Letters to the editor

Learning about other faiths helps broaden our own
H.K. Rahlfs takes Peter’s words in Acts 4:12 literally to condemn half the people in the world (“Denying Christ as only way will drive people from UMC,” Aug. 10).
But Peter said it to the men who condemned Jesus to Roman crucifixion days before. Would he say the same to people who are not hostile but open?
Diana L. Eck is a lifelong Methodist who has studied religions of the world. She says:
“Through the years I have found my own faith not threatened but broadened and deepened by the study of Hindu, Buddhist, Muslim and Sikh traditions of faith. And I have found that only as a Christian pluralist could I be faithful to God.
“Being a Christian pluralist means daring to encounter people of very different faith traditions and defining my faith not by its borders but by its roots.”
Border concerns often cause friction. If we think of our roots, then we may learn from Buddha, from the Sufi mystics of Islam and all others who hunger and thirst for righteousness.
John F. Yeaman
Austin

Longtime UM pastor, wife have new Austin address
For those who haven’t heard, the Rev. Alberto Merubia and his wife, Elsa, have a new address. It is Carestone at Austin, 7017 Manchaca Road, No. 77, Austin 78745-7800. Alberto has been a clergy member of the Southwest Texas Conference for 51 years.
I encourage friends to write a note or send a card to Alberto and Elsa. Let them know you are thinking about them, Sonia and Liliana and remembering all the family in your prayers. That will mean a lot, I’m sure.
Jo Ann Leifeste
Cumming, Ga.