Washington Blade: Letter to the Editor

This letter addresses the Washington Blade's article, United Methodist Church upholds anti-gay doctrinal statements.

Recent coverage of the General Conference of the United Methodist Church’s decision to uphold anti-GLBT statements in its Book of Discipline paints a rather one-sided picture of the 10-day gathering of United Methodists from around the globe.

While many actions taken by the church at this meeting were harmful to GLBT persons both inside and outside the church, it is important to recognize the many voices speaking out for equality as well as the positive steps the United Methodist Church did take this year, namely it:

dismissed all anti-transgender legislation by wide margins.

passed a constitutional amendment that declares “all persons” eligible for membership.

weakened the funding ban against homosexual caucuses to allow for financial support for activities that would help the church not “to reject or condemn lesbian and gay members and friends.”

passed a resolution against heterosexism and homophobia.

voted in a new definition of family that recognizes “two parents” instead of “mother and father.”

created an ethics committee to monitor the action of lobbyists and delegates during General Conferences in the future.

installed a new judicial council comprised of members committed to fairness and integrity.

created a study commission for the worldwide restructuring of the church that gives the committee freedom to explore all options.

Despite what the church’s “official” proclamation might be, the United Methodist Church is not of one mind on issues concerning GLBT Christians. This is evidenced not only in the protests and actions led by Reconciling Ministries Network, Affirmation and Soulforce, among others, but also in the very close votes on many pieces of legislation.

Rather than dwell on the pain, we prefer to celebrate the hope we see in our church and the possibility for change in the future. The membership and participation in the Baltimore-Washington Area Reconciling United Methodists (B-WARM) — a group composed of individuals, both lay and ordained, congregations, and campus ministries in the Baltimore Washington region — continues to grow.

Our mission is to affirm lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people and ensure the full participation of people of all sexual orientations and gender identities in the ministry and life of the United Methodist Church.

All are welcome to join us in praise and worship of our God whose grace surpasses understanding. We stand for equality. We stand for change. We stand for God’s love for all people.

ADAM BRIDDELL
Chair, B-WARM Steering Committee

Editors’ note: The Reconciling Congregations and Campus Ministries in the D.C. area include: Bethesda UMC (Baltimore), Capitol Hill United Methodist Church, Christ UMC, Dumbarton UMC, Foundry UMC, St. Luke’s UMC, St. John’s of Baltimore City UMC, American University Wesley Foundation and Howard University Wesley Foundation.