St. Thomas’ Parish at Dupont Circle
Sexuality
not as a spectator
Jun 17th
I’m always on the lookout for interesting congregational websites and blogs. Today I returned a telephone call to a rabbi at a New York synagogue, Congregation Beth Simchat Torah, whose website describes them as “a unique congregation committed to building a kehilla kedosha, a sacred community, built on a love of the Jewish people, a passion for social justice, prayer and study. We are a caring community, a home in which to celebrate life’s simchas, joys, as well as to grieve and mourn loss.”
I particularly like the invitation by the rabbi, Sharon Kleinbaum, which sounds very much like St. Thomas’ Parish and our language of prophetic hospitality. She wrote: “Join us, not as a spectator, but as a member of the family, with rights and privileges, obligations and commitments. Together we can create a true [sacred community].”
United Methodists uphold homosexuality stance
May 12th
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By Robin Russell*
April 30, 2008 | FORT WORTH, Texas (UMNS)
Delegates to the 2008 General Conference on April 30 rejected changes to the United Methodist Social Principles that would have acknowledged that church members disagree on homosexuality.
Delegates instead adopted a minority report that retained language in the denomination’s 2004 Book of Discipline describing homosexual practice as “incompatible with Christian teaching.”
The adopted wording in Paragraph 161G also states that “all persons are individuals of sacred worth, created in the image of God,” and that United Methodists are to be “welcoming, forgiving and loving one another, as Christ has loved and accepted us.”
Delegates also approved a new resolution to oppose homophobia and heterosexism, saying the church opposes “all forms of violence or discrimination based on gender, gender identity, sexual practice or sexual orientation.” . . .
After replacing the majority report with the minority report, delegates approved it 501-417.
In other action on sexuality issues, delegates voted to:
- Add the words “sexual orientation” to an existing resolution regarding a commitment to educational opportunity regardless of gender, sexual orientation, ethnic origin or economic or social background;
- Retain language of Paragraph 341.6 in the Discipline that prohibits United Methodist ministers from conducting ceremonies that celebrate homosexual unions;
- Reject a proposal to add “civil unions” to a list of basic civil liberties in Paragraph 162.H because delegates felt the language was already inclusive;
- Reject amending Paragraph 161.C to include “committed unions” in a section describing the sanctity of the marriage covenant.
*Russell is the managing editor of the United Methodist Reporter.
News media contact: Deborah White, e-mail: newsdesk@umcom.org.
