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
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