Homosexual Discussion ForumMethodist Lesbian Pastor convicted for being a Minister.I'm a lifelong United Methodist, studying to become clergy in the UMC. Today, the United Methodist Church's judicial system voted 12-1 that Beth Stroud was in violation of church polity for being a self-avowed, practicing lesbian minister. Also voted was 7-6 that she would be defrocked as a punishment. LINKS: Her homepage Her 'Coming Out' Sermon Conference News What do you think? What is interesting to me is that this is a case where neither side questioned the validity of her calling to ministry, neither side questioned the work of the Holy Spirit in her ministry at First United Methodist Church of Germantown, neither side questioned her baptism, her faith, or her love of Jesus that she so readily shares. Both sides affirmed her as a sister in Christ, a truth-teller, a role model of graciousness. But she was still removed from being a minister in the UMC. This makes no impact whatsoever on her ministry anyway, sans sacramental duties. She wasn't convicted of being gay; she was convicted for being a minister who was gay. She was not judged based on her character; she was judged based on her characteristics. What do you think? Should people who have all the traits of a minister, and are affirmed by the local congregation, the conference, the judicial system as authentic their call to ministry...but are not in accordance with church law on one social issues...should they be kept from ministry? How are we to judge the work of the Holy Spirit? |
🌈Pride🌈 goeth before Destruction
When 🌈Pride🌈 cometh, then cometh Shame