I'd like to start this blog by stating that I am not a Methodist. I am in fact a recovering Catholic who escaped guilt many years ago. Having said that many of you know I have a strong connection to the Methodist faith and at one point actually considered joining. This would have been a huge step for me as I gave up on organized religion some years ago. I came to my senses back then and am reminded of why I did it this week.
Open hearts, open minds, open doors doesn't exist in but a very few churches in our society. The Methodist church uses this slogan to show their acceptance of all God's people, but the greater church fails to recognize this and actually live up to it. Again we are told that LGBT individuals are welcome to worship, but are expected to leave their love, hopes and dreams at the door. If you prick us do we not bleed?
I'm frankly tired of being told welcome, but only if you don't ask to be treated with dignity and respect. Welcome as long as you sit quietly and accept what little we are willing to give.
I realize that their are very accepting reconciling churches that push the envelope on this issue and their LGBT members surely appreciate, love and experience the joys of their individual church. However, the system is still broken. The greater church doesn't appear to view you the same way. So when will the parishioners rise up in outrage and change a broken system or leave to follow God's true message of love thy neighbor.
I fear my passion on this topic might be swayed on this subject as people I love are truly affected by this antiquated and bigotted system. All I can do is show them love and support. For me though the bridge has been burned to many times. I will accept my judgement before God on the day I lay to rest. Until then I feel no concern or need to attend a service to be instructed on WWJD, because I know he would convict a man for loving his son and performing his wedding.
I'm sorry to my church friends as this may seem harsh. I appreciate all the good work that you do, but as I do not have the heart to support the salvation army after their leadership was quoted as saying gay parent should be put to death, I cannot support a broken organization that convicts for love rather than celebrates it.
Peace, Love and Puppy Dogs,
John
Open hearts, open minds, open doors doesn't exist in but a very few churches in our society. The Methodist church uses this slogan to show their acceptance of all God's people, but the greater church fails to recognize this and actually live up to it. Again we are told that LGBT individuals are welcome to worship, but are expected to leave their love, hopes and dreams at the door. If you prick us do we not bleed?
I'm frankly tired of being told welcome, but only if you don't ask to be treated with dignity and respect. Welcome as long as you sit quietly and accept what little we are willing to give.
I realize that their are very accepting reconciling churches that push the envelope on this issue and their LGBT members surely appreciate, love and experience the joys of their individual church. However, the system is still broken. The greater church doesn't appear to view you the same way. So when will the parishioners rise up in outrage and change a broken system or leave to follow God's true message of love thy neighbor.
I fear my passion on this topic might be swayed on this subject as people I love are truly affected by this antiquated and bigotted system. All I can do is show them love and support. For me though the bridge has been burned to many times. I will accept my judgement before God on the day I lay to rest. Until then I feel no concern or need to attend a service to be instructed on WWJD, because I know he would convict a man for loving his son and performing his wedding.
I'm sorry to my church friends as this may seem harsh. I appreciate all the good work that you do, but as I do not have the heart to support the salvation army after their leadership was quoted as saying gay parent should be put to death, I cannot support a broken organization that convicts for love rather than celebrates it.
Peace, Love and Puppy Dogs,
John
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