by Harold Hughes
It passed! The RMN resolution I submitted on reversing 1032 passed. A local pastor from the right jumped up and made a speech in opposition ahead of me reading the Resolution and speaking to it. I spoke on the legal aspects and made a plea as "perhaps the only gay United Methodist on the Conference floor" and Thompson, my Senior Pastor was ready to speak on justice behind me, but someone from the right called the question and it passed 311-205, counted through a division of the house. I'm still a bit shocked! And REALLY pleased. Everyone seemed a bit stunned. It was truly the Holy Spirit's urgency for justice in action. I went into this debate expecting an exercise in futility, and came out with a heightened sense of purpose. The Arkansas Conference may just be more willing to reconcile itself to full membership than any of us thought! G_d is truly good...all the time! Next year, I'll try submitting the other 6 Resolutions. Who knew!
"Hatred paralyzes life; love releases it. Hatred confuses life; love harmonizes it. Hatred darkens life; love illumines it." Dr Martin Luther King Jr."
