Tensions over same-sex marriage and pastor ordination of practicing homosexuals reached a breaking point with the 2019 special UM General Conference. The conference voted 438-384 to continue the UM policy to not endorse same-sex weddings and “self-avowed practicing” gay clergy. The relatively narrow vote did not settle the debate but instead sparked widespread resistance and accelerated discussions of a denominational divorce.
Over the past two years, UM General Conference postponed meetings because of the pandemic; ergo, much of our denomination has been in a holding pattern, waiting for their action. Meanwhile, at Lancaster UMC, we are beginning a summer reading program to enhance our quest to love one another as Christ loved the world. Our main goal is not to change minds but to inform our current thoughts, allow God to soften hearts, and heal our damaged emotions.
Question: Can we humbly kneel at the Holy Communion table together when we are uncomfortable and even hurt and mad with each other, or will we eject and leave The Table?
Answer: While the UMC is running its course in dealing with declining membership and human sexuality, we will stay at The Table seeking the Mind of Christ as we examine various Biblical interpretations of this difficult subject. We will ask God to continue to increase our hearts level of compassion towards those who disagree and have or will offend us. “May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in Your sight, LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.” (Psalm 19:14)
Our goal is not to become 100% comfortable with our view of homosexuality and have everyone around us like-minded. Instead, our goal is to humble ourselves before God and one another, listen and learn, and follow the way of Christ’s amazing grace and truth.
Our first step towards receiving God’s transforming power in our hearts and minds is to read the book listed below which we disagree. If you are progressive-leaning, read People to be Loved. If you are conservative-leaning, read God and the Gay Christian. Unfortunately, there is no perfect book. These authors were chosen because both take the biblical text seriously as the authoritative Word of God; therefore, reading both books would be most profitable.
As part of this first step, find a friend or two you agree with on this issue and meet each week to review the portions you have read. In September, those who have completed step one will have an opportunity to speak from the pulpit about things they have learned from reading the book with the opposing view and share their personal and denominational concerns over homosexuality.
Nothing seems to be dividing churches and Christian communities more deeply than the issue of homosexuality. Angela and I would rather be nowhere else other than LUMC in such challenging times as these. Thank you for your prayerful participation in wrestling with the complexity of same-sex attraction.
- Pastor Greg
