Ongoing turmoil over ordaining self-avowed, practicing
homosexuals and performing gay marriages prompted the United Methodist Church
to hold a Special Session of the General Conference in February 2019. The
delegates were to decide whether to uphold or revise our previous stance on
this issue, found in the 2016 Book of Discipline:
“The practice of homosexuality is
incompatible with Christian teaching. Therefore, self-avowed practicing
homosexuals are not to be certified as candidates, ordained as ministers, or
appointed to serve in The United Methodist Church.
Ceremonies that celebrate homosexual
unions shall not be conducted by our ministers and shall not be conducted in
our churches.”
Numerous Scripture passages back this position, including
but not limited to Romans 1, 1 Corinthians 6, and 1 Timothy 1. These verses state
that homosexuality is a sin. Many in today’s world disagree.
I am profoundly thankful the session voted to reaffirm our
traditional stance, thereby upholding the Word of God. You see, for me, the
vote was not ultimately on the homosexual issue, but on whether our UMC would align
with Scripture or society.
Some have also misconstrued the Session’s ruling to mean homosexuals
are excluded from our churches. On the contrary, our Discipline clearly
states, “All people may attend its worship services, participate in
its programs, receive the sacraments, and become members in any local church in
the connection.”
Only God knows the future of the UMC. I pray we continue to
revere His Word and invite all to know His love and find forgiveness through
Jesus Christ.
Be encouraged!
©2019 Pamela D. Williams
Comments welcome via Facebook or email (writepam71@gmail.com).
