Total Number of Pages: 2
Suggested Title: Church to Be in Ministry with Persons of All Sexual Orientations New Resolution
General Church Budget Implications: None
Global Implications: Yes
We affirm our belief in the infinite value and sacred worth of each individual, divinely created and loved by God. Baptism is God’s gift of unmerited grace through the Holy Spirit and marks the entrance of persons into the Church and its ministries of love, justice, and service (¶ 305, Book of Discipline). We affirm that through baptism God has made us members of one body of Christ so that all who follow Jesus have spiritual gifts to share for the common good (1 Corinthians 12:4-27).
Too often, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer/Questioning (LGBTQ)1 (1We recognize that terminology regarding sexual identity is both fluid and highly culturally contextual. The choice to use the initialism LGBTQ in this resolution does not preclude translators or, indeed, individuals from applying timely and culturally relevant substitutes for this particular formulation.) persons have been separated from the body of Christ. Rejected and marginalized by their families and communities, LGBTQ persons have a greater vulnerability to isolation, violence and suicide. Tragically, many faith communities have perpetuated this harm. Through words, actions and inaction, churches have contributed to the suffering of LGBTQ persons and impeded rather than nurtured their personal relationship with Christ.
Jesus demonstrated radical inclusion of those rejected by mainstream society. As followers of Christ, we are called to welcome all persons into the life and ministry of the Church and to celebrate the spiritual gifts of all those who have been baptized into the Body of Jesus Christ.
The United Methodist Church therefore dedicates itself to: welcoming LGBTQ persons, friends, and families into our churches; lamenting the harm that has been done by our Church and in
Christ’s name; listening with open hearts and minds to the stories, struggles, and dreams of our LGBTQ brothers and sisters; advocating for policies that protect the human rights of LGBTQ persons; and providing support in their discernment of God’s call to ministry.
Through these and other acts, our Church commits itself to a ministry with all and serves as an instrument of Christ’s healing presence in the world.
Date: August 26, 2019
The Rev. Susan Henry-Crowe
General Secretary
Bishop Sally Dyck
President of the Board
General Board of Church & Society
Phone: 202-488-5629
E-mail Address: gso@umcjustice.org