Readers write: August 18, 2014 issue

Young Voice paints true picture of life in Israel/Palestine

Re: “A constant terrifying threat,” May 26, page 36, and “Altruistic young person ‘taken in by propaganda’ ” letter, June 23, page 12.

Reading Chloe Bergen’s Young Voices article we were both impressed with the thoughtfulness and care she took in writing about the situation in Israel/Palestine. Bergen carefully articulated many of the struggles Palestinians are going through today and how this is connected to actions of the Israeli authorities.  

However, we were troubled by George Satory’s response letter. It would be a mistake to assume that Bergen, or others who point out such problems, are somehow anti-Israeli or “taken in by propaganda.” We have heard similar accusations when we have returned from the region and we are wearied of reading them in print. Her truthful accounting of the past and the present is a fine example of the truth-telling required to bring peace to the region. Most Palestinians and Israelis agree, but their stories are not heard often enough.

We agree with the letter that propaganda is damaging to the prospect of peace. One of the greatest examples of such damage is the claim that the evil suffered by the Jews in Europe during the Holocaust justifies the evil done to Palestinians by the State of Israel. Another example is the false tale told that Palestinians were not forced to flee villages in 1948 and that massacres of Palestinians did not occur. Read Elias Chacour’s book Blood Brothers for just one example of an eyewitness account of these events.

Furthermore, we are troubled by the notion of “balance” called for in the letter. We fear that too often the call for “balance” simply perpetuates the oppression of the marginalized in Israel and Palestine. The call of Jesus is to stand with the oppressed not simply for their own sake, but also for the sake of the oppressor. There is no finer gift a friend can give than to point out an error. We claim Israel as our friend and we believe that the actions taken by the Israeli government described by Bergen are detrimental not only to Palestinians but also to Israelis.  

Rather than patronizingly dismissing Bergen as an “altruistic young person taken in by propaganda,” we congratulate her for telling the truth when we would so often rather not hear it. Our prayer is that we give more voice and attention to what young people such as Bergen have to say.  

Ramon Rempel and James Friesen, Winnipeg

Altruistic young person ‘not’ taken in by propaganda

Re: “Altruistic young person ‘taken in by propaganda’ ” letter, June 23, page 12.

In an age when so much good information is available to us, it’s tragic to find letters written that do injustice to the truth. George Satory’s letter makes serious errors of fact in stating that “Israel is a result of the Holocaust in Europe,” and compounds errors with fanciful fiction about Holocaust survivors returning to their own communities, and Arab citizens of Israel having “full rights.” Such stories are not found in history books in Europe or in Israel, and certainly don’t bear repeating in Canadian Mennonite.

The creation of a modern Zionist state began with the First Aliyah in 1881, in the hope of commercial and political union between the two peoples. These good aims failed to bear fruit after 1918, and Zionist immigration was balanced by emigration to the New World, taking opportunity and accommodation between Arab and Jew with it. There was little or no linkage from the Zionist state to the Holocaust before 1945, when Jewish leaders discussed how to bring Holocaust survivors and refugees to Palestine against British desires not to further alienate the land and legal rights of either the Arab or Jewish populations already living there.

Following the Second World War, Palestinians were indeed victimized by Jewish propaganda as part of the ongoing low-level conflict between the two communities that dated back to 1920.

Satory thinks Arab citizens of Israel have full rights, but he should see if one can vote or press a lawsuit without giving up title to Arab lands and any claim on the State of Israel for damages suffered. The exercise of other rights, such as serving in the military or in government or social service, is viewed with suspicion and sometimes denied for flimsy or no reason. Nor may Arab citizens visit another Arab country without written permission from the Ministry of the Interior, which is routinely denied. Such low-grade discrimination is the lot of every Arab in Israel, including Christian Arabs.

Israel still struggles to create a unique Jewish-only state in the Middle East. But in so doing, it has completely twisted the honourable values painstakingly lived out for 3,000 years under Torah. Israeli historians, commentators, journalists and activists document this struggle for all to see. One merely has to look up from the real propaganda to see it.

Andre Pekovich, Vancouver

With opposing conclusions, can either be from God?

Re: “Wild hope” assembly.

As a delegate, I found most presentations and seminars enlightening, but often lacked time for meaningful interaction.

“Discerning the Spirit’s will” was a term used too glibly. Such a noble goal is more realistically attained within the context of a small congregation.

How do we find the “unity of Christ” when serious Christians read the same Bible and seek the guidance of the same Spirit, but come to opposing conclusions? When there are opposing conclusions, surely one or both of them are not of God. The Spirit of God fosters unity. The biblical image of the church as a body has many different parts that function to complement each other. Even the old Quaker principle of consensus requires that there be no opposing voice, even if there are some who cannot wholeheartedly support a direction.

These questions arose in the context of a major topic presented for “discernment,” namely, the recent Being a Faithful Church discussion paper, “Biblical perspectives on human sexuality.” I saw very little movement on this topic. It must be very discouraging for our hard-working leaders.

I offer several suggestions/requests:

• We would benefit more if our leaders were leading more and following less. It is very difficult to guide a scattering herd of sheep from the rear. With our Anabaptist history of individualism and schisms, we are reaping a cursed harvest. Organizational unity without spiritual, mental and emotional unity is a high price to pay.

• Could the sexuality discussions be focussed using well-defined terms? I believe the underlying tension has to do with sexual morality and the matter of cohabitation outside of a heterosexual marriage. That is not a uniquely homosexual problem. We all struggle with varied sexual orientations and urges, but do not always know how best to deal with them. How can we help each other?

• Can we take seriously the resolution to foster respect and graciousness for all people?

• Could we have more pro-active teaching regarding the depth of human intimacy, especially non-sexual? As an older male, I decry my ignorance through young adulthood regarding the need for, and implications of, intimacy as expressed in non-erotic ways.

• If we still believe Jesus’ people are to demonstrate countercultural values, I appeal to our capable leaders to guide us to that end.

Ivan Unger, Cambridge, Ont.

Jesus, community, reconciliation: our core values

At the “Wild hope” 2014 assembly we both wrung our hands and dreamed creative dreams in relation to the future of our church and faith.

As we look to the future, I suggest that we remember that structures, organizations, strategies and goals will likely change, but core values need to remain stable and unchanged. Core values are those that were present at the beginning and are what brought the organization or movement into being.

What were the core values of the Christian church and the Anabaptist movement at their beginnings? We might put them in different words or images, but in 20 years from now I hope that we will still be saying Jesus is the centre of our faith, community is the centre of our life and reconciliation is the centre of our work. A focus on these core values will help us develop new and appropriate structures and ministries.

Palmer Becker, Kitchener, Ont.

LGBTQ is not the ‘core’ issue

When I first read “LGBTQ,” I thought the phrase was some kind of sandwich. Funny, eh? Seriously, the one thing that all of us can count on is change. Often this change challenges what we think are core beliefs.

I am old enough to remember a big discussion about young women no longer wearing their Mennonite head coverings. I heard talk about introducing a pipe organ into the sanctuary: the church’s first musical instrument. Not long ago, I heard whispers about a church member who was divorced and taking leadership in the congregation, and another about the ordination of women.

On either side, the debaters quoted Scripture and pronounced “tradition,” and they argued that these issues threatened the core of our Christian beliefs. Today, where are all those who argued for and against? They are dead! Yes, most of those debaters and arguers have left this earth and moved on. In 20 years, the LGBTQ issue will be over. Most of those arguing now will either be dead or too frail.

With new understanding, and having grown up in a different world, the next generation will not share our passion for this issue. Like the other great battles, it will just fade away.

So what is the real issue for our church today? Simply, who is going to climb the ladder in our sanctuary to change a light bulb? At my age, I ain’t climbing that ladder and there are not many around who can!

Doug Durst, Regina
Doug Durst is a social work faculty member at the University of Regina, Sask.

Reader saddened by acceptance of same-sex unions

I am saddened to see the direction some of our churches and conferences appear to be heading in accepting same-sex unions.

In Genesis 2 didn’t God ordain the most fundamental institution of society: the life-long union of a man and a woman? It matters not how much two men or two women love each other, their union is not a marriage in God’s sight. Compromising  by using the words “unity,” “love” and “acceptance” out of biblical context will have deadly consequences.

In II Timothy 4:3-4, it says: “For the time will come when they  will  not endure sound doctrine: but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itchy ears. And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.”

Is this where we are today?

Kay Neufeld, Boissevain, Man.

Rewrite the Confession to include possibility of gay marriage

Re: “Jesus taught equality, regardless of sexual identity,” July 7, page 4.

Thanks to Norman Kraus for his article and bold statement: “Those who use the words of Jesus . . . to exclude committed gay partners . . . sin against the spirit of Jesus.”

I would follow that trajectory and suggest what many would like to avoid: It’s time to update our Confession of Faith in a Mennonite Perspective. In addition to a blanket rejection of abortion, the confession limits “right sexual union” to a marriage between one man and one woman.

While dropping these statements might be offensive to some, it seems clear that they are becoming a problem to a growing number of believers. Removing these statements would not explicitly condone such behaviour, but would free congregations to make decisions on these issue on their own, as Rudy Wiens suggested in the same issue (“Keep national, area churches out of LGBTQ decisions” letter, page 9). It would also bring the Confession more in line with what the church believes, remove a source of tension, and encourage equality and unity in the church.

Dave Nicol, Sudbury, Ont.

The many-faceted body builds beautiful bridge

Re: “A bridge to community,” June 9, page 23.

I was blessed, reading this story, by the creative thinking, the wide-reaching web of believers who contributed professionally and in volunteer hours, and the many who supported them. Especially that God was glorified, and the Spirit given credit for the many ways that the work was carried out. Building community/restoring community, indeed.

Linda Petty (online comment)

Another story of being set free from abuse

Re: “The truth about sexual abuse will set you free,” June 23, page 4.

Thank you to the anonymous writer who shared her personal story.

Looking back over my own life, I have been wounded/hurt three different times. The first time was when I was a child living in an unhealthy family. The second time, I hurt myself as I started to drink and became an alcoholic. The third time was by the family of origin again.

I first dealt with my alcoholism. I found a supportive program that helped me deal with alcoholism. I took the 12 steps that were suggested and this became the first real change in my life. I then found a program that dealt with family issues.

I was making some good changes when the dysfunction of the family of origin erupted big time. This affected our livelihood. The broken contracts, control, deceptiveness and putdowns also affected me emotionally. I was devastated. I was full of anger. My self-esteem was at a record low and I needed to make decisions. I now looked for more help with professional people and in groups, and by reading many books on these topics. I found help for my well-being and found many insights.

People can be very controlling and deceptive, and others can help protect them. There are two sides to these people’s character. We need to look at the family sayings and family secrets, which can make a very powerful family system. This was hard to figure out, very confusing.

The other thing that hurts is that all of these people keep on covering up and denying the issues. This hurts just as much as the original injury or injustice, and this pain goes on and on. This part took much longer to heal. It has been a long journey.

Looking back now, it seems like a dream. I know I’ve come a long way. I have a loving family and friends, and a career that I never thought possible. I have experienced helping others and watching them grow. Today I wouldn’t trade my life with anyone. I know that God has been with me and carried me in the rough spots just like the poem “Footprints” states.

The truth about any abuse really will set you free.

Name withheld by request

Magazine loses credibility over ‘soap-box ranting’

Re: “Sport is not our saviour,” May 26, page 35.

It’s unfortunate this article was published. Soap-box ranting has a time and place, but not in a national magazine. Canadian Mennonite has lost all credibility by publishing Paul Loewen’s conflicted inner personal struggles, in which he fails to be able to reconcile a love for competition with his religious values.

Many of the rest of us don’t see the conflict. Our Mennonite schools obviously don’t, and if you ask a lot of student athletes they will name their coach as their most influential mentor for life, not just sports.

I would encourage the author and editors to think a bit deeper about content before publishing articles that further alienate your readers from your magazine that increasingly hits our recycling bin before being opened, largely due to the insistent negativity and critique of everything.

Jonathan Schmidt (online comment)

--Posted August 13, 2014