Just to be sure everyone
knows: I am NOT the Rev. John R. McFarland, UM minister, recently arrested for
child molestation. We are not even related, except through name.
I do know who he is, from
when I wrote several years ago a slightly-noted article advocating the
disbandment of the UMC. His friends were considerably aghast. Not at the idea
of disbandment. They were all for that. But as clergy members of the Closed Doors,
Closed Minds, Closed Hearts wing of the UMC, they wanted disbandment for very
different reasons and for very different outcomes than those I espoused.
So I became aware of him,
via unsocial media, as they debated how to use my ideas to accomplish other
goals.
I thought we might get
through his arrest with no one here in this progressive haven of Indiana even
aware of that Rev. John R. McFarland—until one of our pastors, Mary Beth
Morgan, accosted me with far too much glee after worship Sunday morning.
[That’s being unfair to MBM, but what’s a parishioner for besides criticizing
the pastor?] After all, CA is a long way from IN. Phil Amerson? Yes, he’s
atoning for his sins in San Diego this year so he might know, but…
Having served on the
Investigation Committee and the Board of Ordained Ministry in the Central IL
Conference of the UMC, I know that this is serious business. It’s a sad time
for Rev. McFarland, his family and friends, clergy in general, the UMC, his
conference. They all need our prayers. Especially, though, it is a continuing
sad time for the victims, and we need especially to pray for them.
I thought in my old
non-writing age I would start being just John, as befits one at the pinnacle of
irrelevancy, but I think I’m going to stick with the whole John ROBERT
McFarland.
May the peace of Christ be
with us,
John Robert McFarland
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