In my mediation work with congregations, I have often seen how people in the midst of long-term conflict use defensive styles of communication. In one particular case, I saw how both parties repeatedly used the same words and phrases to defend themselves. These words set up a protective wall between them that prevented new things from being said and heard; the old words and stories continued to dominate the discussion …
Dear brother and family … Oh, I tell you, I was so caught up in this election. My whole family was, I guess. My husband, Abraham (they call him A.K. down at the publishing house) has campaigned for the Republicans since the 1860 presidential campaign! His brother, John (yes, the famous John F. Funk), was campaigning back then, too, for the Republican’s “Wide Awake” club. But ever since he was ordained in ’65, he hasn’t voted. Our Mennonite ministers aren’t supposed to vote …
A good life is spent building bridges. Growing up as a Mennonite and a pacifist, I knew few—if any—military people. I spent my formative years in Mennonite communities—except for elementary school where I was the weird kid who “didn’t believe in war,” kept quiet during the Pledge of Allegiance and never sang the national anthem …
Rachel Fecho understands how it feels to be without health insurance …
During this national, presidential election year, the United States is more-and-more spoken of as “empire” despite its having only 5 percent of the world’s population. And that is where I now live amidst all of the politicking hubbub …
She loves church and would attend every church activity if she could, but she is dependent upon the generosity of others to provide a ride. By human standards, her mind is not as mature as her body. It never will be. She lacks social finesse and her body moves awkwardly. But she is the most loving of human beings. She has an amazing ability to remember people’s names and the important details of other’s lives. She uses this gift of remembering to connect with others and, as she does, one can’t help but feel cared for by this little woman whom many would overlook …
Dear Mr. President: Waterboarding is on my mind. I know you have expressed firm convictions that it is necessary. I also understand that as a politician you need to show progress in your efforts to prevail against terrorism. Since we both claim to be Christians I thought I would tell you a story from my own faith history that may be helpful for your deliberations regarding the use of waterboarding and other methods of torture to eliminate the enemy all the way to the gates of hell …
A three-day “people’s summit” in Winnipeg, Manitoba, for U.S. and Canadian Mennonites originally held some promise. Now the purpose of this “crossroads” gathering July 8-10 seems to be in peril. While more than 400 Canadian Mennonites will attend, only 50 U.S. Mennonites are registered. Furthermore, the goal of the gathering is to help build relationships among members of both denominations at the “grass roots.” But many of the U.S. registrants will represent Mennonite Church USA agencies …
