Reconciling Ministries Network

Rock On, FUMC Pasadena Youth!

On October 23, 2011, First United Methodist Church Pasadena (California) voted to become a Reconciling Congregation. In the months of preparation to become a Reconciling Congregation, the Youth voted to become a “Reconciling Youth Group” (Reconciling Community). As part of the process, the Youth of FUMC Pasadena created a statement to be presented to the congregation regarding the vote to become a Reconciling Congregation. After much discussion, the youth broke into groups to develop ideas and principles that we wanted to see included in the statement. This is the statement that our Youth Group worked on together:

Youth Statement on Becoming a Reconciling Congregation

Sunday, October 23, 2011

Last year, our youth group's theme was "Youth with a Voice." This year, we have chosen as our theme, "Acceptance." Today we stand before you, using our collective voice, to ask for acceptance for all.   

Acceptance of ourselves, the opinions of others, different traditions and lifestyles, things we can change and things we cannot change, decisions that we make, and even illness and death as part of life. The area we feel extremely passionate about is acceptance of people in our church regardless of who you are --including your sexual orientation. 

Many of us interpret the Bible in different ways, but WE understand God’s primary message to be about love:

Romans 13:8 - Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law.

John 4:7 - Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God.

Proverbs 17:17 A friend loves at all times.

And of course, as we follow the Golden Rule, we remember to "do unto others as (we) would have them do unto (us)." (Matthew 7:12)

Matthew 22:37-39 - Jesus replied: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind." This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: "Love your neighbor as yourself." 

If we are called to love one another, we cannot sit in judgment of others – only God is our judge. FUMC Pasadena and this congregation has taught us that we are all made in God’s image (Genesis 1:26-27) and God loves everyone – therefore we should love everyone equally.

We believe we must stand up for each other, just as Jesus did for the Woman at the well, for the sick man lowered through the roof by his friends, the dying child, for the poor and oppressed; the prisoners, the widows, and the orphans. Therefore, we the Youth of First United Methodist Church Pasadena – and the future of the United Methodist Church – do pledge to love, accept, and cherish all people; regardless of race, ethnicity, age, socio-economic status, religion, class, gender, education, physical or mental ability, marital status, or sexual orientation. We refuse to tolerate discrimination of any kind. ALL MEANS ALL.

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Submitted by Rev. Allison Mark, First United Methodist Church Pasadena, CA

Relationships

by Kara Crawford

“God loves queers!” Wouldn't it be wonderful if this were a more commonly-heard message in the public sphere than its infamous converse, à la Fred Phelps and the Westboro Baptist Church? Believe it or not, it actually is a majority sentiment in Mainline Protestant Christianity. According to a Pew Forum Religion and Public Life survey conducted in 2007, 56% of Mainline Protestant Christians agreed that homosexuality should be accepted, and I am virtually positive the percentage has only increased since then.

So, not all Christians are anti-queer. In fact, many genuinely believe in, and a fair number act on, the sentiment that “God loves queers!” Some Christians are out queers; some queers are out Christians. Many signs point to positive changes in favor of queer acceptance by Christians.

However, this doesn't account for unsupportive Christians. Some of us know all too well who they are, have been repeatedly hurt by their hateful sentiments, some of us even left the churches of our childhood because of the hatred we felt from them. For some of us, they are former pastors and Sunday school teachers, even grandparents and parents. Can't we just ignore their hatred and pretend it doesn't exist, or better yet, only pay it attention when we're protesting and counterprotesting it and mocking their rhetoric?

I would argue no. In fact, I would argue that simply ignoring them is counterproductive to our looking for inclusion and acceptance. How's that, you may ask? Well, most simply, even unsupportive folks are part of the society in which we live. So if we, as queers and company, want to genuinely work to transform and challenge society's heterosexism, I believe it is critical that we work to build genuine relationships with unsupportive folks. Sure, it will be difficult. We will face challenging and even hurtful conversations, but I believe this is key to bringing about transformation.

Just Too Much

Yesterday, I said to a colleague, "Every time I open an Internet browser, it seems that I hear about another gay suicide." I know from my training as a student and scholar of communication that the number of news stories about something, whether shark attacks at the beach, plane crashes, or gay teenagers killing themselves is not necessarily indicative of a trend or pattern, but rather of newsworthiness.

I am not sure whether suicide rates of LGBTQ teenagers are increasing, but the recent number of stories about it has caused me to pause for thought. In a widely circulated video, Ellen addresses this series of recent stories poignantly:

As Ellen says, "we have an obligation to change this. There are messages everywhere that validate this, [...] and we have to make it stop. We can't let intolerance and ignorance take another kid's life."

My dear friends, if ever we become complacent in our work of reconciliation, let this be a reminder of what we're about. Our beloved United Methodist Church is one of the places that produces the sorts of messages Ellen refers to so powerfully here. I need not rehearse the hurtful terms in our polity or the even more hurtful things that faithful--but I believe misguided--United Methodists say in their attempts to interpret and live out that polity.

I know some of our readers would not consider themselves Reconciling UMs. Some are here with questions. Some are here to keep tabs and see what we're doing. So, I want to close with a question for those who disagree with me on the question of inclusion/reconciliation: Do you believe, as I do, that God's heart breaks for these young people and their families? And if so, how does the current language of our official position work to do anything but exacerbate their pain and God's pain? When will we understand the impact and the consequences of our language and the attitudes of our hearts?

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Leland G. Spencer IV, a lifelong United Methodist, is a PhD student in the department of speech communication at the University of Georgia, where he researches religious rhetoric as it intersects with gender and sexuality. Leland holds an M.A. in Communication from the University of Cincinnati (2009). While in Cincinnati, Leland served as the worship intern at the Wesley Foundation. Leland served as a part-time local pastor at Mapleton United Methodist Church in the East Ohio Conference from 2005 until 2007 when Leland withdrew from the candidacy process because of the United Methodist Church's exclusive position about the ordination of LGBT persons.

You Should Be Alive To See It

by Rev. Troy Plummer

As Ellen DeGeneres choked up while she spoke directly to young people being bullied, her words of  longing for their future should be ours “Things will get better. You should be alive to see it.” I’m angry. These suicides cannot be brushed away. Justin, Seth, Asher, Billy, Tyler, Raymond, they should be alive to see it get better. My prayers go out to their families and friends.

But my anger cannot be quenched by prayer and grief. Ellen had one more tell-tale comment, “There are messages everywhere that validate this kind of bullying and taunting.” Permission is given to be violent against gay kids. Permission to bully LGBT people starts long before the first taunt is hurled or fist is swung. Permission is given by silence over incidents that then escalate.

In our United Methodist life, permission is given systemically in policy. Saying that homosexuality and Christianity are incompatible is violence. From policy to pulpit to pew to parents to persons, this injustice creates bullies who believe their faith favors punishment of people for the “sin” of being born gay. “Love the sin; hate the sinner” thought or spoken to folks over sexual orientation or gender identity is violence.

Yes, I’m angry. This climate creates bullies who need little support to begin bashing. A withheld hug, a hesitant consolation, a muted support, or plain silence, when our kids at home or in church are first treated differently make a fertile field for escalating violence.

 We can make a difference all along the way. Do something.

In your church:

• Teach anti-bullying curriculum.
• Use Church and Society’s anti-homophobia curriculum.
• Rethink inclusion for your community and prevent violence: www.rethinkinclusion.org.
• Prevent suicide now: After the Fact by Wallingford United Methodist Church

 Things will get better. You should be alive to see it.

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Rev. Troy G. Plummer joined Reconciling Ministries Network as the executive director in November of 2003. RMN mobilizes United Methodists of all sexual orientations and gender identities to transform our Church and world into the full expression of Christ’s inclusive love. Troy organizes grassroots efforts coast-to-coast sharing an inclusive Gospel message. He coordinates biennial movement building convocations and provides leadership for LGBTQ equality through nonviolent witness and protest, legislative action, and coalition partnerships at the quadrennial General Conferences of the worldwide United Methodist Church. In 2007, he launched five-years of organizing campaigns to grow the movement.

Prior to RMN, Troy served for 13 years on the pastoral staff of Bering Memorial United Methodist Church in Houston, Texas. He directed Bering’s on-site counseling center for those affected by HIV/AIDS. Outside Bering’s sanctuary in 1999, he performed a “street wedding” for a lesbian couple celebrating 25 years together and facilitated Bering’s equal treatment of all couples policy. He also coordinated Bible Study, mission trips, retreats, and nonviolence training. Facing a bomb threat with 50 other couples, Troy and Walter, shared promises and rings on Freedom To Marry Day, February 12, 2003 for their 5th anniversary.

What MOSAIC Means to Me

by Justin Hull

In August of 2008 I reached a crossroads. I was getting ready to take the big plunge into being a certified candidate for becoming a pastor in The United Methodist Church. I had been working on the inquiry candidate process, and it was completed. I knew I had been called by God to serve in a very dramatic way.

However, there was one thing that I knew was still a “problem” of being gay even though I tried to bury it is as much as possible. I live in a very small town in West Virginia; so I started to look (as I have done before) to the Internet for answers.

I found answers through MOSAIC. I found a video of a man testifying on God’s call in his life while being openly gay. I found a blog of another guy who answered a lot of my questions. I found another video of the guy who I know and who was the worship leader of the West Virginia Annual Conference testifying at General Conference. The biggest difference of all from my previous times of looking for answers on the Internet was people. I know queer theology, but I did not know any LBGTQ Christians until then. Theology is important. I discussed and read theological resources, but people are the difference. I had an instant connection with these people because I have always been at home in The United Methodist Church.

As you can tell by my story the Internet was and is an important resource for me. It is a great way to reach out to places like a small town in West Virginia where a young man struggling with his sexuality can find hope. Today, I am an out and openly gay Christian who is ready and willing to testify to God’s love for everyone. I am glad to be working on the communication and theological resources team for MOSAIC. We are a group of LGBTQ young adults and allies working for equality in The United Methodist Church for all people.

I hope everyone reading this blog finds hope in midst of a denomination that says, “Open Hearts, Open Doors, Open Minds”, but does not really mean it. What scares me is the reality that I might have to find a different denomination to fulfill my call. Even if I have to switch to a different denomination, I always want to be working for equality in The United Methodist Church. However, I always have hope. I find courage in the witnesses of other churches that have been prophetic by standing up for marriage equality in the face of possible consequences. I find hope that The United Methodist Church will change. Our only Reconciling Congregation in West Virginia, Asbury, gives me hope. The people of MOSAIC and RMN give me hope.

MOSAIC, a young adult group affiliated with RMN working for the full inclusion LGBTQ people has started their own blog. This is a blog post from the point person for the blog. You can find the blog at mosaic.typepad.com

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Justin Hull lives and grew up in Moundsville, WV and is the point person for the MOSAIC blog. He works in the West Virginia Annual Conference for equality and plans to attend Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C. full time in the fall.

Pray for Jackie! EXPECT MIRACLES!!!

By Kelli Busey

The young lady gracing the slide show is Jackie Murphree from Decatur Texas. A college student who's life was forever changed when her car was hit by a drunk driver. Jackie's brain was shifted and she remained in a coma for several months until finally emerging. But now Jackie's eyes must now speak for her.

Jackie's faith family prayed that time forward for miracles. The miracles the world awaits for began to occur to the people that Jackie's life touches. Adversaries found common ground. People began finding ourselves in the grace of our lord and being brought together in the Methodist faith. Recovering substance abuser's refreshed, pausing to wonder in the beauty of the lives we had taken for granted.

Why should we not pray with Jackie because she needs us now. She is going to China where stem cell research has progressed to the point that it offers her a opportunity to become a vibrant interactive woman once again.

We can be part of this miracle. If you can come to Decatur there are many opportunities to help, but if you can't, you can be a miracle maker by praying for Jackie.

Pray for Jackie! EXPECT MIRACLES!!!

DECATUR — Sitting in a wheelchair, Jackie Murphree's eyes must now speak for her.

Benefit Fun Run May 23, 2009 sign up form

My space Pray for Jackie! EXPECT MIRACLES!!!

First UMC Decatur, Decatur, TX

Hearty congratulations to SMU

By Heather Murphy

The Princeton Review has listed its annual college rankings, and Southern Methodist University has made the list- #14 of the 20 most homophobic schools in the country.  Congratulations, SMU!  The George W Bush Presidential Library should be right at home on your campus.  Keep up the good work!

A search of Facebook reveals that, of more than 10,000 students, exactly 30 have indicated on their profiles that they are gay or lesbian.  That's a mighty crowded closet they have down at SMU.

Now, my alma mater would have been proud to be on that list.  In fact, I'm a little disappointed that they aren't; according to the Dallas Voice article, SMU has both domestic partner benefits for employees and a GLBT support organization for students, neither of which I think exist back at good ol' Milligan College. 

School is starting again, and a lot of closeted GLBT people are heading back to Southern Methodist University.  Some of them might well be reading this very blog, and I'll bet they've heard the news of their university's achievement, too.  Hello, brothers-an'-sisters!  Have you considered what would happen if a significant number of you came out as you start school this year?  You're not wrong to be scared about it.  You're right that you'll meet hostility, and probably lose some friends.  Of course, you will also probably make some friends, and you won't have to worry about people discovering your shameful secret anymore.  And you might be able to help change the feelings of your fellow students- and that, brothers and sisters, might just help to change the future of the Methodist Church.  You might even help make it a little less scary for next year's class of freshmen to decide whether to come out or live in the closet.  But it isn't my place to tell you to do it- that's your decision, and you're the one who has the power to decide how, and when, you come out. 

If you are thinking about making this school year your coming-out year, Southern Methodist University's GLBT support group is called Spectrum.  Looks like a fun bunch of people.  There's also a group called Allies looking out for your interests.  The faculty advisor is Karen Click. 

The Human Rights Campaign has some excellent advice for people who are considering coming out.  I made use of their web site when I was coming out and found it really helpful.

May God go with you, whatever choice you make.  I'll be praying for you.