WHEREAS, using appropriate, quality biblical scholarship, there is no biblical mandate to discriminate against LGBTQ+ persons and relationships.

WHEREAS, the United Methodist Church is capable of great nuance in the matter of biblical interpretation as displayed in its treatment of issues such as divorce and the ordination of women, but reverts to simplistic literalism when it comes to the full inclusion of LGBTQ+ persons in its life and ministry.

WHEREAS, the United Methodist Church has singled out LGBTQ+ persons for special punitive action while ignoring the “clear biblical teaching” on other matters such as pensions (Matthew 6:19-20).

WHEREAS, much of the Traditional Plan had already been ruled unconstitutional before it was voted upon.

WHEREAS, the first general rule that John Wesley gave the people called Methodists concerns “doing no harm.”

WHEREAS, United Methodists promise “to resist evil, injustice, and oppression in whatever forms they present themselves.”

WHEREAS, by passing the Traditional Plan, the denomination has done great, and perhaps irreparable harm to our LGBTQ+ siblings.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Great Plains Annual Conference (GPAC) condemns the decision of the 2019 General Conference to pass the Traditional Plan and apologizes for the harm that it has caused LGBTQ+ persons, their families, their friends, and the body of Christ. “We affirm that all persons are individuals of sacred worth, created in the image of God,” but we also assert and affirm that no human being is incompatible with Christian teaching.

SUBMITTED

March 30, 2019

John R. Collins, Clergy Member of the Conference
620-252-9622
john@revcollins.com

CO-SUBMITTED
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