Overstatement

Membership in RCRC Affirmed (barely)

Winding down....

Well, things are winding down here at GC 2008. I must say that I have not paid as much attention to the legislative process as I might have liked. I noticed the big things, but I imagine there are many little things that passed under my radar screen that will pop up later. It’s been an interesting experience.

To be honest, the whole thing seemed a little more low key than past conferences. I didn’t feel the presence of the caucuses as much as in the past. There was a real effort to focus on “conferencing” as opposed to “fighting.” And, on the hot-button sexuality issues, not much changed.

We did revive a focus on mission, which was refreshing. The Nothing But Nets campaign was a central focus, with Bishop Bickerton’s basketball becoming a very successful fund-raising tool. We also emphasized our four areas of focus and seven pathways. And there was much good to celebrate and rejoice in - lives saved from malaria, a renewed focus on HIV/AIDS, a recommitment to combat poverty, an emphasis on new church starts. The main highlight for me was our worship, which was creative, energetic, diverse and high-quality. The preaching was generally excellent and inspiring, the music beautiful and moving.

I have often wondered what General Conference really means. I still do. It seldom seems to touch the basic mechanics of the local church, and when I return to my congregation I wonder what difference GC really made. My experience is very little. Churches that are open to gays remain so. Churches that are homophobic remain so. Churches that are growing continue to grow. Churches in decline continue to shrink. To be sure, local churches do change, but seldom is it because of an action at GC.

Does that make GC irrelevant? I guess I am starting to think that GC is increasingly meaningless, though not yet irrelevant.  It is increasingly engaged in conversations that aren’t that interesting, debating issues that it can’t resolve, struggling with funding agencies and institutions that seem disconnected from the realities of the local church. Perhaps that is a bit jaded - the agencies do provide much to the local church - but I can’t help but think that local churches just keep on doing their thing, and GC just pontificates to itself.

What could make GC a more meaningful event? What would it take to make GC more relevant to the local church and to the communities we serve?

Online Video Down During Witness

Those of you watching the video stream online may have noticed that the stream was down during the witness in solidarity with sexual minorities. That was too bad - because it was one of the most genuine and powerful moments of all conference. And IRD headline read “Gay Rights Protestors Storm General Conference.” Nothing could be further from the truth. A respectful, generous, impassioned witness was offered by brothers and sisters in the United Methodist Church. They were not “gay activists” - they were faithful Christians - faithful United Methodists. They did not “storm” - they came in singing, during a recess, at the instruction of the presiding Bishop.

It is too bad this was not streamed - supposedly the policy is to take the stream down during any recess. Hopefully, there will be pictures online soon to give everyone a glimpse of what happened. 

A witness....

This morning, a powerful witness was offered, calling for justice and inclusion of all God’s people. Bishop Mel Talbert spoke as well, and asked the General Conference to reconsider it’s decisions yesterday regarding homosexuality. It was a meaningful, emotional moment. Bishop Park from New York was among the bishops that came down from their seats to join the witness.  He shared with me a long and sincere hug on the floor.

I snapped a few photos and will try to have them up later. I’ll also try to track down a copy of the statement -which was very well done and carefully worded. 

Waking up today...

This morning I woke up with anger and despair in my heart. I thought to myself: Those bastards! Who wants to be part of such a cruel group of people? Don’t they know how far they have strayed from the teachings of Jesus? What place does judgmentalism and hatred have in our church? I was entertaining the idea of turning in my credentials and becoming a social worker.

Then, as I walked into the Convention Center and I heard the music of Mark Miller. He was leading the delegates in a rousing rendition of “O God, Our Help in Ages Past.” I wondered how Mark felt when he woke up - when the church that he loves decided that his relationships were invalid and unholy. I don’t know how he felt - but I do know that he got up, and that he led his church faithfully in worship, that he sang his songs, and did his thing - that he followed his God through the valley of darkness.

And I thought, if he can get up and do what he is called to do, so can I. 

Editorial addition: I hope it is clear that I was trying to recount in this post my emotional response. I realize that people of faith disagree on this issue, and while I am hurt by the decision of the conference, I respect the challenge and struggle that delegates wrestle with when they conference together. It angers me. It saddens me. It disappoints me. But we are still in covenant together. Don’t worry - I’m not about to actually turn in my credentials. I love my job!

Sexuality in Paragraph 161.G

I think this is the text of the changes, more or less as it was adopted. There were a few minor amendments that I think I missed…but nevertheless here is the new language, in spirit if not quite completely accurate: 

G) Human Sexuality-We affirm that sexuality is God’s good gift to all persons. We call everyone to responsible stewardship of this sacred gift.

Although all persons are sexual beings whether or not they are married, sexual relations are affirmed only within the covenant of monogamous, heterosexual marriage.

We deplore all forms of the commercialization, abuse, and exploitation of sex. We call for strict global enforcement of laws prohibiting the sexual exploitation of children and  for adequate protection, guidance, and counseling for abused children.  All persons, regardless of age, gender, marital status, or sexual orientation, are entitled to have their human and civil rights ensured  and to be protected against violence.  The Church should support the family in providing age-appropriate education regarding sexuality to children, youth and adults. 

We affirm that all persons are individuals of sacred worth, created in the image of God. All persons need the ministry of the church in our struggles for human fulfillment, as well as the spiritual and emotional care of a fellowship that enables reconciling relationships with God, with others, and with self. The United Methodist Church does not condone the practice of homosexuality and consider this practice incompatible with Christian teaching. We affirm that God’s grace is available to all. and  We willseek to live together in Christian community, welcoming, forgiving, and loving one another, as Christ has loved and accepted us. 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.

Language on Sexuality in Paragraph 161

was hardened. 

Eventually, the church will become completely irrelevant.

More later. 

Committed Unions Defeated...