Rev. Dr. Chuck Currie

Remembering James "Jim" B. Barlow

James B. Barlow

For thirty-three years, Jim Barlow has been my friend. His death in the early hours of this morning stings and I am not alone. Hundreds if not thousands of family, colleagues, friends, fellow churchgoers, and certainly those who were his students feel the same way this evening.

Jim was a social worker turned teacher. He taught at Sunset High School in the 60s before moving on to Aloha High School from where he finally retired in the mid-2000s (dragged kicking and screaming from his classroom, I would think).

Along with Bill Presley, Jim he started the Model Presidential Nominating Conventions in 1964. The first conventions, which attracted speakers like Robert F. Kennedy in 1968, were held at Sunset. But within a few presidential cycles, the Model Conventions grew and drew the participation of hundreds of schools and thousands of students. A Monday night leadership class, called Metro Congress, met weekly every year to develop leadership for the conventions and to debate the issues of the day. Speakers at Metro Congress were high level, used to dealing with adults, and sometimes left in awe (one speaker left in tears) at the grilling they received by high school students.

The Model Conventions - often called the “Mock Conventions” - moved into the Memorial Coliseum by the 70s. Whatever party was out of power was what the convention simulated as students poured over state election data and the records of presidential candidates. Jimmy Carter spoke in 1976. Ronald Reagan was there in 1980. Both Michael Dukakis and Jesse Jackson were speakers at the 1988 convention. Bill Clinton appeared in 1992. George W. Bush declined to speak in 2000 and vote-by-mail in Oregon was a major factor in the cancellation of the convention program. Presidential candidates stopped campaigning in Oregon near primary day, and it became impossible to bring in major speakers (if we could have only foreseen the 2008 race between Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton…).

Jim took care of the big picture concerns of the convention – finding speakers, etc. – while Bill focused on teaching students about how to craft a political platform that represented whichever party was being modeled that year. They were a dynamic duo supplemented by younger teachers who helped run mock presidential campaigns and issues caucuses. Carole Douglas took care of the finances. In 1984, I was a student in the convention (a proud Gary Hart delegate). In 1988, I was brought on as a consultant to the convention and an advisor to Metro Congress. Jim, Bill and I developed important friendships. They have both been family to me.

Chuck, Carole, Bill and Jim

Jim, of course, was a philosophy teacher when he wasn’t helping to run the conventions. Just take a moment to read the tributes made to Jim over the years on the James B. Barlow Appreciation Society on Facebook to get an idea of the lives he touched. He won a prestigious Milken Educator Award in 1990 and many other honors.

For two years, between 2012-2014, I was the senior minister of Sunnyside Church where Jim had been a member since birth. It was not so much a job but another opportunity to have fun with Jim. We spent nearly every Saturday night together folding bulletins and tearing apart our theologies and putting them back together again.

Liz and Jim

Jim had a serious of strokes on Sunday. It was clear that he would not survive them. Bill came that Sunday night and Jim was not awake. But on Monday Jim awoke for a few hours and said that it was “very sweet” that Bill had visited. He could hear us but just couldn’t respond. As Bill told me the next day, and I couldn’t agree more, it was very special for the three of us to spend one last time together.

You’ll hear from just about every student Jim ever had that they adopted some of Jim’s odd mannerisms. My wife Liz, who was Jim’s student teacher when working on her Master of Arts in Teaching at Lewis and Clark, sometimes bemoans my Barlow sense of humor. That came from both Jim and Bill. So if you’re ever offended by my jokes you know whom to blame.

My decision to leave Sunnyside Church (and my other assignment at University Park Church) for Pacific University was not an easy one. There was still work to be done, but it was obvious that my call to ministry was in a different place.

Still, during those two years, I had with Jim some of the most intimate conversations we had ever had. We talked about our love for one another – our love for Bill, for Carole, for Liz, and for pets (mostly cats on Jim’s part) – and the feeling of family we had developed over thirty years. Our daughters loved it when he’d call them varmints. Jim’s death leaves a void. But his family and friends, along with the legions of students he taught, will keep building a more informed citizenry and, in Jim’s words, a more “fluffy” world.

We’re not even at the 24-hour mark since Jim died. If he had any regrets – besides passing before his wife, Susan – it would have been not to vote for Hillary Clinton in November. The Unites States with Donald Trump as president was not acceptable to Jim. He knew we could do better as a people.

PS Coffee and tea will be served in the StarLight room.

UPDATE: A memorial service for James Barlow will occur at the former Sunnyside Church (3520 SE Yamhill Street, Portland, Ore., 97214) on Sat., October 29, 2016 at 6:30pm. A reception will follow. Please contact Rev. Dr. Chuck Currie at [email protected] or 503-208-6521 with questions.

Remembering Loyd Hubbard

Rev. Dr. Chuck Currie, Loyd Hubbard and Richard Meyer

Loyd Hubbard – Southern-turned Oregonian, former chief of staff to the Oregon Senate, confidant of legendary Oregon Governor Tom McCall, manager / owner of The Empire Apartments, and advocate for ending homelessness at Baloney Joe’s – died today. He was 82.

Loyd’s family shared the news on Facebook a short time ago.

As a long-time friend and Loyd’s “spiritual advisor,” his words, I was fortunate to spend time with him this week. Richard Meyer and other close friends kept close watch over Loyd as his health declined. He wanted no memorial but I would suspect that friends will remember Loyd in different ways.

This past summer, after spending some time visiting Loyd, I wrote this post on Facebook describing our friendship and Loyd’s tireless work for the community:

Our first meeting occurred when I was just 16. A Democratic Party operative seeing some potential in a very young Chuck Currie, made it his mission to introduce me to every candidate considering a run for the democratic presidential nomination in 1988. In 1985, this included my attending a small event in the West Hills for then Senator Paul Simon (D-IL). Also there was Hubbard. Hubbard had been a confident of the legendary Tom McCall, Oregon's finest governor, and chief-of-staff to the president of the Oregon Senate. For some reason, in 1985, he thought a short man with glasses and a bow tie would make an ideal president (later I came to learn that this was because Simon was one of the most progressive members of the U.S. Senate and a person of deep integrity). Loyd took one look at me and made a joke about the cowboy boots I was wearing (in my teens and 20s - still today on special occasions - I always wore cowboy boots). The next year I ran into Hubbard again at Baloney Joe's, the always controversial and colorful shelter for homeless men, where he again made fun of my boots. Hubbard was volunteering his time at the shelter (in "retirement") bringing in major gifts. Mayor Bud Clark awarded Loyd Portland's highest honor, The Spirit of Portland Award, in 1985 for his civic work. He even once talked Doris Day into donating a diamond ring for an auction. By 1988, I'd left Pacific University after one year to spend all my time serving as a board member for Burnside Community Council, which operated Baloney Joe's (minus the summers when I had a very odd job of producing a series of summer concerts with the Oregon Symphony which drew crowds of over 75,000 to Portland's Waterfront Park...Loyd would always bring a contingent of friends from Baloney Joe's and try to start chants of of "Chuck! Chuck! Chuck!" - I'm thinking of you, Shari! - whenever I came on stage to make an announcement). Living off the $6,000 a year I made running the Waterfront Classics wasn't easy. Loyd, being Loyd, had somehow managed to come into partial ownership of "The Empire" apartments and to his ever lasting regret rented me a studio unit where I was nearly always short on rent (I went three winters there without heat) and had two cats, Freedom and Libby, known as being somewhat messy (some people will want to comment on this but restrain yourselves). The Empire was legendary. Everyone you wanted to know lived there. Some of them possibly felons on the run. But with Loyd's help and support, which included feeding me many home cooked meals and taking me and others out to great places like Alexis, I was able to start the all-volunteer Burnside Advocates Group (BAG) and begin work at Outside In. Loyd introduced me during those years to some of the most outrageous characters in Portland - from drag queens to politicians, all part of the colorful make-up that is Portland past and present. Many people from the "Empire days" are still friends and that includes not just the people who lived there but those who were always present at Loyd's dinner table and fully stocked Happy Hour bar. Loyd was there at our wedding (where he made a completely inappropriate toast in Hubbard style) and there for my ordination where he whispered to my mother: "The Lord moves in mysterious ways." Her perfect reply: "He sure does." Today we remembered these long years of friendship and enjoyed telling stories about all the people he has introduced me to along the way and some of the friends we've lost on this journey as well. Loyd, it isn't often I write a public tribute for a friend but you are one of a kind, a blessing in my life, and I love you. P.S. I will quickly email you an insult to move past this mushy stuff. See you soon! 

When I was last with Loyd he had CNN on and was watching coverage of the election primary fight. He loved President Obama and was a loyal democrat who liked to win elections. Loyd was tuned in to the world around him until the very end. I will miss him.

Statement on Gretchen Kafoury

Statement on Gretchen Kafoury

Portland has lost an iconic leader with the passing of Gretchen Kafoury. Without her leadership our community would be less rich. She gifted us by lending her voice to causes as diverse as ending homelessness, reducing gun violence, and promoting equality for all – including women and the LGBT community. It was my honor to serve as her representative to the Multnomah County Community Action Commission when she served on the Portland City Council. Gretchen mentored a generation of young Oregonians that will carry on her legacy by continuing the fight for the causes she held most dear.

Rev. Chuck Currie, director of the Center for Peace and Spirituality and university chaplain at Pacific University

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Sister Mary Kay Lampert: Advocate For The Least Of These Dies

It is with great sadness that I note the death of Sister Mary Kay Lampert, my friend and long-time colleague. After several difficult bouts with cancer, Mary Kay passed away on July 1 and a funeral was held July 11. At the time of her death, we were out of town and I only learned the news today. Sister Mary Kay and I first worked together at Baloney Joe’s, a multi-service center for men experiencing homelessness, and later shared the job of coordinating the activities of Burnside Advocates Group (BAG). We last had the chance to visit in March. Mary Kay was a teacher for many years at Central Catholic High School, and also taught both at Marylhurst University and the University of Portland. She volunteered for years at Our House, a facility serving those with AIDS, and often invited people to join her for lunch at a gay bar across the street from the agency. Sister Mary Kay believed that women should be ordained – I was proud to invite her to preach on the mission of the church when I served Parkrose Community United Church of Christ – and was a strong supporter of unions. My sadness is tempered only by the knowledge that she is with God and that she lived a life fully present with God – working to build the Kingdom and advancing the needs of the least of these here on earth. I will miss my friend and partner of over twenty-five years deeply but know that she joins that great cloud of witnesses that loves us through space and time. Gifts in her honor can be made to the Sisters of the Holy Names Retirement Fund, P.O. Box 411, Marylhurst, OR 97036.  Please pray for her family and friends, particularly Sister Rosemary Anne Parker.

What I'm Thankful For

2012 has not been an easy year.  We lost my mother, Judy Bright, to cancer in April at only 62 and during that time I was diagnosed and treated for a cancer of my own.  Despite these difficulties there is much to be thankful for.  I’m thankful for the honor to serve God as the minister of both Sunnyside Church and University Park Church here in Portland, to study on-line and on-site at Chicago Theological Seminary (and for the grace they have shown me this year) and for my family and friends who have lifted me up during challenging times.  

In the Hebrew Scriptures we find Psalm 100:

1 Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth.

2   Worship the Lord with gladness;

   come into his presence with singing.

3 Know that the Lord is God.

   It is he that made us, and we are his;*

   we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving,

   and his courts with praise.

   Give thanks to him, bless his name.

5 For the Lord is good;

   his steadfast love endures for ever,

   and his faithfulness to all generations.

In this spirit, I give thanks for all the many blessings I have.  Despite the injuries suffered over this year it is hard not to feel overwhelmed with blessings as Liz and I watch our daughters grow and as I become closer with the parishioners whom I am in ministry with.     

It goes without saying that 2012 has been a difficult time for many in our nation and the world.  I give special thanks to those who find in their faith the courage to work for justice and the common good.  And I pray for a better tomorrow for us all.  

The Passing Of Paul Copley, Teacher

Liz and I were both deeply saddened to learn this weekend of the passing of Paul Copley, a former teacher to us both, friend and colleague.

Paul taught my second year honors history class at Sunset High School.  When he retired from Sunset he went to join the faculty at the Graduate School of Education at Lewis and Clark College, where he had often taught cources.  Liz took an economics cource from him when she was earning her MAT and taught with him for a period in the Beaverton School District.

His death over the weekend was unexpected.  He'll be remembered as a fine teacher who encouraged students to think critically.  The website at Lewis and Clark offers this bio of his work:

Paul Copley has been an instructor at Lewis & Clark's Graduate School of Education and Counseling since 1995. An adjunct until 2003, he joined the full faculty after completing a high school social studies teaching career.

After completing an undergraduate degree in history at Lewis & Clark, Paul began teaching in Compton, California in 1968. He earned his M.A. in history in 1971 and returned to Oregon, where he subsequently taught for 32 years at Sunset High School. For 20 of those years, he also served as department chair of social studies. Paul was an adjunct professor in history at Portland State University from 1991 to 2003 and served as a consultant in economics to the College Board between1988 and 2003.

His major academic interests are in political economy and 20th-century history. Paul teaches elective courses in both content areas, and serves as a cohort coordinator, specialist, and advisor in teaching social studies with a particular emphasis on constructivist curriculum design and instruction. His research has supported political activism directed toward high-quality social studies teaching in Oregon, and writing content text for teachers in both American history and economics.

A memorial service has been set for Sunday, July 17th at 4pm at Beaverton's Foursquare Church.

We were glad to have last seen Paul briefly over Christmas.  My prayers are with his family.

A memorial page on Facebook has been established for friends and former students.

The Rev. Dr. Arvin R. Luchs Retires

The Rev. Dr. Arvin R. Luchs, senior minister of Portland's First United Methodist Church, retired today after ten years in that position and nearly 40 years of ordained ministry in the United Methodist Church, including in the UMC's national communications office. He assumed the pulpit at FUMC when I was serving as the congregation's director of community outreach. During a time of declining membership for mainline churches Dr. Luchs showed that churches that were welcoming and open to all could survive and even thrive. He quickly became more than my boss. Arvin became a friend and mentor and later a trusted colleague in ordained ministry. It was Arvin that I asked to give the "charge to ministry" during my ordination service at Portland's First Congregational United Church of Christ in 2006 (the below pictures of Dr. Luchs are from that service). His pastoral leadership stands as an example for others. First United Methodist Church will miss his leadership but the church will continue on in part because of his legacy. The church universal is fortunate that when God called Arvin Luchs to ministry he faithfully answered that call. No one was surprised to hear that his first act of "retirement" was to join the board of directors of Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon.

The Rev. Dr. Arvin Luchs

The Rev. Chuck Currie, The Rev. Dr. Arvin Luchs, and The Rev. John Gantt

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"Ecumenical Conference on Justice for Dalits"

Discrimination against the Dalit people of India is real, often times violent, and as troublesome as the Apartheid system in old South Africa.  I saw this firsthand when visiting South India in 2003 as part of a group from Eden Theological Seminary.  Sadly, most people across the globe are unaware of this human rights crisis  The World Council of Churches reports on an upcoming conference to address the moral issues involved: 

At a conference of church leaders being convened by the National Council of Churches in India in partnership with the World Council of Churches in New Delhi from 22-24 October 2010, the sin and scandal of caste discrimination right within the church will be the main topics of discussion.

Organized as a follow up to the Global Conference on Justice for Dalits in Bangkok in March 2009, the Delhi conference is expected to call on the churches to end caste discrimination in the churches and the society and to be in solidarity with the Dalits in their struggles for dignity, justice and life and for a new social order that is free of caste.

About 100 leaders from churches, ecumenical organizations and Dalit initiatives are expected to participate in this event.

A new publication, Dalit Theology in the Twenty First Century: Discordant Voices, Discerning Pathways, edited by Sathianathan Clarke, Deenabandhu Manchala and Philip Peacock and jointly published by the World Council of Churches and Oxford University Press (New Delhi) will be presented at the conference.

I was very fortunate during my 2003 trip to make friends with The Rev. Raj Bharath Patta, then a student at Gurukul Lutheran Theological College and now the Executive Secretary of the National Council of Churches in Inida's Commission on Dalits. You can read more about the upcoming conference on their website. 

Sunday, December 5th is being recognized this year by churches in India as "Dalit Liberation Sunday."  Please consider marking the day with a special prayer in your church.

Related Post:  A Podcast Sermon On Romans 13:8-14: Pray, Fast For The Dalit People

The Commitment Ceremony Of Paul And Wave

We just returned from the commitment ceremony of our friends Paul and Wave.  Paul is someone that I've known for around 25 years (wow!) and I could not be happier for him and Wave on this very special day.  The service was wonderful, filled with joy and God's Holy presence.  It was an honor to attend with so many friends.   

The Rev. Nathan Meckley performed the ceremony.  

The Rev. Dr. Arvin Luchs read Scripture.

Paul and Chuck, old friends.

Liz and I both continue to look forward to the day when our gay and lesbian friends are afforded all the same basic rights and legal protections that we have been given in our marriage.  

Spirit Of Portland Awards

As The Oregonian notes, the city of Portland is about to bestow their annual "Spirit of Portland Awards."  Two of my favorite people in the world - Loyd Hubbard and the late F. Gene Ediger - are past recipients.  These awards are given out to people and organizations that work to promote to common good of our community.  I'm always impressed with the accomplishments of those who receive the award.  Portland is a great city and we should stop and recognize those that make it even better.  Click here for a full list of the 2010 Spirit of Portland Award winners. 

Up With Nkrumah

Steve Duin suggested recently in The Oregonian that Wade Nkrumah had been naive to believe when he took the job as Mayor Sam Adams' communications director that the politician would be honest in his dealings with the press.  It wasn't naiveté.  It was idealism.  Nkrumah, a former reporter for The Oregonian, actually thought the person who held the position of mayor should be forthright and direct and that the mayor's communications director should do the same.  But it turned out that Sam Adams didn't understand the definition of honesty and when Nkrumah learned he was being asked to repeat the mayor's lies he resigned only to have the mayor tell the press Nkrumah couldn't handle the stress.  Nkrumah sued the city and now that suit has been dismissed (The Oregonian reports an appeal may follow).  I for one would like to have more people in politics - not less - who believe that honesty should be a foundational characteristic for political leaders and their staff members.  As I've said before, I'm proud to have Wade Nkrumah as a friend.           

The Bible by Bicycle

Whenever I get  a Google alert that has some sort of combination of "United Church of Christ," "Barack Obama," and "Chuck Currie" it comes from a blog or Religious Right website that then proceeds to explain how the UCC is a socialist cult and our president the anti-Christ (if I'm mentioned it usually follows that I'm an employee and / or supporter of said anti-Christ).  

So it was with trepidation that I opened a recent alert that had these words:

To those of you reading from Portland, the UCC is the church of Chuck Currie and Barack Obama.

What had we done now?

But the full paragraph made me smile:

I managed to arrive in time....to enjoy the worship service at the Klamath Falls Congregational United Church of Christ. To those of you reading from Portland, the UCC is the church of Chuck Currie and Barack Obama. The Klamath Falls congregation is awesome.

This is from the blog The Bible by Bicycle, by Andrew Palmbeck. Andrew works for Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon.

Andrew is one of the smartest and nicest young leaders in Oregon today (and I say this not just because he writes complementary things about me on his blog).  He has one of the brightest minds I know.

And good taste in women.  Andrew dates Michelle Rogelstad, who worked on the Yes on 66 and 67 campaigns and now for the Bus Project (in between she worked on my short campaign for county commissioner as our field director).  Michelle had endless energy and talent.  

Keep your eye on these two.  They'll be in charge of Oregon before long.

That gives me a lot of hope for the future. 

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays To You All

 

Remembering Dr. William Connor

As noted in The Circuit Rider, the newsletter of Portland’s First United Methodist Church, Dr. William Connor passed away last Sunday after a battle with cancer. Oregon lost a giant that day. 

Many people will spend time between now and the memorial (which is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 14th at 2pm at FUMC) chronicling his successful and much honored medical carrier. His biography on the Oregon Health Sciences University website, where he long served as a Professor of Medicine, states: 

Dr. Connor`s special interest is in atherosclerosis, nutrition and lipid metabolism. He received his medical degree from the University of Iowa College of Medicine in 1950. He completed his residency training in Internal Medicine at San Joaquin General Hospital in Stockton, Ca., Veterans Administration Hospital in Iowa City, and at the University of Iowa. Dr. Connor completed his fellowships in Internal Medicine at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Iowa City, and in Pathology at Oxford University. (Photo credit: OHSU.) 

My experience with Bill Connor, however, was not in the medical world but through our shared faith. Bill and Sonja Connor, M.S., R.D., (Bill’s wife) were both members of First United Methodist Church during my tenure there as the director of community outreach. 

I had enormous interaction with both Sonja and Bill and grew over time to both respect and love them for their work, for the strong personal commitment they together made to building up the Kingdom of God, and for the ways they touched so many people through their professional lives. Liz and I were honored that it the midst of such busy lives Bill and Sonja were able to attend our wedding. 

Dr. Connor was a tireless advocate for social justice rooted in the Gospel teachings of Jesus. Together with Sonja (now the board chair of the Goose Hollow Family Shelter), he worked to alleviate homelessness and poverty by supporting both social service agencies and public policy proposals meant to help change the conditions that allow poverty and homelessness to grow in the first place. 

Bill and Sonja Connor were two of the strongest voices in favor of First United Methodist Church declaring itself to be a “Reconciling Congregation” – which means to become welcoming of gays and lesbians. When Basic Rights Oregon presented the congregation in 2000 with a “Profiles in Courage Award” for the church’s commitment to gay and lesbian equality it was Dr. Connor who went to the gala dinner to accept the recognition.

As the chair of the congregation's Church and Society Committee, Dr. Connor pushed First United Methodist Church to take early stands against the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. 

With Oregon legend Mark O. Hatfield, Oregon’s one time governor and longtime Republican U.S. Senator, and former Republican Oregon Secretary of State Norma Paulus, Dr. Connor launched initiatives to rid Oregon of the death penalty. As a physician and as a Christian, Bill always fought hard against a legal punishment he saw as cruel and fraught with flaws. 

Bill showed a particular kindness in 2005 when I was diagnosed with a rare tumor. He took charge of my medical care, made the appointments I would need with specialists and the surgeon, and was there in the ICU when I woke up after surgery. Because of the team of medical professionals he surrounded me with my recovery was never in doubt. 

The twins and I were fortunate to see Bill just three weeks before he passed away. He was, as always, concerned more about the world than about himself. 

On this Sunday, All Saints Day, it is worth stopping to pause and remember all William Connor’s contributions. Please keep the family, friends, co-workers, and congregation he leaves behind in your prayers.

 

News Link: Doctor who changed how Americans understand the link of disease and diet dies

Our Friend The Rev. Meredith Anderson Visits Portland

Our friend The Rev. Meredith Anderson is in Portland this weekend with her soon-to-be husband Mike.  Here's a picture of them with Frances and Katherine. They're in Oregon for a wedding and stayed with us a couple of days. Meredith and I attended Eden Theological Seminary together and she was a BIG help to us when the twins were born. It was great to see her and meet Mike!  Meredith is now the associate pastor of Grace United Church of Christ in Two Rivers, WI.

Today We Lost Pat Williams

 

Photo: Pat Williams (in the blue and white shirt) talks with Mollie Copeland at an event in the Oregon State Capitol building in 2003.

Pat Williams died today.  She was a loving mother and grandmother.  To all of her friends she was a giving person who always wanted to help out and always brought a gift when she came over.  Pat worked with non-profits and the city before taking ill.  She was #1 on the list of people waiting for a kidney and liver transplant.  But that help didn't come in time.

We were on a plane today when she died and so I didn't get a chance to say a last good-bye.  The last time we talked was about a week before we left on our trip back to South Carolina.  She was in good spirits and hopeful that a transplant would occur soon.  Pat and our friend Eileen had made plans to visit my church this coming Sunday.  

Next week Pat's friends and family will gather and celebrate her life.  We'll share stories of Pat's adventures, her generous heart, and of the love that radiated from her.

In the meantime, I have a favor to ask.

Become an organ donor.  OrganDonor.gov reports:

Each day, about 77 people receive organ transplants. However, 19 people die each day waiting for transplants that can't take place because of the shortage of donated organs.

None of us ever knows what tomorrow will bring.  But we can do something to make sure that if our own life is cut short that others can still live.  Click here to learn more about becoming a donor. 

All of us that knew Pat Williams will miss her forever.    

Update:  Pat's memorial service will be held on Tuesday, June 16th at 3pm at Parkrose Community United Church of Christ.  Read the obituary from The Oregonian here.   

Wade Nkrumah, Former Adams Staffer, Sues City

Shortly after a scandal erupted in Portland over allegations that Mayor Sam Adams had an inappropriate sexual relationship with a teen his director of communications, Wade Nkrumah, resigned.  Adams told KATU that Nkrumah resigned because the job had been too stressful for Nkrumah but Willamatte Week reported shortly thereafter that Nkrumah had really resigned because he didn't believe Adams was being truthful.

Willamette Week now reports on a new development in the saga:

Wade Nkrumah, who resigned as Mayor Sam Adams’ spokesman in January, has filed a notice of tort claim (PDF) against the mayor and the City of Portland alleging Adams “damaged his business reputation” when he told KATU that Nkrumah resigned because the job was “not what he signed up for in terms of stress.” 

Nkrumah, a former long-time reporter for The Oregonian, is seeking more than $162,000 in his claim along with attorney’s fees.

The paperwork filed May 14 by Nkrumah’s attorney Michael Hanlon, puts the city on notice that Nkrumah intends to file a claim. In that notice, Nkrumah says he resigned from the spokesman’s job Jan. 26, telling Adams both in a letter and in person that the reason for the resignation was that the mayor had lied to him twice about Adams’ relationship with Beau Breedlove.

Nkrumah says the first lie came in the Jan. 15 interview WWhad with Adams in the presence of Nkrumah and Adams staffer Amy Ruiz when Adams denied any “sexual contact” or “sexual relationship of any kind” with Beau Breedlove.

Nkrumah says a second lie came in a meeting Adams had on Jan. 22attended by 20-plus staffers at the home of chief of staff Tom Miller. Nkrumah says he asked Adams at that meeting if there had been any “flirting” or “touching” before Breedlove turned 18.

“Adams answered unequivocally no,” Nkrumah says in the claim, noting that Adams’ answer was contradicted by subsequent news stories that quoted Breedlove saying he and the mayor had kissed twice when Breedlove was 17, once in a City Hall bathroom.

Nkrumah’s claim goes on to say that Adams was “extremely nervous” at his Jan. 26 meeting with him about what Nkrumah would say publicly about his resignation. Nkrumah says Miller and he agreed later that Nkrumah would respond to all inquiries about the resignation with a “no comment” and that Miller would say he does “not comment on personnel matters.”

While Nkrumah did not go public with his concerns he did meet with representatives of the Oregon Attorney General's office investigating Adam's relationship.

As a reporter for The Oregonian, Wade Nkrumah covered homelessness and neighborhood issues.  From the early 1990's until he left the paper for the mayor's office he was my central contact with the paper. We developed a professional relationship and a genuine friendship.  Friendships often develop between reporters and subjects / sources.  That friendship never meant that he wrote what I wanted.  In fact, he often ignored story ideas that I suggested and when I left Portland for St. Louis to attend seminary and he was assigned to write a profile of me he included negative comments on my work from then-Mayor Vera Katz and others.  Wade is a friend but first he is a professional.

And so when Adams made his comments about Nkrumah to KATU I knew right away that Adams was acting in a Nixon-like manner in an effort to discredit  his former staffer.  Adams just couldn't deal with the fact that he'd made the mistake of hiring someone with such solid ethics that he would quit his job during a difficult time to find work rather than continue working for someone who could never trust the people of Portland with the truth.  I didn't say anything at the time to defend Wade (besides leaving a message on his Facebook page) because I knew he didn't want to get dragged anymore than he already had into the Sam Adams mess.  But now that this information is public (Wade did not tell me about the lawsuit...I found out reading the WW website) I can testify to the honor and integrity of this man.  Portland could benefit from more people like Wade Nkrumah in the media and politics.    

"Dan Bravin Will Destroy Your Lawn and replace it with tasty vegetables"

It turns out that Portland City Hall's new vegetable garden is a Dan Bravin production.  Dan moved to Portland quite a while back now and we worked together with Burnside Advocates Group and other projects right when he arrived (though most of our time back then was spent with a pitcher of beer somewhere near-by).  Now Dan is the founder of Portland Organoponico Project - an effort to teach people how to grow their own food.  Willamette Week recently interviewed him for this terrific article.   

For Fans Of Jim Barlow

There's now a Facebook group.

It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas

We got our tree yesterday from friends Bill and Caroloe.  They run the Wild Goose Christmas Tree Farm - which has a U-Cut for the first time - in North Plains, Oregon. 

The Rev. Dr. Andrew Weaver: Defender Of The Faith

The Rev. Dr. Andrew Weaver, a United Methodist minister and author, died last week.  Talk to Action has the story.  Andrew is perhaps best know for his work uncovering the connections between the Institute on Religion and Democracy (IRD) and right-wing political figures and funding sources.  IRD often vilified Andrew for his work but his scholarship was solid and he brought to light IRD's attempts to undermine the mainline Christian prophetic voice.  Andrew's books on pastoral care belong in the library of every clergy person.

Andrew and I became friends because of this blog.  He made contact with me nearly five years ago and we've keep up a correspondence since then.  We met once in person and talked on the phone occasionally.  He was a strong supporter of this blog - sometimes commenting himself or sending along story ideas - and I'll miss him.  My prayers are with his family and friends.  One of the real gifts of the internet is that it has brought me into contact with people like Andrew.  Andrew was a true blessing for the United Methodist Church.           

The Rev. Kate Lore!

What a great day! My good friend and colleague Kate Lore was ordained today as a minister in the Unitarian Universalist Association. We worked together at First United Methodist Church until she accepted the position as social justice director at First Unitarian Church of Portland. While in that position Kate earned her Master of Divinity degree at Meadville Lombard Theological School in Chicago by taking classes on a part-time basis (talk about keeping busy). Just minutes after being ordained she was installed as the new Minister of Social Justice for First Unitarian Church. I’m so proud to know Kate. She is one of the most committed people I've worked with in the world of social justice work and the people of First Unitarian Church are blessed to have her spirit on call as a clergyperson.

Photo credit: First Unitarian Church

It Was Ten Years Ago Today

Today years ago today Portland lost one of our leading advocates for causes such as ending homelessness and battling HIV/AIDS when Gene Ediger died.  Gene was the partner of (now) well known Portland blogger Worldwide Pablo (aka Paul Nickell).  During his life Gene was one of the administrators of Baloney Joe's and in his final years he served as the chair of the board of directors for Outside In.  He was an early mentor of mine.  I know for all his family and friends it is difficult to even think that ten years have gone by without him here to rally our spirits or to get the first beer poured.  Gene was such a strong and caring presence that in many ways it is still possible to think of him as being around.  He is always missed and will never be forgotten.

Read The Oregonian article about Gene's passing.   

Photo credit:  The ever talented Sue Elwood Buce.   

Sometimes The Best Laid Plans....

Here's how we intended to spend this afternoon and evening:  First, at a BBQ at our friend Magda's house in SE Portland with the twins.  Then we planned to head off across the river to Vancouver to help our friend Michelle celebrate her birthday.  Instead a truck hit us and nicely banged up our new car as we drove to Magda's.  None of us were hurt, thank God.  The car is another story .  We never made it to the BBQ or to Vancouver but not all was lost:  Symphony in the Park was about two blocks from our house and after spending a little time at that we left the girls with the babysitter we'd already scheduled for tonight and headed over to our neighborhood theater to see The Bourne Ultimatum.  It wasn't how we planned to spend the day but at least we're all ok.          

Sunset High School Class of 1987

Here’s a hard one for me to take in: it was twenty years ago this summer that I graduated from Sunset High School out in Beaverton. This weekend is our reunion and tonight Liz and I had the chance to gather with several Sunset alum and their partners for a “pre-union” get together. One of the great joys in my life is that I’ve been able to stay in such close contact with so many friends from high school and before – people like Heather, Jon, Larisa, Erik, Jani, Kate, Michelle and others I’m blanking out on right now because it is late. Every high school has problems and growing up in the suburbs in the 80s wasn’t always the easiest thing to do but we were so amazingly fortunate to attend a well funded public school that offered a full array of programs. Without teachers like Bill Pressly and Jim Barlow – now two dear friends – I would have been lost as a teenager. Looking back after twenty years it is clear to me how fortunate we all were to be in a community that could afford to fund their public schools. Every child deserves what we had growing up. Now this nearly middle aged man – who looks so young in this picture – has to go to bed to save up some energy for tomorrow night.

Old Friends

Wednesday and Thursday I had the chance to reconnect with some old friends.

Dan Bravin (homeless advocated turned computer fix-it guy turned green business man) joined me at Produce Row Wedneday night where we compared notes about kids and families and he updated me on his new business venture. Dan and his dad are in the process of starting a “green” plumbing business here in Portland and they have a blog to prove it. Green plumbing helps to reduce water consumption and that is a really good thing as global warming heats up the earth.

Thursday morning Joseph Santos-Lyons dropped by the church for coffee. Joseph is a recent graduate of Harvard Divinity School and headed toward ordination in the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA). He’s been on the national staff of the UUA for years, writes a blog about his social justice work, and is a Portlander just back from Boston (via the Philippines where he spent several months working with churches).

Check out their blogs and watch out for both of them. These two are going to help change the world in really good ways.

It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas

We went out to North Plains today where our friends Bill and Carole own a Christmas Tree farm.  Now we're set for the holiday.         

Happy Thanksgiving

"For my own part I wish the Bald Eagle had not been chosen the Representative of our Country. He is a Bird of bad moral Character. He does not get his Living honestly. You may have seen him perched on some dead Tree near the River, where, too lazy to fish for himself, he watches the Labour of the Fishing Hawk; and when that diligent Bird has at length taken a Fish, and is bearing it to his Nest for the Support of his Mate and young Ones, the Bald Eagle pursues him and takes it from him.

"With all this Injustice, he is never in good Case but like those among Men who live by Sharping & Robbing he is generally poor and often very lousy. Besides he is a rank Coward: The little King Bird not bigger than a Sparrow attacks him boldly and drives him out of the District. He is therefore by no means a proper Emblem for the brave and honest Cincinnati of America who have driven all the King birds from our Country....

"I am on this account not displeased that the Figure is not known as a Bald Eagle, but looks more like a Turkey. For the Truth the Turkey is in Comparison a much more respectable Bird, and withal a true original Native of America... He is besides, though a little vain & silly, a Bird of Courage, and would not hesitate to attack a Grenadier of the British Guards who should presume to invade his Farm Yard with a red Coat on."

--Benjamin Franklin, in a letter to his daughter

This is a quote from Mr. Frankin that I posted last year on Thanksgiving.  I enjoy it so much that I'm reposting for those that missed it.  Though I have no strong feelings on this great debate it is a well worded argument. 

We cooked a ham and shared several pies tonight with friends attending our annual Thanksgiving Eve potluck  Tomorrow we'll be joining my family.  A few photos are below...

I hope that you have good Thanksgiving plans and a safe holiday.

The Lord be with you.

Katherine waits for dinner in daddy's study

Frances also waits for dinner in daddy's study

Dinner arrives

More friends gather

O’Connor’s in Multnomah Village

O’Connor’s in Multnomah Village has been one of my favorite Portland restaurants for nearly twenty years – before it even was in Multnomah Village. The food is terrific but the owner is a classic. Steve Arel was on the board of director of Baloney Joe’s during the same period I was. Today The Oregonian profiled his restaurant and they got the story right. Instead of sending in a food critic they sent in a writer to get a flavor for who Steve Arel is.

Steve Arel grew up in the restaurant and bar business under family tutelage back when O'Connor's was downtown's last men-only establishment.

But 18 years after he took over from his dad in 1972, Arel wearied of being a tenant in the battered old Jack London Hotel, the last of three downtown O'Connor's locations. He decided to buy his own building.

Arel, who grew up in Southwest Portland and graduated from Wilson High School, found a place on a street he'd bicycled countless times as a kid. It was a tavern at 7850 S.W. Capitol Highway.

In 1991, Arel transformed it into the new home of O'Connor's. Besides a full bar and a moderately priced menu of eclectic Tex-Mex-Southern-style food, the restaurant has become home away from home for many regulars, and Arel has planted himself firmly as a Multnomah Village asset.

"Steve is probably the most generous business owner in the village," says Luna Jaffe, president of the Multnomah Village Business Association. Jaffe works nearby and eats often at O'Connor's. "He has donated an endless amount of food and beverages to a wide range of events, in addition to operating a consistently well-run restaurant."

Arel upped his community ante four years ago when he bought an adjoining storefront that housed the Multnomah Bank when he was a kid.

The annex, which Arel also calls the Vault, is a music venue at night and can be rented for evening parties. During the day, Arel makes it available at no cost for community groups, including the business association.

"I don't use it a lot during the day," Arel says. "I've been in the community a long time. It's a way of giving back."

That isn’t the only way he gives back to the community. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve asked Steve to help with a fund raiser and there has never been a time when has turned me down.

We tried to go there just last week but they hadn’t opened up yet (I guess unlike our twins most people don’t think 5:45 am is an appropriate breakfast time). It was a big loss for us. Where else in town can you get food that good from a business owner so committed to his town?

A Brick From Baloney Joe's

Not a lot of people get a brick as a gift when they're ordained into ministry.  But that is just what my friends Erik Sten and Bob Durston got me.  The brick was taken from the rubble of Baloney Joe's after it was demolished while I was in St. Louis.  Baloney Joe's was perhaps one of most famous agencies in Portland history.  For many years it was the last refuge for the "least of these" in Portland.  Over 150 men slept there each night and the shelter provided a medical clinic, jobs program and counseling.  This was the first shelter that I ever worked at (I was on the board).  But Baloney Joe's was much more than just another social service agency.  We served as the neighborhood association for the Burnside / Old Town area, engaged in community organizing and those that worked and lived there served as steadfast advocates for people experiencing homelessness and poverty in our city.  Baloney Joe's closed in the early 1990s after we tried to move the shelter into Old Town and business developers objected.  Controversy over our leadership erupted.  Those who lived in Portland will remember what we endured.  The building sat empty for many years afterwards on the east end of the Burnside Bridge.  I walked away from my four years there - a place I sometimes call the University of Baloney Joe's - with great friends who are still with me today and with the belief that no matter the odds we can still change the world - even if it is sometimes only one life at a time.   

      

Click on the photo for a better look

The Ordination Of Scott Elliott

This morning we made the trek down to beautiful Lincoln City Congregational Church for the ordination of Scott Elliott. Scott was a classmate of mine at Eden Theological Seminary in St. Louis. He was the only other Oregonian on campus. Scott considered calls across the United States (there have been none until recently available anywhere in Oregon) and settled on an exciting opportunity to minister at Riviera United Church of Christ in Palm Bay, Florida. His home church on the Oregon coast was packed for the ordination service. The picture above is of Scott (on the left) with The Rev. John Gantt, interim minister of the Central Pacific Conference of the United Church of Christ. Scott and his wife Nancy, along with three of their four children, visited our house on Thursday morning. Florida is fortunate to get such a good group of people from Oregon and the UCC is lucky to have such a talented new minister.

A Lazy Saturday

We spent our Saturday afternoon out in North Plains visiting longtime friends (and Christmas tree farmers) Bill and Carole.  Liz's step-brother and his girlfriend are also in town visiting us.  We're having a great weekend and I hope you are as well.  Peace.   

Erik Sten: Four More Years

Portland City Commissioner Erik Sten has pushed past the 50% mark today in his re-election bid against a candidate backed by the downtown business community. Sten had been targeted by the Portland Business Alliance (PBA) for his support of campaign finance reform, efforts to expand affordable housing opportunities, and because of his attempt to have the City of Portland buy Enron’s PGE. PBA and their allies poured money into the race and Sten’s opponent waged a fiercely negative campaign. Ginny Burdick, a state senator with a once progressive record, will forever be remembered in Oregon politics for selling out her values in her failed attempt to oust Sten. Portland voters rejected the negativity, however, and have re-affirmed the city’s true progressive roots with a tremendous endorsement of Sten’s leadership and policies. Liz and I were glad to be able to join Erik and hundreds of supporters last night as it became clear that voters were supporting his re-election. Last night it looked like a run-off might be necessary. Additional votes changed the story and Burdick conceded this morning. Congratulations to Erik and to everyone who worked for this important victory.

Related Post: Erik Sten for City Council

The Les AuCoin Blog

Former US Rep. Les AuCoin (D-OR) has a new blog.  Check it out.  I volunteered on everyone of his campaigns from 1982-1992 and would still do anything for this guy.  He represented a swing district and instead of walking down the middle of the road thinking about the next election he fought hard against the Reagan military build-up, he worked to help create a federal response to the homeless crisis, and became the first westerner in Congress to break ranks with the NRA and endorse gun control legislation.  Now he teaches and writes.  I still can't think of who to vote for in the democratic primary race for governor.  Maybe I'll write-in Les AuCoin. 

Scott Elliott In The House

When we lived in St. Louis during my three year stint at Eden Theological Seminary there were really only a few people on campus we could fully commiserate with: our fellow Oregonians Scott and Nancy Elliott (along with three of their four great kids). As the only Oregonians on campus we bonded over our shared love of Tillamook cheese and Oregon legend Marcus Borg and we all brooded away the hot and humid Missouri summer days. So it was a great joy for Liz and me to briefly see Scott today as he arrived in Oregon for his ordination exam. The only way the afternoon could have been better: if Nancy and their kids had been here as well. Nancy, along with Meredith Anderson (another close Eden friend), was a life saver for us when the twins were born. We’re disappointed that we won’t be able to attend Eden’s graduation ceremony this May but we hope all our Eden friends remember that our Portland home (which is quite cool in the summer) is always open and visitors are welcomed / encouraged!

Saturday In Portland

We packed in a pretty full family day this Saturday. The weather was pretty decent for spring in Oregon. There was only a trace of rain. We did yard work and Frances and Katherine got to spend a couple of hours playing with friends in the morning.  A trip to Powell's was next on the agenda.  Then we took a long walk through our Grant Park neighborhood this afternoon and later drove over to the Woodstock section of town for dinner at the Delta Café, Portland’s southern cuisine destination. This was the first time we’d been to the Delta since moving back to Portland in December. Check this place out if you're in town. After dinner we took a walk through the Foster-Powell neighborhood to see my old house and to drop-by and say hello to our friends Michelle and John and their cute-as-can-be daughter Madeline. Tomorrow it is off to church in the morning and then hopefully a lazy afternoon. Anything going on in the world I should be concerned about?

Walking For Oregon Senate Candidate Sam Chase

Liz and I took the twins out to Beaverton this morning and went door-to-door for Oregon Senate candidate Sam Chase.  Sam is a great advocate of affordable housing and public education.  He also happens to be a friend.  The race is for an open seat in District 17 (which includes most of Beaverton and NW Portland).  We walked today in a neighborhood next to the junior high school I attended (now a middle school) and where many of my friends grew up.  Sam has the backing of prominent Oregonians such as former Governor John Kitzhaber.  We hope the Democratic primary voters in District 17 get to know Sam and will support him in the election this May.  There is no Republican candidate in this race.         

We've Moved Back To Oregon!

We’ve made the move back to the great Northwest and are glad to be here.  Movers arrived just today with the rest of our stuff.  We’ve spent the last several days unpacking and trying to bring some sort of normalcy to our chaotic lives.   But we already feel so much more relaxed being close to so many family members and friends.  Unfortunately, there are periods in our lives when chaos seems to come in waves.  That is true for us in this moment.  It will be several more weeks before we can declare victory and fully celebrate our move back to Oregon.  But we’re very much enjoying the endless opportunities for good coffee and the love and friendship we’ve felt since coming home.

Read Street Prophets This Reading Week

This is Reading Week at the old seminary.  It is a week without classes where we can catch up on the mountains of books needed to be read before the fall semester starts to come to a close.  I'm using the week to do just that - and to catch up on spending some time with the twins, my wife, and extended family and friends.  So I just don't have time to blog much this week.

Head over to Street Prophets - the other site I write at - if you want to read some quality and updated stuff.

A Report After Returning From Portland

The big reason for my trip back to Portland was to take my ordination exam before the Central Pacific Conference of the United Church of Christ’s committee on ministry. Before taking the exam candidates for ministry must write a rather large paper explaining their theology, grasp of UCC polity, and explaining their understanding of ministry. The exam takes place near or at the completion of seminary and after all other references and related materials have been collected and reviewed. A committee of ordained clergy and lay leaders conduct the exam (which is really more like a one-hour interview). You can read more on the process – if interested – by downloading the UCC Manual on Ministry (a PDF file).

The good news is that I received word this morning from our conference minister that the committee will be recommending that I be ordained pending a call to ministry.

That recommendation is now sent to an ecclesiastical council. This council, which will represent a larger group of people in the Central Pacific Conference of the United Church of Christ, will review the decision of the committee on ministry, hear a presentation from me and ask questions, and will then make a final determination as to whether or not I get ordained. The ecclesiastical council may be called as early as next month.

Being back in Portland also afforded me the time to meet with Mayor Tom Potter and tour the center where Katrina evacuees are being processed in Oregon. The mayor and I had a good discussion about poverty in the Multnomah County area. I continue to be impressed with how on top of things he and is staff are. The work at the Katrina center, which is being coordinated through several governmental and non-profit agencies, was also impressive.  Dona Bolt, Oregon's homeless education coordinator, arranged the tour.

Of course, being back in the Northwest also gave me the chance to visit with many of my family and friends.

The trip home was not so great.

This map shows how my flight should have gone:

This map shows the actual route taken:

My flight should have landed in the early afternoon on Monday.  But I actually arrived after 2:30 am this morning.  Delta is getting another really nasty letter from me.

But I'll leave you with a happier photo of some of my family and friends.

This was from a nice dinner party at my mother's.

We're looking forward to being back in Portland in October and moving back for good in December.

Mick Schafbuch

Peter Jennings is not the only television legend who passed away this week.

Richard M. "Mick" Schafbuch, former general manager of KOIN-TV in Portland, also passed away from lung cancer.

Mick worked at KOIN all of the years that my father, Steve Currie, worked there as the operations and program manager. When my father passed away in 1998 it was Mick who delivered the eulogy. Mick was a gruff guy with a solid business sense and a love for local television.  The last time we talked was about a year after my father died but just this morning I thought of him and wondered what he would think of my plans for ministry.  He was always very kind to me and our family and will be missed. 

Click here to read The Oregonian's coverage of his death.

Related Post:  Veteran Oregon Newsman Dies

Related Post:  Speaking of Steve Currie

Saying Good-Bye To Friends

This evening we had a small group of friends from Eden Theological Seminary over for dinner.  It was a chance for us to say good-bye to Aaron and Carrie.  Aaron graduated from Eden last month and has been called to a UCC congregation in North Dakota.  Pictured here are (left-to-right) Meredith Anderson, Scott Elliott, Aaron Roberts and myself.  Meredith and Aaron were two of the other Eden students on the study seminar to Southern India that I took two summers ago.  Scott is the only other Oregonian among the current group of students at Eden.  Below are Carrie (left) and Liz.  We're going to miss having Aaron and Carrie around.

   

A Quick Trip To The Pacific Northwest

We made a quick and unscheduled trip out to Oregon and Washington this weekend. Portland’s First United Methodist Church – where I served for several years as director of community outreach – was where I worshiped on Sunday morning. The Rev. Dr. Arvin Luchs (my former boss) preached an excellent Pentecost sermon. FUMC member Paul Nickell (Oregon’s World Wide Pablo) is pictured here. It was a great joy to visit with so many FUMC friends. Mollie Copeland and Christine Paul (both of whom served as managers at FUMC’s Goose Hollow Family Shelter) were very kind in rearranging their schedules and joining the twins and I for coffee before services. The four of us have visited with my sisters, mother and step-father, and a host of friends over a crowded weekend. Powell’s bookstore, Produce Row Café and the new restaurant Gravy were among the many places that between Liz and I we visited. We’re counting the days until we start our move back to Oregon. It won’t be that long.

"Never Place A Period Where God Has Placed A Comma" - Gracie Allen

The United Church of Christ has adopted the “comma” as a symbol of our theology as part of the UCC’s “God Is Still Speaking Campaign.” Comedian Gracie Allen is credited with saying: “Never place a period where God has placed a comma.” What does that mean? For many of us in the UCC it means that God still has more to say to us than just that which was written in the Bible. Over 400 people gathered this weekend on the Eden Theological Seminary campus to celebrate the success of that campaign by forming the world’s largest human comma. The UCC’s effort has drawn considerable media attention and resulted in many visitors to UCC congregations across the country.

Liz and I were there with the twins. 

Fellow Oregonian and Eden student Scott Elliot was there with his daughter Forest.  Even Pastor Dan's parents were on campus for the event.  It was a fun time.  The credit for putting everything together (and for the comma photo) goes to the good folks with the St. Louis Association of the UCC.

Taco Bell Truth Tour Visits St. Louis

The Taco Bell Truth Tour is in full swing this week.  Farm workers and their allies are visiting cities across the country to draw attention to conditions that workers endure to produce tomatoes for Taco Bell.  The fast food chain is being boycotted because of their policies allowing for the exploitation of farm workers.  The boycott is endorsed by the National Council of Churches USA and the United Church of Christ.  Andrew Stelzer, my friend and former colleague from Portland, is now a reporter at WMNF in Tampa and is in St. Louis today covering the tour as it makes its way across the country.  The above picture is of us from earlier tonight at the Eden Campus.  Make sure you join the Taco Bell Boycott.  Click here for the updated news links - including Andrew's stories.  The most current list of religious groups backing the boycott includes:

* National Council of Churches of Christ (in the U.S.A.)
* United Methodist Church
* Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
* United Church of Christ
* Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
* Alliance of Baptist Churches
* American Friends Service Committee (AFSC)
* Buddhist Peace Fellowship
* Episcopal Migrant Ministry
* Unitarian Universalist Service Committee
* Unitarian Universalist Migrant Ministry
* Pax Christi USA
* Pax Christi International
* Catholic Labor Network
* Interfaith Worker Justice (Chicago)
* National Farm Worker Ministry
* Bishop John Nevins, DD, Diocese of Venice (FL)
* Peace and Justice Office, Diocese of Venice (FL)
* California Council of Churches
* New Orleans Province of the Jesuits
* Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary
* Sisters of Mercy Region 2
* Ohio Council of Churches
* Florida Council of Churches Commission on Social Justice
* The Christian Church in Florida (Disciples of Christ)
* North Carolina Council of Churches Farmworker Ministry Committee
* Church Women United of Illinois
* Florida Church Women United
* Florida United Church of Christ Women
* Episcopal Diocese of Southwest Florida
* Interfaith Action of Southwest Florida
* Tampa Farm Worker Supporters
* Sarasota/Manatee Farm Worker Supporters
* South Florida Interfaith Committee for Worker Justice
* Orange County (CA) Interfaith Committee to Aid Farm Workers
* Apostolic Catholic Church (SW Florida)
* Fiath Presbyterian Church (Austin, TX)
* First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Findlay, OH
* The Session of Lakeview Presbyterian Church, Florida
* Religious Society of Friends, Ft. Myers Meeting

Old Professors Don’t Die – They Blog

Dr. Russ Dondero, Pacific University’s long-time political science guru, is set to retire this spring from his teaching position. Oregon will never be the same. Who will organize the Tom McCall Forums that Dondero started? Who will set-up all those prized internships with Congressional leaders? Where will the press turn for insightful commentary on election nights? And who is going to write me recommendations when I need them? Someone has to explain away my tenure as a student at Pacific.

Well, there is some good news in the midst of all this darkness. One of Russ’ former students has set-up RussDondero.com so that Oregon’s best known political junkie can blog. Head over and check out his first commentary on who won this month’s McCall Forum: The Prince of Darkness (Richard Pearle) or The Man (Howard Dean). For the record, I was in St. Louis and therefore unable to throw that shoe.

The truth is that Pacific simply won’t be able to replace Russ Dondero.  He is a good man committed to education and the exchange of ideas.  Russ – I’ll proudly point out – is a member of the United Church of Christ.  I’m glad he is blogging so that we can keep up-to-date with his insights. 

E-Mail From Chennai

Earlier this week, I received an e-mail from a friend of mine living in Chennai, India. Below are parts of what he wrote. I thought people reading this site might gain something from hearing a firsthand account of life after the Tsunami. To protect his privacy I have left his name and some personal parts of the correspondence out of this post. Looking to make a donation? Visit Church World Service to learn how you can help out.

Thank you very much for your concern and prayers for me and for our country during the time of this catastrophe. By His grace we are safe from this Tsunami.

At the time of this disaster I was at home with parents enjoying my Christmas with my wife. We were in celebrating a Lepers Christmas and were giving them a Christmas dinner to them. At that moment we were told a great earth quake has come in the sea. We live 40 kms away from the sea coast in Andhra Pradesh state. We and our town are safe but most of the families lost their livelihood and have become orphans. Our Christmas joy did not last for a long time.

Immediately we attended the relief work in my state. My father and mother are involved in the relief work at the moment. Since we have college I need(ed) to come back to Chennai to attend my work in (seminary).

But the trauma of the people is so much worrying us. The epidemic diseases have started to spread and the aftermath of Tsunami is so horrific. My parents are involved in distributing clothes, medicines, and even providing fishing nets and boats to the fishermen, and the cooking vessels to the women.

The church is playing a mighty role and is very much involved in the relief work, and is witnessing the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Thank you for coming forward to render (your) help at this moment. Primarily we need (your) prayers support. Kindly ask your church and the seminary to join in praying for the victims here.

Happy New Year

Happy New Year from our family to yours.

New Year's Eve

Happy New Year's Eve.  We'll be leaving in the morning from Portland and heading back to St. Louis.  Traveling with us are two very sick babies.  Frances and Katherine got sick over Christmas and by this Monday had developed pneumonia.  We've spent the last five days in and out of doctor's offices.  Both babies are undergoing breathing treatments every three hours and have enough medicines in them to open up a pharmacy.  Our hope is that once home they'll relax and start to feel better.  Your prayers and good wishes for a speedy recovery are appreciated.  Even sick these kids are way cute! 

Christmas in Portland

Yesterday we brought Frances and Katherine to Portland's First Congregational United Church of Christ for a blessing and to give thanks for their birth this past July.  Many of our Portland area family and friends were able to attend.  It was a special occasion and we appreciate the kindness of The Rev. Dr. Patricia Ross, senior minister, and The Rev. Paul Davis, associate minister.  We're spending a few days in Oregon and Washington post Christmas and will post photos when we return to St. Louis.