The United Methodist Church
Washington, DC Area
Baltimore-Washington Conference
John R. Schol, Bishop
Dear Sisters and Brothers,
I am grateful for the more than 200 e-mails I have received voicing concern
over the recent Judicial Council decision that allows a pastor to refuse
gay and lesbian persons from church membership. The pastor, over many
months, was encouraged and instructed to receive the person into membership
by the district superintendent and bishop. The Virginia Clergy Session
voted by more than 85 percent to place the pastor on leave of absence
because the clergy believed the pastor’s actions were inappropriate.
Below is a statement from the Council of Bishops. It was passed by the
Council unanimously and articulates our concern and commitment to insure
that gay and lesbian people will be welcomed into membership in our congregations.
I invite you to share the statement with your congregation this Sunday.
There will also be a downloadable copy and a teaching statement on the
Web (www.bwcumc.org) that you may
print and also have available for your congregation.
I recognize that the church is not of one mind on the issue of homosexuality
and that we will have different approaches and commitments for ministry.
But I want you to know that the Council of Bishops is of one mind: gay
and lesbian people are not to be excluded from church membership.
As pastors and laity, I am calling on you to model the open hospitality
of Christ and receive all people, gay and lesbian, poor and wealthy, young
and old, sinner and saint, into our congregations. We are a church of
grace that helps to move people toward sanctification and perfection.
I recognize the latest Judicial Council decision seems to indicate otherwise,
but it is your actions that will determine who this church is and not
rulings that run counter to the spirit, writings and Discipline of The
United Methodist Church. I am concerned that United Methodism is in danger
of becoming as pharisaic as the religious leaders during the time of Jesus
were. We are focused on law rather than people, exclusion rather than
hospitality, and on doctrine rather than Christ-like application of doctrine.
Let grace be our aim with everyone, that all might become disciples of
Jesus Christ.
The Council of Bishops will continue to discuss today as it meets in North
Carolina about additional steps it will take to address the issue. Please
keep the whole church in prayer and especially those who are experiencing
the pain of being excluded by the recent Judicial Council decisions.
In Christ,
Your brother and bishop, John