Illinois Methodist Clergy, In Defiance Of Church, To Bless Same-Sex Unions

Some 200 United Methodist clergy of the church's Northern Illinois Conference have pledged to bless same-sex unions in violation of the church's policy on the matter, doing so despite the risk of suspension or defrocking.

The Northern Illinois clergy's declaration comes fast on the heels of a Wisconsin pastor, the Rev. Amy DeLong of Osceola, being found guilty of overseeing a 2009 lesbian union in a church trial last week. She was also found not guilty of being a "self-avowed practicing homosexual." DeLong was punished with a 20-day suspension, a sentence that she said will not dissuade her from continuing to officiate same-sex unions.

Earlier in the month, the clergy took their initial vote to end discrimination against LGBTQ individuals and announced they would send petitions to that effect to next year's global gathering, according to the Windy City Times. Methodist clergy in other states, including Minnesota, New York and the New England region, according to the Boston Globe, have also taken similar actions in recent weeks.

As reported by the Chicago Tribune, pro-LGBT United Methodist clergy in Northern Illinois were emboldened by the state's recent passage of civil union legislation, as well as DeLong's trial, the latest in a series of punishments for church clergy blessing gay and lesbian relationships.

"Unfortunately the church has lost its prophetic voice on this issue," the Rev. Gregory Gross, a deacon, told the Tribune. "Our civil society has taken the lead. Now the church is trying to catch up."

The conference's bishop, Hee-Soo Jung, earlier in the month applauded the Illinois legislature and Governor Pat Quinn for approving the civil union legislation and called for "patience, respect, grace and a willingness to struggle together as we hold one another in prayer and community" as the church goes forward in reconciling clear divisions on the matter within their ranks.

The United Methodist Church is the largest U.S. mainline denomination and the nation's second largest Protestant church, ranking behind only the Southern Baptist Convention. The last time the church took up the matter of approving same-sex unions in 2008, it was voted down 501-417. The issue is expected to be back on the table in next year's international conference, which will be held in Tampa, Fla.

Comments

[jerzeytpk201]

11:57 AM on 06/29/2011

I do not think many people have a problem with same sex marriage but the definition of marriage. To many folks, marriage should consist of several things, not just the desire to be with any one person or the rewards of a relationship (the conjugal act). Marriage, going beyond mere physical union, should also imply remaining with the significant other until death and the ability & intent to procreate. Its obvious the you cannot procreate in same sex unions, so the definition of marriage is not met in those cases.

[les92264]

09:52 PM on 06/28/2011

The Bible was written years after Jesus' death. Men had a long time to create stories to suit their purposes. If anyone finds an autographed copy of the Bible signed by God Himself, please let me know. If you do a little homework, you will find that most major religions began at the same time and place. The war is still going on, just watch the news.

[bannorhill]

10:13 PM on 06/29/2011

Most of the Bible was written within 30 years of Jesus's death while many, many, witnesses were still alive.

Are you waiting for someone to find an autographed copy of "Ethics" to believe that Aristotle existed? I guess he never existed either.

[roylo56]

06:42 PM on 06/28/2011

God made Adam and Eve, not Adam and Steve!

[JackWhistle]

08:54 PM on 06/28/2011

How.. clever.

[LoyalBob]

09:38 PM on 06/28/2011

(eye roll)

Don't you fundamentalists ever come up with a different insult. I'm getting so tired of seeing this one over and over again with each poster thinking they are 'original.'

No wonder christians are boring.

[maggiemi56]

03:55 PM on 07/02/2011

Christians may be "boring" BUT come Judgement Day we know where we are going...
How about you??????????

[BeninOakland]

05:56 PM on 06/28/2011

This is CLEAR proof that there is only one way to be a christian. True christians know that there is only one way to interpret the bible.

It's why there is only one denomination of Christianity, instead of hundreds or thousands.

[shakesome]

11:04 PM on 06/28/2011

Doesn't matter how many denominations. What matters in THIS denomination is the official position of the church on such matters. It's not up to individual pastors to decide whether or not they will follow the rules.

[BeninOakland]

01:07 AM on 06/29/2011

butthat uis exactly how denominaitons change their positions as they have done over the decades and centuries. That's how we got thje reformaiton.

[ez duz it]

11:53 AM on 06/28/2011

Significant numbers of clergy in mainline Protestant denominations are taking a definitive stand against anti-Gay discrimination. Their collective action signals a remarkable paradigm shift in the Church.

That many pastors, along with Rev. DeLong, are doing so at risk to their own careers and incomes speaks to the firmness of their resolve. I applaud them for their bravery in challenging comfortably held understandings of Scripture and doctrines relating to sexuality, conscience and justice. Their insistence on having open dialog on these issues among fellow clerics – as well as their congregations – is inspiring.

I was happy to hear that the discipline issued to Rev. DeLong by Methodist officials for officiating at a same-sex wedding was as reasonable as it was: a twenty-day suspension. She is also required to present a formal statement outlining strategies in which church trials similar to hers can be avoided – what a golden opportunity for her to continue the dialog!

That she remains open to officiate at same-sex civil unions shows her unflagging commitment to live by her words: “When I entered (the ministry) I did not suspend my conscience. It's incumbent on me not to perpetuate its unjust laws.”

That a rapidly growing number of pastors and congregations are willing to stand with Rev. DeLong in opposing anti-Gay discrimination speaks supporting equality speaks to the justness of their cause.

Godspeed to Rev. DeLong, her fellow pastors and their congregations…

-ez

[darkecco209]

11:52 AM on 06/28/2011

In the bible Lot has intercousre with one of his daughters. So if everyone is saying we should follow the bible then is it okay for all males to do that with their daughters? I don't think so, but I guess thats different. I don't understand people. People are born gay there is science behind it. Look at the people who are born with both man and lady parts. I guess that's a choice too.

[GpaJerry]

05:36 PM on 06/28/2011

ONE OF HIS DAUGHTERS?? Please read that part again.

[JerseyHooligan]

10:51 PM on 06/28/2011

I'm pretty sure that a lot of backwood and country conservatives do acknowledge that.

[Beat Reporter]

10:14 AM on 06/28/2011

The Amy Delong case may be the catalyst the Methodist Church has needed to push it off the fence. So many Methodists have supported her, and had said in advance that they would leave the church if she were defrocked, Conference hardly dared kick her to the curb. A 20-day suspension is almost as mild a punishment as 20 lashes with a wet noodle.

The formal stand the Methodist Church takes on homosexuality is in direct opposition to every statement on human rights it's released in the past 30 years. It also opposes every policy on human rights the church has adopted in 30 years. When it's questioned, the weak adherence to the formal policy is generally described as an appeasement to the Southern Methodists -- who are apparently less progressive than the country's general run of Methodist.

Biblical prohibitions against homosexuality boil down to one line in the Old Testament, and quoting it once in the New. (The "sin of Sodom" was not homosexuality -- it was mistreatment of people who they viewed as different from themselves.) In neither case was Jesus involved. Jesus instructed his followers to turn away from the inhumane rules of the Old Testament, calling them the "old covenant," because he had brought them a new covenant. The new covenant was based on the love of one's fellow man -- acceptance, toleration, inclusion, forgiveness, and treating others "as thyself."

[kcktmc]

02:20 PM on 06/28/2011

I just love self approved Bible scholars. I am sorry.. but you are in error.. There are numerous quotes in the Old AND New Testaments forbidding homosexuality and calling it a sin. People who commit it even KNOW it is a sin before they do it (in their hearts).. but do it anyway. Just like adulterers, murderers, liars and any other sin you can name. The problem today is that in committing the sin, the offender seeks permission from authorities (Bible, society and government) to make them FEEL better. God is not in the business of permission. Even if wacko preachers in a denominational church want to rebel against the church, it still does not make it O.K. with God. If they don't want to follow church doctrine, they should leave. And the denominations should stand their ground on Biblical truth and not give into hysterical cries for a watered down faith. Truth is truth. Sinners don’t need permission.. They need a Savior. TO get Him (Jesus) you must first admit you are one (a sinner). Something that MOST homosexuals are not willing to do…

[BeninOakland]

05:54 PM on 06/28/2011

yup, wackos.

United church of christ, disciples of christ, presbyterians, unitarians, episcopalians, lutherans.cobnservative judaism, reform judaism.

real wackos.

[r henry]

06:02 PM on 06/28/2011

First off, if no one ever challenged their church, the Catholic church would still be killing the rest of you so why not let's leave that "they should leave" argument on the sidelines now, okay?

Second, Gay people are not "just like adulterers, murders, liars. . .".We're people who love other people.

Third, people don't "KNOW" "(in their hearts)" that it's sin. Rather, they've been lied to and manipulated by religion since they were in the womb to BELIEVE it's a sin, causing CONFUSION and conflict in their MINDS when they begin to realize they are gay. Honestly, it's the church that should be ashamed of the damage it's inflicted on children.

Forth, you're right that I am not "willing" to ask for YOUR savior to come and save me. Because I don't BELIEVE (in my heart) in your savior. I don't care if it's okay with YOUR God. Your religion has nothing to do with MY Civil Rights. And you can quote the Bible all you want, it won't make you RIGHT.

[Beat Reporter]

10:13 AM on 06/28/2011

Part 2:

Very rarely has a Christian church of the past lived up to that covenant. The initial battle for control of Christianity lead to a controlling, hierarchical church in which individuals had no personal access to God, were not allowed to read the scripture themselves, and had to access both God and the Bible through church-controlled intermediaries. As that church grew more tyrannical, more bloated, and more corrupt, even their own clergy began to turn against it until the Protestant schism split it in half.

This movement by the Methodist clergy shows a remembrance of the moral foundations of Protestantism, and it's split from and repudiation of institutionalized tyranny, bigotry and purchased exclusions of immorality. It's been a few centuries coming, but acceptance and inclusion may have finally been recognized not as merely a nice thing to do, but as a necessary Christian duty.

[KenClay]

07:10 AM on 06/28/2011

Love is Everywhere!

[les92264]

09:58 PM on 06/28/2011

Except on this site. Way too much ignorance and bigotry. But God loves us all and made us in His image despite our faults which have yet to be truly defined.

[Mike Engles]

03:56 AM on 06/28/2011

I used to belong to what is referred to as the Apostolic Pentecostal Church for 14 years. While I was there I read the Holy Bible twice and both times I found it was clear that the only sane union was between a MAN and WOMAN. Plus I have since come to realize that all these buildings with their steeples and their stained glass and their pews and so forth are not true churches at all. The true church can be found in the hearts of those who help their fellowman when they are in need. People who do not judge others but PRAY for them. They are people who show COMPASSION towards others. They are people who follow Gods natural laws and pray for those who do not. Read the Beattitudes of Christ to find the true CHURCH. While I KNOW homosexuality is wrong I try not to show hatred toward them. In fact I have made many gay friends. And as far as marriage goes all it does is lead to divorce so marry on. Its just a formality anyway.

[RageVsMachine]

01:35 PM on 06/28/2011

the state isn't a church and it's should marry whoever wants to be married, as the state has the power to do that.

[shakesome]

11:08 PM on 06/28/2011

Yes, but the article is not about the state, it's about religious denominations 'going with the flow' of society and state. Society which, I think almost everyone agrees, is sick.

[r henry]

06:05 PM on 06/28/2011

Personally, I don't care if the Bible said, "Gay people are evil" on every singe page. It's still just a book and it shouldn't have any weight when laws are being made and civil rights are being recognized.

[shakesome]

11:08 PM on 06/28/2011

Yeah. But this is about a church, not about laws..

[MNJim]

01:24 AM on 06/28/2011

I love this! A few years ago several Minneapolis churches were really pushing against their national organizations and won. A Lutheran church in particular stands out as the story kept unfolding for days. Their pastor was retiring and after careful consideration by committee, they decided to appoint the guy who had been working in the parish as assistant pastor. He had just gotten ordained and he was gay. The ELCA told them they could not have a gay pastor and their response was swift & effective: the guy had been effective in assisting the congregants thru some hard times: a teenager's suicide, terrible disease & deaths, financial family crisis, etc. He was wonderful; they want him. They would prefer to stay with ELCA but if ELCA wishes to throw them out-----fine, but they will not be changing their minds on who will be leading their church. They know their needs much better than ELCA! I was very proud of these relatively low key Lutherans for just standing up, pushing back, speaking out & winning.

Same with some of the other churches as well. Some of the "gunrunners" for the Episcopalians and Presbyterians are here in Minneapolis and it's fun to watch them at work.

St Mark's Cathedral across from Loring Park, where the huge Minneapolis Gay Pride Festival was held all weekend, had a long Gay-rainbow banner hanging from its steeple. My understanding is that it was 1 of the 1st Episcopal congregations in the nation to be welcoming gay

[shakesome]

11:09 PM on 06/28/2011

They should have that Pride parade right inside the church, right?

[DCMetroGuy]

10:08 AM on 06/29/2011

Um ..... if that is what the members of the church want to do then what say do you .... as someone who does not attend there have to say one single, solitary thing about it?
OH I get it ...... you are saying that you are willing to let them say what should go on in your church, since you seem to feel free to do the same for thiers!

[jerzeytpk201]

01:22 AM on 06/28/2011

These fake Churches need to realize several things:

first, there has always been only one Church, but now two: Catholic & Orthodox
second, females are not priests
third, gay marriage does not allow procreation, so in essence, no such thing of marriage between same genders even exist.

[KDMac]

11:22 AM on 06/28/2011

First: that is your opinion. However, the "one Church" abused their power to such an extent that it caused Protestant reformation. Catholic priests had wives, children and lovers, they sold redemption, they persecuted (even burned) people who translated the bible into English because they wanted people to remain ignorant.

Second: Again, that is your opinion. In most Protestant denominations, woman may become pastors.

Third: Would you suggest there be a fertility test that one must pass before getting a marriage license? There are many people who get married without the intention and/or ability to procreate. Would you have told my 75yo aunt that she couldn't marry because she was past her child-bearing years?

[r henry]

06:08 PM on 06/28/2011

you lost credibility as soon as you contradicted yourself with, "there has always been only one Church, but now two: Catholic & Orthodox" and it only got worse after that.

So, there has ALWAYS been only ONE and they are Catholic and Orthodox? So, is this the 15th century we're in?

[DCMetroGuy]

10:13 AM on 06/29/2011

And She forgets ..... this story is about the Methodist Church, which as I recall .... was formed by Martin Luther when he left the RCC ...... which was BEFORE the Greek Orthodox Church She is speaking of. Most forget that the Methodist and Lutheran Churches are the first 2 protestant churches.

[ulcseminary]

12:34 AM on 06/28/2011

I can't believe people make such a big deal over something that should be between two people. Why does everyone care so much? If two people love each other and want to be together and are consenting adults, then what's the problem?

http://www.ulcseminary.org

[Justice1]

11:35 PM on 06/27/2011

more selling of souls...the gates are wide open...

[r henry]

06:09 PM on 06/28/2011

How could you sell something that doesn't even belong to you? Your soul is just along for the ride.

[jay0958875]

11:08 PM on 06/27/2011

okay then tax the churches. tax them like we get taxed, why should they get a free pass.

[shakesome]

11:10 PM on 06/28/2011

Because of the Constitution.

[DCMetroGuy]

10:19 AM on 06/29/2011

Actually that is a complete Fallacy. The Constitution says that Congress Shall make no law respecting a religion, there is no language anywhere in the constitution, bill of rights or ammendments saying a church is exempt from taxes. Here is what it does say.

Amendment XVI (1913)

The Congress shall have power to lay and collect taxes on incomes, from whatever source derived, without apportionment among the several states, and without regard to any census of enumeration.

Donations to a church are how it derives income ..... so according to the exact wording here .... it is taxable.