Change Agents Weigh In on Developments

January 9, 2020

3:03 PM

Photo courtesy of Hollywood United Methodist Church

Resist Harm Hollywood

Members of Hollywood United Methodist Church in Los Angeles display their support for the Resist Harm effort, which opposes the Traditional Plan that strengthens the bans on same-sex weddings and "self-avowed practicing" gay clergy. The effort uses #ResistHarm on social media. (Photo courtesy of Hollywood United Methodist Church.)

Three of the acknowledged change agents in United Methodism were heard from this week on the latest developments in the denomination’s struggle with LGBTQ+ inclusion.

J. J. Warren, who rose to prominence at the 2019 General Conference with his passionate speech about seeking ordination as a young gay man, delivered a succinct response to the two big news events this week: the kickoff of the #Resist Harm campaign and the announcement of “A Protocol of Reconciliation & Grace Through Separation.”

He writes in his newsletter:

JJ Warren

A speech in favor of United Methodist unity by Upper New York delegate J.J. Warren brought the crowd to its feet in applause late in the Feb. 25 General Conference session. (UM Insight Screencap).

“In an effort to coordinate a response to the Traditional Plan, an online site called Resist Harm has gathered resources for resistance with monthly themes that you/your congregations can engage in. I proudly support this effort to coordinate our holy resistance—our prophetic witness that says no one is unworthy of love. Here’s my video with a challenge for your community to engage in this global effort to Resist Harm.

“The headlines of a split in the UMC this week were slightly misleading. Here’s an article from the HuffPost that I contributed to, which I believe offers a clearer understanding of the 'Protocol,' the secret work of leaders from various interest groups in the UMC. I’ll just say this: if we do split, I believe this is the best way—but I do not approve of the clandestine and hierarchical process by which this Protocol was created.”

NPR's Michel Martin of the news program "All Things Considered" talked with Reverend Ginger Gaines-Cirelli, senior pastor of Foundry United Methodist Church in Washington, D.C., about the proposed UMC split over disagreements about same-sex marriage and LGBTQ clergy. The four-minute interview can be heard here online.

Meanwhile, the Rev. Adam Hamilton was interviewed about the LGBTQ+ acceptance struggle on NPR’s “The iA” program. The 40-minute program includes call-ins from two United Methodists on both sides of the LGBTQ+ acceptance divided and explanations from Elizabeth Dias, national correspondent for The New York Times covering faith and politics.

Also included are audio segments from the Rev. Maxie Dunnam, longtime leader of anti-LGBTQ forces, and from a Church of the Resurrection member about how her gay son died by suicide despite the Methodist rule “Do no harm.”

Thanks to faithful contributor Thomas Shanklin for the heads-up on "The 1A" program.

Media Mentions as of Jan. 9, 2020

Gentle readers, The United Methodist Church is all over the media right now (as one might expect). Here’s the latest list.

For Methodists, an impending split brings sadness but a renewed sense of purpose – Houston Chronicle.

Local pastor supports potential United Methodist split – WEAU

A Way Out of Impasse Over LGBT Issues? – Inside Higher Ed

4 reactions to United Methodist Church plan to split over homosexuality debate – Christian Post

Methodist Church Split a Victory for the Rainbow Mafia – Patriot Post

Local Methodists stay the course despite impending schism over same-sex marriage, LGBT clergy – FirstCoastNews.com WTLV-WJXX

UMC Split Proposal Sparks Hard Conversations For WNC Methodists – BPR / Blue Ridge Public Radio

United Methodists may split over LGBTQ issues. These Mainers made their decision long ago. – WGME

What faith leaders say a Methodist split over LGBTQ rights could mean for SC churches – Charleston Post Courier