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Even before this week’s announcement of a “just resolution” in the complaint against the Rev. Anna Blaedel, the ongoing refusal of The United Methodist Church to include its LGBTQ+ members has caused a growing stream of departures from the denomination.
In response to a Facebook post on the Blaedel decision, Janet Gollery McKeithen wrote: “This harmful S..t is one reason why we passed this [statement] on Sunday [Nov. 10] at the Church in Ocean Park [Calif.]: 'The position of the United Methodist Church regarding human sexuality is in direct conflict with the faith and understandings of the members of the Church in Ocean Park United Methodist Church. Therefore, the Church in Ocean Park UMC declares its intention to disaffiliate from the United Methodist Church per paragraph 2553.3 as amended by General Conference 2019. We understand that this is the first step in a three-part process. Disaffiliating will allow us to more fully live into our calling to help create a more beloved community for all people.' Not in our name."
Since the Judicial Council recently ruled that the exit provision enacted by the 2019 special General Conference is already in force, we can expect to see these announcements increase.
All Belong in the Body of Christ
Another group has emerged recently advocating for changes in the Book of Discipline to include LGBTQ+ people in the UMC. All Belong in the Body of Christ is a California-based coalition that has established a Facebook group for online discussion. All Belong has proposed 27 changes in the Book of Discipline. Potential allies can read and sign All Belong’s statement of principles here.
Duke Divinity LGBTQ+ students knock administration’s response
LGBTQ+ students at UMC-related Duke Divinity School aired complaints this week through an article in the Duke Chronicle, saying the administration hasn’t done enough to support its queer students in the aftermath of the adoption of harsher measures at the 2019 General Conference.
The article by Anna Zolotor includes comments from third-year Master of Divinity student Madeline Reyes, a member of Divinity Pride, and Michael Vazquez, a second-year Master of Theological Studies student at the Divinity School and co-president of Divinity Pride. The two complained that Divinity School Dean the Rev. L. Gregory Jones’ response to the February vote was “vague” regarding specific LGBTQ+ issues. They also alleged that the perceived lukewarm response from Divinity School administration, along with jokes about the vote from conservative faculty members, were intended to preserve United Methodist funding for the Divinity School
Dean Jones, who is the brother of Houston Area Bishop Scott J. Jones (a Wesleyan Covenant Association supporter), released a statement after the February vote. He followed the initial response with a second statement directly addressing LGBTQ+ concerns on campus.
Informed of current perceptions of the Divinity School administration’s response to LGBTQ+ students, Dr. Jones said that he was “saddened” by the perspectives. According to the report, Dr. Jones wrote in an email: “The dean’s office has provided funding for various projects and ‘significant scholarship support for LGBTQIA+ students’ in its attempt to ‘create a welcoming context for all of our students.’”
Northern Illinois publishes roadmap to GC2020
Talk about creative! The Northern Illinois Annual Conference has published a General Conference 2020 resource for delegates and local congregations in the form of a roadmap. The map (see accompanying illustration) includes dates and resources for study. It’s a model for other churches and conferences. Click here to download a copy. Keep in mind that the links and references are specific for Northern Illinois.
Media Mentions as of Nov. 14, 2019
Gay aspiring Methodist pastor brings his platform of LGBTQ inclusion to Church Street – GoVolsXtra
8 UMC bishops say they can't support denomination's 'current form of unity' due to LGBT debate – Christian Post
UMC Leaders Call for 'New Form of Unity' over LGBT Debate – Christianheadlines.com (blog)
Boston Avenue United Methodist Church holds service in favor of LGBTQ community – KTUL
Pastoral letter on the walls of separation and homosexuality in the UMC – County Times
Swiss Protestant Delegates Make Major Pro-Gay Vote – Instinct Magazine
Cynthia B. Astle serves as Editor of United Methodist Insight, which she founded in 2011.