Reprehensible, authoritarian, predictable – the action of the Vermont Principals’ Association (VPA) booting Mid Vermont Christian School from all future sporting events is reprehensible. It was also predictable, given VPA’s despisal of the “traditional” (i.e. biblical) definition of gender. There are two, in case you’re wondering. The authoritarianism of VPA’s manner is also striking, as they apparently threw down their decision from on high without any attempt to dialogue with MVCS.
How should you respond, MVCS board? As Christians, I hope you will respectfully appeal the VPA’s decision, going the extra mile which the VPA so far has refused to take. Be conciliatory and reasonable, and seek for common interests. Speak the truth in love, and “make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame” (1 Pet. 3:15-16).
As American citizens, argue on the basis of the First Amendment’s protection of religious liberty—which the VPA’s actions have so blatantly denied. A lawsuit may be in order. And while you’re at it, demonstrate love even to those who oppose you, “letting your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (Matt. 5:16).
To sum it up, God calls you to serve him as “ambassadors for Christ” in all things (2 Cor. 5:20). What a great opportunity to teach MVCS student how to do this by your own example of faithfulness! – Andrew H. Selle, Essex Junction
Forewarned is forearmed – Gordon Chang wrote….. “The world needs to look at what the Chinese leadership is in fact doing. Xi Jinping appointed what is now known as his “war cabinet” in October, at the Communist Party’s 20th National Congress; he is implementing the largest military buildup since the Second World War; he has been trying to sanctions-proof his regime; and he is mobilizing the civilian population for war. Communist Party cadres, for example, are taking over privately owned factories and converting them from civilian to military production.
“In the latest move, China’s regime is establishing National Defense Mobilization Offices across the country. The Reservists Law went into effect the first of this month.” – Frank Mazur, South Burlington