A violation of trust, space, and spirit

Just prior to General Conference 2004, trust in the application of the Book of Discipline as church law was eroded with the verdict from the Pacific Northwest Conference that, although it was true that the Rev. Karen Dammann was a self-avowed practicing lesbian, the jury could not sustain the charge that she had engaged in any practice that was incompatible with Christian teaching. Therefore, she was appointable.

The trust of many women within the UM Church was violated the day before General Conference began as the Women's Division participated as a co-sponsor in the pro-abortion "March for Women's Lives" in Washington, D.C., alongside many radical women's organizations.

These and numerous other egregious actions in the political, social, and theological spectrum by our church's boards and agencies served to create a climate of distrust going into General Conference.

By holding fast in the face of strong opposition, the UM Church once again reaffirmed its prohibition against practicing homosexual clergy, its prohibition against same-sex unions in churches, and its prohibition against church funding of pro-homosexual advocacy. Language identifying homosexual practice as "incompatible" with Christian teaching was maintained.

While we rejoice over these and other legislative victories, we also grieve over the many petitions and resolutions that passed that will continue to reveal our church's theological ambiguity and shape our political and social witness in accordance with secular and United Nations' standards.

Both weeks of General Conference were marked by political maneuvering that made it difficult, if not impossible, for petitions to get fair and equitable consideration. The following example from the Local Church committee provides an overview of the process repeated in other committees.

Two of the petitions RENEW supported asked for the inclusion of supplemental women's ministries in the language of the Discipline. Rather than dealing openly with petitions by allowing delegates to discuss and vote on them, a quick move was made to concur with a petition that retained the current language allowing only UMW groups at the local level. Once this petition passed, all others had to be voted non-concurrence. Despite protest from group members, the decision stood. Oddly, this same committee voted to authorize supplemental ministries for the organization of United Methodist Men.

The pervasive presence of homosexual activists throughout the entire conference was spiritually oppressive. At one point, a disappointed pro-gay demonstrator intentionally broke a beautiful chalice that was on the worship table at the front of the auditorium. The chalice was a gift from Africa. Ironically, it was the clear and beautiful African voices that pleaded throughout the second week for the United Methodist Church to remain true to its doctrinal standards and the teaching of Scripture which, through missionaries, had brought them to Christ, delivering them from non-Christian beliefs.

A violation of both space and spirit occurred as Soulforce, a non-United Methodist gay rights advocacy group, moved into the General Conference arena on Thursday morning, May 6, with the approval of the United Methodist Council of Bishops, but without vote from the delegates.

Soulforce encircled the arena singing songs, carrying banners and placards, and acting out their pain of exclusion. They moved into the bar and around the tables where delegates were seated, continuing toward the worship center, where they placed a large, lighted rainbow candle. They then proceeded onto the stage and passed through the Council of Bishops. Twenty-seven bishops stood in support of the entourage, while two United Methodist bishops walked with them.

An overwhelming sense of violation was felt by many delegates and visitors sitting through this staged demonstration. The spiritual anguish continued as the candle was allowed to remain on the altar throughout the day.

On Thursday afternoon, one delegate attempted to give a response to this demonstration by requesting a point of privilege following his committee report. A loud "no" came from the area of the western jurisdiction delegation, followed by a refusal of the presiding bishop to grant this request. Having been subjected to more than thirty minutes of protest by several hundred members of Soulforce, it was shocking that one credentialed delegate was not allowed a response.

The infringement on sacred trust, space, and spirit was a reality for many attending General Conference. We must realistically face our dilemma and do what is necessary to create an unviolated sacred space where the Church can maintain and share the faith through a theological and social witness that is faithful to our Wesleyan heritage and to God's Word. Let us commit to this end.

Renew is the women's program ministry of Good News. Visit our website at www.renewnetwork.org or call (706) 778-4812.

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