Reconciling Ministries Network

When Love Gets Lost in the Scuffle

By Rev. Gilbert H. Caldwell

I have lived through that peculiar moment in American history, when it came to marriage, many Christians were more concerned about the race of persons who love each other, than the quality and content of their love for each other. Now, many Christians are more concerned about the gender of persons who love each other than they are about their love for each other.

Although biology may be more appropriate in discussions about gender than about race, I ask where is the theology of those persons who say that love is less-than-authentic when shared by persons of the same gender or of different races?

First John 1:1a comes to mind this morning as I write this: "See what love God has given us, that we should be called the children of God." Some Christians who boast of their "Bible Believing" ignore the love of God, as they combat same gender marriage. Thus they give more attention to gender as a biological construct than they do to love as a theological construct.

In 1939 Cole Porter wrote these words in a song that those in California who stand in the way of same gender marriage ought sing: "What is this thing called love? This funny thing called love? Just who can solve its mystery? Why should it make a fool of me? I saw you there one wonderful day. You took my heart and threw it away. That's why I ask the Lord in heaven above, what is this thing called love?"

We would think that persons who claim to be in frequent conversation with God would understand the love that flows from God that we share with each other. But their responses to the love of God that is expressed by persons of the same gender to each other, indicates they don't have a clue.

Gil Caldwell 

Poster from Chicago Prop. 8 Protest

GID Reform | Remove Transgender People From DSM V

By Kelli Busey

As a transgender activist I have been amazed and welcomed by the Methodist faith. It became apparent early to our leadership in the RMN that transgender people are a minority with in a minority, and very few knew even knew anything about us at all.

This post is not about the Methodist faith but I hope it further enlightenments our most valued allies as to the conundrum we are entangled in.

We are struggling to free ourselves from tyranny and entrapment. We are struggling to be accepted and understood within our own GLBT communities of faith.

As we all are aware, through out history there has been a need for society to pigeon hole people who live outside of what is generally accepted as 'normal'.

The APA is currently inflicting great harm on one such group now.

Transgender people have long been stigmatized and marginalized by the APA which then profits from this diagnosis.

The truth is the APA is causing anguish and suicide.

APA protest speaker Dr. Madeline Deutsch

We are calling on the APA to make an official statement that all Gender Identities and Expressions are natural human variation, and not disease or mental illness. And for the APA to reshape the upcoming DSM V version to remove stigmatizing and problematic portions of the diagnosis "Gender Identity Disorder."

GID Reform Now.com

GID Reform Advocates

On the web:

Resolution from the IFGE BOD to the APA

The Foolishness of Separation and Segregation

By Rev. Gilbert H. Caldwell

There are times when the foolishness of separation and segregation is best pointed out through humor. Dick Gregory through his humor was able to address the stupidity of racial segregation in ways that some of its proponents could not help but laugh at the practice. I remember him appearing before a racially mixed audience in the south, being able to get both blacks and whites to laugh. He said of sitting in at a segregated restaurant, in an effort to get them to serve blacks: "I discovered that after sitting in for a few days they relented and were willing to serve us. But, when they gave us the menus, I discovered they did not have what I wanted."

Harry Golden (1902-1981), the Jewish-American humorist lived in my home state of North Carolina. He published the Carolina Israelite newspaper and his book, "Only In America" received favorable attention.

Golden offered this solution to racial segregation in the south: "Since many white Southerners are unwilling to sit with blacks on busses or in restaurants, but stood in line with blacks at grocery stores and other places, I suggest this solution; Remove all chairs from classrooms to overcome the reservations of those persons who did not want to sit in the same room with blacks."

I have lived through the foolishness of racial separation in the Methodist/United Methodist Church. There were times when laughter at that foolishness was the only way I had to hold back my tears.

I invite readers of this blog to post their comments about the foolishness of United Methodist policies that separate and segregate LGBT persons and same gender couples. It is obvious, "the times, they are a'changing". Maybe laughter at our foolishness, will empower us to change.

April Showers, May Showers?

By Leland Spencer

I'm convinced that the poet who said, "April Showers bring May Flowers" did not reside in the southwest corner of Ohio. These last few weeks have been very wet, and while I know the May Flowers appreciate all the water, I'm excited for the next few days' forecast, which promises a slight reprieve from all the precipitation.

All this rain made me think about that little poem, and about the Reconciling Movement. I thought about how often we face sadness, disappointment, ignorance, fear, exclusion, and even hate from the church and the world at large. Sometimes, it seems that we're forever stuck in the April showers, waiting for the May flowers, and wondering if the showers are really necessary for the success of the flowers.

Then, I thought about Psalm 30, which promises us that though weeping endures through the night, joy comes in the morning. Perhaps the poet read the Psalms and lived somewhere other than Cincinnati--April Showers bring May Flowers; Weeping may enduring through the night, but joy comes in the morning--I see similar ideas here.

Indeed, amid the challenges and struggles we have, we have much hope. Our hope is in the Gospel promise of resurrection. Evil, injustice, and oppression do not have the final word. The flowers of inclusive, justice, and reconciliation are struggling to sprout and grow. The showers shall not persist forever; the flowers are coming.

The Pursuit of Happiness

By Joey Heath

In  1776, primarily written by Thomas Jefferson, the second continental congress adopted what became known as the Declaration of Independence.  In this we find one of the most famous quotes in all of American history which states “We hold these truths to be self evident that all men are created equal, that they are endowed with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.” I think those are very powerful words that most if not all Americans hold as core values of our American society. The part I want to focus in on is the “pursuit of happiness” clause. The U.S. was founded on the basis that everyone had a chance to better themselves and seek after a happy life free from tyranny and oppression. Now I think it is important to point out that when this was written it was really speaking about white, male, heterosexual, landowners. The great thing is that during the course of our history as we as humans have become better understanding of innate human rights we have expanded this phrase to include the less affluent, woman, and persons of color. Sadly there is one group that has yet to reach the level of equality that these others groups have and that is LGBT people. We claim the pursuit of happiness is for everyone and yet we tell our LGB people brothers and sisters that seeking to find happiness with someone of the same gender is wrong and that it is better to be single and lonely then live in what some consider to be “sin”. And if you are transgender we tell you that despite the fact that your internal self does not match up with your external physiology you should remain as you are. For LGB people we are saying it is wrong to seek after integrity and living as who you really are and seeking to find a partner to share your life with. For transgender people we are saying that your happiness in your body and living your life integrity is wrong.  By saying this we are saying that it is more important for you to conform to what society says is the norm than to have the pursuit of happiness that the rest of society seeks after. Oddly enough in many places there are currently anti-discrimination laws on the books covering a variety of groups and yet many places currently have or are placing laws on the books which actively obstruct the pursuit of happiness of LGBT people. Why is this? Why in a country where we value individual freedom do we concern ourselves with who a person wants to be and who they fall in love with? In the past we as Methodists have helped lead the charge on other civil rights issues like equality for women and the equality of all persons regardless of race or skin color. When will we as a Jesus loving, social gospel following people, stand up and begin to advocate for the right of LGBT people to pursue happiness?

Prayer for Strength to Do Justice (adapted from Psalm 104)

By Audrey Krumbach

(reprinted from United Methodist Young Clergy)

During the 40 day prayer campaign we will follow the contemplative threefold path.  Our first leg on the journey: purgation.  As we pray together, let our prayers first include a confession that we are lost apart from God's leading, a desire to rediscover the depth of God's love for us in fresh and life-giving ways, and a hope for new ways that we might be faithful followers of Jesus in our generation.  Thank you for joining us on the journey.

 Prayer for Strength to Do Justice (adapted from Psalm 104)

 O Lord our God, you are honorable and majestic, surrounded by all good things.
                You have stretched out the heavens to cover us,
                set the sunbeams on the waters to warm us,
                and blown sweet winds to refresh us.
When life feels shaky and everything is uncertain,
                you stand by me.
                You fill my life with hope.
You make water flow in the oceans,
                filling up rivers and springs.
                You even make mountains to stop the waters from covering all. 
                You give grass to the cattle,
                sunlight to the trees, seeds for the birds.
Give me also all that I need.
Lord you know I think I need things, money and position,
Help me to see what is truly good:
                share with me the provisions for life,
                the intimacy of friends and family,
                the strength to seek your good,
                the power of your Holy Spirit.

When you send forth your Spirit, life is created.
You renew all things from the ground to the living creatures to the skies.
Our prayer is that all things bring you joy, God of love.
                Make us part of your work.
                Cleanse our hearts from sin into pure love,
                Attune our energy to the needy crying out for mercy
                Make our soul gentle and full of your justice,
                Make our souls firm and full of your compassion.
When I have no answer, send me your wisdom.
For you came and walked with us, teaching, and healing and loving.
Do not stop now but remain with us, teach and heal and love.

Bless you, O, Lord
I will sing to you as long as I have breath
Praise you with all of my being.
Praise you, O, Lord

Audrey Krumbach is the Field Organizer for the Reconciling Ministries Network and a candidate for Elder’s ordination in the Northern Illinois Annual Conference.  She graduated from seminary in 2008, and has a deep passion for evangelism and working within the Holy Spirit to usher in the kin-dom of Jesus.

Video: United Methodist Church in Ministry to All Amendment

A video in support of Amendment 1.

Tex Sample on UMC Constitutional Amendments

Well-known teacher, author, and United Methodist Tex Sample explains why delegates should vote "YES" for the constitutional amendments before their annual conferences this year.

Tex Sample refers to Bishop Scott Jones' video on the Constitutional Amendments.

Open Hearts, open minds, open doors: The People of The United Methodist Church

By Anonymous Transgender UMC Clergy Person

I first read this slogan advertising my denomination when it was new. I eagerly searched through the promotional kit when it arrived. It contained radio spots, television ads., lettherhead, posters and a dvd. Exploring these items I discovered graphics and verbal messages declaring the welcoming attitude of our denomination to all persons, recognizing each one as a precious child of God. There were radio spots celebrating the equality of women and men, the diversity of races and cultures, the blessings of various ages and generations. The most recent television spot I've seen describes each person following a unique yet common journey of faith. All are invited to share, to explore this journey among other persons of faith in the United Methodist Church. Long ago I put that box down, and the slogan too, because, on that day and ever since there is nothing welcoming me; nothing inviting my family and many dear friends into the United Methodist Church. And I am a United Methodist clergy. I also happen to be transgender, and people in the LGBTQ community are not welcome.

I was recently reminded that we are not welcome in churches of the denomination I serve as I read results of the Spring meeting of The Judicial Council, our denomination's highest court. The particular decision concerns United Methodist clergy and same-sex marriage. Overturning California-Pacific Conference Bishop Mary Ann Swenson's ruling supporting a conference resolution recognizing "the pastoral need and prophetic authority of our clergy and congregations to offer the ministry of marriage ceremonies for same-gender couples", the court ruled it is a chargeable offense for United Methodist clergypersons to perform such ceremonies. This is so even in states where it is legal, even in churches that uphold these rights, and even if the clergy are retired.

In nearly three decades I have performed countless marriage ceremonies for numerous couples. Several years ago I married a United Methodist bishop and a dear member of my congregation. It is always an honor and blessing to preside and participate in such a sacred time. Now I am forbidden from offering same-sex couples who, guided by faith, seek to celebrate their union in covenant with God through the Church, and in the presence of family and friends. My denomination's highest court declares they are not to enjoy the support, encouragement, and community of my church. Ultimately this means my family is not to enjoy these things either. Our children have already left The United Methodist Church over these issues, long before they knew our story. Having grown up in the Church, they understood the gospel and could not agree with what they heard and read coming from our denomination.

In this post-Easter season filled with budding new life, our Judicial Council wields yet another death blow to those who would share their journey of faith from the unique perspective of LGBTQ persons. The council wields another blow to me and to my family as well.

"Open hearts, open minds, open doors: The people of The United Methodist Church"?

Maybe someday, but not today. Today I mourn for those I love, for my church and denomination, for myself, and most of all, for the kin-dom of God.