UMNS Photo by Paul Jeffrey
Exclusion Protest
Delegates walk past silent demonstrators before the April 27 morning plenary at the 2012 General Conference. The protest was organized after delegate Mark Miller spoke of LGBT delegates feeling bullied by the April 26 "holy conversation" on human sexuality.
From MFSA
WASHINGTON, DC – The Methodist Federation for Social Action (MFSA) has joined twenty other religious groups as an Amicus curiae in the cases of Hollingsworth v. Perry (commonly referred to as Proposition 8) and United States v. Windsor (commonly referred to as the Defense of Marriage Act), which will be heard by the Supreme Court of the United States on March 26 and 27.
The briefs highlight that a wide cross-section of American religious traditions recognize the inherent dignity of same-sex identified persons and their relationships; the distinction between religious and civil marriage; and that recognition of marriages of same-sex couples will not impede upon the religious beliefs and practices of those faith traditions that do not recognize same-sex marriage rites.
Filed by the firm of Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel LLP, the briefs confront and rebut arguments by religious supporters of DOMA and Proposition 8 purporting to state a uniform religious position on marriage.
While The United Methodist Church does not currently support same-sex wedding ceremonies, the Social Principles of the denomination “see a clear issue of simple justice in protecting…rightful claims where [there are] shared material resources, pensions, guardian relationships, mutual powers of attorney, and other such lawful claims…that involve shared contributions, responsibilities, and liabilities, and equal protection under the law.”
“This is a defining historical moment. While many The United Methodist Church continues to struggle in understanding sexual orientation and gender identity, MFSA’s believes that LGBT equality will lead to a broader conversation about justice throughout the Church and across the globe,” states Chett Pritchett, Interim Executive Director. “It’s time for the Church to stand on the right side of history.”
Since 1907, the Methodist Federation for Social Action has worked to mobilize, lead, and sustain a progressive movement, energizing people to be agents of God’s justice, peace, and reconciliation. As an independent, faith-based organization, MFSA leads both Church and society on issues of peace, poverty, people’s rights, progressive issues, and justice within The United Methodist Church.