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May 1, 2024
Hi, Church.
Today the world wide United Methodist Church (the General Conference) voted overwhelmingly (93%) to remove restrictive language from our governing document (Book of Discipline) concerning the life and ministry of LGBTQ+ persons in the United Methodist Church.
I welcome this action as it affirms the value, worth, and calling of LGBTQ+ Christians and it frees clergy, churches, and Annual Conferences to open avenues of life and ministry to LGBTQ+ persons that were closed by General Conference action forty plus years ago.
First United Methodist Church of Festus-Crystal City's 2019 Church Council issued the following statement in response to a previous decision of the General Conference that had "a negative impact upon the roles of the LGBTQ+ community within the church.
. First United Methodist Church of Festus/Crystal City re-affirms our commitment to be in ministry with all people - reaching, forming, and sending disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. We believe God has called us to relentlessly love one another amidst our differences and that upholding this unity is the indisputable witness of God at work among us. We, therefore, welcome all persons into the full life of First United Methodist Church. Jesus said, 'By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another' (John 13:35).
. We believe this statement of inclusion is consistent with our Methodist way of faith in Christ. John Wesley, founder of Methodism wrote, 'The distinguishing marks of a Methodist are not his opinion of any sort...as to all opinions which do not strike at the root of Christianity, we think and let think.' We will adhere to the rules of our denomination, respecting progressive and traditional views, while working toward a full expression of God’s love in and through us. We encourage each one at First UMC to remain focused on the mission of sharing the love of Jesus Christ with the world and to remain committed to one another in Christian love. - The Church Council of First United Methodist Church of Festus/Crystal City, March 19, 2019."
On Wednesday, May 15 at 6:30pm, I will hold an informational session on the actions of General Conference in The Parlor.
Let us lead with grace as we grow in ministry together at First UMC.
First United,
Pastor Tish
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