A United Methodist pastor in Virginia has been placed on an "involuntary leave of absence" for refusing to allow a gay person into the membership of his church, reports United Methodist News Service.
The action was taken after the minister, Edward Johnson, was instructed by his district superintendent and bishop to allow the gay individual to join the church. The United Methodist Church does not allow gays or lesbians to be ordained but that position is controversial and many United Methodist congregations support the full inclusion of gays and lesbians in the life of the church.
The UM Social Principles state:
Homosexual persons no less than heterosexual persons are individuals of sacred worth. All persons need the ministry and guidance of the church in their struggles for human fulfillment, as well as the spiritual and emotional care of a fellowship that enables reconciling relationships with God, with others, and with self. Although we do not condone the practice of homosexuality and consider this practice incompatible with Christian teaching, we affirm that God’s grace is available to all. We implore families and churches not to reject or condemn their lesbian and gay members and friends. We commit ourselves to be in ministry for and with all persons.
Rejecting someone from church membership based on their sexual orientation would seem to be a great offense. It was appropriate for this minister to be suspended.
The Republican Party-aligned Institute on Religion and Democracy has been one of the most vocal groups opposing the inclusion of gays and lesbians in the United Methodist Church and in other mainline denominations. IRD recently released a statement asking all those who disagree with their views to leave the United Methodist Church for other churches. The group, whose board and staff are filled with Republican political activists, receives funding from Richard Mellon Scaife.
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