| A message from Rev. Frank Schaefer |
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| The UMC Judicial Council review of the Rev. Schaefer case has concluded. The Council will now deliberate and review other LGBTQ decisions privately. We expect decisions to be announced Saturday, Sunday, or Monday. Follow #MinistryOnTrial for the latest. |
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Reconciling Ministries Network "Thank You from Rev. Frank Schaefer" for Wednesday, 22 October 2014
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“This has been a long and difficult journey for me and my family. I am grateful to the Judicial Council for considering the facts and the law in this case, and confident that they will agree with the Appeals Committee which found in June that my defrocking violated the Council’s precedents. I am grateful to my counsel, Scott Campbell, who has so eloquently demonstrated how law and compassion are not incompatible. Above all I am grateful to people all over the country – including so many in the United Methodist Church – who have been faithful to the call to love and who have sustained me throughout this ordeal. Whatever happens in my case, this movement of love that has embraced me will continue until that day when our church finally stops discriminating against God’s LGBTQ children.”
Rev. Frank Schaefer 10/22/14 following the Judicial Council hearing |
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#MinistryOnTrial Articles
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| While you wait for the Judicial Council decision, read these articles: |
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Clergy in the UMC never stood trial for racism, but they do now for love? by Rev. Gil Caldwell
"I keep near my writing desk, the book, 'When the Church Bells Rang Racist.' I have yet to comprehend why at one time in Methodism, clergy who were open an bold about their anti-black words and actions in church and society, were not charged, tried, found guilty, suspended and/or defrocked...Yet, today, there are those among us who seek to punish clergy who enable same sex couples to marry and publicly proclaim and acclaim their love for their partner. A love shaped by the love that God has expressed in Jesus and for each one of us." |
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Legalism vs. Love, Round 3 by Dr. Dorothee Benz
"Frank Schaefer’s act of love is part of this movement, and it points the way forward for the church: Choosing love over legalism. Placing ministry to others above personal interest or security. Above all, overcoming the fear that has held so many in The #UMC in thrall and subservient to the requirement to discriminate." |
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Our mailing address is:
Reconciling Ministries Network
123 W Madison St Ste 2150
Chicago, Illinois 60602 United States
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