Guidelines for Letters

A distinction is made between letters intended or not intended by the writer for publication. Where necessary, the editorial staff will seek to clarify this. The magazine reserves the right to edit letters for length, style, legality, and taste. Letters to the editor should be 250 words or less.

Letters published are generally to comment on issues raised in The Messenger. Letters that do not represent official Conference positions can be published in The Messenger. Within a Conference comprised of various voices, the magazine is to encourage the “community hermeneutic” toward responsible Christian belief, teaching and practice.

To be published, letters by regular mail and by fax must contain a handwritten signature with at least the writer’s first and last names and an address. For e-mail letters, the writer’s name, e-mail address, and mailing address are together deemed to be an electronic signature. In all forms of correspondence, a phone number is helpful to clarify matters where needed. The writer’s name and general address are to be published. In sensitive matters, names may be withheld upon request or at the discretion of Messenger staff.

Some letters will not be published under any circumstances: letters that appear obscene, that are anonymous or unsigned, that appear to involve a personal attack, or that involve a legal matter.

Submit a letter to The Messenger.