C-Mail
This morning my heart is heavy. As I listened to the morning news I learned the Episcopal Church had indeed ordained an openly gay man as bishop of their church. While I understand what the Episcopal Church does is its own business, I am concerned the United Methodist Church could take its lead from them. The image that keeps coming to my mind is that of the elders of Israel going to the prophet Samuel and saying to him, ". . .appoint for us, then, a king to govern us, like other nations (1 Samuel 8.6)." God using Samuel, goes on to warn the people that a king will only lead to slavery. My concern is with our own General Conference coming up next year, there are those within our own denomination who will want us to be like the Episcopal Church, and use their action as justification for our own. I pray that does not happen.
A few years ago, one of my peers said to me, "Mickey, this is not a social issue, it is a theological issue." My response was, "I couldn't agree with you more." This is a theological issue, and the basis of our theology is scripture. Holy Scripture in both the Old and New Testaments decries "homosexuality" as a sin. It is further evidence of The Fall of humankind. I understand Jesus was accepting of sinners, but He also emphatically said, "Go and sin no more!" I do understand we consider tradition, reason and experience in decision-making, but what we do must be tested by the authority of scripture. As the people of God we are called to holiness of heart and action.
As a member of our conference Board of Ordained Ministry we often critique ordinands for doing "isegesis;" making the scripture say what we want it to say in their sermons or Bible study; rather than what it says. I grieve for the Episcopal Church and our own as some who lead our denomination are doing their own "isegesis" in this very crucial area of the life of our Church. This year at our own Holston Annual Conference I was concerned, as others were, that no petitions/resolutions came directly to the Annual Conference regarding our maintaining our current positions on sexuality and ordination. Perhaps, individuals and churches with concerns similar to my own had already made plans to forward petitions to the General Conference, I hope that is the case. Perhaps, they as I thought someone else would do it. The end result is our delegation elected to the General Conference did not have the opportunity to hear the will of the Annual Conference.
I urge those who were elected to represent the Holston Annual Conference at our 2004 General Conference to accept this as one individual's request to maintain our current position in The 2000 Book of Discipline: "Homosexual persons no less than heterosexual persons are individuals of sacred worth. All persons need the ministry and guidance of the church in their struggle for human fulfillment, as well as relationship 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." "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." This also includes each candidate for ordained ministry declaring that they will "for the sake of the mission of Jesus Christ in the world and the most effective witness of the gospel, and in consideration of their influence as ministers, make a complete dedication of (them)self to the highest ideals of the Christian life, (including) fidelity in marriage and celibacy in singleness."
I urge clergy and laity who share these concerns to send petitions to the upcoming General Conference and to communicate your concerns with those women and men who have been elected to represent us at the General Conference.
Rev. Mickey W. Rainwater
Tyner UMC
Chattanooga District
We can depend on the truth of the Bible.
Yesterday a practicing homosexual was approved as bishop in a mainline church. We must look for the truth of this matter of homosexuality. The answer is found in both the Old and New Testaments. Look up all the references in a NIV Bible and you will find descriptive words relating to the acts of a homosexual person. Here are a few: sexually immoral, detestable, indecent act, unnatural act, perversion, sexually impure, sinful desires, sinful lusts, and having a depraved mind. This act was abhorred by God and such people were described as having exchanged the truth of God for a lie. With these descriptive words in mind, do you think God would approve of such a person to leadership positions?
1 Corinthians, chapter 6, verse 9, states that homosexual offenders will not inherit the kingdom of God. Of course, forgiveness is always available. Genesis, chapter 19, verses 1-5 states that all men of Sodom wanted sex with the two male angels in LotÕs house. Jude explains the punishment for sexual immorality. Verse 7 states that Sodom and Gomorrah and surrounding towns gave themselves up to sexual immorality and perversion and serve as an example of those who suffer the punishment of eternal fire. This is not a matter to be taken lightly.
Research is the key to learning the facts for yourself. Get out that Bible and look at the following references: 1 Corinthians, chapter 6, verses 9-11; Jude, chapter 1, verses 6-7; Romans, chapter 1 verses 24, 26 and 27; Genesis, chapter 19, verses 1-5. Read these and I think you will have the true facts from a true source. DonÕt forget what the Bible says regarding marriage. It is only approved between man and woman.
Charles Oaks
Allen Memorial UMC
Cleveland District
I appreciated our bishop's voice of assurance concerning the difficulty faced by clergy. I am now serving First Presbyterian Church of Tecumseh, Nebraska, as a Methodist. I hope to transfer to Nebraska next year.
I have finished a new book, "Dancing With Bi-Polar Bears," now being viewed by Abingdon Press. I pray it will help pastors who suffer from mood disorders. I have been preaching more than 50 years now, beginning as a Baptist. It's a miracle that God enables me to continue bringing God's joy to our world.
I have been active in Methvision, our mental health network. John Wyclif said, "The highest service that men may attain to on earth is to preach the Word of God."
It is good to realize that our bishop is in reality about the dynamics of leading Christ's churches. God uses humans to do work that is beyond us.
Rev. James E. McReynolds
Elmwood, Nebraska
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