GC Newsletter: Saturday, April 26

Young UM Was Denied Membership

Joey Heath wanted to transfer his membership to a church near the college he graduated from.  First his pastor said ’no,’ then the District Superintendent said ’no,’ and finally the Bishop said ’no.’ Joey Heath, a United Methodist young adult was denied membership in a South Georgia United Methodist Church.

Joey will speak today at 1:30 p.m. in the General Worth Square, just across the main entrance to the Convention Center.  This will be a continuation of the Young Adult Weekend which began yesterday at noon with a drumming circle.

Joey Heath gave his witness, available in video on the blog. He describes how he grew up United Methodist, and was a member at his home church ever since confirmation.  After college, he wanted to join a church he liked. The pastor there said it would be inappropriate for him to join, or even transfer, his membership from his childhood church. Hear Joey’s story at 1:30 today.

Legislative Committee Officers

We’re very pleased with the legislative committee officers elected.  They represent the diversity found within our UM connection and will ensure fair and open conversation for holy conferencing. The church recognizes the strength of all the branches in our One Family Tree.  Even when we have differences we can respect each other.  We hold them all in prayer during this time of discernment.

Scientific Research: How Useable for Ethics?

A presentation yesterday, a sincere attempt to respond to those “confused about same-sex attractions,” gave some helpful distinctions about some of the components of sexuality, and acknowledged the speaker's point of view was focused on behavior, not orientation.  He acknowledged that same-sex attractions were a naturally-occurring thing, but acting on them could get in the way of a deep spiritual life. He encouraged integration of the human person and pointed out that same-sex attractions were just one facet of that.

We of RMN appreciate this kind of thoughtful analysis but question both the starting point in a limited form of biblical ethics and the conclusion of suppressing loving behavior directed at a committed partner of one's own gender.

This approach does not help the integration of body, mind, and spirit. Instead it creates a false dichotomy between a quality of being and a healthy, psychological response to that being. When society forces a false dichotomy on the LGBT community, the results are high rates of suicide and homelessness among LGBT youth. Such thinking enabled the Church to ignore 2004 Resolution 158, Teen Sexual Identity and Suicide Risk.