In the past, Methodist leaders have often focused on racism and sexism. This year, however, gay issues jumped to center stage. The Minnesota Annual Conference outdid itself, passing nine petitions on various aspects of the topic. The conference went on record as supporting both gay marriage and the ordination of gay clergy.
As you read the article, remember that while their voices may be loud and carry significant influence, the Minnesota Annual Conference, the General Board of Church and Society, nor the Women’s Division officially speak for the UMC, only the General Conference does that. The General Conference has consistently refused to support gay marriage and the ordination of gay clergy.
I was uplifted to read this article, as well as the one on Methodist evangelism. Light at the end of the tunnel!
if you read the 2006 annual conference reports from umc.org you can’t help but wonder what the 2008 General conference will be like. The vast majority of the conference reports call for the next general conference to take specific action on Gay Marraige and ordination. The exodus from the UMC while already underway will accelerate in 2008
2008 will certainly be an interesting year for us United Methodists. I’m trying desperately to hold on the the hope that the UMC is not so far gone that a return to Biblical orthodoxy is impossible.
I think that if we were to cast our nets toward the poor, like the Methodist activism of old, our nets would be too full for our boats.