The Importance of Removing Harmful Language from the United Methodist Book of Discipline

Last night I attended a "Field Guide to General Conference" sponsored by RMN (Reconciling Ministries Network) on the topic of removing the language from the United Methodist Book of Discipline at the upcoming General Conference 2020, to be held in April 2024.

I could go into the history about how it wasn't there for the longest time, but I'm not. 

My focus is going to be on my reflections from last night's Zoom meeting that was led by Rev. Molly Vetter from L.A., California.

One of the things we did in this workshop was answer the three questions:

• Why is this (removing the language) important to me?
• Why is this important to us (us-- can be United Methodists, identity of United Methodists, Conference, etc.)
• Why is this important now?

Rev. Molly Vetter shared that these three questions come from Marshall Ganz  who is a social movement legend (per the website I posted) and has lots of experience in social and community change.

I realized that even though I am for removing the language from the Book of Discipline, I haven't thought about it in these terms.

For those who aren't aware what "language" I am referring to, here is a link for all the sections.

Now, for my thoughts on the three questions:

Why is removing the language that is harmful important to me?

There is language that affirms everyone as "persons sacred of worth", then goes on to say that even so, they aren't eligible to serve, become ordained, or be married by clergy, etc. Can you say "mixed message"?!?!? It is important to me that there is no mixed message. People are either sacred of worth or they aren't. And, we aren't the ones to decide. God, Creator, Great Spirit, the One who created (Psalm 139) and who names and calls us by name (Isaiah 43:1) is the One for that.

Removing harmful language is important to me because I've seen so much hurt in the LGBTQ+ community because of it. Thankfully, I did serve a RMN church where the gay community was allowed to lead music, teach classes, and preach. I loved asking my siblings in Christ to fill the pulpit for me when I was going to be away. The grace of God was palpable in and through them.

That brings me to another reason for me that it so important to remove any and all harmful language. In my humble opinion, it goes against God's grace. And for me, it's all about grace. As a follower of Christ and as a Wesleyan, grace is a foundation of lived out faith. And, maybe it's just me, but harmful language to my siblings in the Kingdom does not show grace. 

I don't want to continue the harm we've been perpetuating for years. It hurts my heart to see all the brokenness and pain it has caused to those who love God, to those I love, and to those who have decided that Christians aren't Christ-like.

Why is removing the language important for us (as United Methodists)?

My answer to this one flows from my personal answer. For me, the identity of a United Methodist has a foundation in grace. There are other foundational doctrines. Check out the #BeUMC link below for themes. Another place to go is John Wesley's statement: "Do no harm; do good; stay in love with God." This became known as the three general rules. Rueben Job wrote a small book about them: Three Simple Rules.  Another version of this book that I prefer is Three Simple Questions.  I didn't find out about this second one until several years ago. I recommend them both, but like I said, the second one stands out for me. 

As we as United Methodists attempt to "do no harm" and live out the grace of God, it simply makes sense to remove harmful language. By not removing language, we are continuing to create a barrier of exclusivity, of hurt, of harm. Isn't it time to do the difficult work of healing?

Which brings me to the third question:

Why is this important now?

If not now, then when? How long do we continue causing harm? When do we truly begin to live into the grace of God for all God's people? When do we offer a place of healing for people who are called by God to serve in the kingdom of God?

Other denominations have done the difficult work of healing, of reflection, of digging deep into the heart of God to allow God through the Holy Spirit to do an amazing work in and through lives.

Can we, as the United Methodist denomination be open to the working of the Holy Spirit and allow her to flow like a mighty wind into our system? Can we be moved into a place and space of grace that allows us all to find new and deeper meaning of what it means to be in community with all persons of sacred worth?

The meeting was closed out last night with a reading, a benediction of sorts from Sam Parkes that really touched me. I hope to be able to see it soon (I am a visual learner primarily and it helps me to see things.)

I hope for healing for all the LGBTQ+ beloved siblings who have been hurt by the church and Christians. I want to be part of the healing process, not the harming process.

I hope for them, for you (if you're reading this) that we will get it right in the United Methodist denomination. Regardless, I hope you know how beloved you are, created uniquely by the Creator. Listen to the Inner Voice of the One who created you.

May we all listen to that voice and respond as we deem appropriate, 

Rev. Deb

Additional articles and links:

The UMC's Messy Language about Sexuality -- Chris Ritter, April 2016

#BeUMC

#ResistHarm