5 Reactions to the United Methodist Church's Ruling Against Lesbian Bishop

By Michael Gryboski, Mainline Church Editor Monday, May 01, 2017

5. Reconciling Ministries Network

Dozens of demonstrators demanding a more inclusive church hold vigil at the edge of the May 3 session of the 2012 United Methodist General Conference in Tampa, Florida. | (Photo: UMNS/Paul Jeffrey)

The theologically liberal Reconciling Ministries Network called on supporters to "rise up" following the decision, stating that the Judicial Council has "simply reasserted our longstanding anti-LGBT policies and the next move belongs to all of us."

"The court's reassertion of the system-wide discrimination that targets LGBT people compounds the weight and force of our punitive language and policies," said RMN.

"Depending on the actions of individuals and committees moving forward, it can be argued that the Judicial Council rulings are practically meaningless. They are stops along the way to inclusion and the eventual victory of the all embracing Gospel of Jesus Christ."