People say never to
talk politics or religion at family get-togethers. There is always the
danger that people will take sides, raise the volume level, and stop
listening.
Yet healthy families don’t avoid important conversations even though people we love may take a different position on the issue. So we need to speak to what the General Conference of the United Methodist Church did (or didn’t) do when it comes to the question of the ordination of persons who are gay or lesbian and whether we will allow UM clergy to bless the union/marriages of gay couples.
As you read this article please remember that First UMC/The Open Door are Christ-centered communities open to all persons. Everyone -whatever their age, gender, sexual orientation, or marital status- will be welcomed, loved, and discipled here.
At the meeting in Tampa a few weeks ago more than 900 lay and clergy delegates from around the world voted to keep the official position of the UMC on homosexuality. This position has often angered conservatives and frustrated those who are considered more liberal.
In part that statement in our Book of Discipline (Para. 161) calls us to “responsible stewardship of this sacred gift” (sexuality). Sexual relations are “affirmed only with the covenant of monogamous, heterosexual marriage.”
The UMC is an advocate for the human and civil rights of all people whatever their age, gender, marital status, or sexual orientation.
Our General Conference voted to retain language in our Book of Discipline that says: “We affirm that all persons are individuals of sacred worth, created in the image of God. All persons need the ministry of the Church… The United Methodist Church does not condone the practice of homosexuality and considers this practice incompatible with Christian teaching. We affirm that God’s grace is available to all. We will seek to live together in Christian community, welcoming, forgiving, and loving one another, as Christ has loved and accepted us.”
The decision not to change the official position of the denomination was cheered by some and broke the hearts of others. The truth is that we are a family where people differ on this issue.
Here are a couple of observations:
Yet healthy families don’t avoid important conversations even though people we love may take a different position on the issue. So we need to speak to what the General Conference of the United Methodist Church did (or didn’t) do when it comes to the question of the ordination of persons who are gay or lesbian and whether we will allow UM clergy to bless the union/marriages of gay couples.
As you read this article please remember that First UMC/The Open Door are Christ-centered communities open to all persons. Everyone -whatever their age, gender, sexual orientation, or marital status- will be welcomed, loved, and discipled here.
At the meeting in Tampa a few weeks ago more than 900 lay and clergy delegates from around the world voted to keep the official position of the UMC on homosexuality. This position has often angered conservatives and frustrated those who are considered more liberal.
In part that statement in our Book of Discipline (Para. 161) calls us to “responsible stewardship of this sacred gift” (sexuality). Sexual relations are “affirmed only with the covenant of monogamous, heterosexual marriage.”
The UMC is an advocate for the human and civil rights of all people whatever their age, gender, marital status, or sexual orientation.
Our General Conference voted to retain language in our Book of Discipline that says: “We affirm that all persons are individuals of sacred worth, created in the image of God. All persons need the ministry of the Church… The United Methodist Church does not condone the practice of homosexuality and considers this practice incompatible with Christian teaching. We affirm that God’s grace is available to all. We will seek to live together in Christian community, welcoming, forgiving, and loving one another, as Christ has loved and accepted us.”
The decision not to change the official position of the denomination was cheered by some and broke the hearts of others. The truth is that we are a family where people differ on this issue.
Here are a couple of observations:
- Much of this conversation has to do with how we read
scripture. Both sides in this conversation need to anchor their
position in Biblical truth. It is true that portions of the OT and
NT condemn homosexuality, but then the Bible says not to work on the
Sabbath, not to remarry after being divorced, not to mix fabrics together,
etc. How do we read these passages that refer to
homosexuality? And what does the example of Christ, as he shows us
how to love one another, shape our reading of scripture?
- The UMC is solidly in support of the civil rights of
all persons regardless of gender or sexual orientation. That
position puts us on the side of those seeking legal rights that are given
to heterosexual couples, it seems to me.
- The position of the UMC is “evolving” on
homosexuality. North Americans tend to be more liberal on this
issue, but the growing African church is more conservative. It was
the voice of 3rd world Christians that helped stop any change in our
position. Being a global church means it is sometimes difficult for
us to work our way to a common position.
- We are committed to First/ The Open Door being a
Christ-centered community where all are welcomed, all are loved, all are
discipled, and all are encouraged to use their serving/leadership gifts
for God.
- Sometimes one of the toughest things to do is to stay
at the table when the family conversation doesn’t go where you wanted it
to go. Whether you agree with the official position of the UMC or
you are bitterly disappointed, I pray that we will all stay at the
table. Keep growing together. Keep learning together.
Keep serving together. Letting Christ’s call to love one another as
he has loved us overwhelm any temptation to push our chair back and walk
away.
This brief article is certainly not a final word or a full report, but I believed you needed to hear something from your pastors about the actions of our General Conference.
Would you pray for the church as we ask God to help us do a better job of hearing God’s voice, listening to one another, and growing in our ability to love all people?
In Christ and for Christ,
Mark
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