Today

Protestors surround the altar
(Credit Sara Ann Swenson 5/3/12)

Almost three years ago, in August 2009, I was glued to a live stream of the ELCA Churchwide Assembly for the better part of a week.  The church was voting on whether or not to accept the Human Sexuality study, which, among other things, would provide the opportunity for GLBTQ persons to be ordained and be in same gender relationships.  This is something that I feel very strongly about, as an issue of justice, of the Gospel, of being a part of the Body of Christ.  I watched and prayed and waited for Love to prevail.  After extended prayer and discussion, the ELCA agreed to acknowledge the full expression of human sexuality with adopting the Human Sexuality statement.

Today, my Methodist brothers and sisters approached the same topic.  However, the debate did not go the same way.  The assembly voted down a proposal that would have changed official language in the UMC Book of Discipline that states, "Homosexuality is incompatible with Christian teaching."  The proposed change was language that would agree that Christians can hold different views on this subject and still be faithful.

The debate was called to a close when protestors surrounded the altar, praying and singing.  At the same time, we at Iliff were praying and singing in a vigil of our own.  My heart is broken for my GLBTQ Methodist friends.

We can only pray.