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An Authentic Life 1.1 for pdf - Universalist Radha-Krishnaism

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source materials. The hymns and prayers were about<br />

economic justice <strong>for</strong> the poor. The mission committee<br />

set up a letter writing table in the fellowship hall to<br />

encourage members to write to our senators. The next<br />

day, Jack Klepser stopped by my office.<br />

He said, “I got home from my lakeside cabin<br />

yesterday. I visited a couple of prominent church<br />

families, and they were quite upset about yesterday’s<br />

worship.”<br />

“That’s too bad,” I said, “but I have freedom of<br />

the pulpit and won’t have you or anyone else telling<br />

me what I can and can’t preach about. I’m tired of<br />

your complaints.”<br />

After a brief conversation, I saw him to the<br />

door, looked him in the eye, and said, “If you’d like<br />

my resignation and think a majority of the congregation<br />

would too and that they can survive the loss of<br />

another pastor, let me know.”<br />

A week later, I got a call from Jack saying the<br />

church council would like to meet with me. I asked<br />

why, and he said my resignation. I contacted my<br />

clergy mentor, a retired pastor, and the area conference<br />

minister. I met with my mentor to discuss how to<br />

handle the meeting and what terms to ask <strong>for</strong>. The<br />

area minister attended the meeting to mediate.<br />

I got three months of minimal duties with full<br />

pay while I looked <strong>for</strong> work. Failing to find work, I<br />

would be free of all duties and get three more months<br />

full pay and benefits.<br />

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