Posted on 09/13/2007 11:45:00 AM PDT by mbarker12474
Perhaps somebody can dissect this reflection on 911 --- er, uh, I mean neo-Nazi's, the Christian Identity Movement, the KKK, and hate crime legislation.
From Virginia Conference, United Methodist Church leader, Bishop Charlene Kammerer:
REFLECTIONS ON SEPTEMBER 11, 2007
Dear Friends in Christ, Today, we remember clearly what happened in our US homeland on September 11 six years ago. It is a somber time for our nation, as we reflect on acts of terrorism, lives lost, courageous responders, families who still grieve, and Ground Zero Memorial construction. There will be opportunities to participate in memorial services and prayer services in many of our United Methodist congregations and places of ministry.
We recall the unbelievable depth of hatred expressed in the acts of our attackers. It is still difficult to comprehend. We have learned a lot about ourselves as a nation and about our neighbors who are Muslim and Jewish in these past six years. We continue to learn about what fuels the seeds of destruction planted by radical Islamic extremists across the world.
I recently learned about the events in Manassas over the Labor Day weekend. One neighborhood, Weems, which is undergoing change with the presence of younger Latino families, had a wake-up call. The Ku Klux Klan had supporters distribute leaflets in mailboxes across this neighborhood. The leaflets were strongly calling for a ban on "all non-white immigration" and urging "white Christian America" to "stand up for its rights.
As communities like Manassas struggle with the immigration issues, it is disturbing to know that groups like the KKK will try to make headway for the hearts and minds of the citizens of Manassas (and any other Virginia communities).
It is encouraging to know that leaders and residents alike of Manassas have universally condemned the hate messages of the KKK that arrived on their doorsteps. All across Virginia, we must not be silent when such hate messages come to our attention. I strongly condemn the actions of the Ku Klux Klan, with its underlying hatred and racism exposed, and any attempt to stir up trouble in the community of Manassas.
I would point all United Methodists to our 2004 Book of Resolutions which address Hate Crimes in the United States. You may find such Resolutions approved by General Conference 2004 on pages 460, 464,466, and 700. We are reminded in Resolution 185, pg. 466, that "the Ku Klux Klan, Christian Identity groups, Neo-Nazis, and other hate groups initiate people into their groups by requiring them to do acts of hate, such as assaulting racial-ethnic people…..race-based hate crimes have targeted all racial, ethnic, and religious groups and immigrants."
We United Methodists have a long history of addressing social issues, including this major one of hate crimes. We also have a responsibility to teach our young people and ourselves how to live in a very diverse world, and not to remain silent when such hate- based behavior is apparent
I call upon us today to live the message of Micah 6:8 – "He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God."
May the Peace of our Lord be with you. Bishop Charlene Kammerer, Resident Bishop, Virginia Conference
It’s more or less to be expected that she would deplore the Ku Klux Klan, and they are not necessarily the most noble people to speak out on the issue of illegal immigration.
But it’s disgusting that she mixes all that up with 9/11.
How about separate messages next time? Moments of prayer are inconsistent with partisan bashing.
She was unwilling to criticize Islam so she grabbed the first strawman she could find.
I don't think "Bishop Charlene" is a "he."
Ooh! She gave us a hint in the question! Is the answer "mindless Islamic fanaticism fuelled by oil receipts"? Is it?
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