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About East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current | View Entire Issue (June 10, 2016)
Page 8A FAITH East Oregonian Decline of evangelical clout Gay rights groups consider these changes a welcome corrective to decades of discrimination. They contend conservatives are using conscience rights and religious freedom complaints as an end run around advances for LGBT people. But conservative Christians say they are just seeking a balance between religious liberty and civil rights. By RACHEL ZOLL AP Religion Writer Conservative Christians are anxious about their future after losing the ight over gay marriage, and amid the growing share of Americans who have left organized religion. Here’s a look at why white evangelicals are feeling so alienated from other Americans and at the changes fueling this anxiety. WHAT’S CHANGING? The U.S. remains solidly Christian, but between 2007 and 2014, the share of Chris- tians in the country dropped from about 78 percent of the population to just under 71 percent, according to the Pew Research Center. The decline was fueled mostly by losses among Roman Catholics and main- line Protestants. However, even in parts of the Bible Belt, conservative Christians who hadn’t been very active in church are now feeling more comfortable saying they’re no longer religious. The membership ranks of some evangelical denomina- tions, such as the Southern Baptist Convention, are shrinking. At the same time, the segment of Americans who say they have no particular religion has increased from 16 percent to 23 percent, Pew found. That’s close to the share of evangelicals, who comprise just over 25 percent of the population. At the same time, evangel- icals are wrestling with being on the losing side of the ight over same-sex marriage. It was not only a defeat on a deeply signiicant religious and moral issue, but also evidence of a lack of conser- AP Photo/David Goldman In this Sunday April 10, 2016 photo, parishioners pray during a service at the Christian Fellowship Church in Benton, Ky. vative Christian inluence over public opinion. More than half of Americans now support same-sex marriage. Politically, white evan- gelicals remain one of the most important blocs in the Republican Party, and they continue to shape the early presidential primaries. But with the diminishment of old-guard religious right groups, Christian conser- vatives no longer have a unifying leader. As a result, evangelicals are splintering, diluting their inluence. And they can’t match the growth rate of groups who tend to support Democrats: Latinos, young people and people who are unafiliated with a religion. WHY SO ANXIOUS? Evangelicals are deeply worried about the fallout from the spread of LGBT rights and the growth of secularism. They point to cases like the ines levied on a New Mexico photographer and Oregon baker for refusing business related to gay weddings. Conservative Christians fear their schools and colleges could lose their tax-exempt status or accreditation over codes of conduct barring same-sex relationships. A 1983 U.S. Supreme Court ruling allowed the IRS to revoke tax-exempt status from religious schools that banned interracial dating. In the Supreme Court gay marriage case last year, U.S. Solicitor General Donald Verrilli, representing the government, was asked whether something similar could happen to Christian schools, which often provide housing for married students. “It’s certainly going to be an issue,” he responded, causing alarm in the evangelical blogosphere. And religious conser- vatives worry about new rules added to government contracts that will affect faith- based social service agencies. For example, Catholic Char- ities in Illinois shuttered its adoption program over a new state rule that agencies with taxpayer funding can’t refuse placements with same-sex couples. WHAT’S THE REACTION? Evangelicals are debating whether they should even more iercely wage the culture war, withdraw back into their own communities or stay engaged with Amer- icans of other views, not only to help shape public discussion of morality but also to try and bring people into the church. Christian publishers are churning out books and Bible studies on this last strategy, such as “Onward,” by Russell Moore, “Thriving in Babylon,” by Larry Osborne, and “Good Faith, Being a Christian When Society Thinks You’re Irrelevant or Extreme,” by Gabe Lyons and David Kinnaman. Advocates of this strategy generally feel the sharp rhetoric of the religious right — on homosexuality and other issues — ultimately hurt Christians. This group aims to conidently advocate for their beliefs, no matter how unpopular, but without vilifying their opponents. These evangelicals are also emphasizing issues that can cross ideological lines, including ighting racism and human traficking, as part of highlighting the more compassionate side of their faith. LIMEY PASTOR IN BOARDMAN I Heat without the hellire was below the hill at the western end of Interstate 84 when the oil train derailed and a boiling orange globe of ire roiled up into the hills above Mosier like a napalm ireball. Far enough away to take time to prepare a detour — one that would take me on an extra two-hour drive to add to the already three-hour marathon of the return journey to Boardman. I was prayerfully thankful that no human got hurt in this, and grateful too when I was driving towards the danger zone to get the all clear from ODOT over the radio. A great blessing. The responders had been working all through the night to resolve the emergency. It was a strange scene — a great ire next to the great water. The morning after, Mosier itself seemed unharmed as I passed by the emergency crews in their special gear as they continued to mop up the scene. Although, I understand that for a time the whole city was evacuated in case the highly volatile Bakken oil exploded in the other trucks, in which case a mile around would not have been safe. However, the whole Mosier sewer system has been damaged, putting all the residents into a caravan of porta-potties outside their houses. I recalled many years ago, driving in Los Angeles after picking up my Our world is a wild place and combines all elements in its bosom: earth, ire, air, water and spirit. parents for a visit, that a gasoline truck Colin upturned and exploded Brown in front of us. My Faith parents took it in their stride as they had been in London during the Blitz, so a small explosion like this was not much to them. I didn’t have that background, though, and found I was not comfortable with the experience. Last year, I had been making a run for my mechanic in my late Nissan Altima because of a strange knocking sound from the engine and I tried to get myself up the hill to his place. It conked out and rolled to the side of the road, where it started to smoke and then burn quite vigorously. When I told the story to the people in the ire truck in retrospect my choices did seem unwise — I had just illed my tank with gasoline, which certainly gave the iremen something exciting to practice on. Life is always unexpected, and events like these are provided without any warning. We ind we live in a precarious world. The heat in Boardman on arrival reminded me of the precarious nature of us all on this beautiful planet with its majestic scenery and incredible variations. As I write this piece I heard of a young man who fell into one of the hot springs in Yellowstone today. My deepest sorrow for his family. Our world is a wild place and combines all elements in its bosom: earth, ire, air, water and spirit. I become extra vigilant in the heat, careful not to repeat foolish mistakes. I can feel the ears of my soul prick up to listen to the world. Anything might happen. I pray this weekend for a cooler climate and a mellow content of the weekend. This week all my pianists are in absentia — and I will be praying for the tonality of my church in a capella and playing some music to soothe their heated souls. I am lucky to have Christ as my co-pilot and trust that we will stay together whatever happens and that, at the end, it will be cooler rather than hotter. ■ Colin Brown is pastor of the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Boardman. BRIEFLY Nazarene church sets week-long programs HERMISTON — A pair of Vacation Bible School programs are planned at Hermiston Church of the Nazarene. Cave Quest: Following Jesus, The Light of the World is for children ages 4 through second grade and MegaSports Camp: “Epic Moments” is for third- through ifth-graders. Younger kids will enjoy games, crafts, snacks, songs and story time. The older children will participate in a variety of sports activities, as well as team huddles, songs and snacks. Both programs run Monday, June 13 through Friday, June 17 from 6-8:30 p.m. at and near the church, 1520 W. Orchard Ave, Hermiston. For more information, contact 541-567-3677, hermistonnaz@gmail. com or visit www. hermistonnazarene.org. Aglow speaker highlights prayer, healing WALLA WALLA — Esther Flesland, director of the Spokane Healing Rooms, is the guest speaker for the upcoming Walla Walla Aglow Community Lighthouse meeting. With a passion for the gifts of the God’s spirit, she provides encouragement to others. Flesland also will be available to pray with individuals. Everyone is invited to the gathering Saturday at 10 a.m. at Whitman Court, 305 Ash St., Walla Walla. A freewill offering will be taken for the event, which includes lunch. The local group also has weekly Bible studies and prayer meetings. In addition, it hosts special activities, including an evening meeting the irst Sunday of each month For more information, call Paula McKee at 509-220-1408, Darya Tucker at 509-876-1668. Peace Lutheran highlights biblical times PENDLETON — Children ages four through sixth grade are invited to travel back to biblical times during Vacation Bible School at Peace Lutheran Church. The program, which is open to all kids in the community, is Monday, June 20 through Thursday, June 23 from 8:45 a.m. to noon at 210 N.W. Ninth St., Pendleton. In addition, family and friends are invited to a special evening session Wednesday, June 22 at 6:30 p.m. T-shirts are available for those who register in advance. For more information or to pre-register, stop by the church Monday through Friday mornings or call 541-276-7592. Bible school features Everest theme HERMISTON — Kids are invited to learn how to conquer challenges with God’s power during Vacation Bible School at Trinity Lutheran Church. With a Mount Everest theme, children ages 4 through ifth grade will participate in crafts, singing, games, Bible stories and snack time. Children don’t have to belong to the church to attend the sessions. It runs Monday, June 13 through Friday, June 17 from 9 a.m. to noon at 485 W. Locust Ave., Hermiston. There is no charge to participate. For more information, call Nancy Carlson at 541-567-9660. Friday, June 10, 2016 Community P eace L utheran C hurch 210 NW 9th, Pendleton ELCA Join us Sundays 9:30 am Sunday Worship 9:30 Worship 10:30 am am Sunday Fellowship 11:00 am Sunday School & Adult Class ~Come and be at Peace ~ on 1290 KUMA noon each Sunday NEW HOPE COMMUNITY CHURCH 1350 S. Highway 395, Hermiston Sunday Worship Services English- Pastor Dave Andrus 9:00 & 10:45 am Spanish- Pastor Genaro Loredo 9:00 & 10:15 am Classes for kids during all services For more information call 541-567-8441 Community Presbyterian Churc h 14 Martin Drive, Umatilla, OR 922-3250 Worship: 10 AM Sunday School at 11:30 Faith Center Church Worshiping God Loving People 108 S. Main • 276-9569 Sunday Worship 10:30 am Sr. Pastor, Ray O’Grady pendletonfaithcenter.org Seventh-Day Adventist Church Saturday Services Pendleton 1401 SW Goodwin Place 276-0882 Sabbath School 9:20 am Worship Service 10:45 am First United Methodist Church 352 SE 2nd Street Pendleton, OR 541-276-2616 Sunday Worship 9am Open Hearts, Open Hands, Open Doors Facebook: www.facebook.com/ FUMCPendleton Services are broadcast every Sunday on KUMA-1290 AM @ 11am Rev. Dr. Jim Pierce, pastor Grace Baptist Church 585 SW Birch, Pilot Rock, OR 97868 (541) 443-2500 prbconline.blogspot.com Sunday School: 9:30 am Worship Service: 10:45 am Kids’ Club: 6:00 pm Wednesday Services: Youth Group: 7:00 pm 555 SW 11th, Hermiston 567-9497 Nursery provided for all services Sunday School - 9:30 AM Worship - 10:45 AM 6:00 pm Wed Prayer & Worship - 7:00 PM “Proclaiming God’s word, growing in God’s grace” St. Johns Episcopal Church All People Are Welcome Scripture, Tradition and Reason Family service 9am Sunday Gladys Ave & 7th Hermiston Fr. Dan Lediard, Priest. PH: 567-6672 OPEN HEARTS – OPEN DOOR www.graceandmercylutheran.org Sunday Worship 9:00 a.m. Sunday School 10:00 a.m. (Nursery Provided) Fellowship, Refreshments & Sunday School Check Out our Facebook Page or Website for More Information 541-289-4535 Tom Inch, Pastor Grace and Mercy Lutheran Church, ELCA 164 E. Main St. / P.O. Box 1108 Hermiston, Oregon 97838 FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH -Presbyterian Church (USA)- 201 SW Dorion Ave. Pendleton Service of Worship - 10:00 am Children’s Sunday School - 10:20 am Fellowship - 11:00 am www.pendletonpresbyterian.com Open Hearted... Open Minded Redeemer Episcopal Church 241 SE Second St. Pendleton (541)276-3809 www.pendletonepiscopal.org Sunday Holy Communion 9:00 a.m. Wednesday Holy Communion Noon Weekly Adults Spiritual Life Group All Are Welcome Com e m eet Jesus a t PEN D LETO N BAPTIST C HU RC H 3202 SW N ye Ave Pen d leton , O R 541-276-7590 Su n d a y M orn in g W orship 11:00 AM Su n d a y Bible Cla sses 9:45 AM Su n d a y Y ou th Grou p 6:00 PM M on . Com m u n ity W om en ’s Stu d y 9:30 AM & 6 PM Aw a n a K id s Clu b (K -6th gra d e) W ed M en ’s Stu d y 6 PM M O PS m eetin g the 1st Thu r of the M on th 6 PM FIRST SERVICE 8:30 AM SECOND SERVICE 10:30 AM 712 SW 27 TH ST. 541-276-1894 www.fcogpendleton.com FAITH LUTHERAN CHURCH in Mission for Christ LCMC Bible Study . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9:00 AM Sunday Worship . . . 10:30 AM Red Lion Hotel ( Oregon Trail Room ) www.faithpendleton.org BAHA’I FAITH “The Unity of All Mankind” Pendleton Baha’i Center at 1015 SE Court Place Devotions Sundays @ 11:00am; Everyone invited! (541) 276-9360 visit us at www.pendletonbahais.org To share your worship times call Terri Briggs 541-278-2678
