United Methodists Engage in Transgender Talks

wvpreacher »

Mon Apr 28, 2008 10:29 am Agree: 3   Disagree: 2

I have to say that I think Canadian Christian knocked this one out of the park. I also agree with this quote from the article:

"While the church should minister to them, she says, leadership should not be an option."

We in the UMC would not turn the pulpit over to an unrepented thief, murderer, or an adulterer. So I don't see why people get bent out of shape because we have taken this stance on not allowing unrepented homosexuals to have a platform either.

United Methodists Call for Civil Debates at Meeting

wvpreacher »

Sat Apr 26, 2008 6:56 pm Agree: 1   Disagree: 0

In response to John14 and CanadianChristian.

As a UMC pastor, I can assure you that open homosexuality is not condoned by the teachings of the Discipline. Yes, there are those that bring it up every year at General Conference, but those are just a few trying to persuade others to their agenda. Unfortunately, these are the ones that make the headlines. But the core group are very strict on Biblical teachings.

We believe that we are all sinners and all have fallen short of the glory of God. And...that we are all in need of Christ. That being said, we turn no one away that is seeking salvation. We believe that by welcoming those who are in need of Christ, that we gain the chance to show them the path to salvation. Is this not the very purpose of the Church?

I agree with you that homosexuality is a sin. But we also would not turn away a thief who wanted to repent neither would we turn away a homosexual. Did Jesus not claim the soul of a thief as He hung on the cross? He did not deny a plea for salvation that day. We as Christians should be no different.