Foundry UMC, a Reconciling Congregation in the District of Columbia, appeared in the Washington Post this week:
A conservative Christian group yesterday criticized a large Methodist church in the District for planning to offer services that recognize gay and lesbian relationships, saying they violate the United Methodist ban on same-sex unions.
Foundry United Methodist Church, which Bill and Hillary Rodham Clinton attended when he was president, decided last month to support its senior pastor's decision to lead services that "recognize and honor" committed gay relationships. Foundry clergy, however, do not perform union ceremonies, the local bishop said.
The Institute on Religion and Democracy, a Christian group opposed to liberal trends in mainline Protestant denominations, demanded that the bishop of the Baltimore-Washington Conference of the United Methodist Church, John R. Schol, prevent the services.
Full stroy:
Church Criticized Over Gay Services Plan Click here
Reconciling Ministries Network Celebrates Black History Month
As we journey through Black History Month, Reconciling Ministries Network celebrates the work of brothers Rev. James Lawson and Rev. Phil Lawson.
This week, in honor of Rev. James Lawson's achievements, West Virginia State University President Hazo Carter awarded him the university's first Distinguished Alumnus Award and also designated him as Professor Emeritus. Lawson is Pastor Emeritus of Holman United Methodist Church in Los Angeles, where he served for 25 years before retiring in 1999. The Charleston Gazette reports:
"We expected to give you a much better United States," he said of his participation in the civil rights movement of the 1950s and '60s.
During the 1960s, Lawson was a leading figure in organizing civil rights campaigns using the principles of nonviolence he had studied under Gandhi. He also worked as a deputy and adviser to the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., who dubbed Lawson "the leading nonviolence theorist in the world."
Lawson spoke to WVSU students and faculty Thursday as part of the university's Black History Month convocation.
His message to students was somewhere between hope and despair for a society that he said revolves around violence, racism, sexism and materialism.
Rev. Phil Lawson issued a call to action for General Conference 2008 on Soulforce's site:
Fifty-eight years ago, in 1950, I attended my first non-violent direct action with Bayard Rustin and George Houser who organized the Fellowship of Reconciliation (FOR) so that youth and young adults would come to Washington D.C. to confront the discrimination and segregation laws in the nation's capital.
In April 2008, as a proud Board Member of Soulforce, I will participate in non-violent direct actions at the United Methodist Church General Conference in Ft. Worth, Texas.
The Rev. Phil Lawson rallies supporters of full rights for gays and lesbians in the United Methodist Church following a protest march on the floor of the 2004 General Conference in Pittsburgh.
GC 2008--Ordination and Gender: The Ordination of Women
As we take up the issue of gender identity and ordination, it is important to remember The United Methodist Church's commitment to ordination equality based on gender.
May 4, 1956 was the day the General Conference of the former Methodist Church granted full clergy rights to women. To commemorate this 50th anniversary, and to recognize the contributions, struggles, and gifts of clergywomen, The United Methodist Church declared 2006 a year-long celebration of full clergy rights for women. A project called "Women Called to Ministry" will keep this rich history alive by providing a six week study session to local congregations.
In 1835, when Methodist ministers barred Rebecca Jackson from speaking in church, a "wicked, drunken man" opened his house and allowed her to preach.
During that same century, Julia Foote, an African-American Methodist, risked both life and dignity to travel and preach the Gospel.
Near the end of the 19th century, Anna Oliver and Anna Howard Shaw became the first and second women, respectively, to graduate from the Boston University School of Theology, but both were then denied ordination by the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1880.
The efforts of these and other Methodist women are noted in "Women Called to Ministry," a six-week study session for The United Methodist Church. Designed primarily for use by local congregations, the study is published by the denomination's Commission on the Status and Role of Women and co-sponsored by the churchwide Board of Higher Education and Ministry.
Full story:
Agency to share 'women in ministry' study Click here
Additional coverage:
General Commission of the Status and Role of Women Click here
General Board of Higher Education and Ministry Click here
GC 2008--Ordination and Gender Identity: Introduction to Rev. Drew Phoenix's Case
An article from the United Methodist News Service provides a good overview of Drew Phoenix's case and the issue of gender identity and ordination that will face the General Conference in 2008.
The United Methodist Church’s supreme court has upheld a bishop’s decision that a pastor who changed gender from female to male remains eligible to serve the church.
In combining two separate docket items related to the Rev. Drew Phoenix, pastor at St. John’s United Methodist Church in Baltimore, the Judicial Council stated that it was not ruling on whether changing gender is a chargeable offense or violates minimum standards set by the church’s legislative body, the General Conference. Rather, the court said "a clergyperson’s standing cannot be terminated without administrative or juridical action having occurred and all fair process being accorded."
"The adjective (in this case, 'transgender') placed in front of the noun 'clergyperson' does not matter," the court states in Decision 1074. "What matters is that clergypersons, once ordained and admitted to membership in full connection, cannot have that standing changed without being accorded fair process."
Because Phoenix is a clergy member in good standing, the ruling means Phoenix will continue to serve his church. But the subject of whether transgender clergy are eligible for appointment is likely to be among issues debated when the church’s General Conference convenes next April in Fort Worth, Texas. The United Methodist Church bars practicing homosexuals from being ordained but has nothing in its polity about transgender persons.
Full story:
Top court upholds transgender pastor’s appointment Click here
Additional coverage:
Judicial Council Decisions, Decision No. 1074 Click here
GC 2008--Ordination and Gender Identity: Statements by Rev. Drew Phoenix
One May 24, 2007, Drew Phoenix delivered the following statement to the plenary session of the Baltimore-Washington Conference about his gender transition.
Last fall, after a lifelong spiritual journey, and years of prayer and discernment, I decided to change my name from Ann Gordon to Drew Phoenix in order to reflect my true gender identity and to honor my spiritual transformation and relationship with God.
My transition to live fully as the male I know myself to be is very personal and deeply spiritual. As a Christian, I worship God – I AM. People frequently asked Jesus, “Who are you?” His response was, “Who do you say I am?” “Who do YOU say YOU are?”
I believe that our spiritual path is, in great part, the answer to: Who am I? I am ...
I realize that my transition may be confusing and surprising for those of you who have known me for years but were unaware of what I was going through. I am glad that I finally have the opportunity to share.
It is my intention and hope that, by sharing my story – my relationship with God and my spiritual journey – we will commit ourselves to becoming educated about the complexity of gender and gender identity and open ourselves to those in our congregations who identify as transgender.
When I was born, society declared that I was a girl, and my parents named me Ann Gordon. But for as long as I can remember I have felt like a boy, acted like a boy, dressed like a boy and wanted to hang out with the boys. And for the first several yeas of my life, my parents let me by my boy-self. In fact, I was referred to by everyone in our small town as my father’s son, Dave Gordon’s son.
So it was very difficult when I reached puberty to be pressured by family, friends, church and community to conform, to dress and act, like a female. At the time (unlike now), there was no language or body of knowledge about gender identity, and certainly no available medical expertise, to help me describe and understand the disconnect I was experiencing between my physical, external self and my internal, spiritual self. I identify as male. The gender I was assigned at birth has never matched my own true, authentic, God-given gender identity … how I know myself.
Fortunately, today, God’s gift of medical science is enabling me to bring my physical body into alignment with my true gender. I am making this transition under the care of an excellent medical team. I am grateful for their expertise. They have been instruments of God’s grace for me.
As I continue to transition, to fully claim myself as a male, I find myself coming home to the Child God created me to be. I find myself joyful, whole, and peaceful. And I find myself even more effective as a pastor.
You may ask what effect this is having on the church I am currently serving, St. John’s of Baltimore City. I can tell you that St. John’s is growing and thriving on its Discipleship Adventure. In the past 5 years, membership has quadrupled, for the first time in years families with children are participating, stewardship has tripled, several new ministries have been initiated, and the congregation has plans to begin renovating its old, historical building in order to be more efficient, effective, and relevant in its vision and mission.
As I have chosen to transition, the congregation has studied, listened, and prayed in order to understand and embrace the meaning of my transition within my call to ministry and within our call as a congregation. My prayer, and greatest concern always is that the congregation continues to grow and thrive.
Gender identity diversity is not easy for most people to understand, as we have been steeped in an either/or, male/female-only understanding of gender. It is hard to believe that our bodies do not tell the whole story about what we are. I assure you that I am not one-of-a-kind, that there are many people like me in our congregations who are suffering with the disconnect that I have felt.
Jesus’ central message is that God’s love and grace extend unconditionally to all of us, not because we look a certain way or have a particular identity, but because we are all children of God created in God’s image. Each of us is a beloved child of God. No exceptions.
Today, in your congregation, in your communities, are young people and adults struggling with who they are and how they fit in. Maybe their families do not understand them; perhaps their friends have isolated them. They are wondering if they fit into the church. As Christians it is essential that we communicate to them God’s unconditional love and their worth and value as children of God made in God’s image. You can begin that process today as I stand here and witness to the complexity and joy of God’s creation.
Additional coverage:
Pastor Speaks of Transgender Experience Click here
Baltimore-Washington Conference FAQ on Transgender Issues Click here
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Rev. Phoenix delivered the following message on Transgender Day of Rememberance on November 20, 2007. The Transgender Day of Remembrance was set aside to memorialize those who were killed due to anti-transgender hatred or prejudice.
GC 2008--Ordination and Gender Identity: What's Next?
Coalition Petitions to the 2008 General Conference:
Our coalition (RMN, Affirmation, MFSA, the General Board of Church and Society and others) submitted the following petitions including gender identity to the 2008 General Conference:
Amend Discipline ¶162 H, as follows:
Certain basic human rights and civil liberties are due all persons. We are committed to supporting those rights and liberties for homosexualallpersons,regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. We see a clear issue of simple justice in protecting their rightful claims where theytwo people have shared material resources, pensions, guardian relationships, care of children, mutual powers of attorney, and other such lawful claims typically attendant to contractual relationships that involve shared contributions, responsibilities, and liabilities, and equal protection before the law. Moreover, we support efforts to stop violence and other forms of coercion against gays and lesbiansall persons, regardless of their sexual orientation. We also commit ourselves to social witness against the coercion and marginalization of former homosexuals.
Amend Discipline ¶214, as follows:
Eligibility -- The United Methodist Church is a part of the holy catholic (universal) church, as we confess in the Apostles' Creed. In the church, Jesus Christ is proclaimed and professed as the Lord and Savior. All people may attend its worship services, participate in its programs, receive the sacraments and become members in any local church in the connection. No person shall or will be excluded from baptized or professing membership in the United Methodist Church for reasons related to sexual orientation or gender identity. In the case of persons whose disabilities prevent them from reciting the vows, their legal gardian[s], themselves members in full covenant relationship with God and the Church, the community of faith, my recite the approprate vows on their behalf.
Petition to Expand Civil Rights. Discipline ¶162 H Click here
Petition to Ensure Equal Access to Church Membership Regardless of Sexual Orientation or Gender Identity. Discipline ¶214 Click here
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Christianity Today,a magazine of Evangelical conviction, published an oppressive article on February 15 titled, "The Transgender Movement". The article mentions Jimmy Creech, Rev. Drew Phoenix and predicts that "the UMC General Conference...will likely discuss banning transgendered ministers.":
In October, the nine-member UMC Judicial Council met to determine if Phoenix had broken any church law. Nothing in the denomination's Book of Discipline addresses the topic. The council upheld the bishop's decision that Phoenix could remain as a pastor in good standing. This summer, the UMC General Conference, which meets every four years, will likely discuss banning transgendered ministers.
Please let us be part of your support and let us know how we might help. One way is to let us pray for you. We invite you to send your prayer requests to us and be counted in the weekly offering of joys and concerns. You may call (773-736-5526), write (RMN 3801 N. Keeler Ave. Chicago, IL 60641) or email these requests to prayer@rmnetwork.org.
Pray for the family of eighth-grader Lawrence King murdered last week in a hate crime because of his sexual orientation and gender expression:
On Tuesday, February 12, gun shots rang out near the end of a first period computer lab class full of students. Brandon McInerney, 14, who reportedly told peers that Lawrence was "having his last day," had shot his classmate in the head and back.
"[Lawrence] would come to school in high-heeled boots, makeup, jewelry and painted nails -- the whole thing," said Michael Sweeney, 13, an eighth-grader. "That was freaking the guys out." Classmates reported that Lawrence was a frequent victim of teasing and harassment. School officials, who were aware of the teasing and had spoken with Lawrence before the shooting, are now planning to review all of their policies.
Full story:
Gender Public Advocacy Coalition Click here
Additional coverage:
To organize or participate in a vigil for Lawrence Click here
"Brandon pulled the trigger, but bigotry and hatred loaded the gun." Click here
Pray for the victims and their families and friends affected by the shooting at Northern Illinois University:
Bishop Hee-Soo Jung of the Northern Illinois Annual (regional) Conference expressed the grief of the entire United Methodist denomination.
"As the church prays for victims and their families and friends and a troubled young man who turned to violence, we seek healing and comfort for all who are touched by this tragedy," Jung said in a statement. "We acknowledge a need for communities of faith to be a voice of healing and hope, of Christ’s peace and reconciliation for a world that desperately needs peace."
Full story:
Church offers 'ministry of presence' to shaken campus Click here
"Now during those days Jesus went out to the mountain to pray; and he spent the night in prayer to God” ~ Luke 6:12
We include these Moments of significant cultural shifts in the hope these societal events may positively impact life in our Church. The implication is not that these events happen spontaneously or miraculously. These highlights occur after years, even decades of struggle and hard work by many people. We offer them as blessings for our journey. Please send us your Miracle Moments to be included when space allows. Send to Moments@RMNetwork.org.
An eight-year-old transgender child is returning to a school in Douglas County, Colorado and the school has adjusted its facilities and teaching environment to accommodate her.
According to CNN, two unisex bathrooms have been provided for the student, teachers will call the student by her name, parents and teachers will get info on transgender people, and officials will be made available for questions.
The school released this statement:
"We continue to be focused on providing a positive learning environment for this student and all students in the class and school that is free from harassment. As with many other students, this particular student brings a diverse set of circumstances to the school setting."
Reconciling Ministries Network mobilizes United Methodists of all sexual orientations and gender identities to transform our Church and world into the full expression of Christ’s inclusive love. Founded in 1984, RMN consists of 295 congregations, 36 campus ministries, 84 reconciling communities. Extension ministries include the Parents' Reconciling Network, Reconciling Ministries Clergy, United Methodists of Color for a Fully Inclusive Church, and RMN's student movement, MOSAIC.
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Reconciling Communities in the News
This week, in honor of Rev. James Lawson's achievements, West Virginia State University President Hazo Carter awarded him the university's first Distinguished Alumnus Award and also designated him as Professor Emeritus. Lawson is Pastor Emeritus of Holman United Methodist Church in Los Angeles, where he served for 25 years before retiring in 1999. The Charleston Gazette reports:
As we take up the issue of gender identity and ordination, it is important to remember The United Methodist Church's commitment to ordination equality based on gender.
An article from the United Methodist News Service provides a good overview of Drew Phoenix's case and the issue of gender identity and ordination that will face the General Conference in 2008.
Pray for the family of eighth-grader Lawrence King murdered last week in a hate crime because of his sexual orientation and gender expression:
