Better convention locations
by Jerry Weaver, Bluffton, Ohio
Regarding “Phoenix in 2013 But With Satellite Option” (February): We are often reminded, and rightfully so, of our duty as Christians to be good stewards of the resources God has blessed us with. But is it not equally important that our conference also be good stewards of its resources?
By choosing to hold a convention in Arizona, Mennonite Church USA is supporting a state that is not only virulently anti-immigrant but is also anti-union, pro-gun and pro-death penalty. Arizona continues to use the death penalty despite the fact that eight of its death row inmates have been exonerated—an amazing number for such a sparsely populated state.
Surely there are many better choices for locations to hold a convention. The Executive Board really dropped the ball on this important decision.
Associated Issue: On a different track - February, 2011
Associated Article: Convention 2013 will be held in Phoenix
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For all the reasons mentioned above, as to why Phoenix should not be a convention location, I say these are the very reasons we should be there. Since when have we hid our candle under a bushel? Let the convention be a time of mission, a time of good old fashioned evangelism...you know the kind they used to, speaking truth to power! Going to a mission location was never to reinforce the local witch doctor's practice, it was to eradicate evil and show the nonbelievers a better way. Isn't this exactly what Mr. Weaver is claiming that Phoenix is in dire need of? Make sure your presence in AZ shows your love of Christ far exceeds their love of violence, otherwise, aren't we just fooling ourselves? The Executive Board made a great decision, let's take advantage of it to show AZ what God's Love can do to change hearts and minds!
We should be there with CPT teams, MVS workers, MCC units and the like - people who are trained specifically to deal with unjust structures. We should not be there with thousands of people boosting the local economy. I'm afraid money talks louder than words. We can say we are "antiracist" all we want, but if there's a financial cost, that's more important, it would appear.
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