Every
time I refresh my newsfeed, I learn of more churches across our United Methodist
connection who have left the denomination. I confess that this breaks my heart
that we in The United Methodist Church cannot find a way to witness to the
world how to find unity in the midst of diversity.
I
believe that theological diversity has been a strength of Methodism. Wesley
built into the Methodist movement communal accountability along with personal
holiness. This did not mean that everyone thought the same but instead found
deepening spirituality through holy conferencing, utilizing scripture,
tradition, experience and reason. We, too, find our faith growing when we are
in holy conversation with those who think differently from us but whom we nonetheless
understand are being faithful.
However,
when we make pronouncements against others, simply because of who God created
them to be, without engaging in relationship to see how God may be moving in
another’s life, we harm them and we harm the body of Christ. Certainly, this is
what has happened in our denomination. The truth of God’s claim and call on
lgbtq+ people’s lives has been rejected, not because of the fruits of the
Spirit that may or may not be evident, but simply because of who they/we are.
Relationships
matter. It is why there is incredible diversity in our pews. I have never been
in a church where everyone agreed on everything. Each person, being a unique
child of God, brings their own experiences of God, their own expression of
faith, and their own orientation as to how that is expressed to the church
community. We don’t vote the same way. We don’t watch the same news. We don’t feel
the same way on a myriad of issues. But in relationship as a church community,
we have committed ourselves to loving one another.
I have come to see that our pulpits and pews are places where differences of opinion are overcome by prayer and potlucks. These open us up to the reality of lives that are not like our own. We learn of heartache and triumphs of others and take them into our hearts as we lift them up to God. We delight in passing plates piled with favorite family food. We recognize that we have more in common than we thought.
To
those who feel God is calling them to leave the denomination, I am holding you
in prayer. May your ministry be blessed as you follow the leading of the Holy Spirit.
To
those who remain, I am so glad you are here. We need you. We need your unique,
God-given self. We need the perspective on life and faith that only you can
bring to enrich our shared life and ministry. We need to learn of the ways God has
touched your life, forever changing you as you deepen your discipleship. In
this way, we all are touched, changed, and blessed.
So
let’s take hands and pray together. And then, let’s pass the food and enjoy the
feast of community God sets before us!
