Mary Ann Kaiser
A Facebook poster protesting the revoking of Mary Ann Kaiser's certification for ordination as a deacon.
The Twitterverse buzzed with support for deacon candidate Mary Ann Kaiser of Austin, TX, on June 7 after the Southwest Texas Annual Conference Board of Ordained Ministry rescinded her certification because she says she is a lesbian.
Kaiser, a frequent contributor to the Reconciling Ministries Network blog, was endorsed for deacon ordination by her church and by her district board of ordained ministry. However, on June 6, the conference board of ordained ministry recommended to the clergy session to revoke her certification because she is, in the words of the United Methodist Book of Discipline, a "self-avowed practicing homosexual." Although clergy sessions are closed to observers, the vote was reported to be "narrow" to withdraw Kaiser's certification.
As news of Kaiser's challenge spread, Twitter conversation tags #outoforderswtc, #swtxac, and #StandwithMaryAnn gained steam, particularly among younger clergy. Both the Reconciling Ministries Network and the Methodist Federation for Social Action promoted the Tweet Blast via social media and email. Prominent LGBT-friendly congregations such as Glide Memorial UMC in San Francisco and Provincetown UMC in Rhode Island joined in the effort.
In a press release, MFSA alleged that "harm was done" to Kaiser because the Southwest Texas board of ordained ministry didn't follow the United Methodist Book of Discipline rules of "due process" in regard to the revocation. In particular, the ministry board declined to interview Kaiser prior to recommending revoking her certification.
Both MFSA and Reconciling Ministries offered suggested wording for the Tweet Blast, but many supporters chose to write their own and include the hashtags. Among the more original messages posted beginning at 2 PM CDT on June 7:
Heather Kramer: I've been so proud to call #swtxac home as we've worked for equality the past few years. This time, I'm afraid you're #OutOfOrderSWTX.
AnaYelsi: THIS IS NOT OKAY! @ladygadfly was removed from ordination process w/o due process. #OutOfOrderSWTX #StandWithMaryAnn pic.twitter.com/BpoXzlQJDp
Sabrina Bermingham: The #UMC has procedures for a reason. For removing a candidate, especially! Do no harm, remember? #swtac #swtxac #RIOTxAC #OutOfOrderSWTX
Rev. Jeremy Smith: We are #UMC-we have methods! Methods for removing a candidate lawfully! Why were these not followed? #swtac #swtxac #RIOTxAC #OutOfOrderSWTX
Julie Wilson: Stand with @ladygladfly, her #UMC conference did harm by removing her from ordination track bc of her orientation. #StandWithMaryAnn #LGBT
Clint Bordelon: #OutOfOrderSWTX #UMC Stand with @ladygadfly. #SWTXAC #SWTAC broke with BoD & JC decision precedent! #StandWithMaryAnn
Laura Young: Discrimination: "Ain't nobody got time for that." #swtxac #umc #donoharm #StandWithMaryAnn
Karen Oliveto: Standing with @ladygadfly. #swtxac did harm by removing her from ordination process. "And Jesus wept". #umc #fail
The effort even drew some ecumenical support in the form of this post:
Fr. Cody Blair: I know little about #UMC Discipline, however, I do know something about a God who is love! Yesterday's decision was #OutOfOrderSWTX
The Reconciling Ministries Network retweeted a message from a Brazilian supporter:
Alexandre Quintino: #OutOfOrderSWTX #StandWithMaryAnn from Brazil, cause God's call knows no boundaries!
Todd Salmi tweeted some good news about two hours into the Blast: "Bishop [Jim] Dorff asked for ruling on #swtxac actions related to certification process. Will respond in 30 days and submit ruling to jud council." A conservative group called Methodist Movement tweeted: "Bishop asked to rule on whether Gen Conf decision that no self avowed practicing homosexual be a certified candidate applies in #swtxac" Both the Reconciling Ministries Network and a Tweeter named Jarell dispute the Methodist Movement message, saying its wording of the request to the bishop was incorrect. The bishop's ruling will be posted on the Southwest Texas Conference website.
About the same time, Kaiser sent a message to her supporters: "All of this support is so hopeful. Wesley would be so proud. He believed in ordaining those who show fruit, no matter what. #godschoice"
Correction: An earlier version of this article named Mary Ann Kaiser as a member of the board of Reconciling Ministries Network. RMN communications director Rev. Andy Oliver said she is not a board member, but is a frequent contributor to the organization's blog. The latest version reflects this correction.