WE IMPLORE

from The United Methodist Social Principles contained in the Book of Discipline:

"Homosexual persons no less than heterosexual persons are individuals of sacred worth. All persons need the ministry and guidance of the church in their struggles for human fulfillment, as well as the spiritual and emotional care of a fellowship that enables reconciling relationships with God, with others, and with self. The United Methodist Church does not condone the practice of homosexuality and consider this practice incompatible with Christian teaching. We affirm that God's grace is available to all, and we will seek to live together in Christian community. We implore families and churches not to reject or condemn lesbian and gay members and friends. We commit ourselves to be in ministry for and with all persons."



A THOUGHT:
It would seem that yesterday's ruling by the Judicial Council to allow the pastor sole discretion to reject someone from membership in the UMC, and given the spirit and circumstances that it was determined, is not in the same spirit as our BOD. If this ruling is used as ammunition against the GLBT community to keep them out then it would seem that pastors could be brought up on charges against the discipline?