« Go back a post || Return to G-A-Y homepage || Haul tail to next post »
10/27/2005
Methodist tribunal to decide fate of Stroud's frock
Today in Houston, the United Methodist Church's top court will begin hearing arguments in the case to decide whether or not openly gay Methodist minister Beth Stroud (pic.) can remain a pastor within the denomination.
Those arguing on her behalf will likely cite fairness, decency, biology, non-discrimination, acceptance, and God's love to justify their pro-Stroud position. Those arguing against Stroud will likely use select biblical passages whose interpretations are the subject of great debate, even among scholars of "The Good Book."
Which argument will hold more Holy Water? Stay tuned.
Methodist council to hear gay minister's case [AP via PhillyBurbs.com]
***UPDATE: We've received an email from a genuinely kind reader who tells us that "it's not likely that the conservative side will focus on Biblical passages about homosexuality, but on church law detailed in The Book of Discipline (no online version available), which says that homosexuality is "incompatible with Christian teaching" and that the church shall not ordain or retain "self-avowed, practicing homosexuals." Additionally, the reader tells us that "understanding the case requires detailed knowledge of Methodist policy and governance, which are painfully complex."
Fair enough, but isn't the perceived "incompatibility with Christian teaching" of homosexuality based on biblical interpretation? We don't claim to know all of the nuances, and please, by all means, someone explain to us the complexities used to challenge the simplistic notions of "basic fairness" and "non-discrimination," as we admittedly can't wrap our minds around such ideas. In our personal "book of discipline," acceptance is both frustratingly easy and thoroughly advantageous.
comments powered by Disqus
