Downtown Fort Worth this morning was brimming with activity as it hosted a "Walk/Run for the Cure" Breast Cancer Research Fund Raiser. Some 20,000 runners and walkers appeared downtown. It was a crazy morning in Fort Worth.
Worship began with a great drama by the Strangely Warmed Players that was of a sail boat and crew who has never left the safety of the dock, afraid where the wind might take them. A timely word to churches who are afraid to untie themselves and let the wind of the Spirit move them to new places.
Bishop William Hutchinson gave an energetic sermon on the power of baptism: "have we been born into form (of the normal, the bland, the ritual) or into power?"
"have we been born of water only? Or also of the Spirit?" he said. We were challenged to renew our baptism, but not just to move to the water, rather allow ourselves to be moved by the Spirit to the waters of baptism. Or another way to say it: (my paraphrase)"Don't just move when you are called, rather allow yourselves to be moved by the Spirit."
The afternoon was spent in Legislative Groups where there was a lot of discussion on difficult topics.
There remains a deep divide in the UM Church. There is a passionate group who have made it their mission to see that United Methodism fully embrace the cultural phenomenon of mainstream homosexuality. In fact, the pain that is felt by many who identify themselves as homosexual is so deep that is it truly felt by many of us. (definitely not by all.) There is a double standard present in the Church, especially in the US. Clergy, including Bishops, who act immorally and are never censured. So there is a divide that will not be bridged, at least not easily until the church takes a stand to define moral/immoral behavior among its clergy AND it members.
A large, quiet protest took place today outside the Convention Center first by Soulforce, a pro-homosexuality group who passed out flyers, sang songs, held banners speaking harsh language, and simply made themselves known all day. There was also a student gathering that held a prayer vigil outside each of the Legislative Group rooms. What I've appreciated today is the grace with which they were received and in which they came. There was little or no confrontation (that I saw), rather it was focused on prayer and peace.
As I write now, I am saddened. The legislative process at times waters down the power of the Gospel. I fear the same will happen as we move to full plenary sessions. I understand the need to do what we do yet I pray for a new way. We focus on process, rules of order, specifics on words, language, etc. and leave the Christian Conferencing behind. I guess it makes sense that we are in the true gateway to the west, where the stockyards still rustle with steer, horses and dust because we are wrestling with words, ideas and scripture. What we end up with is no less a trophy to the winner and lots of losers left behind to wrestle another day.
I guess Bishop Hutchinson's words were more prophetic than he knew, "will we allow ourselves to be moved by the Spirit?"
It's a good question for the church, but it's equally good for the Conference as well!
Peace ><>
pc
1 comment:
here's my take (although i guess it's a few days late to start a discussion)...
i am of the firm belief that there is a certain breed of human being that is truly, genetically, homosexual. and there is absolutely nothing they can do about it. the orientation is normal for them, just as heterosexuality is for you and me, and most likely the idea of a heterosexual relationship is not appealing in any way, shape or form. their intention, i believe, is to enter into an exclusive, committed relationship with another genetically homosexual person in the same way that you or i would with our spouses. the dating process, the broken hearts, all of it is the same.
like all issues, though, this one is not black and white...these individuals are not to be confused with those who are simply willing to abandon their morals and try anything just for a rush. i think what matters most is our willingness to commit...either we are willing to follow the commandments and avoid adultery and lust (whether our chosen partner is of the same sex or not), or we are simply out for ourselves to indulge in the pleasures of the world.
if you look at the passage that states in substance that "a man and a woman will become one flesh," which creates so much of this tension, i think there is room to question whether it is a specific command from the mouth of God or simply a choice of words made by whomever it was that put the passage into print. on the other hand, if you look at the story of Sodom and Gomorrah (which not only included homosexuality, but also mass orgies and a general abandonment of basic morals), there is nothing left to doubt about what God's state of mind was. But can we say that the only problem God had with those cities was the homosexual element & that's the only reason why they were destroyed? i think not.
all of us have things about us that others would consider to be flaws...yet we forget that God sees us in a different way. none of us truly know the mind of God as relates to this subject, and it is troubling to see that it causes such division and angst. but, i guess to those on the other side of the fence, there is perceived to be a legitimate need to "save" people from their sinful ways, and they are just as entitled to be passionate about that as anybody.
i will continue to pray for unity...
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