The Skyline Council has discerned that Skyline Church needs to take some time to have a community conversation about whether or not God is calling us to make a statement welcoming LGBT persons to full membership and participation in the life of our church. Such a statement would affiliate Skyline with United Methodists who are part of the Reconciling Ministries Network (RMN). FAQs2. What does LGBT or GLBT stand for? 3. Doesn't the Bible say that homosexuality is a sin? 4. What exactly is the United Methodist officail position on homosexuality? 5. What does it mean to affiliate with the Reconciling Ministries Network? 6. What if I think we should not publicly welcome LGBT persons? 11. Are there resources that might help me better prepare for my part in this community conversation? 1. I think Skyline is already a welcoming church. Why do we need to single out this particular group in a welcome statement? Skyline United Methodist Church is congregation committed to welcoming all people. Yet we define "all" in different ways. Some of us believe that we should restrict the membership of persons because of their sexual orientation or gender identity (by not allowing them to teach, preach, or to serve in leadership, for instance). In fact, the United Methodist Church mandates that we (and our pastors) refuse to bless LGBT couples who want to make a lifelong pledge of commitment and love to each other before God. Because this group of people have been singled out by the church for exclusion, some of us feel God's calling to publicly welcome LGBT persons who have been traditionally barred from full participation in the life of the body of Christ. The Council feels God's leading to have a congregational conversation about whether or not we need to state publicly the extent of our welcome, particularly to LGBT persons, who are typically shunned and marginalized in the Christian church. Back to the Top 2. What does LGBT or GLBT stand for? LGBT is an acronym for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, or Transgender (GLBT changes the order of the first two words). This acronym collectively identifies persons who have a same-sex orientation (Lesbian or Gay), an orientation toward others of either gender (Bisexual), and persons who diverge from the normative gender role commonly, but not always, assigned at birth, as well as the role traditionally held by society (Transgender). Back to the Top 3. Doesn't the Bible say that homosexuality is a sin? There is no Hebrew or Greek word that means "homosexuality", and many scholars believe that Jewish writers of the Hebrew Bible and Christian authors of the New Testament had no concept for same-sex orientation (they believed that everyone was heterosexual). The passages in the Bible that do address same-gender physical sexual contact speak of that behavior in a negative context. So traditionally, many people in the church have concluded that the Bible condemns homosexuality as sin and homosexual people as sinners. Few people argue that these passages condemn temple prostitution and pedophilia - but some Christians question the traditional assumption that these passages imply a condemnation of all same-sex attraction. For an objective overview of different understandings and interpretations of these Bible passages, we recommend What Christians Think About Homosexuality: Six Representative Viewpoints by L.R. Holben (Bibal Press, 1999). Back to the Top 4. What exactly is the United Methodist official position on homosexuality? Only the General Conference speaks for The United Methodist Church. When the lay and clergy delegates to General Conference approve a statement, it is published in the Book of Discipline and/or the Book of Resolutions. These words come from the people of The United Methodist Church. Our Book of Resolutions states: Homosexual persons no less than heterosexual persons are individuals of sacred worth. All persons need the ministry and guidance of the church in their struggles for human fulfillment, as well as the spiritual and emotional care of a fellowship that enables reconciling relationships with God, with others, and with self. The United Methodist Church does not condone the practice of homosexuality and considers this practice incompatible with Christian teaching. We affirm that God's grace is available to all, and we will seek to live together in Christian community. 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. The United Methodist Church does not ordain "self-avowed, practicing homosexuals", nor does it allow its pastors or churches to preside at or host ceremonies that celebrate homosexual unions. For more detailed information on the official United Methodist position, see the United Methodist Website or pages 5 and 6 of Pastor Bo's position paper below. 5. What does it mean to affiliate with the Reconciling Ministries Network? A congregation affiliates with the Reconciling Ministries Network when it passes a welcoming statement that explicitly opens the doors to people of all sexual orientations and gender identities. Some example mission statements can be found here. Back to the Top 6. What if I think we should not publicly welcome LGBT persons? We encourage you to join us in a series of studies, small and large group conversations, and community dialogue about where God is leading us. You are a vital part of this discussion and we value your constructive input. Our hope is that there will be room at the table for everyone at Skyline to determine the will of God in this matter. That said, we also encourage you to find out all you can about the the Reconciling Ministries Network, through online resources, materials that we will be making available, and in conversations with any member of our Church Council. Of course, we request that all participants in this conversation submit to Jesus' commandment that we love each other as he loved us - and that we treat our neighbors as we would like to be treated, with dignity, love, and respect. Back to the Top 7. Will the United Methodist Church punish our congregation or our pastors if we take this step? Is it contrary to the Discipline of the UMC? No on both counts. United Methodist churches across the country are affiliated with the Reconciling Ministries Network, including Epworth UMC in Rehoboth, DE. Our District Superintendent is aware of our decision to engage in this dialogue, our former Bishop Marcus Matthews and the Cabinet of the Peninsula-Delaware Conference have assured us that the provisions of the United Methodist Book of Discipline allow us to welcome LGBT persons into our church and, by making a public Welcome Statement, to affiliate with the Reconciling Ministries Network. On September 24, 2008, our Bishop, Peggy A. Johnson, dismissed a formal complaint alleging our co-pastors have "violated their covenant with the United Methodist Church to uphold its Book of Discipline" by "promoting the 'Reconciling Ministries Network' agenda from the pulpit, on the church website and in small group Bible study settings". After reviewing the complaint and meeting with all parties concerned and their advocates, Bishop Johnson ruled that the complaint has "no basis in law (¶362.ld of the 2004 The Book of Discipline)." Bishop Johnson also stated in her decision that: "United Methodist pastors are charged with the responsibility of explaining The Book of Discipline. This the Revs. Gordy-Stith clearly have done on their current website and in the Rev. Bo Gordy-Stith’s booklet entitled 'How are We to Live Together: A Journey of Faith.' The Book of Discipline has both elements of holiness and hospitality that pose a challenge for the church of today." Finally, Bishop Johnson encouraged us to listen to one another with respect and with the goal of mutual understanding, if not always agreeing with each other. Her letter closes with this benediction: "It is my hope that there be continued dialog on this issue at the Skyline United Methodist Church with deep respect for the theological diversity in this congregation. It is my greater hope that the love of Christ that manifests itself in active ministries in the world be our main goal. May the debate presented here, with all of its passion and pain, not stop us from working together for the good that we are called to do." Methodist Discipline does state that because the UMC "does not condone the practice of homosexuality and considers this practice incompatible with Christian teaching" (Para. 304.3), the church does not ordain "self-avowed practicing homosexuals" and forbids its pastors from conducting and its congregations from hosting ceremonies that celebrate homosexual unions." No UM congregation can ordain anyone. If we vote as a congregation to state publicly our policy to welcome all people regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, we will continue to observe the Disciplinary prohibition against celebrating homosexual unions. The Discipline also affirms the "sacred worth" of homosexual persons, that God's grace is available to all, and commits the church to "seek to live together in Christian community." How we live together in Methodist congregations includes supporting "efforts to stop violence and other forms of coercion against gays and lesbians" as well as "certain basic human rights and civil liberties" that are due all persons. In October, 2005, the Judicial Council of the United Methodist Church affirmed (in Decision 1032) that our Book of Discipline "invests discretion in the pastor-in-charge to make determination of a person’s readiness to affirm the vows of membership." There is no provision in the UM Discipline for a restricted category of membership (i.e., membership that prohibits a member from serving in any leadership capacity). 8. I've heard that in 1989, the United Methodist Judicial Council ruled that local congregations cannot identify or label themselves as an unofficial body or movement (such as "Reconciling"). Doesn't that mean we would be in violation of this decision by becoming a Reconciling Ministries Network congregation? In the eight years since Judicial Council Decision (JCD) 871, no United Methodist congregation that has affiliated with the Reconciling Ministries Network (there are 243 of them) has been censured or found in violation of Methodist Discipline. What the ruling means is that we cannot identify ourselves as anything but a United Methodist congregation. We are not talking about a name change, but a refinement of our mission statement that would affiliate us with a national network of other United Methodist churches. In fact, the same ruling that prohibits an identity or label change calls the pursuit of the cause of reconciliation, healing and justice a mandate of the gospel. For all of us, this community conversation is about the meaning of reconciliation, healing and justice for LGBT persons and for all people. Back to the Top 9. Won't this cause another church split? Can we afford the potential division that discussing the issues of hospitality and homosexuality will cause at Skyline? We serve a mighty God, who is capable of protecting us from harm. Second Chronicles 16:9 assures us that "the eyes of the LORD search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him." Bringing truth to light and speaking that truth to one another in love as we seek God's guidance at Skyline is an act of faith. We have already seen many sings that the cords of compassion that bind our hearts together are far stronger than the fears that tempt us to silence. The Council senses that we are already divided by the different ways we understand who is welcome to fully participate at Skyline. Because of these different understandings, a few households have withdrawn their membership because of our hospitality toward LGBT persons. Our Council discerned that a "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy does not protect us from division, but fosters misunderstanding and fear based on that misunderstanding. Regardless of where we decide God is leading us as a congregation, this dialogue and discernment process will help us better understand each other, the issues surrounding hospitality and faithfulness, and God's will for Skyline. The truth, Jesus promised, will set us free. Back to the Top 10. I'm fearful that such a Welcoming Statement will adversely affect our Outreach Ministry. Won't people decide not to come to Skyline if we become known in our community as a church that welcomes LGBT persons? We pray that our community conversation about making this Welcome Statement will be guided by God's Holy Spirit, who will guide us into all truth and protect us from all harm. Clearly, making such a public Welcome Statement to LGBT persons will let them know they are welcome at Skyline, that they will be safe here from the kind of spiritual (and physical) persecution some have experienced at the hands of the Christian church. We also assume that people who would prefer to close the doors of God's house to LGBT persons will avoid any church that makes a public Statement welcoming them. Pastor Vicki Gordy-Stith is currently engaged in a doctoral program at Drew University focused on religion and Christianity is a post-modern world. Her readings suggest that a Welcome Statement for LGBT persons sends a powerful message of welcome to all faith seekers, regardless of their sexual orientation or religious affiliation. The Interfaith Resource Center is highlighting a book called UN christian, written by the head of Barna, about what keeps young adults out of the church. One of the big factors is their perceived intolerance around homosexuality. Around 90% of this group sees the church as intolerant and find that unacceptable. Dan Kimball draws some similar conclusions in his book, They Like Jesus but Not the Church: Insights from Emerging Generations. So perhaps by making a Welcome Statement for All people, every one of us might actually feel welcome in God's family. Back to the Top 11. Are there resources that might help me better prepare for my part in this community conversation? We recommend the following resources for a better understanding of scripture guidance and interpretation. These resources do not tell you what to think, but help you understand your own position as well as others' understanding of this issue. Back to the Top What Christians Think About Homosexuality: Six Representative Viewpoints by L.R. Holben (Bibal Press, 1999). An objective description of six (not just two) Christian points of view on Homosexuality, what the biblical and theological bases for each are, how they are criticized and how they answer their critics. For each viewpoint Holben works through 12 determinative questions, including how this group understands authority, moral and psychological health, the purpose of human sexuality, and the how this viewpoint defines the role of the individual and the church in society. Perhaps the best hope for building a bridge of understanding, particularly for those Christians who believe their commitment to Christ drives them to divorce themselves from the Body of Christ over this one issue. Please read this book if you read no other extra-Biblical treatment on the subject. Caught in the Crossfire: Helping Christians Debate Homosexuality, edited by Sally B. Geis & Donald E. Messner (Abingdon Press, 1994). Anthology of essays on science, scripture interpretation, theology and sociology designed to facilitate healthy dialogue in United Methodist congregations. Congregations in Conflict: The Battle Over Homosexuality by Keith Hartman (Rutgers University Press, 1996). Stories of how congregations of different denominations have struggled over homosexuality, including ordination, gay marriage, and baptism. The Church Studies Homosexuality, by Dorothy Williams (Cokesbury, 1994). Student: X783798, Leader’s Kit: X778964 This study book contains the complete text of the Report of the Committee to Study Homosexuality, as received by the 1992 General Conference of The United Methodist Church. It also includes the official UM position on homosexuality as contained in the Social Principles, plus other helpful study resources. Where the Spirit Leads: The Evolving Views of United Methodists on Homosexuality, by James Woods (Abingdon Press, 2000). This volume brings together sound biblical, theological, and sociological arguments. It calls for a faith that remains both biblically based and in touch with the contemporary cultural context and calls to The United Methodist Church to lead society to a culturally aware biblical faith. The Moral Teaching of Paul: Selected Issues, by Victor Paul Furnish (Abingdon Press, 1985). The Loyal Opposition: Struggling with the Church on Homosexuality, by Tex Sample and Amy Delong (Abingdon Press, 2000). The book offers readers a multi-faceted argument that the gospel requires a commitment to the full inclusion of all persons in the body of Christ. Homosexuality and the Christian Faith: Questions of Conscience for the Churches, ed. Walter Wink (Augsburg Fortress, 1999). This unique resource presents short pieces from some of the nation’s most prominent church leaders--Protestant and Catholic, mainline and evangelical--who address the fundamental moral imperatives about homosexuality. Together they invite the reader to open his or her heart to the Spirit, to tolerance, and to Gospel values. Jesus, the Bible, and Homosexuality: Explore the Myths, Heal the Church, by Jack Rogers (Westminster Press, 2005). Former seminary professor and church official Jack Rogers argues unequivocally for the ordination of homosexuals and for the extension of full and equal rights in society to all people who are homosexual. Talking about Homosexuality: A Congregational Resource in the Holy Conversations Series, by Karen Oliveto (Pilgrim Press, 2005). The study resource for theological reflection on homosexuality serves as a tool for people in churches who feel they are surrounded by painful, confusing debates in the church about homosexuality and who want to discover how the Christian tradition can be a constructive--rather than a divisive--resource. Designed to include five two-hour sessions, it uses the categories of the Wesleyan quadrilateral to structure this process: scripture, tradition, experience, and reason. For the Bible Tells Me So (First Run Features, 2007) A Film by Daniel Karslake. Through the experiences of five very normal, Christian, American families – including those of former House Majority Leader Richard Gephardt and Episcopal Bishop Gene Robinson – we discover how people of faith handle the realization of having a gay child or family member. Offering healing, clarity and understanding to anyone caught in the crosshairs of scripture and sexual identity, this landmark film “boldly takes on a loaded topic and examines it both intellectually and emotionally; the result may well leave you blinking away a few tears” (Seattle Times). How Are We to Live Together by Co-Pastor Bo Gordy-Stith (Revised March 25, 2009). Pastor Bo preached a sermon on Homosexuality during our controversies series, on Feb. 5, 2006, in which he outlined competing "sides" of Christian positions on the issue of homosexuality, and then stated that he understood God's will and God's Word as not condemning homosexual persons as sinners but as welcoming them into the body as full members. This paper tells more of how Pastor Bo came to this understanding, and reviews the Methodist Discipline and a survey of scriptures typically used to justify an understanding that homosexual persons and homosexuality are condemned by the Bible. |
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