A holiday paradox – the gratitude and grief of the season – were captured this week in a blog post by the Rev. Dr. Mark Holland, executive director of Mainstream UMC. In a post titled “Giving Thanks While Grieving” he wrote:
Mainstream UMC logo
“One of our favorite carols says the holidays are the “most wonderful time of the year.” They are certainly the most amplified. The first holiday with a newborn baby is more magical than ever. The first holiday without a loved one is harder than ever. Whatever we are experiencing in life, the holidays can make it more intense, for better and for worse. As people with faith in Christ, we hold the tension of celebration and grief in the same heart, at the same time.
“This is certainly true this year for those of us who seek full inclusion of LGBTQ clergy and allies in the United Methodist Church. The pain of General Conference 2019 is still palpably present. The pain of the full force of the Traditional Plan looms on the immediate horizon. So much unnecessary harm to so many kind, loving brothers and sisters in Christ. Our hearts are broken. The holidays are here. This week is Thanksgiving. Christmas is just around the corner.
Dr. Holland goes on to say that Mainstream UMC will continue over the holidays to push for a moratorium on clergy charges and church trials related to all anti-LGBTQ+ stances in the Book of Discipline. He also makes a plea for donations for the cause. Read the full blog post here.
Media Mentions as of Nov. 27, 2019
University recognized with award for work with LGBTQ community – The Exponent
'Sometimes, divorce is necessary.' Fight for LGBTQ inclusion may finally split United Methodists – USA TODAY
Editorial: Religious communities must recognize LGBTQ history – The Ithacan
Des Moines Register offers master class on writing a slanted United Methodist-LGBTQ story – GetReligion (blog)
United Methodist Church To Debate LGBTQ Clergy And Same-Sex Weddings – Stock Daily Dish
Senator Mitch Carmichael to attend roundtable event on LGBTQ discrimination – WOAY NEWSWATCH (press release)
Cynthia B. Astle serves as Editor of United Methodist Insight, which she founded in 2011.