Dear Bishop Webb,
I pray that this letter finds you
well, even in the midst of such a significant challenge as the one you
presently face. I certainly don’t envy
your position at such a time as this, and I am comforted by my understanding of
you as a deeply spiritual and prayerful leader.
Even so I would be remiss if I did not offer a few words, not just on
behalf of Rev. Heiss, but on behalf of a world in need.
During Annual Conference last
spring we were presented with a particular set of information that cut through
me to my very soul. While churches
throughout the conference are losing disciples much faster than we are “making”
them, we are focusing an obscene amount of money on building-related costs. Rather than bringing good news to those in
our communities we are shoring up the buildings that are often too big for our
dwindling usage to begin with. How
selfish and un-Christlike!
Yet I have been encouraged by
those figures. Now that the issue has
been brought into light, I pray that the leaders in our churches (myself
included) will have the courage to propose and produce dramatic and necessary
change with the way we allocate our resources.
I pray also that you will consider resource allocation as you discern
whether to bring Rev. Heiss’ case to trial.
A trial would be costly. How much money would be allocated to covering
the many expenses of a trial? How many
collective hours would the persons involved spend on a trial?
Most importantly, how does a
trial work towards our ultimate purposes?
I know that God can work through
the most unlikely ways to draw us deeper into the holy community. Nevertheless, I fail to see how bringing Rev.
Heiss to trial will “make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of
the world.” Nor can I understand how
such a proceeding would bring “God’s love to our neighbors in all places.”
As you study what denominational
law says on this matter I beseech you to look at the spirit of the law as well
as the letter of it. This beloved United
Methodist Church seeks to be in ministry with all people more than it seeks to
be in trial with a few. Please bear that
in mind as you proceed.
As a final note, allow me to
explain why I’ve chosen to submit this letter anonymously. I am currently in the ordination process in
the UNYAC. I fear that if I make my
position known publically, my call to serve as a United Methodist pastor will
be denied. I have experienced this call
so profoundly and specifically that I cannot imagine what I would do if that
were to happen. I yearn for the day when
people in my current position will be able to speak their hearts freely and
without fear. I believe we can work
together to make that day come quickly.
Thank you for your time and
consideration.
Peace,
A Concerned Church Leader
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