March:April 2017 FCM Newsletter 2

I gave a shocking response to a colleague who asked, “What should FCM’s response be in this period of political chaos?” Off the
top of my head I said, “That depended on which Christian God you believe in!”….and everyone became silent…even myself. I went
on to explain lived Christianity is politicized into many camps, walled in and justified by the biblical, “traditional” and ecclesial laws
embedded in the society and culture that surrounds them.
In the Abrahamic traditions – Christianity, Judaism and Islam – leadership draws from scriptures and tradition to find teachings that
justify marginalization: the divorced, homosexuals, gays who marry and women who become ordained are excommunicated.
Taking it a step further, they condone a polarization of these members using a militarization of sorts to banish the other. Their
actions are supported by a god that follows their rules and unequivocally offers justification of their particular interpretations.
For instance, of present concern is a Catholic extremist group called the Church Militant that is working to draw in Catholic youth.
In concert with this, America’s National Security Chief, Steve Bannon visited the Vatican .........
https://www.commonwealmagazine.org/white-house-red-hat pleading with the hierarchy to use the authority of God to punish
others as misfits and infidels who demean God’s intentions and are set to ruin the church. This is an alarming alliance which could
promote a marriage of sorts between a government and religion on a global field. In this same vein but more locally influenced, you
have the Westboro Baptists who protest the funerals of gays in the name of Righteous God who condemns homosexuality, and the
KKK, a national Christian hate group, promoting God’s will to restore white supremacy, by condoning gun violence among blacks
to “clear the streets of ‘niggers.’”
Acculturated into each of these “Christian” organization is a leadership that claims it IS embedded in the Christian God of their
understanding who is calling them to RESIST factions that would change the foundations of their organization itself, and the warrior
God who leads them on to slay their identified infidel/enemy before they became neutered and powerless.
Perhaps the silver lining during these tense times is that we have visuals in front of us that help us connect the common
misinterpretations of religions that condone violence. By separating and naming what is embedded in societies as cultural norms
not religious, we can stand against the false gods to which they adhere.
Two world leaders are clarifying voices in this dark age. They give witness to the prominent notions of a universal God of love who
desires that we understand WE ARE ONE regardless of religious affiliation.
Pope Francis reminds us that in any social and civil context, authentic Christianity… “does not create walls, but builds bridges.”
He goes on to say, “ A person who thinks only about building walls — wherever they may be — and not building bridges, is not
Christian….this is not in the Gospel.”
In clarifying the role of World Religions, the Dalai Lama says that terrorists who use a religious title e.g., Christian, Muslim or Jew,
cannot be identified with the religion, because all world religions send the message of love, tolerance, compassion, and
forgiveness. This is the basis of the God that lives within us as a religious people: non-violent self discipline is the common ground
and practice of all religions. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qZRzefQTAxI
Going back to the question I started out with: “What should FCM’s response be in this period of political chaos?” It seems obvious
to me that the Federation remains in line with all Christian leaders who preach and teach a gospel of love for all. Members profess
we are “grounded in our calling by God’s Spirit that directs our personal spiritual practice.” We promote an inclusion that is “
welcoming of all spiritual persuasions.” And we believe in a partnership that celebrates our “equality” as co-creators with a God
who delights in all humankind.
Regarding our present political chaos, the Federation of Christian Ministers reads the signs of our time.
http://federationofchristianministries.org/ We recognize that it is incumbent that we openly encourage RESISTANCE to any forces,
internal or external, that would diminish love of others. With the clarity of vision our voices must and will cry out against any form of
force or fear that would divide. We stand tall giving loud voice and witness to the God that strengthens us as we push imaginary
boundaries until there is universal understanding WE ARE ALL ONE.
by diane dougherty with tom stricker
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