75 Gay Methodist Clergy Petition Church

[davidinalameda]

http://www.365gay.com/Newscon06/04/041906methodists.htm

In an open letter 75 United Methodist LGBT clergy, most of them not out until now, are calling on the denomination to abolish a ban on "practicing homosexuals" from the clergy.

While reaffirming their commitment to continue serving the denomination the 75 reminded United Methodists that “you are the church that opened our minds and hearts to God’s irrevocable call into ministry.”

Serving the church at every level, they “have embodied God's presence in worship and in your lives, blessing your marriages, responding to midnight calls, holding your hands, wiping your tears, and laying your precious loved ones to rest,” the letter said.

The letter was made public a week before the UMC Judicial Council meets in Kansas City. The clergy members called on the council to reverse a ruling last year that ordered the reinstatement of a Virginia pastor who had been fired after he refused to allow a gay man to join his parish. (story)

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

1. They were brave to do this

and isn't that sad? Any church who says they follow the teachings of Jesus need to look at what Jesus said. His ministry was an inclusive one; those who are anti-homosexual only quote Leviticus from the Talmud or the letters of Paul-they can't quote Jesus because He never talked of gays-only of treating each person as you would be treated.

[MemphisTiger]

2. This does take courage for them to do, the methodist

leadership does not bow down to these kind of movements. I fear they may have signed their expulsion papers. I guess I know what the sermon in my UMC church will be this Sunday.

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

3. I left the UMC years ago

when the members of my local congregation made anti-Semetic remarks. I later found my spiritual path was more universal, and became a Sufi initiate.

[MemphisTiger]

4. My congregation has never made any remarks against any other

religion. They may disagree with them, but have never made any overt remarks. For the most part, my congregation is pretty conservative, too conservative for my taste, but they do mean well. Most do walk the walk. Many members have adopted children that are pro-life, go on mission trips to help those in need, as well as volunteer at local areas of town that are considered the ghetto.

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

5. I know that most UMC churches are like the ones you described

My brother's church is very nice. But where I was living at the time had only one UMC and they were the way I described. I tried in my post to make it clear that my problem was with my particular church at that time.

[MemphisTiger]

6. I understand

some of the bad members can ruin you on the church in general.