By Walter Fenton, Good News.
The Rev. Kennetha J. Bigham-Tsai. Photo by Kathleen Barry, UMNS.
The Connectional Table voted 26 to 10 (there was one abstention) to forward a petition to General Conference 2016 that would dramatically change The United Methodist Church’s teachings on same-sex marriage and the ordination of openly gay clergy.
The proposal, called a “A Third Way,” would change the definition of marriage to include “two people,” allow United Methodist pastors the freedom to preside at same-sex weddings, and it would give annual conferences the right to ordain openly gay candidates for ministry. Advocates described it as a plan that would move the church past its decades-old impasse over the issue of homosexuality.
The 58-member Connectional Table (CT) essentially serves as the church’s general administrative council. The body is charged with implementing the vision and ministries of the UM Church as set forth by the quadrennial meetings of General Conference. Twelve bishops currently serve on the CT with voice and vote. The secretaries of the church’s general boards and agencies and the president of the publishing house also serve on the CT, but they do not vote on matters before the Table.
The Rev. Kenneatha Bigham-Tsai, chairperson of a sub-committee charged with vetting proposals, explained why her team settled on “A Third Way.” “We believe,” she said, “this proposal will keep everyone at the table, allows for the exercise of conscience, better provides for the inclusion of LGBTQ brothers and sisters, and best maintains the unity of the church.”
Related article: The Connectional Table says Farewell to the Connection
8 Comments. Leave new
A Third Way. As long as evangelicals totally capitulate on their beliefs. Ridiculous.
“Advocates described it as a plan that would move the church past its decades-old impasse over the issue of homosexuality.”
Well I suppose that much is true.
The issue is not homosexuality. It is in the adherence and worship in accordance with the Word. The “Third Way” advocates should have their freedom to worship as they please. They should consider establishing their own “worship” organization consistent with their beliefs. They are certainly not following Christian teaching as found in the Holy Bible. There is no need to change the worship practices of the UMC to satisfy their concept of marriage. To do so would be blasphemous. If marriage is defined by the UMC other than between a man and a woman it will bring to an end my personal relationship as a member of the denomination. I have been a member of the BVUMC my entire life and I am 84 years young. So mote it be!
I have a couple friends who work for United Methodist Church at fairly high levels. Alas, Methodists in key decision making offices have also been infected with ‘worldly’ and ‘cultural’ apostates. Many of these people are not spiritual or Bible believing, sadly; in fact they are militant progressives who despise and ridicule Bible believing Christians, if my source is correct.
An impasse defined in this case as those who still believe in Scripture standing in the way of those willing to circumvent it.
We need to get down on our knees and God for forgiveness.
Homosexual marriage, ministers, etc—‘the THIRD WAY?’ What’s the second way? What’s the fourth? As I’m not a hip metrosexual, and not interested in pop culture, I don’t know what the second, fourth and fifth ‘ways’ to interpreting scripture are.
I just read the ‘United Methodist Reporter’ web story dated Feb. 11, 2015 on the ‘connectional table.’ In the UMC story, no author listed, Rev. Ken Tsai states, “there are three theological assertions that directed their work on accepting homosexual behavior within the church structure. They are a. centrality of mission; b. unity of mission and baptism as basis for our identity as Christians.” Dear Jesus, please save us from these wacko, dangerous, apostate frauds. Amen.