UMC Accepts Homosexuals as Members

 

The United Methodist Church has come a long way baby.  A long way from the Scriptures that is.  Being raised in the Methodist Church has given me the privilege (if you can call it that) to see the changes that have come about over the years.  I changed from the Methodist church in my mid twenties and am now non-denominational in my beliefs.  I do honestly think the founder, John Wesley would be sickened by the changes the UMC has made over the decades.  I do believe it is good for the homosexual to attend church but not become a member until they have made a change in their lives and accepted Jesus Christ as their personal Savior and repented from the vile ways of their homosexual lifestyle. Until that change is made, they should not be a actual member.  If you are not familiar with this action, read our articles UMC-Gay.

By Fred Jackson and Jody Brown
December 28, 2005
(Originally published on November 7, 2005)

(AgapePress) - The leadership of the United Methodist Church has declared that the sin of homosexuality is not to be a barrier to membership in its churches.

The denomination's bishops issued the statement late last week, just two days after the UMC's highest court supported a pastor's refusal to allow an unrepentant homosexual man to join. In their statement -- approved by a unanimous vote -- the Council of Bishops says "while pastors have the responsibility to discern readiness for membership, homosexuality is not a barrier."

They went on to say that "we implore families and churches not to reject or condemn lesbian or gay members and friends."

While not condemning the court's decision on upholding the right of pastors to exclude certain people from membership, the bishops seemed to indicate that the ruling was contrary to what the denomination's constitution has to say about inclusiveness. An account of the bishops' decision by the United Methodist News Service makes no mention of whether there was a discussion in their meeting about what the Bible says about homosexuality.

UMNS quotes UMC Bishop Janice Riggle Huie of Texas who, sensing unity among the leadership during its deliberations, stated: "I don’t think it's going too far to say the council is of one mind that gay and lesbian people can be members of the United Methodist Church."

The bishops' statement was released from Lake Junaluska, a Methodist retreat center located in North Carolina, where the Council of Bishops was conducting its week-long fall meeting. Lake Junaluska came under fire this summer when it was announced the center would host a Labor Day weekend gathering put on by major pro-homosexual caucus groups within Methodism.

The United Methodist Book of Discipline affirms homosexuals as people "of sacred worth" -- but also holds the practice of homosexuality as incompatible with Christian teaching.

Disgusted in the way the Methodist Church has changed over the years?  Contact them and let them know how you feel.  Tell the Bishops that they must return to the values of our Lord Jesus who John Wesley believed in and followed to his dying day.

We pray this article has been an enlightenment concerning the changes made in the UMC.

Blessings,
Robert Wise