Speaker, nor church are engaged in any'fight': St. Paul's member
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Posted 3 months ago
Re: "A new fight for Loney, church", Monday, Oct. 26
As a member of St. Paul's United Church, and in attendance at Mr. Jim Loney's afternoon presentation, the day was not a "fight" for anything. It was entirely the opposite, in its tone and substance. Mr. Loney's very moving talk, as a member of the Christian Peacemakers Team, was exactly that -- a presentation of peace.
Jim shared with us his very difficult experience of being kidnapped and imprisoned in Iraq. Though he felt much fear and isolation, not knowing from day to day, for over four months, whether he would ever be free again, he said, no matter what, he could never fight or kill anyone. Victimized in a war zone, Jim Loney shared his experience of a challenging secular world of injustice, exclusion and oppression.
The morning worship service was just that, a worship service, motivated by a caring concern for all.
As was mentioned in the article, St. Paul's is considering an issue that we all know is exciting for some and challenging for others. It has involved study and discussion, and now the church community is about to prayerfully decide its policy related to same-gender marriage.
Because the voters wish to be as thoughtfully, compassionately and spiritually informed as possible, they were grateful to Jim Loney and others for coming to the morning service to tell their related stories and thus help with that process. They were not engaging in any fight nor pressuring opinion one way or another; they were just telling their stories.
St. Paul's is privileged to have the opportunity and freedom of conscience to face a relevant and challenging social and religious issue related to same-gender marriage.
In both the morning worship service and the afternoon presentation, Mr. Jim Loney's stories enriched the lives of all who heard him. We thank St. Paul's Church for an enlightening and memorable day.
Speaking about Peace,another presentation, guaranteed to be enriching, enjoyable and moving, is happening on Sunday evening, Nov. 1, at 7:30 p. m. at St. Paul's. A musical presentation, theEthno Mass for Peace,involving all choirs, accompanied by readings, drumming and visual art. Everyone is most welcome.
Sara Jenkins, Orillia
