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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I have a new op-ed up on The Oregonian today concerning local efforts to fight homelessness - and why those efforts aren't working.. Take a look and leave a comment there with your thoughts.


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President Obama didn't endorse gay marriage in New York this evening - as many hoped (I myself wrote to encourage him to do so) but the time is coming soon, I believe, when the president will take the right stand.

It is difficult to imagine how quickly opinion has shifted on this issue.  In 2004, numerous states were adopting constitutional amendments banning gay marriage (even in progressive Oregon).  Just back in the 90s President Clinton backed DADT and the Defense of Marriage Act.

The Human Rights Campaign has endorsed President Obama's re-election - and they believe with good cause:

“President Obama has improved the lives of LGBT Americans more than any President in history,” said HRC President Joe Solmonese. “In 2008 we were promised change and profound change is what we got.  More remains to be done and ensuring that President Obama is able to continue the forward momentum toward equality for another term is an absolute priority of the Human Rights Campaign.”

President Obama’s Administration’s record of accomplishment for the LGBT community includes:

• Pressing for passage and signing legislation to repeal the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” law that bans openly lesbian, gay and bisexual servicemembers.
• Pressing for passage and signing an inclusive hate crimes law – the first federal statute to explicitly protect LGBT individuals.
• Determining that the administration believes Section 3 of DOMA to be unconstitutional and refusing to defend the discriminatory law in court.
• Requiring hospitals nationwide to adopt LGBT-inclusive non-discrimination policies regarding visitation.

In addition, the administration’s policies: added gender identity to the equal employment opportunity policy governing all federal jobs; permitted married same-sex couples to use their marriage licenses as evidence of a name change for passports and instituted more reasonable standards for changing a gender marker on passports; allowed the Census Bureau to release data on married same-sex couples; extended a number of benefits to same-sex partners of federal employees possible under existing authority; launched a National HIV/AIDS Strategy and efforts to target populations most at risk; required abstinence-only-until-marriage sex education programs be inclusive of and non-stigmatizing toward LGBT youth; and recognized LGBT families are protected under a host of laws from the Violence Against Women Act to family and medical leave regulations to housing programs.

More information on the President’s LGBT record is available at: www.hrc.org/ObamaEndorsement.

“The records of the other candidates seeking the presidency should be a wake-up call to fair-minded Americans,” said Solmonese. “As the fight for equality moves forward, President Obama is marching with us while the alternatives would stop us in our tracks.”

As a minister in the United Church of Christ, it is my great hope and prayer that President Obama and all those running for office will soon endorse full marriage equality as the General Synod of the UCC did in 2005.  With support from GOP figures such as former Vice-President Dick Cheney and former First Lady Laura Bush this has rightly become a bi-partisan cause.  As I told President Obama in my letter this week, supporting marriage equality is also a position consistent with Christian ethics.

For The Love Of All Creation: A Sermon On Genesis 1:1-2:4a for Pride Month 2011 from The Rev. Chuck Currie on Vimeo.

For the breaking news, action alerts and information on a Social Gospel-based Christianity follow my Twitter feed: @RevChuckCurrie.

President Obama tonight announced his intention to begin a significant troop withdrawal from Afghanistan.  He said that:

...starting next month, we will be able to remove 10,000 of our troops from Afghanistan by the end of this year, and we will bring home a total of 33,000 troops by next summer, fully recovering the surge I announced at West Point.  After this initial reduction, our troops will continue coming home at a steady pace as Afghan security forces move into the lead.  Our mission will change from combat to support.  By 2014, this process of transition will be complete, and the Afghan people will be responsible for their own security.

Those on the left were quick to say the president isn't moving quick enough and those on the right complained the president wasn't finishing the mission ( those left and right lines have become increasingly blurred over time).

A significant number of religious leaders wrote the president a letter this week which read: 

As your target date to begin U.S. troop withdrawals from Afghanistan approaches, we are compelled by the prophetic vision of just peace to speak. We represent a diversity of faith communities -- ranging from just war to pacifist traditions. As leaders of these communities, some of us initially supported the war in Afghanistan as a justified response to the September 11, 2001, attacks on New York City and Washington, D.C. Others opposed the war, believing there were better ways than military force to address the al Qaeda threat. Today, however, we are united in the belief that it is time to bring the U.S. war in Afghanistan to an end.

After nine years, what began as a response to an attack has become an open-ended war against a Taliban centric insurgency -- which itself is largely motivated to drive out foreign troops and has no designs beyond its own borders. The military operation has so far resulted in the deaths of over 2,500 Coalition troops, including 1,600 from the U.S. Estimates are that over 20,000 Afghan civilians have died. And yet, the security situation is deteriorating and Taliban influence is spreading. The military situation is at best a stalemate. Al Qaeda barely exists in Afghanistan, but it has metastasized into Pakistan and has established itself in Yemen, Somalia, and other places around the globe.

Relief and development aid, desperately needed after three decades of war, have been integrated into and are subservient to military operations. Civilian aid organizations that attempt to provide much-needed relief are often seen as part of the foreign military occupation and have faced increasing attacks. Additionally, this form of militarized aid has worked to undermine long term sustainability while proving ineffective in addressing immediate poverty concerns. As the faith community, we have experience doing this kind of work, and maintain relationships with partners on the ground. We see and hear the need for relief and development aid to be provided through these civilian aid organizations while untying it from a counterinsurgency strategy and involving and empowering local Afghan partners to the greatest extent possible.

Moreover, this type of aid is most effective -- both in terms of the development in Afghanistan, and the cost of the conflict. The past ten years have shown that we cannot broker peace in Afghanistan by military force; it is time to transition toward a plan that builds up civil society and provides economic alternatives for Afghans. At a time of economic turmoil, as we are presented with difficult financial and budgetary decisions at home, we have an opportunity to invest in aid that both supports the people of Afghanistan, and saves our country much needed funds.

We recognize that legitimate ethical and moral issues are at stake in Afghanistan -- U.S. national security, protecting the lives of Coalition servicemen and women, protecting Afghan civilians, defending the rights of Afghan women, supporting democracy and, of course, saving innocent lives from the inevitable death and destruction that accompany war. We humbly believe there is a better way than war to address these important issues.

What is needed now is a comprehensive package of interlocking arrangements to enhance security and stability. This alternative path is not without some risk, but it is preferable to the known dangers of war. As you said in December 2009, the U.S. should begin a responsible but accelerated withdrawal of troops, beginning with a significant number in July 2011 and continuing along a set timetable. This must be linked to a comprehensive security agreement, a regional multi-lateral diplomatic initiative, and increased public & private assistance for locally based economic and social development programs. We must commit to proactively share the costs of war, which have been borne disproportionately by the veterans of these wars, their families and thousands of Afghan civilians.

We reaffirm our religious hope for a world in which "they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more; but they shall all sit under their own vines and under their own fig trees, and no one shall make them afraid."

Like these colleagues of mine (listed below), I want this war to end.  It cannot be stressed enough, however, the the international community has an obligation to rebuild Afghanistan and to protect human rights there.  A return of the Taliban will be a humanitarian nightmare - particularly for women.  In late 2001, a joined a very small number of religious voices in opposing the invasion of Afghanistan because I believed U.S. intervention would fail and that we would leave the civilian population worse off.  President Bush did lead us into failure and President Obama has been forced to make very difficult decisions since taking office.  I believe that the proposals made by religious leaders to the president this week will help further advance the goals set forth by the White House.

Here is the list of those who signed the letter:

Rev. Geoffrey A. Black
General Minister and President
United Church of Christ

Pastor Geoff Browning
Peacemaking Advocate
Presbytery of San Jose

Simone Campbell, SSS
Executive Director
NETWORK: A National Catholic Social Justice Lobby

Marie Dennis
Director, Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns
Co-President, Pax Christi International

Rev. Dr. Cheryl F. Dudley
President
Baptist Peace Fellowship of North America

Rev. Dr. David J. Fekete
Ecumenical Officer
Swedenborgian Churches of North America

Dr. Linda Gaither
Chair
Episcopal Peace Fellowship

Glen Gersmehl
National Coordinator
Lutheran Peace Fellowship

Diana Gibson
Christian Peace Witness

Evelyn Hanneman
Operations Coordinator
Baptist Peace Fellowship of North America

Dr. Robert Hanson
Chair of Peace Committee
Mt. Diablo Unitarian-Universalist Church

Rev. M. Linda Jaramillo
Executive Minister
United Church of Christ, Justice and Witness Ministries

Mark C. Johnson, Ph.D.
Executive Director
Fellowship of Reconciliation

Rev. Dr. Michael Kinnamon
General Secretary
National Council of Churches

Rev. Dr. Ken Brooker Langston
Director
Disciples Justice Action Network

Paul LaRue
Oregon-Idaho Chapter of the Methodist
Federation for Social Action

Bishop Chuck Leigh
Apostolic Catholic Church

Rev. John R. Long, DD
Retired Presbyterian Minister
Presbytery of Western New York

Rev. Dr. Dale E. Luffman
Ecumenical and Interfaith Officer
Community of Christ

The Rev. Dr. Betsy Miller
President, Provincial Elders' Conference
Moravian Church, Northern Province

Douglas Morgan
Director
Adventist Peace Fellowship

Mr. Stanley Noffsinger
General Secretary
Church of the Brethren

Rev. Gradye Parsons
General Assembly Stated Clerk
Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)

The Rev. Nathaniel W. Pierce
American Secretary
Anglican Pacifist Fellowship

Diane Randall
Executive Secretary
Friends Committee on National Legislation

Dave Robinson
Executive Director
Pax Christi USA

Rachelle Lyndaker Schlabach
Director
Mennonite Central Committee US, Washington Office

Sandy Sorensen
Director
United Church of Christ, Justice and Witness Ministries

Dr. Sayyid M. Syeed,
National Director
Office for Interfaith & Community Alliances, Islamic Society of North America

Haris Tarin
Director, Washington Office
Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC)

Eda Uca-Dorn
Director
Hosanna! People's Seminary

Rick Ufford-Chase
Executive Director
Presbyterian Peace Fellowship

Stephen M. Veazey
President
Community of Christ

Jim Wallis
President and Chief Executive Officer
Sojourners

Rev. Dr. Sharon Watkins
General Minister and President
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)

Rev. Dr. Craig M. Watts
Co-Moderator Disciples Peace Fellowship

Rabbi Simkha Y. Weintraub, LCSW

James E. Winkler
General Secretary
General Board of Church and Society, The United Methodist Church

John McCain is blaming the wildfires in Arizona on illegal immigrants, reports ABC News.

And what does the U.S. Forest Service have to say? 

Tom Berglund, spokesman for the federal group managing the Wallow fire that McCain toured Saturday, said the cause of the fire has been determined as "human," specifically an "escaped campfire," meaning the campfire sparked beyond the confines of the rocks containing it.

Two "subjects of interest" have been spoken to, but as of now, no suspect has been named, Berglund said. When asked if there is substantial evidence that some fires were caused by illegal immigrants, as McCain said at a news conference Saturday, Berglund said: "Absolutely not, at this level."

"There's no evidence that I'm aware, no evidence that's been public, indicating such a thing," he said.

So without any evidence Senator McCain is just making some up to fit a political narative.

"The degree of irresponsible political pandering by Sen. McCain has no limits," Angelo Falcon, the president of the National Institute for Latino Policy, told CNN. "With the lack of evidence, he might as well also blame aliens from outer space for the fires."

McCain should abandon this kind of hateful politicking and return to his roots and embrace President Obama's comprehensive immigration reform plan instead of playing with fire.

My sermon this morning at Salem's First Congregational United Church of Christ focused on Genesis 1:1-2:4a and God's love for all Creation. I tied the reading into LGBT Pride month, the debate over marriage equality, and the on-going fight for civil rights.  You can watch the video below: 

For The Love Of All Creation: A Sermon On Genesis 1:1-2:4a for Pride Month 2011 from The Rev. Chuck Currie on Vimeo.

We give our thanks, Creator God, for the fathers in our lives. Fatherhood does not come with a manual and reality teaches us that some fathers excel while others fail. We ask for your blessings for them all and forgiveness where it is needed. This Father's Day we remember the many sacrifices fathers make for their children and families and the ways both big and small they lift children to achieve dreams thought beyond reach. So too we remember all those who have helped fill the void when fathers pass early or are absent - grandfathers and uncles, brothers and cousins, teachers, pastors and coaches - and the women of our families. For those of us who are fathers, we ask for wisdom and humility in the face of the task of parenting. Give us the strength to do well by our children and by you. In your Holy name, O God, we pray. Amen.

- The Rev. Chuck Currie

Photo:  Standing with C.O. "Rock" Bright (1917-2010), my grandfather, in the early 1990s.

A Southern Baptist retreat center has told a United Church of Christ congregation they'll no longer be able to rent facilities at the center because the UCC "promotes homosexuality."  United Church News has the story:

For the past 28 years, members of the UCC's United Church of Gainesville (Fla.) have gathered in great numbers for their annual spring retreat at the Lake Yale Baptist Assembly Ground.

"We had a wonderful retreat there on the last weekend in April this year," said the Rev. Sandy Reimer, co-pastor of Gainesville UCC. "Good programs, workshops, worship – we had 283 folks attend, which included 24 preschoolers up to adults in their 70s."

Then, during the first week of June, Reimer received a letter and a phone call from the Lake Yale Conference Center.

"Don Sawyer, the director of the conference center, called to tell me that we would no longer be welcome at Lake Yale for our retreats because we were 'promoting homosexuality.' "

"Their staff noticed several of our folks wearing ONA T-shirts," wrote Reimer in an early June email. "They told the director, then checked out our web site and confirmed that we were Open and Affirming."

Sawyer notified the governing board, whose policy states that any church or denomination that affirms gay people and/or gay marriage is not welcome on their property.

"We have been an Open and Affirming church for about two decades," Reimer said in the email. "We have about 750 members with a healthy mixture of gay and straight folks, families, children, elders, a real diversity of ages and lifestyles."

Click here for the full story.

It is a sad story, really.  Early in the history of our nation Baptists faced discrimination and thus became early proponents of the separation of church and state.  Tragically, Southern Baptists would later become intertwined with the institution of slavery and then with white supremacy.  Southern Baptists would later help lead the charge against equal rights for women - all of this in the name of Holy Scripture.  Today - just as they wrongly fought for slavery, against intergration and against equality for women in society and the church - they use the same theology to preach that gays and lesbians are of lesser worth by fighting agaist hate crimes laws, work place protections, and marriage equality.  Again and again they are on the wrong side of history and pervert the Bible to terrible and unjust ends.  Our churches should be welcoming of all of God's beloved creation - not ejecting those who might seem different.  As an example of what the church should be like we have the ministry of Jesus to model from.     

A new study was released this week that showed broad support across religious lines for the right of women to make their own health care decisions - including over abortion - with only white evangelical Christians showing strong opposition.

Public Religion Research Institute reports:

A solid majority of Americans say abortion should be legal in all (19%) or most (37%) cases, compared to 4-in-10 who say it should be illegal in all (14%) or most (26%) cases.

• With the exception of white evangelical Protestants, majorities of all major religious groups say abortion should be legal in all or most cases.
• A majority of Americans across the political spectrum say it is more socially acceptable today to be “pro-choice” rather than “pro-life.”

Nearly 6-in-10 (58%) Americans say that at least some health care professionals in their communities should provide legal abortions.

• With the exception of white evangelical Protestants and Latino Catholics, majorities of all major religious groups agree that at least some health care professionals in their community should provide legal abortions.
• Americans who live in large metropolitan areas are much more likely than those who live in rural communities to say legal abortion services should be available in their community (67% vs. 39% respectively).

The Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice issued a statement on these findings that read in part:

Washington, DC - The Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice (RCRC) applauds the findings of a major new survey released today that shows strong support for access to abortion among Millennials (those ages 18-29), mainline white Protestants, African American church-goers, and other religious groups.  The survey confirms RCRC’s position that most Americans who are affiliated with a religious tradition support access to legal abortion. The Public Religion Research Institute of Washington, DC, conducted the survey, which it describes as the largest national public opinion survey on the influence of religion and moral values on the abortion issue.

The Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice (RCRC) is the national alliance of denominations and religiously affiliated organizations from 15 traditions, including the Episcopal Church, Presbyterian Church (USA), United Church of Christ, two agencies of the United Methodist Church, the Unitarian Universalist Association, the Reform, Conservative and Reconstructionist movements of Judaism, Catholics for Choice, and Lutheran, Disciples of Christ, Ethical Culture and other groups. 

However, the conclusion of the Millennials, Religion and Abortion Survey - that young people are conflicted about the morality of abortion – differs from our experience with young people on more than 60 campuses, through our Spiritual Youth for Reproductive Freedom program. Millennials have grown up in the most diverse and pluralistic society in America’s history and recognize and respect differing moral views about abortion, which is very different from saying they are conflicted about abortion. In our experience, Millennials support access to abortion services in large part because they believe that individuals should be able to obtain the health and medical services that they themselves determine they need  – based on their religious and moral values, conscience and circumstances. In a significant finding, 59% of Millennials surveyed said they think that “abortion can be the most responsible decision a woman can make in certain circumstances.” 

The survey findings indicates that clergy and religious leaders have a responsibility to speak up in support of women who have had an abortion and to provide assurance that abortion is not a sin and is not condemned or even mentioned in the Bible. Seventy-eight percent of women having an abortion have a religious affiliation, according to The Guttmacher Institute, a public policy and research organization.

Other important findings include:

• Millennials are significantly more likely than the general public to say that at least some health care professionals in their community should provide legal abortions (68% v. 58%)
• 86% of Millennials support abortion when the health of the woman is at risk (in addition to supporting abortion when the woman’s life is in danger)

Click here to learn more about the Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice.

There are valid reasons not to vote for Mitt Romney, the GOP presidential candidate and former Massachusetts governor.  He was, for example, pro-choice and in support of civil rights for gays and lesbians until those positions became untenable in today's Republican Party.  So he flip-flopped.  It leaves one to wonder where his moral center lies and what other positions he'll change just to curry favor with those on the far fringes of American society.

One issue that should be off limits in this race is Romney's religion.  As a Mormon, Romney faces the reality that some will not vote for him simply based on his faith.  Mormons have served with distinction at the highest levels of government and in the private sector but more importantly the United States Constitution demands that we impose no religious test on those who wish to hold office.

John F. Kennedy faced a similar problem in 1960 as a Roman Catholic candidate.  

It should not be a candidate's faith that determines our vote but rather their positions on the issues and what we know of their moral character.  We are electing a president and not a pastor. 

What did Ayn Rand believe?  

• “What I am fighting is the idea that charity is a moral duty”
• “You love only those who deserve it”
• “Nobody has ever given a reason why man should be his brothers’ keeper”

And this is the "hero" Congressional republicans point to as they develop fiscal and social policies for our nation?

America can do better. Regardless of our faith tradition - or even whether or not we have one - the American people are more moral than this.

My latest oped on The Huffington Post deals with the Christian-Jewish divide (at least the theological divide between the Religious Right and Judaism) and is being featured today on the site's front page.  Click here to read it.

As many of you know, I've been serving as the acting minister of Salem's First Congregational United Church of Christ since February.  The congregation has now chosen an interim minister (a position I was not interested in) and will shortly begin their expected 12-14 month search for a permanent minister.  My last Sunday preaching there will be next week - June 19th at 10:30 am.  All are welcome.

I've deeply enjoyed serving this church.  First Congregational United Church of Christ, located just blocks from the Oregon State Capitol, is an Open and Affirming congregation with a rich history of work on issues including racial justice (way back in the late 1800s) and more recently on immigration reform.  I have found the people there to be energized about ministry and deeply committed to building up the Kingdom.

Later this summer I'll be returning to the campus of UCC-related Chicago Theological Seminary to continue work that I began this winter toward a doctor of ministry degree. 

At the same time, I'll be exploring new ministry opportunities and possible work with area non-profits (a copy of my current CV can be downloaded here).  There are currently no UCC congregations actively searching for clergy in this conference but we are committed to Oregon for various reasons - including family commitments and our deep love for this special place.

United Church of Christ Justice & Witness Ministries Action Alert

The debt ceiling sets the maximum size of the federal government debt and Congress needs to periodically raise it. Some members of Congress are refusing to support an increase in the debt limit unless huge spending cuts are also part of the "deal."

If reductions in spending follow the pattern established in the House of Representatives’ recent proposal for the federal budget, the cuts will target programs for low- and moderate-income people and essential government functions. The cuts would further harm people who are already suffering and prolong (and possibly worsen) the economic downturn.

Any conditions that are attached to an increase in the debt ceiling should target reductions in the deficit, not just cuts in government spending. Shrinking the deficit must be done through both spending cuts and tax increases on wealthy households and corporations. Tax increases as well as spending cuts must be part of any effort to reduce the deficit.

Tell Congress: raise the debt ceiling and if a “deal” is made to require spending cuts, it must also include tax increases.

New controversy is swirling around Portland officials today as evidence comes to light the city never intended to enforce fair housing standards that protect minorities from discrimination.

Last year the city of Portland conducted an audit of rental housing that showed an astounding 64% of rentals tested discriminated against African-American and Latinos.  The city never acted on those findings until they were reported on by The Oregonian.  

Portland City Commissioner Nick Fish, who oversees housing for the city, first told the paper that legal action against landlords who discriminate wasn't the "right question" but later said: "We have always intended to pursue enforcement actions against select landlords tested in the audit process."  Federal law requires that the civil rights of renters be protected.

Last night The Oregonian reported Fish's comments were not accurate:

Internal emails show Portland officials and the Fair Housing Council of Oregon never intended to enforce the law against landlords who discriminated against black and Latino testers in a housing audit last year.

 

The documents also show the agencies charged with protecting renters from discrimination worked to appease the association that represents the rental industry, giving it early access to the audit and offering to let it help shape the public message.

U.S. Rep. Peter King is planning another round of congressional hearing into "Muslim radicalization," reports NPR and other media outlets.  The hearings are scheduled for June 15th.  King held hearings earlier this year that were widely condemned by interfaith religious leaders.  King's principle charge - one disputed by the FBI, Homeland Security and other anti-terrorism agencies - is that American Muslims have not condemned terrorism or that they even support it.  At that time, The Rev. Dr. Michael Kinnamon, General Secretary of the National Council of Churches in Christ USA, firmly declared: "No matter what Rep. King may say, his hearings convey the implicit message that Muslims aren’t part of 'us'—and to this sort of bigotry, all citizens of conscience must say NO!"

Let me repeat that Rep. King's hearings to investigate Muslim Americans are the definition of un-American.  As I have said before, these hearings bring to mind the Salem witch trials and the McCarthy hearings, dark periods in this land.  We should never forgot the lessons of those experiences.  The U.S. House of Representatives should not be used as a venue for religious or political persecution. 

The Portland Rose Festival Junior Parade is a family event we dare not miss.  This year - even with roses not yet in bloom - was no exception.  Frances and Katherine cheered alongside their classmates as if the Beatles had appeared when Scooby Doo came by.  A number of their friends were parade participants which made it even more exciting.  And it didn't even rain.

I am gratified to learn this morning that the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) is scheduled to announce that they will investigate whether or not the Portland Police Bureau has engaged in a pattern of civil rights violations. My belief is that they have and I wrote the Civil Right Division of the DOJ a letter on December 4, 2010 calling for such an investigation - adding my voice as a minister in the United Church of Christ to the Albina Ministerial Alliance and others - and asking for accountability and reform. There is public evidence, including the deaths of James Chasse and Aaron Campbell, that argue that those suffering from mental illness and African-Americans have had their civil rights violated. Other allegations of misconduct - not public - have been made and shared with the DOJ that must be investigated. Portlanders deserve a police force they can trust. While the vast majority of Portland police officers are clearly outstanding men and women dedicated to our city there are some who clearly do not respect the law. Sadly, Chief Reese has maligned critics of the Bureau and said they are not to be paid attention to. My hope is that the U.S. Department of Justice forces the Portland Police Bureau to reform and become the bureau we need it to be.

Texas Governor Rick Perry (a possible 2012 presidential candidate) is teaming up with the American Family Association - labeled a "hate group" by the Southern Poverty Law Center - for a prayer rally.  Chron.com reports:

Rick Perry, dubbed the Christocrat candidate for the Republican nomination, is putting his faith up front as rumors of a presidential run continue to swell. Perry has announced that he will hold a large-scale Christian rally at Reliant Stadium in Houston this summer.

He has invited the 49 fellow state governors and Christians from across denominations to join him to pray and fast for America on August 6.

“Right now, America is in crisis: we have been besieged by financial debt, terrorism, and a multitude of natural disasters. As a nation, we must come together and call upon Jesus to guide us through unprecedented struggles, and thank Him for the blessings of freedom we so richly enjoy,”  said Perry the website for the event, called the Response.

The governor's partner in this event is one of America's most radical right-wing organizations.  Writer Tim Murphy on the American Family Association:

The AFA's issues director, Bryan Fischer, has alleged that gays caused the Holocaust—and are planning on doing it again; that gays should be banned from holding public office; that homosexuality should be criminalized; that foreign Muslims should either be exterminated or forced to convert to Christianity; that American Muslims should be deported; that there should be a permanent ban on mosque construction in the United States; and that Muslims should be prohibited from serving in the armed forces.

It should be deeply concerning to all Americans when elected officials align themselves with extremist organizations driven by hatred and fear.  Not only does the AFA preach a twisted version of the Christian faith but they offer up a vision of American democracy that stands in stark contrast to the highest ideals of our nation.  

The Faith and Freedom Conference is being held right now in Washington, D.C.  This event for conservative Christians was put together by Ralph Reed, the disgraced former head of the Christian Coalition who preached morality all the while taking gambling money from corrupt figures like Jack Abramoff, and has brought out most of the GOP's 2012 presidential field.

Thus far the candidates have used the forum to talk about their faith and understanding of morality.  It has been a gross display where the candidates and activists gathered have confused the Christian faith with the GOP platform.  One Faith and Freedom Conference fan sent me this "tweet" last night that summed up the mood:

That's a hard case to make.  The GOP is proposing historic cuts to health care programs for seniors, food assistance for kids, and other efforts that help families lift themselves out of poverty.  At the same time, they are proposing cuts to environmental protection programs and the "pro-life" party that cares so deeply for the unborn is trying hard to slash programs that protect children.  As I've said, the GOP's budget proposals are theologically immoral.

U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann ended her speech before the gathering with a prayer.  The Wasington Post reports:

In her closing prayer, Bachmann asked for God to forgive America for its sins, saying, “We ask that once again you turn your face towards us,” and closing her petition “in your son’s holy name.”

In Scripture, God always reserves harsh judgement for societies that abandon the poor - those Jesus called the least of these.

But unlike Backmann, I don't believe that God has turned away from America (or any part of the world).  God's love for creation is steadfast.  Yet God does warn there will be natural consequences when those who are in poverty and sick are left behind and abandoned.

¹⁶ Wash yourselves; make yourselves clean;
   remove the evil of your doings
   from before my eyes;
cease to do evil, 
¹⁷   learn to do good;
seek justice,
   rescue the oppressed,
defend the orphan,
   plead for the widow. (Isaiah 1:16-17 NRSV)

Republicans and Democrats should both remember that imporant teaching as they seek to govern our nation and set budget goals that reflect our deepest held moral beliefs.  

Common sense from the American people over the issue of abortion:

Americans are growing tired of the abortion debate and want to move on to a broader discussion about reproductive health, a new survey by a Democratic polling firm finds.

The poll, conducted by Lake Partners, found that Americans feel Congress has focused too much on abortion and not enough on things like preventive care, reproductive health and expanding access to birth control.

When presented with the following statement, 79 percent of adults agreed, with 49 percent agreeing strongly:

“While the current political debate focuses too much on abortion, there is a much broader discussion that needs to happen around reproductive health. We may have different opinions about abortion, so rather than continuing to argue about this one issue, our elected officials should focus on the broader context like providing greater access to birth control, teaching comprehensive sex education and improving maternal health and childbirth outcomes. These are issues that will allow us to come together.”

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A lot.  Read my latest op-ed on The Huffington Post.