Letter From the Council of Bishops

Cole has posted a recent letter from The United Methodist Council of Bishops in response to Monday's controversial Judicial Council Decision 1032. The letter reads:

While pastors have the responsibility to discern readiness for membership, homosexuality is not a barrier. With the Social Principles of The United Methodist Church we affirm:

“that God’s grace is available to all, and we will seek to live together in Christian community. We implore families and churches not to reject or condemn lesbian and gay members and friends. We commit ourselves to be in ministry for and with all persons.”(Para. 161g, 2004 Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church)

We also affirm our Wesleyan practice that pastors are accountable to the bishop, superintendent, and the clergy on matters of ministry and membership. The United Methodist Church is committed to making disciples of Jesus Christ with all people. We, the bishops of the Church, uphold and affirm that the General Conference has clearly spoken through the denomination’s Constitution on inclusiveness and justice for all as it relates to church membership.

Related:

"The Judiciary" (from The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church)

"Oh Yeah? Whaddaya Wanna Do About It? Let's Go Then" (Scrambies, November 3)