The American Spectator

Rev. Chuck Currie | 6.20.09 @ 1:08AM

As a former Reagan White House political director, you see the world in a partisan political context. As the general minister and president of the United Church of Christ, Rev. Thomas sees the world in a theological context. Political and theological contexts offer differ types of perspectives and responses. You wanted a “red-meat” political response ala FOX News from Rev. Thomas in regards to Rev. Wright’s statements but Rev. Thomas offered something pastoral. It is good that Rev. Thomas will be joining the staff of Chicago Theological Seminary and not signing up to be a commentator for The American Spectator.

It must also be noted that you are either dishonest or uniformed when you claim that Rev. Thomas has not directly responded to Rev. Wright’s comments (much as you were dishonest during the 2008 election cycle when you repeatedly wrote that I was a staffer for the Obama campaign even after you were informed that I was not…). Rev. Thomas’ remarks, as quoted in my blog post, were issued directly in response to Rev. Wright’s remarks.

Let’s review the entire text of the press release:

“In response to remarks attributed to the Rev. Dr. Jeremiah A. Wright, Jr., in excerpts from an interview published on June 10 in the Newport News, Va., Daily Press, the Rev. John H. Thomas, General Minister and President of the United Church of Christ, issued the following statement:

The General Synod of the United Church of Christ has consistently called on its members to speak and act in ways that honor God's enduring covenant with the Jewish people, that nurture deep relationships with the Jewish community, and that recognize how careless readings of our sacred texts, our own use of language, and the perpetuation of negative stereotypes can lend support to persistent anti-Semitism in our culture. Years of rich and thoughtful Jewish-Christian dialogue locally, regionally, and nationally has taught us much about how we speak to and about one another with respect even in the midst of disagreement. I celebrate how far we have come in overcoming the deep prejudices and hurtful rhetoric of the past and call the church to on-going vigilance against anything that diminishes or caricatures our Jewish sisters and brothers. It is true that the General Synod and I have sometimes differed sharply with some Jewish organizations over the policies of the state of Israel, its occupation of the West Bank and Gaza, and the route of the Separation Barrier even as we share a broad vision of secure and recognized states for both Palestinians and Israelis living side by side in peace. But that important prophetic witness, no matter how difficult for our Jewish partners, will be effective only within the context of disciplined speech and behavior that honors the broader Jewish community."

You owe Rev. Thomas an apology for falsely claiming, as you did again today, that “Thomas is still quieter than the proverbial church mouse on the subject of Wright.” Rev. Thomas issued his statement eight days ago. How many days will it take for you to retract your false allegation?

Finally, I am a local pastor in the UCC and a blogger. To compare my position to that of Rev. Thomas is simply silly. I am not part of the national leadership of the denomination and whatever influence I have on the UCC is minor.

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