Wrong, Stupid and Evil — the United Methodist Position on Homosexuality
I’m not exactly sure why I hoped that General Conference would have a change of heart this year and, after ten times getting it wrong, finally come around to the Jesus side on the issue of homosexuality in the church. After all, every four years since 1972 without exception we’ve heard the same refrain from our elected denominational leaders — “homosexuality is incompatible with Christian teaching.”
So why did I get my hopes up and think this year might be different?
For one thing, it’s clear our country and culture have come a long way in 40 years. Most people today recognize that homosexuality is not a choice, that it’s something much deeper in people’s genes or at the very least is generated quite early in their development and can’t be undone. We long ago recognized it’s not a deviant behavior, as it was described in psychiatric manuals 30 years ago, but it’s part of the diversity of how people are created. In the days since gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered people have come out of the closet we have come to recognize them as our families, friends and neighbors. We are together in community and it works just fine. In fact, it works great.
This change in cultural attitudes hasn’t gone unnoticed in the local church, too. Back in the mid-1970′s it was a minor scandal at First Church when two people of the same sex held hands during worship. When the pastor at the time, David Aasen, preached about acceptance of gay and lesbian people there was a mini-Exodus of conservatives from our congregation.
But that was 35 years ago. I wouldn’t be exaggerating to say that today probably 30% of the people who join First Church are LGBT — and not only do they freely hold hands, but they bring their kids, they are elected to positions of leadership, they are supported for ordained ministry and they proudly do everything and anything our straight people do. In fact, we would be unable to function without their faithful presence and gifted ministry. Sometime before I came to First Church this congregation figured out that because people have no choice about being gay or lesbian we are theologically required to include them in every way if we want to call ourselves a church of Jesus Christ. First Church has been rewarded with an unusually grace-filled and growing congregation. That’s right, we’re a rare bird — a growing, downtown, mainline church.
So the General Conference’s re-reaffirmation of its 40-year old condemnation of homosexuality feels to us like a throw-back to the very bad old days. First Churchers are hurting because last week’s General Conference suggests we’re stuck in a Pope-Benedict-slash-Rick-Santorum-slash-Southern-Baptist-slash-Rush-Limbaugh church of closeted gays and sanctimonius straights. We at First Church have been telling people that we’re progressive, we’re enlightened, we’re not like those Christians whose personal prejudices transform their churches into stagnant pools of exclusionary dogma and phony, conditional grace. Then another vote from our elected representatives is announced and we’re splashed with stagnant water of the past: “Nope, this church is just like the others.”
Not that the delegates who voted in the majority on this issue care about what the rest of us think, but I’d just like to tell them that their vote to uphold this offensive language is wrong, stupid, and evil.
It’s wrong because it elevates as doctrine parts of the Old and New Testament that describe outdated and ancient social conventions like slavery and the subservience of women, ignoring the gracious and inclusive heart of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It is stupid because it stands our denomination squarely against the tide of history, and it is evil because it perpetuates discriminatory attitudes against a portion of society that should be welcomed, supported, valued, and loved.
I want to be clear that I will do everything in my power to ignore, circumvent and undermine the General Conference’s will in this. I will not apologize for this decision. I will not rationalize it. I will not submit to it. I will present it as the institutional evil that it is, and I will work to exorcise its demonic influence from my congregation and its loving and faithful people. And if I know my congregation, its members will support me each step of the way.
Why so angry? I’m angry for the beautiful lesbian couple in our church with the lovely and intelligent daughter who can’t figure out why their denomination won’t celebrate the joy of their family with them. I’m angry for the young, gay man who’s finally found a place where he can worship without feeling like he’ll be condemned. I’m angry for the straight woman who came to our church because she’d finally found a place where her lesbian friend would be accepted.
Rev. Sanford "Sandy" Brown
The General Conference delegates who supported this backward language about homosexuality need to hear that congregations like mine are seriously wondering today why we continue to stick it out in this denomination. We’re frustrated to be growing a congregation that welcomes everyone within a denomination that welcomes only some. We’re asking ourselves how we can remain in a church that preaches a Gospel that is foreign to what we know of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. And the best we can figure out for now is that we’re not going to let this wrong, stupid and evil decision keep us from doing God’s work of acceptance, love and understanding.
Sorry, General Conference. You’re wrong, and I’m ashamed of you.
Good job Sandy! I’m so very disappointed with our GC. I will not comply!
I’m sure it feels good to you to clarify your stance on the UMC position except you have misinterpreted what it actually says. The Disciple does not say anything about the state of “being homosexual”. It only speaks to behavior. It is the same as if it spoke against certain kinds of behavior in which “straight” people participate such as sexual harassment, sexual abuse, or domestic violence. Do you deny the church’s right to speak against these behaviors as well?
You mentioned that the statement is wrong because it doesn’t speak of grace. I read that differently. It is very clearly a statement that includes the line, “all persons are individuals of sacred worth, created in the image of God.” That sounds like grace to me.
You stated that the GC statement is stupid because it goes against the wave of history. The gospel of Jesus Christ has always been squarely against the worldly culture. Since it is the movement of cultures that make up our history I think that’s a good thing.
Your position says that this statement is evil because it is discriminatory against a certain group of people. Again, the statement does not speak about a people, gay or straight. It states that, “it does not condone the practice of homosexuality and considers this practice incompatible with Christian teaching.”
Therefore, this statement and the action of the GC does not mistreat, set apart or ostracize people. There are those in the world who do these things but not the UMC.
You infer several times that this statement represents old thinking. This statement has been affirmed at every GC since it was first brought to the GC. I.E. it’s been updated every four years and since the vote was only a few weeks ago it’s pretty well up-to-date.
I wonder how you justify what you proclaimed you’re going to do with the vow you made to support Disciple at your Ordination. Did you mean you’d only support the parts with which you agreed? If you do all that you say you will do in response to this action are you ready to stand up to the consequences of your actions.
You said you wanted to be clear and stated, “I will do everything in my power to ignore, circumvent and undermine the General Conference’s will in this…. .I will not submit to it.” Just for clarity, what you propose are chargeable offensives.
Paragraph 361 states “Ordination and membership in an annual conference in the UMC is a sacred trust. Whenever a person…..is accused of violating this trust, the membership of his or her ministerial office shall be subject to review. With this in mind, I wonder why you remain in the church that you feel is so wrong, stupid and evil.
Thank you Sandy. Sorry General Conference. You’re wrong, and I’m ashamed of you!
Preach it, Brother!
Love so much in this article. I felt the same way sitting in Presbytery meetings during various discussions surrounding the ordination of homosexuals and then whether or not homosexuals could be married by Presbyterian ministers.
But I do have one small bone to pick. I think that the disclaimer surrounding the whole “being gay is not a choice” thing really undermines homosexuals more than it builds them up. Homosexuality is totally fine whether it’s a choice or whether it’s a genetic pre-disposition. Arguing whether it’s a natural phenomenon or a personal choice completely misses the point that one can choose to love and be with whomever one chooses, and opens the door to counter-arguments based in science/psychology that in my mind are irrelevant. Nature, nurture, who cares? Love your neighbor and don’t judge, and we’ll go from there.
I TOTALLY agree with you, Marie!! Whether it’s a choice or not, it’s all ok, it’s all good and it’s all LOVE…something that we all, as humans, crave, need and deserve to live happy and fulfilling lives. Open the heart and mind and a the whole rest of the world is available to you!!! YES!!!! Thank you!!
I meant that for James, not Marie, but maybe it doesn’t really matter….
I never thought of it this way. Thank you for saying that.
Just wanted to say that *your* elected representatives were not voting to keep the status quo. Also refreshing to read this after a couple weeks of “holy conferencing”, when it seems to this weary soul that some of us kept to it better than others.
Thank you for standing tall and brave for the people in your church and in our world….that deserve to have the same rights that all of us have. I admire your ability to live as Christ would today….with courage, respect and justice for all.
Thank you for reminding us that Jesus taught us that above all LOVE is more important than anything. Especially political gain. Love is love no matter who shares it together.
Sometimes I really miss having you here, Reverend Doctor!
Thanks Sandy for saying what is on so many of our hearts.
Well said. I feel the need to point out that the families mentioned above came because they felt welcomed and accepted. The church is a national organization. But the church families are the ones that are truly defining the heart of Christ to our gay and lesbian brothers and sisters.
The seed is planted on fertile ground. My children and a very special pastor from the Sweet Home UMC changed my views from one of those sanctimonious people to one embracing a World of Christs Own. Keep on keeping on. The views will change and meanwhile, we can all continue to love and support our church families.
As a relatively new United Methodist (3 years now), I just assumed LGBT were welcome in the church. We preached inclusion and love of all neighbors. When people asked about my church I said, “we love the gays!” and invited friends and family to enjoy the love of Jesus I’d found. I’m astonished to find out that the United Methodist church has been voting down “official” inclusion of LGBT. They apparetnly are quite out of touch with what is going on in the actual churches, at least the ones I’ve attended in the PNW.
The General Conference includes Africa, Phillipines, etc. The openess for GLBT folks is not accepted, yet. It would be interesting to see the votes of USA churches. Even the motion to “agree that we disagree” was voted down, which I thought would be a good place to start.
I’ve never understood why people are so critical of other people who are ‘different’ through my 64 years of life I’ve been treated differently by others because have a hearing impairment. friends in a wheelchair are treated differently to people who are able bodied, and homosexuals and not only treated because they are different people want to change then and make them different in fact many homosexuals are hounded and persecute. and often by so called Gad Fearing People. Pastors have preached and condemns these children of God from the pulpits using the bible as their point of reference. and at the next breath they day our God is a kind, loving and forgiving God. What a contradiction. If we believe that God is the Creator who created every living thing how can we presume to know what God was thinking when he created homosexual people – yes God created them just like he created us. people who criticise others that are different are arrogant, selfish and self-cenred. Its time to show that one is a true child go God by accepting all Her/his creation unreservedly. Love is a very powerful emotion and spreading true love from one person to another is what I would think God wants.
Thank you, and amen. This delegate (and protestor) agrees 100%.
Bravo to you Pastor Sandy!! I live in NorCal and our pastor sadly and disappointedly announced this last Sunday. We are not the progressive, openly accpting church you are. However, there is a core of congregants that would very happily and vocally support the recall of this inhumane wording/proclamation.
thanks, Sandy, and pain shared somewhat by the many of us who know United Methodists to be better than this example from General Conference, better in so many ways that builkd just and hospitable ways together. I’d invite you into the UCC, and yet the allegiance many have to their/your tradition will likely keep you where you are as a congregation doing what is necessary to live the Gospel. Churchwide efforts in many denominations find one way or another to alter the freedom we have in Christ…. it is yours publicly for the moment and yet United Methodists are not alone in decisions that make little sense. Hold the course….faithfully.
“For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it.”
if everything was okay, then the gate would be large, and the way wide. but alas it is not. homosexuality is a cross that must be carried like every other cross.
This opinion, like the vote of the GC, is narrow-minded and just plain wrong. Homosexuality is NOT a cross to bear. The church should not be burdening its own members with obstacles to faith. Ignorance may be your own cross to bear, but the church did not impose that on you — you chose that for yourself.
I have already posted that the decision by General Conference makes it very hard for me to call myself a Methodist. I think John Wesley would agree that we are better than that!!
Thank you, Sandy, for giving voice to the disappointment and anger. It is time for those of us whose churches are growing and vital AND inclusive to resist the damaging theology and ideology coming out of GC. In solidariy, Karen
The problem is not with the local delgation. The problem is that the UMC is a global demonination. I was not at GC but I think I heard 40% (???really???) of the delagates were from Asia and Africa. If so, then it’s not even the southern conferences that are holding things back, it’s the rest of the world… and that means that it will be a long time before the denomination catches up to the western conferences. So… the question becomes … do we want to be a global church? We know how we are hurt…. what do we gain? what do we give to a global UMC.
….. and I would love to hear comments about my reply.
Do you not, with this comment, give up all rights to minister to the children of God in Africa and Asia? If you cannot respect someone, how can you possibly love them? And if you cannot love them, how can they see Jesus in you? …seems a bit, no, alot hypocritical. Include all but those who disagree with you?
Thank you Pastor Sandy! Thank you for speaking for me. And thank you for speaking the truth. I just want to be used by God in every way possible. I thank God that He loves me, and that He uses my wholebeing as an instrument to do His will. Thanks Pastor Sandy! You’re awesome!
As a pastor of a church in the United Church of Christ (an Open and Affirming denomination), I feel your pain and frustration and will pray for all of you in the Methodist Church who are trying to be Jesus in this world. We are with you in your desire to bring change, and we support those of you who will follow your hearts to take the stand so that ALL people might experience God’s Love…no matter who they sleep with.
Thank you Sandy. Working to change from within is always the hardest path to take. Thank you for standing up for what is right. With God’s help, someday we will be a open and welcoming church.
Thank you very much, Pastor Sandy, for saying so well what so many of us feel. I applaud and commend you and your congregation for what you are doing in being a welcoming congregation with”Open Hearts, Open Minds, and Open Doors.” I wish more in The UMC would do so. I wish your congregation was closer to me so I could place my charge conference membership with you to honor your stand and support it.
Forrest Shelton Clark, elder (retired)
Wisconsin Conference, The UMC
Thanks for your unequivocal statement. As a delegate from the west, I’ll just say that we did everything we could. Now it’s time for pastors and churches to make it clear that we will not live by these abusive standards.
You can always break ties with the UMC and a) affiliate with another denomination (UCC/MCC come to mind); b) form a new “open and affirming” denomination – you’d be sure to bring along other current UMCs who agree with you; c) live as an independent church.
I’m not sure why you would want to remain attached to a denomination you call “wrong, stupid, and evil.”
You’ve done a masterful job, Sandy, of articulating how many of us feel about this latest action of General Conference. As a reserve delegate to G.C., it’s both comforting and challenging to know that others plan to continue fully living into the vision of inclusiveness for all, even if 40% of us couldn’t change the official policy. Makes we want to be even more accountable to this vision, even if it stretches me and my local congregation. The United Methodist churches in the west must proceed to be true to what we know God is calling us to, so let’s get on with it!
Thanks for your blog.
I felt betrayed by completely hypocritical GC and for 24 hours wondered how to continue to be a minister in the UMC. I think I’ll hang in there for another 4 years, but if the GC doesn’t get with the program, I’m not sure I can remain with UMC any longer.
GC has completely lost its Wesleyan focus on this issue, and is hypocritical to the max. We have also lost our leadership in social justice. I grieve for our denomination.
Gary, what is the Wesleyan focus you speak of here. I’ve read a fair bit of John Wesley’s works, and I have to say I don’t think he would have voted with the 39%.
I’m just trying to understand what you mean by the word.
I come from a long line of Methodist, including several Circuit Riders and a deconess. So here is my history lecture. Methodism started when preachers went into the field of the English Isles to preach to people that were too poor to sit in church because they didn’t own a pew or were miners working like slaves and were deamed to dirty to enter the churches.
In the United States my Circuit Riding relatives preached in the gold towns of Arizone, Nevada, Idaho and Colorado. Prostitutes, prospectors, mine owners, miners, saloon keepers, drunks, farmers,merchants,and ranchers were all welcome.
Methodist have been in many battles like this one before. Methodists were active in abolisionism, The suffriget movement, workers rights, and civil rights. Many of us oldies in Washington were active in local civil right, anti war, wars, and Indian tribal rights including gaining them the right to vote in 1954. This is this generations civil rights battle. It is my husband and my battle as well. God never backs exclusion.
Sandra, I agree that EVERYONE was welcome (and still are), but my relatives heard the Message that Jesus forgives and delivers from sin. I am grateful that they passed this same Message to my generation. I am trying to be faithful to pass it on to the next generation
I appreciate the history lesson, but, of course, Methodists have been active in a lot of other things as well — some not so noble.
As for “exclusion,” John Wesley cast people out of Methodist societies for all manner of things that he considered incompatible with holiness.
My only point is that I do not see how the invocation of John Wesley in the comment above has anything to do with an actual reading of his theology or biography.
Pastor Sandy: Please view and share my video protest regarding this injustice. Youtube video irreverentricktate A Plea For Justice.
This blog says just about everything I am feeling this week, Sandy. Thanks for putting it down so clearly. Here at Northaven UMC in Dallas, we’ve had the exact same experience: a dying church who found new life when it opened its doors to LGBT persons. We have been blessed beyond measure by it.
I constantly say that it must be a true miracle of God, and work of the Holy Spirit, that we continue to grow when each successive General Conference comes back with the status quo.
Imagine how much we’d be growing if we *didn’t* have to slow down our efforts, salve our wounds, and lift up the broken and confused souls every four years…
Thanks again.
I’m from the Southwest Texas Conference … and I feel the same way you do!! I keep mentioning James 2:13 and Psalm 139:13-16. What is wrong with the UMC!!!? I understand that the African Conference has cultural differences, so why don’t we start helping them organize the African Continent General Conference, and reorganize General Conference to become the Northern American General Conference? We have a World Conference!! We could make more progress this way!
My hunch is the progressives who are in favor of same-sex marriage are the same progressives who embraced inclusion of the African and Filipino Methodist churches that ended up bitterly (and unChristianly) opposing same-sex marriage.
Sandy, I’m ashamed of what you wrote here. OK, so you don’t agree with what the General Conference decided. Fine, but instead of respecting the people who presumably arrived at a prayerful decision to uphold the current language on homosexuality, since you didn’t get your way, you lash out with all kinds of name calling: wrong, stupid, backward, demonic, institutional evil, etc.
Drama much? It’s okay to be passionate about this issue. But when things don’t go your way, and you respond by demonizing Christians on the other side of this issue, that says way more about you than it does about them. And in this case, it isn’t good.
So, never mind what the Church says. What does the Bible say? Or does it matter?
Dear Sandy, though your passion for the LGBT community is strong and well articulated, though your congregation seems to support you strongly, though there are other UM churches that have taken your stance…it is not wrong, stupid and evil that others of us UM clergy and laity feel equally as strongly about the authority of Scripture. Because we don’t agree at all with your stance that anything goes and is okay in the eyes of Jesus doesn’t make it right. I am truly sorry that you are so hurt by the actions or inaction of GC 2012 but I totally disagree with your interpretation of Scripture and I don’t believe that makes me wrong, evil or/and stupid. It does make me a theologically conservative member of the UMC.
I’m very progressive on political issues, but there is no real difference between the “massive resistance” of the 1960s and the abrogation of their vows that is being professed by Pastor Sandy and her ilk.
If clergy want to unite with another denomination, then they should go ahead. If a congregation wants to leave, then they should be allowed to after making sure that they have settled their financial obligations. Of course, THAT is the rub. Even after the loss of guaranteed appointment, UM clergy are very privileged.
Hello. Just a technical point – Sandy did not say that “anything goes and is okay in the eyes of Jesus”. Contrary to what you suggest, that is not even close to the argument that he puts forward. By suggesting that this is Sandy’s stance, you imply that all of us who support marriage equality and LGBT equal rights believe in a moral free-for-all. Well, I for one do not believe that “anything goes and is okay in the eyes of Jesus” – for instance, I believe it is immoral and distinctly not okay in the eyes of Jesus to deny marriage equality, full recognition, and unconditional love to our LGBT brothers and sisters. “I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.” Matthew 25:45. There is nothing “anything goes” about that.
The Church Within A Church Movement might be an option for some of the UM’s posting here and beyond. The Movement was birthed out of the exclusions of LGBTQ people after General Conference 2000. A progressive, methodist-related Movement BEing the fully inclusive and just church. Several Membership connections for clergy and laity. Read more on the website if you care to. CWAC Movement is a place of faith, hope and justice, like many of your congregations. Consider being a congregational member.
I am someone who just sits in the pews every Sunday in the UMC, and I’ve read your blog and the comments and am very… very confused. Why and how can you so adamantly preach inclusivity while openly excluding and demeaning the people and opinions 1- of the African and Asian delegations and 2 – anyone who differs from you. The word “grace” used here has been trashed by every word used around it.
I wonder where you think I stand on the homosexuality issue because I disagreed with your rhetoric…I bet you’d be suprised. But because I disagreed with your words, am I evil?
There are fewer sadder sights than seeing people who are supposedly so passionate about “inclusivity” and “tolerance” to show that they are as truly exclusive and intolerant about opposing views as they accuse others of being.
Thank you for your articulate and deeply faithful witness! You and your church are certainly not alone!
Pastor of Ukiah United Methodist Church
I’ve been thanking you a lot lately, Sandy, and it’s well deserved gratitude. I can’t speak for anyone else, but as a gay man and a UM clergyperson on honorable location, I struggle most poignantly in the months after each General Conference with what it means to continue to be a United Methodist. If you weren’t as angry and adamant in your response, I’d be less hopeful. If you were any less blunt and indignant, I’d question that much more whether the church into which I was born, raised, and called into ordained ministry was really “mine” any longer. Calculating votes and strategizing about how to change the 60% of GC who vote this way (the votes are remarkably stable on this issue over the past 20 years despite dramatic changes in our denomination and culture), actually sucks the life right out of me. If our conversation right now was all about doing better the next time GC comes around, frankly I’d be looking for a different conversation. But demanding justice and committing yourself to “ignore, circumvent, and undermine” the bad news of GC with the good news of Jesus Christ is a big reason why I continue to know myself to be United Methodist, and to know that I am not alone.
Thank you, Pastor Sandy, and thank you Seattle First UMC for your loving welcome of me and my family.
Four years ago I was a delegate to GC and initially I was excited about the opportunity to share views from the liberal side of things and vote for change on this issue. I think it is safe to say that probably 40% of the people were willing to vote progressively but were always on the losing end and most of the people I knew who were for changing the book of discipline away from this anti-gay madness were afraid to stand with those who spoke up on the floor of the conference, or in the committees they served on. I was a reserve delegate this year, but chose not to attend because this issue is so important to me and yet I am certain that, given the fact that the church primarily focused on survival at this point, and the influx of conservative delegates from varied ethnic group delegations, it appears that the church will not be changing in the foreseeable future.I love the UMC and pray for change … and I will continue to add my voice where ever it may help, but our church is not structured for this type of change in my humble opinion, given the realities and pragmatics at play.
Thanks for a good article. I agree with all you’ve said but i think calling the regulations wrong and hurtful is better than calling them stupid and evil. It’s understandable that people who agree with the rules might think you are calling them stupid and evil.
having said that, I will do all I can to change our rules, too.
Keep up the good work, Reverend! I grew up in the Methodist Church, and the one I went to in my adulthood had started–or participated in–the Reconciling Methodist movement. Unfortunately the General Conference–as my mom sadly found out–was simply not moving toward inclusion and acceptance of all people. And it was sad that that church gave up its quest to promote Reconciling Methodists. It is up to individual congregations to recognize and accept people of all backgrounds, including LGBTQ.
Amen Sandy!
That’s why we chose this church. Trust me, two children of a pastor family, where acceptance is a rare thing in the church, true love is rare among the church. And believe me, it’s not a choice. I wanted to die or would have cut my right arm off NOT to be gay. We are so happy to be surrounded by true Christ Like people. Amen.
Sandy- As a former two-time CG delegate, I share your views on this issue. What those of us who agree with you need to do is change our approach. While the issue only comes up every four years, it is decided in the meetings, calls, and strategy sessions in-between. And with the rise of the church outside of America, most notably Africa, this has to be a global effort. Find ways to connect and engage with our fellow Methodists around the world, and teach them the value of inclusiveness and love – and get them to elect delegates who feel the same way. Prayer and protests make us feel good, but they won’t get us the political change we need.