Milestone or Millstone - A Milestone in Justice - Taste the Rainbow!

 

Was it just me or did somebody else sit there with clenched buttocks and bated breath? GC2024 has me pulling up and pulling over! Thanks be to God!

In a historic move, The United Methodist Church (UMC) General Conference has made a decisive step towards inclusivity and justice by voting to lift the 40-year ban on the ordination of LGBTQ individuals. This decision not only marks a significant shift in church policy but also signals a broader transformation within the church—a move toward truly embodying the unconditional love and acceptance preached by Christ. As the votes were tallied and the results announced, those of us observing the General Conference online could almost feel the collective release of breath—a deep, sighing exhale that seemed to echo across continents and through screens. 

It was as if the church itself had been holding its breath for 40 years, burdened by the weight of unresolved conflict and unspoken truths. In that moment of affirmation, a palpable sense of relief swept through the virtual assembly. Eyes that had been wary sparkled with tears of joy, and hands that had been clenched in anxious prayer reached out towards one another as if to touch the dawn of a new era in the church’s history. This was more than a procedural outcome; it was a spiritual liberation, a breaking of chains that had long restrained the full expression of divine love within the community. Religion and certain interpretive lenses have previously locked up the church tighter than an ant’s bottom. This created so many barriers – sadly in the name of God.

Breaking Down Barriers: The Significance of Removing Harmful Language

For decades, the language used in the UMC’s Book of Discipline described homosexuality as incompatible with Christian teaching. Such language has been a source of pain, exclusion, and alienation for countless LGBTQ members within the church. By voting to remove these words, the UMC is not merely changing terminology; it is healing wounds and affirming the sacred worth of every individual, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. This is a move I can get behind.

But wait! There’s more (channeling my commercial voice) This change goes beyond the symbolic. It has practical implications that will enable gifted, called, and faithful LGBTQ individuals to serve as ordained clergy, enriching our congregations with their perspectives, gifts, and leadership. This move aligns with our core Wesleyan principles of grace, love, and personal holiness, emphasizing that one's ability to lead and serve is not determined by their sexual orientation but by their faith and calling. It means so much more to me personally as someone who lives on the margins. God help us all because we still have so many rivers to cross. 

Some Parallel Struggles of the Church

The decision to ordain LGBTQ individuals parallels other historical justice movements within the church, notably the fight for the ordination of women and ongoing efforts to dismantle racism within our denomination. Each of these struggles reflects our ongoing journey toward becoming a just church that stops excusing racist and misogynistic mindsets, not merely tolerating, but fully embracing diversity in its many-splendored forms.  

As a woman, immigrant, womanist, liberationist clergy of Color serving in the UMC, I have experienced firsthand the challenges and triumphs of advocating for inclusivity. The ordination of women, which faced significant resistance, now bears witness to the richness that diverse leadership brings to our faith community. (Woman power!) In addition, our anti-racist initiatives continue to challenge the church to confront and correct systemic inequalities that persist within both church and society. Black lives still matter! 

Continuing the Fight for a Just Church

While we celebrate this milestone, we recognize that the journey does not end here. The decision to ordain LGBTQ individuals is a step forward, but it is part of a larger call to action. We must continue to fight for a church that mirrors the reign of Christ—one that stands against all forms of discrimination and injustice. This involves ongoing education, open dialogue, and an unwavering commitment to challenge oppressive systems, both within and outside our church walls.

As clergy, I am heartened by this outcome and inspired to persist in the struggle for a just church. It is crucial that we continue to build communities that reflect God’s kingdom, where love, justice, and peace are not ideals we strive for, but realities we live by.

Embracing a Future of Inclusivity

The UMC’s decision to embrace LGBTQ ordination and remove harmful language from its doctrine is a call to all members to live out our faith authentically and courageously. It is a reminder that in Christ, there is no longer Jew nor Greek, there is no longer bond nor free, there is no longer male and female; for all of us are one in Christ Jesus (Galatians 3:28). The church must move forward with hope, embracing a future where our it is as diverse and vibrant as the world around us, and where every member is valued and empowered to serve in their God-given calling.

A millstone has been removed. A milestone has been achieved. I am hopeful yet again, that there can be a future where our actions consistently reflect the inclusive love of Christ, welcoming all to the table and affirming the divine image in every person. Speaking of table, the Open Table of The UMC is beginning to look more like its name. This is the church we believe in; this is the church we continue to build. Christ died to open the way. Thank God, we are committed to making it so! The full implications are yet to be seen, the cost yet to be calculated. I am still hopeful because my heart is no ant’s bottom!

BTW, I need help understanding the situation with Westpath and clergy pension whats-it-not. My brain does not do numbers 🫢

#BeUMC #UMC #liberationtheology #lgbtq #banlifted #40years #opentable #openheartsopenmindsopendoors