October 8, 2013
Bishop Mark Webb
324 University Avenue
3rd. Floor
Syracuse, NY 13210
Dear Bishop Webb:
“What does
the Lord require of thee but to do justice, and to love kindness and to walk
humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8). How
can we say we are just or kind when we discriminate against gay and lesbians
and deny them the same rights and privileges that others enjoy, especially the
right to marry. How can we as United
Methodists say we are just and kind when we will not grant gay and lesbians the
same rights and privileges that many states, including New York State, grant?
All people
regardless of sexual orientation are children of God and should be accorded the
same rights and privileges. In my
opinion, sexual orientation is not a choice, but is a given. Why should anyone be penalized for something
beyond his or her control?
The United
Methodist Church has a reputation for being a champion for social justice, but
in this instance, the Church has turned its back on God’s children by
exercising their option to penalize and to punish clergy who are trying to
follow God’s word.
I urge you
to recognize that we are all children of God and should not be discriminated
against because of sexual orientation.
Unjust and unfair laws can and should be changed. I urge you to do all in your power to
guarantee that same sex couples have the right to be married in the Methodist
Church by ordained clergy. Help the
United Methodist Church achieve the goal of exercising justice and kindness to
all.
Very truly yours,
Ruth S. Farrell
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