ITEM: "Para 304.3 While persons set apart by the Church for ordained ministry are subject to all the frailties of the human condition and the pressures of society, they are required to maintain the highest standards of holy living in the world. Since the practice of homosexuality is incompatible with Christian teaching, self-avowed practicing homosexuals are not to be accepted as candidates, ordained as ministers, or appointed to serve in The United Methodist Church.

Para 332.6 Ceremonies that celebrate homosexual unions shall not be conducted by our ministers and shall not be conducted in our churches."

ITEM: Para 161 G) (The Social Principles) Homosexual persons no less than heterosexual persons are individuals of sacred worth. All persons need the ministry and guidance of the church in their 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. Although we do not condone the practice of homosexuality and consider this practice incompatible with Christian teaching, we affirm that God's grace is available to all. We implore families and churches not to reject or condemn their lesbian and gay members and friends. We commit ourselves to be in ministry for and with all persons.

Who among us would cast the first stone at a homosexual brother or sister (He that is without sin among you, let him cast the first stone, - - Jesus Christ). The whole ministry of Jesus Christ has taught that it would be like stoning Him. Our Statement of Social Principles is very clear on our position.

As a church of Open Doors, Open Minds and Open Hearts we welcome all who come seeking the Savior and bid them welcome and invite them to the Lord’s table and to our table. We do not check their sexual orientation at the door.

The grace we receive and the grace that we share has sufficiency for everyone who comes. It is enough!

And then we come to the issue of credentialing and discipline of the church and take a position which is, in a word - - schizophrenic.

The trial jury in the Rev. Karen Dammann case squarely came down on both sides of the issue - - defaulting to the Social Principles.

We will debate that verdict for years to come.

As a people of God we very much support loving, caring, committed relationships. Our tradition of pot-luck dinners proves that. Is that supportive, committed, caring relationship restricted to one man and one woman living together under the same roof.

Are we agreed on the issue of the root causes of same sex orientation? Is it a chosen lifestyle?

Don't you just wish that we could blink our eyes and it would all go away?

We on the one hand are angry and on the other want to be a loving and caring community of faith.

Jesus once told his Disciples that “special prayer” was needed. We need Brother Harry Denman to come back and pray for us again!

“Oh Lord, I believe - - help my unbelief!”



A Jim Lane Commentary
March 22, 2004