
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SATURDAY, March 3, 1990                   TAG: 9003052156
SECTION: CURRENT                    PAGE: NRV3   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
SOURCE: Fritz Ritsch
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

PASTORS STEP LIGHTLY IN GIVING POLITICAL OPINIONS

Many mainline Christian denominations in the United States - among them the United Methodist, Roman Catholic, Presbyterian and Episcopal churches - have issued statements condemning violations of human rights in El Salvador and questioning U.S. support of the government there.

But pastors find that average churchgoers are suspicious of denominational positions that question U.S. policy.

For some New River Valley pastors, this means being careful not to impose their opinions on their parishioners.

"I admit that I have a hard time understanding . . . how promoting violence can be justified," said the Rev. Tom Magri of St. Jude Catholic Church in Radford, who does not support U.S. aid to the government of El Salvador. "But I do not think my position is necessarily the only one that can be held."

Pastors and lay leaders concerned about El Salvador often stay away from preaching on the topic. Instead, they rely on bulletin information, prayer meetings, church newsletters and wall displays.

The Rev. Gary Schroeder of Luther Memorial Lutheran Church in Blacksburg is one of many area pastors who think that "the pulpit is not the place for one to push his or her agenda. It doesn't allow for dialogue."

The Rev. Cameron Murchison arrived at Blacksburg Presbyterian Church two years ago to find that the congregation had already taken a lead. Several of its members had attended tours of Central America sponsored by Fincastle Presbytery.

The Rev. Blanche Powell, rector of Christ Episcopal Church in Pearisburg, has had a parishioner go to Costa Rica and she has been to Guatemala and Nicaragua. After each returned, says Powell, "time was given to share slides, a presentation and discussion."

Most pastors interviewed believe that the subtle approach has been effective.

"People are beginning to ask questions," Powell said. Schroeder praises his congregationfor allowing him to hold meetings concerning El Salvador in the church building.

"The turnout hasn't been overwhelming," he said, "but for the congregation simply to support it has been a positive sign."

The Rev. Michael Thompson, rector of Grace Episcopal Church in Radford, wants to raise a caution flag. He worries that the church has not always done enough to educate local congregations.

"If the church can help its constituents be educated, people won't be afraid of what the church is involved in, in all places, in all walks of life."

And the church, he says, should be involved in everything.

by CNB