We can’t even agree to disagree

Not surprisingly, but no less painful, The United Methodist Church voted today to retain the language that states that homosexuality is incompatible with Christian teaching.

Pastors of two of the largest United Methodist Churches in the country submitted a proposal today at General Conference (the link above) that essentially says that well-meaning, thoughtful Christians (including, in their words, “a significant minority”) disagree on this issue. This would replace the paragraph in the UMC’s Book of Discipline that states that homosexuality is incompatible with Christian teaching. For those who want full inclusion of LGBTQ folks in the life of the church (like myself) this statement, at first, seems a little milquetoast. But my hunch is that in the climate of General Conference, a proposal like this is more likely to get passed. However, it was defeated 53% to 46% so, in other words, we can’t even agree to disagree.

People sometimes ask why Urban Village Church isn’t called Urban Village United Methodist Church. Though we are formed, shaped and rooted by Wesleyan theology, there are various reasons (primarily because we’re in a post-denominational culture and “Methodist” or “Presbyterian” or “Lutheran” really don’t mean much any more to most folks, particularly young adults), but these last few days, General Conference has given me another reason why we shouldn’t include that in our name. It’s embarrassing.

Lord, have mercy.