Difficult Day
Just before dinner General Conference voted on what is perhaps the most divisive matter among us: whether or not our denomination understands persons who are involved in same-sex relationships to be engaging in sinful behavior.
The particular issue raised this afternoon involved a petition to change the statement "The United Methodist Church does not condone the practice of homosexuality and consider this practice incompatible with Christian teaching" found in paragraph 161 (g) of our Social Principles. Instead of this statement, the petition asked our Church to acknowledge that we are not of one mind on this issue and that people on "both sides" of the issue are making a sincere witness to their faith.
This change made (and makes) good sense to me, for two reasons: 1) it offers an honest statement of sentiment among us and 2) it removes the condemning language regarding gay and lesbian persons. I, therefore, voted in favor of changing the language in the Discipline.
Which meant I ended up voting in the minority. (The picture above depicts the witness made by some delegates in solidarity with gay and lesbian persons impacted by the decision). The petition failed by a vote of 55% to 45%. I'm disappointed, though not surprised. Having been a member of the UMC for 23 years (18 as pastor), I know how difficult this issue is for us. We read the same biblical text related to this issue and take away different meanings. We've been shaped by different life experiences.
But for me, the issue isn't defined by legislation, voting results or even biblical interpretation. Its about the value of people in God's eyes. When I voted today, the faces of gay and lesbian family members, friends, parishioners and clergy colleagues were in my mind's eye. My love for them, and more importantly, the love I know God has for them, compelled me to vote for change.
That change didn't come is, as I said, disappointing. I don't resent the 55% of my sisters and brothers who voted differently then me. I know God loves them too, no more or less than God loves me. I trust we're all seeking to be faithful. And I rejoice in a God who sticks with us through all our deliberations, stumblings and struggles.
The particular issue raised this afternoon involved a petition to change the statement "The United Methodist Church does not condone the practice of homosexuality and consider this practice incompatible with Christian teaching" found in paragraph 161 (g) of our Social Principles. Instead of this statement, the petition asked our Church to acknowledge that we are not of one mind on this issue and that people on "both sides" of the issue are making a sincere witness to their faith.
This change made (and makes) good sense to me, for two reasons: 1) it offers an honest statement of sentiment among us and 2) it removes the condemning language regarding gay and lesbian persons. I, therefore, voted in favor of changing the language in the Discipline.
Which meant I ended up voting in the minority. (The picture above depicts the witness made by some delegates in solidarity with gay and lesbian persons impacted by the decision). The petition failed by a vote of 55% to 45%. I'm disappointed, though not surprised. Having been a member of the UMC for 23 years (18 as pastor), I know how difficult this issue is for us. We read the same biblical text related to this issue and take away different meanings. We've been shaped by different life experiences.
But for me, the issue isn't defined by legislation, voting results or even biblical interpretation. Its about the value of people in God's eyes. When I voted today, the faces of gay and lesbian family members, friends, parishioners and clergy colleagues were in my mind's eye. My love for them, and more importantly, the love I know God has for them, compelled me to vote for change.
That change didn't come is, as I said, disappointing. I don't resent the 55% of my sisters and brothers who voted differently then me. I know God loves them too, no more or less than God loves me. I trust we're all seeking to be faithful. And I rejoice in a God who sticks with us through all our deliberations, stumblings and struggles.
posted by Pastor Bill | 8:27 PM
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