Goshen College Bans National Anthem [national anthem is a message that glorifies war and violence]

.com/theology/ ^

[SandRat]

Resistance to the national anthem at Goshen College In response to Goshen College’s decision to play the national anthem, Nekeisha and Andy Alexis-Baker wrote an open letter to Goshen College urging them to reconsider their decision, asking anyone who agreed to add their names. As of May 27, 2011, 1541 people signed this letter, and hard copies were sent to the Goshen Board of Directors, who announced June 6, 2011, that they reversed the decision and would no longer play the national anthem.

Never before have so many Christians, including pastors, priests, laypersons and theologians from around the world, so clearly stated that nationalist songs of this sort have no place in Christian formation.

————

To President Brenneman and fellow administrators at Goshen College,

We the undersigned are writing to voice our frustration and disappointment with Goshen College’s decision to break an 114 year-old practice and rebuff a 500 year old Anabaptist heritage of nonconformity by playing the national anthem at the college’s sporting events.

At the heart of the national anthem is a message that glorifies war and violence for one nation’s benefit. These themes are inherent in the words themselves “the rocket’s red glare, the bombs bursting in air” and they are inherent to the ways in which the anthem is used to inspire patriotic fervor. The very habit of playing the song before sporting events arises out of the World War II era, when baseball became a stage for nationalistic displays. The fact that the anthem has since become a pre-game ritual for most sports should not distract Christians—especially those who are committed to Christ’s way of peace—from the anthem’s meaning or its history.

The national anthem also promotes the United States over and against other nations, violating Christian internationalism and worldwide fellowship. In an attempt to be “hospitable” to American patriots, we believe Goshen College’s decision rejects a higher call to be a transnational body that resists the boundaries set by nations. Furthermore, the institution is compromising its witness to the world by intentionally aligning itself with an entity that has engaged in militarism, oppression and imperialism since its inception.

Finally, we believe that playing the national anthem before sporting events is a formative ritual that will be detrimental to its community. Although you say that you are forming young adults to be Christ-centered, they will be formed into a practice that gives allegiance to America first. Instead of teaching them the cost of discipleship, this decision teaches them to cave into social pressures at the expense of faithful witness to the way of Christ and the path of peace.

Goshen College prides itself on being a place that can heal the world “peace by peace.” We pray and hope that you will take the first step in this vision by resisting the war song that looms in your own backyard and encourage you to reverse your decision to make the national anthem a part of your life together.

——- Andy Alexis-Baker, Elkhart, IN, Mennonite, Marquette University

Collin Moody, Chicago, IL, Anglican

Michael J. Iafrate, Morgantown, WV, Roman Catholic, Ph.D. student, theology, University of St. Michael’s College, Toronto

Matthew Ochalek, Erie, PA, Roman Catholic/Catholic Worker, blank, MA student, Pastoral Studies, Gannon University

Thomas J Ingram, Jefferson City, TN, Jesus Follower

Porter Doran, Eugene, Ore., Amish-Mennonite

Carolyn Heggen, Corvallis, Oregon, Mennonite

Nekeisha Alexis-Baker, Elkhart, IN, Mennonite

Thom Curnutte, S.F.O., Gallipolis, OH, Secular Franciscan Order (Roman Catholic)

Eduardo Gonzalez, Bakersfield, CA, Anabaptist

Sebastian Nieto, Bogotá, Colombia, christian – nondenominational

Brandon Lee, Grand Rapids, MI, Non-denom

Ryan Byrne, Philadelphia, PA, Christian

Richard Lynn, Fort Collins, CO, Vineyard Church Please reconsider.

Justin Anthony Knapp, Indianapolis, Indiana, Christian What does this have to do with the Gospel?

Rev. Dr. Leo Hartshorn, Portland, Oregon, Mennonite, former Minister of Peace and Justice, MCUSA This is another sign of the erosion of the historic peace witness of the Mennonite Church.

Kathy Scherer, Abington, PA, Mennonite

Joey Aszterbaum, San Jacinto, CA, Episcopal Church May the gospel of peace give you and your community strength to stand.

Trevor Morse, Lewisburg, PA, PCA

Katie Grimes, Brighton, MA, Roman Catholic

John Cable, Athens, GA, Christian

Christopher Chambers, Redmond, WA, Prayers for your community to find truth and take a stand for it.

Daniel Nign, Azusa, CA, Catholic

Ken Keesling, Goshen, IN,

Brian Volck, Cincinnati, OH, Catholic

Walton McCaslin, Meyronne Saskatchewan, Mennonite Brethren What does the Lord require? Micah

Stefan Warner, Oklahoma City, OK, Joy Mennonite Church

James M. Branum, Oklahoma City, Ok, Minister of Peace & Justice, Joy Mennonite Church so saddened by this news. Praying that Goshen will repent of this great evil.

Benjamin D Kickert, Bowling Green, KY, Methodist

richard leaman, lancaster,PA, Mennonite Akron Remember our forefather and foremother- anabaptists who gave their lives for theit beliefs in peace and nonviolence.

Thomas J Bridges, Milwaukee, WI, Nazarene, Marquette University What a disappointment that GC is abandoning such an inspiring tradition!

Joshua Zink, Greenville, IL, Anabaptist The national anthem is a slap in the face for everything the Gospel stands for.

John Winslow, Issaquah, WA, Roman Catholic Christian

David Horstkoetter, Milwaukee, WI, Christian

Leo Roth, Schaumburg, IL, Roman Catholic

Ry O. Siggelkow, St. Paul, MN, Mennonite Church USA Adjunct Instructor of Theology, University of St. Thomas

Christopher Grataski, Lynchburg, Virginia,

Paul-Philip (Paco) Michelson, Ampang, Malaysia, Mennonite, The Frontiers International

Jonas Lundstrom, Orebro, Sweden, None

xxxxxxxx, Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Mennonite Central Committee

Bill Carroll, Athens, OH, Episcopal Church, Third Order Society of Saint Francis

Michael Butler, Albuquerque, NM, Roman Catholic

Leon Hebrink, Westport New York, American Baptist Churches, USA As a baptist pastor and teacher who embraces and teaches Anabaptist principles for life and witness I find it shocking that Goshen College has caved in to the powers and principalities of the nation-state to such a degree. I do hope and pray they will reconsider.

Gary Wake, Henderson, TN, United Methodist

James Gatz, Fargo, ND, Christian Peace.

Michael Westmoreland-White, Louisville, KY, Baptist I am a pacifist and it has been the Anabaptist-Mennonite influence that has led to my anti-Constantinian views. I had hoped that when my children went to college, they would consider a Mennonite college like Goshen–but not if Goshen is going to cave into the dominant Constantinian mode.

Jordan Leahy, Staunton, VA,

Shannon Sullivan, White Hall, MD, United Methodist This is something that I struggle with as a Christian, and I really respect the Mennonite tradition’s stance on that, so it grieves me to see this school cave so easily to sing war songs.

Mark Hewerdine, Manchester, UK, Anglican

Kasey Phifer, Philadelphia, PA, Christian

Tomas Lundstrom, Sweden, Jesus follower

Todd Grotenhuis, Indianapolis, IN, Anabaptist One cannot fathfully serve two masters. May our allegiance always be to Christ.

Jared Both, Kitchener, Ontario, Conrad Grebel Nationalism is at the heart of every war.

Jeremy W. Blackwood, Milwaukee, WI, Roman Catholic Ph.D. student, theology, Marquette University

Kimberly Roth, Little Rock, AR,

Daniel Henson, Frankfor, Ky, Methodist, Georgetown College (KY)

Joshua Stafford, Baltimore, MD, Mennonite, Wilkens Avenue Mennonite Church

David Barrett, Wichita Falls, TX,

Jared Thompson, Wyandotte, MI,

Josh Kaufman-Horner, Charlottesville, VA, Anabaptist

Benjamin Oliver, Nashville, Church of Christ

arthur kauffman, pittsburgh, pa, mennonite

Alexander Parker, Johnstown, Pennsylvania, United Methodist

Timothy Prisk, Bloomington, IN, Catholic, Ph.D. student, Physics, Indiana University

Jamie Pitts, Edinburgh, UK, University of Edinburgh

John A. Walsh, Bloomington, IN, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), First Christian Church, Bloomington, Indiana

Lee Camp, Nashville, Tennessee, Lipscomb University For the good of the church in the western world, and for the ultimate good of the world, please do re-consider.

John Goossen, Delta, BC, Canada, Mennonite Don’t cave in.

Richard Goode, Nashville, Lipscomb University

Michael, Nashville, TN, Aspiring

V. H. Hammontree, D. Min, Henderson, KY 42420, church of Christ

Dean Martin, Lancaster, PA, Anabaptist Please rethink this.

Elli Whiteway, Nashville, TN, Belmont University

Cooper Brinson, FL, non-denom

Ryan Harker, Kirksville, MO, Mennonite It is very disappointing to see Goshen conforming like this. The Mennonite tradition as a “peace church” is not something that should be compromised.

Keith Barger, Roseburg, OR, Unitarian Universalist

Karah Hudman, portland, OR, non-denominational When we separate ourselves from one another, using the word “them” instead of “we”, that is when war because possible and hate because a natural response.

Ric Hudgens, Evanston, IL, Reba Place

Sam Adams, Bend, OR, Mennonite It is clear from the variety of these signers that Anabaptist witness is alive and well. I only hope that the Mennonite church does not get left behind as it becomes more and more irrelevant to that witness.

Brian Hamilton, South Bend, IN, Mennonite / Ph.D Student, University of Notre Dame

Jukka J. Rintala, Turku, Finland, Evangelical-Lutheran Church of Finland If you are a Christian, say “No” to state and nationalism.

Allyson Crosby, Goshen, IN, Catholic, Mennonite – Peace, Justice, and Conflict Studies Student – Goshen College

xxxxxxxx, Indianapolis, IN, Mennonite I support the division of Church and State and continuing/rededicating ourselves to the Mennonite tradition of separation from the State.

Caleb Acton, Newton Centre, MA, MTS Student, Philosophy, Theology & Ethics, Boston University School of Theology

Nick Liao, Chicago, IL, IVP Academic

Rebecca Thompson, Georgetown, Kentucky, Kentucky United Methodist Conference

Mark A Wilson, Denver, Colorado, Scum of the Earth

Adam Ward, Kenora Ontario, Mennonite Please uphold the liturgy of your ancestors, the strength of their convictions and the inspiring, contextually significant message that they continue to offer through non-participation in the nationalism that has destroyed lives.

Kathleen Springer, Saybrook IL, Mennonite In John 15, Jesus warns his disciples that they will face a lot more than a bit of discomfort-”If they persecuted me, they will persecute you;…But they will do all these things to you on account of my name…” Please reconsider this act of acquiesence to culture’s pressure to pledge allegiance to the nation-state.

Andrew Hendricks, wesley Chapel Florida, Christian

Greg Voiles, Washington, DC, Catholic University of America/ Ordained Elder, Church of the Nazarene

Amy Harbine, Milwaukee, WI, Unitarian

Rob Arner, Philadelphia, PA, Mennonite Ph.D. student, Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia Please reverse this policy and restore the traditional witness for justice and peace and against nationalism. Just as national flags have no place in our Christian worship spaces, as part of our witness to our Lord, they should have no place in our Christian colleges.

Jason Barr, South Bend, IN, Mennonite The historic stance of critical distance from the institutions of mainstream society is exactly the reason why I became attracted to the Mennonite Church in the first place. Please reconsider this capitulation to the civic religion of the United States.

Brandon McClendon-Rose, Portland, OR, Society of Friends

Brian Clark, Windsor, CT, Congregationalist When has the witness of the Peace Churches ever been more relevant? If the salt loses its savor, what use is it?

Tripp York, Bowling Green, KY, Mennonite

Jason Fisher, Champaign, IL, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America I consistently attend high school youth sporting events and will remain seated during the National Anthem. I don’t understand why people are more passionate about standing for dead people that gave them some freedoms, yet will do little to attend the worship of Jesus Christ each week who has truly set them free.

John Sniegocki, Cincinnati OH, Professor of Christian Ethics, Xavier University

David Cramer, South Bend, IN, Missionary Church; Bethel College (IN) As one who teaches at a nearby institution in your conference (that does play the national anthem before our games!), I have found Goshen’s refusal to play the anthem as a means of witness to the gospel of peace. Please reconsider.

xxxxxxxx, Goshen, IN, Mennonite I used to be able to chuckle when Bethel College students mocked GC’s peace stance by singing their own version of the Star Spangled Banner before soccer games, even though a majority of their players were not American citizens. Next year, I suppose it will be the Bethel supporters themselves who will chuckle as GC mocks its own peace stance by playing the anthem. – A not-so-proud GC alum.

John Zimmerman, Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, pastor of Pleasant View Mennonite Church Goshen class of 1991

Jim Clemens, Dayton, VA, Mennonite

xxxxxxxx, Gordonville, PA, Beachy Amish Mennonite

David Knowles, ,

xxxxxxxx, Canby, OR, Mennonite, Goshen Alum

xxxxxxxx, Doylestown, PA, Mennonite My son just turned 16 and we’re having more frequent conversations about him registering as a CO when he turns 18. I was hoping that he would consider attending Goshen College after high school, but now I will likely not encourage him to pursue Goshen.

Sarah Thompson, Elkhart, Indiana, Mennonite/AMBS/PSMC

xxxxxxxx, Canby, OR, Mennonite, Prospective Student

Lara Hall Blosser, Scottdale, PA, Mennonite

Wayne J Yoder, Fresno, OH 43824, Mennonite This does portend well for the church

xxxxxxxx, Seville, OH, Mennonite What next, American flags in our Mennonite churches?

Scott McDaniel, Dayton, OH, Anabaptist

Brandon McCullough, Amarillo, TX, None

Joe Tonan, Ontario, CA,

Charles H. Conklin, Red Hill, Pa, Mennonite Many people did believe in him, however, including some of the Jewish leaders. But they wouldn’t admit it for fear that the Pharisees would expel them from the synagogue. For they loved human praise more than the praise of God. John 12:42-43

Zach Miller, Goshen, IN, Mennonite

Joanna Shenk, Elkhart, IN, Mennonite Church USA, Executive Leadership; Fellowship of Hope Mennonite Church

Jonathan Gingerich, Elkhart, IN, Mennonite

Steven Schallert, Kailua-Kona, HI, Anabaptist

Judy Clemens Smucker, Ottawa, OH, Mennonite I am an alumnus of Goshen College and grew up on campus with my dad as a professor. I am deeply dismayed by this decision. Please do not play the national anthem at GC.

Paul Stauffer, Boston, MA, GC alum

Carolyn Hockman, Canby, Oregon, Mennonite As a 1963 graduate, Goshen has been my hope for the grandchildren. But now I am confused; do I really want to encourge the next generation to attend a college that proclaims peace in one breath only to consent to a song of war in the next? Which message should I believe? Or do we need to look elsewhere for the right college?

Cheryl Crichley, Okmulgee, OK, Mennonite

Michael Wiebe-Johnson, Elkhart, In, Prairie Street Mennnonite Church

Robert Lancaster, AL, Anglican

Adam Parsons, OH, Orthodox

Jeff McLain, Stafford, VA, Conservative Mennonite Conference Leave not our heritage, the Values God shaped and molded in the Anabaptist movement!

john h graber, goshen,IN, anabaptist Jesus is Lord!

Marcia Siggelkow, Saint Paul, MN, Mennonite

Leon Strait, Jefferson, Oregon, Friends Church and YWAM

Dean Simmer, Detroit, MI, Anglican

xxxxxxxx, Canby, OR, Mennonite, prospective student Goshen was at the top of my list out of Hesston, EMU, and Goshen… now I’m reconsidering. I want a school that will completely support my beliefs.

David Jost, Harrisonburg, VA, MCUSA I’m ashamed of this decision and the responsible parties.

Tyler Yates, Phoenix, AZ, Arizona State University

Bruce Hamill, Dunedin, New Zealand, Presbyterian If the Mennonites won’t stand up for what I believe, who will?

Caleb Anderson, Wellington, New Zealand, Baptist

Railton de Sousa Guedes, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brasil, Coletivo Periferia Stop public ritual that glorifies the nation-state

Gustavo C. de S. Frederico, Brasília, DF, Brazil, Evangélicos pela Justiça, Brazil

Teresa L. Geiser, Elkhart, IN, Mennonite I am appalled that Goshen College would take this step of accommodation to American culture. One of our most important stances as Mennonites is the peace position and being an alternative voice to the overly patriotic and often violent voice of the U.S. I strongly urge Goshen College to remain firm in a Christian commitment to peace and separation of church and state. American society desperately needs that alternative voice that points to Jesus as our Lord, not a country’s political system.

Tobias Winright, Saint Louis, Missouri, Catholic, Saint Louis University I wish Goshen College would inspire other church-related colleges and universities, including Catholic ones, to stop playing the national anthem.

Patrick Sheck, Cleveland, Ohio, Episcopal Those stars and stripes stand for no Christ-Like thing.

David Araujo, Gary, IN, Mennonite I strongly urge GC to reverse it’s decision to play the national anthem and thus bear witness to who we are as a body of faith.

Judy Miller, Lawrenceville, Ga, Mennonite

Wapato Greyer, Brier, WA, I hope you think about this decision more. Best wishes.

Jewel Gingerich Longenecker, South Bend, Indiana, Mennonite Mennonite high schools have taken significant “heat” on this issue over the years. Instead of reversing its policy, Goshen College should learn from Mennonite high school principals and coaches how to turn negative media attention into an opportunity for faithful witness.

Matt Bernico, Greenville, Il, Free Methodist

Jonny Gerig Meyer, Goshen, IN, Mennonite, MATS student, AMBS

Jared King, Vancouver, WA, None

Kevin Guenther Trautwein, Kitchener, ON, Canada, Conrad Grebel University College, MTS student, theology It’s too bad that I only found out about GC’s life-affirming tradition after it had been abandoned.

Jacob Neff, NC, Baptist

Lois Nafziger, Goshen, Mennonite/AMBS

Shana Peachey Boshart, Parnell, Iowa, Mennonite Church USA, Conference Youth Minister for Central Plains Mennonite Conference

David Boshart, Parnell, IA, Mennonite Church USA

Kyle Dean Reinford, Brooklyn, NY, Manhattan Mennonite Fellowship/Goshen College ’06

Claven J. Snow, Lawrence, Kansas, Central United Methodist Church Songs of War have no place in those who claim to teach Peace. Choose carefully whose will you decide to appease.

Steven Burleson, Charlotte, NC, Mennonite

xxxxxxxx, Melbourne, Victoria,

Philip Miller, Lawrenceville, Ga, Mennonite I wonder how the vote went down or who actually voted for this or what the process was, since the students on the committee were not allowed to vote and nobody from the president’s council or the president will answer my emails

Jonathan Moylan, Newcastle, NSW, Australia, Quaker

xxxxxxxx, Goshen, IN, Mennonite, Theology Student As an alum, I am ashamed of this decision. I pray it is not rooted in recruitment for athletes as I fear it is. Our Mennonite traditions and beliefs are deeply committed to following Jesus in a way that promotes peace and social justice to all the world. The national anthem is a war cry that hails the US superior above other nations and people.

I have been a proud supporter of GC and have always hoped my own children would attend one day. This however, is not a small issue. This is at the root of who GC is and what they are willing to stand for. If they are willing to compromise a core belief for a mainstream American appearance I am deeply ashamed. Please have the courage to admit a wrongful decision and repeal it.

Ginny Martin, Goshen, IN, Mennonite, AMBS

Neil Reinford, smoketown pa, Witmer Heights Mennonite Church

Donna Reinford, Lancaster, PA, Mennonite

Laura Kraybill, Boston, MA, GC Alum ’04

Sharon Baker, Palmer Lake CO, MCUSA As a Goshen College graduate I am very disappointed with the decision to play the national anthem at Goshen College. Please reverse this decision.

Dan Sigmans, Perkasie, PA, Mennonite, Eastern Mennonite University

Kent Blossom, Wellman, IA, Mennonite

Erik Elmer, Idaho, Christian

Chris Blocker, Topeka, KS, Anabaptist

xxxxxxxx, Goshen, IN, Mennonite Church USA Student at Eastern Mennonite University

Erin, Ohio, Follower of Jesus Jesus and patriotism go together like fish and bikes.

Jeremy Alder, San Antonio, TX, Mennonite

Andrew Gunden Landis, Goshen, IN, Mennonite/Goshen College Alumni Just because the words are removed from a song does not remove the meaning inherent in the song. Would removing the words from an African-American work song like ‘I’ve been working on the railroad’ change its history and what it means? Songs have lives and stories, and removing the words does not erase their past.

Brian Herschberger, Kalona,IA, Mennonite I was disappointed to see Goshen succumb to any pressure and decide to play the national anthem.

Amanda Yoder, Souderton, Pennsylvania, Mennonite

Mark Van Steenwyk, Minneapolis, MN, Mennonite pastor, Missio Dei Others are better able to challenge this decision on the basis of Mennonite tradition. However, as a new addition to the MCUSA, I believe that a growing number of faithful are yearning for a faithful Christian challenge to American imperialism, nationalism, and “patriotism.”

Logan Laituri, Honolulu, HI, I am also a veteran who understands the difficulty in distinguishing between nationality and Christianity, but please remain true to the Anabaptist roots of the Mennonite Church be retaining a high wall between Church and state…

Gilbert George, Tigard, OR, Northwest Yearly Meeting of Friends Churches

arthur stewart, fresno, ca, friends

Peg Burkey, Dorchester, NE, Mennonite

C. Wess Daniels, Camas, WA, Quaker

David Reynolds, Nolensville, TN, Baptist

Philipp Gollner, IL, Mennonite, University of Chicago graduate student It is even secondary that the US anthem is a war song: whatever the text, it remains: national. Thanks for your resistance to what civil religion wants to make out of historic Mennonite witness.

Andrew Wade, Hood River, OR, Mennonite Church USA

Tim White, Western Australia, Affiliated with Christ alone

xxxxxxxx, UK, Follower of Jesus

Michael F. Lillie, Minneapolis, Bethel Seminary Student While I am glad I live in a country that has the freedoms we have, let us not forget what we had to do to obtain those freedoms. People lost their lives and we killed willingly to some degree in the name of God. Killing people for political interest is not a part of the Kingdom.

Natanael Disla, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Baptist. Student, Baptist Seminary of Dominican Republic

Daniel Lapp, ,

Karl Stutzman, Elkhart, IN, Mennonite I am deeply disappointed by this decision. Goshen College was an significant formative place for me as an Anabaptist/Mennonite Christian. I pray that Goshen College will change course and take a strong position consistent with its core values.

Kenneth Zeleny, Pittsburgh, PA, Mennonite

Jeremy Shue, Goshen, IN, MCUSA

Jonathan Stegall, Atlanta, GA, N/A Please don’t try to combine songs of war with a message of peace. Sing songs of peace, resistance to empire, and allegiance to Jesus.

xxxxxxxx, Liberty, TX,

Brad Lockner, Oshawa Ontario, Baptist Sad to see the Anabaptist heritage being engulfed by patriotism.

Anton Lundqvist, Örebro, Sweden, EFK

John Tyson, Harrisonburg, Va,

xxxxxxxx, Sheffield, England, Anglican

Erin Brekke, minneapolis, mn, American Baptist

Hannah DeLoche, Greenville, IL, United Methodist There are so few voices who are willing to speak out against the perceived allegiance between American Christianity and American Patriotism. Please don’t let yours be silenced after 114 years of firm stance.

Andy Browne, Eden Prairie, MN, Bethel University

Miranda Caulkins, IL, Greenville College

John Williams, Chillicothe, Ohio, Quaker Jesus was killed for resisting an Empires anthems and attempts at co-opting the mind, we follow this murdered peasent in an Empire that resembles Rome, we to refuse to participate in turning a cheek to the games and bread of this current Nation State…Why? Because he did first.

Blaine Detwiler, Susquehanna, PA, Mennonite, moderator Franconia Mennonite Conference Main Entry: syncretism Pronunciation: \?si?-kr?-?ti-z?m, ?sin-\ Function: noun Etymology: New Latin syncretismus, from Greek synkr?tismos federation of Cretan cities, from syn- + Kr?t-, Kr?s Cretan Date: 1618 1 : the combination of different forms of belief or practice

xxxxxxxx, Marion, IN, Christian

Joshua Ellens, Minneapolis, MN, Mennonite (Central Plains Conference)

Ethan Formo, Minneapolis, MN,

xxxxxxxx, Madison, WI, Episcopalian

David Mowers, Robbinsdale, MN, Episcopalian

Eric Gregory, Harrisonburg, VA, Episcopalian Please do not kow-tow to the ignorance of many Americans who do not see the fundamental distinction between church and state. While we hope the church and the state work together towards the common good, flying the American flag and especially playing the national anthem are in direct contrast with the purpose of the Church as the expression of God’s Kingdom on this earth. We give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, but we do not purport to encourage the muddy waters that many evangelical Protestant denominations have swam in since the days of Constantine.

Please do not reject the Anabaptist theology that this school was founded upon. If you wish to be proud of our country, do so without requiring the piece of Christendom under your “authority” to do the same.

Jamie Hollis, Elkhart, IN, Mennonite, Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary

Landis Brown, Rindge, NH, The Meeting School

Jeannie Alexander, Nashville, TN, Amos House

Robert Miyake-Stoner, Aiea, HI, United Methodist pastor

Barbara Liberto, Ellicott City, MD, Mennonite

Rev. Jarrod Cochran, Atlanta, Ga , Progressive Christian Alliance

Mike Cantley, Washington, DC, UMC, Wesley Theological Seminary & American University

Nicole Bauman, Elkhart, IN, Tavistock Mennonite Church/Fellowship of Hope Mennonite Church; Mennonite Voluntary Service; Goshen College Alum

Lars Stairs-Almquist, San Diego, CA, Episcopal

Warren Tyson, Brownstown, PA, Mennonite Church USA, executive conference minister for Atlantic Coast Conference and Eastern District Conference

Jacob Johnson, MN, Jesus Follower

Jerry Adams, San Francisco, Ca, Bretheren

john D. Leu, Brunswick, Md., mennonite

Cindy Warner Baker, Goshen, IN, mennonite follower of Jesus

randy gallagher, mabank texas, chritian heretic

Andrew Langdon, Rochester, NY, Mennonite Church USA

Glenn Conrad, Columbia, MD, Cemeteries in every nation around the world are packed with dead soldiers whose conviction that God was on “their side” was nurtured by ceremonies like this.

Noah Weaverdyck, Ann Arbor, MI, Mennonite Will playing the anthem, as is the standard with most every other college in the nation, really stimulate engagement with the secular community more than not playing it? It seems to me that the abnormality of NOT playing it is what grants us the opportunity to witness and share our beliefs.

xxxxxxxx, Harrisonburg VA, Mennonite/ Eastern Mennonite University

Matthew Linderman, Tempe, AZ, Catholic

Ray Gingerich, Greendale, Wisconsin, Milwaukee Mennonite Church GC Class of ’66. Take the irony of a Mennonite college playing the national anthem to it’s logical conclusion–not just the music, but sing the words in traditional 4-part harmony. For the accompanying prayer, be sure to pray that the US empire continue to militarily dominate the world, that it continue to wage perpetual war on its enemies and continue to slaughter them in proportion to their increase. Be sure to end the prayer, ‘in the name of our prince of war, Jesus Christ.”

As GC continues to sell its soul to the devil, might I suggest they consider the benefits of ROTC. And, I’m sure there might be some payoff on having recruiters on-site as students file into chapel each morning–at least 30 pieces of silver.

Ria Jewell, Spokane, WA, Mennonite We need to remember our anabaptist core values

Debra Bender, Cape Coral, FL, Raised Mennonite I am so saddened by Goshen’s actions.

Jonathan Lind, Manassas, VA, I plan to send my annual contribution to the Peace Club instead of Goshen College in the hope that club members can help the institution climb out of the ethical quagmire into which it has blundered.

Aaron Baker, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Joy Mennonite Church

David Hewgill, Chino California, Mennonite

Erica S. Christian, Matewan, WV, Church of God/Pentecostal

Jane Yoder-Short, Kalona, IA, Mennonite

Elizabeth Buschert, Goshen, IN, Mennonite

Lyn Schlabach Buschert, Goshen, IN, Mennonite

Greg Stevens, Tampa, FL, Anabaptist

Suzana Yoder, Athens, OH, Mennonite

Kyle Yoder, Athens, OH, Mennonite, West Philadelphia Mennonite Fellowship

Darvin Yoder, Parnell, IA, MC USA

Kevin Harris, Chicago, IL, Christ follower

Eric O\’Dell, College Park, MD,

Hilary Scarsella, Elkhart, IN, AMBS – Mennonite – Christian – Of God

Amanda Esh Bouwman, Philadelphia, PA, Mennonite I am an alumni of Goshen College (’07) and value the peace stance and traditional anabaptist views that are at the core of Goshen College. I am very saddened to see that the tradition of not singing the national anthem before sporting events will be changed. I often feel out of place at other sporting events when this song is played. Please reconsider this decision.

Douglas West, Champaign IL 61821, First Mennonite-Urbana Pleas reconsider your decision to play the national anthem. One of the main reasons I joined the Mennonite church was to help keep the nation from becoming God. Douglas West 2017 Southwood Dr Champaign, il 61821 21-819-1791

Bobby Ray Hurd, Garden City, KS, Yeshuine Yahwism

Naomi Jacobs, , Episcopalian

Alex Bouwman, Philadelphia, PA, Mennonite

Rachel Shenk, Goshen, IN,

Adam Gingerich, Canby, OR, you were better than this

xxxxxxxx, Denver, CO, Mennonite Goshen Alum

Jon Cutrell, Goshen, IN, Goshen College alumnus

Justin Heinzekehr, Goshen, IN, Mennonite

Eric Herr, Portland, OR, Mennonite – Portland Mennonite Church Please reconsider your decision to play the national anthem at GC sporting events. To play music which lauds the most violent tendencies of our nation does more to exclude Jesus than it does to include visitors or non-Mennonite students at Goshen.

Max Stauffer, Akron, Pennsylvania, Mennonite Please stop playing the anthem….you’re putting patriotism before religion. In my eyes, that’s just not right.

Rebecca Helmuth, New Paris, Indiana, Mennonite – GC class of 1994 As a graduate of Goshen College I am disappointed in this decision. It’s ironic that on the heals of adopting the “healing the world peace by peace” motto, Goshen College is now ready to embrace a song that glorifies war.

Ted Houser, Lancaster, PA, Mennonite

Paula Dirks, Lancaster, PA, Mennonite, Goshen Alumni

Gwen Stamm, Scottdale, PA, Mennonite

Sonia Araujo, Gary, IN, Mennonite I urge you to reverse your decision as it will leave me no choice but to send my kids to a state college!

Marcia Good, Goshen, IN, I’m not sure which disturbs me more, the anthem or the decision to accompany it with a prayer.

Robert A. Yoder, Quakertown, PA, Mennonite

Sem C Sutter, Chicago IL, Mennonite, Episcopalian GC ’70. This is not the college that I attended, nor is it one that I feel comfortable continuing to support.

Justin Roth, Pettisville, OH, Mennonite I’m a student at Eastern Mennonite U. and I am shocked by this decision.

Jill Stalter, Philadelphia, PA, Mennonite

Sarah Shirk, Lancaster, PA., Mennonite, Goshen alum

Michael Yeakey, Goshen, IN , Mennonite

Bryan Falcon, Tucson, Arizona, Goshen Alum Please reconsider.

Jason Shenk, Elkhart, IN, Mennonite

Greg Ebersole, Cali, Colombia,

Joe Hartman, Denton, TX, Mennonite/None If the College is going to get more conservative it needs to be consistent.

LeRoy Mast, Goshen, IN, Mennonite – MCUSA

Alexander Troyer, Wooster, OH, Mennonite, Goshen College Alumn

Adam M.Y. Nafziger, Minneapolis, MN, Mennonite

Don Nofziger, Milford, IN, Mennonite

Ryan Miller, Goshen, IN, Mennonite – GC ’95 The middle road is not synonymous with the third way.

Ed Meyers, Perkasie, PA, Mennonite

Leslie Minkler, Minneapolis, MN, Mennonite

Jessica Landes, Pittsburgh, PA, Mennonite

Elaine Swartzentruber, OH, MCUSA/ MCC worker in Indoneisa

Whitney M. Kulp, Chapel Hill, NC, Mennonite As an alum, I was very disappointed to learn of this decision. I hope Goshen will instead consider other courses of action, such as playing a more appropriate song in place of the national anthem. Please reconsider the message that playing the national anthem sends to other Mennonites, Christians, Americans, and global citizens.

Richard Crockett, East Petersburg, PA, Akron Mennonite Church Member and GC Alum The path forward for Goshen is at risk, Goshen’ s door were physically closed in the early 20th Century, this is at the very least a symbolic closing of the door.

Vicki Weirich, Goshen, IN, Mennonite Our children in public school struggle with being asked to pledge allegiance to the US flag. Our younger children in public school struggle with being asked to pledge allegiance to the flag. So now, at GC, when they hear the national anthem, will they wonder why they ever questioned their struggle. Let’s help them articulate their beliefs, not confuse them!

David Spieser, Pittsburgh, PA, Mennonite, PhD student, University of Pittsburgh

Janine Martin Horst, Canby, OR,

Gretchen Maust, Keezletown, VA, Mennonite I am shocked and disappointed in Goshen’s decision and sincerely hope that reconsideration will result in a reversal of this decision.

James and Ruth Horsch, Goshen IN, Mennonite

Aaron Leichty, Chapel Hill, NC, Mennonite, alum

Micah Kulp, Salunga, PA, Mennonite As a student currently at Goshen College, I was very disappointed to learn that GC decided to play the national anthem. I was actually one of the people that day in charge of answering the calls of random individuals from all over the country who had never heard of Goshen before that day, and had no real understanding of the Mennonite faith. I’m shocked to find that GC allowed themselves to be swayed by such a group.

Bobby Persons, Galena, OH, Vineyard

Arlene Steffen, Fresno, CA, Class of 1985

Merle Reinford, Lancaster, Pa, Witmer Heights Mennonite

Wayne Steffen, Fresno, CA, Mennonite Church-USA This is the kind of weak-kneed compromise that pleases no one and stands for nothing.

Ruth Ann Reinford, Lancaster, PA, Mennonite

Richard D Sieber, Hesston Kansas, I sent both of my children to Goshen because I thought it was the right thing to do despite the extreme financial hardship. Now i’m not sure. SHAME ON YOU

Kathy Miller, Sykesville, MD, Mennonite

Cheryl Blaum, Goshen, Indiana, Mennonite I was sad when I learned of this decision. I work for the college and know that this was a heavily processed decision. I made my opinion known, as did many others, but I apparently underestimated the degree of support present for the acceptance of the proposal.

xxxxxxxx, Portland, OR, Mennonite

Jan Landes, Pennsylvania, Mennonite

Sue Byler, Goshen, IN, Mennonite

Claude Kremer, Mt. Pleasant Iowa, Mennonite I would like to see clearly defined lines between church and state.

Allison Miller, Atlanta, GA, Mennonite/Goshen College Student I came to Goshen College because I thought it stood for something more, please reconsider the decision…

Brint Keyes, Richmond, VA, Presbyterian Church USA

Verlin Miller, Bristol, IN, Mennonite

Elaine Guengerich Miller, Bristol, IN, Mennonite

Ann Hershberger, Phoenix, AZ, Mennonite

Tasha Friesen, Goshen, Mennonite – College Mennonite Church

Abigail A Smith, Carlsbad, NM, Mennonite I am an Alumnes of Goshen College.

K. Weaver, Harrisonburg, VA, humanity

Bruce Leichty, Escondido, CA, Mennonite

Rachel Reimer, Wichita, KS, Mennonite, Goshen Alum I choose Goshen many years ago for its stance on being a peace believing college and even remember participating in a protest against the war in Iraq while I was there. I had hoped that one day my children would attend an institution such as Goshen that continued to highly value peace as one of its core values. However, with this policy change to allow the Star-Spangled Banner before sporting events I am questioning whether such a value still exists or whether giving into mainstream wants and desires has become the norm…

Clayton Funk, Columbus, OH, Ohio State University

Sue Schildt, Tucson, AZ, Mennonite

Ivan Zimmerman, Sarasota, Florida, Mennonite Never thought Goshen would do this!

Terah Yoder Goerzen, Goessel, KS, Mennonite

Neal Friesen, Hesston, Kansas, Mennonite – Goshen Graduate ’07

Roger Farmer, Washington, Iowa , Mennonite Since I joined the Mennonite Church many years ago, I have always been impressed with the courage and faithfulness of Mennonite colleges and congregations in not having the flag and not singing the national anthem in church. I believe that God would not be pleased if we abandoned that practice.

Ryan Klassen, Toronto, ON, Mennonite Brethren, PhD Theology Student, Wycliffe College

Gerry Leatherman, Portland, OR, Mennonite

Mary and Peter Sprunger-Froese, Colorado Springs CO, Mennonite/ecumenical intentional community Saddened and stunned, praying you will reverse this. Let’s remember who we are and whose we are. GC alum and AMBS alum

Tom Fleming, Albuquerque, NM, Mennonite I wept over this decision. I believe Jesus weeps as well. Lord, have mercy.

Jenna Yoder, Denton, TX, Mennonite

Peter Haresnape, Stirling, Scotland, nonconformist

Sarah Anderson, Minneapolis, MN, MCUSA, previously nondenom evangelical

Clair Hochstetler, Canberra, Australia, Mennonite Church I think its fine to sing or play an appropriate anthem before sporting events – and there are several good alternatives, actually. But the national(istic) one isn’t because, to put it simply, its not consistent with your core vision and mission – in spite of your campus-wide “process” which I understand you carefully undertook. Its time to take into consideration the feedback of the wider community and your constituency that is also affected by this decision! The people here represent a key part of that base.

roy and margaret eby, akron, pa, mennonite Goshen College has an obligation to promote peace and nonkilling as alternative to war.

Drew Weber, Reading Pa , Mennonite

April Muro, Goshen, In, Unitarian The national anthem celebrates war, and even has derogatory references to slaves and native peoples. Goshen College is not supporting patriots by catering to nationalism.

Sonya Yoder-Beery, Indianapolis, IN, How is this a witness to peace in the world?

Sam Woelk, Goshen, In, Mennonite

Sue Schmucker Coblentz, Macedonia, OH, Mennonite Class of ’90

Richards, Evan, Deerfield, IL, Mennonite

Michael Amstutz, Dalton, OH, Sonnenberg Mennonite Church

Jeremiah Wade, Goshen, IN, Mennonite Mr. Brenneman, from what I know, you are a good and reasonable man. This is more significant than you may realize. Don’t let it be your legacy.

Vanessa Hershberger, PA, Mennonite, Goshen College

Chris Horst, Evanston, IL, Goshen College Graduate

Jeremy Yoder, Baltimore, MD, MDiv Student, Eastern Mennonite Seminary Goshen Class of 2002

xxxxxxxx, West Liberty, OH, Mennonite

Bradley Kauffman, Newton, KS, Mennonite

Mag Richer Smith, Iowa City, IA., First Mennonite

Philip Keller, Waxhaw, North Carolina, Christian Please consider the effects of this on your Christian witness.

William Kangas, Chicago, IL, Evangelical Covenant Church MDiv student at North Park

Amanda Zimmerman Holley, Madison, WI, Mennonite

Phoebe A. Brubaker, Goshen IN, Mennonite

Carolyn Yoder, Yerevan, Armenia, Mennonite

Melissa Noble, Bridgeport, WV, Catholic

Tami Jantzi, Wiesbaden, Germany, I am so disappointed. Mr. Brenneman, Last year I proudly sent on the letter that you so eloquently wrote in response to this very subject to friends and family around the world. The letter was a true witness to core Mennonite values, including the separation of church and state. What happened to your convictions, Mr. Brenneman?

xxxxxxxx, Goshen, IN, Mennonite, Messiah College

Amy Friesen Leichty, Archbold, Ohio, Mennonite

Nathan Kauffman, Harrisonburg, VA, Mennonite

Beth Krall, Harrisonburg, VA, Mennonite

Nathan Gerig, Goshen, IN, Mennonite, Goshen College Student I am deeply disappointed that our long held belief of maintaining some form of separation from a mainstream that uses a song glorifying war to honor our nation is being compromised.

Laura, Goshen, IN, BAMF

Bruce Nofziger, Goshen, IN, Mennonite

Brooke Cantley, Gambrills, MD, UMC

Rachel Halder, Parnell, IA, Mennonite

Peter W F Miller, Goshen, IN, Mennonite – Goshen Student

Lindsay Yoder, Boston, MA, Mennonite

Jennifer Metzler, Tucson, AZ, Mennonite

Ellen Wagner, Boston, MA, Mennonite, Goshen Alum

Heather Shelley, Goshen, IN, non denominational

Paul Regier, Norman, OK, Mennonite Within this petition is a sincere message. I just hope it is not perceived as attacking or judgmental, rather as a part of the continual conversation about our identity and calling as disciples of Christ.

Keri Swartzendruber, Plano, TX, Mennonite – GC Alum

Tobias Herrstrom, Gothenburg, Sweden, Minister in the lutheran church of sweden Im writing from a swedish context and from a church that was former a statechurch, we’re very happy to be free from the state again, and it would hurt me to se your college take steps towards supporting a statechurch situation.

Simon Barrow, Birmingham, UK, Anglican Please help us all resist the pressure to conform.

Art Stoltzfus, Elkhart, IN, Mennonite

Martha Maust, Michigan City, IN, Mennonite

Emily Graber, Goshen, IN, Mennonite, GC Student

Jenny Boehs, Fort Collins, CO, Mennonite

Curt Weaver, Portalnd, OR, Youth Pastor, Portland Mennonite Church

Patricia Gingrich, Iowa City, IA, Mennonite USA I really can’t believe you are allowing the national anthem to be sung before athletic events. Wow.

Cathi Baer, Archbold, OH, Mennonite

Nathan Barge, Harrisonburg, VA, Mennonite

Kathleen Nofziger Yeakey, Goshen, IN, Mennonite USA

Bonnie Doran, Eugene,OR, Jesus Follower

Mary Forney, Kalona, IA, Mennonite

Linda Showalter, Indianapolis, IN, Mennonite

Kristen Long, Arvada, CO, Mennonite 1983 Goshen grad; I cannot understand how Goshen can see the national anthem as anything but antithetical to its entire existence.

Judith Baer Kulp, Gainesville, TX, GC alum Hold to a commitment to be free of war songs and prayers. Please read Mark Twain’s “War Prayer” to strengthen this commitment.

Marcus Miller, Wellman, IA, Mennonite

Hannah Schertz, Bloomington, IN,

Jenae Longenecker, South Bend, IN,

Sarah Conrad Yoder, Archbold, OH, Mennonite

Daniel Shank Cruz, DeKalb, IL, Mennonite I graduated from Goshen College in 2002.

Christy Leichty, Opelousas, LA, Mennonite

Werner J. Severin, PhD., Austin, Texas, Austin Mennonite Church (Catherine Garots Severin Nursing Scholarship, Goshen College)

Greg Walson, Melrose, MA, GC Alum

Jeff Matheus, Indianapolis, IN, Mennonite, co-founder of Indy Artists’ Peace Project It is sad that the President of Goshen has compromised his faith to the point where he can find “rockets red glare” and “bombs bursting in air” to be compatible with the way of Christ. Sounds much like another President….

Raleigh Booze, Philadelphia, PA, Anabaptist/Mennonite Please uphold the anabaptist tradition of resisting nationalism in the name of Christ.

Greg Beachey, New Paris, IN, Mennonite Class of ’86

Ben Hochstedler, Whitefish Bay, WI, Milwaukee Mennonite Church

Megan Thompson, Newton, KS, Mennonite

Lanny Zimmerman Holley, Madison, WI, GC Alum Goshen College’s actions have continued to disappoint me.

Doug Yoder, Goshen, IN, Mennonite – Goshen College If you don’t stand for something, you’ll fall for anything.

Julius Setiawan, Surabaya, Indonesia, Mennonite

Philip Raber, Kidron, OH, Mennonite GC alum

Ruth Massey, Columbus, OH, Mennonite

Timothy Stoltzfus Jost, Harrisonburg, Va., Mennonite

Brian Brubaker, Pittsburgh, PA, Mennonite

Carol L. Haddad, michigan City, IN 46360, Jew I believe srongly that separation of Church and State must be maintained in order to have a democratic society. I applaud your effort to eliminate the national anthem from your sporting events.

Graham Stewart, Glen Ellyn, IL, Mennonite

Kelsey Hartman, Carmel, IN, Mennonite

daniel evrard, newhaven ct, follower of christ

Nicole Brenneman, Tillamook, OR,

Grace Diener Tyson, Pembroke Pines, Fl, Let there be light, Lord, God of hosts. Let there be wisdom on the earth. Let broad humanity have birth. Let there be Peace instead of boasts.

Joyce E. Waser, Pittsburgh, PA, Pittsburgh Mennonite Church

H. M. Sawadsky, Vineland, Ontario, Canada, Mennonite

Kevin Hockman-Chupp, Canby, Oregon, Zion Mennonite

Jeffrey P. Harrington, Topeka, KS, SHMC Topeka, KS http://www.shmctopeka.org I am very sad and will be ashamed every time the “deeply held convictions” are trampled upon by the sing of the SSB. If the SSB is to be sung why have any convictions at all?

xxxxxxxx, Nw. Holland, PA, Mennonite As a Goshen grad I am very disappointed in your decision to play the national anthem at athletic events. Please reconsider.

Cindy Beck, Sarasota, Florida, Presbyterian

Caitlin Stout, Jackson, Michigan, Nazarene

Suzanne Gross, Edmonton, AB, Mennonite I just taught a Jr. High Sunday School lesson on the Early Church, and how early Christians viewed themselves as sojourners in this world, and how they couldn’t serve two masters — Rome and Christ. And here we are, nodding to the state that kills in our name. Have we lost our way?

A K M Adam, Glasgow, UK, University of Glasgow, Scottish Episcopal Church Hold true to the heritage handed down to you, as a witness to the truth and a sign of hope to more accommodationist traditions!

Angie Birky Bohnert, Denver, CO, Mennonite

Kristen Irwin, La Mirada, CA, Lutheran (LCMS) Assistant Professor, Biola University

Ruth Goring, Chicago, IL, Mennonite I am grieved that Goshen would encourage the playing and/or singing of this song, which should never be on the lips of those who seek to follow Christ’s way of peace.

Rev. Mark Burnham, Los Gatos, CA, Presbyterian

Dana L. Dillon, Providence, RI, Roman Catholic

Joyce Tang Boyland, Milwaukee, WI, Christian I have until now highly respected the Mennonite tradition for its principled stands. More pointedly, I would have considered sending my children to a Mennonite college such as Goshen. Now, the principal reason I would have done so has been eliminated. You can be sure that by alienating your core constituency (including families like ours), your niche in the world of higher education will be eroded. I wonder if GC alumni will be willing to donate to such an institution, let alone recommend it to others.

Nikki Coffey Tousley, Dayton, OH, Religious Society of Friends

Ross Wagner, Princeton, NJ, United Methodist/ Princeton Theological Seminary

Rev. Dr. Beth Tanner, New Brunswick, NJ, Presbyterian Church USA

Matthew Sipe, Delano, MN, United Methodist Sad to hear that the Mennonites are caving like many other protestants have throughout the last 500 years.

Audrey Engle, Salem, OR, Mennonite Church USA, GC Student

Norm and Phyllis Lind, Salem, OR, Mennonite ? A prayer to follow the national anthem??

Celia Wolff, Durham, NC, ThD candidate, Duke Divinity School

William T. Cavanaugh, St. Paul, MN, Catholic

Alden Bass, St. Louis, MO, Church of Christ My wife and I consider ourselves part of the mostly-forgotten peace tradition in the Stone-Campbell Movement. We have had to look outside of our own tradition for support, to institutions such as Goshen College. This capitulation to the Empire is a discouragement not only to fellow Anabaptists, but to all Christians who struggle for peace.

Philip Storer, columbus, OH, Brethren in Christ

Steve Stanley, Chicago, IL, Evanston Mennonite Church

Zach DiMiele, Greenville, Illinois, United Methodist

Matt Matheson, Baltimore, MD, Mennonite

Jeremy Pifer, OH, Anabaptist

David A. Smith, Durham, NC, Episcopal I learned Christ’s way of peace from Mennonites. It’s sad to see that witness being diluted.

Joe Bumbulis, Austin, TX, Baptist The failure to uphold the allegiance of Goshen to Christ and submit to nationalism will only serve to harm the greater Christian community. Now more than ever institutions like Goshen must be proactive in affirming their identity as first and foremost Christ followers so that churches will awaken to the fact that the nation state is not the savior. Your denial of your identity as Mennonite and more importantly as Christ followers if you begin to sing the national anthem is a crime to your brothers and sisters who need another way and voice of solidarity in the Kingdom of peace and non-Imperialism. Please continue to be faithful to your identity for I need you. Please continue to be faithful to Christ by not displacing your convictions. Please be faithful to the Christian churches of diverse heritage that need your witness in an age of national allegiance and loss of Godly faithfulness. We need you to be faithful so we may learn faithfulness to the Way of life, truth, and beauty.

Frank A. Brauer, Flower Mound, Texas, God’s church The person on your committee that had weak knees to back down from God’s standards just in the name of business should be fired

Dennis Maust, Lititz,Pa. 17543, Mennonite

Jodie Boyer Hatlem, ,

Douglas Johnson Hatlem, Toronto, Mennonite

Douglas Johnson Hatlem, Toronto, Ontario, Toronto United Mennonite Church, Mennonite Central Committee Ontario Alarming! When my children begin reaching college age in a decade or so, I will certainly encourage them to compare how well various Anabaptist schools practice a Gospel infused resistance to the violence and racism of nationalism.

xxxxxxxx, Seattle, WA,

Chi-Ming Chien, San Francisco, CA, Redeemer Community Church

Myron Williams, Versailles, KY, Jesus follower

xxxxxxxx, Vancouver, BC, Mennonite Church Canada For shame!

Thomas Finger, , MCUSA, Inter-Church Relations Theology Group The basic concern expressed in this letter is extremely important (even if a few phrases, as in any letter, might be debated). It is a timely and crucial call for vigorous discussion and reconsideration of playing the anthem and of related matters.

xxxxxxxx, Vancouver, BC Canada, Christian Reformed Church I am married to someone raised Mennonite and am beginning to realize the importance of not participating in national rituals. I believe Goshen’s decision is selling out.

Rosalie Ruesewald, Fort Smith, AR, Catholic Do reconsider, please!

Susannah Lepley, Harrisonburg, VA, Mennonite

Gordon Bontrager, Elkhart, IN, Mennonite/GC employee

http://peace.mennolink.org/articles/flag_reflections.html

Having seen the GC decision process, and concluding that this is a result of both budget concerns and having certain key leadership positions filled by people that do not understand the premise as discussed in the above link, I am very disappointed.

David Cramer – Thank you so much for your kind and encouraging words!

Luke Yoder, Denver, CO, MC USA As a Goshen grad, I found this decision extremely disappointing and inconsistent with Goshen’s professed Core Values.

Shaun Brown, Bristol, TN, Christian Churches/Churches of Christ

xxxxxxxx, Toronto, Ontario, Mennonite Church Eastern Canada Do you have a school song or hymn you could play instead?

Amanda Beachy, Goshen, IN, Mennonite, AMBS

xxxxxxxx, Columbus, OH, Vineyard church The Mennonite way of peace speaks Truth to followers and non-followers of Jesus everywhere. Please prayerfully reconsider.

Linda Yoder, Fersno, OH, Mennonite

Brad Johnson, Alameda, CA, United Church of Christ

Hamilton Yang, Irvine, CA, Evangelical Covenant There are many out here in the west who need the distinctive witness of schools like Goshen. Please do not feel pressured by the secular world to prove your patriotism. Your loyalty belongs to God.

Emily Derstine, Washington, DC, Mennonite

Paula Lemus, Osceola, IN, Asembly of God/AMBS How do we teach our children about standing for your beliefs if there is an institutional change because they want to look like everyone else???? Sorry this is wrong on a lot of levels!

Diedre R. Sportack, Vancouver, BC, Mennonite Jesus is Lord (not Caesar)

Janice Wagner, Engadine, MI, Mennonite I think it is sad we even have to discuss this. Is Goshen a Mennonite College or just another private school with a Denominational name?

Stacy Stoltzfus, Grantham PA, Mennonite Why not display hospitality to the other teams by singing “America the Beautiful”?, showing you’re not against America itself, but the words of war, etc, in the National Anthem?

Melissa Falb, Bowling Green, OH, Human Being Peace on earth.

Gerald W. Schlabach, Saint Paul, MN, Roman Catholic Jim Brenneman cited me in his January convo speech about the need for GC and Mennonites to pay as much attention to what they’re for as what they’re against. That was gratifying, and accurately reflects some things I have written. But that decidedly does not mean I support playing the US national anthem. I would suggest playing “America the Beautiful” instead. I would sing that myself it were the US national anthem. Even the lines about “beautiful for patriot’s dream” seem appropriate if one things of those American heroes who suffered and died for civil rights, etc.. But I haven’t sung the Star-Spangled Banner since I was in grade school, and don’t plan on starting anytime soon.

Debora Gish, San Francisco, CA, Church of the Sojourners

Reynaldo Hernandez, South Bend, IN, Church of the Brethren A better choice “God of the Nations” . . . and other skies are blue as mine. “God of our Fathers” might be a good choice also. And replace the Pl of Alleg to the flag with Pl of Alleg to Jesus.

Gail Manickam, Portland, OR, Mennonite, GC Alum Please prayerfully reconsider and keep the peace witness alive.

Sarah Zwier, Madison, WI, Mennonite

xxxxxxxx, Madison, WI, Madison Mennonite

beth bontrager, Moundridge, KS, Mennonite Separation of Church and State, a basic tenet of Anabaptism. Hesston will be getting most of my tithe. They display flags from all present/past students in the dining hall in celebration of the world community of study, service and discipleship.

Adam Rankin, Alliance, Ohio, Your basic Christian

Craig Fox, Greensboro, NC, Quaker

xxxxxxxx, Montdale, Pennsylvania, Roman Catholic

Monte Evans, Shelbyville, IN, Christian Seriously!!??

Dimitris Z., Thessaloniki, Greece, Chemical Engineer

xxxxxxxx, South Bend, IN, Latter-day Saint

Gretchen Barr, South Bend, IN, Mennonite

Kevin Cole, Muncie, IN, Episcopalian

Michael R. Hawk, Dayton Ohio,

Thomas James Kirkwood, Cambridge, United Kingdom, I know it could be argued that, since I am British, not American, I should have no say in this matter, but Christianity is transcendent of National boundaries and inherently internationalist and pan-humanist, so I feel you should take the arguments of each and any Christian into account at a Christian school.

Derek Spalla, Powder Springs, GA, Christian

xxxxxxxx, Tempe, AZ, Catholic I have immense respect for the Anabaptist peace tradition and am saddened to see Goshen College turn away from that beautiful, Christlike heritage.

Frederick Widdowson, New Oxford, Pa., Independent Fundamentalist Baptist Only God is worthy of praise.

Liza Brockway, Chicago, IL, Jesus Follower

xxxxxxxx, Canterbury, UK,

Adam Malliet, Philadelphia, PA, Brethren in Christ

David James Robinson, Philadelphia, Pa, Circle of Hope, Brethren in Christ

Lauren Wise, Grantham, PA, Messiah College At Messiah, we still don’t fly the flag. Support the peace Christ preached.

David Kosmok, Grand Rapids, MI, Christian

xxxxxxxx, Madison, WI, Mennonite I do not see how it is welcoming to play the National Anthem, nor how not playing it is unwelcoming. I doubt anyone has ever noticed the absence and felt offended

Mitch Ermatinger, Grand Rapids, MI, Nondenominational

Richard Clark, Salem, Indiana, Presbyterian Church USA Saluting the flag or reciting the National Anthem is nothing more tha idolatry and idol worship!

xxxxxxxx, New Oxford, PA, AnarchoChristian

Travis westfall, Kitchener, Ontario, Mennonite

xxxxxxxx, Columbus, OH, Christian

xxxxxxxx, Tampa, FL, Christian Non-denominational Please don’t throw your traditions away because of some bad PR from the fools on television.

Laura Stoesz, Madison, Wisconsin, Mennonite I used to stand silently, with special permission from my teachers, while my elementary-school peers recited the Pledge of Allegiance. My parents and I had discussed my decision to pledge allegiance to God, rather than to a flag. Even in fourth grade I knew that my refusal to say the Pledge was a part of my personal identity as a Mennonite Christian. I felt grateful to be able to leave the need for that form of resistance behind when I entered Goshen College. Now I, as well as my peers who are still students at GC, will need to re-learn what it means to witness our faith in the midst of a secular institution.

Race Sorden, Dickson, TN, Universalist

Ward Hiney, Charleston, WV, Presbyterian, Bible Center Church

Christopher Scott, St Louis, MO, Mennonite Church USA As a future Mennonite pastor, I am disappointed and hurt by Goshen’s decision to playing the national anthem at a Mennonite institution. In addition to our allegiance being to Christ first, our national anthem is a celebration of a war. This decision is antithetical to what we stand for as Anabaptist Christians.

Emmanuel Charles McCarthy, Brockton, MA, Catholic

Megan Starr, Dubuque, IA, CHRISTIAN ANARCHIST

xxxxxxxx, DC,

Nick Martin, Lancaster, PA, Community Mennonite Church of Lancaster

Nathaniel Miller, Philadelphia, PA, organized labor

Elisa Stone, Columbus, Ohio, Episcopal

Adam Dickson, Manchester, United Kingdom, Anglican Although not directly of the Anabaptist tradition myself, the inspiring history (and story) of this wonderful strand of Christianity has been an important part in my own faith journey. One of the distinctive marks of Anabaptism is its call for Christians to embody an alternative witness of nonviolence and nonparticipationto the State, and I am greatly saddened to see an institution of the Anabaptist tradition make a decision such as this, which would fly in the face of such precious theological praxis.

Martin Rhodes, Dayton, VA, Mennonite

Gord, Orillia Ontario, freethinker conformity sucks.

Nathan Scarborough, Little Rock, AR, Tolstoyan

Christopher Smith, Indianapolis, IN, The Englewood Review of Books

Ian York, Rockford, Illinois,

Eric Erickson, Healdsburg, California, ECUSA

Jim Cooper, Monrovia, California, Episcopalian/Anglican

Jonathan Michael, Wake Forest, NC, Acts 29/ Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary

xxxxxxxx, Columbus Ohio, Non-Denominational You shouldn’t change your rich heritage. Don’t conform!

Jim Rice, Washington, DC,

Clay Stone, Dublin, GA, Christian

xxxxxxxx, Saint Peter, MN, ELCA Lutheran I’m an unabashedly patriotic person, and I have no affiliation with the Mennonite church. I think it’s appalling that an administration would cave to outside pressure over something that seems to be at the heart of the Anabaptist movement. What makes this country great is the fact that you don’t have to conform, and all religious views are accepted. By making this move, you’re not only being untrue to your beliefs, but also negating one of the reasons I am proud of this country.

Danielle Migler, Twin Falls, Idaho, Church of the Brethren

Adam, Michigan, Nondenominational

Erika Vidmar, Butler, PA, Non-denominational Christian

Jeff Meyers, Bettendorf, IA, Anabaptist/Wesleyan Although not officially a Mennonite, my respect and admiration for your denomination compels me to write. Please, PLEASE do not kowtow to the pressure from the outside world to conform to the benchmarks of America’s civil religion. Goshen needs to stay true to the principles upon which it was founded and which continue to draw me to this tradition

Keri Gerbing, franklin,wi, christian as a christian I find it impossible to sing the anthem and I broke with my church over the fact that they are nationalistic in their teachings in favor of following a Christ centered faith

Douglas Harink, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, Baptist Yesterday, I, a long-time Baptist, presented a lecture at an Anglican church, to an ecumenical group, in which I challenged the audience to reconsider their devotion to flag, anthem and nation. I did so on the basis of reading Paul’s letter to the Romans, instructed by the Anabaptist witness. The Anabaptist tradition has seen something in scripture that most of the rest of us have been blinded to. Why is Goshen now prepared to pluck out its eyes, which until now have been illuminated by the Gospel on these matters?

Matthew Bergstrom, Vancouver, BC, Canada, OCA Please, it’s hard enough to defend the faith with so much hypocrisy, remember where your authority comes from. Or, take the MB name off and just be another private school.

Ryan Metzger, Beverly, MA, M.A., Biblical Languages, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary

Sierra McConnell, Franklin Springs, GA,

LeVon Smoker, Harrisonburg, VA, Mennonite When did Mennonites start thinking that being a people of Christ’s peace should be a safe, comfortable pursuit?

Don and Roberta Thurstin Timmerman, Park Falls WI 54552, Christians owe their allegiance to God and God alone, not to any governmental authority.

Don Edwards, Atlanta, GA, Every Church A Peace Church

Nathanael Bassett, Springfield MO, Christ is no respector of persons or nations. While citizens praise Babylon, Christians should praise Jesus.

Benjamin J Rankl, Kingston, RI, Roman Catholic

Cathleen Cooney, Cheverly, MD, Roman Catholic

Kyle Johnson, Rice, MN, Anti-establishment Lutheran

Josiah Lash, Philadelphia, PA, Circle of Hope, Brethren in Christ Please reconsider.

Jade Souza, Portland, OR, Quaker

xxxxxxxx, Cheverly, MD, Roman Catholic

G. Scott, Noblesville, IN, Christian

Micah Prieb Stoltzfus Jost, Lexington, VA, Mennonite

rebecca ann kaminski, indian valley, va, Jesus Freak

Stephen Higa, Providence, RI, Quaker 1 Samuel 8:7

john sayre, lakewood ohio, unaffiliated

Charles F. Cooley, Columbus, Ohio, United Methodist Institutions like Goshen College have given me hope for a more peaceful country and world.

Case Michielsen, Grand Rapids, MI, Quaker

Katherine Stewart, Chicago, IL, Mennonite

xxxxxxxx, West Des Moines, IA, Mennonite

Carolyn Robertson, New Zealand, Baptist

Ian Cooper, Silver Spring, MD, Quaker A national anthem is a symbol of nationalism, not peace.

Sara Wiebe, Madison, WI, Mennonite

xxxxxxxx, Spring Grove, PA, Christian Anarchist

Kyle Schmidt, Berne, IN, Mennonite

Andrew Bentley, Elizabethton, TN, United Methodist I am not a Mennonite however I am thankful for the witness of the Anabaptist tradition against such expressions of nationalism. Goshen College’s tradition to not sing the national anthem before sporting events is one instance in which the larger church is challenged by your radical obedience to Jesus Christ. The church cannot afford to lose such an important witness, lest we all forget where our first allegiance lies.

Mark Scibilia-Carver, Trumansburg, NY, Catholic I urge Goshen officials to take this issue with great seriousness as we approach the season of Lent. It’s implications are profound. The penetration of militarism in the us Catholic Church is shocking. This is perhaps a first step for Goshen.

Erica Hartman, Carmel, IN, Mennonite

Nathan Willowby, Milwaukee, WI, Church of God, Marquette University What a well thought out practice for a Christian institution over the previous 114 years.

Nancy Moldenhauer, Michigan City, IN, Spiritualist As a supporter of the belief of Mennonites and Anabaptists that peace, not war, is the solution to conflict, I would urge Goshen College to reconsider its decision to play the national anthem, a tribute to war, at public events.

xxxxxxxx, Elizabethton, TN, United Methodist

Ryan Cordle, Oneida, KY, Anglican

xxxxxxxx, Wellington, New Zealand, Catholic Be true to your roots.

Gwen Gustafson-Zook, Goshen, IN, Mennonite Making peace by being true to our convictions …..or Making peace by upholding the separation of Church and State!

Jonathan Denlinger, Columbus, OH, Mennonite, GC alum

Cynthia Bontrager, Elkhart, IN, Mennonite I am so sorry that may alma mater has decided not to be steadfast in following allegiance to Jesus Christ only!

Jessa Parrish, bellingham, wa, Episcopal

Allan Bostelmann, Minneapolis, Minnesota, Lutheran We’ve been always encouraged by the witness of Mennonites as we attempt Lutherans to return to Jesus teaching of nonviolent love of friend and enemy. I don’t sing the national anthem at public events. I urge you to stay on track on the nonviolent message of Christianity.

charlie snedeker, ada, mi, methodist

Tom Judd, Washington, DC, Episcopal

Eamon Treadaway Danzig, Denton, TX, Orthodox Catholic – Christian

Josh Frank, Chicago, IL, Episcopal Church Youth Minister/Mennonite Admirer

Gary Zanow, Columbus, OH, Non-Denominational

Doug Reed, Stoughton, WI, Mennonite As an alum of Goshen College, I am very disappointed in this decision.

G. Simon Harak, S. J., Milwaukee, WI, Roman Catholic Jesuit Priest It’s really hard to obey the first commandment, isn’t it. So much competition from other “gods,” all of whom seem so rational, so normal, so “right,” that we never even recognize them as false gods.

George Wayne, Los Angeles, CA, No denomination Seeking God is above all!

Mark Frailey, Scottsbluff, NE, Unaffiliated

Kelsey Eldredge, Abington, PA, GC Student Witness to the decline of GC due to their desire raise funds. If I’m held to the core values, why isn’t the administration?

Alice Kast, Boston, MA, Christian when satan tempted Jesus with worldly power, he said NO

David Miller, Apple Creek, Ohio, Mennonite Goshen Grad – 1996

Brett Taylor, Canon City, CO, Non denominational

John O\’Neill, San francisco, Ca , Inclusive Christian

lance schaubert, joplin, mo, christian churches, churches of christ artisan writer and speaker

Victoria Welle, Berkeley, CA, Jesuit School of Theology (graduate student)

Michael Miller, Vancouver, WA, Seventh-day Adventist

Cris Rodriguez, Albany, Oregon, Mennonite

Brent Burns, Athens, AL, Baptist,

The Rev. Cecil Charles Prescod, OCC, Portland, OR, United Church of Christ

Jane Cadarette, North Andover, Massachusetts, Roman Catholic

Stevie Holmes, Martinsville, OH, United Methodist, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology

Dave Lowitzki, Chicago, IL, Mennonite

Jim McConnell, Durham, NC, UMC

scott dunigan, evansville, IN, n/a it is a travesty to bend to the dictates of war, for whatever reasons… This school should never, never, never, play that anthem.

xxxxxxxx, Hartford, CT, baptist

Roger Weaver, Denver, PA, Mennonite I plead with you to reconsider this very disappointing decision. Three of my children have attended Goshen College, and the fourth one is deciding where to attend this fall. Although she has not yet made her final decision she told me this has definitely had an impact on her views of Goshen.

Tom and Dorothy Brenneman, Canby, OR, Zion Mennonite Church We see this as what appears to be a small conciliation, but as stated in the letter, it speaks powerfully to our lack of willingness to witness to those who would challenge our “patriotism” in this matter.

Jolene Weaver, Denver, PA, Mennonite

Julius Sheppard, Durham, NC, Duke divinity

Sandra Glick, Middleton, WI, Mennonite

Gary Martin, Chugiak, Alaska, Mennonite To sing the words of the national anthem at a peace College seems totally wrong. To hear the words in the anthem and hear it while at GC would be totally a wrong message to youth.

Neal Taylor, Melbourne, Australia, Jesus Follower

Thomas C. Gerlach, Altoona, PA, Quaker

Gregory Stark, Gambier, OH, Episcopalian

Nathan Gilmore, Franklin, TN, No denomination, Quaker-leaning Christian

emmanuel samayoa, orchard lake, mi, Catholic I have discussed this issue in my classes and have preached on it at my Parish, St.John Catholic Church in Detroit. I have used the Anabaptist Tradition as one of the few Christian Churches who take Jesus’ teachings on “seek the kingdom of God first and love one another as I [Jesus] love meaning Christlike love for friend and foe alike”. To play the National Anthem at the schools athletic events or any other school event is not Christlike love. To do this is to give up on Jesus and your long tradition, that has been nearly lost in most of our Christian Churches, especially Catholic ones.

Roxie Ewert, Marcellus, MI, Church of the Brethren/Mennonite

Randy Ewert, Marcellus, MI, Church of the Brethren/Mennonite

Lani Moore, North Little Rock, AR,

Kate Karshner, Charlotte, NC, Christian

Aaron Kreider, Philadelphia, PA, Goshen 1997

Bryan Biba, Wheaton, IL, Wheaton College

xxxxxxxx, Orange, Texas, None For our kingdom is not of this earth. May God bless all nations, persons, and creed with His amazing love.

Laura Landis, Kent, OH, Oak Grove Mennonite This song is not something that true global citizens and compassionate peacemakers can support.

Albert A. Gaydos, Woodhaven, NY, Catholic Charities of Brooklny and Queens

Phil Good-Elliott, Goshen, IN, Mennonite This constituent disapproves. What anthem would Christ sing?

Halden Doerge, Portland, OR, Church of the Servant King

Boryana Tacconi, Andover, MA, Eastern Orthodox Christian A popular bumper sticker comes to mind: “Who Would Jesus Bomb?” Dear President Brenneman and Administrators, you are the keepers, but not the owners of the Goshen College traditional values. Please keep them up and don’t cave in.

Mark Bauman, Madison, WI, Mennonite

Adam Kramer, Bloomsburg, PA, Bible Fellowship

Tristin Hassell, Flint, MI, Episcopal / U of M – Flint

Philip Zimmerman, Lititz, PA, Mennonite

Matt Shedden, Lebanon, OR, Lebanon Mennonite Church

Bryant Burkhart, St. Davids, PA, Brethren in Christ

Jonathan Dyck, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Mennonite

Debra Brubaker, State College, PA, Mennonite

Matt Tapie, Ph.D. Candidate in Moral Theology and Ethics, The Catholic University of America, VA, Church of Christ

Chris Hollinger, Raleigh, NC, Mennonite As Christians we are called to mirror Christ’s image. Once again it is time to ponder that age old question: What Would Jesus Do?

Jesse Miller, Evanston, IL, Reba Place, GC alum

James, Blaine, WA, Baptist

Joshua Adkisson, Memphis, TN, Follower of Jesus Please, reverse this decision. The old saying “what would Jesus do” applies here–would Jesus conform to society’s will? Would He sing a song that glorifies a human nation over others? Goshen College must choose between the United States of America and the Kingdom of God. No man can serve two masters.

Michael Bethea, Heathsville, Virginia, Seventh-Day Adventist To Whom It May Concern: Please do not allow the same corruption to creep into your church that has crept into mine. Namely, the corruption of nationalism and the disease of patriotism in a hedonistic nation. Let your nation be that of God, that of the coming Jerusalem, and while we may love God’s earth and the people in it, don’t be fooled by manmade borders. Please rid yourselves, those of you in charge of making this decision, of this idolatry. God bless, Michael

Nathan Shaffer, Vancouver, WA., Anglican

xxxxxxxx, Lake Worth, FL. , Southern Baptist Convention

Austin Martin, IN, whatever church can kind of get it right the national anthem has become a symbol of a corrupt society in our world today

Nathaniel Wood, New York, NY, Orthodox PhD student in theology, Fordham University

Helen Lapp, Lansdale PA, Mennonite “Bombs bursting in air” – a tough tune to stand for or even to sit out since we reject its message to journey with Jesus. Hoping the college reconsiders.

Anna, charleston, wv, once luthern, now a friend of jesus “bombs bursting in air” ?! really?! no wonder people leave the faith when christians like you display your hypocrisies. shame on you.

James Miller, Cincinnati OH, Mennonite Reconsider

Amanda Hedstrom, Memphis, TN, United Methodist

Daniel Emmons, Champaign, IL, Nondenominational

Tara Hershberger, San Antonio, TX , Mennonite

Noel Moules, Sheffield UK, Shalom Activist, Messianic Anarchist Embrace non-conformity for the gospel’s sake!

Derrick Peterson, OR, Evangelical

Ian Packer, Sydney, NSW, Anabaptist

Melanie Kampen, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Mennonite Goshen College should consider singing #606 out of the blue Mennonite Worship Hymnal instead.

Jerry C. Stanaway, Lombard, IL, Mennonite Church U.S.A. I strongly oppose Goshen College having the National Anthem played at sporting events.

Patrik Hagman, Turku, Finland, Åbo Akademi University

Pamela Murphy Ewers, North Berwick, Maine, Catholic Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God….

David Masters, Belfast, Northern Ireland, Christian MPhil Student, Reconciliation Studies, Trinity College Dublin

xxxxxxxx, Louisville, Kentucky, none

Anne Heins, Wellington,

David Lucas, Neath, UK, Elim

William Samuel, III, Silver Spring, MD, Transdenominational

Christopher Coyle, Wheaton, IL, plymouth brethren tradition “Do not do as they do”

Joshua L. Augustijn, Port Washington, WI, Free Will Christian Anarchist Keep the Faith pure guys, for the state is anything but. True Story.

Brandon Wilson, Welch, WV, MennoniteChurchUSA

xxxxxxxx, Fort Wayne, Indiana, University of Saint Francis

Harvey Yoder, Harrisonburg, VA 22802, Mennonite The song should be rejected because of its embarrassingly awful lyrics alone(!), but most definitely because of its hyper-nationalistic message.

Jonathan, Columbia, MIssouri, American Baptist

Peter Dula, Harrisonburg, VA,

Robert Connor, Reading, MA, Catholic The anthem should not be played in church. Read “German Catholics, Hitler’s Wars” to see why.

Matthew Lehnert, Toledo, OH, Toledo Mennonite Church I joined the Mennonite Church specifically because it does not pay allegiance to anything other than Christ. This is unacceptable.

Kelli Yoder, Americus, GA, Mennonite

Braden P. Anderson, Milwaukee, WI, Marquette University

Karissa Ortman Loewen, Elkhart, IN, Goshen College alumnus

Brian Paff, Mount Pleasant, PA, Mennonite

Aaron Scott, Noblesville, IN, Christian While I do not personally agree with all the criticisms of the Goshen administration and the National Anthem in the above letter, I am troubled by Goshen’s decision to begin playing the National Anthem at sporting events. Goshen and other Mennonite institutions live out an important non-conformist lifestyle and interpretation of the Gospel. I am saddened because it appears the leadership at Goshen is softening on this important stance and potentially losing the distinctiveness the Mennonite tradition offers to the Church.

Glenda Evans, Lititz, PA, Mennonite

Badger Johnson, Athens, OH, pentecostal For the love of god, don’t make sports about the state. They’re supposed to be about fun, not war.

Forrest L. Moyer, Palm, PA, Mennonite

Andre Gingerich Stoner, South Bend, IN, Mennonite Church USA Please reconsider

Pastor Mark Keller, Harrisonburg, VA, MCUSA It is disappointing that we would allow this tradition to end because it has somehow become an annoyance not to pledge allegiance to one violence soaked empire nation.

Matt Eaton, South Bend, IN, Anabaptist/AMBS

xxxxxxxx, Charlottesville, VA, Methodist Conservative talk show hosts are much akin to mafia goons. Don’t give in to their arm twisting. Stay strong, praise be to God!

Ken and Kathryn Seitz, Harrisonburg, VA, Mennonite Church USA We are truely disappointed that Goshen College has allowed the world to press us into its mold by deciding to play the National Anthem at sporting events.

Dot Walsh, Dedham, MA, The Peace Abbey Perhaps it would be more appropriate to use another familiar… .Oh Beautiful for Spacious Skies..

xxxxxxxx, detroit michigan, catholic

Ross Erb, Harrisonburg, VA, Mennonite

Annie Dutcher, Madison, WI, Mennonite

solomon wilhelm, Toledo, Ohio, Christians for Peace The best thing about the separation of church and state is that it separates the state from the church.

Adam McInturf, Portland, OR, Evangelical Covenant

Vel Shearer, Lebanon, PA, Mennonite

Steve Eigsti, St. Louis, MO, Mennonite Church USA

Steve Friesen, Austin, TX, MC USA If you need some sort of American music at the beginning, how about “Oh Beautiful for Spacious Skies,” or “This Land is Your Land, This Land is My Land.” Or “Tis a Gift to be Simple.”

Nathan McKay, Eagan, MN, Assembly of God

erin, Fullerton, Ca, American Baptist

Andrea Bontrager Yoder, Madison, WI, Madison Mennonite Church, PhD student at UW-Madison If it is important to play a song at sporting events, consider “America, the Beautiful” which celebrates the beauty of this geography without emphasizing violence. It does not seem to me that playing the Star Spangled Banner enhances intercollegiate feelings of friendship leading into an athletic event.

Andrew Krinks, Nashville, TN, Church of Christ

Theodore Dyck, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, Mennonite Brethren, Canadian Mennonite University

Mark Weathers, North Richland Hills, TX, Church of Christ

Rev. Megan M. Ramer, Chicago IL, MC USA, Chicago Community Mennonite Church I am deeply grieved, Goshen College. I implore you, the alma mater that helped me to form my nonconformist Anabaptist identity and values, to boldly overturn this decision.

Joel Hunter, Tempe, AZ, Anglican

Danny Yencich, Johnson City, TN, Christian Church/Churches of Christ, MDiv Student, Emmanuel School of Religion

Brandon Call, Springfield, MO, Christian

Bethany Bauman Baker, Albuquerque, NM, Mennonite

Joel Watts, Charleston, WV, The Church of Jesus Christ

Chris Huebner, Winnipeg, MB,

Rocky Eades, Augusta, GA,

Ashwyn Falkingham, Sydney, Australia, Non-Denominational

Mary Ette Kramer, London, Ohio, anabaptist This is a missed opportunity to show that peace is the way, and that nationalism is not the way of Christ.

Roger and Rosalyn Ledyard, Lancaster PA, Mennonite

Charlie Collier, Eugene, Oregon, United Methodist

Erik Nordbye, Boston, MA, Conservative Baptist

J. Alexander Sider, Bluffton, OH, Bluffton University

Rev. Jennifer C. Williams, Kingwood, WV, Pastor, United Methodist Church

Anna MacDonald Dobbs, Durham, NC, United Methodist Church

Laura Yordy, Bridgewater, VA, Episcopalian with Mennonite roots

xxxxxxxx, North Canton, OH,

Kristy Church, Siler City, NC, Episcopalian As a member of a Episcopal church, we look to the Mennonites often as the standard of what a “real” christian community looks like, you are the radicals of non conformity, please hold true to your values, so we may aspire to something greater than ourselves. Peace

Rusty Poulette, Gainesville, FL , Mennonite

Glen A. Roth, Lancaster, PA 17601, Mennonite What an unfortunate turnabout from embracing Jesus’ way of peace. Having members of my home congregation (East Chestnut Street Mennonite Church) and my granddaughters enrolled at Goshen College accentuates the pain of this decision.

Steve Schrag, Souderton, PA, Mennonite GC Class of ’95

Stacy Vlasits, Wooster, OH, Mennonite Let’s share the good news that nations and anthems are not part of bringing about the Kingdom of God.

Aaron Fudge, Upland, CA, Mennonite Church USA As an adult convert to Anabaptism and Mennonite Church USA, I find this decision to be in conflict with Christ’s multi-national Kingdom and way of being non-violent in our world

Ray Gingerich, Harrisonburg, VA, MC USA / Anabaptist Center for Religion & Society For what reason should our Mennonite Church institutions continue to exist, if not for the purpose of building a community that is Jesus-oriented, qualitatively distinct from the one enshrined in our National Anthem?

James Padgett, Georgetown, SC,

Kay Bontrager-Singer, Goshen, IN, Mennonite, GC Alum

Mallory Dignin, Chicago, IL, Lutheran, Chicago Community Mennonite Church

Jennifer Graber, Wooster, Ohio, Mennonite GC alum, 1995

Michael Rubbelke, South Bend, IN, Roman Catholic As eschatological witnesses to the radical counter-cultural power of the peace of Christ, Mennonites shine brightly among the members of the Body of Christ. Please do not hide that light–shining both to other Christians and to the broader world–out of fear.

Sonja Bontrager, Wichita, Kansas, Mennonite

Tony Soldo, Hobe Sound, FL, Christian Pacifist Anarchist Peace and Maranatha

Marc Hershberger, Akron, PA, Mennonite As a parent of two GC alumni and a potential GC student, I would be overjoyed to see this decision reversed.

Rosemary Thompson, Baltimore Md , Jonah House

Sam Buick, Waterloo, ON, Canada, Pacifist Calvinist Pentecostal Enough wrapping up in national flag. The Kingdom of God is not of this world. Nationalism is an offense to the biblical Kingdom of God that sees neither male nor female, neither Jew, nor Gentile, neither any kind of nationalism.

Doug Rheinheimer, Alexandria, VA, Mennonite

Peter Stauffacher, Kansas City, MO, Roman Catholic/Catholic Worker Jesus said Thou Shall Not Kill…simple, no excuses…He also said Resist Not Evil…He absorbed evil with the immensity of the 2 Greatest Commandments–LOVE of GOD and Neighbor. Please take the Holy/Higher ground- many Souls, including your own will be affected. Christ’s Peace to you all!

xxxxxxxx, Strasburg PA, Mennonite, EMU I came from a nominally mennonite background and being at a Mennonite University has opened my eyes to the dangers of allegience to nation over God. I think that there are lots of people who end up at mennonite schools who are still growing into the beliefs they will carry into the rest of their lives. not playing the national anthem is something that I think about, having come out of a public high school where the song was played before every sporting event. Your stance on this issue may be a bigger deal than you realize. Don’t passively promote allegience to state!

Ted Grimsrud, Harrisonburg, VA, Mennonite

Si Gustafson-Zook, Goshen, IN, Mennonite, Goshen College Student

Darin Bontrager, Archbold, OH, Mennonite

June Hershberger, Akron, PA, Mennonite

Kim Miller, Iowa City, Iowa, None I grew up Mennonite and attended Eastern Mennonite College, graduating in 1982. I was shocked to learn that Goshen College would begin playing the national anthem at sporting events. This show of conformity to the norms of larger secular society is so out of character, and so unwarrented. Please consider reverting to previous practice on this symbolic and very important issue. Our society is militaristic enough without mennonites joining in the refrain.

Thank you, Kim

Sadie Gustafson-Zook, Goshen, IN, Mennonite

Gene McCarraher, Villanova, PA, Roman Catholic

Brandon Rhodes, Portland, OR, Mennonite

Robb Davis, Davis, CA, None Some of us from outside the Mennonite tradition have spent many painful years extricating ourselves from the enthrall of the state. We have journeyed a lonely path out of a destructive cult that still traps too many of our kin. We have found liberation from a significant “power” of this world. We have paid a price but we are free. You–traditional Mennos–helped us through. Because of this it causes me great sorrow to see Goshen embracing “moloch” in this way.

Doesn’t Goshen realize what it is playing with here? I suspect it does not. I suspect that too many don’t really believe that the state is a spiritual power bent on becoming a god. When I see Goshen walking this close to the fire I become angry. Maybe it is time for us “new Mennos” to help (some) of you more traditional Mennos see what is at stake here.

Les Gustafson-Zook, Goshen, IN, Mennonite, GC Grad, GC Parent, GC Volunteer Our church institutions are expected to teach and lead in Christ-like values, not to blindly follow nationalist and militarist trends. Playing the national anthem loses the opportunity to witness to different values. I urge the college to reconsider.

Ben Wyse, Harrisonburg, VA., Mennonite Wow, I never thought that something like this would even be an issue. This just makes it so clear that it is easier to take our wisdom from the culture around us than it is to look to the traditions of our denomination and the wisdom of Jesus.

Troy Osborne, Bluffton, OH, Bluffton University

xxxxxxxx, Durham, NC, Brethren in Christ / Mennonite

Daniel Colucciello Barber, ,

Emily Wilson, Durham, NC, Mennonite

Silouan Thompson, Walla Walla, WA, Orthodox Christian

Graham Martin, York, UK, Anglican/Episcopal We serve no flag but the cross of Christ, and no country but His Kingdom.

Jamie Dominguez, Portland, OR, none

Gabriel Bauman Baker, Albuquerque NM, Mennonite Christian This is not a faithful peace witness. I don’t know how to express my frustration and disappointment at this decision.

Laura Shank, Albuquerque, NM, Mennonite

Mark Metzler Sawin, Harrisonburg, VA, Mennonite I understand Goshen’s decision, but I disagree with it. Hospitality to others is important, but so too is sticking up for the fundamental principles of a radical faith that has a message for the world. As a Goshen alumn I’ve long been proud of Goshen’s stance on this issues; I don’t want to see it change.

Ryan Kennedy, , Christian

Tommy Givens, Durham, NC, Baptist/Duke Please reconsider decision.

Franco Ferrer-San Miguel, Altamonte Springs, FL, Christian anarchist, anarcho-otakuist

xxxxxxxx, nashville, tn, none

xxxxxxxx, Harrisonburg, VA., Mennonite Please do not play the national anthem

Nora Edgar, Gould City, MI, child of God

Danny Klopovic, Melbourne, Australia, Anabaptist Association of Australia & New Zealand

Wendell Miller, Engadine, MI, Mennonite Goshen College alumnus

Karen Wilson, Hughesville, PA, Mennonite It is of the utmost importance that you reconsider this decision. Please remember your Anabaptist tradition. Thank you.

Lindsey Leahy, Staunton, VA, Follower of Jesus

Robert Vander Giessen-Reitsma, Three Rivers, MI, Multi-denominational Goshen College alumnus (2005); Director of *culture is not optional; Calvin College staff

Ruth Martin, Browns Summit, NC, anabaptist, no institution I find it most distressing that you would cave in to nationalism, and thereby abandon our most basic citizenship in the Kingdom of Jesus. Please reconsider this practice.

Jonathan Meier, Columbus, Ohio, Methodist

Daniel W. Martin, San Jose, CA, nondenominational The approach of American Christians to the flag and national anthem all-too-often borders on idolatry. I would encourage GC to bear witness by avoiding this symbol of a much greater evil, the confusion of which kingdom commands the disciple’s allegiance.

MARY M Zehr, Lancaster, PA, Mennonite

Justin Guest, Smiths Grove, KY, Christian

Greg Stauffer, Broomfield, CO, Mennonite

Ryan Koch, Dallas, TX, Mennonite

Andrew Werling, Albuquerque, NM,

Jeremiah J. Bowden, Waukesha, WI, Marquette University

Michael Martin-Smucker, Tampa, FL, Mennonite While I’m less than enthusiastic that so many people with no connection to the college feel that their personal political opinions should sway the decision of a community, it’s nice to know that such a wide variety of people care about this decision. As a recent GC alum, I value the thought that the college put into the decision, but this seems like one more decision made by the administration that disregards the concerns of a majority of the students.

Christie McClellan, Tacoma, WA, Roman Catholic

Rene Hostetter, Indianapolis, Indiana, Mennonite, Associate Pastor of First Mennonite Church

Sanford Wyse, Archbold, OH, Lockport Menno Money, not principle dictate policy. Not until revenue lost through withheld contributions exceeds revenue of the sports events will policy change. Get some commitment behind your signatures.

Darrel Hostetter, Lancaster, PA, Mennonite

Tim Otto, San Francisco, CA, Anabaptist Please don’t abandon the unique witness you’ve so faithfully made to the principalities and powers.

Wilma Harder, Goshen, IN, Mennonite The Star Spangled Banner contradicts GC’s slogan “Healing the World Peace by Peace”. Playing the anthem violates 3 of the 5 core values of the college.

matt adams, Tiskilwa, Illinois, Mennonite This is a sad state of affairs when an Anabaptist institute that exists to educate the up and coming generation becomes in word and deed sold out to the wrong messiah…

Kenton Lobe, Winnipeg, MB, Goshen alum, Charleswood Mennonite Church

John Shearer, Lebanon, PA, Mennonite We do not support the singing of the national anthem at one of our church schools. It celebrates violence in full dramatic color. If we must sing an anthem let it be one of our former ones that celebrates our countries beauty.

Gwen White, Indianapolis, IN, First Mennonite Church

Brian Estabrook, Columbus, OH, Vineyard Church The purpose of the national anthem is antithetical to our Christian mission.

Sarah Buskirk, Baltimore, MD, Mennonite Having graduated from Goshen a few years ago, I was very surprised and sad to learn about this.

Tara Brenneman, Grantsville, MD, Mennonite (CMC)

Jamey Bontrager-Singer, Goshen, IN, Faith Mennonite Church, GC Alum, Father of 3 Potential GC Students

Kirk MacGregor, Macomb, IL, PC(USA), Western Illinois University

Nathan Andrew Vader, Goshen, IN, Mennonite

Becky Nussbaum, Union, MI, Mennonite

Eric Bradley, Grand Rapids, Michigan, Mennonite Church USA

Isaac S. Villegas, Durham, NC, MCUSA

Marge Swartzendruber, Shickley, NE, Mennonite

Will Swartzendruber, Nebraska, Mennonite

Robby Prenkert, Elkhart, IN, Missionary Church/ Bethel College (IN) faculty Let’s try to come up with an alternate ‘liturgy’ to open sporting events (at Goshen; at Bethel)–one that articulates allegiance to Christ, his kingdom, and his righteousness.

Dave Nickel, Durham, NC,

Sam Steiner, Waterloo, Ontario, Mennonite Church Eastern Canada

Grace Martin Dickerson, Washington, DC, ecumenical I am a 1970 graduate and support this petition wholeheartedly.

Susan M. Gerber, M.D., Rochester, Minnesota, Mennonite, Goshen College graduate

John Daniels, Indianapolis, IN, Mennonite

Duane Yoder, Akron, PA, Menn. Church

Joel Steiner, South Bend, IN, Anabaptist

Tamara Gerber, Philadelphia PA, Mennonite

Emilie Walson, Indianapolis, Indiana, MCUSA

Angelica Amaya, Wheeling, WV 26003, American Baptist

Erin, Elkhart, IN, Mennonite, GC Alum

Rosanna Kauffmann, Goshen, IN, Mennonite, Goshen College Student

Kelly Hartzler, Mishawaka, IN, Mennonite

Darrell E. Yoder, Pennsylvania, Mennonite I acknowledge that you (Goshen College) put a lot of time and effort into the decision and that it was not done lightly. As a public school teacher who does not say the Pledge of Allegiance, I am still asking you to reverse the decision for the reasons listed above.

Allison Bontrager, Wellman, IA, Mennonite

David Yoder, Kalona, Iowa, Mennonite

Anne boehner, South bend indiana, Missonary

Carrie (Landis) Knight, Broadway, Virginia, Mennonite

Benjamin Anderson, Kansas City, MO, Mennonite Church

robin wenger, lancaster, pa, Grace Ubuntu Fellowship

xxxxxxxx, St. Louis, MO, Mennonite, Goshen Alum

Elbon Kilpatrick, Jackson, Tennessee, Mennonite Church USA I visited the Goshen College Bookstore last November and purchased a Goshen College “hoodie” for my soon-to-be 14 year old son. I will seriously consider another college for my son if Goshen College does not reverse their decision about the use of the national anthem at its sport events.

Stephen Beckmyer, Uppsala, Sweden, Christian No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other.

Karin Holsinger, Cambridge, UK, Mennonite As a Mennonite living in the UK, I have become increasingly appreciative of our tradition of separating church and state. I was therefore disheartened to hear of the institution of the national anthem at Goshen. Please reconsider this in light of the unique voice that Mennonites have on resisting Christian capitulation to the State.

Tom Benevento, Harrisonburg, VA, Shalom Mennonite, Anabaptist/Catholic I have appreciated GC’s clear message to live differently and embrace nonviolent peacemaking. Please select a song of inclusion and love rather than war.

Matt Molcjan, Mishawaka, IN, Anabaptist Please don’t forget who our King is.

Yvonne Zimmerman, Columbus, OH, Methodist Theological School in Ohio

Frank Peachey, Akron, PA, Mennonite

Lyle Miller, Goshen, IN , MC-USA, GC alum

Richard A. Kauffman, Glen Ellyn, IL, MCUSA Class of ’68, Board member 74-84, Board chair 82-84; my wife Suzanne and I are both alumni, as well as both our children and their spouses and many other relatives.

Dr. Robert P Walson, Indianapolis IN, First Mennonite Indianapolis Several at First Mennonite Indianapolis are not in favor of this discission – www.indymenno.org

Vange Gerber, Portland, Oregon, Mennonite

Weldon Nisly, Seattle, WA 98125, Seattle Mennonite Church While I understand the “reasons” articulated by GC this is a deeply distressing decision. It is counter-gospel! Weldon

Evan Bontrager, Goshen, in, Mennonite

Eric Vandrick, Grand Rapids, MI, General Association of Regular Baptists

Roselyn Wilson, Evanston, IL, Mennonite – Reba Place Church I grew up in Goshen, but wasn’t Mennonite. I thought Goshen College was weird and subversive for not having American flags or playing the national anthem. As an adult, I appreciated that subversiveness once I saw that our allegiance to Christ is above, and in fact conflicts with, our national allegiance. I understand some of the community pressures that led to this decision but lament that this is what’s deemed necessary to be “welcoming.” Please reconsider.

Glenda Landis, Souderton,PA, Mennonite

Andrew Krabill, Goshen, IN, Mennonite/Alumnus

http://www.jesusradicals.com/goshen-college-hurts-the-church/

Trinda Bishop, Greenwood Village, Colorado, Mennonite GC Alum: The decision to not sing the National Anthem at Goshen college has stood the test of time – 114 years. Processing this through alumni in addition to primarily a committee may have been a better way of coming to a decision about this issue. I could better support singing America the Beautiful.

Melissa Kilpatrick, Jackson, TN, Methodist If a decidedly “peace” college declares its allegiance to country over God, exactly on what does it stand?

Christopher Esh, Harrisonburg, VA, EMU student

Jeremy Shenk, Boston, MA, As an alumni I am extremely disappointed in this decision. We don’t need more nationalism in our lives these days. we need alot less.

Barbara Haack, West Newbury, MA,

xxxxxxxx, Goshen, IN, Mennonite GC now and perhaps Bethany next. And for what? Sports? Institutional greed trumps the confession of faith.

Isaac Beachy, Sincelejo, Colombia, Mennonite Goshen College Alum

Haden Brewer, Tulsa, Ok, American Orthodox

Lewis Caskey, Goshen, IN, Mennonite

Hannah Roth, Goshen, IN (Goshen College student), Mennonite

Jake Geyer, Goshen,In, Mennonite

jason aldous, san diego ca, anabaptist

EmmaKate Martin, Lancaster, PA, Mennonite

xxxxxxxx, , Eastern Mennonite University alum

judith klassen, MB, Mennonite Church Canada

Graham Martin, York, UK, Anglican/Episcopal No flag other than the cross of Christ Crucified.

August Kroll, Olympia, WA, Curch and Missionary Alliance I have long respected the Anabaptist tradition of living out “Jesus is Lord” and standing up against those in power. It saddens me to see that Goshen will in this small way start to become less of a place where this is not just possible but encouraged

gerry fix, Hagerstown, MD, Mennonite

Gary Gillespie, Balimore, MD, Quaker

Chris Haw, Camden, NJ, Catholic, Author: Jesus for President

Andrea Ferich, Camden, NJ, poly-denominational

Stephen Lawson, Johnson City, TN, Emmanuel School of Religion, Independent Christian Church (Stone-Campbell)

Ron Meyer, Fresno, OH, Mennonite

MJ Frey, Goshen, IN , Mennonite

Chris Meyer, Goshen, IN, Mennonite

Michele Nafziger, Portland, OR, Mennonite

xxxxxxxx, Elkhart, IN, Mennonite

Jocele Meyer, Fresno, OH , Mennonite/GC alum

Mary Clemens Meyer, Fresno, Ohio, Mennonite, alumna of Goshen College

Lillian E. Dykes, Memphis, Tn, Christian only Having found no “institutional” non-violent community.

Philip Fisher Rhodes, Dayton, VA, Mennonite

Steve Goering, Evanston, IL, Mennonite

Bonnie Price Lofton, Harrisonburg, Virginia, Quaker now attending Mennonite church I am fond of Goshen and the wonderful people who work and study there, so it is with great sadness that I feel compelled to join the chorus of dismay over this recent decision to play the national anthem at Goshen’s sports events. I can see no theological or even spiritual basis for such a decision. Alas, I can see pragmatic reasons for the decision. Once pragmatism rules, then (well, enough said…)

Douglas Jones, Moscow, Idaho, Presbyterian (CREC)

Kate Bierma, Chicago, IL, Mennonite

Scott Coulter, Toledo, Ohio, Toledo Mennonite Church

Steven Kippel, La Quinta, CA, Christian and Missionary Alliance

Dumont Darsey, Robbinsdale, MN,

Eric Wood, Port Huron, MI, Episcopal

D. John Lee, Lowell, Michigan, none

robert w gauthier, St. Davids, PA, Eastern University This is very disappointing. Please reconsider!

Scott Delaney, Toledo, OH, None

Scott Mathern-Jacobson, Fargo, ND, Catholic Worker

Angela Adams, Tiskilwa, IL, Mennonite

xxxxxxxx, Marshall, IL , United Methodist

Kerry Herdegen, Chicago, IL, Mennonite

Barb Swartley, Goshen IN, Mennonite

Rev. James G. Todd, Lawrence, MA 01845, United Methodist Pledge allegiance to Jesus of Nazareth

Meghan Schrag, Souderton, PA, Mennonite

ben adam Climer, Seattle, Washington, Mennonite G-d’s peace is only viable if we make it a part of every moment of our lives! The national anthem of the United States of America tempts us away from this devotion. Please remove it.

Alfred Claassen, Akron, PA, Mennonite

Malinda Elizabeth Berry, Richmond, Indiana, Mennonite Church USA I am a Goshen College alumna (1996) and former member of the teaching faculty (2006-2009).

xxxxxxxx, Brno, Czech Republic, Christian

Dr. Ninure D. Saunders, Chicago, United Church of Christ (member) Do you really think Jesus would sing any nations anthem?

Robert Weidman, South Bend, IN, Mennonite

Daniel Ringwalt, Racine, WI, Presbyterian

Austin Yoder Choi-Fitzpatrick, Notre Dame, Indiana, Politically Mennonite

Jonathon Casselberry-Scott, marcellus, MUSA I feel this practice is a valued part of Goshen College’s individuality and stance on non-pacifistic symbolism.

Theodore B. Yoder, Kalona, IA, Mennonite

Michael Murphy, Nevada City, CA, HUMAN WHAT WOULD JESUS DO?

Robert Thiefels, Hinesburg,VT, Catholic I have never felt a part of the National Anthem before a sporting event and have wither remained seated or left the auditorium or stadium proper. I sincerely hope that you will not play the anthem before your sporting events or any other events that the college takes part in.

Timothy Doran, Chicago, IL, Mennonite Please discontinue playing the national anthem. I was raised in the Roman Catholic Church and even spent five and a half years studying to be a priest. One of the reasons I left the Roman Catholic Church was its lack of a clear commitment to Jesus’ teachings regarding nonviolence and its easy acceptance of the nation-state. I joined the Mennonite church because of its history of radical commitment to following Jesus and its rejection of the supremacy of the nation state. Don’t undermine this tradition. Let Goshen College continue as an institution that rejects conformity with this country’s dominant militaristic culture. Stop playing the national anthem.

Seth Brown, Denton, Texas, non-denominational christian. developed my own faith

Jonathan Neufeld, Seattle WA, MCUSA

James M. Cooper, Goshen, IN, Brethren/Mennonite Mr. Brenneman, to give some indication of the degree to which GC’s *former* position stood out, the story of this change appears now to have even reached the national media. This change in position may be in keeping with an institution that even markets itself with regional Superbowl ads and the like, but it is also a willful demonstration of disregard for the Anabaptist traditions of peacemaking and dissent. Maybe GC’s new motto should read something like ‘Making Peace with Aquiescence and Conformity’.

Remy Low, Sydney, NSW, Uniting Church/University of Sydney This is an unfortunate capitulation to shock-jock media pressure.

xxxxxxxx, Wooster, OH, Mennonite As I understand it this decision was based in part on outside pressure. Since when do Mennonites allow the World to dictate our beliefs? Our ancestors refused to compromise their beliefs even in the face of the very real threat of death. President Brenneman, I challenge you to think about how you’d defend this decision to those who gave their lives to found our faith.

Larry Gingrich, Birdsboro, PA, Anabaptist / Universalist Alumni 1978, Played soccer, baskeball and tennis at Goshen, Assistant Soccer Coach at Goshen. Given the most recent response from President Brenneman and after having a civil conversation with Mr. Richard Aguirre (Director of Public Relations at Goshen College) I must now sign this petition to add my voice to the well reasoned and respectful disagreement with the decision to play the National Anthem at Goshen College sports events. I do believe John D. Roth’s proposal is a start toward getting at the deeper issues at stake here. I do hope the process over the next year to reconsider this decision will be a genuine one of considering all the dimensions of this important issue.

Phyllis Blazer, Dandridge, Tn, United Methodist

Paul Fischer, Springfield, IL, Anglican

Dr. Peter R. Gathje, Memphis, TN, Roman Catholic Please keep Goshen College as a beacon of the Gospel in this militaristic and consumeristic society.

M. Ufkin, Nappanee, IN, Missionary Church

Keith Hershberger, Pittsburgh PA 15206, member Pittsburgh Mennonite Church

Kim Johnson, Memphis, TN, American Baptist; student Memphis Theoloigcal Seminary I am praying that a decision be made in support of this schools history, majority and denomination affiliation.

Maria Nisly, Hartville, OH, Mennonite

Kate Dixon, Thornton, CO,

Joey Hunt, Florence, oregon, Catholic Patriotism is a FALSE GOD! It cripples Jesus’s words of PEACE and LOVE!

Gretchen Yoder-Schrock, Gilroy, CA,

Rachel Nafziger Hartzler, Asheville, NC, Mennonite Mennonite Fellowship of Asheville

dragonfly (this IS my name), occupied Maidu territory, Earthling “Seas of blood have been shed for the sake of patriotism. One would expect the harm and irrationality of patriotism to be self-evident to everyone. But the surprising fact is that cultured and learned people not only do not notice the harm and stupidity of patriotism, they resist every unveiling of it with the greatest obstinacy and passion (with no rational grounds) and continue to praise it as beneficent and elevating. In its simplest, clearest and most indubitable signification, patriotism is nothing else but a means of obtaining for the rulers their ambitions and covetous desires, and for the ruled the abdication of human dignity, reason, conscience and a slavish enthrallment to those in power.” -Leo Tolstoy

Doyle Geyer, Parnell, Iowa, Mennonite

LeRoy and Shirley Chupp, Portland, OR 97202, Mennonite Disappointed grandparents of future student grandchildren.

Jon Smith, Moyock NC, Non-denom (Antitrinity) I agree with Rob:

Rob Arner, Philadelphia, PA, Mennonite Ph.D. student, Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia Please reverse this policy and restore the traditional witness for justice and peace and against nationalism. Just as national flags have no place in our Christian worship spaces, as part of our witness to our Lord, they should have no place in our Christian colleges.

xxxxxxxx, Boulder, CO, United Methodist May the historic peace churches be who they are. At you’re best, you’re an inspiring witness to the rest of us. Please don’t weaken your integrity.

Janet Erb Geyer, Parnell, Iowa, Mennonite

Adam Cramer, South Bend, IN, Missionary Church

Phyllis Dintaman Stutzman, Goshen, IN, Mennonite, GC alum

Rachel Stuckey, Fairport, NY, Mennonite

Stanley Hauerwas, Durham, NC , Anglican

Kevin Neuhouser, Seattle, WA, Mennonite/Chair Dept. of Sociology, Seattle Pacific University

Brianne Donaldson, Claremont CA, Claremont School of Theology and Claremont Graduate University As an alumni member for both Goshen College and Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary, I support the content of this letter and urge administrators to reverse the decision to include the national anthem at sporting and community events.

Sheldon Burkhalter, Woodburn, Oregon, Mennonite pastor After growing up in a Mennonite family I graduated from an evangelical college and seminary. During my first year in seminary I began a journey toward reaffirming my Mennonite roots while reading Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s (German Lutheran theologian, Nazi prisoner and martyr) classic The Cost of Discipleship. And I read Bonhoeffer’s statement that in 1941 he began praying “for the defeat of my country, for I think that is the only possibility of paying for all the suffering that my country has caused in the world.” At the height of the Vietnam War I made a commitement that whenever I heard the words of the National Anthem I would stand, bow my head, and silently pray for peace and for the victims of war and for those oppressed by racism and poverty. It hasn’t always been easy concentrating on peace with words like “rocket’s red glare,bombs bursting in air” and “the star-spangled banner shall wave over the land of the brave” ringing in my ears. Serving as a faculty member at Goshen college for ten years I was further encouraged by Professor Theron Schlabach’s quoting of British historian Arnold Toynbee, “we ought to treat the nation-state like we treat our electric company: expect it to deliver the services for which at its best it was created and appreciate it when it does; pay it fairly for services received, but not sing hymns to it. It is there for human welfare, but we’d be crazy to sing hymns to our electric company.” It’s now been forty years since I began praying whenever I hear the National Anthem–17 of those years America has been at war. What if Goshen fans were to bow their heads in prayers for peace whenever they hear the National Anthem?

Stephanie Nance, Dallas, TX, Mennonite

Timothy Seibel, Lawrence, MS, Mennonite Church USA/ Jubilee Mennonite Church How does Goshen College expect to teach the principles of pacifism and nonconformity if the school does not abide by those principles?

Chris Rahe, Bourbon, IN, Mennonite I became a Mennonite, not at birth, but because I was drawn to their theology and historic resistance to this sort of thing. This is really a let-down.

Rebecca Kaufman, Racine, WI, Mennonite and parent of a Goshen College student Please have the courage to reverse this decision.

Tim Nafziger, Chicago, IL, Mennonite

M. Therese Lysaught, Milwaukee, WI, Roman Catholic

willard conrad, Hesston, KS, Menn

Alita Yoder, Goshen, IN, Mennonite

Anne Lehman, Goshen, IN, Mennonite

Glen Nafziger, Archbold, OH, Mennonite

Hannah Bartel, Iowa City, IA, Mennonite

Doris Nafziger, Archbold, OH, Mennonite

Gretchen Geyer, Parnell, Iowa , Mennonite

Timothy Dann-Barrick, South Bend, IN, Kern Road Mennonite Church/St. Anthony’s Catholic Church Peace be with you!

nikolai smith, montreal, qc, christian

holden boughton, portland, oregon, servant of the Lord The lyrics of the “Star Spangled Banner” read in their entirety (which I would encourage people to do) are infused with such gross and pitiless violence as to be offensive to anyone of an even vaguely humanitarian disposition. i am by no means a strict pacifist, mind you. The song with it’s focus on the flag (not God) also threatens to induce an idolatrous attitude in people. I should like to take the opportunity to promote “America the Beautiful” by Katherine Bates as a much better song for the national anthem.

Don Kulp, Lancaster PA, Community Menno. Church of Lancaster This could not be a more wrong-headed decision. Considering all the fear-mongering since 9/11, and how that has lead to our own nation losing its way in terms of our core values (torture, etc.), there has never been a greater need for institutions such as Goshen to stand tall and be a voice in the wilderness. “America the Beautiful” – a marvelous song, rich in imagery, with appropriate expressions of love of country. If you REALLY want to open the door to further communication regarding the core values of GC, don’t sing what everyone else does – use “America the Beautiful” instead. Mr. Brenneman, you don’t really expect other schools to scratch their heads and wonder why you would choose to sing the national anthem, do you?

Sylvia Rhodes, Virginia, Anabaptist

Susan Kennel Harrison, Toronto, Ontario Canada, Mennonite / Toronto School of Theology

Michael Jackson, Alexandria, LA, Baptist

Charlotte Eby Kulp, Lancaster, PA, Mennonite

Merv Horst, NY, NY, Mennonite Church USA, and American Baptist and UCC a Goshen College Gradutate of 1984. I went to Goshen College to study Mennonite History, I love the Mennonite Historical Library, I hate, hate, hate this decision to play the Star Spangled Banner. Goshen College YOU HAVE LOST YOUR SOUL.

The Rev. Dr. Jean Rodenbough, Greensboro, NC, PCUSA, NC Council of Churches I sign this not as a voice for any organization or church denomination, but simply for myself. I agree with the above article but I don’t have the authority to speak for any organization I am part of.

Josiah Groff, Chicago, IL, Mennonite Church USA

Diane Stone, Springport MI, United Methodist The administration has indicated that the offering of hospitality to guests on the Goshen campus is a primary reason for the change in policy re the national anthem. I feel welcomed in the homes of others when they offer themselves to me, not when they attempt to be other than who they are. The Mennonite peace witness is central to Mennonite understanding of being followers of Jesus, not a marginal part of Mennonite identity, to be lopped off when welcoming guests. Please, give yourselves to the world.

Matius Larson Krisetya, Atlanta, GA, Mennonite

Trevor Bechtel, OH, Mennonite

Lucas, Waco, TX, Mennonite

Trent Voth, Fresno, CA, Mennonite Brethren

Ryan Ahlgrim (\’79), Indianapolis, First Mennonite Church I rarely sign petitions because I prefer to bring people together to find common ground, but this policy by GC breaks my heart.

Randal Keener, Lebanon, PA, Mennonite

Mark Thiessen Nation, Harrisonburg, VA, Mennonite

Leonard Simons, Athol, MA, Episcopalian, Anglo-Catholic I find it troubling that a Church known particularly for its embrace of Christian peace should instead renounce its principles for nationalism. As an Anglo-Catholic I struggle with my own church which has fallen even further, to witness to Christ’s love in Christian non-violence which is antithetical to the militarism and nationalism of the National Anthem. In unity with those who worship the Prince of Peace we need to resist evil regardless how widely accepted and “respectable” it appears to be.

V. Ehrlich, NY, Mennonite, Ph.D. Student, Cornell University Having been raised in the Mennonite church, I understand why it is so important for us to be steadfast and unapologetic for our beliefs. And as one who has researched Mennonite history extensively, beginning with the Anabaptist movement and continuing with the numerous migrations our people embarked upon through the centuries in order to be able to practice our faith on our own terms, I find it very disheartening that Goshen College is prepared to bend so quickly. Please hold fast to the tenets of our faith and refrain from playing the anthem at sporting events on your campus.

Jessica Hershey Martin, Takoma Park, MD, Goshen College Alumnus

Lin Garber, Malden, MA, Mennonite Congregation of Boston, Goshen College class of 1957 This decision is gravely disappointing not only on the spiritual grounds that many signers have eloquently proclaimed, but on academic ones as well. How can Goshen miss the “teachable moment” here? What an opportunity the national publicity gave to analyze and discuss the evil of civil religion, and how tragic if it should be forever lost.

Harry Huebner, Winnipeg, MB, Mennonite

Heike Martin, Mount Joy, PA, Landisville Mennonite Church Thanks for putting into words thoughts that I have difficulty expressing myself and helping us be a light in our surroundings.

Anna Showalter, Waynesboro, PA, As a Goshen College student I am deeply grieved by this change in policy and sincerely hope that Goshen College administration will be willing to continue dialogue about this issue recognizing the unique opportunity Goshen and other Mennonite schools can have in witnessing to alternative models of national citizenship.

David Christian, Atlanta, Ga. , Open Door Community

Ed Weir, Barnesville GA, New Hope House

xxxxxxxx, Boston, MA, Goshen Alum Extremely disappointed. Enough of my money goes to celebrate bombs bursting in air via paying taxes. This year, what would have gone to GC is going to be added to money going to MCC.

David R Hiebert, Scottdale, PA 15683, Scottdale Mennonite Church It’s ok to just say no to creeping nationalism, especially at an international institution.

Rachel Huebner, Winnipeg, MB, Charleswood Mennonite Church

Sam Gingerich, Pierre, SD, Class of ’72

Laura Graber Nickel, Durham, NC, Mennonite

Linda Williams, Amite, LA , Mennonite

Udo Wald, Bainbridge Island, WA, anabaptist

Jason Vance, Lansing, MI, Independent Christian Churches/Churches of Christ I hope this petition adds weight to the dialogue Goshen College says it is willing to have.

Kathy Laible, California, claiming no affiliation

Vera L. Steiner, Goshen IN, Mennonite

Greg Wiebe, Hamilton, ON, Mennonite Brethren

Lisa Showalter, Warsaw, IN, Mennonite

Derek Kubilus, Akron, OH, The United Methodist Church

Darryl Neustaedter Barg, Winnipeg, MB, Mennonite Church Manitoba

Ruben Chupp, Mennonite Church USA, A son and daughter attended Goshen College, at least in part, because the counter cultural norms of peace, pacifism and nonresistance were prevalent there. The recent decision to play the National Anthem before athletic events seriously weakens those traditional Mennonite values. Were I to currently have children considering attendance at GC, the GC decision to play the National Anthem would enter into that discussion.

In scanning signatures and church affiliations on the JR website, I noted many non-Mennonite denominations. I find it ironic that while GC seems to be turning from a central Anabaptist position, some from other belief systems are pushing the institution back from whence it came.

While GC denies being influenced by the Gallagher fiasco, the timing of the above decision appears suspicious. Finally, if the athletic department/coaches are principal players in this determination, then the tail is wagging the dog.

Nancy Bullock, Santa Barbara CA, Episcopal

Tony Miller, Goshen, IN, Mennonite – GC

xxxxxxxx, Atlanta, GA, Open Door Community

Rev Derrick Ramer, Nappanee, IN, MC USA, North Main Street Mennonite Church

Graham Holcomb, Lancaster, PA, Mennonite Lancaster Bible College student who wish his own college would do the same

Earl Martin, Harrisonburg. Virginia, Our Mennonite Church sent my wife and me to Vietnam to administer to the victims of that tragic war. We felt this was “radical yea-saying” to the way of love over the way of death. Almost daily we would witness the “rockets red glare, the bombs bursting in air.” Too often we carried in our arms the bloodied children of that militaristic policy. I pray that Goshen College will reconsider this decision of cultural assimilation and emphasize the radical yea-saying to the way of Jesus.

Annie Spiro, Chicago, IL, Mennonite

Zach Kovitch, Mentor,OH, Episcopal

D. J. McFadden, MD MPH, Millersburg, OH, Mennonite GC grad Perhaps a more enlightened response would be to do away with sports teams than to casually discard the struggles of generations of believers who have been committed to the belief that serving God supersedes all other loyalties demanded by the world.

R. Daryl Steiner, Kidron, OH, Kidron Mennonite Church 1971 graduate of Goshen College

Brian Showalter, Warsaw, IN, Mennonite

Wayne Martin, Willow Street, PA, Mennonite

Nathan Zook, Ph.D., Washington, DC, Mennonite An 11-year-old girl in Germantown, MD, recently faced abuse from a teacher for refusing to recite the pledge. This 11-year-old shows more principled courage than GC.

xxxxxxxx, Akron PA, Mennonite

Melanie Webb, Goshen, IN, Mennonite and current Goshen College student

sally, Redditch , Christian

Philip D. Kenneson, Johnson City, TN, Christian Please, please reconsider.

Joel S. Fetzer, Temple City, CA, Mennonite Church, USA not likely to encourage my son to attend Goshen when he grows up. . . .

xxxxxxxx, New Holland, PA, Mennonite

Tabea Zimmermann, Harrisonburg, VA, Mennonite, Harrisonburg High School I am very dissapointed to learn that Goshen College has decided to start playing the National Anthem at certain sporting events. As a potential future student to Goshen College, I have been recieving many brochures and information displaying this college’s Mennonite and pacifist ideologies. Playing the National Anthem at sporting events is an act which in my opinion goes against these ideologies and decreases my interest in attending the school.

james n. lodwick, south bend, in, anglican please do not abandon Goshen’s historic Christian witness for peace.

xxxxxxxx, Canton, OH, United Methodist Though I am not Mennonite and my own Methodist tradition suffers from this idolatry, I pray that you will reject it quickly.

Jennifer Yoder, Columbus, OH, Mennonite, Former Goshen College Student

Eric Kasper, Minneapolis, MN, Mennonite

Josh Weaver, Goshen-Elkhart, IN, Mennonite

Andrea Kraybill, Goshen-Elkhart, IN, Goshen College student, Mennonite

Mary Honderich, Elkhart IN , non-denominational

xxxxxxxx, Columbus Ohio, Mennonite

Judy Gingerich, Vernonia, OR, Mennonite We need to continue to speak out against war. When people ask why we don’t play the national war song, we might be able to give them a new way to look at it.

Jeffrey Bain-Conkin, South Bend, IN, Baptist

Luke Gingerich, Canby, OR, Mennonite

xxxxxxxx, Temple, TX, Presbyterian Church (USA)

John Gingerich, Hubbard, Oregon, GC class ’67 Shocked, disappointed, trying to understand

Charissa Ford, Seattle, WA, Christian

Katlyn Dougherty, Wichita, KS,

Jeff Carlson, Chicago, IL, United Church of Christ Knowing that Mennonites in the world are staying strong in their commitment to peace is an encouragement to me and gives me hope, even if I’m not myself a Mennonite.

David Hovde, Evanston, IL, Mennonite

Steve Jolley, Durham, NC , Mennonite

Kari Ferguson, Portland, Oregon, Mennonite Let us remain in the world but not of the world.

Linda Metzler, Goshen, IN, Mennonite Please reconsider.

xxxxxxxx, Leksand, Sweden, The church of Sweden

Kenneth Furr, Raleigh, NC, Mennonite Please remember your roots. Pleadege full allegiance to the Kingdom of God, and do not mix it with the kingdoms of man. I beg of you, in the name of Jesus, please do not do this.

Janice Hathaway Crist, Quinter, Ks, Church of the Brethren I would ask a possibly over-used, over-simplified question. What would Jesus do? I do think Jesus would be welcoming and hospitable, I don’t think singing about bombs bursting in air would be the approach taken.

Bernie Ryan, Chicago, IL, Catholic Until today, I didn’t realize that Goshen College never played the national anthem before sports events. I find that incredibly admirable. I don’t understand how singing the national anthem would make visitors more comfortable. Shouldn’t your visitors respect your traditions? As a vegetarian, I don’t eat meat to make the guests in my home more comfortable. Nor would they expect me to. It would be hypocritical. I wholeheartedly agree with (petition signer) Don Kulp’s idea to play “America the Beautiful” instead. It focuses on the beauty of God’s creation and reveals a very real love of country as a gift to be cherished. It would send a subtle, yet effective message. Please don’t bow to whatever pressure you’re under to conform. My own religion has done this so often that Jesus’ message has been all but lost and I’m thoroughly disillusioned. I have always admired Mennonites for your unwavering understanding of Jesus’ message of peace. I urge you to stand firm in your convictions.

Kirk Shank Zehr, VA, Mennonite If it is hospitality you seek to offer, I believe you can be more substantively hospitable by treating guest players, fans and referees with respect and providing gracious accommodations. That would be one way to enhance, rather than forfeit, your distinctiveness and Christian witness.

Justin Barringer, Nicholasville, KY, Church of Christ, Asbury Theological Seminary

xxxxxxxx, Santa Cruz, CA, Protestant

Katelyn Nussbaum, Union, MI, Mennonite

Derek Yoder, Plainfield, IL, Mennonite, Goshen class of 1996

Ken McIntosh, Flagstaff, AZ, American Baptist Jim, I’ve been blessed whenever I heard you preach. I vividly remember a message you gave at PMC where you invited the children and congregation to recite a “pledge of allegiance” to the Kingdom and emphasized the supremacy of that over allegiance to governments. I believe that message is germane to this issue and petition.

Tom Oliver, Los Angeles, CA, Mennonite

Joseph Yoder, Middlebury, IN, Mennonite, Menno-Hof As the parent of two graduates I greatly appreciate the values and radical Christian nature of G.C. I pray for the leadership of G.C. that they will have the courage to rescind this dangerous proposal.

Michael Stauffer, Indianapolis, IN, Mennonite

Bruce Skelton, Vancouver B.C. Canada, Christian

Mark Bigland-Pritchard, Borden, Saskatchewan, Canada, Mennonite Church Canada

Steve Slagel, Goshen, IN, Mennonite Anabaptist Pastor, GC Grad and GC Parent

Stephen Paul, Marshall, NC, Christian

Angela and Jacob Oetama-Paul, Rockville, MD, GC alum and spouse

Herbert E. Myers, Mount Joy, PA, Mennonite

Doug Hostetter, New York, NY, Mennonite Church

Susan Brenneman, Lansdale, PA, Mennonite

Mary Jane Lederach Hershey, Harleysville, Pennsylvania, Mennonite Disappointed in the school from which I graduated in 1952. Having been involved in reconcilition issues since Peace Club at Goshen, it is painful to learn about this decision.

Ben Bolt-Martin, Kitchener, ON,

Theodore F. Yost, Goshen, IN, none It is a sadness for me that Goshen College has chosen to join with the vast majority of schools in America which make it their policy to play the national war song we call our national anthem before sporting events. It is an unfortunate move for a church which believes that peace is preferable to war.

Chris Liechty, Archbold, OH, We missed an opportunity to stand for our peace position in the face of media pressure. I pray for another chance.

Elvesta Hochstedler, Iowa, Mennonite

Dennis Bricker, Iowa City, IA, Mennonite I suggest playing “America the Beautiful”, not the militaristic “national anthem”!

Rex Hooley, Goshen, IN, College Mennonite Church I have choices as to what church programs and institutions I give my money to. I choose those which take an unequivocal stand for Peace and Justice, and Allegiance to God above all others. It is no longer clear where Goshen College stands in regards to those three issues.

Floyd and Pearl Zehr, New Wilmington, PA, Maple Grove Mennonite and graduates of Goshen College 1957 Thank you for giving us this opportunity to request that the decision to play the national anthem be stopped.

Marty Kuhn, Columbus OH , Presbyterian If you feel you must occasionally accomodate the “American patriot” why not play “God bless america”? It is equally well known and acknowledges God, not country, as the doer of good things, and does not glorify military might! It would be a powerful statement of who we are and whose we are while still acknowledging a love for country! It also humbly ackowledges our nations need of Gods providential blessings and guidance. (Too bad there isnt an international world peace anthem!!!)

Paul Leatherman, Lititz, PA, Mennonite

Robert L. Buzzard, Chicago, IL, Mennonite

Richard Heggen, Corvallis, OR, Mennonite Albany Mennonite Church, hardly the bastion of radical Mennonites

Tim Widmer, Washington IA, Mennonite

Tom Yoder, Millersburg, Ohio, Mennonite Church USA Goshen College, Class of ’91

Gerald R. Brunk, Harrisonburg, VA, Mennonite Apparently this is an example of the new direction President Brenneman called for in his January convo address. Is not joining a prayer to the playing of the national anthem the very kind of idolatry that Greg Boyd warns us against in his challenging book, MYTH OF THE CHRISTIAN NATION?

Scott Smith, Greensboro, NC, Mennonite

Dave Hubert, Edmonton, AB, Mennonite

Joe James, Jonesboro, AR, Churches of Christ

Kenton Johanson, Melbourne, Vicotria Australia, Athiest Nationalism is abhorrent and has caused wars all over the world

Jonathan Ziegler, Philadelphia,PA, Circle of Hope

Wayne North, Harrisonburg, VA, MCUSA

Paul James, Bella Vista, AR, Christian

Sara King, Fresno, OH, MC USA GC alum

Doris Dehm, Lake Oswego OR, catholic

Jim Foxvog, Tiskilwa, IL, Mennonite A hymn to the flag can be idolatrous. See 1Cor 8:7-10

Stan Goff, expat – Costa Rica, Christian Idolatry!

Marjorie Nafziger, Broadway, VA, Mennonite

Ruth Stoltzfus Jost, Harrisonburg VA, Mennonite An open letter to Goshen College:

It is with real sadness that we read that Goshen will play our nation’s battle anthem followed by a prayer at sports events — reenacting our nation’s primary ritual of its civil religion, which so skillfully enlists the power of genuine devotion to God into the service of loyalty to the state. We usually give the benefit of every doubt to fellow believers who struggle sincerely with difficult questions. We understand that local dollars and student enrollments are at stake.

The misplaced idea that this is an act of hospitality for others ignores the power of the ritual, with its conjoined reverences, to form participants on many levels of consciousness, and to deform the kind of identity and loyalty which we see as Jesus’ call.

Perhaps you discussed a truly broad hospitality: playing a medley of songs of the diverse nations represented on campus, especially since Goshen has been a leader with its transnational Christian orientation. A minute’s thought told you this would not conform to the religious ritual your local community wants. So maybe you considered the testimony of stating on every ticket a brief explanation of Goshen’s worthy tradition of Christian transnationalism? We can only speculate. Sadly, non-local alums and supporters were not told of the dialogue until after the decision was made.

The “hospitality” now offered is to present our nation’s militaristic anthem in a place of honor and in a quasi-reverential way that accommodates local tastes. Witness a feat of acrobatics in which a Christ-centered school, while poised in devotional attitude, moves its Christ over to share the center with an anthem celebrating bombs bursting in air. The superb teaching we value from Goshen faculty frankly puts to shame the thin and wishful rationale the administration propounds for this action.

We believe the rationale will be forgotten in a season, but our agonized decision to reconsider all support for a school we have loved will continue until the decision is reversed. We commit to further dialogue and will keep you in our prayers.

Ruth Stoltzfus Jost Timothy Stoltzfus Jost ng ’69 Jacob Sider Jost ’02 Micah Stoltzfus Jost ’07 David Stoltzfus Jost ’12 John Fairfield Kathryn Stoltzfus Fairfield Peter Fairfield ’02 Bethany Versluis Fairfield Andrew Fairfield ’07

Tom E. Schumacher, Brookings, SD, Mennonite

xxxxxxxx, Sudbury, ON, Mennonite As an alumni I feel betrayed by this decision. It reduces the effectiveness of what I tell my non-Mennonite friends about Mennonite belief and history. It is a HUGE betrayal to the ancestorw who died for their beliefs. Unforgiveable!!!!!!!!!!!!

Jennifer Snyder, Portland, OR, Mennonite, GC grad

Manny Fewer, Ypsilanto, MI,

Erica, Cleveland, Ohio, Mennonite

Sara Weaver, Shipshewana, In, Please reconsider

Philip Yoder, Cottage Grove, OR, None

Daniel Bertsche, Chicago, IL, Mennonite, Chicago Community Mennonite Church

Merle Baker, Oak Park, IL, Chicago Community Mennonite Church May I suggest that you invite your College Community to invent/create a positive alternative?

Micaella Verro, Chicago, IL, Chicago Community Mennonite Church

Steve Weaver, Chicago, IL , Mennonite Try reading Antigone for additional information.

Philip Kendall, Chicago, IL, Mennonite

Rochelle Martin Klaassen, Chicago, IL, Chic commun. Menn. church

xxxxxxxx, Riverside, Il, Mennonite Goshen is one of the colleges that I am considering attending, and this was quite a disappointment to me.

Norma Wyse, Lexington, MA, Mennonite

Carol Beechy, Cooperstown NY 13326`, Mennonite/Presbyterian I graduated from Goshen College and have faithfully supported the college and am very diappointed in both the decision to play the national anthem and to pray before athletic events.

Sara Reschly, Chicago, IL, Mennonite

Adrienne Laws Landis, Chicago, IL, Mennonite

Art Smoker, Mars Hill, North Carolina, Overseer, Tennessee-Carolina-Kentucky District, Virginia Mennonite Conference & Conference Minister, Gulf States mennonite Conference I am deeply saddened by GC’s decision to play the national anthem. At the very least, if it is played, the anthem of an SST country, country of international students, or the anthem of the USA’s chief enemy (Iraq, Iran, North Korea, Afghanistan) should be played also.

Matthew Tieszen, Durham, NC, Mennonite

Nova J. Smoker, Mars Hill, NC, Mennonite Fellowship of Asheville, GC Alum ’65 Asheville

Jan Lugibihl, Chicago, IL, Mennonite

Wendy Lehman, Chicago, IL, Goshen College graduate, Chicago Community Mennonite Church

Leonard Gross, Goshen, Indiana, Mennonite All may not be lost, after all! We all need to reconsider decisions made, sometimes unwisely, and Goshen College has this ability as well. Taking the issue to the larger church, for a second opinion, would seem to be part of such reconsideration.

Certainly, the United States National Anthem lies antithetical to our Anabaptist understandings of emulating the way of Jesus—both his message (Sermon on the Mount, parables) and his actions (a forgiving, nonviolent love)—as individuals, and as gathered disciples who together form the Body of Christ. To live out this Jesus vision is our common intent, and we often fail. And when we do, we ask for the forgiveness, as Jesus commanded, of each other, and of the Eternal. But we do not compromise ahead of time, keeping the intention of Christ consciously and consistently before us, as our guiding spirit and light.

Goshen College, to be sure, continues witnessing to a forgiving, nonviolent love — in many a classroom, in music, the arts and theater. This would suggest as well, reconsideration within. As I said at the beginning: all may not be lost, after all!

xxxxxxxx, Corvallis OR, Corvallis Mennonite Fellowship I was discouraged that after I met Jim Brenneman and we had a discussion, he didn’t bother following up as promised about a presentation I gave as a sermon at our church. Now I understand why – he is far outside the foundationalist Anabaptist faith and represents accomodationist and assimilationist forces. Goshen is almost already as Harvard was to its particular faith founding now. If hospitality is the central consumer-oriented doctrine, then I suggest a Holiday Inn franchise.

Christopher Friesen, Philadelphia, PA, Germantown Mennonite Church and Program Director Germantown Mennonite Historic Trust

Gary Olsen-Hasek, Salem, OR, Mennonite What next a color guard? Why not sing a hymn instead?

Josh Miller, Fishersville, VA, Mennonite and student at Goshen College We need the Mennonite churches across the county and across the world to voice their views. We need them. Or is Goshen going to be lured into the seductive secularism that reduces faith?

Roderick Fretz, Salem, Oregon, Mennonite

Ted Koontz, Goshen, IN, Mennonite, AMBS faculty member

xxxxxxxx, Goshen , In, Mennonite 5 years ago I was dismayed when I was told to stand up for God Bless America in honor of our country and then a prayer that included be with us now as we worship .you.I’d just moved here from Hesston and they had weathered the pressure there concerning flying the flag . I suggest that sports be for fun and we get out of the conference we are in therefore no need to recruit players who are used to these patriotic practices or flack from the Evangelical Colleges. Another prayer asked all God’s people to say Amen. If we keep in this direction I respectfully request Lift Every Voice and Sing also at basketball games- which I loved to watch ,by the way

Randy Ruth, Wichita, KS, Mennonite

Kimberly Briley, College Station, TX,

Kelly Young, Columbus, OH,

Jeremy Greenlee, Nappanee, IN,

Tom Friesen, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, Mennonite Saying “yes” to the antham says “no” to a great deal. As far as I’m concerned Goshen is disenting from their tradition and bowing to the powers!

David Swartz, South Bend, IN, University of Notre Dame

Jake Froese, Calgary, AB, Mennonite

Travis Willson, bellaire, MI, Disciple of Jesus, (nondnom) Blessed are the peaceMAKERS.

Lois Massanari, Lynden, WA, United Church of Christ, GC alumni This is so disappointing and goes contrary to everything I believe about nonviolence and allegience to God over country.

Robb Gill, Henderson, GA, Disciple (nondenominational)

Randy Yoder, Jones MI, Mennonite – GC Alum

J. Nelson Kraybill, Elkhart, IN, Mennonite pastor; author of Apocalypse and Allegiance: Worship, Politics, and Devotion in the Book of Revelation (Brazos Press, 2010) Let’s have the courage to be patriotic in ways that do not glorify violence, do not champion empire, and do not stoke nationalism. Christians are global citizens–participants in the Reign of God–not national partisans. Let’s support a great college by fostering frank and loving dialog with faculty, students, and administrators about how Christians show love for the country(s) in which God has placed us without bowing to the icons and idols of nationalism. In a tough environment to sustain a private school, let’s support Goshen College by praying and by sending students and dollars as the institution takes what will be a politically costly decision to rescind the national anthem policy. Will other Mennonite colleges have the vision and fortitude to refrain from the anthem?

Jennifer Farra, Saint Louis, MO, The Journey, St. Louis

Matthew l. Keiser, Williamsport, Pennsylvania, Mennonite – Worker with Eastern Mennonite Missions in Honduras

Donald and Verna Zook, Iowa City, IA, MCUSA

Colin Bayley, Houghton, MI, Jesus Follower

xxxxxxxx, Edmonds, WA, Salem Mennonite Church, Salem, OR

Tyler Sjostrom, St. Charles, IL, Christian

Jacob, colorado springs , CO, Lover and Follower of Jesus

Rachel and Kate Smucker, Bird-in-Hand, PA, Mennonite As potential future students of Goshen, we are very disappointed in Goshen’s decision to play the anthem. As Anabaptists, we believe this is contrary to our core values.

Kathryn Aschliman, Goshen, IN, Mennonite

Justin, San Diego, CA, Mennonite Go in peace, friends, and be blessed.

Joe Fretz, Lakewood, CO, First Mennonite Church

Alexnder Pyles, Virginia Beach, VA, Catholic, Franciscan University

Emily Nighswander, Kitchener Ontario, Mennonite I am absolutely and thoroughly aghast and disapointed that Goshen College would even CONSIDER playing the National Anthem, let alone try to DECIDE TO DO IT. shame on you.

Ingrid Johnson, Greeneville, TN, Church of the Brethren, Eastern Mennonite University student When I heard about the fact that the Goshen college president had decided to play the national anthem at sporting events only to be “more hospitable,” I was very disappointed. I come from a slightly different anabaptist, but patriotism was never emphasized in my house or in our churches. Even though hospitality is an important biblical theme and practice for followers of Jesus to embrace, doing so should not compromise the fact that our allegiance is first to God and his will on Earth. Mennonites have long been proud of not only their nonconformity and the statement there made, but also of their view of the world as a global community of people and of faith. As stated in the letter, the song itself glorifies the act of war, which is very much considered against the Christian faith by Mennonites and Anabaptists in general. I will go so far as to ask you not to reconsider the decision, but to change it. How can we make a statement of our faith and allegiance to Christ as a peace church if we do not consistently abide by our beliefs in peacebuilding and peacemaking?

Edward Hopkins, Fort Collins, Colo., Harvest Farm

Eric F. Hooley, Goshen, IN, Mennonite, GC grad

Wayne and Norma Schrock, Millersburg, IN, Conservative Mennonite

Jonathan Reavis, Chicago, IL, Anglican

Matthew Bapst, Hamburg, NY,

Ed Swartley, Elkhart, Indiana, Mennonite

Rev\’d Rock Fremont Jr., Phoenix, AZ, United Church

Martha Huebert, Middlebury,IN, Mennonite Keep the faith .. not patriotism but love of Jesus

Nathan Stoess, Louisville, KY, Goshen College

Andrew Cornelius, Portland, Oregon, Church of the Brethren

Murat Turk, Istanbul, Muslim I support your attitude.

Jim Taylor, Lafayette, La,

JR Rozko, Chicago, IL, Anabaptist Hoping this petition contributes to the failure of this “experiment.”

Brandon Fountain, Birmingham, AL, Christian Praying as an outsider to this situation, that Goshen College will return to its heritage and once again become a beacon for what I believe to be the correct response to the tension of living as a follower of Christ in America.

Seth Forwood, Fort Collins, CO,

Julie Hendricks, Metamora, IL, Illinois Mennonite Heritage Center

Rebecca Dyck, Montreal, Québec, Mennonite The issue of separation of church and state, and the role of pacifism and prophetic witness, have been well-addressed in previous comments. GC’s caving in to cheap nationalism angers me, and trying to mitigate it with a tacked-on prayer outrages me. However, what makes me ASHAMED of my alma mater is the underlying money motive — a facile attempt to get more Americans to send their kids to Goshen, as the “ethnic Menno” percentages decline. I’m sure this move will end up hurting GC finances more than it will benefit them.

Miriam Gross, Goshen, IN, Mennonite

David Wilson, Saint Louis, MO, Christian, Saint Louis University

Dayvid Graybill, Denver, CO, Mennonite Transitional Minister

Brock Johnson, IL, Nazarene I pray the Lord grants you boldness to stand up for his beloved Peace.

Annie Stewart, Indianapolis, IN, Society of Friends

Denton Hird, Danville, IL, Nazarene grace and peace my friends grace and peace.

George B Driskell, Corpus Christi, TX, Anglican It is disheartening to see Goshen College cave in to the pressures of the religious right. I have always admired the Mennonite stance of separation of church/state and the stance on peace. Remember, you can’t serve two masters!

Peter Koontz, Goshen, IN, Mennonite, Goshen College ’08

Annie Vecziedins, Grand Rapids, MI, I hope you choose to stop playing the national anthem and continue to insprie others to put God and their bothers before country.

Kathy Walter, Tipton, IA, The University of Iowa

Derrick Troyer, Sao Paulo, SP, Eastern Mennonite University

John F. Lapp, Goshen, IN, Mennonite Goshen College Core Values have been repeatedly invoked as a central reason and justification for this unfortunate decision. I cannot see how the core values can do anything other than argue for maintaining our longstanding tradition against playing the national anthem:

Christ-centered We believe God is the foundation of all wisdom and knowledge. Through Christ we find merciful forgiveness and an invitation to a daily, personal walk empowered by the Holy Spirit. We are led by Christ in our search for truth.

Passionate learners We believe our faith is supported by knowledge. As a learning community, we foster a journey of lifelong learning, encouraging one another to seek truth with fervor. This spirit of academic excellence enriches our relationships, our world and our faith in Jesus Christ.

Servant leaders We believe that servant leadership is reflected perfectly in the life and person of Jesus Christ. We humbly set aside self-interest for the interests of others, because love for others builds up God’s community. By following Christ’s example, we create a culture characterized by joyful service.

Compassionate peacemakers As Christian peacemakers, we embrace shalom, the peace that God intends for humanity. We are committed to build the “peaceable kingdom” by practicing loving kindness, restoring justice, practicing anti-racism, loving our enemies and advocating for the dispossessed. We renounce the oppressive, violent destructive powers of this world and are willing to live our lives as examples of God’s peace.

Global citizens As responsible global citizens, we see, encourage and celebrate the image of God in others. We welcome and include the “stranger” in our midst — respecting differences in world views while seeking common ground. We wish to transcend barriers between people not only through academic teaching and learning, but also in meaningful cross-cultural exchanges. We go into the world offering our gifts and lives in service to others.

Richard Harper, Nashville, TN, St. Joseph’s Mission

Oliver and Miriam Yutzy, Goshen, IN, Mennonite USA

Beth Miller Kraybill, Seattle, WA, GC Alum, AMBS MDiv student, committed Mennonite This decision breaks my heart.

Kent and Betty Birky, Middlebury, IN, Mennonite

Lee Miller, Evanston, IL, Mennonite As the third of four generations of GC graduates, I must express my considerable dismay at this decision. Exactly what “core values” are expressed through singing an anthem to bombs bursting in air?

Jeff Blakley, Homestead, FL, Spiritual Seeker President Brenneman, please read the comments left by these petitioners and act on their wishes. I am not a Mennonite, but I am also appalled by the militarism of America. We don’t need another voice added to those clamoring for displays of nationalistic pride. Remember what happened in the years leading up to Hitler’s seizure of power in Germany. Nationalism is incompatible with Christianity. Respect the long tradition of the separation of church and state in this country. Peace.

Susan Coyle, Cambria, CA, Thank you Goshen College for standing up for non-violence as Jesus did.

Rev. Kerry Walters, Gettysburg PA, Episcopal Please, please reconsider.

Susan Fisher Miller, Evanston, Illinois, Mennonite, Northwestern University

Sara W. Paulson, Port Chester, NY, Lutheran/Trinity Lutheran Church, White Plains, NY

Rosalie Riegle, Evanston, IL, Catholic Worker

Roy Marin, Kankakee, IL, Anti-Constantiniast

xxxxxxxx, Wellington, New Zealand, Anabaptist Whilst there is nothing wrong with national anthems per se, as an expression of national solidarity and identity, especially in an international setting, it is strange to me that a Christian college, let alone a Mennonite one, would use a nationalistic hymn, rather than a christocentric one, to express its awareness of identity and corporate solidarity. The use of the national anthem, in domestic settings, sends the message that the college is subordinating its identity to the larger national community of the USA. I have long admired Mennonite faithfulness to Christ the peacemaker in the heart of the empire, and been grateful for it. I am therefore surprised by this decision to incorporate the national anthem into college life, just as I was surprised, when living in the USA many years ago, that school children were expected to recite the pledge of allegiance every day, long before they knew the meaning of the words. Hopefully the pledge of allegiance will still be a bridge too far for Goshen College, but who knows…

Rachel Wynn, Gettysburg, PA, Agnostic

Ethan Hall, Cairo, Egypt, Society of Friends

Troy Mantel, Edgewood, NM, N/A

R.F. Kane, The (once) PROTESTant USA, Sola fide via the AV 1611 (only!)

Benjamin Schell, Wilmington DE, Non-denominational

Jamie Garrett, New Berlin, PA, Agnostic

Bishop Thomas Langley, Jersey City, NJ, Alexandrian Gnostic Church

Sara Tower, Gettysburg, PA, Gettysburg College

Isaiah Boronka, Kitchener, Canada, Mennonite Brethren Canadian Conference

Stuart Masters, Birmingham UK, Quaker

Ken Nafziger, Harrisonburg, VA, Mennonite; Eastern Mennonite University

John C. Nugent, Lansing, MI, Christian Churches/Churches of Christ Your humble repentance would be a powerful witness to the world, to Mennonites, and to the broader Christian tradition.

Joshua Perkins, Grand Rapids, Mi, free methodist it’s little steps of resistance like this that are truly going to make a difference in the way people think, in doing this you can make a change to bring about the kingdom in a new and vibrant way

Audrey deCoursey, Elgin, IL, Church of the Brethren

Jeff Miller, Goshen, IN, Mennonite Class of ’87. Please reconsider this decision.

susan schreiner, Evergreen Park, IL, Lutheran No anthem glorifying a nation state should ever be sung at any event, especially at this institution

Rosetta Landis, Croghan, NY, Mennonite

The Rev\’d Robin Jarrell, Lewisburg, PA, Episcopalian

Josiah Daniels, Bolingbrook, IL, Non-Denomonation

Kimberly Watkins, Lowville, NY, Mennonite

Paul G. Vickers, Columbus, Ohio, Christian

Andy Brubacher Kaethler, Elkhart, IN, AMBS, Belmont Mennonite Church

lynea brubacher kaethler, elkhart, in, belmont mennonite church from a possible future goshen college student, you have 4 years to change your decession!

Andrew Kretzschmar, Cincinnati, OH, Christ-follower

Joshua Reimer, MB, Mennonite Brethren

Carl Yoder, Goshen, Indiana, Mennonite / GC Alum How many have killed or been killed covered by this flag…..How much injustice…..I am deeply disappointed

Chris Rooney, Canada, Catholic Worker

Samantha Lioi, Urbana, IL, Mennonite, interim assoc. pastor at First Mennonite Church of Champaign-Urbana, AMBS student I am one of those ‘convinced’ Mennos who expects a peace church to continually point to the reign of God, the living God who draws our eyes and our deepest loyalties away from the reign of any nation-state. I hear and I notice that we’re not well-practiced in speaking about who we are and the stands we take. I expect that you will not only reverse this decision but also undertake the slow, essential work of making plain to all Goshen College students -from the time they are prospective students- the centrality of radical allegiance to Jesus and his way of vulnerable love in a Mennonite reading of the Gospel of peace. Folks considering Goshen College, and for that matter anyone who hasn’t heard this theology, deserve an invitational explanation of what Mennonites claim is core to the Gospel. For the sake of that gospel and with the confidence that you desire with me the fullness of God’s reign on earth, I join my prayers and my voice to what I hope will be an interchange that clarifies our common calling as Christ’s disciples.

Paul Zook, Austin TX, Austin Mennonite

Victor Friesen, Twin Falls, ID, Christian

Linda Pieri, Middlebury, IN, Mennonite Don’t cave in with your religious beliefs all for the mighty dollar!

Janet M. Powers, Gettysburg, PA, Gettysburg College Please don’t knuckle under to the warmongers! You are a model for all of us who seek peace.

Chuck Pieri, Middlebury Indiana, Mennonite

Emily Dueck, Toronto Ontario, Mennonite Central Committee To compromise deep beliefs for higher enrollment and broader social acceptance is never a good move. Quite a disappointing decision. What faith values will be compromised next? Is this not a contradiction to the school’s motto “healing the world peace by peace”?

Kristen Benjamin, Northampton, MA, We discussed this at the Passover Sedar last night, I wish I could have reported that Goshen decided against playing the anthem. It does not represent who we are as Mennonites.

Charles Waterfield, Lancaster, PA, Mennonite I was not born a Mennonite. I chose to join the Mennonites for their clear views (and practice) of social justice and non-violence, for their choice to live independently of societal norms. At a time when I feel the United States is so far from Kingdom practices is not a time to compromise our practices.

Dawn Zook, Manheim, PA, East Chestnut Street Mennonite

Berry Friesen, Lancaster PA, MC USA/Lancaster Conf. Why make this change now? Within this past decade, the USA has mounted a deceptive and illegal invasion of Iraq. One million Iraqi civilians have suffered violent deaths since the U.S. occupation began. The USA has kidnapped and then tortured innocent civilians. It has murdered wedding guests in Afghanistan, deployed mercenaries within Pakistani society, and funded terrorists to destabilize Iran. It has begun to militarize space. This isn’t an abstract discussion about hospitality or patriotism. This is a sign of accommodation during a time of crisis for all Americans who call Jesus Lord.

Glenn Lehman, Leola, PA, MC USA direct this also to the board of directors of Goshen College

Matthew King, Lancaster, PA, Mennonite

Willard Swartley, Elkhart, IN 46517, Mennonite As the College goes, so likely will the Mennonite High Schools eventually. A “hospitality” courtesy could turn cancerous to Mennonite identity standing against nationalism, even war itself. Serve apple pie at the end as an act of hospitality.

Dirk Eitzen, Lancaster, PA, Mennonite

Larry Zook, Manheim, PA, East Chestnut St Mennonite Church/ MC USA

Timothy Sommer, Chicago, IL, Chicago Theological Seminary

Michele Crockett, Urbana, IL, Mennonite

Daniel King, Urbana, IL, Mennonite, GC ’05

Karissa Sauder, Harrisonburg, VA, Eastern Mennonite University

Chris Lubienski, Urbana, Illinois, First Mennonite Church of Champaign-Urbana This decision to disregard what is a core, distinctive element of our church has every appearance of an institution trying to accommodate the wider worldly culture. My daughter has been refusing to say the pledge since 1st grade. It will now be harder to convince her to choose Goshen.

Merianne O\’Grady, Urbana, IL, First Mennonite Church Thank you for seriously considering the above letter. We SO hope that you will deep into your heart and see that Goshen College has a responsibility to its students to ‘walk the walk’ as a peace-affiliated institution – a Mennonite one – which should strive to live the history of the Mennonite martyrs who sacrificed their lives in the belief that the ‘state’ institutions are NOT soverign over the Spirit.

Stan Histand, Goshen, IN, A Jesus moderate for repeal. One of the things I’ve appreciated most about my Mennonite heritage has been its clear unwavering voice in opposition to war as an answer to international conflict.

John Miller, Partridge, KS, Mennonite Church USA/Bethel College

xxxxxxxx, Illinois, Evangelical Covenant

andrew m, goshen,IN, am

Samuel Moyer, London, England, Mennonite Mission Network; International Service Worker; Goshen College Alum

Sharon Albrecht, Middlebury, IN 46540, Mennonite 1985 Alumnus.

Jessica Lapp, Mount Pleasant, MI, Mennonite/Presbyterian GC ’86

Helen Bowman, Millersburg, IN, Waterford Mennonite Church

Gwendolyn Clemens, Timonium, MD, Mennonite Class of 1994

richard yoder, Harrisonburg, VA, Mennonite

Paul Keim, Goshen, Indiana, Assembly Mennonite Church One of many current faculty grieved by this decision.

Matthew Brnjas, Kitchener, Ontario, Canada, Anabaptist / The House on Cherry Street

Mark Gibson, Saint Petersburg, Florida, GC grad and member of the United Church of Christ

Jonathan Hollingsworth, Mobile, AL, Assemblies of God Most of Christianity has made the mistake of embracing nationalism. Please stay faithful to the Kingdom and your anabaptist tradition.

Kenneth Kauffman, Princeton, NJ, Mennonite, GC alumnus

Jonathan Watkins, Silver Spring, MD, Unitarian Universalist raised Mennonite

Joel King, Goshen, IN, Mennonite GC baseball player, senior

Randal Hertzler, Gaithersburg, MD, Unitarian Universalist

Gary Simmons, Fort Worth, TX, Church of Christ Thank you for your time and for considering our concerns.

Cheryl Swartzentruber Zimmerman, Sarasota,Fl, Mennonite/GC alum

David B. Miller, Elkhart, IN, GC 1979 Please reconsider this decision. I applaud the impulse to continue to seek great hospitality, but the symbols of nationalism are inconsistent with GC’s Core Values.

Joshua Smith, Mt. Vernon, OH, Nazarene

Katherine Bartel, ,

Russell Binkley, Waynesville, NC, Mennonite Fellowship of Asheville

Brad Graber, sarasota, Fl, mennonite/ gc alum

Emily Riesser, Seattle, WA, Episcopalian & Mennonite

Jill JANZEN, Fresno, CA, Mennonite Bretheren

xxxxxxxx, Denver, CO, Mennonite/ GC Alum

Ramon Rempel, Kitchener, Ontario, Canada, Mennonite

Nadine Abrahams, Wheat Ridge, CO, Mennonite

xxxxxxxx, Washington DC, Mennonite

Charlene Epp, Beaverton, OR, MC USA Our allegiance is to God not country. Christ’s gospel is of peace through non-violence and non-conformity. Stay true to our faith.

Duncan Smith, Beaverton, OR, MC USA

Nathan Abrahams, Boulder, CO, Mennonite

Elizabeth Weidner, Boulder, CO, Mennonite

Abe Oudshoorn, London, ON, Emergent

Carol Rempel, Littleton, co, First Menno of Denver

Charles Gardner, Indianapolis, IN, Roman Catholic Christian Unfortunately, most Christians have long ago given in to the idol of nationalism, but many of us look to the Menonnites to maintain this important witness.

Sherm Hamm, Muncy PA, Follower ofJesus

Byron F. Kauffman, DMA (\’60), West Liberty, Ohio, Mennonite President Brennaman and President’s Council: As a member of a three generation family of Goshen College graduates, I ask that you not require the college to reject the Anabaptist theology, on which the institution was founded. If you wish to be proud of our country, do so without requiring Goshen College to do the same.

Becca Stucky, San Diego, CA, Mennonite / Goshen College 2006 I understand that Goshen has struggled to find ways to help non-Mennonite students feel the same acceptance and community as Mennonite students. However, in my heart I know that it is possible without sacrificing core Mennonite beliefs. I have personally witnessed many non-Mennonite friends at Goshen as they found meaning and depth in the cornerstones of the Mennonite faith (and I, in turn, found meaning in their faith). This decision may be an attempt to avoid potential conflict, but in doing so, it removes the opportunity for people of different understandings to dialogue together and learn from each other’s point of view.

Richard Beyler, Portland, OR, Mennonite, GC alum. I do not want to be self-righteous in adding my name to the petition, given the various ways that my everyday life is knowingly and unknowingly, willingly and unwillingly, implicated in the national power of the US, but I would be pleased to see GC reverse this symbolically powerful decision.

xxxxxxxx, Manila, Philippines, Evangelical

jason hammock, daytona bch fl., follower of Christ “A person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind.” [James 1:5-8 ]

Drew Daniels, Chicago, Illinois, Anabaptist/North Park University

T. C. Moore, MA, Anabaptist

Danielle Lamb-Books, Boulder, CO, Mennonite / University of Colorado

Samuel Goering, Boulder, CO, Mennonite MVS

Eric Unzicker, Santa Fe, NM, Mennonite

Julia Bridges, Kankakee, IL, Nazarene

Naomi Brodock, Jackson, MI, Nazarene

Phil D. Oswald Christano, Washington, DC, Mennonite Goshen College class of 1995

Phil Stout, Jackson, Michigan, Church of the Nazarene I’m a Goshen native who has always admired the work of GC and her stand for peace.

xxxxxxxx, St. Paul, Minnesota, Ecumenical Anabaptist I agree with all that is stated by those opposed to playing the national anthem at Goshen. This is an injustice to the Anabaptist heritage. The Martry’s Mirror details countless Anabaptists who died for their refusal to pay heed to Christianities tied in with state control, with nationalism, and the like. It is a supreme dishonor to our ancestors of faith to play the national anthem. We are all sisters and brothers and as christians we must honor no national creed above another. Our allegiance is to Christ and Christ alone. Thanks.

Kris Smiley, Sunnyvale, CA, Christian 1 Samuel 8:19-20 But the people refused to listen to Samuel. “No!” they said. “We want a king over us. 20 Then we will be like all the other nations, with a king to lead us and to go out before us and fight our battles.”

Do not repeat that mistake. Only God can be our King, only God can be your King.

Erik Foss, Fresno CA, Baptist/Anabaptist

Dawn Hurley, Brooklyn, NY,

Freddie Odom, Bluffton, GA, United Methodist Church

Jarell Wilson, Waco, TX, Non-Denominational

Joshua Murdoch, New Albany, IN, Evangelical Anabaptist

Peter Orlando, Barrington RI,

Bryan Poole, Durham, NC, Nazarene

John Seddelmeyer, dallas texas, episcopalian

Jennifer Palin, Toronto, United Church of Canada

Aileen Silva Carroll, Recife, Brazil, Mennonite Central Committee, Brazil

Jason Rodenbeck, Gainesville, GA, Independent Christian Church For MANY years the Mennonnites and other Anabaptist traditions have been, ironically, light-years ahead of other evanglical schools of thought in their resistance to nationalistic idolatry. In my own peaching and teaching, I find myself wating to return to those Anabaptist roots and finding quite a push-back. It pains me to now read, when evangelicals are starting to get the point, that this colllege is considering a move in the wrong direction. Please don’t make this mistake and allow even an iota the idolatry of nationalism into your practice.

Seth Gilmore, Knoxville, TN, Christ Followe

Jeremiah Seraphim Anthony Jackson, Lubbock, Texas, Catholic/Orthodox/Protestant ICXC NIKA

Samuel Lockridge, Lexington, Kentucky, Jesus lover “My kingdom is not of this world.”

Christopher McMahon, Latrobe, PA, Roman Catholic, Department of Theology, Saint Vincent College My Mennontie wife and I attend both the local Catholic parish and Scottdale Mennonite Church. We were horrified to hear that Goshen has capitulated on this point.

Nelson Okanya, Lanham MD, Mennonite The militaristic nature of the anthem makes it very difficult to sing it alongside the song of the lamb that was slain in whom we have victory

Craig M. Watts, Coral Springs, Florida, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) I am disappointed that Goshen College has decided not to continue being an example to other church related colleges and universities. Churches and church institutions have long been tainted by the sounds and symbols of nationalism. Anabaptists have maintained a clarity of Christian vision seriously lacking elsewhere. The decision to play the national anthem at sporting events does not reflect this clarity. I hope that the decision will be reconsidered.

Ray Funk, Spruce Home, Sask. , MC Canada

Heather Carlson, , United Church of Canada

Jennifer Heckart, New York, NY, Episcopal Church I have always looked to the Mennonites to lead the way on this issue. Please remember, and remind the rest of us, why this matters.

W. Andrew Gibbens, Johnson City, TN, Christian Churches/Church of Christ

Tom Warren, Crossville, TN, United Church of Christ

Tom Evans, Lebanon, IN, Christian Church

Sean Allen, Wilmore, KY, Free Methodist I often must stand alone as a pacifist in the Free Methodist denomination. I look to my Anabaptist brothers and sisters for support and encouragement. This change is disturbing and discouraging, because one of the few bastions of pacifism seems to be slowly losing its precious ancestral witness.

JoAnne Lingle, Indianapolis IN, Mennonite I joined the Mennonite church in 1992 to get away from nationalism of other churches and am sorry to see a Mennonite institution give way to pressure to have the national anthem played. I fear the next thing may be the American flag displayed in churches.

Jeremy Troy, Grand Rapids, MI, Orthodox

Winona Senner, Saskatchewan, Canada, Mennonite

J. Paul Pepper, Independence, MO, Church of the Nazarene M.Div. student, Nazarene Theological Seminary, Kansas City, MO

Erin Wentorf, Denver, CO, Mennonite

Angela Brown, Brasilia, DF, Brazil, Seventh-day Adventist

Marco Funk, Gretna, MB; Canada, Mennonite; Pastor Bear witness to Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace; and give your allegiance to him alone!

Timothy R. Sauder, Lancaster, PA, Mennonite

Ross Martinie Eiler, Bloomington, IN, Mennonite (Bloomington Mennonite Fellowship)

Megan Matthews, Iowa City Iowa, Mennonite

Dr. James Danielson, St. Augustine, FL, Orthodox We ought not imply our allegiance to an Empire that acts unjustly around around the world to the harm of innocent people.

Andrew Matschiner, Portland, OR,

Rees Conrad Douglas, Ph. D., J. D., Sioux City, IA, Church of the Brethren “But if the salt has lost its flavor, how will it be made salty?”

Rev. Brad Van Fossen, Milwaukee, WI, United Methodist clergy We mainline Christians need you Mennonites to remain distinctively Mennonite as an example for the rest of us to be more Christian.

Andrew P. Klager, Abbotsford, BC, Canada, Orthodox Christian, University of Glasgow

Grant Shoffstall, Champaign, IL, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Maureen Pickar, Cassopolis, Follower of Jesus and His teachings

John Williams, Chapel Hill, NC, Episcopal

Tesia Lee Mallory, Celina, OH, United Methodist

Christine Haider, Washington, DC, Roman Catholic As a graduate of Earlham, I was fortunate to meet many wonderful people from Goshen and have a lot of respect for the college. I am disappointed to see Goshen step back from such an important part of our shared history as a peace school. Many of us who don’t come from ‘Christian peace traditions’ choose schools like Goshen and Earlham because we want to be in those environments. You are not being ‘hospitable’ to us.

jessica coco, jersey city, nj,

Jeremy Parsons, , Christian You cannot serve two masters. To ally with any of the kingdoms of the world is to reject God, and to seek God is to sever all ties to the kingdoms of the world. Choose wisely.

Andrew Shonk, Portland, Oregon, Christian

Ruth Dyck Scott, Scottdale, PA, Mennonite Every school day morning begins with me standing and NOT leading as my homeroom pledges allegiance. Some of the courage this takes in a very patriotic school atmosphere comes from my training at Goshen College years ago. I learned that I can be respectful, even hospitable and still give witness to my beliefs. None of my students have ever known a pacifist and I feel like my witness matters.

Jasmine Wilson, Grand Rapids, MI, student at Calvin College

Zachary L. Litawa, Davis, CA, Jesus Follower

Kendall Sholtess, Wichita, Kansas, Anabaptist Don’t compromise the Gospel, which our Mennonite forefathers sacrificed everything for.

Paul Andrew Anderson, Earth: North America, Anabaptist Author; Christ-Disciple Patriotism (or, nationalistic narcissism) perpetuates the us-against-them pathology; the paranoia that (directly or indirectly) causes all human conflict! We can, indeed, see the signs of the times!

Cameron Woodward, San Diego, CA, Presbyterian

Bethany, Modesto, CA, Free Will Baptist

(The Rev) Tony Green, Wenatchee, WA, Episcopal Church Galatians 5: 22 In contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.

Elexa D, Cottonwood Falls, KS, Disciple of Yeshua

Jennifer, Springfield, MO,

Jana Wheeler, Osseo, MI, Mennonite We have eight children the oldest of which is considering admission to Goshen College. When he was in third grade he came home from school one day and said to me that he did not want to say the pledge of allegiance or sing “patriotic” songs at the opening of the school day at his school each morning but his teacher told him that he must participate. We then discussed this with the director of the school. From that point through his entire primary and secondary schooling his has stood mute during this ritual. He has discussed this with each of his siblings as they have started school and they all stand mute. They have been questioned and made fun of and told they should not be allowed to live in the United States because of their choice to stand mute. They have participated in sports throughout school and also stand mute before each game. I am saddened that Goshen College does not have the dedication to with stand the same peer pressure that my children have withstood. I was hoping to have my son be able to go to an instiution where his beleifs would be validated by someone other then his immediate family. I believe Jesus does not condon nationalism. I believe in separation of church and state. I am thankful that my fore fathers and fore mothers died for such a cause. I am praying that the GC board will uphold the Anabaptist tradition of non-conformity. As an alumnis of GC I am depply saddened by the decision as it stands.

Elise Dressler, Orlando, fl, Christian

JM Edwards, Azusa, CA, Pasadena Mennonite Church

brian molanphy, france,

R. Michael Medley, Harrisonburg, VA, Mennonite by choice and not by birth – Eastern Mennonite University

Lynn Yoder, Kalona, IA, Mennonite

Mary Piper, Iowa City, IA, Mennonite I feel very strongly about this issue.

Mary Martin, Washington, IA, Washington Mennonite

Paul Coffman, South English, Iowa, Church of the Brethren

Susan See, Washington, IA, Mennonite I have read the reasoning behind the playing of the national anthem. While I understand the intention, I believe it is dangerous to intertwine church and state, even in this seemingly “harmless’ way. I truly hope you will resind this experiment. What does the national anthem have to do with a sporting event anyway? I have never understood that and I am a cross-over Presbyterian. It seemed odd then and even more odd now that I am a Mennonite.

Scott Mueller, Halstead, Kansas, Mennonite

Jonathan Burger, Portland, OR,

Dr. David Fenrick, Minneapolis, MN, Mennonite-Wesleyan

James King, Copperas Cove, TX, University of Aberdeen

xxxxxxxx, Harrisonburg, VA, Lutheran (Evangelical Catholic)

Sandra Jean Stevens, Iowa City, Iowa, Mennonite

Brian Bowman, Wauseon, Ohio, Arrowpeak House Competitive group sports — war music or not — are a potent method of socialization for military service. “Group sports = troop supports.”

Brett Taylor, minneapolis, MN, Missio-Dei

brent aldrich, indianapolis, in,

Rory Ladd, Bryan, OH, Jesus follower Have you forgotten that the empires of this world hold no sway over us? We belong to the Kingdom of God.

W. Drane Reynolds, Homestead, FL, Homestead Mennonite Church A Modest Proposal for Peace: “Let the Christians of the world agree they will not kill each other.” Yet the national anthem glorifies a war in which Christians did kill each other. Which do you affirm, Goshen?

Brett Flener, Nashville, TN, Amos House Catholic Worker Community

Bailey Kelly, Portland, OR, Jesus Follower

Andrew, Harrisburg, Pa, Mennonite

xxxxxxxx, Salem, OR, Lutheran

Colin A. Douglas, Tulsa, OK , Church of the Brethren Please stand by the Anabaptist tradition of Christ as King not the State.

Tom Jennings, Flagstaff, AZ, Follower of Jesus

Stephanie, Creston,OH, Non-Denominational

Alan Smigielski, Fairfax, VA, Follower of Jesus

Nikola Ouray, Panascola, Florida, Anabaptist

Nathanael Bassett, Springfield, CT, none

Jane Kupfer, St. Augustine, FL, “My country is the world and my contrymen are all mankind.”

Maggie Gilman, Portland, OR, Portland Mennonite Church

Jerrett Lyday, Dallas, TX, Mennonite/Peace Mennonite Church May Christ reign!

Christopher Montgomery, Drexel Hill, PA, Church of the Brethren

Mike Rogers, ThD, Kansas City, MO, Non-denominational Thank you for obeying Jesus’ imperative to seek first the kingdom of heaven.

Micah Duke, Portland, Oregon, Christ-follower

xxxxxxxx, Eugene, Oregon, Community of Christ in Eugene USA Today reports that more US military are losing their lives to suicide, drug overdose and negligence than to battle in the Middle East. I think this says a lot and until we uncover and deal with the problems war continues to cause we must pause and stop it’s promotion and glorification. Thank you.

Matthew, Columbus, OH, OSU, Mennonite-CMC I don’t know the motive behind this, so I cannot say that it is motivated by something wrong, but this decision clearly does not take into account the power of symbols. Being hospitable is good, but anthem and the flag are about aggression and worldly lordship, not hospitality. Symbols are powerful. These two symbols in particular lead people into the sort of war that I am sure you would agree is un-Christlike.

Beryl James Forrester, , Mennonite

Ken Corder, Louisville, KY, Jesus Follower

Jacob, Portland, OR, Christian

Marlinda Beachy, Kalona, IA, Mennonite

Kay Guyer, PA, Church of the Brethren, Manchester College Student As a peace college, the time has come to stand up for a radical worldview — a worldview rooted in the Gospel of Peace, not the Religion of Nationalism. Be courageous in your conviction of shalom!

Mary Cooney, Lincoln, NE , Mennonite

Jimmy Hobbs, Osceola, IA, Missional Reformed

Robert Klingler, Lenexa, KS, Jesus follower

Rev. Dr. Bruce Wright, St. Petersburg, Florida, The Refuge/Poor People’s Economic Human Rights Campaign Please don’t sell out like the German Church to the Nazis did!!

Monte Asbury, Washington, IA, Church of the Nazarene “O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave” is appalling national arrogance, suggesting that people of other lands are both less free and less courageous than Americans. How foreign to the Kingdom of God is nationalism!

Jan Braun, Toronto, Mennonite

Bert McDert, Atlanta, GA, Jesus Movement I fail to see how this decision can be construed as in any way consistent with your stated values. Be courageous! You have ample support.

Josh Dies, Guyton, HA, Christian

Jake Rollison, Prague, Czech Republic, Non-denominational

Lisa Greer, Brownsville, TX, Methodist

carlos espin, charlotte, nc, Jesus follower

xxxxxxxx, Toronto,Ontario, Mennonite

Joshua Cook, Syracuse, NY, Unitarian Universalist

Geoffrey Mackey, Ambridge, PA, The Byzantine Catholic Church

Rev Lance A Schmitz, Okc, ok, Church of the Nazarene

Leon Moyer, Alamosa, Co., Christian No man can serve two masters–repent, and place Christ first and only at your institution, as we are all supposed to be strangers and pilgrims in this world!

Harley Mathews, corpus christi, TX, United Methodist Church

S. Carter McNeese, Winston-Salem, NC, Baptist/ Wake Forest University School of Divinity, MDiv ’12

Penny Cragun, Duluth, MN, Peace UCC and the Community oof the Third Way

Tim Webb, Nashville, TN, church of Christ my Kingdom is not of this world….

Brian Kraft, Minneapolis Minnesota, Evangelical Covenant Church

Maria Kirby, Wheeling, IL,

Michael Danner, Metamora, IL, Metamora Mennonite Church

xxxxxxxx, Catlin, IL, Church of Christ

Tyler Grant, Richfield, PA,

timothy brown, providence, ri, episcopalian

xxxxxxxx, Shepherdsville, KY, Christian (Non-Denominational) I pledge allegiance to the slaughtered Lamb of God!

Duane Combs, Harlan, Ky, Christian

Nathan Gardner, Plymouth, IN, Missionary

Jonathan Lynn, Cincinnati OH, Christian (Anarchist-Anabaptist)

xxxxxxxx, Evanston, IL, Mennonite

Julie C. Brewer, Ada, OH, Anabaptist – Church of the Brethren

James Owsley, Sparks, NV, ELCA, Anabaptist at heart, University of Nevada Whatever you do, let it be done in love and truth.

Petr Witkowski, Grand Rapids, MI, none

Dylan F March, Nashville, TN, Episcopal Long live the slaughtered Lamb.

Cody Stauffer, Payette, ID, Christian Church, M. Div. Student Northwest Nazarene University

Dr. James Jakob Fehr, Bammental, Germany, Mennonite As a Canadian who has attended American sports events and watched them on TV, I am always offended by the glorification of war inherent in the American anthem. Christ calls us to an alternative lifestyle. Let’s be hospitable to others by inviting them to step out of their comfort zone and join us in following Jesus.

John Elliott, Toronto, ON, Canada, One of the things that has always appealed to me in Mennonite churches is the absence of flags and the nationalism they represent. Playing the national anthem at sporting events is simply wrong for a college that is attempting to teach people to live a Christian life aligned with the Kingdom of God and not any national power.

Ryan Wojton, Grand Haven, MI, Jesus Follower

Joseph Kelly, Louisville, KY,

Callee Smith, Dayton, Ohio, Nazarene

Andrew Levang, Bellingham, WA,

Merrick Drake, ,

PJ Johnston, Iowa City, IA, Anglican

xxxxxxxx, Nicholasville, KY, Church of Christ The Anabaptist witness for peace and God’s Kingdom have been so helpful for the universal church and the decision to play the national anthem has compromised that necessary prophetic witness.

David Johnson, Searcy, AR, Churches of Christ I come from a heritage that, especially before the first World War, had a fairly strong and substantial peace witness. I mourn the loss of that witness when I look at the nationalistic idolatry of my alma mater. I pray you do not go down the same path. “Come out from among them, and be separate. For what does Christ have in common with Belial?”

R Crommett, memphis tn , social christian anarchist Separation of Church and state The Church shall nothing to do with the state and the state shall have nothing to do with the Church as our elders desired it to be so should it be!!!

Allen Johnson, Dunmore, West Virginia, Creation Song The National Anthem and its flag are used for the purpose of “offering the pinch of incense to Caesar.” It is idolatry. Read Daniel 3 in the Bible.

Debora Johnson, Dunmore, West Virginia, Creation Song

John Bambrick, Chicago, IL, White Rose Catholic Worker Community

Heidi Birky Goldman, Indianapolis, IN, Mennonite

Heather R. Birky, South Bend, IN, Mennonite

Brian O\’Leary, Goshen, IN, Mennonite

Bill McLellan, St. Peters, MO, Reformed

Jeremiah Eisley, Williamsport, PA, IslamaJudeoChristian One cannot faithfully serve two masters.

Caleb Yoder, Goshen, IN, Mennonite

Garrett A. Brown, Siloam Springs, AR, Emergent

Michael Springs, Azusa, CA, Not Sure I write in agreement with the students fighting to ban the national anthem from Goshen college. Christian’s are not married to any nation, but instead we are involved in the politics of Jesus Christ which endure suffering and will never capitalize on the poor, support violence, or join any nation that supports these things.

Brisa Peacock, Denton, TX, Christian-nondenominational

Helena Robison Peacock, Denton, TX, Christian-nondenominational

Kayla Robbins, East Berlin, PA, Church of the Brethren

Doug Schirch, Goshen, IN, Mennonite

Mark Leverenz, Rochester, NY, Non-Denominational

Michael J. Sharp, Goshen, IN, Mennonite

Ruth, Hesston, KS, Mennonite Reconsider playing the anthem, I think it is a better witness NOT to play the anthem

Jonathan Heath, Knoxville, TN, the homeless rabbi

Steven Hildebrand, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, Mennonite, Mechanical Engineering Southern Alberta Institute of Technology Goshen’s history of not playing the anthem Is commendable. It inspires believers around the world and gives us an idea of what it means to be in the world but not of it. please reverse this decision.

Izaak Standridge, Alcoa, TN, Reformed Theology, Mennonite Influence Let us not capitulate to the prevailing consensus; in doing so, would we not unhinge our message and distort our walk?

xxxxxxxx, Boone, NC , In Christ I have so learned from the nonviolent, peaceful tradition of the Anabaptists and their refusal to conform to the culture at large. Please reconsider this decision. You can be hospitable and still point to the Prince of Peace. Thank you.

Jeff Vernon, Bellefontaine Ohio, anabaptist I had the good fortune, as a non-Mennonite, to attend a Mennonite college. This experience exposed me to a radically different world view than the one I experienced in my Protestant up-bringing, one that suggested that we are to put the Kingdom of God above all others. If anabaptist schools loose that prophetic voice, who will proclaim to 20 year olds that there is truely a third way, Jesus’ way? What next, Army recruiters on campus?

Carol Voigts, Wellston, Quaker don’t betray your heritage and put nation above the unity of world wide Christianity.

Derek Samples, Searcy, AR, Church of Christ

Jamie Arpin-Ricci, Winnipeg, MB, Canada, Mennonite Church Manitoba It is costly to stand for truth in the face of nationalism and pressure, but we know you will do what is right.

Stephanie, Milroy, PA, non-denom; lover of souls.

Daniel Kiniry, Bryan, Tx, ecumenical, multi-denominational the pledge of allegiance has no place there or in the lips of Christians anywhere

Lonnie L Richardson, Cheraw, SC, Church of The Brethren

Mary Sue Gmeiner, New Carlisle, OH, Mennonite I am not a “cradle” Mennonite – my choice 7 years ago was based on the strength of its Anabaptist tradition. This decision by a Mennonite College seems to me contrary to Anabaptist beliefs.

Kyle Peveto, Buna, Texas, Churches of Christ

G. Marcille Frederick, Blue Island, IL, Mennonite

Reid Hochstedler, Lafayette, IN, No one can serve two masters.

Tom Brenneman, Harrisonburg, VA,

Paul.Stanely. Cook., Blue Island . Illinois. U.S.A., Community Mennonite Church Shalom.

Gayle L. Dosher, Bend, OR 97701, Mennonite Please reverse your decision to play the national anthem on campus.

Derek Bennett, Mount Vernon, IL,

Hillary Brown, Decatur, GA, Quaker

Martha Dosher Beck, Carbondale,IL, Disiples of Christ Graduated from GC in 1968 and value Mennonite values and theology more than ever.

Mark Leichty, Albany, Oregon, Goshen College class of 1984

ann detweiler, albany, or, Missionary Alliance A congregation-ally homeless Mennonite currently finding much more radically Anabaptist Christians within the Missionary Alliance setting and desperately wishing the Mennonite Church would reclaim their tradition of quiet, gentle, stubborn, servant resistance to being conformed to this world.

A. C. Jones, North Port, FL,

Mary Ellen Meyer, Goshen, IN 46526, Mennonite I am all for hospitality, but not at the expense of losing the identity for which other Christians are looking to us for leadership in these years. We can be welcoming and still maintain the firm position that our citizenship is not first of all as Americans.

Loyd Nolen Dunaway, Oklahoma City OK , Baptist So many of our institutions have become americanized. It is a sad thing to see another adopt the world into its values.

Chris Haynes, Kingsport, TN, Anabaptist

David K Janssen, Freeman SD 57029, Mennonite, Salem-Zion Mennonite Church

Jef Schultz, Gualala, CA, follower of Christ – Jesus radical Feel myself to be a “member” of all churches, all denominations, all faiths

xxxxxxxx, Indianapolis, IN, a regular sinner

Peg Burns, Kansas City, MO, Catholic

Danielle Miller, San Antonio, TX , Mennonite

Pamela Allee, Portland, Oregon, Subud Our national anthem horrifies me. It glorifies war and militarism. As a conscientious objector I have been unable to worship the flag or understand mindless patriotism since I was thirteen. I am now 64.

K. E. Parsons, Salisbury, MD, Religious Society of Friends (Quaker)

xxxxxxxx, Oakland, CA, visitor to First Mennonite San Francisco What has me interested in the Mennonite Church is it’s rejection of false allegiances.

Florence V. Davis, Tucson, AZ, United Church of Christ, catholic For many years I have respected the Mennonite stand for peace and nonviolence. In working with the Sanctuary Movement in Arizona back in the 80s, I encountered Mennonite volunteers who used their voices, their Sacred Harps, to bring an understanding of peace and love, as well as English, to young refugees from Central America. I cannot imagine why Goshen’s witness to Christ’s nonviolence is now to be riven by your singing the US national war song at sporting events. If for tax reasons or for funding issues it is absolutely necessary to demonstrate patriotism, PLEASE consider substituting America the Beautiful, perhaps with the words changed as in the UCC hymnal. An even better song would be This Is My Song, sung to the tune of Finlandia.

JD Hash, Bellevue, WA, Christian

Bryan Hash, San Jacinto, CA, Calvary Chapel

Greg Hagen, Woodbury,MN, Catholic

Susan Beechy Enz, Bordentown, NJ, Goshen College Alum

Janice Hershberger Stoltzfus, Key West, FL, GC grad 1972

Alice (Kauffman) Hofheimer, Brooklyn, New York, Goshen College offspring

Dane Peterson, Montevideo MN, Jesus Freak

byron murray, Guelph Ontario, n/a Nationalism isnt healthy

John Enz, Bordentown, NJ, Society of Friends GC graduate 1972

Judith Beechy, Goshen IN, Mennonite

Veronica Beaty, Oakland, Ca, Christian — Methodist/Mills College

Arthur Joseph Wyse, Kalona, IA , First Mennonite Church — Iowa City Shame on them for selling out ; this decision smacks of a bottom-line / fiscal matter. — Let’s compromise our Anabaptist values in order to attract a broader spectrum of ( i.e., more ) students.

Mason Singleton, Austin, TX, Jesus follower Not playing the anthem is a witness to a different way. It acknowledges we can have one and only one way and story. That of Christ.

Janis Miller, Dexter, MI, Mennonite

Maria Ortega Kummer, Iowa City, Iowa, Mennonite/Anglican This is a defining moment in the history of Goshen College. I pray that you will be faithful to the Lord and His Kingdom of peace.

Bert Miller, Mt. Pleasant, IA, Christian All of my allegiance is to the living God. I have none left over for a piece of cloth. In the scriptures Jesus does not sing any anthem. It is my belief that this is a form of idol worship. Many are called – few chosen. Do we follow Jesus? Or do we follow the masses who know not what they do?

David Sickles, West Branch, IA 52358, Mennonite

Lindsey Nelson-Piersol, Phoenix, AZ, Christ follower

Karen Beechy Kreider, Royersford, PA, Goshen College graduate, 1966; Episcopalian

Mark Seymour, Elkhart, Indiana, Christian This is SO out of place for a Christian organization. And the excuses given smack of compromise of Christian values and marketing.

Anthony Harris, Worcester, Vermont, Southern Baptist Convention

James E. Varnam, Bishop, CA, Methodist

David Montague, St Johnsbury VT, Undisclosed

xxxxxxxx, Olds, Mennonite church As a long term anabaptist institution, i’m counting on Goshen to continue stand apart from other schools.

Clayton Lynch, Little Falls, Universal Life of the Seasons People

Bill LeMosy, IA, Presbyterian Church (USA) Such a bombs-and-glory anthem befits NO institution purporting to follow Jesus. To sing it would stifle discipleship to the Prince of Peace.

xxxxxxxx, Buffalo, Nueva York, Catholic

Jeanne E O\’Neill, Stevensville, MT, Roman Catholic Until I read this message I was unaware of the real “war theme” incapsulated in the Star Spangled Banner. Thank you for the enlightenment.

Bethany Caldwell, Philadelphia, PA, West Philadelphia Mennonite Fellowship

xxxxxxxx, Simsbury, CT, Christ-follower

xxxxxxxx, Bowling Green, KY, Western Kentucky University

June G. Yoder, Albuquerque, NM, Mennonite

Roger Yoder, Black Canyon City, AZ, Non-Denominational I still consider myself Anabaptist, but no longer Mennonite. Thought I would never see this day.

Louis C. Witherspoon, Chicago, IL, Baptist/Mennonite.

arthur mark lerner, MD, huntingdon valley,pa, RC

xxxxxxxx, Chicago, IL, Quaker

Patrick Dwyer, Chicago, IL, Catholic

Pat Fons, Milwaukee, WI,

Jack Hereford, New Haven, MO, CW

Rev. Gregory A. Wright, Phoenix, New York, Plymouth Congregational UCC, Syracuse, NY Six years ago our congregation struggled over the issue of having the national flag in our sanctuary. After long and patient conversation with a lot of prayer, we decided to remove the flag. It has made a real difference in our worship, and in the message we share with those who visit: There is only one Lord worshiped here. May you find the courage to do the same.

Kelly Tudor, Indianapolis, IN, non-denominational As an alumni of Goshen College, I am excited to hear this movement is happening.

James Ray Dice, Smithfield, Pennsylvania, Non-denominational Praise God our Creator. His Kingdom is not of this world. Let us not forget where our true allegiance lies.

Pam Nath, New Orleans, LA, Mennonite

Sara W. Paulson, Port Chester, NY, Lutheran/Trinity Lutheran Church, White Plains, NY

David Bertsche, Norman, Ok, Mennonite

xxxxxxxx, Bloomington, Indiana, Christian

mervin Zehr, lowville, anabaptist/mennonite If the TRUETH was realy told. the outcome of this issue, will be determined by MONEY. the amount of money withheld by alumni. It’s sad but TRUE. Even in christianity/ mennonite organizations. Money speeks POWER. I ask this question. Would Jesus stand and pay tribute/worship to a pease of cloth/IDOL.

David Kim, Saint Paul, MN, Evangelical Covenant

Sara Albaba, Goshen, Indiana, Muslim

David F. Bishop, Teaneck, NJ, Presbyterian Goshen College, the eyes of the world are on you to see if you stand up for your faith or bow to the principalities and powers that surround you. You will be castigated by these powers if you return to your Christian roots, but you will inspire others to faith if you have the purity of heart to will one thing.

Sonje Finnestad, Saskatchewan, Canada, Lutheran pastor Stand firm, brothers and sisters. So many have capitulated.

[AppyPappy]

Was all that necessary?

[mancini]

And that “war and violence” gave them the country that allows them to act like a$$es. Pi$$ off people! ugh

[EnigmaticAnomaly]

Morons, all.

[VRWCmember]

Well, bless their little mennonite hearts.

[JRandomFreeper]

Who was the guy that said "Sell your cloak and buy a sword"? Oh, yeah, Jesus.

/johnny

[Anitius Severinus Boethius]

“I will sing to the LORD, for he is highly exalted. The horse and its rider he has hurled into the sea. The LORD is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise him, my father's God, and I will exalt him. The LORD is a warrior; the LORD is his name. Pharaoh's chariots and his army he has hurled into the sea. The best of Pharaoh's officers are drowned in the Red Sea. The deep waters have covered them; they sank to the depths like a stone.

“Your right hand, O LORD, was majestic in power. Your right hand, O LORD, shattered the enemy. In the greatness of your majesty you threw down those who opposed you. You unleashed your burning anger; it consumed them like stubble. By the blast of your nostrils the waters piled up. The surging waters stood firm like a wall; the deep waters congealed in the heart of the sea.

“The enemy boasted, ‘I will pursue, I will overtake them. I will divide the spoils; I will gorge myself on them. I will draw my sword and my hand will destroy them.’ But you blew with your breath, and the sea covered them. They sank like lead in the mighty waters.

“Who among the gods is like you, O LORD? Who is like you—majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders? You stretched out your right hand and the earth swallowed them.

“In your unfailing love you will lead the people you have redeemed. In your strength you will guide them to your holy dwelling. The nations will hear and tremble; anguish will grip the people of Philistia. The chiefs of Edom will be terrified, the leaders of Moab will be seized with trembling, the people of Canaan will melt away; terror and dread will fall upon them. By the power of your arm they will be as still as a stone— until your people pass by, O LORD, until the people you bought pass by. You will bring them in and plant them on the mountain of your inheritance— the place, O LORD, you made for your dwelling, the sanctuary, O Lord, your hands established. The LORD will reign for ever and ever.”

---

I wonder how many of those who signed the above would be offended by the above song?

[SandRat]

Yes ... now you know who the traitors are.

[Mr. Mojo]

Never before have so many Christians, including pastors, priests, laypersons and theologians from around the world, so clearly stated that nationalist songs of this sort have no place in Christian formation.

Betcha they'd have no problem at all with a global, one world, kumbaya anthem and pledging allegiance to the UN flag. Heck, this bunch of fools would probably have no problem with bowing to Mecca 5x/day.

[SandRat]

Not a one I’d bet.

[Anitius Severinus Boethius]

I bet you would be wrong. I have talked to a few kids at Bible School who have never read the Song of Moses and Miriam and are appalled by the violent language when they do read it.

[EDINVA]

Nothing like making it difficult to find the first post!

Never heard of Goshen College, so went to the its website. There is a claim they have NOT banned the National Anthem, that there has been a lot of mis-reporting in the press. It seems the Board advanced the petition and wanted more info from the college president ... it seems to be from Facebook and that’s all the info I could glean.

http://www.goshen.edu/

[CondorFlight]

They should try looking at the lyrics to the French national anthem if they want bloodthirsty lyrics...

[dancusa]

All those idiots should just go iron their Che T-shirts.

[Red Badger]

He also said this:

Matthew 10:34 (NIV)
“Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.

[cranked]

Goshen College? lulzwhatwho?! Never heard of the alleged college, ever. =.=

[Stormdog]

I can’t get over the irony of the date of their decision, June 6th. On June 6th 1944 thousands of free men were slaughtered on the beaches at Normandy trying to free an enslaved Europe so that people could be free to live and worship (or not) in any way they chose. The world, including here, would be a far differrent place had they failed.

It’s one thing to be a pacifist it’s quite another to be an ingrate.

[Fester Chugabrew]

We might be surprised how many people listed above are on our side when it comes to conservative principles. My first instinct upon hearing this is that we’re dealing with a bunch of Commies and liberal asshats. A more-informed perspective may reveal a group of people who love our Country, but do not worship it; who are willing, able, and happy to excercise the freedoms granted here, but refrain from using force to bring something into the world that God has bestowed in the first place.

We should not make our National Anthem compulsory at sporting events, nor should we make the Pledge of Allegiance compulsory, for that in itself would mitigate the very idea of being a free people, would it not?

The above being said, I’ve never been offended by the fact that a free country cannot be such without real fights and battles of flesh and blood, nor do I shrink in the least from either singing the National Anthem or saying the Pledge of Allegiance. For our convictions to be honest, however, a certain amount of civility and latitude must extend toward those who express reservations under the circumstances.

In short, this is a stange case where the battle seems plain on the face of it, but it may not be so.

Cordially,

-FC

[ExpatGator]

Yep. Parasites, one and all.

[mancini]

Normandy...this baby-boomer would love to visit that hallowed ground someday. Any time I think about seeing it in person, I picture myself falling to my knees and crying. The sacrifice of that day by great and good nations is being quickly forgotten.