This early put down of speaker Mark Miller served as prelude to the begrudging welcome GC2012 has thus far extended to gays and their allies. Miller, an openly gay delegate from New Jersey, had been allowed to address the plenary session in response to the derisive treatment received by some gays during the holy conferencing sessions devoted to human sexuality.
“The need for authentic conversation about human sexuality is so important,” Miller said. “However, the process that we attempted yesterday failed us. It failed because of our lack of leadership and oversight, because the process did not respect people and didn’t plan for the care of those who were hurt by the process.”
When Miller asked supporters of gays and lesbians and “anyone who believes bullying should not be allowed at our General Conference” to stand, he was ruled out of order and asked to return to his seat.
To be sure, gays are tolerated as they hand out flyers outside the convention doors and when they engage in direct action by parading around the convention floor with placards or line the hallways as delegates pass by. Yesterday, as I stood with two friends and we were identified by our rainbow scarves, a delegate leaned in close and whispered, “blessings”. That he only dared whisper and not shout was the real message.
When I encountered a leader of Reconciling Ministries Network in the Convention hallways, her glum face and comment, “it’s dreadful”, summed up the prevailing mood. Three luncheon speakers in the Coalition Tabernacle were scheduled to address women’s issues, but the first, Garlinda Burton, general secretary of the General Commission on the Status and Role of Women, sensed the need to offer an encouraging word.
“I am a child of God, and so are each of you. Remember that and don’t let the words and actions of others deny that or diminish you.” [paraphrased]
Yesterday, a resolution and amendment demonstrated the oppressive tenor of the plenary sessions. At issue was a short addition to the preamble to the Social Principles. The proposed language stated,
We affirm our unity in Jesus Christ while acknowledging differences in applying our faith in different cultural contexts as we live out the gospel.
and to that an amendment was proposed that would add,
We stand united in declaring our faith that God’s grace is available to all, that nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus.
Of course, this is language based upon Paul’s letter to the Romans. Inclusive? Yes. Controversial? Hardly. Yet, it barely passed!
Because many delegates perceived this to be too gay-friendly, 47% of the delegates voted against this amendment. This plenary action occurred just before lunch, and many delegates arriving at the Coalition Tabernacle could only shake their heads that only 53% of their peers would vote to affirm the application of the Pauline theology of grace—at least when gays were involved.
As GC2012 enters the home stretch and the more significant legislative actions come to the floor, there is always room for hope. Yet, the following snippet from the Coalition website reflects the gloom that hangs over the Convention halls. Many escape to the friendly faces of the Coalition Tabernacle to have spirits refreshed.
In week two of the UMC General Conference, lesbians, gay men, bisexual, and transgender persons continue the wait for a word of welcome from the UMC denomination. Like the Psalmist, we ask, “How long, O Lord?” — it has been 40 years since the “incompatibility clause” was added to the denomination’s Book of Discipline; the Bible tells us that 40 years is long enough. This silence is damaging our children, and our church.
I am reminded of a Carrie Newcomer lyric:
If Not Now
Chorus: If not now, tell me when
If not now, tell me when.
We may never see this moment
Or place in time again
If not now, if not now, tell me when.
I see sorrow and trouble in this land
I see sorrow and trouble in this land
Although there will be struggle we’ll make the change we can.
If not now, tell me when.
Chorus
I may never see the Promised Land.
I may never see the Promised Land.
And yet we’ll take the journey
And walk it hand in hand
If not now, tell me when.
Chorus
Bridge: So we‘ll work it ‘til it’s done
Every daughter every son,
Every soul that ever longed for something better,
Something brighter.
It will take a change of heart for this to mend.
It will take a change of heart for this to mend.
But miracles do happen every shining now and then
If not now, tell me when?
Chorus
If Not Now, Tell me when.
But miracles do happen every shining now and then.
If not now tell me when.
If not now tell me when.
If not now tell me when.
Sorry about dissention among “United Methodists.” Makes me relieved to have always been active in the United Church of Christ, the denomination that first ordained women, Blacks, and gays/lesbians. Individuals vary in beliefs, but we welcome all.
Feels like it’s time to break away.
Reconcilers have to start emphasizing tough-mindedness over tender-heartedness, and arm themselves with excellent exegesis. They also have to understand and strategically use conference procedures, rather than thwart them and then cry foul. Mark wasn’t “put down” by the chair. Mark’s request that others stand was out of order in terms of procedure. He wasn’t being called “bad”, just “out of order.” (BTW: I love Mark’s music and ministry!) It’s not that the hurt feelings don’t matter, it’s that our opponents will never be persuaded by them until the hurt is personal to them (and that might take too long). Our opponents will simply feel heroic in holding on to their tough, “biblical” stance. We need to study and make our points convincingly. Matthew Vines (http://matthewvines.tumblr.com/) has done a great job revealing the truth about the troublesome verses in a strong, respectful way. It’s a great adjunct to Walter Wink’s pamphlet on the Bible and Homosexuality.