Most people know that the United Methodist Church is in turmoil. Most are not aware of why. The accusation is that it is against the Bible to be LBGTQ and be a minister, and that “these people ” while welcome to come to church are not welcome to participate in all parts of Methodist life. They can be celibate and be pastors but cannot be in a loving relationship.
The worn out phrase “hate the sin, love the sinner” is cruel, unChristian, and narrow minded. Being LBGTQ is how a person is born. It is not a choice. Who, in their right mind would choose to live as an oppressed outcast?
This is not about LBGTQ, it is about power, control, and of course money. It always is. But Wesley had this beautiful idea that in community we could change the world for the Kingdom of God. Apparently that doesn’t matter to a growing number of people.
Here is the not well know part of my life. My grandfather, who I never knew, was Methodist; my 100 year old aunt is a Methodist; all of my cousins on that side are Methodist; and, my late brother was a Methodist all of his adult life. So, yes this matters to me.
What breaks my heart is that “how is it with your spirit? “, the question we are to ask each other daily no longer matters. When did we quit caring ?
TMM