I mourn for the many LGBTQ+ people and their allies in the United Methodist Church who are grieving their denomination’s decision to codify bigotry as part of their religious beliefs and force every church affiliated with them to do the same. It disgusts me that in Common Era 2019 some people are still debating the humanity of certain groups of people all while claiming that is not what they are doing. It is even more disgusting that this is being done in the name of God and “biblical teaching”, completely ignoring some people’s understanding of God and Biblical teacher call them to model radical inclusion.
Though I am an atheist, I recognize religious beliefs and spiritual community give many people’s lives meaning. I hope all those who are grieved by this move will find ways to reconcile their humanity with their religious beliefs instead of feeling they have no choice but to drop either their beliefs or their humanity. For some that will mean leaving organized religion while continuing to have personal belief in God. Others, including entire congregations, will likely leave that denomination to affiliate with others or to form another. Whatever path they choose, may they find the grace, peace, healing, and love the United Methodist Church failed to extend to them this day.
