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February 2005 |
Welcome
Blessed are the placemakers
Marvin Singleton, one of the pastors where I worship, recently told the story of a Bible proofreader who found an error in the text of Matthew 5:9, one of the beatitudes, which reads: "Blessed are the placemakers, for they will be called the children of God." As he pointed out, there is much truth in that error. "Placemakers," Singleton defined, "are those making a place for the Kingdom of God."
Placemakers - that's who we are, as United Methodists, when we speak out against state endorsed legalized gambling that wants to place 2,500 slot machines in two race track casinos to support government projects to build a stadium and expand a convention center. They are worthy projects to booster Indiana's ailing economy, but not at the cost of financial ruin of an estimated 15,000 citizens (1 to 2 percent of Indianapolis' population) who will become addicted to gambling. There must be a more excellent way.
Placemakers are those who work with the Hoosier Faith and Health Coalition that seeks to restore $20 million in cuts to the Indiana Tobacco Prevention and Cessation Agency that is given the responsibility of drastically lowering the number of teens and adults who area addicted to tobacco. This agency's funds don't come from taxes but the Master Settlement Agreement funds which the state receives at the rate of $125 million a year in order to cope with the cost incurred by Hoosiers who smoke.
Placemakers also are advocates who work in their own communities across Indiana to place smoking bands on public and private places like restaurants and offices to protect workers and others from second-hand smoke, which, too, has proven to be deadly.
What's in it for the placemakers? They strive for the betterment of the state, communities, families and individuals. Placemakers want to hand to the next generation a higher quality of living.
As Singleton shared with the congregation, the meaning of placemaking comes from our relationship with God and how it affects our relationships in life.
February has become a month of decision making for our state legislators, 27 of whom are United Methodists, who, for the most part, have the interest of the quality of life in mind for Hoosiers, but struggle under the constraints of limited financial resources. They need our prayers as they strive to balance budgets, seek justice and provide for the general welfare of all who call Indiana their home.
Members of the House of Representatives need our support as they consider House Bills 1702 and 1569 which will expand legalized gambling in Indiana with casinos at race tracks. One amendment before the committee even considers placing a casino in Marion County. Representative Bob Alderman, chair of the House Public Policy and Veterans Affairs Committee considering these bills and amendments, has already stated that he will not tolerate a casino in Downtown Indianapolis. The committee struggles with the expansion of gambling. The church needs placemakers to write these committee members and let them know that we don't want and the state can't afford the expansion of gambling, which will rob Indiana quality of life.
Likewise, the South Indiana Conference Bishop's Initiative on Children and Poverty asks United Methodists to write Governor Daniels and their legislators seeking support of House Bill 1743, which establishes caseload limits and increases funding for more caseworkers; House Bill 1744, which improves child support; and Senate Bill 340, which reforms adoption procedures for neglected and abused children. There are 32 bills in the General Assembly that are recommendations of this Putting Children First legislation.
Making a place for the vision of God's Kingdom in society takes perseverance and appeals to the best interests of the governor and lawmakers, who rule not only in our favor, but God's favor as well. I believe Indiana's lawmakers want the best for Hoosiers. I also believe they are very uneasy with the expansion of gambling, the abuse and neglect of children, and the high number of smokers who will eventually require much medical attention.
Jesus called us to be peacemakers. What better way for establishing peace with justice in Indiana than to be a placemaker?
Welcome,
Daniel R. Gangler
For a bulletin insert about Putting Children First or a copy of the Hoosier Faith and Health Coalition Resolution to sign, go to www.inareaumc.org. Both are available as preferred document files (PDF). Names and districts of legislators can be found online at www.in.gov/legislative/legislators/.
Last updated on 25 Apr 2008