One of the deep disagreements and divisions within the church is over the practice of homosexuality, recently heightened by a group of clergy who have declared that they will perform holy unions in opposition to the Book of Discipline. This has caused different experiences of deep pain throughout the church. As the bishops of the church, we commit ourselves to be in prayer for the whole church and for the brokenness our communities experience. Furthermore, we “implore families and churches not to reject or condemn lesbian and gay members and friends. We commit ourselves to be in
ministry for and with all persons” (par. 161F). We will continue to offer grace upon grace to all in the name of Christ.
A fine and courageous letter, very encouraging. It sure helps that the UMC is an international body, and not just an American one. Clearly, the growing presence of African Methodists in the UMC is counteracting the tendency of many American Methodists to conform to the prevailing currents in our increasingly confused and amoral culture. The UMC just may prove to be the one so-called “mainline” Protestant denomination that succeeds in withstanding the strong, relentless pressures to capitulate to our relativist culture.
Time will tell. However, I fully expect the UMC eventually to split over the issue (like TEC or the ELCA or the PCUSA), only this time it will be the liberals, or reappraisers, who choose to leave, instead of the orthodox. A very welcome difference.
The Methodist bishops don’t claim to be successors of the apostles, but they are ACTING much more like bishops should act than most of those in TEC do. Wesley would be proud of them. Bravo.
David Handy+