Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ

posted by Stephanie Coontz (Immanent Frame Blog)

The recent California court ruling in favor of same-sex marriage has elicited a new round of warnings about the threats to “traditional” marriage. Marriage, say foes of the ruling, has always been a union of one man and one woman, with procreation as its central purpose. And Christianity in particular has historically surrounded marriage with sacred ceremonies, reserved for those who understand its solemn meaning, they contend. Compelling either church or state to accept the validity of same-sex unions would force these institutions, in defiance of tradition, to condone marriages of which they disapprove. Continue Reading »

Written jointly by Rev. Winton Boyd and Rev. Scott Carlson (Sun Prairie United Methodist)

Maybe there is a new day in this country for the use of religious faith in the realm of politics. For over a generation, much of the public discourse around faith and politics has centered on faith (usually Christian) as a divider of people into various camps. A few hot button issues have been touted as the only concerns in the hearts and minds of people of faith. Another attempt to use Christianity to divide people surfaced recently when Dr. James Dobson challenged Barak Obama on his understanding and practice of faith. More notable than the differences between these two national figures was the relative lack of support Dobson has received for his cutting and divisive words. Evangelicals like Dobson were among those who lamented this latest attempt to polarize people in the church. Increasingly, religious voices of all kinds are suggesting it is time to put the best of our various religious traditions to work to help address important and pressing issues in this country. Continue Reading »

To accompany Winton Boyd’s sermon, “A Sacred Conversation about Race” -(see sermon tab for a copy of the sermon) here are several resources that may be useful in your own reflection, prayer, and reading.

Barak Obama’s speech in Philadelphia on March 18 - “A More Perfect Union”

Pastoral Letter on Race from the United Church of Christ

Bill Moyer’s interview with Jeremiah Wright

Seizing the moment, the UCC nationally is trying to broaden the awareness of UCC history and invite others to join in a sacred conversation about race in this country.  See two ads.

New York Times Ad - April 2, 2008 pdf version

USA Today April 11, 2008

Orchard Ridge UCC is participating in this effort in two ways

“Let’s Talk About Race” during our 9 a.m. Heart and Soul class on April 20, 27

Winton Boyd will preach on the topic of race on May 11

March 24, 2008
By Phil Haslanger

And you thought Jeremiah Wright said some inflammatory things? Continue Reading »