Letter to the editor

My Bible tells me to get involved in political issues
William Wilberforce and John Wesley worked hard in the late 18th century to get the English Parliament to abolish slavery in Britain. In so doing they involved themselves in politics by trying to get Parliament to adopt a specific policy.
I believe Wilberforce and Wesley were right. Why? Because my Bible tells me so.
The late Pope John Paul II worked hard to support the Poles when they were under Soviet occupation and to get the Russians to end that occupation. In so doing he engaged in politics by attempting to get the Communist government to adopt a specific policy.
I believe the pope was right. Why? Because my Bible tells me so.
After World War II, Sid McMath and other returning veterans worked to overturn the municipal government of Hot Springs, Ark. It was involved in gambling, homosexuality at bathhouses and other corrupt activities. By running for public office, McMath (later governor of Arkansas) engaged in politics.
I believe McMath was right. Why? Because my Bible tells me so.
U.S. Sen. Al Gore Sr., D-Tenn., was the only senator from the South to vote for the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and actively oppose the Vietnam War. For these indiscretions, Gore was defeated for re-election.
I believe Gore was right. Why? Because my Bible tells me so.
Christians should not hesitate to take unpopular stands to help those enslaved by poverty, lack of education or war—even though they will be accused of engaging in politics.
Why? Because my Bible tells me so.
Hugh G. Moore Jr.
Austin

Letter about Stroud case raises important question
I commend Dan Adams for writing his letter in support of Beth Stroud (“Beth Stroud case dramatizes travesty of justice in UMC,” June 24). I also commend United Methodist Witness for publishing it.
Mr. Adams asks the church a very important question: “How long will it take the majority of our membership to fathom that being gay is not about choice of behavior but is about who the person is?”
Yes, indeed, how long?
James J. Billings
Las Cruces, N.M.

Alberto Merubia has written exciting, encouraging story
My family has known the Rev. Alberto Merubia; his wife, Elsa; and their children for more than 45 years. Beginning as our pastor in Austin in the early 1960s and continuing throughout these years, their family and ours have remained connected through ups and downs and have received support from each other.
We were very excited to learn that he was going to write his memoirs, In the Line of No Resistance: God’s Will. Proceeds from the sale of these memoirs will go toward modernizing the Biblioteca Moises Merubia at Instituto Americano in Cochabama, Bolivia. That memorial honors Albert’s father as one of the founders of Methodism in Bolivia.
After reading his book, we were not disappointed. It’s an exciting, encouraging and spiritually uplifting story that I would like to recommend for everyone to acquire.
Beverly Jones did an excellent job reviewing the book in the May 27 Witness (“New book tells of pastor’s faith-based life”).
To order a copy, call the United Methodist Center in San Antonio, (888) 349-4191. The cost is $19.95.
Donald K. Leifeste
Cumming, Ga.