I forgot to add that the CA/NV Conference pays for "Marriage Encounter" weekends for avowed homosexuals and lesbians out of apportionments and that fact has led about thirty congregations, including St. Luke's, to leave the UMC.
You can't be against homosexuality and lesbianism while helping such people have better gay and lesbian relationships.
The truth is that they are not against these practices.
And that's precisely why United Methodists from those locations (you?) have left the denomination in favor of other denominations which still believe in, and follow, the Lord Jesus Christ and scripture.
Those areas of the country/world where Jesus Christ and sound scripture are still preached are the same areas of the denomination which are thriving and growing. You'd think the hierarchy would learn--but that would mean that the individuals and agenices would have to admit their error. (We can't have that now, can we? /sarcasm)
It will be interesting to see what the Jurisdicitional Conferences and the Judicial Council do with these heretical people and practices!
Incidentally, I know it sounds like I'm defending the/my denomination. I'm not really, simply stating facts. For many years I prayed that the Lord would "take me out of this denomination" and "send me somewhere else, anywhere else." Without going into detail let me just say that I continue to be a United Methodist precisely BECAUSE I know this is where the Lord wants me to be. I will stay here until-or unless-He directs me somewhere else. If that day arrrives, I'd be out of here as fast as you could say "United Methodist."