I do truly have other things to express opinions about, but the issues surrounding homosexuality, the United Methodist Church, and the outcome of Rev. Amy DeLong's trial in the Wisconsin Annual Conference are extremely important to me and to the future of the church I serve. While I have always been aware that there are deep divisions over the issue of full inclusion of LGBT persons in our congregations, communities, and as clergy, every e-mail exchange with my clergy colleagues brings new insight to me as to the root of these issues.
Not surprisingly, it has very little to do with homosexuality per se. and everything to do with our understanding of the role and authority of scripture. Well, and a huge dose of institutional protection and typical response to anything that threatens a status quo built on the foundation of privilege.
Down we go below the cute little squiggle thingy...
I have been hesitating to write this diary, because it involves mentioning the e-mail correspondence that has been circulating around the conference list serv. I think we have all agreed that discussing differences in theology and doctrine via e-mail is not terribly effective in facilitating communication. But it has given me some insight into the underlying attitudes and preconceptions that exist in my conference.
It never ceases to break my heart that the exact same arguments from the authority of scripture are used to argue against full inclusion of LGBT peoples in the UMC that were used for years to argue against the full inclusion of women and for the support of institutional racism. It says to me, that no matter how much we may have evolved in our attitudes and, dare I say, spirit, it is very much cosmetic. Over and over again, I hear sincere, passionate arguments from the more legalistic of my colleagues against full inclusion of LGBT folks that they would never use against their female clergy colleagues, or against their colleagues who are people of color. They would be righteously indignant and deeply hurt to be told that they are using scripture in the same way as the privileged always have in our denomination.
I will not break the confidence I think is inherent in this communication, although that confidence is assumed rather than specified, and I will not publicly call out my colleagues. Yet. But the time is coming, I'm sure, when it will be necessary and right to do so. And I pray and hope that I will have the courage and faith that Rev. Amy DeLong and her vocal allies have had throughout the process of the church trial and for many years before.
For all it's unprecedented nature, the results of Amy's trial, summarized well here, is only the beginning of an incredible movement in the UMC, one I don't believe we have seen since the struggle over slavery.
Three Annual Conferences have declared that they will ignore the Book of Discipline when it comes to being in ministry to and with our LGBT brothers and sisters. Minnesota, Northern Illinois, Oregon/Idaho Conferences have circulated statements for clergy, and in some cases laity, to sign to pledge to conduct blessings of civil unions or simply to bless the relationships of same sex couples. These statements come from the clergy themselves in some cases, from Boards of Ordained Ministry in others. These statements would not prevent complaints being filed, but they are a clear indication that these conferences will not pursue them.
And this, I believe, is what concerns my legalistic colleagues most of all. Their method of control will be removed if enough clergy in each conference stands up and says: "This injunction is wrong, it is not in the spirit of Christ, it does immeasurable harm to my brothers and sisters. I will not support it and I will not follow it." They will no longer be "right." And they may well leave the church, along with many from our congregations. They left when women received full clergy rights. They left when the church became heavily involved in the civil rights movement. They left over disagreements concerning the power and authority of bishops, for crying out loud.
The leaving is not the worst that could happen. The worst that could happen is that the United Methodist Church continues to speak faithfully about making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world, but continues to tell our LGTB brothers and sisters that they are not members of the Kingdom of God. THAT, would be the worst thing, and I see Amy's trial and the action of these conferences as indications that this will not happen.
John Wesley had a saying: "If your heart is as my heart, then give me your hand." Time will tell if my colleagues and I may continue to clasp our hands in ministry, but I don't think that any circle of faith is complete when some are condemned to stand outside of it. We shall see.