The nearly 7,700 churches that exited United Methodism can feel vindicated that the recently concluded General Conference acted as anticipated, effectively divorcing sex from marriage in church teaching and policy.
Clergy are no longer specifically required to be celibate if single and monogamous in male/female marriage. Along with homosexual behavior, these have been removed as chargeable offenses for clergy. Instead, “immorality” as a chargeable offense is now undefined.
Specific bans on adultery and sex before or outside marriage were in §2702 of the Book of Discipline. They were removed in committee a by 32-13 vote and in plenary by 474-206, rejecting a minority report not disputing the deletion of homosexual behavior but asking to retain as chargeable “not being celibate in singleness, or not faithful in a marriage.”
(Read the rest in Firebrand here)
Comment by Corvus Corax on May 7, 2024 at 10:57 am
Or, as the renowned Wesleyan theologian Aleister Crowley once said, “do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the law”
Comment by Honest316 on May 7, 2024 at 11:57 am
I like the wrap of what happened and yes many of us still grieve but at some point we need to move on. The GMC (or whatever disaffiliated brand you may be) has a tremendous opportunity to reform the nation and to spread scriptural holiness. The people who live in our country need us and the Savior we proclaim. Amen.
Comment by JoeR on May 7, 2024 at 2:23 pm
Corvus,
I don’t speak King James English so I am attempting to translate the great theologian.
“Do what you want to do and it will be the law.”
If correct that ranks as a pretty stupid statement. What we want to do is the problem. Doing what we are commanded to do is where we should be.
If my interpretation is incorrect please regrade it in common English.
Live for Jesus!
Comment by David Taylor on May 7, 2024 at 2:42 pm
Not true and misleading which has been your M.O. throughout your campaign to destroy organized religion. At GC the UMC removed harmful language targeted at the Homosexual community and released churches and clergy to minister to the community they are in. They also gave Decons the authority to administer the sacraments.
Comment by Palamas on May 7, 2024 at 3:00 pm
“Taylor’s my name, and gaslighting’s my game.”
Comment by Wayne on May 7, 2024 at 3:45 pm
To quote the great Bible teacher David Pawson
“the church follows society downhill….15 years later”
Comment by Mary Longworth on May 7, 2024 at 5:03 pm
God’s Word is profitable for training in righteousness so it doesn’t appear the new corrections to the Book of Discipline sought out the bible as a tutor for godly living. When we reject clear bible teaching we are like the prodigal son who said, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; . . .’ Clearly, repentance is in order!
‘But because of your callous stubbornness and unrepentant heart you are [deliberately] storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed.’ Romans 2:5 AMP
Romans 1:18 ‘For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth.’
Jude 14 ‘Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied about them: “See, the Lord is coming with thousands upon thousands of his holy ones to judge everyone, and to convict all of them of all the ungodly acts they have committed in their ungodliness, and of all the defiant words ungodly sinners have spoken against him.” ‘
Comment by MikeB on May 7, 2024 at 7:44 pm
JoeR
Corvus was making a joke, Aleister Crowley was a renown Satanist.
He is saying that the UM has moved far beyond Christianity into something Crowley would have approved of.
Comment by George Brown on May 7, 2024 at 7:53 pm
The United Methodist denomination has obviously moved far from biblical Christianity and gone pagan.
Comment by DJohns on May 7, 2024 at 9:01 pm
UMC has gone TEC light. I could see them merging with The Episcopal Church. Wouldn’t be surprised if they share the same lawyers.
Comment by George on May 8, 2024 at 6:48 am
When Jesus gave Peter “the keys”, I’m sure He expected him to drive in a manner that followed the rules of the road. Translation:the scriptures mean something and we mortals can’t just ignore them to suit our on sinful nature. The UMC has now thrown gasoline on a smoldering fire. What’s next?
Comment by Thomas on May 8, 2024 at 8:15 am
David Taylor, please read the official statements on human sexuality. Sex outside the marriage and homosexual activity are now basically the same for UMC. They have gone post-Christian.
Comment by Thomas on May 8, 2024 at 8:45 am
I also can remind Mark Tooley that UMC has fully embraced a pro-abortion stance, not even mentioning or giving any human value to the unborn.
Comment by Tim on May 8, 2024 at 7:01 pm
After all this fighting and anger, the thing I’ve never understood is how human sexuality became the core issue that was enough to rip apart churches, families, and friends from their actual God-given mission to do all the good they can for as long as they can in any way they can. The UMC at its best is trying to put coats on cold people and find food for kids. You know, letting the world know we are Christians by our love?
For all y’all think you’re the ones following scripture, I believe that those of us who remain in the UMC and embrace our LGBTQ brethren are following scripture. But I didn’t come here to argue that. My point is that you guys have a brand new denomination. What is your mission? How will you serve? I wish you the best and hope you bear good fruit in your new endeavors
Comment by Joel on May 10, 2024 at 7:22 am
The UMC has left the body and the church of Jesus. How can you call yourself a Christian entity? You have thrown out God’s precepts to follow your own. You have declared that abortion is ok, no regulations on sex, or marriage. So how long is it before you ok sex with children? This is not right. People need help to overcome, not permission to defile oneself even more.
Comment by Linda Watkins on May 10, 2024 at 1:14 pm
Jesus Christ would not recognize how we have bastardized His teachings. Organized religion is slowly crumbling into the mire of do whatever you want, whenever and wherever you want. It doesn’t matter what Scripture says, just rewrite the laws of the church to fit into the wants of society. Shame on you the leaders of the church!
Comment by Bob on May 10, 2024 at 4:39 pm
I need to see how they use the Word of God to justify their position.
2 Timothy 3:1–6 (KJV 1900): This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,
Comment by Kevin Hinds on May 11, 2024 at 1:30 pm
If you find your church walking on the wide road of life. You might want to get off that road because the way to salvation is narrow.
That is a like warm church that will be spewed out.
Comment by Guby on May 12, 2024 at 6:52 pm
They need to stop calling themselves a religion and stop claiming to represent God. Your teaching the doctrine of man in order to follow your worldly lust not God and certainly not scripture. Telling people there sinners is not hate its love for there souls.
Comment by Dan on May 13, 2024 at 11:50 am
So what about appointments for clergy throuples or those in polyamorous relationships? And how about pastors who are furries? The UMC is still practicing discrimination against the faithful!
Comment by Curtis Nester on May 14, 2024 at 12:29 pm
People will never be saved by the Social Gospel. You can’t improve yourself into heaven. Education, Good Works, etc. won’t do it. Remember what Jesus told Nicodemus,
Jesus answered him, “Are you the teacher of Israel and yet you do not understand these things? (John 3:10) and Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” (John 3:3)