A Common Witness for the Moral Equality of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender United Methodists
Reposted from: http://sans2011.org
Media Contact: Ann Craig, communications, 917-280-2968
United Methodists from all over the globe are gathering in Ohio, August 25-28, to plan for more openness to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) Christians in the church. Close to 500 supporters will “Sing a New Song” at the convocation, at Sawmill Creek Resort in Huron, Ohio.
Oregon/Idaho will be represented by Rev. David Weekley who is a trans-sexual man and the Pastor of Sellwood and Capitol Hill United Methodist Churches in Portland, Oregon and other members of OR/ID Reconciling Ministries.
“As a long time resident of Portland and a United Methodist, I am thrilled to be going to Ohio to join with United Methodists from around the world to plan for a more inclusive church. Our “Sing A New Song” conference is the first step toward General Conference in late April of 2012 where our theme, “Love Your Neighbor,” will help delegates vote for policies that reflect the diversity of God’s people.
“The Spirit is opening people’s hearts,” said Troy Plummer, executive director of Reconciling Ministries Network. “Lutherans, Episcopalians, and Presbyterians have joined the United Church of Christ in ordaining candidates based on their ability for ministry, rather than their sexual orientation or gender identity. We know that God is opening the hearts of United Methodists as well.”
“The church works hard to fulfill Christ’s commandment to love your neighbor,” said Jill A. Warren, executive director of the Methodist Federation for Social Action. “United Methodists support human rights for all people, including LGBT people. I pray for a day when we can all work together to bring peace to war torn countries and to be good stewards of God’s creation, as fully-inclusive United Methodist neighbors.”
Tim Tennant-Jayne, spokesperson for Affirmation United Methodists said, “Friends, families, bishops, clergy and laity are joining together and speaking out. Like Saint Paul on the road to Damascus, they have been changed from judgment to love. We are all going to Ohio to worship, sing and plan so that the next generation can say to us when the doors are open to everyone, ‘well done thou good and faithful servant.’”
The three national organizations collaborating on this effort are: