United Methodists and LGBT ethics
Hi Dojo readers,
I just got back from the 2014 Annual Conference of the Western North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church. For those who aren’t UMC-savvy, Annual Conference is the yearly gathering of representatives and clergy from all the UM churches in the Western NC district. It’s a mixture of worship services, denominational business, ordination and commemoration of those who are retiring or have passed away. It is held at the gorgeous Lake Junaluska camp in the mountains near Ashville.
Much took place at this AC, but one the final event I was able to attend had significance that will continue to be played out over the next few years in the life of the UMC worldwide.
The Bishop convened a panel discussion over the future of the UMC as it pertains to the recent actions on the part of clergy members and congregations who do not feel they can in good conscience abide by the teachings of the UMC when it comes to the issue of same-sex sexual ethics.
Without going into the full history of the debate, a minority within the denomination have been attempting for roughly the past 40 years to get the church to change it’s view regarding the celebrating of same-sex unions and the ordination of self-avowed non-celibate LGBT clergy candidates.
The issue is one that generates much heat, but often very little light. So our WNCC Bishop will be holding a series of dialogues in the coming year throughout the conference on this issue and the ramifications that might come about if the denomination ends up splitting as a result. The hope is that whatever happens, Methodists won’t have to go through all of the hardships that other denominations (such as Episcopalians and Presbyterians) have experienced when it comes to issues of church assets and properties if such a separation should occur.
My friend and Pastor, Talbot Davis, was on the panel and despite being the only voice representing the current UM stance on the issue, did a good job explaining why it is so important and why it really has to do with much more than just same-sex sexual relationships.
I was hoping to get to ask a few questions during the open Q&A, but due to some “mini-sermons” by others who got to the mic before me, we ran out of time. In a future post I will share those questions perhaps. But for now, I wanted to encourage readers to revisit this exchange I had a few years ago on the subject with a fellow Methodist who disagrees with the denominational stance. He and I engaged in a cordial, respectful, friendly, yet honest debate and I believe it would benefit not just Methodists, but also the entire Body of Christ as we seek to continue living counter-culturally in a post-Christendom culture.
Please read and share the following series of posts with anyone you know, particularly in UMC circles…
https://jmsmith.org/blog/same-sex-1
https://jmsmith.org/blog/same-sex-2
https://jmsmith.org/blog/same-sex-3
https://jmsmith.org/blog/same-sex-4
https://jmsmith.org/blog/same-sex-5
https://jmsmith.org/blog/same-sex-6
https://jmsmith.org/blog/same-sex-7
https://jmsmith.org/blog/same-sex-8
Blessings from the Dojo,
JM
Categories: Biblical Theology, Blog, Ministry, Political/Social issues, Theological issues
[…] gives us a wonderful example of deep dialogue around this issue over at Disciple Dojo as well (see here). Please, let’s keep listening and may lives be changed and God be glorified for time and […]
by WNCCUMC Annual Conference Panel Discusion on Possibility of Amicable Seperation: Recollections and Reflections | umc holiness on Jun 25, 2014 at 8:18 pm