October 25, 2005
Brothers and Sisters of the S/C Indiana District of the Church of the Brethren,
This letter comes to you as a part of the district board's devotion to improve communication and relationships within our district. We want all members to be aware of happenings around the district and within the district board.
Kurt Borgmann, pastor of the Manchester Church of the Brethren, contacted Allen Kahler, our district minister, last week. Kurt wanted Allen to be aware that a same-sex covenant ceremony had taken place in the Manchester Church of the Brethren, The pastors of the Manchester Church did not officiate the service, Following this, Allen met with Kurt and Joe Mason, moderator for the Manchester Church of the Brethren,
The district board was informed of these happenings at their regular board meeting on October 22. The district board felt it was important to inform all members of the district of the facts instead of allowing rumors to circulate. The district, board continues to stand by this statement passed in September 2003:
We, the South/Central Indiana District of the Church of the Brethren, affirm our call to engage in Christ-centered ministry that seeks to be in right and loving relationships with all of God's children. Moreover, we assert that 'right and loving relationship' includes holding one another accountable to the standards of moral behavior found in Scripture. Therefore, in accordance with scripture and in solidarity with the 1983, 1992, and 2002 actions of the Church of the Brethren's Animal Conference concerning homosexuality, we will not support actions, policies, positions or ceremonies that in any way promote homosexuality as an acceptable Christian lifestyle blessed by God.
That said, the district board understands that the issues of homosexuality and same-sex covenants have caused and continue to cause much grief in many of our district members. During our last meeting we spent time in discussion and reflection on Matthew 14:13-21. The board feels that our actions should parallel those of Jesus when he fed the 5000. Throughout this passage Jesus found the strength to continue his mission, despite the intense grief he was feeling after losing his friend John the Baptist to a beheading. Jesus, although grieving deeply, had the fortitude to show compassion, heal the sick, teach, and perform miracles. He moved his followers forward on their journey to the kingdom despite his personal feelings. The district board's ambition is to continue moving this district forward while we deal with the pain that is holding some back. The district board is actively searching for ways to address homosexuality in a manner that puts Christ and Ms love at the forefront of our existence.
We invite you to share your thoughts, ideas, and concerns with the district board. In an effort to facilitate our communication, the board has asked two members to serve as contacts. They are open to hear anything you have to share.
Todd Reish
4407 Hughes Land
Richmond, IN 47374
(765)939-1662
reishhouse@aol.com
Richmond Church of the Brethren |
Mel Zumbrun
2662 West 600 South
Warren, IN 46792
(260)468-2412 or (260)468-2663
saleob@citznet.com
Salamonie Church of the Brethren |
Our intent is not to make light of the issue before us. We hope and pray we, as a district, do not lose focus on the vision that is moving us into a deeper relationship with God, Christ, and the Holy Spirit.
In Christian Love,
Kristen M. Roop, District Board Chair