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The Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches joins
justice-seeking people within the United Methodist denomination and in the
larger community in expressing profound sorrow and disappointment at the
decision of the Conference delegates in Cleveland, Ohio to affirm and
maintain discriminatory language against GLBT persons in the United
Methodist Book of Discipline, and to thereby continue fostering homophobic
attitudes and practices throughout the Methodist denomination.
Rev. Troy D. Perry states, "We regard this as yet another 'missed
opportunity' on the part of a major Christian denomination to overthrow
long-standing injustice in their midst. I am proud that a member of the
UFMCC clergy, Rev. Mel White of SoulForce, led a peaceful, non-violent
protest against the continuance of this
discriminatory language and practice. I congratulate Rev. Mel White, the
members of SoulForce, the clear-sighted Methodist delegates, supporters and
allies of whatever sexual orientation, for standing with us and demanding
justice for LGBT persons."
He adds, "I am also grateful and proud of the many lay and Clergy members of
Metropolitan Community Churches who were willing to join and stand with
SoulForce and their allies in facing arrest as they offered their witness
for justice."
"We can only give thanks to God for these voices crying out together for
Christ's love and justice. Their action was a success regardless of the
outcome of this particular Conference vote. God is continually working on
our behalf and will renew our strength, until the day that the chorus for
love and justice triumphs... until that day when the presence and the gifts
of all God's people are welcomed and celebrated, not only in the United
Methodist Church, but throughout the body of Christ, and in every place
where people of God join together."
Copyright © 2000 by the author
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Also In This Issue:
Trained in Ungrace:
Gays and Lesbians as Dispensers
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