September
13, 2013
Bishop
Mark Webb
Upper
New York Annual Conference
324
University Ave., Third Floor
Syracuse, NY
13210
Dear Bishop Webb,
As a member of Broad Street United Methodist Church of Norwich, I feel
compelled to write to you. You don't
know me. I will probably never meet you. I have seen you: I have heard you. I was in Syracuse on August 1st at the
University United Methodist Church. I
was there to support Steve Heiss and I was there to pray for everyone to hear
what was said that day with open minds and open hearts. I prayed in gratitude for Steve and his
courage to bring the "gay issue" to the forefront.
How long can we as United Methodists turn our backs on our brothers
and sisters? Steve is an amazing pastor, an amazing man. He is also an amazing father. How could, or would Steve turn his daughter
away when she asked him to marry her and her partner? My husband and I have been blessed with two
wonderful daughters. They were raised in
our church. If either was gay and wanted
to be married in the church where they were baptized, confirmed and loved so
much, and they were told, "No, I'm sorry, the church can't marry you
because of your sexual orientation." What would that do to you as a parent
to see your child turned away from the church?
It puts a new meaning to "closed doors". Would Jesus say, “I’m sorry my child you are not worthy
because you are gay"? That's exactly what we as a church are saying. We are all brothers and sisters. How can we hurt each other like that?
I am asking you as a Bishop, to please have the courage to do your part
to change what is so wrong. Let us truly be an open church. Steve said "The Parable of the Kingdom of God as a
wedding banquet has been an event in real time for hundreds of gay couples across
our state. Finally like the guest list
in Jesus’ parable, those on the outside are invited to the inside of God's grace. THEY MUST COME. WE MUST COME.!!!
My prayers continue.
Peace,
Linda Gregory
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