Methodists urge civility after protestors spit on pastor

(RNS) After a black United Methodist pastor and congressman was spit on by unruly Tea Party activists during Saturday’s (March 20) health care reform debate, the church’s top Washington lobbyist is asking churches to “model civil discourse.” “As Congress has debated and deliberated health insurance reform legislation, I have been deeply disturbed by the lack […]

(RNS) After a black United Methodist pastor and congressman was spit on by unruly Tea Party activists during Saturday’s (March 20) health care reform debate, the church’s top Washington lobbyist is asking churches to “model civil discourse.”

“As Congress has debated and deliberated health insurance reform legislation, I have been deeply disturbed by the lack of basic decency and common courtesy among people who have disagreements about public policy,” said Jim Winkler, general secretary of the Methodists’ General Board of Church and Society.

Rep. Emanuel Cleaver, a Missouri Democrat who also pastors St. James United Methodist Church in Kansas City, Mo., was spat upon and targeted with a racial epithet as he walked to the Capitol amidst a raucous crowd of protesters. Several other incidents occurred, including racial slurs and homophobic epithets against Reps. John Lewis, D-Ga., a civil rights veteran, and Barney Frank, D-Mass., who is gay.


Cleaver’s office issued a statement that said it was not the first time he or other representatives had been spit on during controversial times. Cleaver did not press charges against the man who was arrested for spitting.

Winkler, whose support of the health care reform package was cited Sunday by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, encouraged people to condemn this behavior.

“This past weekend’s appalling display by protesters in Washington, D.C., demonstrates the overtly racist message of too many of the so-called `Tea Party’ members,” Winkler said. “Such behavior must be denounced by all people.”

Winkler continued that “meaningful and civil discourse” has been a priority for the board, and urged United Methodists to continue to model civility “to ensure that all Americans benefit from just laws.”

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