I just don’t get how the controversy surrounding Amendment 1 has focused so many on our denomination’s prolonged preoccupation with homosexuality. I wholeheartedly agree that membership should ultimately be decided by the judgment of the local pastor and/or a group representing the body of the church and not the individual who expresses a desire to join. Where I diverge with some is the focus on and preoccupation with homosexuality while passively ignoring other sin (assuming — and I as a happily married straight father of three don't necessarily — that homosexuality is a sin). Keeping in mind the traditional “Seven Deadly Sins” (in order of severity Lust, Gluttony, Greed, Sloth, Anger, Envy and Pride) and assuming that if one does consider homosexuality a sin it would fall under “Lust,” I am appalled that our churches have let through the gates — as my unscientific and unresearched study indicates — OPENLY PRACTICING greedy people, gluttons, self lovers, slackers and mean people, among others. Where’s the outrage? I’m pretty sure John Wesley would have told these folks to "flee from the wrath to come" and that they should "enter a whole new way of life" if they wish to join the church. Again, I agree wholeheartedly that the church should practice more diligent discernment with regard to what it means to be a member of the UMC. But maybe starting out with the most deadly sins could give the church some needed credibility with regard to this matter. After that, maybe we could sit down and discern, for instance, whether homosexuality is a sin.

Jim Cohen
First United Methodist Church, St. Petersburg