Letter #5 to Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi with Copies to the Cabinet!

The following letter was sent to Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi and the District Superintendents of the Western Pennsylvania Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church following the special session of the General Conference held in St. Louis toward the end of February 2019. Purpose of the special session was an attempt to resolve the endless conflict over human sexuality. The main issue is in regard to homosexuality and whether it is morally legitimate or not. The Traditional Plan, one of three possibilities, was adopted at the conference. This means that the restrictive language regarding homosexuality as spelled out in the denomination's Book of Discipline will remain in place. No practicing homosexual or lesbian can be ordained for United Methodist ministry. No UM pastor is permitted to perform same-gender ceremonies/weddings. And no UM church is to be used for same-gender ceremonies/weddings. Enclosed was a letter submitted to the Johnstown Tribune-Democrat newspaper. This follows at the end of the letter to the bishop and the cabinet members.

March 5, 2019

To: Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi and Members of the Cabinet

Subject: Approval of the Traditional Plan at General Conference 2019 and related issues.

I preached my first sermon on June 21, 1959 at two Methodist Churches to which I had just been appointed in the New Castle area. Most of clergy, including the bishop, in the W PA Conference were not around at that time. There may be a few who are older than I, but very few! If I and my congregations had been told at that time that the day would come when homosexuality and lesbianism would be practiced and accepted within the denomination, we would have said something like, “You’re crazy – it will never happen!” Unfortunately, I was very wrong on my prediction.

But one prediction that has not changed is the fact that adoption of the Traditional Plan has resulted in an ongoing conflict over the issue of human sexuality. It involves persons who believe God has clearly drawn the boundaries on human sexuality wherein same-sex intimacy is not merely regarded as a sin, but worse, as an abomination! Acceptable sexual experience and expression are strictly limited to one man and one woman living within the holy covenant of marriage!

There are those who disagree with the above, insisting that same-sex intimacy is just as morally legitimate as is the sexual union between a husband and wife. This is based on human reasoning, cultural changes, alleged scientific studies, etc.

There is an appeal that we learn to work together and put our differences aside. I have enclosed a letter recently submitted to the Johnstown Tribune-Democrat. In that I describe a simple illustration of an attempt to mix some motor oil and water. It cannot be done and with that I rest my case concerning the conflict on human sexuality!

For a number of years I had a homosexual person attending one of my churches. His partner was a Roman Catholic and faithfully attended mass at his church. The man was still attending my church regularly when I retired in 1996. I have been at times labeled as homophobic, unchristian, unloving, mean-spirited, hateful, deeply prejudiced, etc. If that is really true and I really am that kind of person due to my choice to agree with God and His view of same-sex intimacy, why did a homosexual keep attending my church for years? Perhaps some of you can explain that to me.

As mentioned in the letter, the shootout at a corral named the United Methodist Church continues unabated!

Clayton D. Harriger, Retired Elder in Full Connection
Western Pennsylvania Annual Conference
The United Methodist Church

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Editor

Tribune Democrat

The special General Conference of the United Methodist Church concluded recently with the approval of what is known as the Traditional Plan. This means that the restrictive language regarding homosexuality along with procedures for dealing with violations will remain in place in the denomination’s Book of Discipline which contains its church law. No practicing homosexual is to be ordained for ministry in the UMC. No UM pastor is to perform same-sex weddings. No UM church is to be used for same-sex weddings.

There is a marathon of comments and replies, both positive and very negative, taking place presently in social media regarding the outcome of the General Conference held in St. Louis. Somehow I was reminded of an event called the shootout at the O.K. Corral in the latter part of the 19th Century!

The issue can be illustrated rather simply. Take ½ pint of water and ½ pint of motor oil and put them in a clear quart container with a cap. Shake vigorously for a length of time and then set the container down. Eventually you will see a distinct line where one begins and the other ends! An auto technician will tell you that it is not a good thing to have both water and oil in the crankcase of your vehicle!

Meanwhile the shootout at a corral known as the United Methodist Church continues unabated.

Clayton D. Harriger
Retired Elder
Western PA Annual Conference
The United Methodist Church

Sex and The United Methodist Church - AKA How to Paint Yourself into a Corner!

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Will The United Methodist Church Capitulate to the Sodomite/Lesbian Agenda?

Out of concern for the welfare of all God’s people, and, out of special concern for the people of The United Methodist Church, we, United Methodist Bishops – retired, believe The United Methodist Church should remove the following statement from The Book of Discipline (2008):

“…The practice of homosexuality is incompatible with Christian teaching. Therefore self-avowed practicing homosexuals are not to be certified as candidates, ordained as ministers, or appointed to serve in The United Methodist Church.” ¶304.3 ............

[Clayton D. Harriger is an ordained elder in The United Methodist Church, a member of the Western Pennsylvania Annual Conference and author of the following comments.]

It's a well known fact -- the old oak tree may be huge -- the trunk may be at least 15 feet or more in circumferance -- but if you keep chopping away and the chips keep falling, the tree will topple eventually!

And so it goes in the United Methodist Church. For some time those supporting the sodomite/lesbian agenda have been zealously at work to force full acceptance of unrepentant sodomites and lesbians into the life and ministry of the denomination. One central focus of attack has been the statement in the UMC Book of Discipline that states homosexuality to be incompatible with Christian teaching.

Other areas of attack have been the statements dealing with ordination of those who practice this abominable lifestyle and the performing of ceremonies which join 2 sodomites or 2 lesbians in a "union" that is supposed to be comparable to the marriage of a man and a woman.

The political posturing has been taking place for some time in anticipation of General Conference which will be held in spring of 2012.

Noted at the beginning is a partial statement from a gang of retired United Methodist bishops (term used very loosely) who are pressing for acceptance of unrepentant sodomites and lesbians without any objection whatsoever. The "bishops" signing that declaration are: Sharon Z. Rader, Donald A. Ott, Beverly Shamana, C. Joseph Sprague, Melvin G. Talbert, S. Clifton Ives, Joe A. Wilson, William Lewis, Forrest Stith, Susan Morrison, Susan Hassinger, Judy Craig, Dale White, William Boyd Grove, C. P. Minnick, Kenneth L. Carder, Roy I. Sano, Joe Yeakel, Kenneth Hicks, Joseph Humper, Monk Bryan, Jesse DeWitt, Jack Tuell, J. Lloyd Knox, Charles W. Jordan, J. Lawrence McCleskey, Marshall L. Meadors, Jr., Franz Schafer, Sheldon Duecker, Fritz Mutti, Cal McConnell, and Leontine T. C. Kelly. Not all signed that statement -- at least one did not and that was Bishop George Bashore who retired a few years ago after serving the Western Pennsylvania Annual Conference. However, in the list of those signing is the name of William Boyd Grove who is originally from the Western Pennsylvania Conference and served in that conference before being elected to the office of bishop.

From out of Illinois has come a pledge on the part of 200 U. M. clergy to flout church policy and bless "unions" for same-gender couples who seek to be "united" in the same. Further, it has been reported that United Methodists in the Northern Illinois Conference called on the global church to impose no more than a 24-hour suspension for clergy who defy the policy of the United Methodist Church regarding same-gender union ceremonies!

Should we be surprised? With the stench of Illinois and Chicago politics greatly impacting Washington DC, it follows that the U. M. Church in Illinois would demonstrate it too is very capable of tolerating corruption of the first magnitude!

A female U. M. pastor this past June was found guilty for performing a "union" ceremony for 2 lesbians. The trial court really came down hard on her for this violation -- she was suspended for 20 days! There are more details as to what she has to do in writing a document along with discussions etc. in preparation for next year's annual conference. The Board of Ordained Ministry and the bishop have certainly bent more than 90 degrees backward to accomodate Amy DeLong, and of course she continues to do pastoral work as an ordained elder in her conference. Is this akin to laying your pinky lightly across her wrist and saying, "You naughty, naughtly girl -- now please, if you can find it within yourself, try not to do this again."

United Methodist pastor, Michael Gray, is in the heart of the effort to get a referendum on the ballot in Maine which will legalize marriage between same-gender couples. He supported the effort back in 2009 which was eventually overturned. He claims most of his congregation supports marriage between same-gender couples.

Six states have now legalized marriage for sodomites and lesbians which means U. M. pastors in those states will really be under pressure to do weddings involving such persons.

The above situations are but merely the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the ferment taking place within the United Methodist Church. Will 2012 be the year that significant changes are made and the door is opened quite a bit wider for unrepentant sodomites and lesbians with same-gender sexual intimacy no longer regarded as "incompatible with Christian teaching?"

One very effective strategy being used by the sodomite/lesbian agenda people is the "dialog." This is where you sit down at the table and discuss your differences with participating parties agreeing to respect one another and to refrain from any negative references to those holding an opposite position on the issue. Too many claiming to be "conservative" and believers in the Scriptures have fallen into this trap. It makes for good publicity and in order to "get along, we go along" even in our dialog experiences! Remember the old oak tree -- dialog advances and more chips are taken out of the old tree's trunk.

There is talk of a split in the UMC over this issue. There are those who strongly support such action. But really, it will do little good. The sodomite/lesbian cartel would not be content with a split -- they want universal unquestioned acceptance on the part of every person who is a part of the UMC -- laity and clergy alike!

Any who refuse to accept this abominable lifestyle have already been labeled in the most negative terms that can be dredged out of Mr. Webster's dictionary, starting with the word, homophobic.

How very real are the words of Jesus in these times as He warned that conditions would duplicate those which existed in a city named Sodom when a godly, but tormented, man by the name of Lot lived there. Unfortunately Lot paid an extremely high price for the deadly choice of moving into that city with his family.

Those who believe God has clearly established the boundaries of human sexuality will increasingly become targets of attack in this ongoing moral war. But stand your ground, dig in your heels, and speak up to the end -- victory lies straight ahead. Be comforted in knowing that our Lord will render the final judgment and have the last word!

Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city. But outside are dogs and sorcerers and sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and whoever loves and practices a lie. "I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things in the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star." And the Spirit and the bride say, "Come!" And let him who hears say, "Come!" And let him who thirsts come. And whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely. For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book; and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book. He who testifies to these things says, "Surely I am coming quickly." Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus! The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. --- Revelation 22:14-21

The Battle Will Continue Unabated Until…!

Carrie Prejean's comments about her opposition to same-sex marriage ignited a media firestorm after a celebrity judge suggested her response may have lost her the Miss USA title; she finished as first-runner up. The photos from her teenage years surfaced later and led to the review of her state title, but pageant owner Donald Trump said Tuesday that Prejean may retain it. --- quote from AP news release, May 13, 2009

Miss California, Carrie Prejean, will keep her crown due to a decision by Donald Trump who says what is or isn’t concerning the Miss USA pageant. It was Miss Prejean’s answer regarding marriage being between a man and a woman that stirred a pageant judge who advocates same gender coupling as a legitimate way of life. His negative response and the resulting fall-out dominated the media news for some time.

While all this was happening the Hate Crimes Bill is making its way through the U. S. Congress with provisions of special protection for those who practice same gender coupling as a way of life.

We also have witnessed the acceptance of same gender “marriage” in some states and pressure being brought to bear for others to do likewise – it is no longer an issue of “civil unions” – it is the goal to have same gender couples enter into a marriage covenant and that ultimately these would be performed either in a civil setting with a judge or magistrate presiding or in a church with a clergy person officiating!

Church groups that have “held the line” on refusing to ordain those who practice same gender coupling while indicating that such a way of life is incompatible with Christian teaching find themselves under assault. Protests are increasing and pressure is mounting to change the standards and accept this “alternate lifestyle” without objection. The United Methodist Church is at the forefront of controversy on this issue during its General Conference every four years. The alarming thing is that the will to resist becomes weaker at each of these gatherings. It is obvious that eventually a cave-in will take place.

What does it all mean for the country? With laws that provide special protection for the same gender couplers along with their well organized groups, high profile supporters in the mainstream media, almost unlimited financial support, and highly intelligent people to map out future strategies, it is simply a matter of time until all are forced to comply and accept the same gender coupling philosophy of life! We will march in lockstep with them without objection, or else face extremely serious consequences, including severe penalties!

To object or speak against it is to open yourself up to criminal charges if that objection should be raised in a public arena. This seems to be wild and far fetched now, but a pastor in a Scandinavian country actually did some jail time for preaching from Romans 1 in a Sunday morning worship service in his church. He had charges brought against him for negative statements made about homosexuality as based on the Romans 1 passage of Scripture! And so he did time in jail as a result of that “offense.”

The message? Don’t speak against same gender practices regarding sexuality – accept it and we’ll all be one big happy family, right?

If someone had told me when I started in the pastoral ministry 50 years ago this coming June that the time would come when a battle would rage over the legitimacy of same gender sexual practices, I would have said to that person, “You’re crazy – it will never happen!” Obviously, my prediction was very, very much in error!

But as I often do – I try to close out on a positive note – it will be rough for a while – but it is like the dark night for a brief time, and then the bright dawn breaks with the sun shining brightly. The day is coming when the Lord Jesus Christ will confirm the truth of His Word and His promises – this mess we have to put up with now and the battle in which we are presently engaged will be ended – the wheat and the chaff will be separated, and He will rule with His people living in peace and prosperity forever!

And don't forget the other good news -- when that event happens it means also that all politicians and judges (Supreme Court included) will be out of a job -- isn't that exciting to think about?

Why do the nations rage, And the people plot a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves, And the rulers take counsel together, Against the LORD and against His Anointed, saying, "Let us break Their bonds in pieces And cast away Their cords from us." He who sits in the heavens shall laugh; The LORD shall hold them in derision. Then He shall speak to them in His wrath, And distress them in His deep displeasure: "Yet I have set My King On My holy hill of Zion." --- Psalm 2:1-6

Then the seventh angel sounded: And there were loud voices in heaven, saying, "The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!" --- Revelation 11:15

Will the New Crop of United Methodist Bishops Be Any Different?

But we know that the law is good if one uses it lawfully, knowing this: that the law is not made for a righteous person, but for the lawless and insubordinate, for the ungodly and for sinners, for the unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, for fornicators, for sodomites, for kidnappers, for liars, for perjurers, and if there is any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine, according to the glorious gospel of the blessed God which was committed to my trust. --- 1 Timothy 1:8-11

It’s just a matter of days until they take over and some others hang it up. A new crop of bishops was recently elected to that very high office and as they assume responsibility as of September 1st, what will happen under their respective “watches?”

Will they be unified in their agreement with the standards of morality which our Creator has plainly established, or will there be those who will be very supportive of the sodomite/lesbian “agenda” as a number have already done by means of vocal statements and participation in “witness” demonstrations on such occasions as General Conference?

Will any be VERY different as is the case of Bishop Tom Bickerton of the W. PA Annual Conference and schedule annual conference over Father’s Day coupled with the demand that all pastors be present on Father’s Day morning for an ordination service at the conference? This has happened 3 out of the 4 years that Bickerton has been at the helm of the W. PA Conference! Ask the congregations of United Methodist churches in western Pennsylvania how they feel about their pastors being absent from their pulpits on Father’s Day?

Will any take a departure from what the Scripture teaches about the Person and Work (as it pertains to our salvation from sin) of Jesus Christ? Further, will any dismiss the parting command of Jesus to go into the entire world and preach the Gospel to all, without exception? It can be documented that there are bishops guilty of such positions!

And will there be any who will speak out with deep conviction and without apology, protesting the wanton and senseless slaughter of unborn children. Grand total of victims is now fast approaching 50 million. But to what extent have you heard UM bishops speak out against this, the United States' unique version of “holocaust?” The Council of UM Bishops has been very tight-lipped on this issue as well. You can see how many unborn have been mutilated and murdered under the term of each active bishop at A Quick Look at the United States' Massacre Tally! --- the numbers are all there as you scroll down past the politicians – go ahead, you can survive – you could be shaken up a bit, but you’ll survive! Use the reverse on your browser to return to this area.

It has been said, with a great sense of pride at times, that we are a denomination of “diversity” and that this is a good thing – a wide variety of beliefs and interpretations, etc. A cancer patient in the terminal stages of that horrible affliction can say that he has a wide diversity of cells in his body, but it is highly unlikely that he will say that it is a good thing to have such diversity in his situation!

For a bishop must be blameless, as a steward of God, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, but hospitable, a lover of what is good, sober-minded, just, holy, self-controlled, holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict. --- Titus 1:7-9

The United Methodist Caste System Is Yet Alive and Well!

As noted in comments a few years back we have in the republic of the United States a unique caste system that most refuse to recognize. If attention is drawn to it there are vehement protests of denial!

This caste system has existed within the clergy structure of the United Methodist Church for quite a long time.

I started out as a supply pastor in the former Methodist Church nearly half a century ago. Supply pastors were persons who felt called of God to pastoral ministry but in most cases had rather limited education. They did not hold the “status” of ordained seminary trained clergy. They were limited in the appointment process with the seminary trained people given preference to the higher salaried “prestige” appointments – sort of an unwritten “law” in how things were done – you know, we pray about the appointment procedure and if God is going to work in this thing, He better make sure that the dignified ordained elders are placed in the preferred appointments, while those who rank lower on the totem pole get the leftovers.

Over time if anything the “caste system” is more entrenched and complex that it has ever been in Methodist history with new categories being invented into which preachers are sorted out and positioned!

A couple of critical issues that further underscore the sheer stupidity of categorizing pastors involve voting rights and serving the Lord’s Supper.

Depending on what slot you fit into, you may not be able to vote on ministerial issues. General Conference 2008 has attempted to expand that a bit, but rest assured that it is a sure thing that there will always be some pastors who can stand in a pulpit of a United Methodist Church and preach a sermon but who will be restricted somehow when it comes to voting at annual conference sessions!

And then there is that matter of the Lord’s Supper – who can serve it and who cannot.

Again, depending on your ranking in the United Methodist clergy caste system, you may be “authorized” to serve the Lord’s Supper or you may be told by a member of the hierarchy or a member of that illustrious group known as the Board of Ordained Ministry that you cannot serve the Lord’s Supper.

Now here’s a stimulant for a few brain cells – how is it God calls a person to preach and teach His Word but because of a caste system set in place over time due to the trappings of human tradition, that person is not permitted to serve the Lord’s Supper to the persons with whom he or she shares God’s Word on a weekly basis?

Now then, how about this -- where do you find in the New Testament church such a caste system for clergy established? And where do you find that an ordained elder must “consecrate” the elements for those who are at a lower level on the United Methodist clergy totem pole?

Yes, I already know – objections will quickly be hurled in my direction preceded by the word, “But…”

Just remember, the way to Hell is paved with cobblestones – on top of each one is engraved the word, “But!”

Will anything of substance be done to dismantle the UMC’s infamous caste system which members of the hierarchy refuse to acknowledge?

Hardly – ordained elders will adamantly refuse to give up even one square inch of their coveted domain!

Clayton D. Harriger
Retired elder in full connection
W. PA Annual Conference
The United Methodist Church

PS: Those “comments” referred to at the beginning are found at The Caste System Nobody Dares to Mention! Use return feature on your browser to come back here.

PPS: Even as this was written notice has already been sent out to all pastors in the W. PA Annual Conference, no matter what their position on the totem pole might be, of a gathering later in August. The Order of Elders is to be organized. It is noted that it is not necessary to organize the Association of Local Pastors and Associate Members according to the Discipline. However, Bishop Bickerton desires that all three groups should be organized at the same time. See what we mean in saying that the “caste system” is alive and well when it comes to United Methodist clergy?

Caste: any exclusive social or occupational class or group; rigid class distinction based on birth, wealth, etc., operating as a social system or principle. --- as defined in Webster’s New Universal Unabridged Dictionary.

Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing will be there. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.

--- James 3:13-17

A Tumor May Be a Part of the Body, But....!

But I want to remind you, though you once knew this, that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed those who did not believe. And the angels who did not keep their proper domain, but left their own habitation, He has reserved in everlasting chains under darkness for the judgment of the great day; as Sodom and Gomorrah, and the cities around them in a similar manner to these, having given themselves over to sexual immorality and gone after strange flesh, are set forth as an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire. Likewise also these dreamers defile the flesh, reject authority, and speak evil of dignitaries. Yet Michael the archangel, in contending with the devil, when he disputed about the body of Moses, dared not bring against him a reviling accusation, but said, "The Lord rebuke you!" But these speak evil of whatever they do not know; and whatever they know naturally, like brute beasts, in these things they corrupt themselves. Woe to them! For they have gone in the way of Cain, have run greedily in the error of Balaam for profit, and perished in the rebellion of Korah. These are spots in your love feasts, while they feast with you without fear, serving only themselves; they are clouds without water, carried about by the winds; late autumn trees without fruit, twice dead, pulled up by the roots; raging waves of the sea, foaming up their own shame; wandering stars for whom is reserved the blackness of darkness forever. --- Jude 1:5-13

There was a great multitude of comments following a "witness" at the United Methodist General Conference on May 1 by those who practice sodomy and lesbianism along with their supporters. Certain votes related to the issue of human sexuality did not sit well with those who want the UMC to place its "blessing" on the practice of sodomy and lesbianism, accept such persons into the ordained ministry of the UMC, accept "unions" of such persons until such time as legal marriage for them is established, acknowledge the legitimacy of such "couples" raising children and their being identified as "family" in the same sense as a heterosexual couple which is married and raising children whom they have conceived in their marriage.

Hence, the protesting which of course disrupted the proceedings of the conference. But it appears to have been quite acceptable due to the "demonstration" having been negotiated with the Council of Bishops. We have long since learned, have we not, that what the bishops do, singly or collectively, is to be considered the "right thing" and if we march in lock step as we are expected to do, then that is the final word on the matter. But as pointed out elsewhere in this blog, there are times when the bishops choose to remain silent on very critical moral issues that impact our culture.

It was stressed that this was a moment of the body "hurting" in this struggle -- and on basis of the Corinthian reference that when one part "hurts" then all the parts "hurt" together, etc.

We have fast progressed (or is it more accurate to say, "regressed") to the point that sexual immorality is no longer considered to be "immorality" -- therefore, one can overstep God's boundary lines on sexual activity and it is no longer considered offensive to God, because we have reestablished those boundary lines by human edict and what formerly was an abomination no longer is so!

We now say simply that we have some disagreement on these matters and efforts have been made to "adjust" the UMC Book of Discipline to reflect this view. But as one reads the many laments on how the votes turned out, we then try to make the best of a bad situation -- the body is hurting!

Medical history shows us that sometimes the body can be afflicted with a tumor that is destructive -- it has cells and is living in the body, but its effect on the body is extremely harmful.

Jesus, as well as authors of New Testament writings, warned of those who would bring false teachings and have a malignant influence within the church that is called by Him to advance His Kingdom and proclaim His eternal truth.

Peter made a statement which clearly identifies the situation we are facing:

We also have the prophetic word made more sure, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts; knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit. But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction. And many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed. By covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words; for a long time their judgment has not been idle, and their destruction does not slumber. --- 2 Peter 1:19 - 2:3

I am fully aware to speak of these things in such a manner I will instantly be labeled as being "homophobic" and "mean-spirited" -- a hater of those who are practicing a same-gender coupling way of life!

I presently am pastor of a small church. Those who live as described above are welcome to my church anytime and the members of the congregation will also welcome those individuals. Never will we ever say, "You are not welcome in this place!"

But, on the other hand, do not expect us to condone your way of life if you engage in sexual activity with a person who is the same sex as you. And when it comes to the serving of the Lord's Supper, the condition is the same for you as it is for all of us, pastor included -- we are to repent of all sins before receiving the symbols which represent the broken body and shed blood of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Does not the ritual in the United Methodist Church mention something about persons earnestly repenting of their sins before partaking of the elements? Here is how it is worded in one of the rituals:

Ye that do truly and earnestly repent of your sins, and are in love and charity with your neighbors, and intend to lead a new life, following the commandments of God, and walking from henceforth in His holy ways: draw near with faith, and take this holy Sacrament to your comfort, and make your humble confession to Almighty God.

As mentioned in another posting or so, if I had to repent of my sins (including those sexual in nature) why do those who engage in same-sex sin not have to repent? Then again, maybe the above paragraph has been conveniently omitted and is considered no longer relevant when it comes to observance of the Lord's Supper!

What's that? It's not sin when a "couple" is in a committed monogamous "relationship?" Since when did God move that boundary?

Now then -- think on this -- you go to the doctor -- some tests are done -- the results are in, and you have a tumor growing rapidly in your abdomen. It's in your body and in a sense, it's part of your body -- but do you want it to remain there? If the doctor says, "We need to do surgery and remove the tumor." What would your response be?

The church is a spiritual body -- what should be done about the tumors?

Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said: "I will dwell in them and walk among them. I will be their God, and they shall be My people." Therefore "Come out from among them and be separate," says the Lord. "Do not touch what is unclean, and I will receive you. I will be a Father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters," says the LORD Almighty. Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. --- 2 Corinthians 6:14 - 7:1

Open Letter to Mel White, His "Significant Other," and Soulforce from a United Methodist!

We call on members of the United Methodist Church to support your local congregation if it is (or is rapidly becoming) a Reconciling Congregation. But we call upon you to leave your church if your pastor continues to enforce the words that "...do not condone." At least refuse to pay your tithes and offerings until your church opens their doors to all people as Christ commands. --- part of text of "open letter" to United Methodists from Mel White & Soulforce, May 1, 2008

Dear Mel, your "significant other" (Gary), and Members of Soulforce:

Due to the General Conference of the UMC of 2008 not moving in the direction as far as you wanted, you have responded by making a broad appeal to the membership of the United Methodist Church. It is your desire that the United Methodist Church come to the place where those who practice sodomy and lesbianism be fully involved in the membership and life of the UMC. Further, that those who practice such lifestyles be ordained into the UMC ministry if they feel so "called."

Actually what follows was written some time before the death of Jerry Falwell, who is mentioned in the following epistle. But the appeal at the conclusion of the letter is still quite legitimate as some would fully agree. So here we go.......

You have certainly created a lot of waves around the country the last few years in your campaign to force full acceptance of the sodomite and lesbian lifestyles upon all citizens and institutions within the borders of the United States.

It must be admitted by even your most dedicated foes that much progress has been made by you and other like minded groups in your ultimate goal to have civil and church legislation enacted which will grant sodomites and lesbians the right to:

• legally marry in a church or in a civil ceremony.
  
  
• adopt children and be recognized as legitimate families with all the rights and privileges now possessed by families consisting of a father (male) and a mother (female) who are married and their children.
  
  
• be totally received into the life and ministry of any church, including ordination into the ministry of any church.
  
  
• be employed in any work place with full protection so that although a potential employer strongly objects to sodomy and lesbianism on moral grounds, that employer is forced to hire a sodomite or a lesbian anyway because the law says you cannot discriminate, even on moral grounds!
  
  
• be free to rent any property of choice which is available and even though a Christian who is the property owner has strong moral convictions that sodomy and lesbianism are an abomination, that Christian property owner must rent his property to a couple of sodomites or a couple of lesbians because the law says he cannot refuse the "couple" due to the fact that he would be guilty of "discrimination!"
  

Your efforts to put extreme pressure on various church groups have been highly publicized and it is clear that some are beginning to cave in a bit to your demands here and there -- even some church leaders who used to oppose sodomy and lesbianism have "converted" and now speak of it in favorable terms!

The strategy you are following could not be improved upon in any manner -- every facet of our society has been impacted and you now have growing support from political and church leaders. But of even greater significance is the fact that you now have a majority of those in mass media communications behind you along with an increased number of productions coming from the movie and television industries which present sodomy and lesbianism in a very favorable light -- or in the case of depicting stories of sodomites and lesbians who were victims of so-called "hate crimes" you have gained a great amount of sympathy for your cause and this should benefit you in seeking special protection and prvileges that we in the heterosexual community do not have nor ever shall in the future!

Now then -- having said all that and as you review your successes over recent years, may I make a suggestion to you regarding the expansion of your agenda to a much higher level.

Is it not time for you to enlarge your vision to include those countries that are still considered almost universally opposed to sodomy and lesbianism? You and your lover, Gary Nixon, at one point rented a house across the street from Jerry Falwell's church. And as anticipated, you reaped millions of dollars worth of publicity from this venture, and if you weren't very high profile before, you certainly are now!

OK, here it is -- are you ready for the next level of challenge? You can arrange for others to live in your house, attend Falwell's church and keep the heat on him and his congregation.

So how about you, your lover, and others who are committed to Soulforce and its mission moving to Riyadh in Saudi Arabia, or Baghdad in Iraq, or Tehran in Iran?

Just do what you've been doing here in the U.S. as you challenge those Islamic cultures to consider the legitimacy of sodomy and lesbianism. Is it not true that the followers of Allah are much more hung up on sodomy and lesbianism than are the citizens of the U.S. and that those who practice sodomy and lesbianism in an Islamic culture must do so in complete secrecy? To be discovered as a practicing sodomite or lesbian can lead to a trial and execution as was the case on January 1, 2002 when three sodomites were publicly beheaded for practicing sodomy in Saudi Arabia! Surely you would agree, would you not, that these attitudes toward sodomy and lesbianism must be changed. And who would be the best person to confront those societies about this issue than you along with your supporters since you have great expertise in this area!

So, while it may be a bit difficult at first, if you pursue this with the same zeal as you have in the U.S., surely the professed followers of Islam will see it your way even as growing numbers of professing Christians and their leaders in this country are seeing things your way and agree with your contention that sodomy and lesbianism are to be considered every bit as normal as heterosexuality.

I anxiously look forward to a news release which tells of you, your lover, and Soulforce supporters taking up residence in Saudi Arabia, Iraq, or Iran and that you are zealously pursuing the same agenda there in public fashion as you have been doing in this country. And after you have "converted" the citizens of those countries you can then move on to the many others which are still dominated by Islam!

And by the way, Mel, try to keep your head as you pursue your crusade in those countries where Allah holds sway over the majority!

Still contending at Circuit Rider's Range, blogging at Musings of a Maverick! and warning at Driving the Final Nails!

Clayton D. Harriger
Elder in Full Connection
W. PA Annual Conference
The United Methodist Church

Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints. For certain men have crept in unnoticed, who long ago were marked out for this condemnation, ungodly men, who turn the grace of our God into licentiousness and deny the only Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ. --- Jude 1:3, 4

Aww, They Went and Did It Again!

"...The United Methodist Church does not condone the practice of homosexuality and considers this practice incompatible with Christian teaching..." --- Statement from Book of Discipline of the United Methodist Church recently retained by vote of the General Conference meeting in Fort Worth, Texas on April 30, 2008

The pressure was intensified as never before at the quadrennial gathering of delegates to the General Conference of the United Methodist Church. The "politickin'" process had been going on for a long time prior to the April sessions in Fort Worth, Texas.

Part of the growing problem on this issue is the growing number of sympathizers and supporters from within the ranks of the UMC. These include bishops, pastors and a number of lay persons. So it really boils down to a war on all fronts.

Soulforce is a very high profile organization which is quite aggressive in pushing the agenda for LGBT persons. A picture above shows the attempt to use the present slogan of the UMC to their advantage!

Soulforce is not an organization to be taken lightly -- they have a lot of smart people, strong financial support and have been implementing some very effective stragegies to wear down resistance.

The above mentioned vote on retention of a statement in the Book of Discipline will not make them go away and forget it -- they will be back, stronger than ever in 2012 -- that is, if this country is still standing by then and hasn't in the meantime been judged by Amighty God for all its abominations -- with one of the leading ones being the destruction of over 100,000 unborn children each month throughout the year! Oh yes, sexual immorality in all its variations fits in there somewhere too!

A couple of the strategies is the all too often successful effort to lay a guilt-trip on those of us who refuse to accept sodomy, lesbianism etc. as legitimate moral practices under any condition. If you let them, they will really do a number on you.

Another strategy is to draw us into doing "dialog" -- they just want to talk and and seek "common ground" -- work together within the church, etc. You can disagree if you want, but you MUST respect them and their position on issues related to the practices of sodomy and lesbianism. It's simply resolved by saying "We disagree a bit, but we will work together for the common good, and will respect one another, etc!"

This last strategy on the "dialog" matter is being used effectively in the W. PA Annual Conference.

But enough of that -- read for yourself from the "horse's mouth" -- or am I confused and it's the other end -- oh well, here are a couple of links to let you see for yourself what the "other side" is saying. Here are a couple of paragraphs from the "open letter" to United Methodists:

We call on the United Methodist clergy who know the tragic consequences of those words to take their stand against them. Welcome us. Marry us. Ordain us. Confront and condemn your fellow clergy who dare to use those words to deny membership to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Christians. We ask you to take steps immediately to join the Reconciling Ministries Network and to make it known to your community that you are an Open and Affirming Congregation.

We call on members of the United Methodist Church to support your local congregation if it is (or is rapidly becoming) a Reconciling Congregation. But we call upon you to leave your church if your pastor continues to enforce the words that "...do not condone." At least refuse to pay your tithes and offerings until your church opens their doors to all people as Christ commands.

For the entire letter, go to A Soulforce Open Letter to Members of the United Methodist Church Use reverse feature on web browser to return here.

Here is a link to an album of pictures from the "encounter" at the United Methodist General Conference -- Soulforce Pictures at UMC General Conference 2008

Finally, ponder the paragraph below -- another statement from that "open letter" to United Methodists in a republic known as the U. S. of A!

We call on the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender United Methodists, their families and friends, to refuse to finance your own oppression by giving your tithes and offerings to a church that refuses to see you as fully human. How can we continue to support a local congregation where the pastor insists that our relationships are impure or unholy and thus refuses to marry us or insists that we are not really called by God to serve the church and thus refuses to ordain us? How can we even think of staying in a congregation that denies membership to lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender persons? And as you leave, take down that sign or banner that reads "Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors." Store it until the United Methodist Church earns the right to use it once again.

Be prepared to be labeled with an even greater intensity and viciousness if you suggest that sodomy and lesbianism are abominations in the sight of a holy God and the only cure is repentance, as is demanded by God in regard to all sins which are sexual in nature!

Woe to those who draw iniquity with cords of vanity, and sin as if with a cart rope; that say, "Let Him make speed and hasten His work, that we may see it; and let the counsel of the Holy One of Israel draw near and come, that we may know it." Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! --- Isaiah 5:18-20

Where to from here, Madam Shepherd?

All day, all night, Marianne
Down by the seaside siftin' sand
Even little children love Marianne
Down by the seaside siftin' sand. --- refrain from song, "Marianne," by Brothers Four

Although there is a difference in name spelling, the above lyrics came to mind when I read a petition submitted by Bishop Mary Ann Swenson on behalf of the Western Jurisdiction College of Bishops.

Bishops in the United Methodist Church when fully adorned in formal apparel for distinguished functions such as ordination services at annual conferences are usually seen holding a staff. They are at times referred to as the "shepherds" of the church. This suggests that they are leaders and have oversight regarding clergy and laity who are the "sheep" in the UMC.

Mary Ann (or as I prefer, Marianne in the refrain above) submitted a petition which was similar to a number of others to the General Conference that calls for a major change in the Book of Discipline statement concerning homosexuality.

Paragraph 161.G presently reads:

Homosexual persons no less than heterosexual persons are individuals of sacred worth. All persons need the ministry and guidance of the church in their struggles for human fulfillment, as well as the spiritual and emotional care of a fellowship that enables reconciling relationships with God, with others, and with self. The United Methodist Church does not condone the practice of homosexuality and considers this practice incompatible with Christian teaching. We affirm that God’s grace is available to all, and we will seek to live together in Christian community. We implore families and churches not to reject or condemn lesbian and gay members and friends. We commit ourselves to be in ministry for and with all persons.

If Mary Ann and others have their way, the statement about homosexuality being incompatible with Christian teaching would be eliminated entirely and another phrase inserted with the amended paragraph 161.G reading:

Homosexual persons no less than heterosexual persons are individuals of sacred worth. All persons need the ministry and guidance of the church in their struggles for human fulfillment, as well as the spiritual and emotional care of a fellowship that enables reconciling relationships with God, with others, and with self. The United Methodist Church does not condone sexual relationships outside the bonds of a faithful, loving and committed relationship between two persons; marriage, where legally possible. We affirm that God’s grace is available to all, and we will seek to live together in Christian community. We implore families and churches not to reject or condemn lesbian and gay members and friends. We commit ourselves to be in ministry for and with all persons.

Fortunately the committee dealing with this and many similar petitions voted to reject them. Time will tell whether the entire body of the GC will agree -- debate should be interesting.

Over the years a number of the "shepherds" have been "converted" on the issue of homosexuality -- they used to be opposed or somewhat opposed, but now support efforts to legitimize it at every level of the church, including ordaining those who practice sodomy and lesbianism. Mary Ann and others would say, on basis of submitted petitions, that "committed and loving monogamous relationships" between any two persons whether that involves a relationship between 2 males, 2 females, or a male and female are quite OK.

So then is it acceptable to pose this question -- "Madam Shepherd, where do we go from here? You are attempting to lead us (and pressure us) to accept the practices of sodomy and lesbianism within the context (as you and others put it) of a committed and loving monogamous 'relationship!'"

Does this mean that later on down the road our views may shift so that those who are in "loving and committed" adulterous relationships should be accepted without question, or those who enjoy sexual adventures with animals, or those who get their sexual thrills in sexual activity with children -- the possibilities are virtually unlimited here -- where does one draw the line and by what authority is that line to be drawn? How about it, Madam Shepherd?

For more details on the "shepherds" of the UMC and those who support the sodomite/lesbian "agenda" for the denomination see, "UMC Episcopal Endorsement of Same Gender Coupling!

"Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Therefore by their fruits you will know them." --- Matthew 7:15-20

Not a Chance -- The United Methodist General Conference Won't Touch This One -- Infection Within the Connection!

Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints. For certain men have crept in unnoticed, who long ago were marked out for this condemnation, ungodly men, who turn the grace of our God into licentiousness and deny the only Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ. --- Jude 1:3, 4

Many years ago in personal conversation with a district superintendent I posed this question -- "Do you believe there is apostasy within the United Methodist Church?" His response was instant -- "Yes, no doubt about it!" I then asked if he would spell out some specifics. On this he chose to decline and not point any fingers in any direction regarding the issue of apostasy within the UMC.

It has been shouted from the housetops on a regular basis -- one of the distinctives within the United Methodist Church is the fact that it is a connectional system. Its very structure with episcopal leadership and clergy who understand that they are in what is known as "itinerant ministry" testifies that there is a definite connection -- there is no place for a "lone ranger" approach to ministry within the ranks of the United Methodist Church -- if you want to be independent, then start your own kingdom in some other place, but you can't do it within the UMC!

However, the one thing that a majority refuse to recognize by way of crisis within the denomination is this -- we have been plagued with "infection within the connection" for quite a few decades!

"How so?", you may ask. Over time it has been pointed out that pastors have a number of identities when it comes to this thing known as "theology." There is a spectrum involved here -- ranking from radical fundamentalist to conservative to evangelical to "middle-of-the-road" to "moderate" (whatever in the world that is supposed to mean) to liberal or ultra-liberal. One's view of the Scripture lays the foundation as to what one's position will be on matters of faith and the expression of that faith in today's world.

As has been pointed out in other postings and certain areas of my web site, the problem began in the later years of the 19th Century. Certain facts as reported in the Scriptures began to be called into question with the conclusion being that certain events could not be interpreted as taking place in a literal sense!

As this "infection" began to spread into a number of denominations more information as reported in Scripture was questioned until we came to the place where a lot of facts as revealed about Jesus were questioned or flat out denied!

Evidence of infection? Consider these "symptoms" --

• Jesus' birth -- literally the son of a young woman who was a virgin and who had never been sexually intimate with a man prior to the birth of Jesus and that His conception was a miraculous act of the Holy Spirit? In the UMC you will find those who say it couldn't have happened that way!
  
  
• Jesus' sacrifice -- literally His death on the cross fully satisfied God's demands for justice regarding our numerous sins of rebellion against Him -- He paid the penalty in full so we could be forgiven completely and restored to righteousness! In the UMC you can hear voices say that other religious "faiths" are also legitimate in today's world -- and the "Great Commission" as given by Jesus is not to be taken literally, nor His claim that He is exclusively the Way, the Truth and the Life and that no one can come to God the Father except through Him!
  
  
• Jesus' resurrection -- His literal return from the dead and eventual ascension back to heaven to take His place at the right hand of God the Father until His enemies are made His footstool (Psalm 110)? In the UMC it has been said at times by some that it really doesn't matter whether He was raised from the dead or not -- it is the "spirit" of what He represented and taught that is important! This one is a bit tricky -- while there may be reference to Jesus' "resurrection," exactly what is meant -- a real, literal return from the grave in a body or something else?
  
  
• Jesus' return to earth again -- not in humility by being born as a baby, but as King of kings and Lord of lords to take full control of the planet and to rule it permanently? In the UMC it seems there is a lot of fancy foot shifting as though some have moved into the "soft-shoe" dance mode -- a lot of hemming and hawing coupled with double-talk! Why is it so difficult to believe Jesus meant exactly what He said about returning to earth again? Could it come from the infected crowd who really do not want Him to come back to this world?
  

That's just a sample -- the "infected" element wants to change the standards of sexual morality as originally spelled out by God over centuries of time. And there are other matters that provide proof that that there is a serious "infection within the connection" which ranges all the way from the pew to the level of the episcopacy!

How do some persons attempt to justify this? We are a denomination of "diversity!" It is a perverted application to be sure and boils down to this -- believe about anything you want to believe and live about any way you want to live, and it's OK -- because we are a denomination of diversity and we respect each other's positions and beliefs -- and whatever one does, one must never suggest that there really is a problem of "infection within the connection!"

But there is good news, folks! One of these days God is going to interrupt the flow of human history and the infection (in whatever form it has existed) will be addressed and terminated forever!

For a related commentary on this issue see But doctor, I feel good and people say I look great!

We also have the prophetic word made more sure, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts; knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit. But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction. And many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed. By covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words; for a long time their judgment has not been idle, and their destruction does not slumber. --- 1 Peter 1:19-20; 2:1-3

A Continuation of a House Divided?

But Jesus knew their thoughts, and said to them: "Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand. --- Matthew 12:25

It's a big year for the United Methodist Church. It's the time for the quadrennial meeting of the General Conference in Fort Worth, Texas, during the latter days of April 2008.

This is the group of lay and ministerial delegates that will consider thousands of petitions on a wide range of issues and by votes cast will attempt to chart the course of the denomination for the next four years.

The content of the petitions provide graphic evidence of the division existing within the denomination and from time to time this division has made headlines.

Thanks to German theologians, with some assistance from others of a different nationality, over a century and a quarter ago we have now come to the point of being sharply divided over such matters as:

• sexual morality and where God has established the boundary lines regarding sexual intimacy for human beings
  
• whether an unborn child should live or its life terminated by means of very violent "medical procedures" while still residing in what is supposed to be the "safe sanctuary" of its mother's womb
  
• whether or not murderers should be executed for violently taking the lives of other human beings
  
• what territory Israel should claim and the extent to which it can defend itself against its many enemies or even have the right to exist
  

Add to the above a host of other issues as well. But what you see above is more than enough to remind us that the United Methodist Church is clearly a house divided!

There was a time in the history of the former Methodist Church that a high degree of unity existed. Among pastors and laity was a significant agreement that the Scriptures were of supernatural origin - a volume of information produced by the direct influence of the Holy Spirit on a number of persons over centuries of time. One has but to look back in the earlier decades of the history of the United States to see how God blessed the efforts of pastors and laity with the result of a growing church -- the numbers tell the story!

Those days are long gone -- now we talk about celebrating our "diversity" and ignore the reality of a spiritual cancer which continues to destroy a denomination. One of the greatest proofs of this is seen in a most basic issue in the Christian faith -- is Jesus Christ exclusively the way of forgiveness, peace with God, and the hope of Heaven in eternity? Quite a number within the denomination take the position that other faiths have a legitimate claim on the issue of life's purpose and destiny for eternity. When you have a bishop of the UMC saying that we need to forget about this matter of going to foreign nations and trying to convert them to Christianity, then we are in far bigger trouble than we can even begin to imagine!

With that I rest my case -- the division and the compromising will continue -- there will be a continuation of those leaving the denomination, both laity and pastors -- and the membership will continue to shrink within the United States.

For those few who still believe the Bible means precisely what it says on such issues as stated above and choose to remain in the UMC, there are two main actions to take -- stand firm in one's witness that Jesus Christ is exclusively the way of salvation and hope (that shuts all the other "faiths" out!) and pray that God will do some supernatural surgery in removing the "spiritual cancer" which is destroying the body!

Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints. For certain men have crept in unnoticed, who long ago were marked out for this condemnation, ungodly men, who turn the grace of our God into licentiousness and deny the only Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ. --- Jude 1:3, 4

Opening a Can of Worms United Methodist Style!

To the pure all things are pure, but to those who are defiled and unbelieving nothing is pure; but even their mind and conscience are defiled. They profess to know God, but in works they deny Him, being abominable, disobedient, and disqualified for every good work. --- Titus 1:15,16

The scramble has been on for quite a while, but intensified in the wake of a Virginia Conference pastor's refusal to receive a man into church membership who was openly practicing sodomy. The man was unwilling to cease his immoral behavior pattern.

The pastor was suspended by a vote of the Executive Session of the Virginia Conference over which Bishop Charlene Kammerer presides. The UMC Judicial Council ruled that he was to be reinstated and reimbursed all lost salary.

The Council of Bishops of the UMC, looking out for one of their own, responded with a "pastoral letter" which basically declared that the man should have been received into the membership of the church as he had requested.

UMC bishops are increasingly capitulating to the demands of the sodomite/lesbian cartel. The rallying cry now is "homosexuality is not a barrier" when it comes to church membership!

A petition to the General Conference of 2008 which seeks to amend the UMC Book of Discipline is making its rounds in the annual conferences, including the W. PA Annual Conference now in session in Grove City PA.

The petition seeks to add this phrase to the BOD -- "No person shall or will be excluded from membership in The United Methodist Church for reasons related to sexual orientation." Each conference to which this is being submitted will act on it, either adopting or rejecting it.

Incidentally, there are those in the W. PA Conference who hold to the position that homosexuality is not a sin. This includes a very high profile leader involved in the well orchestrated "Believe Again!" campaign now underway in the conference. He so stated that position publicly at a seminar a while back.

What if the proposed petition is finally adopted at General Conference in spring of 2008? It will mean a lot of adjusting will have to be done. "How so?" you may ask.

Consider some possibilities (or maybe more appropriately "some fall out!") in this thing of "sexual orientation":

• a couple is "oriented" to a swinging sexual lifestyle -- the husband and wife enjoy sexual escapades with other couples on a regular basis -- they want to join a United Methodist Church, but also state that they fully intend to continue their present lifestyle after joining up! Who is to say that their way of life is a sin if the person practicing sodomy is considered a non-sinner according to a number of United Methodists including members of the episcopacy?
  
  
• a woman who is "oriented" to practicing adultery. In this case, her husband is aware of her sexual involvements with other men, but he is a compassionate and understanding person and does his best to support her. She wants to join the UMC but also insists that she will continue her sexual adventures with other men. Her justification for this? She was born that way and is "oriented" to intimate affairs with numerous men -- the more the merrier is the way she sees it. How can we object to her becoming a member when she is so "oriented?"
  
  
• a man enjoys sexual experiences with animals. His preferrd "partner" is a young Holstein heifer. He is not hesitant in revealing how he is sexually attracted to young heifers because in his understanding, he is "oriented" that way, even from birth. He is quick to respond to his critics with the ultimate put down -- "Don't knock it until you try it!" He is also among those with varied sexual "orentations" who want to become members of the UMC. On what ground could any bishop, district superintendent, or pastor refuse him? If the man practicing sodomy is not considered a sinner by such behavior, who are we to condemn a guy who is sexually intimate with his heifer?"
  
  
• a young female teacher enjoys having sexual moments with her male students -- she prefers the 15 year olds and gets great delight out of "initiating" the youngsters into world of sexual adventures. Seems as though this is a thing happening more and more in schools across the country. But she and others such as she are "oriented" that way and we ought not to stand in the way if they want to join and become members of the UMC! Don't forget, it's all about "orientation" when it comes to sexual experience and expression -- just don't mention the word "sin" or the word "repent" when considering the subject!
  

The list could be greatly expanded, but you get the picture, do you not? For an exercise in how far this can go, try adding to the list and picture how the UMC of the future will appear if General Conference 2008 adopts a change in the Book of Discipline which reads, "No person shall or will be excluded from membership in The United Methodist Church for reasons related to sexual orientation."

Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! --- Isaiah 5:20

Why a High Profile Emphasis on Some Things, But Silence on the Most Critical Ones?

Political and many church leaders share common ground when it comes to their measure of what is considered important as opposed to where their mouths become absolutely speechless regarding that which is of far greater importance!

President Bush just recently addressed the issue of conflict in Sudan with a call for economic sanctions against that nation. The reason? Seems for some time there has been a lot of bloodshed involving large numbers of innocent people -- the president even used the term "genocide" and applied it to what the government is doing to certain people. The president was very sober in his remarks on this matter -- no smiles on this one! Cetainly a person with some degree of moral sensitivity ought to be conserned about the ongoing occurance of such atrocities.

Likewise, in the W. PA Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church there is a heavy emphasis on the "Nothing But Nets" campaign. We are told of large numbers of persons who die in Africa from Malaria, so all are encouraged to support this effort by giving money to buy the nets which will protect the people from the disease carrying mosquitoes. Bishop Bickerton of the W. PA Conference has been pushing this quite vigorously. The annual conference session which is slated to start on June 7 and go through June 10 is going to be saturated with reminders of the campaign everywhere one will look, according to advance publicity. Perhaps the only place one will not see some "Nothing But Nets" hype will be when he or she goes to the bathroom! But even there maybe someone has strategically placed a poster or slogan.
It is a situation that ought to arouse a degree of concern and response. As indicated in an earlier post, my wife and I will be supporting the effort financially.

BUT in the above examples to which many names, politically and religiously could be added, why the silence on the greatest massacre to have taken place in United States history? When was the last time you saw an indignant president state unequivocally that we've got to stop the massacre of unborn children, the total of which is approaching 48 million?

When was the last time you heard Bishop Thomas Bickerton express indignation over the fact that thousands of unborn children are mutilated and murdered every week of the year and that this heinous practice has got to stop immediately?

And when was the last time you heard other political and church leaders express similar sentiments?

No, what you often hear from such leaders on the most critical moral crisis this republic has ever faced in its entire history is something such as this: the issue of destroying unborn children is a very complex issue and there are no easy answers -- we have to try to arrive at some "common ground" on the issue and work together toward a solution which will not restrict any human "rights" in the process!"

Ooops! A correction -- you will not hear the above named individuals nor others in positions similar to theirs using the term "destruction of unborn children" -- terminating a fetus, maybe -- or the more preferred expression -- "terminating an unwanted pregnancy." The advantage is that it's very impersonal in using such terms and one is deceived into thinking that no "person" becomes a victim in the termination procedure!

It's amazing how simple the solutions are when it comes to dealing with problems as God points them out to us -- His solutions are always simple -- it usually means, "Repent of your sins and abominations and quit doing them!"

But as a nation, we are demonstrating more and more that we are possession of a spirit which plunged a people of the past into disaster which they were totally unprepared to face!

Our leaders are determined to "major on the minors" and want us to do likewise!

Avoid Accusations of Discrimination -- Accept All of Them with the "Right Hand of Fellowship!"

A rumble happened some months back, featuring a mainline denomination -- perhaps more like a volcano eruption in the state of Virginia. A United Methodist pastor refused to receive a practicing homosexual man into church membership -- a complaint was filed -- he was suspended by a vote of his peers at the annual conference Executive Session -- the Judicial Council (sort of like a church supreme court) ruled the pastor was to be reinstated and reimbursed back salary, etc. It was a real slap in the face for the bishop and her Executive Session. Sometimes good things do happen and a person who holds to Biblical convictions is vindicated!

But UMC bishops stick together -- those boys and girls support one another no matter if one their own has fouled up big time! Some of them can teach heresy and it's quite OK because they are part of the "club!" So they drafted a "pastoral letter" which in effect said the guy who was practicing sodomy should have been received into church membership, the Judicial Council was wrong in its ruling, blah blah blah (add as many blahs as you wish).

So then, with all the mounting pressure within the United Methodist Church to accept practicing homosexuals and lesbians as members of the church, and also the political hanky panky going on to accept these people into the ranks of the clergy, why stop with just this group? There are others who will feel they are victims of prejudice and feel rejection if we do not offer the same welcome and be in "ministry to and with" them as is stated about the homosexual crowd in the UMC's Book of Discipline.

Let's get the campaign rolling for resolutions to the General Conference of 2008 which will permit the following to become members of the United Methodist Church without any questioning, criticism or censure regarding lifestyles:

• fornicators, whether they just have a "relationship" with a "significant other" or they like to party with a number of members of the opposite sex at the same time on Saturday night!
  
  
• adulterers, who are committed to "open marriage" and who don't hesitate to let it be known that intimacy with other persons beyond one's marriage partner is a good and healthy thing!
  
  
• incest practitioners who claim that their approach to human sexuality is the best way to teach their children the "facts of life" and they will grow up with a good attitude about sexual issues and have a high sense of self-esteem!
  
  
• rapists who have strong convictions that the persons whom they attack really invite and desire such aggressive behavior, so that in the end, both parties in the rape encounter have been "fulfilled!"
  
  
• child molesters who are misunderstood by clergy especially -- they are just starting the education of children in a different way -- children learn by "doing!" Failure to accept these persons into church membership will definitely open the church and its leadership up to accusations of being self-righteous, judgmental, etc. as happens often in the case of homosexuals and lesbians!
  
  
• bestiality practitioners who feel that having sexual experiences with their dog or pet goat in the back yard is a "normal" thing (don't you often hear that reasoning in the campaign for acceptance of homosexuality and lesbianism -- that it is "normal?") and one ought not to knock it until you've tried it. So if Jane Doe is having a "love" thing going with her German Shepherd we ought not to be judgmental and if she shows up at the local United Methodist church and wants to join with Rex in her company, who are we to object?
  

Objections to these recommendations? If even the bishops are suggesting that homosexuals and lesbians should be admitted to membership in the United Methodist Church, how can you draw a line and say that the above mentioned persons should not be admitted also?

Did I hear someone say those are immoral acts -- violent acts -- acts that degrade and take advantage in some cases of very young persons? Oh, and how do you determine that? You can't appeal to the Bible due to the fact that for some time we have been told that where homosexuality is condemned, it really isn't so due to our tendency to incorrectly "interpret" Scripture etc. So, where there is reference to such activities as those mentioned above, we are likely doing a wrong "interpretation" as in the case of same gender sexual activity! Haven't we been told repeatedly that it is morally acceptable for 2 males or 2 females to be in a "committed and loving relationship?" So, what if individuals in one of the categories above makes a similar claim? Are we going to be prejudiced and say that it's OK for Sylvester and Joe down the street to be a loving "couple" but it's not OK for those others previously mentioned who have their particular sexual "lifestyle?"

So in the denomination that prides itself on being a church of "Open Hearts! Open Minds! Open Doors!" let's make the necessary changes so that along with homosexuals and lesbians we welcome all persons who have their unique ways of practicing human sexuality and never make the mistake of suggesting to them that such behavior is unacceptable!



And now a PS on this matter -- There are still a few who believe God means every word which is recorded in His inspired Word and that through His Holy Spirit we will be able to correctly interpret what is written regarding the sexual boundaries which God has clearly established, including the issue of homosexuality.

It is most unfortunate that a number of United Methodist bishops have yet to be aware of the fact that this is how it really is! But should you encounter one who insists that homosexuality and lesbianism are morally acceptable in our society, then you can respond that if that is really true, then so are the other sexual lifestyles as mentioned above!

Some parting food for thought -- notice the transformation which occurred in the lives of some people who apparently were trapped in sexual immorality of various kinds as mentioned by Paul the apostle:

Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God. --- 1 Corinthians 6:9-11