wfn.org | Minneapolis pastor responds to Ventura's remarks on religion

[NewsDesk <NewsDesk@UMCOM.UMC.ORG>]

Oct. 7, 1999  News media contact: Tim Tanton*(615)742-5470*Nashville, Tenn.
10-21-71BP{518}

NOTE:  Minnesota Gov. Jesse Ventura stirred up a flap this month when he
told a Playboy magazine interviewer: "Organized religion is a sham and a
crutch for weak-minded people who need strength in numbers. It tells people
to go out and stick their noses in other people's business." The Rev. Rodney
E. Wilmoth, senior minister of Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church in
Minneapolis, reacted with the following letter. Hennepin is the
denomination's largest church in Minnesota. Wilmoth's letter is distributed
with his permission, and conference editors may consider using it as a
commentary. A photograph is available.

Oct. 3, 1999

The Honorable Jesse Ventura, Governor of Minnesota
The Governor's Office
State Capitol
100 Constitution Avenue
St. Paul, MN  55155

Dear Sir:

The headline of the Friday edition of the Star Tribune read: "My fault is
honesty." As a pastor who has devoted his entire adult life to being part of
what you criticize as organized religion, I would suggest that your fault is
not your honesty, but what appears to be self-destructive ways of expressing
your views. I hope you will always express your thoughts, for that is part
of your strength as a leader. But as a pastor, as well as a taxpayer and a
citizen of this wonderful state, I would hope you would do so in a way that
not only reflects your stature as a public figure, but that it be informed,
and that it conveys a sensitivity to a richly diverse constituency.

Organized religion is no stranger to criticism. Regrettably, there have been
times when the sins of the religious community have brought about justified
criticisms. However, Sir, in spite of its failures and shortcomings, far
more than being a "sham and a crutch for weak-minded people," organized
religion at its best has always sought to be a presence in society, speaking
out against social ills and injustice, seeking ways to inspire persons to
higher levels of civility, morality and ethics, reconciling people of
differences, and providing assistance, comfort and, most of all, hope to the
dispossessed, the powerless and the disenfranchised of society.

Your comments regarding organized religion remind the faith community of our
purpose and reason for being. It is hoped that out of all this there will be
opportunities for public discourse regarding the value of religion and the
need of the faith community. To that end, Sir, I extend to you three
invitations: first, to meet with me to discuss faith matters in general and
faith matters in your life; second, to participate in a public forum hosted
here at Hennepin Church made up of clergy and laypersons for the purpose of
discussing the value of religion and its role in the up-building of the
greater good of the community; and finally, Sir, I invite you and your
family to worship with us here at Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church so
that you might experience one small part of organized religion that seeks to
be faithful to God in the transformation of lives and society.

Sincerely, your friend,

Rodney E. Wilmoth

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