The Mexico Solidarity Network has issued a lengthy examination of the background of John Negroponte, currently the US Ambassador to the UN, and nominated by President Bush to be US Ambassador to Iraq.

His record in Vietnam, Honduras (including managing illegal aid to the Contras fighting against the Nicaraguan government, though that had been banned by Congress), Mexico and the UN, offer a grim prospect for "democracy" in Iraq.

An action alert from Sojourners

Congress is expected to vote on the Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA) in the coming weeks. Your voice is needed to speak out in solidarity with all people of Central America -especially poor farmers and women - who will be hardest hit. Changes in economic policy, especially free trade policies, have the greatest and most devastating effects on women and the poor. CAFTA would primarily benefit corporations and their stockholders, rather than ensuring labor and human rights.

As people of conscience, we must urge our Members of Congress to vote NO on this bill, and to speak out for economic equality for women and the poor. Contact your congressperson today and tell them to oppose CAFTA.

Click here for background.

Comments similar to those made by religious right extremists

In interviews given to CNN and other news agencies, top Presidential advisor Karen Hughes compared pro-choice Americans to "the terrorist network we fight." According to Hughes, Americans who support Bush's efforts to restrict choice in reproductive health care do so because "after September 11, the American people are valuing life more and we need policies to value the dignity and worth of every life." She then went on to say, "The fundamental issue between us and the terror network we fight is that we value every life."

"It is totally outrageous and irresponsible for one of the President's top advisors to compare pro-choice Americans to terrorists," said Dr. Sylvia Rhue, Director of Equal Partners in Faith. "In relation to the issue of reproductive freedom, the only terrorists we know about are the ones on the far right who bomb clinics and murder doctors."

Click here for the rest of the story.

Last week we posted an essay on the debate over the teaching of science - and specifically evolution - in our schools. We invited comments, and we've received a very helpful note arguing against the use of the term "theory" in relation to evolution, and pointing to resources for those who want more information.

Presbyterian pastor Thomas Davis explores in a sermon the complexities of human sexuality, and invites his congregation to see the richness of God's creation as encompassing far more than just "male or female," far more even the "GLBT."

"The separation between Christians on these issues of gender difference chiefly comes down to how complicated we think God's creation is. The main conflict isn't so much about how to interpret the Bible; it's much more about what is the nature of nature? Those who have little tolerance for complication and ambiguity keep insisting that all these allegedly unusual but nevertheless natural distinctions are not natural at all."

The Israel-Palestine settlement is being undermined by recent administration actions to give one-sided support to the Israeli government under Prime Minister Ariel Sharon .

The evolution-versus-creationism battle has been going on for decades, especially in struggles in countless local school boards around the country. We've been asked for material that would help people deal with the arguments in their own communities.

For starters, we offer a short "op ed" piece written recently for the St. Paul Pioneer Press by Jamie Crannell, a science teacher in a Twin Cities high school. He has also been serving as a member of the Minnesota Academic Standards Committee, which was created to deal with the designing of new standards in both the natural and social sciences.

"It's an opportunity to reflect on the gift of God's creation and what we need to do to protect it," said the Rev. Bill Somplatsky-Jarman, associate for the PC(USA)'s Environmental Justice Office.

Charles Henderson, a Presbyterian minister and "Your Guide to Christianity" on about.com, has posted this interesting announcement:

I believe that a majority of spiritually committed Americans would see their core values better represented by a progressive political agenda, rather than by the narrowly partisan programs of the religious right. With a group of colleagues, I am writing "A New Covenant with America" in which we will spell out exactly what this agenda for America might look like.

He describes the project of developing "a faith based social and political agenda for the 21st Century" in a fairly lengthy essay.

Two antennas got married. The wedding was so-so but the reception was terrific. - Click and Clack [the auto guys on NPR]

A jumper cable went into a bar and ordered a drink. The bartender said, I will serve the drink but don't start anything. -- Click and Clack

Frontline with Bill Moyers will be dealing with "The Jesus Factor" next Thursday night, April 29. (Sorry we moved it up by a week, and thanks to Kathy Lancaster for noticing that!)  By all accounts this program will lend itself to the burgeoning dialogue about what many see as George W. Bush's Messiah Complex.

According to the PBS information, "Through interviews with Bush family friends, advisors, political analysts, and observers - as well as excerpts from the president's speeches, interviews, and debates - the one-hour documentary chronicles George W. Bush's personal religious journey while also examining the growing political influence of the nation's more than 70 million evangelical Christians."
For details and local broadcast times, check the Frontline web page.  And don't miss the beautiful photo on that page!

We have received many comments since the posting late yesterday of Witherspoon's statement on the decision by the Committee on Preparation for Ministry of the Presbytery of San Francisco not to validate her candidacy for a call to ministry.

Oh my.  As of noon on Wednesday, April 21, the poll seems to have disappeared.  When your WebWeaver looked at the results about 24 hours ago, the votes seemed to be running about 2 to 1 for the Washington Office and same-sex marriage, and against a Federal Marriage Amendment.  We wonder where it all went.

Ahhh -- The Layman explains:  The Layman Online recently offered a series of poll questions on marriage in order to provide readers with an opportunity to share their thoughts on this issue. Unfortunately, some people abused this voting privilege and sought to affect the results by voting multiple times – forcing the cancellation of the polls. The Layman Online regrets the inconvenience to its readers.   [4-21-04, 5:00 pm]

The Layman is sponsoring a brief poll , asking opinions on same-sex marriage, the Federal Marriage Amendment, the Washington Office statement on that subject, and "who speaks for you" on such questions.

You may be interested to see what the results are - and to let your own voice be heard.

To see the current results, click on each of the "take the poll" links below; you can cast your vote if you haven't yet; if you have voted, you'll jump directly to the results chart.

Poll # 1: Who Speaks For You.  Take the poll

Poll # 2: Marriage and the Washington Office.  Take the poll

Poll # 3: The Federal Marriage Amendment. Take the poll

The Executive Committee of the Witherspoon Society has issued a short statement on this event, which seems to show the sad reality that telling the truth doesn't pay in the PC(USA).

Equal Partners in Faith urges support for the March for Women's Lives in Washington, DC, on April 25

The aim is for a public demonstration of historic size in support of reproductive freedom and justice for all women, when threats to these rights have never been so systematic and coordinated, and the lives and health of women have never faced such peril.

For the first time ever this pro-choice march is a collaborative effort of seven leading national women's rights groups.

Dr. John F. Payne writes:

I also retired from the Air Force. My impressions were entirely different from those of Mr. Brisco. In Vietnam and Cambodia I saw that we were trying to establish dictatorships of our choosing.

... Until the US recognizes international law again we will continue to be the most hated nation in the world. We need to read JFK's speeches regarding foreign policy and law in hopes of returning to be the nation with a beacon of hope for the entire world.

A couple recent visitors have asked us what the Witherspoon Society thinks about the President's press conference on April 13.  We have no official comment to offer, but one Witherspoon member sent a sharp -- and theological - critique of the President's statements and the assumptions that seem to underlie them.

Making somewhat the same point, Micah L. Sifry asks why so many Americans continue to support the occupation, why they buy Pres. Bush's war cry to "stand firm."

Student hunger strikes continue, and supporters are urged to write to Taco Bell, demanding fair wages. 

Christina Van Regenmorter, the Publicity and Volunteer Coordinator of the Nashville Peace and Justice Center, reports on behalf of Don Beisswenger, who recently began his six-month sentence for his non-violent action of protest against the School of the Americas at Fort Benning, GA.

She says, "Don is doing very well. He talked to a member of our community twice yesterday. and said that he had his address now. I know he appreciates our letters." 

(Don is a long-time member of Witherspoon, too.)

Don's address is:

Rev. Don Beisswenger
92091-020
Qtr 0B1
FCI
PO Box 4000
Manchester, KY 40962-4000    [Please note corrected ZIP code!]

Click here for background on Don's protest, the SOA action, and more.

Humans are proof that God has a sense of humor.

We recently pointed to reports on Wal-Mart's use of its vast wealth -- and one defeat of its efforts.

Bob Herbert in a recent New York Times column reported on a study by the Center for Labor Market Studies at Northeastern University, entitled "The Unprecedented Rising Tide of Corporate Profits . . ."

Charles Henderson, host of the Christianity section of About.com and a Presbyterian minister, reflects on the meaning of resurrection not through the Easter story directly, but through stories Jesus told, and through a modern encounter with the reality of resurrection.

Lisa Larges, the regional partnership coordinator for TAMFS national, has been turned down in her request to be certified ready for ministry. The only reason was that she was open and frank about her covenantal relationship with her same-sex partner. The vote was 15-5 on the Committee on Preparation for Ministry of the Presbytery of San Francisco.

A missionary letter from Nicaragua 

Wal-Mart wants to build a superstore in Inglewood, California. The city council doesn't want it. Wal-Mart has spent over $1 million to bypass the council and the zoning regulations of the city, but the ballot initiative it forced on the city has been defeated by a 60-to-40 percent vote. A coalition of religious leaders, community activists and unions worked to defeat the initiative.

'Nothing to complain about'

Social-justice firebrand Coffin is anticipating a gentle, quiet death

Alexa Smith of Presbyterian News Service writes a moving account of a visit with Bill Coffin, as he nears the end of a full and active life in the struggle for peace and justice.

also

School of the Americas Watch reports that many of those who demonstrated against the "School of the Assassins" last November are now entering federal prisons, mostly for terms of six months.

Learning about your WebWeaver through Google

I just went searching for myself on Google. A friend of mine searched for his name on Google and found it ... well ... instructive. So I tried it.

I'm amazed by what I've learned about myself - or perhaps about imposters bearing my name.

I have been involved in auto racing and sheep breeding, I am a prosecutor, an Associate Professor of Exercise Physiology, Health & Human Performance at Iowa State University.

More reflections for Easter

Bobbie McGarey offers a thoughtful, joyful poem for Holy Week.

As Christians celebrate Easter, we also remember that Jesus was celebrating Passover with his disciples in the Last Supper.  You may want to look at a passionate Passover prayer written by a Jewish woman, which we posted two years ago.

Stated Clerk Clifton Kirkpatrick sends an Easter message, reflecting on the profound faith of Christian in Sudan, in the midst of their profound suffering.

The Evangelical Roots of American Unilateralism: the Christian Right's influence and how to counter it 

Duane Oldfield, associate professor of political science at Knox College and the author of The Right and the Righteous, has written a special report on the Christian right and the unilateralist foreign policy of the present administration.

The March for Women's Lives this year will take place in Washington, DC, on April 25

The aim is for a public demonstration of historic size in support of reproductive freedom and justice for all women, when threats to these rights have never been so systematic and coordinated, and the lives and health of women have never faced such peril.

For the first time ever this pro-choice march is a collaborative effort of seven leading national women's rights groups.

NOW with Bill Moyers deals with Bush administration's new nuclear arms race

PBS-TV Airdate: Friday, April 2, 2004 at 9 p.m. on PBS
(check local listings at http://www.pbs.org/now/sched.html)

Is the world on the threshold of a new nuclear arms race? In the months following 9/11, the Bush Administration issued an ambitious plan for the future of America's nuclear weapons arsenal. That plan envisions new, specialized nuclear weapons and other devices that could be used in a first strike against terrorists and rogue dictators. On Friday, April 2, 2004 on PBS (check local listings), NOW with Bill Moyers weighs the potential impact of a renewed nuclear arms development program on global proliferation and examines the military efficacy of some of these new weapons against a terrorist enemy. With the Bush administration asking for $500 million to fund research, the program gives viewers a look at the possibilities for America's nuclear arms future. Check out the web page at http://www.pbs.org/now/politics/newnukes.html

FCNL has lots of helpful background information for those who want to read more and act on this important issue: http://www.fcnl.org/issues/issue.php?issue_id=48

Center for Defense Information also has a good collection of online resources: http://www.cdi.org/program/index.cfm?programid=32

Grove City professor criticizes the thinking behind Rosemary Radford Ruether's call to the churches to bear witness against the "American messianic nationalism" of our time

This critical response has come from Dr. Earl H. Tilford, Jr., Ph.D., Professor of History at Grove City College.  This essay was written for publication elsewhere, but he has offered to share it here.

Seeking a more dynamic view of the Trinity 

A study paper entitled "The Trinity: God’s Love Overflowing" has grown out of three years of work by a Trinity Working Group established by the General Assembly, and working under the Office of Theology and Worship.  At this summer's General Assembly, the General Assembly Council will recommend that this paper serve as the basis for a series of consultations on the Trinity throughout the church. A final report will be made at the General Assembly in 2006.

The paper is available in PDF format on the PC(USA) website.

Responding to the paper, theologian Larry Golemon argues that while it is helpful, it could be much more helpful by taking current thinking more seriously, as it emphasizes God’s nature as social/relational, and as dynamic – God as becoming rather than static being.

WebWeaver's note:  Dr. Metherell gained some fame in the Presbyterian Church in the fall of 2002 when he demanded the convening of a special session on the 214th General Assembly to deal with to deal with what he called "a full-blown constitutional crisis" in the Presbyterian Church.  Click here for some reports and comments on that episode.

Click here for reports on the other three people seeking election as Stated Clerk.