6/111118/0491 
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