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Photo Courtesy of Eastern Pennsylvania Conference
Plan on listening to this week’s Faith Talks podcast from United Methodist Women as it tackles the problem before us: prejudice against Asians, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.
In an email, host Jennifer Farmer says the podcast “will discuss the fatal March 16 shooting at several Asian-owned businesses in Atlanta, as well as the recent incidence of attacks on this community.
“If we are honest, anti-Asian sentiment, including the sexualization of Asian women, has existed for decades,” Farmer says. “Now is the time to determine what each of us can do to stop it.”
The live recording happens at 2 p.m. ET on Thursday, April 1 at 2:00 p.m. ET. Guests include:
- Gloria Tan, Executive Director, Gum Moon Residents Hall, an NMI in San Francisco, CA
- Susan Kim, UMW Charter for Racial Justice Support Team member
- The Rev. Scort Christy, president New Federation of Asian American United Methodists
Click here to register now for Faith Talks.
Iowa clergywoman’s son needs help
As we start Holy Week, I want to lift up a personal crisis for the family of an Iowa Conference clergywoman. I’ll let the Iowa Conference leadership tell the story from an email from the Rev. Dr. Heecheon Jeon, Central District Superintendent and the Rev. Dr. Harlan Gillespie, Assistant to the Bishop.
“The Iowa Conference of The United Methodist recently sent a letter to Iowa clergy concerning Rev. Olivia Fabros. She is a pastor in Iowa of the Lacey, Beacon, and Eddyville United Methodist Churches and originally from the Philippines.
“She recently learned that her son, Siegfried, was diagnosed with a serious heart ailment requiring immediate attention. Iowa clergy have graciously donated over $13,000 so far, and we are so grateful for their care.
“Health care in the Philippines is not like health care in the United States. The expenses for Siegfried's procedure are estimated at 1.5 million pesos, approximately $31,000. Pre-payment for the procedure is required, and every day the procedure is delayed, Siegfried's health declines dramatically.
“Pastor Olivia wrote, ‘My son is due for heart surgery as soon as possible. His heart is inflamed and not functioning well. Blood goes to the lungs, which causes high blood and respiratory problems. The cost of the operation is 1.5 million pesos. I tried to face it on my own, but I just can't remedy it. Delay of operation could cost his life. I would appreciate whatever amount you can help me. Thank you.’
“Siegfried, 32, was once a church musician at United Methodist churches in the Philippines. He was recently a cook on a cruise ship; however, he has been unemployed with the cruise line industry shut down.
“We can raise the amount, but the timeline is so urgent and tight. Please find it in your heart to give to this life-saving plea for help.
“Friends, this is an unusual and unique request; yet we invite you into prayer for the Fabros family and to consider a financial offering. Funds will be collected through the Iowa Conference Treasurer's Office and wired to the Philippines for his procedure.
“Please donate your offerings here.”
The Iowa appeal is just one example of the way that the worldwide United Methodist connection functions informally and formally to bring God’s love and care to the world. As we move through the drama of our salvation this week, I hope we’ll use this time of remembrance as a kind of “contemplatio divina” to envision what might be lost if the denomination splinters into many factions.
Media Mentions as of March 29, 2021
Local churches had to adapt quickly during pandemic – Vicksburg Post
How to Be an Antiracist Discussion with The Rev. Rebecca Cho – Patch.com
Methodist food pantry Shepherd's Cupboard continues on donations, community support – Enid News & Eagle
Trinity UMC works hard to keep doors, programs open to congregation – Albia Newspapers
Boulder's faith community comes together to grieve after grocery store shooting – Religion News Service
For faith communities, pandemic meant challenge, creativity – Raleigh News & Observer
Church threatens breakup from global body over gay marriage – Vanguard
At least 36 states give clergy vaccine priority, for the risks they face and the example they set – The New York Times*
Arkansas governor signs medical conscience objections law – The Associated Press
U.S. religious-rights official says she is ‘flattered’ to be target of China sanctions – Reuters
Atlanta massacre sparks a political awakening in the Korean church – Politico
An old church in Maryland marks a pandemic Palm Sunday with a parade of cars – The Washington Post*
The flaw at the center of purity culture – The Atlantic*
Big Tech censors religion, too – The Wall Street Journal*
Passover’s promise of a safer place is America’s story this year – Religion News Service
How do faithless people like me make sense of this past year of COVID? – The Guardian
Still a faithful skeptic: Columnist Paul Graves celebrates 25 years of writing Faith and Values – The Spokesman-Review
Why would Christians embrace conspiracy theories? – Deseret News
*Paid subscription required.
Cynthia B. Astle serves as Editor of United Methodist Insight, which she founded in 2011.