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Dear Reader Is it possible to be consistently "pro-life"? Friends have argued heatedly about abortion and feminism, war and capital punishment. This month, we bring you two articles about the Seamless Garment Network, a collection of activist organizations that seek to transcend those divisions. The late Cardinal Bernadine of Chicago contributed the image of the "seamless garment" from John's Gospel. The soldiers at the crucifixion noticed that Jesus' tunic was seamless and said, "let us not tear it, but cast lots for it to see who will get it.'" (John 19:24, NRS) Many years ago I was horrified when God showed me that, despite my peace activism, I had within me the will to commit murder through abortion if that would help me satisfy my sexual desires. That was when I first recognized myself as a sinner. We who have the "seeds of murder" within need to come together at the foot of the cross. We need God's forgiveness; we need to don Jesus' seamless garment. Lori Barg's story of cancer and taxes (p. 32), and Tom Webb's account of his recent amputation (Back Bench) both point movingly to the love of life, and God's presence in the midst of harsh realities. Tom Webb is substituting for Tom Mullen who would normally have taken his place in the Back Bench rotation. We are joining him in mourning the loss of his dear wife Nancy who died suddenly in December (see Passages). Tom Mullen will return in July. On the third of March we said goodbye to Johan Maurer as he took off for a three-month sabbatical leave. We wish him much refreshment and renewal. Next month, our focus will be on Kenya and Russia. Ben Richmond

4 A Consistent Pro-Life Ethic: the Seamless Garment Netrwork Rachel MacNair 6 A History of the Seamless Garment Network Carol Crossed 8 Seeking Spiritual Renewal through Retreats in Nature Donna Eder 10 Salt and Light: Bruce Bishop Contemplative Evangelicalism 11 Commitments: John Timothy Leary, 1958-1982 Johan Maurer 12 News 14 News from Friends United Meeting 16 Focus on Ministry: Lugulu Hospital Welcomes Good News John Myers 18 Bible Study Anne Thomas 19 Turning Points Joyce Brown 20 Reader's Essay: Vital Youth Ministry: What is it and how will I know when I am there? Ray Luther 23 Passages 24 Meeting Directory 28 Classifieds 30 Reviews and Releases 35 The Back Bench: Another Chance to Get it Right Tom Webb

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