Posted on 06/10/2010 7:22:48 PM PDT by xzins
LAKESIDE, Ohio – In a close vote, delegates at the West Ohio Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church approved the nomination of a gay man as chief financial officer.
The nomination of Bill Brownson has been a contentious subject within the regional conference, which includes Columbus, for three months. Affirmative votes exceeded those against by a narrow margin of 28, with 948 votes cast in favor of the appointment and 920 against.
Brownson, who is in a long-term, committed relationship, was given the opportunity to address the conference briefly after the vote.
“I know this is not about me,” he said. “It’s about the church.”
Although many of those speaking on behalf of Brownson’s appointment grew emotional as they spoke, Brownson remained calm.
He noted that many people had asked him: How could he be so at peace with the debate?
“I’ve been telling people I’m doing just fine,” he said. Then he referenced Romans 14:8, saying that his peace came from knowing, “whether we live or we die, we belong to the Lord.”
Brownson thanked the speakers who argued for and against his appointment, saying they were most respectful.
nicely stated Doc
....as if God isnt powerful enough to make small churches successful and powerful places of worship
I’m glad I do not belong to a church going through this garbage.
Nevertheless, DrE, there is a line in the sand. That line for me is when our ability to be faithful lights to our children is suspect. Can I place my children in a Methodist camp or any Methodist event for children or youth and know that I know that I know that they will receive faithful, biblical, ethical teaching? I cannot.
Can I purchase Methodist Sunday School material for them and know that they will receive faithful, biblical, ethical teaching? I cannot.
Can I receive a new pastor or speaker from the Methodists and know that my children will receive faithful, biblical, ethical teaching? I cannot.
Wise as serpents is excellent advice. However, sometimes we simply need to speak up in protest. We must be meticulously honest in our actions, and when we have assured that will happen, we must speak up.
"Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward." -- 1 Timothy 5:17-18
“However, sometimes we simply need to speak up in protest.”
But you are not speaking up to the assembly that elected him. You are speaking to the flock that has been entrusted to you. Speak to them positively as a good shepherd. Give them good food and let them draw the godly conclusions. If you rail against the powers that be, for the most part, it will be a one issue sermon and if the news gets wind of it it will be reported as an anti-homosexual rant.
worth considering
it is, nonetheless, good to review the reasons the decision is wrong-headed
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