From: Z_STAFF_CL@SOUTHAMPTON-INSTITUTE.AC.UK
Newsgroups: bit.listserv.christia
Subject: RE: Members of Christia
Date: 15 Oct 92 10:11:00 GMT
Comments: Gated by NETNEWS@AUVM.AMERICAN.EDU
Via:      UK.AC.SOLENT; 15 OCT 92 10:10:41 BST

From:     Madge McBurney <ISPMOM@EARN.ASUACAD>

> First, let us say right out front that we reject the charge of running a Hate
> E-mail list in the strongest possible terms.

I can only say these things, they may be in strong terms but they are strongly
felt and like all things on this list, when a position is strongly held, it is
only fair to those you communicate with to let they know how strongly you feel.
I do not condemn or intend to offend.  I am stating how I feel, I am robustly
partisipating in this conversation.  I hope for an equally honest and robust
response.  In such light, I may learn what is the right way about this.  It
nor any other conversation I have shared in over these last months has been
a hate campaign.

I don't see why it could be seen as such - we are a group of Christians
discussing honestly how we feel about various subjects in the light of
our beliefs.  I object to the implication that I can't discuss such matters
with fellow believers.

I have been in the position of the minority (see the logs!) for the
subject that caused this series of exchanges. I don't think I have ever felt
hated, strongly disagreed with and close to being denounced at times but never
hated.  I have equally strongly said of others that I didn't like their
intepretations.  I hope they do not feel hated.

I find the only way to understand these difficult subjects where Christians
take totally opposing views is to discuss them with those you disagree with.
I hope we have not degenerated into standing on our soap boxes and yelling
the same old things at each other.  Think it has been productive.  I haven't
changed my veiw but I now have some understanding as to where the other party
is coming from.  We can hold strong veiws and state them strongly but the key
is to listen to others as well as ourselves.  I think we do that.  I certainly
try to.

> Second, we feel that anyone that is considering posting to Christia should be
> aware that there are people out there watching and passing judgement on them
> and their posts.

Yes. True.  But I feel these are being taken out of context.  This email
forum is more like a house/discussion group than any other I have known.
There are other groups on the network who either will not discuss difficult
subjects or do degenerate into shouting matches.  Here it is a discussion.
I value it.  I am not happy that selected postings are being taken out of
context to condemn the group.


> Fourth, we (the listowners) offer our assistance to anyone that suffers
> retribution for posts to Christia.  We will do what we can to assist, write
> in response to questions, etc.

Madge & Steven have done a wonderful job in facilitating such discussions.
It is the overall output that is important here.  It is a lively discussion.
Rather that than a series of luke warm posts that lead no where and know one
hears anything but there own opinion.  Thank you list owners.

Feel free to forward this to the person who complained.  I would like to tell
him/her exactly how I felt as part of the group who was supposed to be hated.

I WAS NOT HATED, DISAGREED WITH - YES, HATED _ NO.   The discussion was valued.

Carol A Long,
        email     :  Z_STAFF_CL@UK.AC.SOUTHAMPTON-INSTITUTE
Information Technology Service,
Southampton Institute of Higher Education
East Park Terrace, Southampton, England
        Post Code : SO9 4WW
	UK Fax No : (0703) 222259
DISCLAIMER - merely musings unless otherwise stated.
SPELLING   - entirely due to typing errors and poetic licence.
RELEASE    - repost at will, with acknowledgements to author.