Once again, dramatic change has confronted us. As times have shown, we have not handled change well. The “we” of whom I speak are the “church” people. That includes laity and clergy alike. Yes, I include myself in the “we” as well. The pandemic closed us down, isolated, and divided us. Clergy scrambled and stressed over ways to keep people connected to each other and God. When our places of worship finally opened, people were angry when masks were required, others were mad when they were not, and people left their churches.

     When white police officers killed black people, we, again, had to confront the ugliness and pervasiveness of racism. Again, we were divided in anger. While some were ready to defund the police and place the label of “racist” on those to whom the label does not apply. Others contended that racism does not exist at all, and people left their churches again.

    Most recently, our General Conference delegates made big changes. Since the ’70s, UMC delegates have been trying to remove wording in our Book of Discipline that said, “The United Methodist Church does not condone the practice of homosexuality and considers the practice incompatible with Christian teaching” (par.161g). Our delegates also removed the restrictions against the ordination of lgbtq+ persons and clergy performing marriages for the same as well, and more people left our churches.

     Methodism has always been a “whosoever will come” movement and began as a place where Christians could coexist with differing beliefs. I want to assure you of some things. These changes do not affect how any of us (at Algood UMC) currently do church. There are already many affirming United Methodist congregations and lgbtq+ persons serving. I promise these clergy do not want to be placed in a congregation that is not yet ready for them. I recognize that our church is not yet ready for an lgbtq+ wedding. That is a decision (we will face together when and if the situation arises.

    While many disagree, our delegates do not believe they changed Scripture. They made this huge decision better to represent inclusiveness in the context of all Scripture. Now, to really ruffle some feathers, the word “homosexual” does not exist in the ancient Hebrew or Greek languages. Paul’s letters and Leviticus address pagan worship practices. We Methodists already understand that Paul’s words, excluding women from talking and teaching, were meant for the particular congregations and cultural settings to which he was speaking. We also understand that when Paul required “elders” to be the husband of but one wife, meant they were “one-women” men. There are many other exclusions in Scripture we can find and order our lives by. For some reason, we have divided over one interpretation.

    I’m not going to attempt to (cause division) based on my beliefs. Some among us have done that. I pray God helps you reconcile to enable you to worship among differing beliefs. Let no one among us seek to divide or exclude. I implore you to remain, but if you must cause division, please go elsewhere, knowing you are still loved and accepted, and you will be missed.

     Pray, stay, love, include, and worship God through Jesus Christ, our Lord. I love and accept you! 

Pastor Don"