Cross and Flame Usage email

To all of my methodist readers -

I, with another person, just sent the following email to UM Communications regarding the usage of the UM cross and flame logo in Maxie Dunnam's personal YouTube video where he speaks against some of the constitutional amendments coming up for debate at annual conferences this year. If you feel so called, I would encourage you to send a similar email to UMCom as well at umcom@umcom.org. Change the pronouns and agencies to reflect your personal status and role in the UMC.

Here's the text of the email:

Dear United Methodist Communications,

We have seen the video produced by Good News regarding the proposed constitutional amendment 1 paragraph 4 regarding the inclusion of all persons in the life of the church.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8MBON4eq7Eo&feature=related

In particular, we were troubled by the use of the Cross and Flame in the course of the video. Rev. Maxie Dunnam is not an official of the church and the use of the cross and flame gives the impression that he is speaking in an official capacity from the church. In so doing, we feel that this video is misleading and the use of the cross and flame is unduly influential in the debate about this important issue.

We know that the use of the cross and flame is limited to local congregations and official agencies of the church for exactly this reason. As members of the boards of General Board of Church and Society and General Commission on Religion and Race, we believe that the use of the images and icons of the church should be protected. When we engage in questions of this importance, it is vital that voices in the debate do not misrepresent in any way with what authority they speak.

In good conscience we could not let this action pass unnoticed. We thank you in advance for upholding the integrity of the United Methodist logo.

Sincerely,

Rachel Birkhahn-Rommelfanger, GCORR Board Member
Kurt Karandy, GBCS Board Member