VF, Medley, Never Seem to Learn: Way Too Little, Way Too Late

Above is a scan of a letter received at my office today--four days before the "big vote" on the future of the PSW. (You can click on it for a larger image.)

All I can say is what Abba Eban said about the Palestinians: "They never miss an opportunity to miss an opportunity."

In one short page, Dr. Medley implies we are schismatics and tells us that we should link up with "loyal" American Baptists.

In the same mailing was an issue of "Pastor to Pastor", which was notable for two things. First, this issue was painted in evangelical colors. It was all about baptisms, evangelism and missional emphases. Second, the PSW impasse is described as a potential "breaking" of the covenant of relationships. "Breaking" the covenant implies a doing of wrong. (As in the sentence, "Israel broke the covenant; therefore the Lord sent Israel into exile.")

What the PSW board has recommended is NOT a breaking of the Covenant, but rather a dissolution of the covenant, following the means that have long been in place.

At a future time, I want to muse more on what being an American Baptist is, but let me just say this: where does VF get off in deciding who is and who isn't an American Baptist? Is connection to the OGS the deciding factor in the American Baptist identity? As I said, more to come...