This is an excerpt from a statement from the Methodist Federation for Social Action regarding the delay of the United Methodist General conference. Please connect directly with MFSA here.
Methodist Federation for Social Action (MFSA) commends the Commission on General Conference for their decision to prioritize equity in the difficult decision to delay the General Conference until 2024. We acknowledge the wisdom of the commission during these turbulent times and wholly support this decision.
While the decision to delay is the best option at this time, it continues the United Methodist Church's (UMC) harm and discrimination of our LGBTQ+ siblings. The continued delay of the General Conference compounds our fear, anxiety, uncertainty, and frustration. These are all valid and natural responses, and we feel them too. We mourn, we weep, and are outraged by the perpetuation of oppression by our beloved church. We are uncertain about the future, but we are still responsible for our actions and inaction. God has dropped a plumbline in the midst of our church. We have not been centered in justice.
We do not have to wait for the General Conference or a legislative change to give us permission to seek justice. We do not have to wait for someone else with more power or authority to give us the go ahead. We can boldly work for justice even if it means we break a few unjust rules because this is what loving God and our neighbor looks like.
We call on the Council of Bishops to continue to hold in abeyance all complaints against LGBTQ+ clergy and complaints against clergy presiding over Christian marriage with LGBTQ+ couples.
No comments:
Post a Comment