Romaine Poindexter letter [All we need about this is a simple statement: “Scripture is our guide to God’s plan of salvation and His moral law.”]

Mrs. Romaine Poindexter has been an active member of Calvary Moravian Church for 45 Years. She is as Sunday school teacher and has served on many committees over the years.

I recently wrote the PEC about the letter which was issued from them on February 8 following the meeting of the Board of World Mission. I was greatly troubled that the letter seemed to go to great lengths not to say: “Jesus is the one and only source of salvation.” These are nine simple words. We do not need pages of eloquence to make (or not make) this statement. In my letter, I addressed three issues: 1) Salvation through Jesus alone. 2) Homosexuality 3) The disconnect between leadership and laity. I believe, however, that there is not a plurality of issues facing the Moravian Church, but one issue: Do we accept the authority of the Scriptures? When the answer to this is “yes,” everything else falls into place. All we need about this is a simple statement: “Scripture is our guide to God’s plan of salvation and His moral law.”

I have been asked why I single out the sin of homosexuality. This question is valid, as my Bible tells me that we are to refrain from all sexual immorality. The difference is this: Homosexuality is the sin that the church wants to sanction. I do not wish my church to sanction sin, because sin is, by definition, contrary to divine will. The church should stand as a beacon--a symbol not of what we are, but what we are called to be. Every American is born the right to live as he or she sees fit under the law, and to be free from harassment. HOWEVER, when we submit our lives to Christ, as we are called to do, we have a different set of rules from the world, and we must accept God’s authority in our lives. We are in the world, but no longer of the world.

As I talk to lay people from various churches, all seem to agree with me. I find it hard to understand why the vast majority of Moravians can clearly state their beliefs, and it is so hard for our leaders to do. In their attempt to give no offense, they say nothing and leave everybody unsatisfied. We have lost some very good people because of this. We who are left pray and hope the turmoil in our province is going to prove a time of spiritual awakening and commitment.

Romaine Poindexter Calvary