Christ Welcomes All.
This is the principle that guides First Presbyterian Church in Bowling Green (firstpresbyterianbg.org). Apparently one of the current candidates for Bowling Green City council has issues with the way we express the love of God. Mark Hanson is seeking to represent BG in the first ward.
I am an active member of this congregation but speak only for myself.
In May 2010, Mr. Hanson, at the National Day of Prayer event, was quoted in a local newspaper and distributing a pamphlet that “suggested one Bowling Green church to be ‘Anti-Christ’ because of its ‘Christ welcomes all’ message.”
Several years ago, Mr. Hanson and his group Cops for Christ also protested the Presbyterian Church during one of our Sunday services, presumably all because we are open and affirming to the LGBTQ community. This, while he was still an active member of the BG police force.
You probably know a Presbyterian. We number in the hundreds in this small community. Our members have been civic leaders from day one in Bowling Green. Indeed, located just across the street from the police station on Church St., the street was named because the Presbyterian Church is located there. Our members have served as mayor, on city council, president of BGSU, been named Citizen of the Year, run local businesses, and many, many other important roles.
We feed the hungry with a Christmas ministry for families and children, through participation in Martha’s Kitchen and the local food pantries. Our Deacon’s Shop provides clothing free of charge to many in the area. We also offer housing to numerous groups and programs in BG, including La Conexion, Narcotics Anonymous, Alcoholics Anonymous, a school for at-risk kids in Wood County, and Wood Lane. These are just a few.
Anti-Christ, really?
Mr. Hanson’s disrespect for the Presbyterian Church and our members is beyond revolting. Concerning also is that he is the endorsed Republican for the First Ward seat. This is either a tacit embrace of these radical views and actions or they have chosen to turn a blind eye to them.
Mr. Hanson cannot possibly represent the people of this city with the extremist views he holds. We as a community must resoundingly reject him and his views by not electing him to city council and giving him a voice for this extremism.
Lisa Lawson
Bowling Green
