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Rev. Mike Tupper, Bishop Deborah Kiesey, and Rev. Ed Rowe
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BREAKING: Biblical Obedience in Michigan: Just Resolutions signed
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EAST LANSING, MI—On the heels of the nationally observed Methodist trial of Rev. Frank Schaefer, a bishop has reached resolution with two clergy who officiated same-sex weddings. Even though United Methodist clergy are required to provide the ministry of the church to all persons, current church law forbids presiding over same-sex weddings—an action that in other areas has led to church trials and defrocking.
Bishop Deborah Kiesey who oversees the Michigan area United Methodist churches was able to settle the complaints out of court, reaching a “Just Resolution” between the clergy and complainants. Part of the agreement charges the two clergy persons in cooperation with the Church to host a series of events that will emulate the “Truth and Reconciliation Commission” model used in South Africa following the end of apartheid. Rowe and Tupper hope to work with Methodists across the Michigan area to provide a space for LGBTQ people who have been harmed by the church to be heard, with hopes of eventual healing to occur.
Rev. Tupper, who officiated his daughter’s wedding to another woman, said “I’m thankful to Bishop Kiesey for choosing to give precedence to Jesus’ law of love and inclusion. I appreciate the many frank discussions we had about the full inclusion of LGBT people in our churches—especially since the topic threatens to divide our denomination.”
Rev. Rowe, officiated the wedding of two of his church members, who at first were reluctant to ask him. “After reading about the trial and initial defrocking of Rev. Frank Schafer the couple were considering leaving the church,” said Rowe.“They came to me wondering if it was fair to ask me to extend the same pastoral and sacramental support to them that I offer to heterosexual couples. I told them that if they were unable to ask and receive the same pastoral care as the heterosexual members of the church it would be not only unfair but do great harm to them and to The United Methodist Church. I believe this opportunity was God sent, not in spite of the struggle this issue represents but because of the struggle and the holy conversation it can lead us to. If we allow it, God can flow through us to use this Just Resolution process and others like it to contribute to the transformation of the church beyond our wildest imagination. Not to take that opportunity would be in itself a cause for harm.”
Matthew Berryman, executive director of Reconciling Ministries Network, calls this Just Resolution a “faithful act of Biblical Obedience.”
“Bishop Kiesey acted as a leader for all of us by refusing to do more harm to LGBTQ people and the Church by reaching resolution with Rev. Tupper and Rowe. Her creative approach to justice is a hopeful path forward inviting us all to consider what reconciliation and healing could look like,” said Berryman.
A public celebration will be held on Wednesday, November 12 at University United Methodist Church 1120 S Harrison Rd, East Lansing, MI at 11AM. |
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The Council of Bishops issues statement calling for prayer
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New president, Bishop Brown, accepts gavel from Bishop Wenner. Photo by Andrew Jensen, UMCom
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As bishops of The United Methodist Church, our hearts break because of the divisions that exist within the church. We have been in constant prayer and conversation and affirm our consecration vow “to guard the faith, to seek the unity and to exercise the discipline of the whole church.” We recognize that we are one church in a variety of contexts around the world and that bishops and the church are not of one mind about human sexuality. Despite our differences, we are united in our commitment to be in ministry for and with all people. We are also united in our resolve to lead the church together to fulfill its mandate—to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. As we do so, we call on all United Methodists to pray for us and for one another.
Read responses below... |
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Responses to the Council of Bishops' panel and statement
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A call to inertia? by Mary Pratt
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| While I believe that all of us who audaciously refer to ourselves as the body of Christ should be heartbroken when The UMC draws distinctions that make clear its belief that not all are welcome into full participation in the life of the church, I also have a clearly personal response to the exclusionary policy and language because I am a bisexual woman... |
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A (s)word that means something by Nicole King
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| "Jesus used his privilege to provide a platform for the voices in his society that were purposefully weakened by those in power. He unapologetically sought justice and liberation for the marginalized, and he was killed for it. Knowing this, how in the world can our bishops remain lukewarm on antiquated laws that do harm, while professing the name of Christ? There is a unique loudness that comes with standing up against injustice, and it is no surprise to me that Bishop Talbert was that piercing voice, as he demonstrated that 'love is louder.'..." |
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A prayer for our bishops by Jarell Wilson
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| "Creating God, you who made all things and all persons and called them good; give us your eyes that we may see what you see. You made heterosexuals, gays, lesbians, people who are transgender, genderqueer, intersex, pansexual, two-spirited, Reconciling and Confessing; give us your eyes that we may see what you see... You made Elders who become district superintendents and bishops. Help them to follow your example of bringing order where there is chaos, bringing justice where there is injustice, love where there is hate; Give us your eyes that we may see what you see..." |
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Why I can't leave...At least not yet by Mike House
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| "The UMC sometimes feels like the weird relative in the attic, but we’re still related. It may be that The United Methodist Church will eventually make decisions that drive me from its embrace. If that happens, it will be at least in part because I’m trying to live the Gospel it taught me and follow the life it once encouraged. The time when I have to leave for my own soul’s sake may still come … but it’s not yet. At least not quite..." |
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Bishops continue to hold Discipline at throats of LGBTQ persons
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| "The Church is not in a disagreement; The United Methodist Church is discriminating. We call upon the Bishops to break with the few lines in the Book of Discipline which discriminate against LGBTQ people. Step up and say that marriages will be performed in our churches and by our ministers. Step up and say that all qualified candidates will be ordained to ministry regardless of their sexuality and/or gender identification. Step up, Bishops, and lead the church!..." |
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