Members and Friends of Central United Methodist,
I know many of you listened closely as our denomination met in a special General Conference session earlier this week to discuss and decide a way forward for the UMC regarding our ministry to and with sisters and brothers who are gay. Whether you have been attentive or just curious, I want you to understand what happened and how it impacts Central Church.
When it all came down the General Conference was tasked with deciding between two plans. The One Church Plan would have removed all probative and negative language regarding those who are gay from our Book of Discipline. It would have also allowed pastors, churches and annual conferences to follow the Spirit of Christ in their context when it came to ministry with LGBTQ persons. Ordination of gay pastors would be permitted as would same gender marriage by UM clergy and churches. No pastor or church would be compelled to marry gay persons, hold same gender weddings or accept a gay pastor for their congregation. This plan would have preserved the unity of the church for most and allow for greater outreach in mission. It was also endorsed by the majority of our bishops.
Sadly, this plan was voted down. What has been approved by the General Conference is the Traditional Plan which preserves the current probative and negative language toward persons who are gay and requires stricter enforcement of the rules prohibiting the ordination of gay pastors and same gender weddings by UM pastor in UM churches.
How did this happen? Many U.S. southern conferences and churches are conservative in their views as are most of the Central Conferences overseas. Delegates from Africa make up about 30% of the voting members at the General Conference. Add to that the caucus work of the conservative Wesley Covenant Association before and during the conference and you wind up with the 438 – 384 vote that defeated the One Church Plan.
What does this mean for us here at Central? Well, some of you may be relieved that the UMC you know and love has not changed its views on this matter. You know Central to be a warm and welcoming church for all and want us to stay this way. Both Pastor Chris and I are honored to be your pastors and we appreciate where you stand.
Others of you, like me, are heartbroken and frustrated. We had hoped our General Conference would have allowed us to express our calling to more deeply accept and affirm persons who are gay in our local ministry context.
So now what? Certain parts of the accepted plan are being reviewed to see if they are in line with our UM constitution. But the essence has been approved and the damage has been done. Even so, we can and should be hopeful.
Why am I hopeful? Because God is still loving and kind and welcoming of all. No matter what the General Conference has decided, gay persons are included in that love and welcome. UMs with differences will never agree on how scripture should be interpreted in this matter. That’s why the One Church Plan offered hope. Even so, our mission has not changed. People are still searching for God and we have good news to offer. Christ is alive to bring new and abundant life! A hope-filled way of living is available for all. Central Church has so much to offer to this greater mission of Christ.
Please know the Central United Methodist Church you loved being a part of before General Church has not changed. Do not be anxious or worried. The church you walked out of after worship last week is the same church you’ll walk into this week. We will keep doing the important ministry Christ has called us to do and we will continue to seek to be faithful in new ways. This is true in what we say to our gay brothers and sisters. Please know even though our denomination says your “lifestyle is incompatible with Christian teaching;” I, along with hundreds of others here and thousands everywhere, say to you: “God loves and calls you just as you are.”
This Sunday we’ll share a special message from our Bishop, David Bard. An All-Church Meeting is planned for March 10th following the 11am worship service. There we will share the latest updates regarding the decisions of the General Conference, answer questions, and remember our vision for ministry here at Central. On Saturday, March 16, we will host the first of our monthly Serving Saturday opportunities in the community. Let’s remember that’s why we are here: “Together in Christ, Reaching Beyond our Doors.” We’ve got work to do friends; let’s enjoy doing it together!
Filled with Hope,
Pastor Dale
James Pennell says
I am in complete agreement with Pastor Dale. We must look forward with open hearts and open minds and open doors. Although I am unable to attend during this inclement weather my thoughts and prayers are with the church and all who attend.
Cheryl & Richard Naperala says
Thank you for your explanation & your thoughtful words. All change in society takes strong & compassionate voices to speak up and speak loudly. Thank you to both of you for being those voices. This is why we attend Central.
Jeff Barrett says
AMEN. My wife and I have recently begun to attend Sunday services at Central United Methodist Church. We are in search of a spiritual home that accepts and welcomes all people regardless of color, ethnic background, and YES sexual orientation. AND a church that doesn’t just “talk the good talk” but “walks the good walk” with in its community.
We believe we have found that spiritual home in CUMC.
Thank you for accepting everyone to take a journey on this exciting path!
God bless.
jeff b
Nan Horstman says
Thank you, Dale. Challenging times now and in the days ahead. Hard to be hope-filled, but I appreciate your witness and loving leadership.
Chris Derks says
I know our Lord weeps with all of us. You spoke elegantly. As we all know, sometimes we need to pray an be patient an see where God leads us.
DC Pickren says
I am pleased with the decision and believe it is the right one. Thank you Southern Conferences, Conservative Churches and African Delegates.
Bob and Carolyn Grigereit says
Beautiful column Dale!! We love and appreciate Central for the loving,accepting church it is and we greatly appreciate your and Chris’s leadership in making it so. We pray God’s Spirit will guide us all in our beloved UMC in the days ahead.
Kathy Gray says
Dear Dale and Chris-
I’m not worried. And I have great faith in our ability at Central Church to continue our inclusiveness for One and All. With your two at our Front we will overcome the Conference results.
If someone were to ask any of my sons, “what does your mom always say?” I know they would answer: THERE ARE NO COINCIDENCES. ‘This is happening for a reason and the reason is not currently apparent. Now we wait and watch with discernment.
Thank you.
Kathy
Joan Post-Brown says
Pastor Dale. I again thank you for sharing our views at Central. I have been a part of the Methodist Church for over 50 years and am so distressed over this decision. We will forge ahead with our inclusive branch, but with disappointment. This was a tragic decision and if it weren’t for you and Chris, I would be leaving the Methodists.
Steve Christian says
While this is discouraging, I think it is worth noting that 47% voted against this decision. To me, this shows we have come a long way. Imagine what this vote would have been in 1978. In fact, would it have even been allowed to be discussed in any serious way? This is not going to go away, in my opinion, just because of this vote. And because of that, I think disassociation or schism or secession or whatever you want to call it is not warranted.
Sadly, the time for full acceptance of gays in the life of the church has not arrived. Yet. But I believe it will come in time.
Jeff Barrett says
My wife and I have begun to attend Central United Methodist Church in order to find a spiritual home. We are looking for a home that accepts people regardless of their race, ethnic background, socioeconomic status, AND sexual orientation. And doesn’t just “talk the good talk” but “walks the good walk” within their community. In CUMC, we believe we have found a place, a place to take a spiritual journey.
Thank you and God bless
jeff b
Elmer F Peterman says
I am glad the church will remain the same!!
Jacquie Thomas says
I will be waiting with curiosity to see what opportunities present themselves to us in light of the global response. If nothing else, it has given us the platform to examine, converse about and reaffirm our commitment to openness and radical hospitality to all. Central is here to stay with a very entrenched message of inclusion. Let us set about being the exception to any ideas of exclusivity.
Susan Raguse says
From the Dallas News:
https://www.dallasnews.com/opinion/commentary/2019/02/28/going-church-dallas-methodists-seen-anti-lgbtq-rerun-many-times
Kathryn Tulgestke says
I am very happy to be part of Central. I do believe we as a congregation will continue as we have previously. Our mission and outreach will seek to help everyone who asks for help. That’s what counts in this world.
Arthur O Van Eck says
I offer my support and encouragement to you, your colleagues and the congregation. You stand where I believe God’s love calls us to be.
I am a retired minister of the Reformed Church of America, but a member of the TC Presbyterian Church. I was a staff member of the National Council of Churches and as such oversaw the development and publishing of the NRSV. During my tenure in the NCCC, I was involved in many “open and inclusive” struggles in relationships, organization and expression. They are wrenching.
Thank you, again, for your candid and loving witness.
Helen Wilson says
The supportive congregational response exhibited in today’s 11:00 service was heart-warming. It gives me hope that Central will be up to the challenge of bridging the differences in going forward in spite of the Conference ruling. It confirms that my reliance on the Good News of the Gospel that has been the guide for my life is not Fake News.
Mary Slater says
I was a member of Central United Methodist Church from 1964 until 1986 when I moved to Miami, and later Surfside, Florida. I became a member of what later became what was known as a “reconciling” Methodist church on Miami Beach. It was an all-inclusive church where all were accepted. It was lovingly called “The church of what’s happening!” That church was so vital. We had members of all races and, even some Roman Catholics and Muslims. I now live in St. Petersburg, FL, where there is a reconciling Methodist church as well. The reconciling churches, to me, are a temporary movement toward all-inclusiveness. A lot has changed in the past few years, and I assume within the next few years, Methodists will all be accepting of this change. Christ commanded us to love one another. He didn’t put these types of restrictions on us!