March 28, 2003

TO: Phil Valentine

RE: United Methodist Board of Church & Society

Dear Phil,

Recently you have offered comments regarding the relationship between the Nashville Peace And Justice Center, and the Board of Church & Society of the Tennessee Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church. Those comments lead us to offer the following statement::

In 1995, the Board of Church And Society of the Tennessee Annual Conference entered into a relationship with the Nashville Peace And Justice Center. At that time, several faith groups were associated with the center, including the Presbyterian Church USA, the Social Concerns area of the local Roman Catholic Diocese, and the Nashville Association of Rabbis, Priests and Ministers. The Communist Party USA was not associated with the center when the relationship was established.

In January of 2003, The Board of Church And Society began a review of our relationship with the Nashville Peace And Justice Center. That review is in process. The Board of Church and Society will be considering all information carefully at our April meeting, evaluating the membership policies and programs of the Nashville Peace And Justice Center in the light of the gospel of Jesus Christ, and the Social Principles of the United Methodist Church, and assessing what should be our relationship, if any, with this organization.

It is regrettable that The Nashville Peace And Justice Center has not given more care to its membership policies and records. We are asking the Nashville Peace And Justice Center to provide a public accounting regarding the allegations of improper relationships.

We recognize in this difficult time the strong emotions felt by persons on both sides of the war debate. People of good faith and conscience differ over the justness of this war, trying to be faithful to their personal calling by God. The Board of Church And Society has attempted as well to be faithful to the teaching of our church, which believes that war is incompatible with the teaching and example of Jesus Christ, but also respects and provides support to those who are called to carry out policies of war, and those who believe that there is no other option than force. It is in that spirit that we have provided on our web site (www.tnumcs.org) support resources for those persons affected by this conflict.

Finally, Jesus' teaching was clear that Christian disciples are called to ministries of love. During this emotionally charged time, we call on all people of faith to consider how they are responding to others who may disagree with their beliefs with love and respect. We also call all believers in Jesus Christ to be in prayer for those fighting this war, the people of Iraq, and for the establishment of God's kingdom of peace on earth.

May God's grace be with our world in the days and weeks ahead.

Bishop William W. Morris

Nashville Episcopal Area

Rev. Jay Voorhees

Chair, Board of Church & Society of the Tennessee Annual Conference

Phil Valentine's Response

March 28, 2003

Dear Rev. Voorhees:

I appreciate your attention to this serious matter. As I've stated on the radio, in e-mails to my listeners and in newspaper columns, I believe that the Nashville Peace and Justice Center has been less than honest about their relationship with the Communist Party. Once I exposed that connection on the air, Mr. Matt Leber from the NPJC denied any association with the CPUSA. When I pointed out that the CPUSA and the NPJC listed the same address, he had no response.

I have heard from a former FBI agent who informed me that the NPJC's communist ties were well established and common knowledge within the Bureau.

Having come from a Democrat family, I'm certainly tolerant of most points of view. However, I believe the Communist Party, like the Nazi Party, runs way beyond those borders of tolerance. The spokeswoman from the Jewish Federation was comfortable with the former and not the latter. I see no difference between the two only that communism has a far more sadistic and murderous history than even Nazism.

I, in no way, wish for this to turn into a witch-hunt. However, people need to know the truth about the NPJC and then tailor their actions accordingly. I am delighted that your organization is revisiting this relationship and hope that you will decide it's in your best interest to sever your ties.

Again, I appreciate your attention to this matter and stand ready with research and assistance if you need it.

Regards,

Phil Valentine