This week has been a big one in the United Methodist World. Here in Oregon we voted to allow 3 churches to leave the United Methodist fold. The reason for the leaving is around theology. There are people and churches who hold that Christian teaching means that queer folx aren’t allowed in the leadership or even in some cases in the members of the community of faith. And then there are people and churches who believe that Jesus is pretty clear on inclusion and love which makes room for all folkx in the leadership and life of the community of faith. We have tried for years to be church together despite these differences. We have other theological differences we have been able to work through. My hope is that as churches and clergy leave the UMC we are able to formalize in our policy and rules not just the acceptance of all people but also to celebrate the gifts and leadership of so many faithful disciples!
For some these separations cause pain. Churches that raised and loved us are no longer safe for us. Churches we served and people we cared for as clergy are now longer part of our wider community. We know that in the churches that have left are those who disagree, those who might be rejected as they grow into who God has made them to be, and others who have felt the need to choose the church over other things. For me these separations are a source of hope. Maybe now we can stop putting so much energy into fighting about the rules and instead become even more embodied people of faith, connected to our neighborhoods in a deep, transcendent love.
Maybe in the split love can be let in.
-Eilidh
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