RMN Stands with Rev. David Meredith

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The Judicial Council ruled last month in concurrence with the North Central Jurisdiction Committee on Appeals to remand Rev. David Meredith’s case back to the West Ohio Committee on Investigation after the February 2019 General Conference for further investigation of “evidence” against him. The Judicial Council’s ruling indicated the distance between our Church’s current ability or willingness to enact inclusion for LGBTQ people and a truly just body of Christ. Furthermore, the Judicial Council ruled to uphold the North Central Jurisdiction Committee’s refusal to let Rev. Meredith and his counsel speak, insisting that the minister standing trial did not have “standing” in the dispute between procedural arms of the denomination.

Reconciling Ministries Network stands with Rev. Meredith, his husband Jim Schlachter, and the LGBTQ community that continues to face discrimination in the United Methodist Church. We grieve that the Church targets LGBTQ lay and clergy who are called and faithfully serve in building the kin-dom of God through The UMC, and we lament the Church’s systematic departure from justice. We long for and work toward a denomination that exemplifies the mission of the Body of Christ.

"David has been a thoughtful and loving pastor to many people for over 30 years,” says Rev. Sue Laurie of Chicago and former National Outreach Coordinator for RMN. He has given time and hope to a wider audience through Affirmation and RMN. Many people in isolated places know David and have felt courage and love through his earnest ministry and integrity. Now is the time to open all of the closet doors and free all of the clergy and lay people who still linger in harm's way. Let The UMC be the Body of Christ in the world, much as Rev. Meredith has prayed, brought healing, acted in service, and hoped."

Rev. Alka Lyall of Broadway UMC in Chicago concurs: “I cannot say I am surprised, but am definitely disappointed in the recent ruling of the Judicial Council regarding Rev. David Meredith's case. Sadly, the church that we love, continues to do harm and cause unnecessary pain to my lesbian, gay, trans and queer partners in ministry, who only desire to serve God's people. I admire the courage and faithfulness of Rev. Meredith and his husband Jim. David loves this church and serves God through the church that continues to label his being as 'incompatible." It is time for the church to repent of its actions, follow Jesus's command to love all God's people and celebrate the gifts and ministry of our queer clergy.”

We reiterate Rev. Meredith’s call to action: “Stay connected with Affirm Inclusion/Resist Exclusion on Facebook, with Clifton United Methodist Church on Facebook, and with the Reconciling Ministries Network in all its configurations – local, regional, national, and international. Make gifts to RMN, sign-up to volunteer in the ramp up to General Conference 2019, and download additional information to bring the information to your congregation at www.rmnetwork.org.”

Additionally, we call upon the Reconciling movement to pray. Pray for a Church rooted in the gospel message, a Church that whole-heartedly welcomes LGBTQ persons, and that affirms their sacred worth, gifts, and calls to ministry. Pray for the bishops we asked to lead us. Pray for the Wesleyan Covenant Association who cannot remain in a connection with a church that welcomes LGBTQ people. Pray for Love Prevails who holds us accountable. Pray for the partners in the Love Your Neighbor Coalition, who love our United Methodist Church, see its imperfections, and work for justice in our church and the world. Pray for the delegates who hold the next chapter in the future of the denomination in their hands in St. Louis.

Rev. Lois Parr, former Northern Regional Organizer for RMN, says of Rev. Meredith: “My experience of David is that his pastor’s heart is always revealed in the moment. I’ve seen him as pastor to many congregants, watched how he cares for them and observed how much he is valued and loved by them. I’ve heard him teach and preach the good news of salvation. I’ve been in the room when—after a horrifying day of general church “business” where queer lives and loves have been dismissed or damaged—David lifts the bread and cup and proclaims the Gospel of reconciliation, love, justice, and liberation. He loves and serves Jesus, and he trusts that Jesus loves him and calls him to ministry. He lives and breathes grace and I continue to believe that God’s claim on his life won’t be thwarted by those who seem (literally) hell-bent on destroying his vocation; I trust that God’s love has the last word.”

This post is republished from the Reconciling Ministries Network newsletter.