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The coming debate over membership [Sept. 13, 2006 {0546}; An e-Review Florida UMNS Commentary by Bishop Timothy W. Whitaker] 09-28-2006 If we truly believe we're all God's children, we wouldn't discriminate against people whose sexual orientation is different from our own. Our denomination advertises that we have "Open doors, Open Hearts, Open Minds". The negative discussions about who should be accepted into membership in the United Methodist Church belies the truth in our advertising. If homosexuals are to be denied membership by one pastor, our advertising campaign will be communicating untruths and will require a disclaimer. Why would anyone want to be a United Methodist if we don't practice what we preach? What would Jesus do? After all, He made every one of us in His own image. Inez Wood
The coming debate over membership [Sept. 13, 2006 {0546}; An e-Review Florida UMNS Commentary by Bishop Timothy W. Whitaker] 09-23-2006 If homosexuality is a sin according to the Bible ... and it is ... then all the "civil" discussion in the world will not make it right and acceptable. Like all sin it can be forgiven but should never be considered acceptable and overlooked just to boost church membership. ... All should be welcome to attend church services but membership should be limited to those who recognize their sinful state, repent of their sins, and live a life centered on God service avoiding sin as much as we can with the help of the Holy Spirit. Acknowledging sin in our life and then refusing to repent and continuing in sin is not a basis for membership. Living a homosexual lifestyle is not acceptable according to the Bible and should not even be a subject for discussion as God's word in the Bible has already provided the final decision. Bob Munsey Jr.
The coming debate over membership [Sept. 13, 2006 {0546}; An e-Review Florida UMNS Commentary by Bishop Timothy W. Whitaker] 09-22-2006 If I follow this line of thinking, we will accept into full fellowship and membership persons in monogamous relationship with same-sex partners. Does this also mean we will acept into fellowship and membership persons in adulterous and/or unwed relationships? If we accept these persons into membership, does this come with all benefits of assuming roles of teacher, officer, leadership? Your statement does not go far enough to explain exactly what we are accepting into the "body of Christ." Speak plainly, take a committed stand and not walk a line with a foot on each side. Anonymous
The coming debate over membership [Sept. 13, 2006 {0546}; An e-Review Florida UMNS Commentary by Bishop Timothy W. Whitaker] 09-21-2006 Thank you, bishop, for a much clearer explanation and guidance for dealing with the membership issue and putting the matter in its proper theological context. I agree that we cannot put membership into legalistic or nominalistic terms. I think it would be helpful if clergy would dare to honestly dialog with other clergy who differ from their position with mutual respect. Of course, laity would be welcomed, but clergy need to take the lead. I guess that includes me! Jim Bradshaw
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