Responses to the verdict

Our job is to try to walk in the footsteps of Christ.
05 Dec 2004

I woke up at about 5 this morning with all these thoughts and words whirling through my head, and I felt it was Someone telling me to share them with you.

You have suffered a loss, but not a defeat.

Whenever a foritified city must be taken, even if that city is divided from within, the first footsoldiers to enter that city knowingly are taking the greatest risks. These first footsoldiers are also the bravest of all soldiers, for they know better than anyone the likelihood of their falling. Yet, when engaged in the struggle of great change for the betterment of all, these footsoldiers do what they know they are called to do, despite the fear, despite the possible results. You are one of those first footsoldiers to enter the fortified city, and you did so with eyes open, and with full knowledge of the possible consequences.This is commitment and bravery of the highest order. Were this an army battalion in World War Two rather than the United Methodist Church, you would be receiving medals for bravery, and most certainly a Purple Heart.

You have served those whom you love well - be it the church, this congregation, your family (which includes Chris), yourself, and God. You have proven a valiant and worthy soldier of Christ. And of the change inherent in the New Covenant He continues to strive to make real to this day.

You are beloved of many thousands and thousands of people, but those of us at FUMCOG know you as more than just a brave soldier of Christ. We know you as our friend, our teacher, and our comforter. And a gentle and loving spirit, one of whom Christ surely is proud.

I want to bring in something I rarely do: scripture. As there is some scripture that clearly applies to you and what you have done.

The first is a psalm, which for those of us old enough to remember prayer and Bible readings in school, we learned by rote via the old King James version. I wish to quote part of it to you in reflection of your entering the fortified city in the name of God: " Yea though I walk through the Valley of Darkness, I will fear no evil, for You are with me. Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You annoint my head with oil. Surely Goodness and Mercy will follow me all the days of my Life, and I will dwell in the House of the Lord forever."

I also want to refer you to the words of Jeremiah chapter 31, and its echoing words in the Gospel of Mathew chapter 2, when the words of Jeremiah are echoed in the story of the slaughter of the innocents, who were, in a way, a sacrifice made in the coming of Salvation. These two chapters speak not of despair, but of redemption coming out of pain. We, as a congregation, and you as an individual, are feeling that pain, but surely redemption will follow.

FUMCOG is very lucky to have you as a valued member of our leadership, regardless of whether or not you have fancy titles surrounding your name. We of FUMCOG will always regard you as our associate pastor, our teacher, our friend, the teacher of our children, and our comforter - regardless of what has happened, or what may happen should you choose to appeal this decision. It speaks very well of the loving nature of FUMCOG and of its desire to walk with you in the light, to walk among the rainbows of diversity rather than the black and white of misguided and all-too-human laws of what should and shouldn't be. So, in a way, I guess you too are blessed by our presence as much as we are by yours.

I want to take a special aside to Fred Day, our head pastor, and to let him know that as a result of Beth's noble and unwavering sacrifice, God is hastening that day. And I also want to say that what you have done and continue to do for FUMCOG clearly indicates our need for you. Even if the love does not always seem apparent, it is present. I pray that God will speak clearly and truly to you, and that you will remain in our midst as our leader, teacher, friend, and comforter for decades to come.

In closing, I want to point out that as Christians, our job is to try to walk in the footsteps of Christ. I have always been an absolute failure in that respect, as I am far too emotional, quick to anger, quick to tears, quick to despair. But Beth, when you went over and hugged those who had just finished persecuting and prosecuting you, and when you spoke at your press conference nothing but words of love and compassion for those who had just condemned you, it brought home the true meaning of Christ's words from the cross when he said "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." You proved yourself Christian in more ways than the rest of us could ever hope to be by those words and those actions.

God bless you and keep you and yours close to His/Her heart. And may God do the same for the rest of us as well.

Thank you for letting me share these feelings and thoughts.

Michael C. Mahan

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The Bible tells us that God's love extends to all persons.
28 Dec 2004

Chestnut Hill United Methodist Church
Response to the Trial of Rev. Beth Stroud

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