Petitions to The New York Annual Conference 2010
Petition 1.
A Step Toward Equality in Ministry
Whereas each Christian, by virtue of his or her baptism, is called to be in ministry to the world; and
Whereas the Book of Discipline affirms that each person is of sacred worth; and
Whereas we, as Christians, lovingly work for spiritual transformation of this hurting world and challenge ourselves to live according to Jesus’ words of welcome to the outcast, offering hospitality and affirmation to all the children of God; and
Whereas our lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender brothers and sisters (LGBT) in faith are presently barred from ordained ministry within the United Methodist Church, even though some are called to ordained ministry; and
Whereas our United Methodist seminaries and other seminaries include many LGBT persons with gifts and graces for ministry who are not able to use those gifts within our present United Methodist structure and are forced to move to other denominations or alienate themselves from the church; and
Whereas the New York Annual Conference has a long history of affirming the rights of our LGBT brothers and sisters; therefore be it
Resolved that the New York Annual Conference warmly affirms the vocation of LGBT individuals who are unable to exercise their gifts through ordained ministry in the United Methodist Church; and be it further
Resolved that we encourage local United Methodist churches to utilize the gifts of LGBT individuals by actively recruiting qualified LGBT seminary students and graduates for non-ordained leadership positions in the local church, such as Directors of Christian Education, Adult Education, Visitation, Outreach or Mission; and be it further
Resolved that we encourage local United Methodist churches to be creative in shaping positions such as “Pastoral Associate” or “Ministry Associate,” outside of the ordination and appointment structure, until that time when the Book of Discipline is changed and we can fully welcome our LGBT brothers and sisters into the ordained ministry to which they are called.
Respectfully submitted
By Park Slope United Methodist Church
Brooklyn, New York
Unanimously approved by the Church Council on March 18, 2010
Petition 2. Encouraging Respect and Communion
Whereas, we as followers of Jesus Christ and members of the United Methodist Church and the New York Annual Conference, acknowledge that the grace of God is extended to all persons; and
Whereas, we are called to work individually and collectively in service to bring the Dominion of God to fruition on Earth; and
Whereas, we acknowledge that God’s family is theologically and otherwise diverse, and we are called to model Christ’s loving, challenging way of living in the world; therefore be it
Resolved, that we refrain from disrespectful speech and attitude regarding our theological and other differences, in particular our dialogue surrounding sexual orientation and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender people; and be it further
Resolved, that local congregations accept Jesus’ challenge to work with each other across differences of race, sex, economic status, gender identity, sexual orientation, culture and nationality, and that we commit ourselves to mission and service projects with local congregations whose views differ from our own.
Respectfully submitted
By Park Slope United Methodist Church
Brooklyn, New York
Unanimously approved by the Church Council on March 18, 2010