Bishop Mark Webb
324 University Avenue, 3rd
Floor
Syracuse, NY 13210
Dear Bishop Webb:
I am writing you concerning
the United Methodist Church’s current stance on same-sex marriage, in
particular within a church building with an ordained UMC minister officiating.
I grew up in the Baptist
church and, during my college years, was strongly influenced by the Quaker
influence at Swarthmore. After graduation, when I moved to Schenectady I began
attending the First Methodist Church and soon became a member of the Young
Adult Group. My husband and I, whom I met at the church, joined 56 years ago. It
was there that we raised our children, it was there that we were active
participants in the life of the church, and it was because of its influences
that we matured spiritually. Though now alone, I still love the church, much of
what it stands for, am involved in many of its programs, and “find strength and
help in time of need.” Today, because of
my church associations,, I have many church friends for whom I feel great
affection, regardless of their sexual orientation.
As you know, FUMC is a
Reconciling Ministries Congregation, but even before that status was
acknowledged, gays and lesbians were welcomed into the church by me as well as
others. That acknowledgement influenced my family as well as me. My two
daughters, one in California and one in Connecticut, have lesbian friends and
colleagues who married their loved ones once same-sex marriage became legal in
those states, and they cherish these friends. I think of two of my church friends
who were able to marry in New York State when same-sex marriages became legal. Certainly
they are committed to each other.
All the above is just a
bit of background. What is important to me right now is the UMC’s position on
supporting the needs of the LGBT community. In increasing numbers our American
society is beginning to accept and understand that love can exist between two
men and between two women, just as between a man and a woman. Indeed, why does
it matter? Why should it matter to you or me or the church? We are all children
of God, all loved by God, regardless of ability, vocation, national origin,
sexual orientation and so on. It just doesn’t matter. I am dismayed that the
church is not the leader in expressing this love, this compassion, this
understanding, of people who are “different” from the norm. Instead, it’s the
states and individuals that accept, care, understand, while our church just seems
to say “Well, it’s ok for them, but not for us.” The UMC should be in the
forefront of social justice, not following behind. Let us follow the Love that
Jesus preached to his followers. Let’s care about all people and accept them into
the full fellowship of the church. Let them be married in the church – as my
husband and I were - married by an ordained pastor in the UMC, let them raise
their children without scorn or approbation from others. Let us be a full
community of love!
Sincerely,
Nancy
L. Walden
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