Opposition Continues Over Lesbian Pastor's Defrocking

http://www.365gay.com/Newscon05/12/120805methodist.htm

Two rulings concerning gays by the highest court in the United Methodist Church are continuing to divide the denomination.

The denomination's Judicial Council in October overturned a lower church court ruling and ordered the defrocking of a lesbian pastor who is in a committed relationship with another woman. (story)

The United Methodist Church accepts gay and lesbian ministers as long as they are celibate.

The Rev. Beth Stroud notified her Germantown, Pennsylvania congregation of the relationship in a sermon on April 27, 2003. Her bishop immediately began procedures to remove Stroud from the ministry.

They appear to be liberal but don't always walk their talk. There is a lot of difference between individual churches, even with their episcopalian church structure. Churches in liberal areas are more liberal, but those in conservative churches tend to be very conservative. Wouldn't be surprised if there was a split in the church over this.

be celibate?

divisive issue. I'm Methodist, happy with my local church and bishop. The conservative movement within the Methodist Church is actively seeking a division. They have stacked the Judicial Council so that they are strategically poised to overrule any outbreaks of tolerance. Even our statements on homosexuality in the Social Principles read like written by someone bi-polar.

I want to work against a division. For one thing, it's what the fundies want so I hope to frustrate them. Then I like for them to continually have to face and engage with their tolerant colleagues. A division would insulate them from disagreement.

It is a shame so much time is wasted on these issues when all could work together to do important Christ-centered service.