Clarifying a Recent Boycott

I was recently approached by a customer who indicated they were considering boycotting my supermarket because of an article in your publication.

In your December 2005 issue (Newscan), you encouraged your readers to boycott Price Chopper/Mini Chopper Supermarkets because of their support of Planned Parenthood.

As a personal supporter of life and the rights of the unborn, I was particularly concerned that the company I represent would endorse the killing of the unborn. Fortunately, I found out that the “Price Chopper” Supermarkets your article was referring to are based out of Kansas City, Mo., and not Schenectady, N.Y. (Actually, there are at least three different Price Chopper chains in North America.)

Would you please make a retraction in your publication? We have many believers that are employed by the Schenectady- based Price Chopper, and our tithes and offerings help support many very worthy causes. It would be a shame for people to be deceived into boycotting a business that has employees who serve God and financially support His ministries.

—John Dean, store manager Price Chopper Supermarket Fulton, N.Y.

Editor’s Note: Thank you for this important clarification. We are forwarding your letter to the American Family Association and to EP News, which were our sources for this information.

Political Agenda of Editor, RPCNA

Recently I surveyed issues of the Witness from July 2004 to July 2005 to see what political topics were covered. Having been raised in the RP church and now a political scientist, I was interested to see what issues were of interest to members. In the Newscan section, I read about issues related to human sexuality, abortion, stem-cell research, drug addiction, gambling, and alcoholism; however, I saw very little discussion of economic justice, racial justice, care of creation, or just-war theory, all issues discussed in the National Association of Evangelicals’ statement, “For the Health of the Nations: An Evangelical Call to Responsibility.” I am wondering if the selection of articles reflects the editor’s political agenda or that of the entire denomination. For example, I wonder if leaders in the RPCNA will join the evangelical leaders who have announced a campaign to draw attention to the dangers of global warming.

—Kathryn A. Lee, chair, Dept. of Political Science, Eastern University St. Davids, Pa.

Editor’s Note: We don’t think primarily in terms of political agenda but of spiritual mission (see Viewpoint, page 2). Our goals with regard to the issues you mention are spelled out in documents like the Reformed Presbyterian Testimony, which also speaks to many topics covered in the NAE statement. We note that “the NAE has not taken a stand on global warming, but does encourage respectful dialogue on its causes, severity, and solutions” (NAE Insight, Feb./ Mar. 2006). We consistently invite qualified writers from the RPCNA to help us address current issues. This summer we will feature an issue on stem-cell research, and also will begin a column that examines how Christ’s lordship affects every aspect of our life and world. Thank you for writing.