Church Controversy

Many of you may be following the events surrounding the defrocking of Rev. Frank Schaefer. He is a United Methodist pastor in the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference who was suspended for officiating at the marriage of his son who is gay. Let me give you a little insight into our system and where things stand. The United Methodist Church has an official position on homosexuality that includes a statement that "we find homosexual practice incompatible with Christian teaching." The entire position is pretty broad. We consider all persons regardless of sexual orientation to be "persons of sacred worth". We welcome all to the ministry of the Church. In that context stands the "incompatible" phrase which is at the heart of our current controversy in the denomination. United Methodist clergy are prohibited by church law to participate in homosexual union services and our church facilities are not to be utilized for these purposes. Rev. Schaefer violated the rule when he officiated at his son's service. Following that charges were brought forth. This process is outlined in our Book of Discipline. Rev. Schaefer did not deny his participation but he is taking a stand against what he considers an unjust rule. As a result of the work of the committee on investigation Rev. Schaefer was suspended from ministry for 30 days. He was also asked to state his intentions of following the Book of Discipline going forward. In essence it appears to me that this is what he will not do as a matter of personal conscience. This decision resulted in his ministerial credentials being taken away thereby removing him from the United Methodist ministry. The culture and the church continue to wrestle with the issues regarding human sexuality. The predominate cultural view is one supporting diversity including sexual orientation. There are many in the church who agree with this position. There are also many in the church who believe the historical understanding of homosexuality is the correct stance. Only the United Methodist General Conference, which meets every four years, has the authority to change our statement of belief. The issues that creates are for another time. I just wanted to try to explain what is going on in this case should you be wondering. The process is being worked through in a larger context of the church. I am going to delve into the issue in a sermon next month. When we talk about "My Bad Church Experience" I will preach a message called "You're Not Welcome." I will try to give further explanation of these issues and share my own personal thoughts and struggles at that time. In the meantime, pray for all those involved in the challenges we face each day. steve