02/27/2019
Dearest Church Family,
Yesterday, February 26th, by a vote of 438 to 384 the Traditional Plan was approved by the Special Called General Conference. This plan reaffirms the language in our Book of Discipline that denies homosexual persons marriage and ordination. The plan also lays out the consequences of clergy who disobey this portion of the Book of Discipline. There were amendments and changes from the original petition but I am not completely sure what those are. As more information comes from the United Methodist News service, I will share it with you. As well, there are parts of this plan that have already been deemed unconstitutional by our Judicial Council. I do not know what that means for the implementation of the plan, nor do I understand a clear time line of what’s next. The Judicial Council meets again in April. I will share information as I receive it.
As the pastor of Liberty and Philadelphia churches, I must be honest, I have labored over how I might respond to the decision made by our General Conference yesterday. I had hoped for the One Church Plan which would have allowed clergy, churches and conferences to minister in their contexts, following their convictions and allowing those with differing theology to do the same. This plan was not perfect, but its focus on unity offered hope for a way forward as the church. At present, I am truly unsure what will take place next. Will we have progressive churches, church members and pastors leave the denomination? It is likely that we will and this saddens me. Jesus prayed that we might all be one (John 17:21).
Sadly, before, during and now following General Conference the rhetoric and misinformation have not witnessed to the grace and love of our Lord. We have talked about human beings as if they were problems to be fixed. This is not the way of Jesus. Regardless of where we stand in our theology on human sexuality, please remember that we are talking about human beings. Within our church charge there are LGBTQIA+ individuals, family, friends and allies. As we discuss human sexuality we are talking about folks’ humanity, their children, grandchildren, parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, etc. etc. etc. The father of Methodism offered us three simple rules to live by. Do no harm. Do good. Attend to the ordinances of God (these being the spiritual disciplines of mercy and piety). The head of the church, Jesus the Christ, God’s Son, our Savior, offers us two simple rules to follow. Love God with all that you are; and love others as you love yourself (Matthew 22:37-39; Mark 12:30-31; Luke 10:27; John 13:31-35). In the coming days and weeks as we navigate the decisions of our General Conference, let love rule our words and actions for God is Love (1 John 4:7-21). Within our churches, Sunday school classes, small groups, etc. there are differing ideas. May we be witnesses of God’s love despite our differences, seeking to understand rather than persuade.
To the LGBTQIA+ folks who are hurting today, know that God sees you. God hears you. God loves you. God will never leave you nor forsake you. The church is NOT God! Also, know that the actions of the General Conference do not reflect the whole of The United Methodist Church. And as such, speaking only for myself, I will continue to minister by the principle that ALL persons are of sacred worth and I will continue to minister in love and acceptance in the name of Jesus the Christ.
Today, my heart is breaking for our church. My heart is breaking for our LGBTQIA+ siblings. My heart is breaking for families who are torn between their children and their church. My heart is breaking for the generation that we are losing. My heart is breaking for the ministry that has been left undone while we make decisions on who is in and who is out. Yet, I choose to live in hope, knowing that we are all growing. The Potter is still at the wheel. And the tomb could not hold Jesus. Let us live in the promise of resurrection!
Finally, a word about social media. The church page is used for publishing information relevant to the church and as a tool in our mission to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. Please use it as such and remind others to do the same.
Again, pray for our United Methodist Church and all of her members across the globe as we continue to grapple with our understanding of God’s will.
In Christ’s Saving Grace,
Pastor Kristy
