The following letter was submitted to the Detroit News via their website on January 24, 2025. It was not published.
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Dear Editor,
As an ordained minister in the United Church of Christ, I must stand up for the teachings of Jesus and therefore take issue with comments of Michigan Republican U.S. Rep. Lisa McClain which were quoted in the January 22, 2025 article “McClain rips ‘out of line’ bishop” by Melissa Nann Burke. Ms. Burke stated that Rep. McClain called Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde extreme, out of line, and out of touch for the sermon that she delivered in front of President Trump on inauguration day. Bishop Budde should be commended for her faithfulness and her courage. I’m not sure what the President expected to hear when he attended a Christian church service, but all Bishop Budde did was preach the gospel message. It was neither extreme or out of line or out touch, unless one believes Jesus is all of these things as well. The unity, mercy, and compassion that Budde talked about and asked from the President is nothing less than Jesus asks from all of us. I don’t believe one can oppose mercy and compassion and still claim to be a Christian following Jesus (I don’t know what Rep. McClain claims as her faith, if any). I can’t help but think that when Rep. McClain criticizes Budde’s message, she is criticizing all Christians, which she of course has the right to do. But it is not an extreme. What is extreme is the divisive hate, threats, and fear-mongering coming from the new administration and its supporters. I hope more people of all faith traditions and political beliefs will stand up for unity and compassion in the days ahead. It might just save our nation.
Sincerely,
Rev. Kenneth Arthur