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 Begins Congregational Study Process July 23, 2004 As many of you may know, the General Conference of the United Methodist Church, meeting in Pittsburgh, PA during May 2004, voted to maintain the current language in the Book of Discipline concerning homosexuals. The current language, on homosexuality and ordination of homosexual persons, is contained in the two paragraphs below. The specific words that some delegates wished to revise are underlined to highlight the issues under discussion. "Homosexual persons no less than heterosexual persons are individuals of sacred worth.... Although we do not condone the practice of homosexuality and consider this practice incompatible with Christian teaching, we affirm that God's grace is available to all. We implore families and churches not to reject or condemn their lesbian and gay members and friends. We commit ourselves to be in ministry for and with all persons. (paragraph 161G) "Since the practice of homosexuality is incompatible with Christian teaching, self-avowed practicing homosexuals are not to be accepted as candidates, ordained as ministers, or appointed to serve The United Methodist Church." (paragraph 304.3) Local Churches Respond The General Conference's decision not to adopt more inclusive language has stimulated a vigorous debate among many UMC members throughout the country. Some favor softening the existing language restrictions, and others favor retaining the current restrictions. Many feel that the retained language seems to contrast with the church's "Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors" advertising campaign and NBUMC's own motto, "Growing nearer to God in heart and faith, caring for one another, and encouraging each other to show love and do good." Many interpret the General Conference's decision as binding on, or accepted by, all United Methodist Churches. On the other hand, many church members throughout our country have engaged in a study process and chosen to address the Conference's ruling by declaring their churches "Reconciling Congregations." The Reconciling Ministries are part of a grass roots movement, which signals acceptance of gays and lesbians in all aspects of the local church. NBUMC Members Respond Some NBUMC members feel that if we react passively to the Conference's restrictive interpretation, we will be out of step with what we all agree is one of our church family's greatest assets -- we are open to all, warm, and welcoming to any who are on their journey of faith. Others think that we should address the Conference decision by moving towards becoming a Reconciling Congregation. Still others believe that we should just continue as we are in our local church and community by living our beliefs and thereby demonstrating to others our commitment to inclusiveness. Because this situation has touched us directly, our church leadership feels that NBUMC members should prayerfully and seriously consider what should be the appropriate course for our church. The Study Process Our NBUMC Church Council has started an open dialog and discussion of all the issues involved. Areas of study will include church governance at the national, district and local levels; the relationships of the local churches to the church hierarchy; the theological arguments concerning sexual orientation in the life of the church; and the nature of homosexuality. This study process is an effort to make us all as well-informed as possible in reaching our decisions. We at NBUMC believe we are as a Christian family, and that in our relationships with the local community we can be a moral and ethical anchor in our sometimes chaotic society. The study process will continue for several months, as we explore who we are and what we believe to be NBUMC's appropriate course of action on this social issue. As we have this conversation over the next year, we may consider challenging questions
Church Council Initiates Process The NBUMC Church Council met last Tuesday evening to begin this process. Many non-Council members as well as the Council membership attended. (Council meetings are open to anyone in out church, and all are encouraged to attend and participate in these meetings.) To begin the process, those present spent about an hour and a half openly and individually expressing their feelings about the concept of a Reconciling Congregation and their fears of what such a concept implies. Viewpoints ranged all over the spectrum of feelings. All agreed at the conclusion of the meeting that this open communication was helpful to everyone who is struggling with feelings on the matter. Overall, the feelings expressed seemed to go beyond simple "tolerance" of others' views, First Event: Learning About Church Governance The first study / discussion meeting will take place on Sunday September 12th at 4:00 pm with Reverend Laura Easto, District Superintendent of the Baltimore North District. Rev. Easto was one of our clergy delegates to General Conference and jurisdictional Conference. She will discuss the organizational structure of the UMC, and the decision-making processes of the General Conference. A potluck congregational supper will follow Rev. Easto's presentation. Please mark this date on your calendar. Members or visitors to our church who have interest in learning more about this week's discussion at the Church Council meeting, or plans for the upcoming months, are invited to talk with Gordon Cragg, Church Council chair; Janet Replogle, Staff Pastor Parish Committee chair; Jack Enders, Lay Leader, or any other member of the Council, Staff/Pastor Parish Committee, and others who participated in Tuesday's meeting. We will be more than pleased to discuss the issues with you. No matter what, we will continue to be the great and wonderfUl church we believe we are! In the Spirit of out Christian Faith, Gordon Cragg, Chair, NBUMC Church Council |
