We didn’t offer Christ to all during our conference

 

 

 

I want to apologize publicly to Bishop Joel N. Martinez and to all my brothers and sisters in Christ of minority races in this conference and share my deep sadness at some of the actions taken at this past Southwest
Texas Annual Conference session.
I am not proud of my Anglo heritage. I am most especially not proud of being a female.
As a woman, I have over the years experienced discrimination firsthand in the work force and other areas of society. Those experiences have given me ideas of “getting even” or pushing my female agenda because I have been hurt and because discrimination against females still does go on.
But Christ has taught us a better way. He was mistreated, and yet he forgave his accusers, and he taught love, justice, fairness and equality for all people wherever he went. Christ especially taught his followers that in making sure justice was done, you don’t mistreat others just to get your caused furthered.
My husband was of the Jewish faith when we were married. I am happy to say he was loved into the Christian faith by members of my church and our pastors 15 years after our marriage.
He has known deep discrimination most of his life. He could easily be bitter and feel justified in fighting for the rights of Jews above the causes of everyone else. Yet God has taught him a better way.
My husband does speak out whenever any group is discriminated against. Yes, he does fight for the equitable treatment of Jews everywhere but never to the detriment of any other group. He believes in fairness for all people.
I am outraged that many in a special interest group and many in one of our districts appeared to vote last month only for their candidates and causes, while not remembering the concerns of the whole conference.
I was utterly devastated when members of the conference session had to get up and beg that we act like Christians and elect a diverse General Conference delegation.
I believe Christ taught us a better way. What was done in this “Christian Conferencing” last month in Corpus Christi was, at best, disgraceful and, at worst, a practice that had no place being there.
We didn’t offer Christ to all at this past conference session. May we heal from our wounds, remember grace abounds and offer Christ to all in our churches and communities.