Response to General Conference 2019

My heart is broken, and I don’t yet know the way forward. This is not The United Methodist Church I love. This is not the way Christians are called to treat each other.
 
Today at the specially called General Conference of The United Methodist Church, by a vote of 438 to 384 (53.28% to 46.72%) our delegates passed what is called the Traditional Plan.  This plan keeps the condemnatory language in our Book of Discipline that declares homosexuality as “incompatible with Christian teaching,” continues to bar LGBTQ persons from being ordained, continues to forbid United Methodist clergy from officiating at same-sex weddings, and includes new mandated punishments for individuals, churches, and Annual Conferences that violate these rules.
 
The exact details aren’t fully set.  The denomination’s judicial body still needs to rule on the constitutionality of some parts of the Traditional Plan, and it unclear what all the ramifications will be.  What is clear is that The United Methodist Church missed an opportunity to demonstrate the radical, all-inclusive love of God.  Instead, a majority of delegates chose to hold tight to a narrow interpretation of biblical texts and continue to do harm to LGBTQ persons.
 
My LGBTQ friends both within and outside the UMC, I am sorry. I am sorry that those of us who want full inclusion were not able to change enough hearts and minds. I am sorry that I myself have at times assumed that this denomination I call home would, of course, do the right thing and so haven’t worked hard enough on your behalf. I am so sorry that more hurt has been done to you and done in the name of The United Methodist Church.
 
My heart is broken, and I don’t yet know the way forward. But I promise I will find a way forward and not give up on creating a church where the image of God found in all people is respected and where the God-given gifts and graces of all people can be lived into their full potential.
 
Blessings and love to you all. May you find the outlets for your anger and grief that you need, and may you never doubt that you are loved by God.  If, like me, you find great power and comfort in song, I suggest the music of Mark Miller.  Right now his song “Child of God” feels very appropriate.