Letters to the editor

Action by church court sickens, embarrasses me
While I recognized that their hands had been tied behind their backs by General Conference regressive steps, the action of the jury in the Beth Stroud trial still sickened me (“Lesbian UM clergywoman loses credentials,” Dec. 10).
It is increasingly embarrassing to acknowledge membership in an organization whose ads proclaims “open hearts, open minds, open doors,” while establishing and defending such an unjust and injurious practice.
The people who defend this action, it seems clear to me, are of the same mentality as those who propagated a patriarchal system, defended slavery and held women down for so long.
Dan Adams
San Antonio

Story gives wrong data about Pilgrims, holiday
I feel compelled to write regarding “Southwest Texans give thanks many ways” (Nov. 26). It was interesting to read the report of Thanksgiving celebrations in several of our area churches.
However, when I reached the part regarding the traditional holiday, I was appalled at the inaccuracies in the historical information about the Pilgrims. Their story is not a myth. They were real people who defied the English king and English church to choose their own ministers (not rewarded friends of the king), to read and study the Bible for themselves, and to worship as they interpreted the Bible.
They were called Separatists. They suffered financially, were hunted and imprisoned, and found it necessary to leave their homes and homeland to follow their spiritual path.
They came to the New World to worship God, colonize, create homes, hunt, farm and stay.
The Pilgrims became friends with the Pokanoket tribe of the Wamponoag Nation, made a treaty that lasted more than the 40 years of Chief Massassoit’s life and did indeed celebrate a good harvest by inviting the Indians to be their guests.
Their celebration lasted three days, and I have visited the spot where it took place. Today the tribe remains friends with the Society of Mayflower Descendents.
The staff writer who composed the November article cites several unnamed historians in the many errors. I consider that poor journalism.
The Society of Mayflower Descendents continues to seek additional historical data and distributes accurate information about the Pilgrims at www.mayflower.org.
I have studied extensively about the history of the Mayflower voyage. My ancestor was Elder William Brewster. He served as the spiritual leader when Pastor James Robinson chose to remain with the Separatists in England and Holland.
Mary E. Eck
San Antonio