Methodist panel upholds anti-gay ruling (Reuters)

[Up2Late]

(How does a "...nine-member Judicial Council..." split?)

Methodist panel upholds anti-gay ruling

Tue May 2, 2006 05:11 PM ET

By Michael Conlon

CHICAGO (Reuters) - The United Methodist Church's top court has refused to reconsider its ruling that a minister acted correctly when he refused church membership to a gay man, the church announced on Tuesday.

The nine-member Judicial Council was split on the matter, however, reflecting the continued divisions within many churches on the treatment of homosexuals in matters ranging from same-sex marriages to roles in the clergy.

The tribunal reaffirmed a decision made last October that the Rev. Edward Johnson of the South Hill, Virginia, United Methodist Church was within his rights for refusing to admit a homosexual man to church membership and should not have been suspended for doing so.

The earlier ruling said Johnson followed church law that gives the pastor-in-charge the right to decide who can be received into membership. It said he should be reinstated and given back pay to July 1, 2005, when he had been removed by his bishop.

(more at link)

<http://go.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=domesticNews&storyID=12043769&src=rss/domesticNews>

[Tsiyu]

1. I hope they're not letting in any idolators, fornicators, divorced people,

gossips, thieves, drunks, adulterers, greedy people, liars or anyone who eats shellfish.

The Bobble sez these things are all an abomination to Gawd. Many many many many many times, these sins are mentioned in the Bobble. Homosexuality is referenced twice?

Hell, screen EVERYBODY who tries to enter a church. Only the purest should be allowed through the vestibule.

'Course, the church will die then.....

[Up2Late]

2. The Bobble...

...that's great! :rofl:

[libnnc]

3. I was raised United Methodist

I'm a lesbian. I haven't darkened the door of a church in 16 years. They broke my heart. They don't want me.

When will they come to their senses?

[Rowdyboy]

4. I was also and I'm very sad to see the church go in this direction

I had hopes that it might show more maturity. I can't expect much though. Even my own Episcopalian church is apparently considering reversing all the gains made by GLBT over the last 20 years in order to satisfy conservative clergy in Africa and Asia.

I've been estranged from the church before, I hope I don't find it necessary to leave again.

[BrownOak]

7. Same here (except for that lesbian part)

I was raised UMC too but I have a hard time reconciling what almost all organized religions present as opposed to my own spiritual views. I just can't see Christ turning his back on people because of their sexuality.

The husband who beats his wife can walk through those doors. The wife who ignores her children can walk through those doors. The person who cheats on their spouse can walk through those doors. But if a gay or lesbian person comes to that house, no matter what is in their heart, they aren't welcome.

In the grand scheme of things, why does it matter who you love instead of how you love?

[Jawja]

12. Me, too, libnnc.

Raised Methodist and left the church over 20 years ago.

Their decision violates every principle that I was taught by the very same denomination when I was a child. How hypocritical of the Methodist church!

[Neshanic]

5. Methodists tell gays to take a hike. You know it's nuts when....

the Methodists tell gays that they are not wanted. Generally speaking not known in the past for being close minded, it's official that the Methodists have finally jumped the shark. The Conservatives have infiltrated the power in the church and now control it.

[LostinVA]

6. THis is horrible

I went to a Methodist college, and have always had respect for the followers of <Mr. Wesley. But this? Disgusting. Not even anti-mearriage... just saying someone gay isn't worthy to have membership in a church and be part of the worship committe...

How many other "sinners" do they give membership too???

[Jawja]

13. I went to a

Methodist college as well. I cannot put in words how disgusted I am at this action by the Methodist Church leadership in America.

Yes, how many of those who voted are without sin?? Gee, whiz, what has HAPPENED to the teachings of Jesus within the "Christian" community? What is WITH these people?? :cry:

[gratuitous]

8. Looks like I should get over to a Methodist church

My little congregation is a hospital for sinners, not a museum for saints. But it appears that Mr. Johnson's building hosts only the purest of the pure. Obviously they won't let me in, but I hope they let me look at the front doors.

[arwalden]

9. And Still People Of Faith Wonder "Why Do They Distrust Us So?"

And "I just don't understand why so many people have such a negative impression of Christianity".

:eyes:

[bmbmd]

10. Come unto me

ye who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

[BoneDaddy]

11. It is comforting

to find that religion is still steeped in the Dark Ages.

[Jawja]

14. Food for thought:

Those Methodists who believe in the teachings of Jesus and take them to heart should show up at Johnson's church some Sunday morning and give each member of the church a stone, since they are all without sin and are qualified to "cast the first stone." Or, diluge the church office with packages filled with stones.

I knew of a Methodist minister who used to carry around small stones in his pocket to give to his flock when one criticized another in his presence.

on edit: I am not saying that Gays are sinners, but that's how they are interpreting it by denying a "sinner" admission into membership.

[Up2Late]

15. That might be an interesting way to show our disgust with this ruling.

If a person knew were to send them, so that this "Judicial Council" members would actually get them, we could all mail them a nice heavy stone with a short not or bible passage included.

After a few thousand pounds of rocks arrived, they might get the message.

"Judge NOT, less ye be so judged."

[Zenlitened]

16. "... he refused church membership to a gay man..."

Now, I'm not an expert on the tenets of christianity. And it's been a long time since I read the christian bible, with all those stories about that Jesus guy and the people he hung out with, the "as you do to the least of them" sort of quotes, and all that stuff. But...

:wtf:

They say atheists are bad bad bad for rejecting the god of the bible. How's it rate when christians do it?

:rofl:

[CreekDog]

17. A lot of pastors don't enjoy applying the teachings regarding orientation

Many Christian churches teach that homosexuality is a sin. They teach this not because it's an unpopular or a fun teaching, but because of the biblical references relating to it. Paul said we weren't under Jewish law anymore, but he didn't sanction homosexuality either, in fact, depending upon how you read it, he didn't say it was okay at all.

So, some churches interpret those references to allow homosexuality. Some, however, do not feel as though they have the freedom to say homosexuality is okay since they believe it is part of God's law.

Further, I think we don't stone people because Jesus said "let he who is without sin cast the first stone" which sort of left all people unfit to punish sin.

However, I think one can believe that it is not sanctioned by God and also believe that one should have rights within society regardless of whether they are gay, straight or something else.

[JerseygirlCT]

18. Even if one were to subscribe to the twisted theology that

would say homosexuality is a sin (and I do not), denying someone fellowship and membership in the church is really beyond the pale.

One's sins are between one and God. And if one believes homosexuality to be a sin, it is no more a sin than the sins that each and every one of us commit on a daily basis. Why is this person being denied membership?

The answer, unfortunately, is bigotry in a religion wrapper.

[Zenlitened]

20. But as JerseygirlCT pointed out, it's the idea of this pastor saying...

... "You're a sinner, you can't be part of this church" ...

That's what makes this story so... let's just say... special. :crazy:

Religion and hypocrisy, strolling along hand-in-hand, as is seen all too often.

Personally, though, I think they're doing him a favor. I know I wouldn't want to hang around with anyone who thinks love is a sin. What a sad way to look at the world. :(

[Zhade]

21. Well, a lot of pastors are bigots/homophobes, then.

The purported words of Jesus don't say a thing about us queers.

[superconnected]

19. Something tells me this will divide their churches.

[regnaD kciN]

22. Which will make them...

...the Dis-United Methodist Church.

;-)