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California United Methodist Conference Declares Its Colors on Homosexual Marriage

Orginally published on Thursday, September 18, 2008 at 8:14 AM
by Todd Rhoades

I was forwarded the link to this resolution by a pastor that is leaving the United Methodist California district because of the stance that they took on gay marriage at their recent annual conference. I'm sure this will disturb and shock many who read it, but it is the state of the UM Church in California.

I have many UM friends who have been gravely concerned about the direction of their denomination, and this will only compound manners. I know there are many UM pastors and leaders who read this blog. There are also pastors and leaders of affirming churches, and homosexuals who regularly read MMI. The question is... will this be the last straw for many who have been frustrated (like the pastor who emailed this to me)? For those of you who are a part of the UM church and do not like this stand, what will the 'final straw' be?

Read this and let me know what you think...

PASTORAL RESPONSE
Pastoral Response to Legality of Same-Gender Marriage in California

WHEREAS, many people who we know and love in our parishes are celebrating with overflowing joy the recent California Supreme Court decision to recognize their place in society and their right to be married, and

WHEREAS, beloved same-gender couples in our parishes are coming to us with their desire to celebrate their love and commitment, and to have those affirmed not only by the state but by their faith community as well, and

WHEREAS, the legality of same-sex marriage in California, the needs of our parishes, and the demands of love require a pastoral response from the clergy and congregations of the California-Pacific Annual Conference,

THEREFORE, be it resolved that we recognize the pastoral need and prophetic authority of our clergy and congregations to offer the ministry of marriage ceremonies for same-gender couples.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, while we recognize that we are governed by the Book of Discipline of the United Methodist Church, we support those pastors who conscientiously respond to the needs of their parishes by celebrating same-gender marriages, and we envision compassion and understanding in any resulting disciplinary actions.

(The resolution was approved at Conference Plenary # 7 – Saturday, June 21, 2008)

AFFIRMATION OF MARRIAGE
Affirmation of Marriage Equality in California

BACKGROUND
On May 15, 2008, The California Supreme Court issued its decision holding that marriage is a basic civil right of personal autonomy and liberty to which all person are entitled without regard to their sexual orientation. The week the California-Pacific Annual Conference 2008 will be in session, history will be made in California as legal marriage becomes available to gay and lesbian couples. Gay and lesbian couples in many of our churches will be married in the weeks and months to come.

WHEREAS, California has led the marriage equality movement, beginning 60 years ago, by striking down laws prohibiting marriage between interracial couples (Perez v. Sharp, 1948);

WHEREAS, on May 15, 2008, The California Supreme Court issued its decision holding that marriage is a basic civil right of personal autonomy and liberty to which all persons are entitled without regard to their sexual orientation; and

WHEREAS, as a result of the Supreme Court’s decision, the State of California will begin to license and recognize same-gender marriages on June 16, 2008;

WHEREAS, the Social Principles of the United Methodist Church states that “certain basic human rights and civil liberties are due all persons. We are committed to supporting those rights and liberties for homosexual persons.” (¶162.H)

WHEREAS, The United Methodist Church understands family “to be the basic human community through which persons are nurtured and sustained in mutual love, responsibility, respect, and fidelity.” (¶161.A)

WHEREAS, the California-Pacific Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church has had a long history of ministry with, by and for lesbians and gay men through which the Holy Spirit has taught us the sacred worth of all persons and our ministries have been shaped accordingly;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the California-Pacific Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church acknowledges celebrates the Supreme Court decision regarding marriage equality.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the California-Pacific Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church support same-gender couples who enter into the marriage covenant and encourage both congregations and pastors to welcome, embrace and provide spiritual nurture and pastoral care for these families.

(The resolution was approved as amended at Conference Plenary # 8 - Sunday June 22, 2008)

MARRIAGE EQUALITY
Protecting Marriage Equality in California (Opposition to “California Marriage Protection Act")

WHEREAS the Book of Discipline 2004 states in ¶162 (H) that: “Certain basic human rights and civil liberties are due all persons. We are committed to supporting those rights and liberties for homosexual persons,” and “We insist that all persons, regardless of age, gender, marital status, or sexual orientation, are entitled to have their human and civil rights ensured,” and

WHEREAS the 2008 session of the General Conference of the United Methodist Church, held in Fort Worth, Texas, has adopted the resolution titled Opposition to Homophobia and Heterosexism, calling on: “The United Methodist Church strengthen its advocacy of the eradication of sexism by opposing all forms of violence or discrimination based on gender, gender identity, sexual practice or sexual orientation, “ and

WHEREAS the Supreme Court of the State of California ruled in the case of In re: Marriage Cases (2008), when it struck down a state ban on same-sex marriage — has found the right to marry to be a civil right of all citizens, and that “the essence of the right to marry is freedom to join in marriage with the person of one’s choice,” and that “An individual’s sexual orientation - like a person’s race or gender - does not constitute a legitimate basis upon which to deny or withhold legal rights.”

WHEREAS a so-called “California Marriage Protection Amendment” will appear on the November 4, 2008 General Election ballot, seeking to overturn the California Supreme Court decision, and

WHEREAS this amendment would be a profound misuse of our state constitution for the purpose of restricting the civil rights of one group of citizens, such an amendment would be in direct contradiction of the principles and spirit of the United Methodist Church:

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the 2008 Session of the California-Pacific Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church OPPOSES the California Marriage Protection Amendment, and calls upon all United Methodists, in favor of defeat of this act to work with all their might for its defeat, and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that we call upon the laity and clergy of our churches in the California-Pacific Annual Conference to answer the call of General Conference by providing a witness against heterosexism and any discrimination based on sexual orientation, and in so doing, to be actively involved in protecting the civil rights of all Californians as they pertain to the right to civil marriage, working through correspondence with elected officials, through public venues such as newspapers, periodicals, radio and television, and the venues offered by the internet, and through other opportunities as they arise.

(Note: second amendment to strike out….”through public venues….” was NOT supported)
(The resolution was approved as amended at Conference Plenary # 8 - Sunday June 22, 2008)

CABINET RESPONSE
A Statement Offered by the Bishop and Cabinet
In response to inquiries regarding same gender marriages
Shared with the Cal-Pac Annual Conference meeting in session in Redlands, CA
Sunday, June 22, 2008

With the change in California law regarding same gender marriages, pastors and congregations have been asking how they can respond. Our Holy Conferencing and action on resolutions at this Annual Conference have sought common ground in this regard. Neither our actions nor the actions of the state of California change the present Discipline of the United Methodist Church.

The Episcopal office and its extension through the District Superintendents fulfill two roles, pastoral and supervisory (presidential). In the pastoral role we want to affirm that your Bishop and cabinet are available for counsel, encouragement, support, and reflection. In the supervisory or presidential role, we are officers of the church and responsible for upholding the order of the Discipline. Despite our diverse individual perspectives, we are obligated to process complaints arising from breaches of these provisions in a manner appropriate to the circumstances.

In considering pastoral care, rituals and celebrations, pastors and congregations will need to understand the rules, risks and the scope of consequences as well as recognizing the continuum of possible ministries which can be offered.

As we seek to remain in compassionate solidarity with our gay and lesbian brothers and sisters, this may be a time to promote ecumenical partnerships and a variety of engaging ministries.

Ultimately, the Annual Conference, cabinet and UMC, can not make the decision regarding your course. We can not eliminate risks or consequences or determine your heart or behavior. These decisions reside in the space between you and the call of God. As a cabinet, we will be in prayer for our pastors and congregations as we all seek to listen to the guidance of the Holy Spirit in responding to the heart of Christ as we extend compassion and hospitality to those seeking the sacral agencies of the church.

LETTER FROM THE CONFERENCE LEADERSHIP TEAM AND CABINET

Friday, June 27, 2008

Dear Members of the California-Pacific Annual Conference:

Last week, following sessions of prayer and Holy Conferencing held during the 2008 Annual Session, members of the Annual Conference approved three resolutions concerning same-gender marriage. The text of each resolution can be found at http://www.cal-pac.org. Each resolution offers support to same-gender couples who enter into the marriage covenant and encourages both congregations and pastors to welcome, embrace and provide spiritual nurture and pastoral care for these families.

The Conference Leadership Team and the Cabinet offers this initial letter of guidance for understanding and interpreting these resolutions. Adoption or approval of resolutions at Annual Conference means that the annual conference has identified common ground from which we seek to live faithfully. It doesn’t mean that all conference members personally agree with the action or that members of local congregations must agree. What it does mean is that this is the current statement of our annual conference.

With that background, we offer our understanding of the effect of the Annual Conference resolutions:
1. The resolutions acknowledge the legality of same-gender marriages in the State of California, and that the gospel calls us to be in pastoral care with same-gender couples who seek to marry.
2. The resolutions call upon our churches to be welcoming and embracing of same-gender couples and to reject heterosexism.
3. The resolutions call for compassion and understanding in dealing with any charges brought against pastors in our annual conference who conduct same-gender marriage ceremonies.
4. The resolutions calls upon United Methodists to work to defeat the California Marriage Protection Amendment on the November 2008 ballot
5. The resolutions do not change any aspect of church law or policy in The Book of Discipline (2004 and 2008,) which state in &341.6 that “ceremonies that celebrate homosexual unions shall not be conducted by our ministers and shall not be conducted in our churches.”

In this regard, the Episcopal office and its extension through the District Superintendents fulfill two roles, pastoral and supervisory (presidential). In their pastoral role they want to affirm that the Bishop and cabinet are available for counsel, encouragement, support, and reflection. In the supervisory or presidential role, they are officers of the church and responsible for upholding the order of the Discipline. Despite their diverse individual perspectives, they are obligated to process complaints arising from breaches of these provisions in a manner appropriate to the circumstances.

Our covenant with each other to obey the provisions of The Book of Discipline may lead to the filing of charges against any pastor who violates provisions of the Discipline. The Book of Discipline does not mandate particular punishments for particular offenses so the consequences for violating the Discipline would be up to the deciding body dealing with the charge.

In adopting these resolutions, our Annual Conference has acted in its prophetic role to declare our conviction that the gospel of Jesus Christ calls us to support and embrace men and women who love someone of the same gender and who seek to pledge their love and commitment in a public way.

We recognize the diverse perspectives shared on this issue within our community of faith. Therefore, we remain committed to be in conversation with each other about our beliefs and our desire to “Do no harm,” as Wesley describes it. We invite your faithful participation in this work of discernment and leadership.

May we, as covenantal members of the California-Pacific Annual Conference, respond with compassion and understanding as we live out our faith in this time and place.

The Conference Leadership Team and Cabinet

You can find the full resolutions here...

So… what are your thoughts?

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There are 34 Comments:

Posted by

Friday, September 19, 2008 at 12:08 PM

As a United Methodist Pastor and a self identified evangelical, I want to say that we appreciate the kind and compassionate comments and offers of prayers that some of the comments have offered.
Just like every other denomination (or group of churches) that include humans, we are not perfect, but there are millions of committed Christians within the United Methodist Church and thousands of Spirit led, Bible believing congregations in just about every community in America. 200+ years of faithful obedience to God and millions of persons professing Jesus as their Lord and Savior are not things to be lightly put aside because a group within our church have wondered away.
Yes, my friends, it hurts those of us who understand that the Bible is our source of true authority, that my church (my family has been methodist for 6 generations) has wondered away from it’s roots. But God still has plans for His church and the Holy Spirit is still moving within the United Methodist Church.
Posted by

Friday, September 19, 2008 at 11:47 PM

Thank you Roger, and forgive us for sometimes talking as though those in the UMC aren’t real people, our brothers and sisters no less. Thanks you for your commitment to Jesus and to what is good within Methodism, built on the biblical heritage of good and godly men, the Wesley brothers.

Wendi
Posted by

Monday, September 22, 2008 at 12:45 PM

This is nonsense and if the UMC doesn’t do something about it, the Lord will. The UMC has a responsibility to name sin and to separate from those who claim Christ but do not walk according to His commands.

1 Cor. 5:6-13 (NKJV)
Your glorying is not good. Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump? [7] Therefore purge out the old leaven, that you may be a new lump, since you truly are unleavened. For indeed Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us. [8] Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, nor with the leaven of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. [9] I wrote to you in my epistle not to keep company with sexually immoral people. [10] Yet I certainly did not mean with the sexually immoral people of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or idolaters, since then you would need to go out of the world. [11] But now I have written to you not to keep company with anyone named a brother, who is sexually immoral, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner--not even to eat with such a person. [12] For what have I to do with judging those also who are outside? Do you not judge those who are inside? [13] But those who are outside God judges. Therefore “put away from yourselves the evil person.”
Posted by

Monday, September 22, 2008 at 1:20 PM

This is a very interesting discussion, as I have just learned about Ray Boltz’s decision to leave his wife and join a LGTB church in Florida. This issue has been very, very personal for me for many years now. Frankly, friends, I believe this has happened, in large part, because the church as a whole (no denomination is exempt) has failed miserably to address this matter in a loving, Biblical way for many generations. So many Christ loving people have struggled silently with same-sex attraction. We all have struggled with the desire of the flesh. But this particular struggle is a big religious no-no and I know that those who have struggled with same sex attraction have not had a safe place within the church to discuss these issues. All that we have heard for many years are quasi-Christians picketing funerals with signs that say “God Hates Gays.” Well, that’s not true. We’ve also heard a very well known evangelical minister publicly name-call homosexuals as degenerates. Now how in heaven’s name are suffering people supposed to feel understood in this kind of environment? So, now, in order to correct this error, some churches have gone to the far opposite extreme so as to embrace homosexuals. While I think that this is a good thing, they have unfortunately embraced the behavior as well, which the Bible clearly forbids. “...those who practice such things will not inherit the Kingdom of Heaven.” Those who “practice” these things. If we are going to be effective in helping those caught in homosexuality, we have to be able to understand the difference between “attraction” (which doesn’t necessarily make them “gay"), and disciple them before they engage in the homosexual relationship.
Posted by

Monday, September 22, 2008 at 1:32 PM

Will the UMC also condone the pedifile in the future if they demand their rights? After all they say that they are born that way. Whenever we do not have the bible as our rule of conduct and judgment the sky is the limit
Posted by

Monday, September 22, 2008 at 1:57 PM

Pezz,

1 Corinthians also says: If I could speak all the languages of earth and of angels, but didn’t love others, I would only be a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.

What’s that noise I hear?

I think most on this forum would tend to agree that this small portion of the UMC erred in this resolution. And a question that I think merits consideration is whether they erred out of loving some of their parishioners too much and in wanting to be welcoming and inclusive they’ve gone too far, or have they erred out of not loving God enough and not holding to traditional interpretation of scripture?

IMHO it’s the first choice, they’ve erred out of a desire to love completely all members of their congregations and in doing so they’ve allowed their desire to love as we are instructed to do to override their understanding of scripture.

1 Corinthians 13 8-13: Prophecy and speaking in unknown languages and special knowledge will become useless. But love will last forever! Now our knowledge is partial and incomplete, and even the gift of prophecy reveals only part of the whole picture! But when full understanding comes, these partial things will become useless.

When I was a child, I spoke and thought and reasoned as a child. But when I grew up, I put away childish things. Now we see things imperfectly as in a cloudy mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely.

Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love.
Posted by

Monday, September 22, 2008 at 2:19 PM

To Daniel,
To pull in the issue of love and think that what Paul wrote in the text given is not love is to have very poor hermeneutical skills.

The most loving thing is to divorce that which claims to be Christian and yet does not obey God’s Word, rather to disfellowship those who blatantly disobey scripture.

Paul’s desire is that by disfellowship and turning them over to Satan, that they would be repentive and spared further wrath.

It’s really sad when you’ve chastened me and called me a clanging cymbal because I quote from Paul as to how to deal with the exact issue in this discussion. Paul was not vague about sexual immorality. That’s what this discussion is about.
How should the church handle members involved in sexual immorality? If you can’t see that there is unity between I Cor. 5 and I Cor 13 then you don’t understand the bible at all.
Posted by

Monday, September 22, 2008 at 3:02 PM

Pezz, sorry, I couldn’t get the smiley face thing to work after my comment about the noise. Although, the tone of your 2nd comment is shrill and harsh. Much like a cymbal.

If I understand your comments correctly, we agree that they erred in this resolution.

However, I on the one hand would chose to respond with love, saying I believe they have erred but I think I understand why they have erred the way they have and would caution them to consult scripture and repent and rethink this resolution.

You, on the other hand, state that they only claim to be Christian (inferring that they are not really Christians anymore) and we (the real Christians) should divorce ourselves from them and turn them over to Satan. That this is the “loving” response, to separate ourselves from them, to forsake them and turn them over to Satan.

I fear that if all Christians felt as you do we would find more and more things to disfellowship people for and soon the church would grow smaller and smaller. What I’m not sure of is if that would bother some.

Some Christians seem to believe that they are right and everyone else is wrong and the more people they can prove wrong, the more special it makes them for being right. They view Christianity as a very select club and the smaller the club the more special the members become. I tend to believe that God has more love rather than less, more patience for us rather than less, and I think that leads me to be less strident and more patient with people and groups who don’t quite have it all right. Maybe to a fault.
Posted by

Monday, September 22, 2008 at 3:03 PM

See, now the smiley face works!

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