First, I need to outline the UMC’s current stand on the issue. “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. We will seek to live together in Christian community, welcoming, forgiving, and loving one another, just as Christ has loved and accepted us. We implore families and churches not to reject or condemn lesbian and gay members and friends. We commit ourselves to be in ministry with and for all persons.” (Discipline paragraph 161F)
The United Methodist Church supports “laws in civil society that define marriage as the union between one man and one woman.” (Discipline paragraph 161B) Also, the Discipline says, “Ceremonies that celebrate homosexual unions shall not be conducted by our ministers and shall not be conducted in our churches.” (Discipline paragraph 341.6) Also, “Self-avowed, practicing homosexuals are not to be certified as candidates, ordained as ministers, or appointed to serve in the United Methodist Church.” (Discipline paragraph 304.3) And, United Methodist funds cannot be used to promote the acceptance of homosexuality. (Discipline paragraph 806.9)
However, we should also remember that the Church has said that we should not, “reject or condemn lesbian and gay members and friends.” And, the United Methodist Church supports equal civil rights for all person regardless of sexual orientation. (Discipline paragraph 162J)
Since 1972, when the current language went into place, the Church has debated this issue. There are many in the Church who would like to see the current position reversed and have homosexuality fully accepted in the Church, including marriage and ordination. It seems to me that there have been at least three distinct voices in this issue: “yes,” “no,” and “wait.”
First, we’ll look at the “no.” These folks would point to several passages in the Bible, as well as to nature, and to traditional family structures, to say that we should maintain the current standard. These folks tend to view homosexuality as a perversion, a chosen lifestyle in rejection of God and traditional values.
Next, we will look at the “yes.” These folks would point to the fact that there are many wonderful people who are homosexual, some of whom, by all other appearances, are committed disciples of Jesus Christ. Also, there is much evidence to suggest that sexual orientation is part of who a person is, that the are “born that way,” and, therefore, it is unfair to ask them to change or to pretend to be someone they are not. It would seem fair then, to allow homosexuals to participate in the Church and have their sexuality accepted on the same basis as that of heterosexuals, within the confines of a committed monogamous relationship.
Finally, we look at the “wait.” These are folks that might agree with the “yes,” but they are afraid of the damage that making a change at this time, when so many are against it, would do to the church. They agree that this is a place that we should, and will eventually, go but they want to wait until a larger consensus can be built.
For myself, I have to admit that I have found myself quite torn on this issue, as I suspect many of you have as well. I have found myself deeply impressed by the faith of homosexual Christians whom I have meet, and by their deep love for one another in their relationships. I have also become increasingly convinced that sexual orientation is something that is often deeply imprinted in our personality. However, I am also extremely reluctant to dismiss the guidance of Scripture. (Although we also do have a history of re-interpreting Scripture in the light of new situations and new understandings. After all, the Bible clearly teaches, or so we used to think, that slavery is permissible and that women are inferior to men.) And, I am also afraid of the effect a sudden change in direction, based on a narrow majority vote, would have on my beloved United Methodist Church.
Having said all of that, no matter what happens at General Conference in Tampa this year, I will remain a faithful United Methodist. Since I am often unsure of what to think, I will trust the guidance of the Holy Spirit in the Church. I invite you to join me in praying for the guidance of the Holy Spirit upon General Conference and up our whole Church.
