Same Sex Marriage: State and Church

On June 17, 2008, it became legal for two people of the same gender to get married in the state of California. Hooray! The Supreme Court of California basically ruled that voters cannot simply vote away the civil rights of other people, and this is a hopeful thing.

What is difficult for me as a United Methodist Minister is that our denomination does not look at things the same way. That is to say, a majority of voters in the United Methodist Church does not look at things the same way. There is a significant minority of folks who believe that people who love one another and are committed to one another ought to be able to have that committment affirmed in marriage, whether straight or gay.

As a denomination, we've overlooked the significant contributions of our homosexual brothers and sisters in the church. For instance, when the Gay Men's Chorus of Los Angeles has its concert this coming weekend, there will be many churches bereft of their organists and choir directors. It's the proof of my oft-repeated joke: If there's a gay rapture, there'll be no music in the churches!

Composers, artists, preachers, teachers, board members, team members, faithful attenders-- Gay and Lesbian folk in the church have been part of the church's witness in so many ways.

So, why would we say to people who are baptized, raised in our congregations, and are faithful members that we would deny them the same privilege extended to others? Why lock them out of matrimony?

There are many arguments from scripture-- I've heard 'em all, and rather than rehearse all that here I will refer you to Mel White and his 'Soulforce' website. He says it all a lot better than I could. http://www.soulforce.org/article/homosexuality-bible

I am aware that other cultures among the world-wide Methodist connection have a different idea than I do. As some of the delegates from other continents stated at our April 2008 General Convention, they hang homosexuals in their country.

We in the U.S. aren't past the hateful treatment of GLBT people in our own nation, but thankfully at least it's illegal to harm them.

As a denomination, we have a long way to go in terms of gender and sexual equality.

I can only hope that the many wonderful same-sex couples and their families who serve the United Methodist Church will hang in there with us, as we struggle along.

It would not be the first time the church was given grace it did not deserve (the scars of slavery and other racial-ethnic injustices are yet to be fully confessed and dealt with), but we will not and cannot be all that we ought to be without those who are willing to wait for the United Methodist Church to catch up with God's unmitigated grace.

At First United Methodist Church of Los Angeles, we are committed to welcoming all who are willing to join us in a committment to discipleship; we are not willing to qualify anyone's membership.

As of today, we don't know the ways in which this committment will be challenged, but we know we are called to be faithful to full inclusion in the life of our church. That full inclusion means without regard to gender, race, sexual orientation, family of origin, economic status, ability, age, or ethnicity. (Did I leave anything out? If so, please add it in!)

Jesus tells us that all are invited to the table-- and so since a disciple is just one beggar telling another where to get bread, we all are equal at Christ's feast.

As for those who are not willing to hang in there with us, I say, don't leave without telling the Council of Bishops why-- and may God grant you the happiness and acceptance you deserve in the lucky congregation that is able to give you an unqualified seat in the worship service, and an unqualified wedding in the sanctuary.