News, Views, & Action Needed by Activists
Elkhart, Indiana Mayor David Miller in front of the Ten Commandments that have been at the municipal building since 1958 (Associated Press photo)
High court rejects Commandment case - Cincinnati Enquirer article
Below is a letter sent to area pastors:
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Jeffrey D. Schaffer, EI
Project Engineer
Marbach, Brady & Weaver, Inc.
3220 Southview Drive
Elkhart, Indiana 46514
Phone 219.266.1010
Fax 219.262.3040
June 3, 2002
Dear Pastor,
"Where are the eighty-six pastors from Elkhart’s churches and their congregations? Where are our soldiers of righteousness defending this monument if indeed it is important to our heritage?"
Honorable David Miller, Mayor of the City of Elkhart, Indiana
As you are well aware, it has taken and will take a miraculous work of God to save our Ten Commandments Monument as it stands at Elkhart’s City Hall. Though the Indiana Civil Liberties Union has won the first court battle, there remain options for the city. The possibility remains that the legal battle can still be won. Expert constitutional attorneys are currently reviewing the case files and may be willing to help the city reopen the case. However, the city has decided that no more taxpayer money should be spent to continue the fight.
However, there is hope. Last week, our mayor delayed plans to move our monument, allowing for the people to speak. Even in the eleventh hour of this fight, the people of this great city and the people of Michiana can stand and be counted. We believe that God has an even greater miracle in store for Elkhart. If we open our hearts and let God work through us, we can save our monument. But, the time is short. We have at most three weeks to act.
The soldiers of righteousness must hear the call of our mayor. He is truly a man of God who has fought the good fight to save our monument. Now we are calling on the citizens of Elkhart to stand up and make a difference. Here is how we can make that difference:
· The city has decided that no longer will taxpayer money be used to fight the legal battle. We respect that decision completely. The administration believes it will take approximately $100,000 to continue the legal fight. As of Monday, June 3, nearly $20,000 has been raised. Though the amount of money may seem insurmountable, God can accomplish this through us. Please speak to your congregation regarding this. Encourage them to allow God to work through their finances and be willing to give as God leads them. Also, consider giving a donation from church funds.
Any checks should be made out to "City of Elkhart" with "Ten Commandments Fund" noted in the memo line. If the city for any reason does not use the funds to continue the legal fight, the checks will be returned to the donor. For information regarding cash donations, please contact Robert Weaver at 266-1010 or (260) 768-4328.
· Again, our mayor is an honorable, Godly man. Nevertheless, he needs our encouragement in this troubled time. Ask your congregation to send letters and emails to our mayor, encouraging him and urging him to reopen the legal case.
Mayor David Miller email: mayormiller@aol.com
City of Elkhart
229 South Second Street
Elkhart, Indiana 46516
· Finally, and most importantly, we need prayer. Ask your congregation to pray for our mayor, for the city council, and for the federal judges. Most importantly, pray that God would show his glory in this situation and do a great work in the City of Elkhart and throughout the Michiana community.
"The window is narrow and closing, but with God, all things are possible."
Honorable David Miller, Mayor of the City of Elkhart, Indiana
We have reached a point in this battle where it can no longer be won by man alone. If it is God’s will that our monument continues to stand, He will be the reason behind. Miracles are real, and God can work a miracle in Elkhart. Thank you for your support. If you have any questions, please call Robert Weaver at (260) 768-4328, Jim Bontrager at 825-1271, or Jeffrey Schaffer at (574) 235-0900.
Sincerely,
Robert Weaver, Jim Bontrager, Jeffrey Schaffer, and our friends who share our faith
June 6, 2002
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