Community Of Joy, a Mega-Church That Does Not Stand Against War by C. E. Carlson
When you send our letter to a pastor announcing a vigil at his church the next morning, here is what to expect
At 10:00 PM, on Saturday, my cell phone rang, and a man identified himself as Wayne Skaff, a staff member of Community Of Joy church. Mr. Skaff told me he had just heard something about our Sunday morning vigil at his church. He emphatically stating, he did not want us to visit their church because their congregation is largely “un-churched,” and not political. He said some might leave if they saw a demonstration opposing war.
At this point, I ask if the church has taken a position opposing the slaughter of Iraqis, or any of the serial wars. The answer was a flat “no.”
This in spite of their connection with the Evangelical Lutheran Church (ELCA), which, as a synod has officially opposed the action. He said the ELCA does not make their policy.
I informed Mr. Skaff We Hold These Truths oppose serial wars in Afghanistan, Yugoslavia, Palestine and elsewhere, which we consider slaughters a moral issue, not a political one, and a matter of life and death for many as well as a destroyer of America s moral conscience. We were committed to visiting his church because of its no position. The conversation ended politely with Mr. Skaff less than happy.
On Sunday, 8:30 AM, I personally delivered a package to a volunteer inside Community of Joy, a huge place in the middle of what I was told was 250 acres on the new beltway. The package contained a signed copy of an e-mailed letter to the pastor (you will find on our site), along with copies of all the literature we offer to interested parties at churches. I was promised urgency, and expeditiously it was delivered.
Before I could drive back to the main gate where the team was waiting to unfurl signs, two church officers appeared in a golf cart. Wayne Skaff introduced himself with my package in hand. The conversation was pleasant since he could clearly see we were there meaning business but hardly posing a threat in our Sunday best. Skaff told me his grandparents were Palestinian and he personally had some sympathy with our views of the Mideast, having made many trips to Palestine, and knewing many sad Christians there. He also said he was going back in October.
The discussion was positive, but let there be no misunderstanding. Pastor Skaff s friendly attitude was not reflected in the faces of the congregation members as they passed by. The overwhelming majority did not make eye contact with us even though we were positioned so they could hardly help but do so. They seemed to recognize immediately that we were in conflict with the church, and that in oppose the war we were challenging the church. This is what is intende. My sign for the incoming traffic read “IRAQ? WWJD?”
We need your help and you church probably needs our help. Please consider starting a project. Anyone who is interested may call our office and talk to one of our volunteers or Advisors.
We also need one graphic, high density, authenticated photo of an injured Iraqi or Palestinian child with a name and description, suitable for a 4 X 4 poster. It is time to add graphic posters, but not too gory or we will be accused of scaring someone s children. send ideas
The following new signs are being considered. Please send your suggestions.
Jesus Loves Palestinian Children, Don t You? WHY YOUR CHURCH? ASK US (whtt.org) IRAQ, INNOCENT BLOOD ON YOUR HANDS LIVE BY THE SWORD AND YOU SHALL ??? (Jesus) Jesus PRINCE OF PEACE (or WAR)? “What You Do To the Least Of These Little Ones, You Do Also To Me” (Jesus)
For a more complete account of the vigil and why churches like this one are Serial War Enablers, see PHARISEE WATCH “Our Boys” Bring Them Home Part II Vigil at a Church at War.
Our letter to the pastor, the same on delivered to this church, was delivered by E-mail to an estimated 10,000 church leaders last week all over the world. The letter did not say when you would be coming to these churches, but a number have answered us and they wonder. They are waiting for you! Please also consider sending the letter to all the churches in your area to get them thinking about their vigil.
Toward the Strait gate,
Charles E. Carlson
straitgate@whtt.org
480 947 3329
