Oh Yeah? Whaddaya Wanna Do About It? Let's Go Then
(First, I want to confess that in the first sentence of this comment I accidentally wrote "in" instead of "and." I have been unable to find a way to edit the comment and correct my mistake.)
Following Monday's controversial and emotionally loaded UM Judicial Council decisions, I figured that United Methodists like myself would need an opportunity to discuss and debate and to vent. And there has been much discussion, debate, and venting on United Methodist blogs.
I've been impressed by the number of people who have taken an interest in what is going on in the church. (As of this writing, over 200 comments have been posted in response to Monday's decisions.) Many have demonstrated their passion for United Methodism through their frustration or celebration. Unfortunately, as I have continued to read the comments on UM blogs, my denominational pride has waned.
Let me back up: Judicial Council Decision 1032 states:
Many have expressed concern about the wording of this decision, fearing that it gives pastors too much power or that it will turn the United Methodist Church into a congregational (rather than connectional) denomination. While I disagree with 1032, I am open to having some standards for membership. As Christians we affirm that faith should transform an individual—a relationship with Christ should influence his or her attitude and behavior. If faith does not transform, then what's the point?
Personally, I think that spiritual transformation is revealed most fully, not in sexual orientation, but in how one treats others. And frankly, much of the debate among United Methodists in the past two days has been anything but Christlike. Both those who support the council's decisions and those who oppose them have failed to exhibit humility, patience, grace, or love. We don't sing, "They will know we are Christians by our vitriol and animosity." When United Methodist clergy and lay leaders post childish, insulting comments on popular UM blogs, we distort the teachings of Jesus and the mission of the church.
As we debate what behavior we should expect from a member of The United Methodist Church, we need to seriously evaluate our own behavior and whether we are being faithful to our call as Christians and our identity as United Methodists. The fighting and insulting rhetoric of the last 48 hours are not becoming of disciples of Christ.
Following Monday's controversial and emotionally loaded UM Judicial Council decisions, I figured that United Methodists like myself would need an opportunity to discuss and debate and to vent. And there has been much discussion, debate, and venting on United Methodist blogs.
I've been impressed by the number of people who have taken an interest in what is going on in the church. (As of this writing, over 200 comments have been posted in response to Monday's decisions.) Many have demonstrated their passion for United Methodism through their frustration or celebration. Unfortunately, as I have continued to read the comments on UM blogs, my denominational pride has waned.
Let me back up: Judicial Council Decision 1032 states:
The 2004 Discipline invests discretion in the pastor-in-charge to make the determination of a person’s readiness to affirm the vows of membership (¶ 217).
Many have expressed concern about the wording of this decision, fearing that it gives pastors too much power or that it will turn the United Methodist Church into a congregational (rather than connectional) denomination. While I disagree with 1032, I am open to having some standards for membership. As Christians we affirm that faith should transform an individual—a relationship with Christ should influence his or her attitude and behavior. If faith does not transform, then what's the point?
Personally, I think that spiritual transformation is revealed most fully, not in sexual orientation, but in how one treats others. And frankly, much of the debate among United Methodists in the past two days has been anything but Christlike. Both those who support the council's decisions and those who oppose them have failed to exhibit humility, patience, grace, or love. We don't sing, "They will know we are Christians by our vitriol and animosity." When United Methodist clergy and lay leaders post childish, insulting comments on popular UM blogs, we distort the teachings of Jesus and the mission of the church.
As we debate what behavior we should expect from a member of The United Methodist Church, we need to seriously evaluate our own behavior and whether we are being faithful to our call as Christians and our identity as United Methodists. The fighting and insulting rhetoric of the last 48 hours are not becoming of disciples of Christ.
posted by Tinley | 1:25 AM
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