Trial starts for lesbian Methodist minister

[fingerprint]

I live in Washington state and today the church trial is starting for an openly lesbian minister who stands to lose her ministry. There are many protesters on both sides who will be outside while the trial goes on. This is huge news here and they said it even hit the national news. Anyone heard of this? Comments? Story here http://www.komotv.com/stories/30329.htm

[wisdom67]

Obviously this Pastor "saw the movie" but never took the time to "read the book".

The homosexual community covers their deceitfulness with lies, and calls anyone who opposes their depraved view of morality a homophobe or a biggot.

The bigger issue ought to be with God. What does God say about homosexuality? If you've read the book this debate is moot.

And the Catholic church is a great example of what happens when you let homosexuality run amuck in the priesthood. Pedophilia running rampant, and gay priests all over the place.

It's an abomination to God. Whether or not the Methodist church stands correctly with God on this one is anyone's guess. These people that support a homosexual person in a position of leadership in the church obviously haven't read 1 Timothy or Titus where it discusses elders in a church.

On another matter that relates to this one - my former Methodist pastor in Fort Lauderdale was forced to "retire" from the ministry after he was found to be in an adulterous relationship with a woman that was not his wife. They didn't try him in a Methodist court - they just pulled him from the church and the rest is history. I find it quite ironic that the lesbian pastor is actually still in the employ of the church. Anyone else see a hypocrisy here?

[Momzilla]

I had not heard of this. The United Methodist Church, generally speaking, is a fairly liberal denomination (I am a member of a UM church, BTW). Church doctrine contains a statement requiring equal treatment for gays, although at present the church reserves marriage to a man and a woman (there are several proposals to change that at the upcoming convention, but I don't know if any will be voted on).

[wisdom67]

I had not heard of this. The United Methodist Church, generally speaking, is a fairly liberal denomination (I am a member of a UM church, BTW). Church doctrine contains a statement requiring equal treatment for gays, although at present the church reserves marriage to a man and a woman (there are several proposals to change that at the upcoming convention, but I don't know if any will be voted on).
The Methodist Church is caving into the "PC police" in my estimation. To them it's no longer about what God would have them do, it's about lining their pocket books.

One of the reasons I am no longer in a Methodist congregation.

[dsdumpling]

We have become a liberal lot and very "pc". Although, I don't adhere to most of their stances (my little church is very conservative). I used to have a quote from the only liberal in my church. He told me I was politically incorrect and I said..yeah, so?

We can't generalize either, not all Methodist agree with what is going on in their churches.

[countrymousenc]

This kind of thing is one of the reasons I'm leaving the UMC, and probably leaving Protestantism behind altogether. The district (diocese) my former church is in is one of the rare conservative Methodist districts left; I suppose it has something to do with being in the Bible belt. Still, to remain in fellowship with Methodist churches that have caved in to the pressure to be pc is not acceptable to me.

I know there are some Protestant churches who have not caved in, but I no longer trust any of them to always stay faithful.

[seebs]

What I find curious is that I know United Methodists who are talking of leaving the church because "fanatical conservatives" are trying to take it over.

I think the UM may be on their way to a schism, which is a shame; both groups have historically been important to their very powerful testimony.

[LuxPerpetua]

I heard knews that the Episcopal church was going to schism over their new bishop (I'm not sure of this now that I've left the Episcopal church), so I think it's highly possible that Methodism will do the same.

Like countrymousenc, this is one of the reasons I'm seriously contemplating leaving Protestantism.

[Phoebe]

I need to do more study on what the ELCA is up to. A pastor was "fired" in my synod because he had a boyfriend. I might be writing a letter to our Bishop. I don't think gay clergy should be allowed.