I am not backing away from any statement I've made! Can you read and comprehend simple English sentences?
Obviously any member of the church, if doing whatever sinful act they want in secret, and no one (except God, of course) knows, then obviously that person will be accepted as a member, although it would not be honest or right.
But if said applicant announces to the minister or others in the church that he/she is a practicing sinner (of whatever proclivity) and fully intends to continue the sin, then obviously that person wouldn't be accepted.
What part of that do you not understand? Or do you think that the Methodist Church should send spies to everyones' homes to see if people are sinning secretly? Or have people fill out questionnaires every fortnight?
Let's get to the point. You want homosexuals, "out and proud", fully accepted in the church. Well, the Bible and church teaching say "no".
Maybe you should start your own "gay accepting" church. Oh, right, there already is one - the Metropolitcan Community Church. Check it out. They host interesting classes and seminars, too.
"But if said applicant announces to the minister or others in the church that he/she is a practicing sinner (of whatever proclivity) and fully intends to continue the sin, then obviously that person wouldn't be accepted."
You couldn't be more wrong if you tried. If your above reference to "sinner" means homosexual, then contrary to your statement "that person wouldn't be accepted", the Methodist Church policy is exactly the OPPOSITE. That's why the pastor lost his job!!