Excellent essay! Also, congrats on joining Memorial UMC in the RG Conference. That is the conference my maternal grandfather and another grandfather from the circuit riding days ministered in.
Thank you for this profound article. There are many great points to contemplate, this one will stay with me for awhile. I’ve helped buy school supplies for a low income school because those kids deserve every opportunity.
I was part of the United Methodist church as they fought and ultimately split over LGBTQ ministers. I remember my particular church was divided when the Church governing body delayed a decision until the next conference. We had one family leave because the Church wouldn’t immediately deny LGBTQ pastors the right to stand in the pulpit, and another, a significant donor, left because the Church wouldn’t immediately proclaim inclusivity.
Our bishop for our region was a lesbian. Her every word and action were constantly under the microscope of spiritual judgment.
Our pastor tried to sit on the fence. Ultimately we closed to lack of funding.
Thank you for MLK, Jr.'s words about the road and the Good Samaritan ..... had not heard them and they are profound.
They have been life-changing for me!
🙏
Excellent essay! Also, congrats on joining Memorial UMC in the RG Conference. That is the conference my maternal grandfather and another grandfather from the circuit riding days ministered in.
Thanks, Linda!
Thank you for this profound article. There are many great points to contemplate, this one will stay with me for awhile. I’ve helped buy school supplies for a low income school because those kids deserve every opportunity.
I'm so glad it's helpful, Susan. And I love how you are being the hands and feet of Jesus in your community!
One of the many problems with MAGAs is how they distort the teachings of Jesus to argue for things which were condemned by Jesus.
Currently, Israel is committing 'real sin' against Palestinians, but MAGAs uncritically back the Netanyahu regime as it commits genocide.
Contrast that with Jesus' teachings about loving God and our neighbours and with the Sermon on the Mount.
So-called Christian Nationalists may be Nationalists, but their teachings are anti-Christian.
One day, God will punish them for their blasphemies.
Great message.
I was part of the United Methodist church as they fought and ultimately split over LGBTQ ministers. I remember my particular church was divided when the Church governing body delayed a decision until the next conference. We had one family leave because the Church wouldn’t immediately deny LGBTQ pastors the right to stand in the pulpit, and another, a significant donor, left because the Church wouldn’t immediately proclaim inclusivity.
Our bishop for our region was a lesbian. Her every word and action were constantly under the microscope of spiritual judgment.
Our pastor tried to sit on the fence. Ultimately we closed to lack of funding.
Rev. 3:15-16 came to mind. As always, people get invested in their own positions--ideological and remunerative--over the point of it all