Rev. Dr. Chuck Currie

David Wu, Resign

U.S. Congressman David Wu - who as a college student was accused of rape - has been accused again of an unwanted sexual encounter, this time with a young woman (it is unclear if she was over 18 at the time of the encounter).  Wu apparently does not deny the encounter, as reported by The Oregonian, but denies it was unwanted or rape.  The Oregon democrat has already be dogged by allegations of prescription drug abuse and bizarre activities that have led to many of his long-time staff quiting.  His reputation is in tatters - it has been for a long time - but this latest allegation puts the nail on the coffin.  Even if he is not guilty of rape or sexual assault he apparently does not deny having a sexual encounter with a young woman who was in high school at the time.  Even if she were 18 this shows a lack of judgement and moral character that should require Congressman Wu to immediately resign his position.  Congressman Wu has had a solid record of public service.  His final act in public life should be to resign his office and to attend to his family, personal and legal affairs so that the people of Oregon's First Congressional district can elect a new representative unburdened by scandal.   

Ending Homelessness: My op-ed in The Oregonian

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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"Local babies want to know: What did we ever do to House Republicans?"

We keep hearing the GOP bill itself as the "pro-life" party - the defender of the unborn.  Why is it that their concern for children seems to end at birth?  Here in Oregon, as Our Oregon notes, we have another example as House Republicans try to keep a bill from moving forward that would ban a toxic chemical found in baby bottles and sippy cups:

Senate Bill 695, which would ban the toxic chemical BPA in baby bottles and sippy cups, has been blocked in the House by Republicans who refuse to hold a committee work session on it.

Why is this bill so important? Take it away, OLCV: "Bisphenol-A (BPA) is a dangerous, toxic chemical that is routinely found in plastic children’s food products like baby bottles, sippy cups, and infant formula cans.  Toxic BPA has been linked to several increasing children's developmental problems."

Instead of voting to protect children by banning this harmful chemical in children’s products, Republican leaders have put the brakes on the bill. Why would that be? Kari Chisholm at Blue Oregon has an interesting take that involves Representative Bruce Hanna’s financial ties to Coca-Cola, a major backer of BPA.

The good news is that all is not lost.

Representative Ben Cannon has filed a “discharge petition” to allow the House to take an up-or-down vote on banning BPA.

A discharge petition can be used when politicians try to kill a popular, important bill – in this case, the BPA ban – without even allowing it to come up for a vote. This petition will need to be signed by 31 Representatives, a majority of the Oregon House, to send the BPA-Free Baby Bill to the floor for a vote. But we need them to sign within the next five days.

Click here to tell your Representative to sign the discharge petition before 5 p.m. on next Wednesday, June 1st  to allow the BPA-Free Baby Bill to come up for a vote. 

Act quickly to protect the health of kids in Oregon.  I know that for most people - Republican, Democrat or Independent - we want Legislators to put politics aside and do what is best for our children.  This is a moral issue that should transcend party politics and that should bring people who disagree on difficult issues like abortion together for the common good.

Photos And Thoughts From A Rally For a Better Oregon #betterwayrally

A short time ago I returned from the "Rally for A Better Oregon" at the State Capitol Building in Salem (see photos below).  As I said in a statement earlier this morning, I became a co-sponsor of today's rally because my faith compels me to speak out of matters of moral importance in my capacity as a minister in the United Church of Christ.  Other religious leaders and organizations also co-sponsored the event and The Rev. Ryan Lambert, a colleague of mine in the UCC, was a speaker.  

Budgets are moral documents and if Oregon - as Governor Kitzhaber has proposed - makes massive cuts to human services and leaves the most vulnerable without a safety net that action reflects on us all.  Oregon will be a less moral place.  

We are called to see the face of God in all those we encounter.  We are our brother's keeper.  We are our sister's keeper.  That is my message to the Governor and the members of the Legislature today.  We are called to do better.

It was a great pleasure to join thousands of my fellow Oregonians at the Capitol today demanding that our leaders do better by the people of this great state.

Oregon State Capitol - Rally For a Better Oregon

Rev. Chuck Currie and Rep. Lew Frederick

The Crowd at the Rally For A Better Oregon

Michelle Rogelstad and Rep. Michael Dembrow

This Friday, Stand Up For A Better Oregon

Via Our Oregon

I'm proud to be a co-sponsor of this event.

In March, Wisconsin’s state capitol became a flashpoint in the battle over the future of the middle class. As Gov. Walker and his corporate CEO backers attacked working people with one hand and gave away millions to corporations and the rich with the other hand, people like you and me all around the country stood up and said “Not on our watch!”

This Friday, thousands of Oregonians and dozens of advocacy groups will come to the Oregon state capitol to rally against budget cuts and to stand up for the middle class. We’ll be there, and we want you to join us.

What: Rally for A Better Way for Oregon
When: Friday, May 20, 11:30 a.m.
Where: Front steps of the State Capitol, Salem

This will be a landmark event in the current budget debate. Make sure you’re a part of this historic event and add your voice to the growing chorus calling for a Better Way Forward.

It’s time to let our elected leaders know that our state budget needs to reflect the values and priorities shared by most Oregonians: schools, health care, public safety, and other critical services. The message is loud and clear: Do not balance the budget on the backs of those who’ve been hurt most by this recession.

We need to stand up for middle-class families and against new tax breaks for large corporations and the rich.

Will you stand with us to deliver this message? Go here to sign up now, and we’ll see you this Friday as we make history.

To make it easier to get to Salem, some people are meeting up for buses or carpools. To find out more, visit SEIU’s website.

Here’s a list of the organizations who’ve signed on to be a part of this event, with more being added!

Oregon PTA
AARP Oregon
Oregon Nurses Association
Children First for Oregon
Human Services Coalition of Oregon
Portland Fire Fighters Association Local 43
Rev. Ryan Lambert, First Congregational United Church of Christ
Advocacy Coalition of Seniors and People with Disabilities
Rural Organizing Project
Basic Rights Oregon
Jobs with Justice Portland
KBOO Radio
Tax Fairness Oregon
Alliance for Democracy
Full Life - Companions for People with Potential
Oregon AFL-CIO
Oregon Alliance for Retired Americans
American Association of University Women (AAUW) Oregon
ILWU Local 8
Oregon Education Association
Oregon AFSCME
Oregon Women's Rights Coalition
CWA Local 7901
Jobs with Justice - Eugene Springfield Solidarity Network
Oregon Fair Trade 
PCUN
Unite HERE Local 9
MoveOn Portland
US Uncut / PDX Uncut
Northwest Workers' Justice Project
NW Oregon Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO
LIUNA Local 483
Oregon Student Association
The Rev. Chuck Currie, Minister, United Church of Christ
Association of Engineering Employees
Climate Justice Portland
Economic Justice Action Group, First Unitarian Church of Portland
Jobs with Justice - Southern Oregon
Oregon Center for Public Policy (OCPP)
MoveOn-Salem Keizer (SKMO)
National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) Branch 82
Rev. Lynne Smouse Lopez, Ainsworth United Church of Christ
AFT-Oregon
Center for Intercultural Organizing
Economic Fairness Oregon
Our Oregon 
PSU-AAUP
Right To Survive
Sisters of the Road
CAUSA
Jobs with Justice Mid-Willamette Valley
Bus Project
Oregon League of Conservation Voters
UFCW - Local 555
Ecunmenical Ministries of Oregon

Multnomah County Board of Commissioners Opposes Governor's Radical Cuts To Anti-Poverty Programs

As Street Roots reports, the Multnomah County Board of Commissioners voted today to adopt a resolution opposing Oregon Governor John Kitzhaber's radical proposal to place an 18 month lifetime cap on benefits for families with children living in poverty (the program otherwise know as TANF).  The governor's proposal comes during a state-wide budget process that has already seen tens of millions of dollars given away to corporations and the wealthiest Oregonians.

...County Chair Jeff Cogen said he wouldn’t normally criticize the budget process, but that “this is such an egregious mistake that I think it’s entirely appropriate for us to do so especially because the impact is so deep in Multnomah County,” Cogen said. “Given the depth of these cuts and the pain that it will cause on the most vulnerable members of our community, people who are barely hanging on, it just seems like the wrong call.”

Street Roots also notes that "State Rep. Tina Kotek, who represents Portland’s North and Northeast neighborhoods, has proposed reauthorizing funds to keep TANF functioning, along with the employment component, with less severe cuts, including setting the eligibility limit at 48 months."  A recent article in The Oregonian implied that Kotek backed the governor's proposal and I repeated that misrepresentation of her views in a recent op-ed piece.  I've since written and asked for a clarification of her proposal.

Update:  Rep. Kotek e-mailed me this afternoon to say that she will not vote for a budget with the governor's proposed TANF budget cut.  

I applaud Chair Cogen and the Board of Commissioners for their leadership on this issue.  Faith leaders from across Oregon have also spoken out against the governor's proposal and we need more local elected leaders to do the same.

Click here to join a Street Roots sponsored campaign to support families on TANF.

Oregon Senate Considers Capital Gains Tax Cuts For Rich As Governor Proposes Cuts For Poor Kids

Should Faith Leaders Sit Out 2012 Oregon Legislative Races In Response To Radical Policies That Hurt Poor, Children?

The Oregon Legislature and our governor seem headed down a path of destruction that will jeopardize the moral legacy all Oregonians leave as families and children are cast adrift in favor of tax cuts for corporations and the wealthiest during difficult economic times. Democrats and Republicans alike are embracing the social welfare policies of Newt Gingrich and the economic policies of George W. Bush. The latest nonsense move is a planned capital gains tax cut that - as Tax Fairness Oregon notes " will run to almost $400 million dollars per biennium--more than the cost of running our K-12 schools for a month. And our state already has one of the shortest school years in the country. Or, it's all of state support for community colleges and workforce training, just so the wealthy can be more wealthy." At the same time, the governor is proposing massive cuts in social service programs for families and children. If they get their way the legacy of Gov. John Kitzhaber, Sen. Ginny Burdick, and Sen. Frank Morse - along with a host of other democrats and republicans - will be a economic wasteland of a state where low-income families and children will be abandoned. This isn't the Oregon we want or have to have. Speak up and tell members of the senate - just to start with - that you want tax fairness that brings opportunity to all and not just the wealthy. One way that people of faith concerned with the "least of the these" and economic justice might remain engaged in the political process is to watch closely how these events play out during the remainder of the legislative session. If these outlandish ideas are adopted it might be that leaders in the faith community should consider encouraging those who feel most called to address issues of poverty and inequity to sit out the legislative races in 2012 and focus entirely on policy issues - both with our money and volunteer time. Faith leaders are often asked, for example, to endorse political candidates and people of faith certainly work on campaigns. But is it that the politicians in Salem in both parties have proven by their actions that they cannot be trusted with the most important issues that lift up the common good of our state? As the National Council of Churches has said: "There is no greater concern among the churches of Christ than for those in this nation who live in poverty." So far it looks like both parties are willing to discard the most defenseless in society to achieve their goals. If so, people of faith concerned about families and children will need to seriously address in 2012 where we might as individuals have the strongest impact in protecting those Kitzhaber, Burdick and Morse are seemingly willing to forget if they don't change course.  I'm sill hoping they have a super secret plan that brings back common sense and fairness to Salem.

Governor Kitzhaber, Fix The Plumbing

Oregon Governor John Kitzhaber's radical plan to put an 18 month lifetime limit on those receiving public assistance in the form of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) financial support is deeply immoral. Read my op-ed in The Oregonian to learn why and how children and their families will suffer.

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Invocation At Oregon Workers Memorial Day Observance

Today at Noon in front of the state of Oregon Labor building a ceremony was held to mark Workers Memorial Day. . I was honored to offer the invocation at the start the event (which can be found below). Secretary of State Kate Brown and State Treasurer Ted Wheeler then read the names of the 34 Oregonians killed last year either in the workplace or while serving in the Armed Forces. I'll update this post with those names when I receive the full list.  Watch the below video for the reading of the names. The Oregon AFL-CIO is to be thanked for sponsoring the gathering in partnership with state officials.

Prayer of Invocation

Gracious God,

This Workers Memorial Day we lift up to you the names of Oregonians who have fallen.
Keep them and bless them.
Bestow on their families all manner of goodness.
Let their names never be forgotten.

We rejoice that safety standards have improved over time.
But we know there is more work to be done.
Workers should be afforded every protection.
Their lives are as precious to you as those with power and wealth, perhaps more so.

We gather this day as people from different faiths all united in our love of Oregon and in our commitment to justice.
Help us to make conditions even safer for workers.
Help us to build bridges between labor and business that promote the common good.

During this time of economic hardship, O God, let us never forget our shared responsibilities for one another.
We are our brother’s keeper.
We are our sister’s keeper.
Let us live out that mandate from you in ways that build up the Beloved Community.

Amen.

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Love. Commitment. Marriage.

Via http://love.marriagemattersoregon.org/

Tweet this: The @RevChuckCurrie believes #marriageequality honors the golden rule. I do too! http://bit.ly/hSLSIf via @basicrights Pls RT

Related Link: It Is Good: Family & Community In The Tradition Of Jesus (A Sermon For Pride Sunday)

Did Lars Larson Call Me A Nut? @LarsLarsonShow

A friend called today to say that Lars Larson called me a "nut" on-air yesterday. Is this true? Who knows why he would say it but we disagree on most issues and I find it ironic that this Washington State resident drives into Oregon every day where he uses the public airs ways (for free - a massive form of corporate welfare) to bash people living in poverty - along with just about everyone else in the great state of Oregon. Most responsible Oregonians refuse to go on his show. I've known Larson for nearly 25 years and tried to give him every benefit of the doubt as he made the transition from journalist to right-wing radio talk show host. But I finally had to say enough is enough and decline requests to appear on his program as his voice became more shrill and hateful. As we begin the 2012 election cycle, however, I'll make this offer to Lars: I'll debate you on the issues of the day - the issues you talk about on your show and that I talk about in my sermons, blog posts and op-ed pieces for The Huffington Post - in a neutral forum, such as one of Oregon's fine public universities. I know, I know. You won't have control of the mute button and a moderator might actually require that you answer questions instead of simply shouting out sound bites but serious times call for serious conversations, Lars. Can you engage in a real debate or is being stuck behind a microphone making disparaging remarks all that is left of Lars Larson?


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It Is Time For Marriage Equality In Oregon @basicrights

Tonight we attend a fund raiser to help raise awareness for the need for marriage equality in Oregon. Our good friend and former U.S. Senate candidate Steve Novick spoke about this important civil rights issue.

The United Church of Christ became the first mainline Christian denomination to endorse full marriage equality in 2005 and I agree with what our General Synod stated then:

The message of the Gospel is the lens through which the whole of scripture is to be interpreted. Love and compassion, justice and peace are at the very core of the life and ministry of Jesus. It is a message that always bends toward inclusion. The biblical story recounts the ways in which inclusion and welcome to God‘s community is ever-expanding – from the story of Abraham and Sarah, to the inclusive ministry of Jesus, to the baptism of Cornelius, to the missionary journeys of Paul throughout the Greco- Roman world. The liberating work of the Spirit as witnessed in the activities of Jesus‘ ministry has been to address the situations and structures of exclusion, injustice and oppression that diminish God‘s people and keep them from realizing the full gift of human personhood in the context of human communion.

As a minister in the United Church of Christ and as an Oregonian, I've preached about how I look forward to the day when marriage equality is finally realized, and when our hearts are opened to the reality that God's love shines on us all - no matter our sexual orientation.

You can learn more about the campaign for marriage equality in Oregon by visiting:

http://love.marriagemattersoregon.org/ 

Steve Novick speaks to the crowd that gathered tonight in support of marriage equality.

Why I Support An Expanded Earned Income Tax Credit For Oregon

This afternoon I joined members of the Oregon Senate, Oregon House and advocates from across the state in testifying before the Oregon Senate Finance and Revenue Committee in support of an expanded Earned Income Tax Credit that would help Oregon families lift themselves out of poverty.  You can download a PDF copy of my testimony here (or read it below the fold).  SB 349 - the bill which would expand the credit - is supported by Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon and a large coalition of organizations from across the state.  The concept of the Earned Income Tax Credit, as I noted in my testimony before the committee, was first embraced by Ronald Reagan and has largely enjoyed bi-partisan support.  In a time of growing poverty in Oregon, this is one step our Legislature could take that could truly help working families.  I urge all Oregonians to contact members of the Oregon Senate Finance and Revenue Committee to voice support for this legislation as it moves forward.  Below is additional information from the Coalition for Working Families on the Earned Income Tax Credit and why it is so important:

Improving the State EITC Would Help Oregon Working Families Get Ahead

A strong work ethic is rightly among the most cherished of American values. In an ideal world, work alone would open the doors to opportunity. Unfortunately, that’s not the case for many Oregonians. Too many low- and moderate-income working families in Oregon struggle to make ends meet.

Oregon can make work more rewarding for low-income families by improving its Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC).

The problem: Taxes hit low-income, working families hardest

Oregon’s working poor and near-poor families pay some of the nation’s highest state income taxes. On top of that, other taxes and fees in Oregon’s revenue system hit low-income families hardest. For example, the new gas tax signed into law in 2009 and set to take effect in 2011 will take a bigger bite out of the pocketbooks of low- and moderate-income households compared to better-off taxpayers.

The policy solution: Improve the state’s Earned Income Tax Credit

A state EITC is the most targeted way to improve the tax system for working families. Oregon’s EITC has a long history of bipartisan support. Unfortunately, Oregon’s current EITC, at 6 percent of the federal EITC, is too small. Oregon’s current EITC is one of the lowest among states offering EITCs and it leaves low-income Oregonians with significantly higher taxes on their income compared to other states.

What would boosting Oregon's EITC mean? Consider the impact of increasing the state tax credit from its current 6 percent of the federal credit to 18 percent. Such a boost would:

• Cut taxes for one in seven Oregon households. It would do so in a targeted way, helping low-income working families.

• Boost the earnings of the average EITC household by about $215 a year. For a family of four living at the poverty line (an income of about $22,000), it would mean about $587 extra income each year.

• Benefit over 220,000 households from all corners of Oregon.

• Put state tax dollars into Oregon communities. EITC dollars are spent quickly and locally.

Oregon succeeds when all families have a chance to succeed. An improved state EITC will make work more rewarding for many Oregon families.

Campaign to Improve Oregon's EITC

Over 100 organizations from across the state have joined Oregonians for Working Families, which has launched a campaign to enact a meaningful boost to Oregon's EITC.

Read the latest on the Oregonians for Working families campaign to boost the state EITC.

The text of my testimony before the Oregon Senate Finance and Revenue Committee is below:

Spring Has Arrived And I Have Proof

Children have ended their long winter hibernations and returned to the playgrounds in force.

Walk to Jerusalem: Let's Move!

Today the people of First Congregational United Church of Christ began a "Walk to Jerusalem" initiative. The goal of the effort is to increase the physical, spiritual and emotional health of congregants by walking the equivalent distance between Salem, Oregon (our state's capitol) and Jerusalem between now and Easter - individually and in groups. This morning, after worship, we walked together from the church and around the Capitol Mall and Capitol Building. Amazingly, it didn't rain!

Churches across the United Church of Christ are participating in efforts to increase the health of congregants. The UCC has teamed-up this year with First Lady Michelle Obama's "Let's Move!" campaign by launching the “UCC Let’s Move: Faithfully HEALing (Healthy Eating and Living)” which will "focus on the pillars of Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move Campaign – Healthy Choices, Healthier Schools, Physical Activity and Accessible and Affordable Foods." Click here to learn more.

A Change Is Gonna Come: A Podcast From Salem's First Congregational United Church of Christ.

This morning I preached my first sermon as the acting minister of Salem's First Congregational United Church of Christ. Our Scripture readings included Genesis 7:17-23; 8:6-7, Exodus 34: 27-32, Matthew 4:1-11, and Acts 1:1-5. You can download a podcast of my sermon below:

A Change Is Gonna Come.

(some browsers - like Firefox or Google Chrome - will allow you to simply click on the link and listen...otherwise click with the RIGHT mouse button on the hyperlink and choose “Save Target As” and save to your desktop or other folder – once downloaded click on the file to listen).

Now On ITunes

You can now subscribe to my podcasts on ITunes by clicking here. 

A PDF copy of the sermon can be downloaded here.

The Oregon Journal: A Historical Receipt

We're in the midst of a remodel at our house (with only one burner on the stove working and the kitchen ceiling falling in we felt it was time).  Our house was built in 1926.  When the demolition occurred this historical gem was discovered within the walls.  It is a receipt for The Oregon Journal dated June 1926 (we're unable to make out the exact date...maybe June 11, 1926... but the receipt is marked paid on July 1, 1926).  The Oregon Journal folded in 1982.  In 1981, I was a paperboy for the publication.

A 1950 copy of something called The American Weekly was also found (which seems like a National Enquirer-type paper). 

President Obama In Oregon: What We Saw

President Obama was in Oregon today talking high tech jobs and education.  Liz and I felt quite fortunate to be among the 350 or so people to be invited to hear the president's remarks.

I have concerns about some of the president's budget proposals - concerns I outlined again today for an op-ed piece published on The Oregonian's website - but strongly concur with his commitment to public education.  

The Washington Post notes today that Republicans are calling for an array of cuts that the president cannot allow.  The GOP has plans to:

-Cut about $60 billion in spending from last year's levels in a wide swath of domestic programs, including education, environmental protection and community services.

-Block money to implement Obama's health care overhaul law enacted last year.

-Bar federal funds for Planned Parenthood, which provides abortion and family planning services with its hundreds of clinics across the U.S. The organization says 90 percent of the $363 million a year it receives in government aid comes from Washington or the federal-state Medicaid program.

-Eliminate federal family planning and teen pregnancy prevention grants.

-Block federal aid to overseas groups that provide abortions or counsel women about them.

-Cut the Social Security Administration, which the agency has warned might force it to furlough workers. Democrats say furloughs would slow the flow of benefits to program recipients, while Republicans say offices would not close and call such threats political fear-mongering.

-Prohibit the Environmental Protection Agency from imposing regulations curbing emissions of gases that cause global warming.

-Stop the Federal Communications Commission from preventing broadband providers from interfering with Internet traffic on their networks.

-Reduce Pell Grants for lower-income college students by $5.6 billion, which the White House says would reduce the maximum $5,550 grant by $845.

-Cut $747 million in food aid for poor pregnant women and women with children up to the age of 5.

-Eliminate federal money for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.

-Halt financing for the Americorps national service program, which pays people to do public service jobs and encourages volunteerism.

-Limit this year's budget for the newly created Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to $80 million. It would also cut the budgets of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Commodities Futures Trading Commission, charged with enforcing other parts of the financial overhaul law.

-Prevent the administration from enforcing a proposed rule making it harder for students at for-profit colleges to get federal loans and grants. Critics say the schools make huge profits while their students accumulate unusually large debts.

As I have already noted, further cuts to anti-poverty programs should be off the table.

The mood at the Intel event this morning was festive.  Besides Intel workers there were school children in the crowd along with many people that Liz and I both know and work with in various capacities.  

Oregon Governor John Kitzhaber

Liz and METRO president Tom Hughes

When I had the chance to shake the president's hand I told him, as I have before, that I hold him in prayer.  He thanked me and asked that I continue.  "It works.  I know," he said.  

Welcome To Oregon, Mr. President: My Op-Ed On The Oregonian's Website

President Obama arrives in Oregon this morning.  Liz and I are scheduled to hear him speak at Intel.  This morning I have an op-ed on The Oregonian's website welcoming the president back and expressing my concerns about how his budget proposals - and the draconian ones proposed by the GOP - will impact those trying to escape poverty.  Click here to read it.

Mt. St. Helens Earthquake Felt Throughout NW

A 4.3 M earthquake on Mt. St. Helens was felt throughout the region a short-time ago.  We felt it here on Puget Island, WA (about an hour from mountain) where I'm visiting my mother for the morning. A second smaller earthquake followed which we did not feel. No damage.

Related Post: The Resurrection of Mt. St. Helens

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Neil Goldschmidt's Final Act Of Rape

When Willamette Week first published a story detailing that Neil Goldschmidt had raped a young girl I didn't want to believe it.  On my blog, I cautioned people not to not rush to judgement without hearing all the facts.  Willamette Week had gotten stories wrong before, I warned (which led WW editor Mark Zusman to track me down in St. Louis where I was attending seminary in 2004 with a series of e-mails and phone calls expressing, well, I'll politely call it dismay).

But Willamette Week got this story right.  It turned out that the man so many admired - the man whose campaign for governor I volunteered on as a high school student, who wrote me letters of recommendation to college - was a sexual predator.  Willamette Week did the public a great service by breaking the silence and bringing Goldschmidt down.  

Now, as has been widely reported, Goldschmidt's victim has died.  The Oregonian has a story today which tells her side of the story (a story they waited to publish until she died after a life of hell set in motion after Goldschmidt began abusing her) and she included a final request:  don't disclose my name.  The Oregonian honored that request.  

WW, on the other hand, published her name online last night.  In doing so, they dishonored her memory and subjected her to one in a last line of indignities.  WW defends their decision by saying Goldschmidt shouldn't be allowed in the end to steal her "identity."  That choice should have belonged to her and not WW.  Abuse victims will think twice before coming forward if they believe they will be identified in the paper against their wishes.  I don't question their motives in naming this woman but do question their judgement.     

The final indignity, of course, came from Goldschmidt himself.  He offered The Oregonian a statement for their story in which he claimed that the allegations of abuse against him "vary substantially from the truth."  The former mayor and governor expressed remorse but then went on to accuse the dead woman whose life he left in tatters of lying about their relationship.  At one time, he called that relationship an "affair."  It was rape.  A 35-year old man raping a 13-year year old girl.  That is the truth no matter how Goldschmidt tries to spin it.  In his statement this week, he raped her again.  

His is the name that should rightfully be erased from history.  If only wishing made it so.        

Oregon Tea Party Using Churches To Recruit Candidates?

The Oregon Tea Party sent out an e-mail today that listed where a series of Tea Party events will be held over the next month.  My attention was immediately drawn to two events scheduled to be held in Oregon churches - one for a candidate recruitment drive.  Churches, like all non-profits, are forbidden from engaging in partisan political activity. 

I contacted both churches.  One was unaware that the Oregon Tea Party and their partner, Americans for Prosperity (a GOP-aligned political group), had scheduled an event at their church.  They determined that a parishioner had volunteered the church without the knowledge of church staff but once informed of the political nature of the meeting the church immediately informed the Oregon Tea Party the event would be cancelled. 

The second church, in Beaverton, knew of the event and initially defended hosting it when I contacted them.  This was the meeting being held to recruit candidates.  However, within a few hours they appropriately cancelled the event.  Churches that engage in partisan political activity run the serious risk of losing their tax exempt status.

Churches can rent space to political groups as long as they make space available to all political parties without regard to platforms.  But churches cannot co-sponsor events with political groups which aim to influence candidate elections (churches, again like all non-profits, are allowed to become involved in issue politics i.e. initiative campaigns, etc. and pastors are allowed as individuals - not on behalf of the church - to endorse candidates).

It is troubling that the Oregon Tea Party and Americans for Prosperity are obviously seeking to inappropriately misuse houses of worship for partisan political gain.  Cleary, these groups have very little respect for churches if they are willing to put congregations in legal jeopardy.

At the same time, I do believe that the Oregon Tea Party clearly has a right to meet.  There are plenty of community centers and businesses where they could legally gather.  One of the meetings they announced today will take place at Standard TV and Appliance in Beaverton, a company with a long history of supporting conservative causes.  I personally will not shop at a business that shares Tea Party values but I defend the Tea Party's right to freely assemble as long as their meetings are non-violent.             

Related Post: Tea Party Incites Hate, Racism And Sarah Palin Defends It All (Updated)

Related Post:  The Politics of Jesus

Article On Homelessness Failed To Tell The Real Story

Dr. Russ Dondero and Eric Cannon, two Washington County homeless advocates, write in The Oregonian:

Whoever wrote the headline "Beaverton distorts homeless roll call" for the Dec. 4 PolitiFact.Oregon column by Janie Har engaged in their own "distortion" of the reality of homelessness.  

Har correctly reported that Beaverton School District's headcount of 1,580 homeless students ranked it as No. 1 of all school districts in 2009-10. Sadly, the headline undercuts the message and facts of the issue.  

A Beaverton City not a Beaverton School District press release erred in claiming that the Beaverton homeless student count was the "highest number ever recorded in Oregon." As Har points out this is not correct.  

Har accurately informs readers that homelessness is a statewide problem in Oregon. The Oregon Department of Education estimates that there are at least 19,000 homeless students in Oregon from Portland to Medford, from Washington County to Klamath County. 

It's too bad the headline is framed in a negative way and the "Truth-o-Meter" rating was a FALSE. This is classic "gotcha" journalism best left to judging election ads or candidate gaffes not serious public policy issues.  

Readers who only notice the headlines might conclude from the title that homeless advocates are "cooking the books." Counting the homeless is very hard to do. The reality is that annual homeless counts are probably much higher. 

Here's a partial quote from the Beaverton School District's response to the PolitiFact article:  

"...We are concerned that people may see that headline and read no further. In the body of the article it is clear that the Beaverton School District's homeless numbers as reported to ODE are completely accurate. Unfortunately a representative from the city misunderstood the ODE data and stated in a press release that our number from last year, 2009-2010 was the highest ever reported in the state of Oregon, rather than in just Beaverton…" 

Full story.

Visit the Interfaith Committee on Homelessness of Washington County for additional information.

Russ and Eric, I should mention, are members of Forest Grove United Church of Christ (where I recently had the opportunity to preach).  Dr. Dondero was also my advisor at Pacific University.  Only grace explains why he still to speaks to me. :)

Ark Building Instructions Included

I'm a preacher, not a meteorologist.  But I'm thinking this radar image from KGW.com doesn't look good.

On the other hand, we might want to just sit back and appreciate the rain.  Climate change, as The Oregonian noted in a story this week, might be bringing big changes to the Beaver state:

Global warming will likely change Oregon substantially, two new reports released Tuesday conclude, lengthening growing seasons on the upside but lowering summer water supplies, heating up salmon streams, increasing wildfires and heat waves, and squeezing crops optimized to fit a narrow temperature niche -- including the Willamette Valley's prized pinot noir wine grapes. 

At just over 400 pages, the first legislatively mandated report from the Oregon Climate Change Research Institute attempts to spell out the likely regional effects of projected warmer temperatures and sea level increases, exacerbated by expected population growth. It drew on contributions from 70 university and government researchers throughout the Northwest. 

Full story.

It is worth remembering today what religious leaders said in 2005:

To continue to walk the current path of ecological destruction is not only folly; it is sin. As voiced by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, who has taken the lead among senior religious leaders in his concern for creation: “To commit a crime against the natural world is a sin. For humans to cause species to become extinct and to destroy the biological diversity of God’s creation . . . for humans to degrade the integrity of Earth by causing changes in its climate, by stripping the Earth of its natural forests, or destroying its wetlands . . . for humans to injure other humans with disease . . . for humans to contaminate the Earth’s waters, its land, its air, and its life, with poisonous substances . . . these are sins.” We have become un-Creators. Earth is in jeopardy at our hands.

This means that ours is a theological crisis as well. We have listened to a false gospel that we continue to live out in our daily habits-a gospel that proclaims that God cares for the salvation of humans only and that our human calling is to exploit Earth for our own ends alone. This false gospel still finds its proud preachers and continues to capture its adherents among emboldened political leaders and policy makers.

The situation in the last five years has only deteriorated.

In the meantime, you can find ark building instructions here.  

Related Post: God's Mandate: Care for Creation 

Congress Approves Church-Backed Child Hunger Bill Despite Opposition From Sarah Palin, Greg Walden

It is good news that Congress passed the Child Nutrition Reauthorization Act - legislation backed by many church groups - despite the opposition of figures such as Sarah Palin.  It is disappointing, however, that Oregon's Greg Walden sided with Palin and voted against providing food for hungry kids.  But since Walden is also taking the lead in blocking employment uninsurance assistance for millions of workers this holiday season while backing tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans it is no surprise.    

The Oregonian: Corvallis community showers mosque with support

This is the way it ought to be:

After the early Sunday morning arson at Masjid Salaam al-Farisi, a national media frenzy and FBI investigation had descended upon the usually quiet college town. But by Monday morning, things were calming down. 

The mosque was still a frenzy of activity though -- there was a strong media presence, but the parking lot in front of the charred prayer center on Northwest Kings Boulevard was mostly filling with community members and Corvallis religious leaders who had united to offer prayers and support against the "abhorrent" act of arson.

"This shouldn't happen here -- it shouldn't happen anywhere -- but Corvallis is a wonderful, open community," said Laurie Holst as she stopped by the mosque to drop off a potted plant and card. The gifts were part of a growing donation from the community -- a growing cluster of poinsettias, bouquets and cards were gathered in front of the men's entrance to the mosque. 

Full story.

Related Post: Corvallis Mosque Attack Dishonors God

Corvallis Mosque Attack Dishonors God

The fire set at a mosque in Corvallis is an affront to God. As a Christian, I condemn this event and call on all people of faith to renounce violence and to join in common pursuit of the Beloved Community. The planned bombing of Portland's Pioneer Courthouse Square is no excuse for further violence. Such acts dishonor the God that calls creation to reconciliation and justice. Muslims in Oregon and across the United States have condemned the planned terrorist attack in Portland. Christians, Jews and other people of faith should also condemn the attack in Corvallis. Let us all work and pray for peace.

Portland Bombing Plot: A Lot To Be Thankful For; A Lot to Be Concerned With

The bombing plot foiled by the FBI last night that targeted the annual Christmas Tree lightening at Pioneer Courthouse Square is a powerful reminder of the threats we face as a nation. 

That the FBI was able to identify the would-be bomber and stop his plans also demonstrates how well the Obama administration is dealing with such threats.  I don't believe we can stop all terrorist attacks against the United States or our allies but this proves Once again that through good work - coordinated among many agencies (federal, state and local) -   that we can stop some attacks.

One of the best allies in the fight against terrorism has been the Muslim American community. Mohamed Osman Mohamud, the teen arrested, was not representative of Portland's Muslim community.  It is important that Oregonians remember that in the coming days.  Christians, Jews and Muslims in Portland have worked hard to build ties and bridges in the years since 9/11 and you can no more blame the entire Muslim world for acts of terrorism than you can blame all Christians for the Oklahoma City Bombing or domestic terrorist attacks against women's clinics.

Other attempted terrorist attacks have led to threats of violence against Muslim communities.  That happened after 9/11 in Portland. Churches and temples can play an important role by offering friendship and protection to our Muslim brothers and sisters in the wake of this incident. 

This event also serves as a reminder of the danger of religious fundmentalism.  Those who strive for a real and just peace need to work against fundamentalism and offer a vision of the peaceable Kingdom of God where diversity is valued and love reigns supreme.

⁶ The wolf shall live with the lamb,
   the leopard shall lie down with the kid,
the calf and the lion and the fatling together,
   and a little child shall lead them.
⁷ The cow and the bear shall graze,
   their young shall lie down together;
   and the lion shall eat straw like the ox.
⁸ The nursing child shall play over the hole of the asp,
   and the weaned child shall put its hand on the adder’s den.
⁹ They will not hurt or destroy
   on all my holy mountain;
for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord
   as the waters cover the sea.

- Isaiah 11:6-9          

The Oregonian's Season Of Sharing Wishbook

The Oregonian has published their annual 2010 Season of Sharing Wishbook.  As always, it is a great guide that lifts up organizations working to make a difference in our community under difficult circumstances.  This economy makes their work all the more difficult and important this year.  I plan to "tweet" one program each day - minus one important example that doesn't belong on the list- and hope that you find ways to support these agencies.  What is the wishbook?

The 2010 Season of Sharing Wishbook, The Oregonian's annual holiday fundraising campaign, seeks help for 20 social service agencies that serve individuals and families in Oregon and southwest Washington. Your generosity will fulfill their wishes, which range from sleeping bags for a summer camp where sexually abused children can start healing, to building materials to make home repairs for low-income homeowners, to hotel vouchers for women who've fled domestic abuse. Last year, readers donated nearly $280,000, fulfilling the wishes of all the agencies featured. Since 1990, readers have given more than $4 million. Thank you for your generosity in these difficult economic times.

The agency I would discourage folks from supporting on this list is the Community Transitional School.  Not every agency is worth supporting and below the fold I offer my reasons for not recommending support for this one program (a position that I've held for some time).  But don't let controversy over this one program stop you from supporting the others.  They fill an important need and help transform lives.  So please give generously and volunteer year-round if possible.     

A Sermon On 1 Corinthians 12:16-26: Unity In The Midst Of Division (A Post-Election Reflection)

This morning I preached at Forest Grove United Church of Christ (just across the street from UCC-related Pacific University).  My sermon, which was a theological reflection on the aftermath of the 2010 mid-term elections, can be downloaded as a podcast below:  

A Sermon On 1 Corinthians 12:16-26: Unity In The Midst Of Division (A Post-Election Reflection)

(some browsers - like Firefox or Google Chrome - will allow you to simply click on the link and listen...otherwise click with the RIGHT mouse button on the hyperlink and choose “Save Target As” and save to your desktop or other folder – once downloaded click on the file to listen).

Now On ITunes

You can now subscribe to my podcasts on ITunes by clicking here. 

A PDF version of the sermon can be found here.

I want to thank The Rev. Jennifer Yocum for inviting me to preach this morning.

Fall In The Columbia River Gorge

This afternoon we left Portland and made the short trip up the Columbia River Gorge to Multnomah Falls and the Vista House at Crown Point.  We had thought that today was the Salmon Festival at the Falls but it turns out that happens tomorrow.  The salmon didn't seem to care.  They were swimming away.  So I recommend going tomorrow (after church, of course...I'll be preaching at Forest Grove United Church of Christ at 10am, btw) and seeing what the festival has to offer.  Looks like a fun time for kids.  

In any event, the Columbia River Gorge is perhaps one of the most beautiful places on the face of the earth - a real treasure that must be protected.  Learn more about ways to be a good steward of the Columbia River Gorge by visiting the Friends of the Columbia Gorge.  Below are some photos of this breathtaking place that we took today.       

Conservative "Christian" Group Says Oregon's Congressional Delegation "Anti-Family"

The Family Research Council (FRC) - which bills itself as a pro-family Christian organization - has issued their voter's guide.  It is important to note that in reality the FRC is a conservative political organization and not a religious body.

What they consider "family values" is often the opposite of what millions of Christians across the United States consider moral.   

Their guide, which is being distributed over the web and in churches across Oregon and the nation, ranks candidates and according to them 6 out of 7 members of Oregon's Congressional delegation are 100% anti-family.

What did Wyden, Merkley, Blumenauer, Wu, DeFazio, and Schrader do to earn their "anti-family values" label?

They voted for health care reform that cuts costs and expands coverage for tens of millions of Americans, voted to fight the HIV/AIDS epidemic, voted to protect the right of women to make their own health care decisions and voted for hate crimes legislation to protect people from violent assaults and even murder.

Wyden and Merkley added insult to injury (from FRC's point of view) by voting to confirm President Obama's nominees to the Supreme Court and even had the gall to vote for legislation that would require groups that spend money on political campaigns to disclose their donors! 

The truth is that Wyden, Merkley,  Blumenauer, Wu, DeFazio, and Schrader voted for the common good.  As a minister, I strongly dispute the Family Research Council's assertion that these votes were in any way anti-family. In fact, many of the votes taken by these members of Congress were ones recommended by Christian and Jewish national organizations - like the National Council of Churches USA and the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism.   

I commend  these Oregon leaders for their wisdom, compassion, and family values.  No, I don't agree with them all the time (Schrader's support for the NRA is quite troublesome, for example) but these are people of integrity.

Oregon's U.S. Rep. Greg Walden, for the record, received a 75% positive rating from FRC.  I don't consider him to be "anti-family values" because he disagrees with me on public policy issues.  We just have different views on important matters.    

Our politics need to be more civil.     

Oregon Attorney General John Kroger Needs To Keep Promise To Defend Civil Rights

Last week I wrote the Oregon Attorney General's office asking that they investigate the Portland City Attorney's office for withholding information that a Portland Police officer - under investigation for excessive use of force - had created public memorials to Nazi SS troops in a Portland park. As The Oregonian reported today, the attorney general's office wrote back today and suggested that I file a  complaint with the Oregon State Bar, which investigates professional misconduct among attorneys. I will follow-up with the Bar.  

However, my intention is to work with other faith leaders in Portland to ask the AG to demonstrate his outspoken commitment to civil rights by engaging directly in these issues.  As the Chasse case illustrates, these incidents are not isolated but are part of a pattern of deception that place the civil rights and safety of all Portlanders in jeopardy.  We face a crisis of leadership and my hope is that the AG will eventually step in to help fill that void.  Oregon Attorney General John Kroger has promised to be a fierce defender of civil rights.  

Just yesterday I met with leaders of Albina Ministerial Alliance (AMA) to talk about a coordinated response to these matters from Portland's faith community.  AMA has already called on the state's AG office to establish a special prosecutor to deal with legal issues that arise when a police officer kills a civilian in the line of duty or is accused of excessive force.  Clearly, the system as now designed does not work.  

I will continue to work in partnership with other concerned Portlanders on these critical issues of accountability.  

How I'll Vote On The 2010 Oregon Ballot Measures

Sunday morning I talked with the "Early Edition" Sunday school class at Ainsworth United Church of Christ about the ballot measures Oregonians will be considering this November.  Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon - our state's council of churches - has made recommendations on the measures.  My own views are in line with EMO's:

Measure 70: Veterans Home Loans Expansion. Vote YES

Measure 71: Oregon Legislature Annual Sessions Amendment. No Position

Measure 72: Authorizes exception to $50,000 state borrowing limit for state property projects. No Position

Measure 73: Increases mandatory minimum sentences for specified crimes. Vote NO

Measure 74: Regulated Medical Marijuana Supply System Act. No Position

Measure 75: Authorizes Multnomah County Casino. Vote NO

Measure 76: Continues dedicated funding for parks, wildlife and water shed protection. Vote YES

City of Portland Measure 26-108: Continues City public campaign financing for Mayoral, Commissioner and Auditor candidates. Vote YES

You can download EMO's voter guide here.  It contains an explanation of each measure and EMO's rational for each recommendation. 

I will be voting YES on Measure 71 and I'm learning toward a YES vote on Measure 74 (though I agree this issue really ought to be considered by the Legislature and not by initiative - if only wishing made it so - and if I do vote YES it will be a vote to keep the debate alive rather than strong support for the measure as written).  I have not come to a conclusion on Measure 72.  These three measures are ones that EMO did not make recommendations on for various reasons.

So why should churches be making recommendations on ballots measures?  The United Methodist Church provides the best answer in their Social Principles:

The United Methodist Church believes that the church has the moral imperative to act for the common good. For people of faith, therefore, there are no political or spiritual spheres where their participation can be denied. The attempt to influence the formation and execution of public policy at all levels of government is often the most effective means available to churches to keep before humanity the ideal of a society in which power and order are made to serve the ends of justice and freedom for all people. Through such social action The United Methodist Church generates new ideas, challenges certain goals and methods, and help rearrange the emphasis on particular values in ways that facilitate the adoption and implementation of specific policies and programs that promote goals that are congruent with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This task of the Church is in no way in contradiction with our commitment to a vital separation of Church and State. We believe that the integrity of both institutions is best served when both institutions do not try to control the other. Thus, we sustain with the first amendment to the Constitution that: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof;” We live in a pluralistic society. In such a society, churches should not seek to use the authority of government to make the whole community conform to their particular moral codes. Rather, churches should seek to enlarge and clarify the ethical grounds of public discourse and to identify and define the foreseeable consequences of available choices of public policy.  

The recommendations made by EMO are just that - recommendations.  People of faith can come to different conclusions on difficult issues.

These recommendations come from "a" Christian perspective but not "THE" Christian perspective.  There is room for debate and dialog.   

Want To Learn More About The 2010 #Oregon Ballot Measures? Join Me Sunday.

Want to learn more about Oregon's ballot measures?  Join me at Ainsworth United Church of Christ this Sunday (October 17, 2010) at 9am for the church's Early Edition forum.

Ainsworth is a multi-cultural, multi-racial, open & affirming, Just Peace and accessible church. We celebrate that God is still speaking in our world today and that God’s extravagant welcome and love is for everyone. We hope that your journey of faith will lead you to us and that you experience God’s love through us.

I'll be leading a discussion of the measures and we'll review recommendations made on each one by Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon (EMO).  You can download EMO's ballot guide here.  We'll be there to talk just about the ballot measures - not the candidates or their positions on the issues.  

Ainsworth United Church of Christ is located on the corner of NE 30th & Ainsworth.

Pacific University Community Stands Up To Hate @pacificu #pacificu

As a one-time Pacific University student, I'm proud of how the Pacific community reacted today after "slurs against women, Muslims, and members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered community" were found written in chalk on a university building.  The Oregonian reports:

FOREST GROVE -- Three days after finding hateful words scrawled in chalk outside a campus building, Pacific University sophomore Blaise Holden drew hearts on a nearby stretch of sidewalk. 

"There's a strong reaction against it. People don't want to be passive," he said. 

Holden was among more than 75 students who gathered Monday in a courtyard at the Forest Grove campus to combat an outbreak of hateful graffiti with a "love chalk." 

The messages found Friday outside three campus buildings included slurs against women, Muslims, and members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered community. 

One of them, Holden said, included the phrase "abortion is green," suggested that the 9/11 terrorists attacks were an inside job, and quoted a bible verse while targeting gay men. 

"I just sat and stared for a really long time and tried to figure out where that was coming from," Holden said. 

By early Monday afternoon, the sidewalks had been smothered with hearts, peace signs, rainbows and multicolored messages of acceptance. "You are beautiful," one message read. Another: "Support diversity."

As a minister in the United Church of Christ, I am particularly disheartened that someone used Scripture to attack gays and lesbians.  Hate is not the way of Jesus.  But so many - including political groups like Focus on the Family - misuse Scripture to promote hate and discrimination that there is no surprise that this event took place.  

On the Right, we see what feels like unprecedented hatred directed against women, Muslims and gays.  Just listen to Glenn Beck, Lars Larson, Sarah Palin, Newt Gingrich or GOP New York State gubernatorial nominee Carl P. Paladino. 

Those that preach hate must accept some of responsibility for acts of hate that occur.  

Today the Pacific community stood up to such hate and set an example for all of us. 

We were actually on the Pacific campus on Friday.  Liz's office held a conference there to discuss school based health care centers.  I always enjoy visiting.

Pacific University was founded in 1849 by Congregational pioneers and remains related to the United Church of Christ.  I will be preaching at Forest Grove United Church of Christ, across the street from Pacific's main campus, on Sunday, November 7th.  The service begins at 10am.  All are welcome. 

Upcoming Preaching, Teaching & Speaking Engagements

Preaching Sun., Nov. 7th at Forest Grove United Church of Christ

Preaching Sun., Oct. 24th at Bethel Congregational United Church of Christ (Beaverton)

Teaching "Early Edition" Adult Ed Class at Ainsworth UCC on Sun., Oct. 17th at 9am

Speaking at Goose Hollow Family Shelter / 13 Salmon Street Family Center Benefit on Sun., Oct. 3rd

Oregon GOP Must Fire Dennis Oliver Woods

Two of my political heroes are Tom McCall and Mark Hatfield.  In fact, the only portrait of a politician that I own is one of Governor McCall and when Hatfield was in the U.S. Senate I was proud to work with him on legislation to help homeless Oregonians.  These two Republicans always put the common good ahead of partisan politics when they served in public office.  Of course, Senator Hatfield's Christian faith guided his decisions on issues like military spending and the death penalty.  I have met few people that I admire more.

It is disheartening that today's GOP in Oregon has moved so far away from the ideals of tolerance and community advanced by McCall and Hatfield.  No example demonstrates this better than the relationship GOP leaders have with Dennis Oliver Woods, a man who has advocated the death penalty for gays and lesbians, written that slavery in the American South was akin to kindly "overseas adoptions," and who objects to letting women have the right to vote.  Mr. Woods bases his views on his understanding of the Christian faith.  How we read the Bible matters and as an ordained minister, I would argue that Woods perverts the Gospel teachings. 

As Willamette Week has noted, GOP-related groups, including the Oregon Republican Senate Caucus, have "regularly hired Woods to gauge and help shape public opinion." 

Senate Republican Leader Ted Ferrioli says that he won't impose a "litmus test" on those the GOP employees.   Some views are so extreme, however,  that they must be condemned.  Oregon republicans offer Woods legitimacy that he doesn't deserve. 

The Oregon GOP and their affiliates need to immediately fire Mr. Woods and promise not to work with him in the future.  His political views are the antitheses of the values we as Americans - democrats and republicans alike - hold so dear.  Racism, sexism, and homophobia have no place in our politics and those that advocate such views shouldn't have a seat at the table.  Oregonians need to know the GOP strongly reject these views.  Right now that isn't clear.  The party of Tom McCall and Mark Hatfield shouldn't be allowed to become the party of Dennis Oliver Woods.  

A Christian Voter's Guide For Oregon's Fall 2010 Elections

Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon (EMO) - our state's council of churches - has released a Voter's Guide for the November elections.  The guide only deals with public policy initiatives.  EMO does not endorse or rank candidates for political office.

Why publish a Voter's Guide?

Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon believes that the demands of the Gospel and our understanding of our diverse religious traditions call us to participate in civic life. Our faith traditions give us a unique and important perspective to offer the community in deliberations on civic, legislative and governmental matters. EMO believes that every person should be given the opportunity to be informed about the policies and processes of government at every level.

The positions taken by EMO should be seen as recommendations.  While these recommendations have been made after careful thought and prayer people of good faith can come to different conclusions.

EMO recommends the following: 

Measure 70: Veterans Home Loans Expansion. Vote YES

Measure 71: Oregon Legislature Annual Sessions Amendment. No Position

Measure 72: Authorizes exception to $50,000 state borrowing limit for state property projects. No Position

Measure 73: Increases mandatory minimum sentences for specified crimes. Vote NO

Measure 74: Regulated Medical Marijuana Supply System Act. No Position

Measure 75: Authorizes Multnomah County Casino. Vote NO

Measure 76: Continues dedicated funding for parks, wildlife and water shed protection. Vote YES

City of Portland Measure 26-108: Continues City public campaign financing for Mayoral, Commissioner and Auditor candidates. Vote YES

Click here to download the full guide.  You'll find information on all the measures and can read EMO's reasoning on each.

Roman Catholic Women Revolt

Nancy Haught has the story in The Oregonian:

In August, Jennifer Sleeman, 81, urged Catholic women to boycott this Sunday's Mass in protest of their treatment by the church. Half a world a way, a handful of Portland women responded. 

"We had been talking amongst ourselves about how to be a woman and be a Catholic, dealing with that angst," says Sarah Granger,  34,  who is active in St. Andrew Parish in Northeast Portland. "Her call struck a chord with us. We needed to do something, to say, 'We've had enough.'" But she and other women from St. Andrew's envisioned a "prayerful, positive public witness," not a protest or a boycott. 

Sleeman -- who is from Ireland and the mother of a monk -- said at the time that her call was inspired by a Vatican statement in July that seemed to equate the ordination of women with pedophilia. "One Spirit -- One Call"will unfold at 9:30 a.m.  Sunday  in the South Park Blocks in downtown Portland. The 90-minute  program calls for prayers, a gospel reflection, and a litany of women saints. Organizers say they hope participants will attend Mass on Saturday night or stay downtown for a special noon Mass at the Downtown Chapel. 

"This is not a boycott of the Eucharist," Granger says. "It's an opportunity for women to tell their stories, for our voices to be heard." 

Organizers wrote to the archbishop of Portland, the Most Rev. John G. Vlazny,  and told him of their plans. He says he is resigned that "One Spirit -- One Call" would go on. 

"I'm not happy about it," he says. "Whenever people are disturbed, it's a good idea to get together and pray. But my job is one that tries to promote the unity of the church, to encourage the church in our evangelization." 

The Congregationalists (what became the United Church of Christ) ordained the first woman - Antoinette Brown - to ministry since New Testament times in 1853.  But even in the progressive UCC we have often been slow to recognize God's call for women to be preachers and teachers of the Gospel.

My prayers this weekend will be with these Roman Catholic women as they further seek to proclaim God's extravagant welcome to all and with all those in the Roman Catholic Church during a time of discord and change.

Number Of Homeless Students Up 134% Over 7 Years; Poverty Must Be A Campaign Issue

"This morning the Oregon Department of Education announced that during the last school year (2009-2010) that state public schools served over 19,000 children experiencing homelessness. Those numbers represent a 5.5% increase over the previous year and a 134% increase over the last seven years. That over 19,000 children were homeless in Oregon last year - and we know there were many more who did not enroll in school - shows that our state faces both an economic and a moral crisis.

So I ask: as the 2010 election campaign rages where are the politicians and how will they address growing poverty and homelessness, particularly the needs of homeless students? Where are their plans to substantially reduce poverty in Oregon? As usual, I hear little to nothing from the candidates of either major political party as this moral crisis continues to grow like an Oregon forest fire. How many more of our kids will be forced into poverty and homelessness before the politicians take notice and the public demands economic programs that lift people out of poverty? No one should be forced to live a third world life in a first world country."

For more information visit my post on Blue Oregon:

Poverty Must Be A Campaign Issue

Boycott Beaverton?

Celebrate the "Year of the Bicentennial" in the Americas on September 16 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at City Park.

A recent article in The Oregonian concerning Beaverton, Oregon's planned celebration of Mexico's bicentennial - which has been attacked by Washington State resident Lars Larson - has produced some pretty heated comments (many in response to my Open Letter to Beaverton praising city officials).   Comments like: 

• Will really reconsider shopping in that city any more. Uwajimaya will lose MY business. 
• We will no longer be shopping in Beaverton OR; As Americans we will give our business to cities that celebrate us. Thank you.

They're going to boycott Beaverton?

Actually, those were some of the more polite comments left on the paper's website but both of them reminded me of this photo from a Tea Party rally:

Looks like these folks boycotted English classes in grade school.

Ok, ok.  That wasn't fair.  Read a few posts on this blog and you'll see similar errors.  But the irony of the mistake on this sign is just sweet.

In the end, Beaverton's celebration of Mexico's bicentennial (which has now been expanded to include other nations south of the border) will more likely than not be good for business.  Celebrations bring people into the city and help local businesses. 

What's really going on?  Some people are clearly upset tax payer money is being spent on the celebration - and you can fairly debate that - but others are clearly being whipped up by racial animosity.  Larson has helped to fan the flames of racism.  That's the truth of the matter.  Check out a few other comments left on The Oregonian's website:      

• Celebrating the heritage of the dirt countries that they fled? If Mexico is so great, why is it a pig sty? And why do the Mexicans all want to leave the country that their great heritage has wrought in order to come to this one? I'd be ashamed of being part of the Mexican and/or Latin culture. Look at the misery it's caused in the lands in which the culture has domain. Do you want Mexican/Latin culture in THIS country? Really? 
• The brown people are the future after all, huh mayor. They'll probably have mercy on you and your family once they have completed their invasion, huh. 
• Why does "diversity" always revolve around propping up black and hispanic culture and holding it in higher regard than our own America culture?

To their credit, The Oregonian's website has deleted some of the most offensive comments.

I suspect Larson doesn't actually care about this issue.  What he cares about are the mid-term elections and it is clear that he is happy to try and divide Americans along racial and cultural lines if he thinks it helps his partisan political agenda. 

Show Beaverton some love and join their celebration on September 16th. 

St. Louis "Grandmother" Upset Over Beaverton's Mexico's Bicentennial Celebration Promises A Visit @1190kex @LarsLarsonShow

Yesterday I posted an Open Letter to Beaverton, Oregon: Thank You For Celebrating Mexico's Bicentennial.

Washington State resident Lars Larson and FOX's Bill O'Reilly have been attacking the city and falsely claiming that Beaverton doesn't celebrate the 4th of July (regardless of the fact that America's Independence Day is a city, state and federal holiday with countless area celebrations).

My letter has prompted a few angry phone calls this morning.  Most have been polite, however.  But one woman from St. Louis, MO. called a short time ago.  There was nothing polite about her call - just a lot of yelling on her part.  I offered to talk with her but every time I started she cut me off (taking her communication lessons from O'Reilly and Larson, I suppose) and I finally hung up as her attacks became more personal.

She called back and left this message - with a promise to visit me in Oregon with her son: 

Download Upset St. Louis Caller

Larson and O'Reilly intentionally attempt to incite such anger by dividing our community among racial and cultural lines.  As a minister in the United Church of Christ, (a multicultural and multiracial denomination),I find their actions to be reprehensible.  They're more concerned with partisan politics than the common good of our state and nation.  We need to tone down the hateful rhetoric and seek to find reconciliation.   

(some browsers - like Firefox or Google Chrome - will allow you to simply click on the link and listen...otherwise click with the RIGHT mouse button on the hyperlink and choose “Save Target As” and save to your desktop or other folder – once downloaded click on the file to listen).

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Update:  The grandmother from St. Louis isn't on only person upset.  This e-mail came in this evening:

from Becky Royse <[email protected]> to [email protected] date Fri, Sep 3, 2010 at 5:09 PM subject Beaverton Mexican celebration

Rev Currie,

I have not  a problem with people celebrating their culture…but not with  my tax dollars!!!This is the united states of America..if they are here legally then they are Americans..we celebrate 4^th of July..if this is a priority for them then they should go home to Mexico and celebrate. I find this bigoted,immoral, and most of all Racisit!

B.Royse

Open Letter to Beaverton, Oregon: Thank You For Celebrating Mexico's Bicentennial @1190kex @LarsLarsonShow

Dear Mayor Doyle and Councilor Bode:

I was pleased to hear that the city of Beaverton would be celebrating Mexico's bicentennial this month and disheartened to learn that Washington State resident Lars Larson has once again attacked an Oregon city. Actually, attacking Oregonians seems to be the full-time job for this Washingtonian.

As you know, Mexico is a great neighbor to America.  Both nations share a history of being colonies that finally gained independence and freedom. We share a tradition of working generation to generation to improve on the dream of democracy. Oregon has been blessed to welcome people from Mexico and Mexican descendents as new citizens and neighbors. Like immigrants before them, they contribute to our state community.

Mr. Larson and his partner in crime Bill O'Reilly have unfairly attacked Beaverton (where I lived as a child and where I attended public school) for celebrating Mexico's bicentennial and not the 4th of July. Hogwash. In middle school and high school a high point of every summer was celebrating America's Independence at the Oak Hills 4th of July parade and fireworks display. Neighborhoods, community groups and houses of worship throughout Beaverton celebrate the 4th of July proudly each year.

A city-sponsored celebration of the Mexican bicentennial simply acknowledges the deep relationship between our two nations and the rich diversity of the Beaverton community. I'm afraid that Mr. Larson and Mr. O'Reilly are less interested in the truth than in using immigration and race as partisan political issues during a campaign year.  As a minister in the United Church of Christ (a multicultural and multiracial denomination),I find their actions to be reprehensible.  They seek to divide Americans - to divide Oregonians - when our nation needs unity. The city of Beaverton should be commended for reaching out in ways that strengthen the common good of our state.

Thank you for your leadership and public service.

Sincerely,

The Rev. Chuck Currie

Photos From An Afternoon With Governor John Kitzhaber @Kitz2010

Katherine and Frances with Governor Kitzhaber 

This afternoon Liz and I were among several co-hosts for an event benefiting John Kitzhaber's return to the Governor's office. 

Related Post: Why I'm Supporting John Kitzhaber 

The turnout was great (particularly for late August when so many other events were planned).  Governor Kitzhaber spoke in some detail about his positions on economic development, education and poverty (when prompted to do so by a certain UCC minister in attendance).  You can see why his opponent - a nice guy who has never held office or created a single job - doesn't want to debate.  John Kitzhaber knows his stuff.

We want to thank our many friends who attended today. Please show your support for his campaign by clicking here.

Check out the photos:   

"Oregon Business Taxes: Lowest in the West"

There has been much moaning and groaning in Oregon from business leaders about taxes recently - particularly since the passage of Measures 66 and 67.  But as Rich Rodgers notes (via Steve Duin) a group of business leaders have issued a report showing that Oregon's business taxes are the "lowest in the West."  Duin reports:  

"As an investment advisor, I see clients move to Washington to save on the income tax," Tony Arnerich said. "You're an Oregonian all your life and suddenly taxes become a philosophical burden and you run to Washington. That's a good example of how my generation morphed from 'We the people' to 'Me the people.'"

Even Oregon's so-called "moderate" business leaders at the Oregon Business Association seem to have taken a dive off the reality cliff.  

Oregon Ranks 3rd In The Nation For Violent Attacks / Killings Of People Experiencing Homelessness

Hate Crime Legislation Needed To Protect Oregonians 

The National Coalition for the Homeless (NCH) released a report this week - Hate Crimes Against The Homeless America’s Growing Tide of Violence - showing a troubling increase in hate crimes directed at people experiencing homelessness. Their report (with data from 1999 - 2009) shows that Oregon ranks 3rd in the nation for the number of reported acts of violence. Ten deaths in Oregon were recorded over the period and 27 non-lethal (though violent) attacks were reported. 

The reported brutal deaths included that of Herbert "Pac-Man" Taylor Bishop, 56, who was killed in 2009. Michael Andrew Baughman, 22, and Ryan Eugene Casch, 22, were arrested in the murder. "The men viciously beat Pac-Man to death with blunt objects. According to witness accounts the duo went into the park 'looking for someone to beat up.' Both men testified to attacking the Pac-Man in a drunken rage. Each man received a twenty-five year sentence," states NCH's report. 

This new data argues that Oregon needs a hate crimes provision in state law to further protect those that are homeless. Florida, Rhode Island, Maine and Maryland have such laws and legislation has been introduced in the U.S. Senate that would direct the FBI to track such crimes. The report notes: "Violent, often fatal, attacks on homeless Americans now outnumber all other categories of hate crimes combined." 

Oregon's budget crisis, combined with our national economic crisis, will likely force more people - children, families, women and men - into the streets where they are vulnerable. Every great economic crisis is in reality a great moral crisis, once said William Jennings Bryan. 

As a minister in the United Church of Christ, I remember the words of Jesus: "Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me (Matthew 25:40 NRSV)." How we respond to this report will be a test of our moral character as a state and a test of the strength of our relationship with God.

"A Critical Moment: Child and Youth Homelessness In Our Nations Schools"

Analysis of recently released federal data shows that the number of homeless children and youth identified in public schools has increased for the second year in a row, and by 41% over the past two school years. - First Focus / NAEHCY

Over two hundred people gathered in Salem, Oregon on June 24th of this year for the Interfaith Summit on Homeless Children, Youth and Families.  The summit was convened to bring together religious leaders, government officials, and educators to talk about ways that together we could address the growing numbers of homeless children experiencing homelessness while attending our public schools.   

Churches and other faith communities present shared information on the enormous faith-based efforts under way currently in Oregon to help homeless families and their children.  It was an opportunity to share information on programs that work and that might be replicated.  There is a general consensus that the faith community must do more in terms of direct service and advocacy.

Everyone present understood, however, that the faith community doesn't have the financial resources to end homelessness in Oregon (or nationwide for that matter).  Homelessness is for the most part a result of people living in poverty - and poverty in America is in large part a result of bad economic policies that benefit the wealthiest Americans while cutting off opportunities for everyone else.  That is why it is essential for Congress to end the tax cuts provided by President Bush and Congress to the wealthiest Americans. 

President Obama has worked hard to change the economic landscape of our country - pushing an aggressive agenda of progressive policies not seen since FDR - but it is vital that religious leaders continue to impress on the president that he must keep his campaign promise to cut poverty by 50% over the course of ten years.  Visit the Half in Ten Campaign and Fighting Poverty With Faith to learn more about these efforts.

In the meantime, it is essential that we provide additional resources to public schools to address the growing crisis of homeless students.

First Focus and the National Association for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth have just released a new issue brief that explains the current crisis we face nationally and steps the federal government must take immediately to make sure that every child who is homeless has the best education possible.  As President Obama has said, a strong public education is the best anti-poverty strategy.  

Download A Critical Moment: Child and Youth Homelessness In Our Nations Schools. 

Please share this information with people in your churches, with your e-mail lists, on Facebook and blogs.

Is Scott Lively Gay? Is He? Or Is He Just A Hatemonger?

It's nice to see an Oregonian make good by getting some national tv exposure.....

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart	Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c
Gay Reichs
www.thedailyshow.com
Daily Show Full Episodes Political Humor Tea Party

I've been proud over the years to help fight off anti-gay ballot measure put forth by Scott Lively and his allies as part of broad based coalitions of Oregonians, many in our state's faith community, who value human rights and who honor and acknowledge the great diversity of God's own creation.

But when you talk about local hatemongers, Lively has always been one of those near the top of the list.  He has misused the Christian faith to divide people along religious lines.  I'd say The Daily Show made fun of Lively but he provided all the comedic material.  The frightening part is that he was dead serious. 

h/t Blog Town

EMO invitation: Isaiah 58 Vigil

AN INVITATION AND URGENT APPEAL FROM DAVID LESLIE,

Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon (EMO), Executive Director

Please join us in mobilizing for the Wednesday, July 21, Isaiah 58 noon vigil in support of the people of Arizona, immigrant rights and comprehensive immigration reform.

The Isaiah 58 Prayer Vigil in Portland at noon on July 21 in the North Park Blocks is a critically important gathering to share our collective religious perspectives on immigration reform and the divisive impact that fear-based legislation has on all people in a community, and to offer support to all those struggling with the fallout from these anti-immigrant efforts. View flyer with the event details.

Through our ministries and services at EMO, I see daily the needs and challenges that immigrants and refugees face in our communities. As the chair of the National Council of Churches/Church World Service Task Force on Immigration, I also see similar needs and issues throughout the country. In Arizona, for example, on the eve of the implementation of SB 1070 (which has been characterized as one of the most restrictive state immigration laws in the country), many immigrants are moving out of state or not calling law enforcement officials when they are victims of crimes or domestic violence for fear of arrest or deportation. In addition, many religious organizations and nonprofits that routinely work with and serve immigrants are uncertain about the bill's impact, fearful of the punitive costs if they are accused of serving, hiring or transporting someone who may be undocumented.

Other troubling developments include the announcement in a news report that a list is circulating in Utah with the names and personal information of some 1,300 people who are supposedly undocumented. The people compiling the names believe those listed need to "be deported immediately." This is a very disturbing incident that runs contrary to the values we hold sacred as people of God and a gross civil rights violation. Additionally, there are local initiatives being developed like the one that passed recently in Fremont, Nebraska, that would make it illegal to hire or rent to an undocumented person. Similar initiatives are being circulated in Oregon, and other states are considering SB 1070-like legislation. These actions do not further the just treatment of people who are undocumented, the enforcement of current immigration laws or the comprehensive reform of our nation's immigration policies.  

The vigil in Portland on July 21 is an important opportunity to call for Comprehensive Immigration Reform, to express our support for our brothers and sisters in Arizona as they deal with the fallout from SB 1070, and to stand together as people of faith in support of immigrant populations who are becoming the target of dehumanizing rhetoric and fear-driven action.

Please post the vigil flyer, spread the word throughout your congregation and community, and be present.

Thank you very much for your consideration to this invitation, and if you have any questions or need additional information, please contact me at (503) 221-1054 or [email protected].