This editorial,  from Bob Tannehill,  appeared in the  Winston Salem Journal (May 16). A  member and Sunday school teacher at Calvary Baptist Church, his  letter is evidence that  public perception is that  issues have not been resolved and action and language of  Moravian leaders continues to lack the affirmation of authority of scriptural direction.
See Journal Article
 See response letter from Margaret Leinbach
See Letter from PEC
See Letter from Truman Dunn

FUNDAMENTAL TRUTHS

I've been following the dilemma of Truman Dunn ("In The Fold", May 9) with considerable consternation. As an outsider with numerous friends at his and other Moravian churches, my thoughts are directed to Christians. Just what does it mean to be one? If Jesus is not the only way to salvation, why teach that He is?

What about the Great Commission? Why do we fund and support missionaries to all parts of the world to spread the Gospel? And what is the "Gospel"? It's the "good news" that Jesus is the Son of God, the Messiah (Savior). That's the all-important mission of His church!

With respect to the Rev. Craig Atwood's contention that "we rediscovered what it means to be Moravian...it's more than just doctrine, it's a way of doing things," I would emphasize that it's ALL about doctrine! We need to discover what it means to be CHRISTIAN!

The Rev. Bob Sawyer said "It is not part of our teaching that people of other faiths are condemn- ed by God." Then may I suggest they are not teaching from the Bible! It is not our place, of course, to make a judgment call on God's condemnations, but the Scripture tells us that "every knee shall bow and ever tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord." That pretty much says it all, I believe. The fundamental truths of the Bible are just that.

One may call himself anything he chooses, but he simply can't describe himself as a Christian if he doesn't believe who Christ is. I'm amazed that there are those who think they can.

Bob G. Tannehill
2610 Caraway Lane
Winston-Salem, NC 27103