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UMC Considers Stance on Homosexuality
 The General Conference is quadrennial assembly for deciding church law and policy. Under consideration: the policy concerning homosexuality in The Book of Discipline (which constitutes the law and doctrine of the United Methodist Church).
North Georgia Delegation Holds Listening Session for General Conference
Click here to read the article from the Wesleyan Christian Advocate, March 2008, as the North Georgia Conference prepares for General Conference.
Rev. Phillip Thomason prays for the 2008 UMC General Conference in Fort Worth, Texas
And lastly, we pray for the United Methodist Church as they meet in Texas. May you give them hearts to hear the struggle that we face everyday. We pray that they be completely covered by your grace as they do the work of the church, in this world.
We pray that they continue to be comfort to the needy. We pray that they be a force of goodness in the world. We pray that they continue to share God's word.
Holy, holy, holy, God, we pray that they hear the cries of the GLBT community, that they see the tears of those who have been hurt by the church, and that they feel the pain of those neglected.
And we pray for Saint Mark as she stands as a beacon in the night, to light the way for change and acceptance of all God's people. Give us the power to love but the courage to challenge.
Click here to read an account of the United Methodist Church General Conference vote on its stance on homosexuality from the UMC website.  This artcile includes comments made by the North Georgia Bishop Lindsey Davis.
Click here to read Rev. Jimmy Moor's letter to North Georgia Bishop Lindsey Davis' comments following the vote.
Click here to read Saint Mark's Administrative Council's letter to North Georgia Bishop Lindsey Davis' comments following the vote.
Rev. Josh Noblitt returns from General Conference with a heavy heart
On Thursday, May 1, 2008, Josh wrote:
I returned from General Conference last night with a very heavy heart. Things were looking promising after the election of 5 fair minded people to the Judicial council. But yesterday the body voted to retain the current language describing homosexuality as incompatible with Christian teaching.
The coalition that was formed between the Reconciling Ministries Network, The Methodist Federation for Social Action, and Affirmation were extremely well organized and well articulated, yet still all of the measures that would have advanced our cause for full inclusion failed. Last evening the coalition staged a silent protest of laying their bodies on the ground outside the convention center for delegates to walk over symbolizing that the majority voting body had walked all over GLBT people.
Today during the morning session with my Bishop, Lawrence McCleskey presiding, the protest moved to the floor of the General Conference. The video streaming online was stopped so that the world would not be able to see what was happening with the protest on the floor. People were planning to be arrested including me, but unfortunately I had to return to Atlanta to perform a wedding tomorrow.
I feel so sad for our church.
I feel sad for the fear that drives us to maintain the status quo rather than stepping out on faith for something new.
I feel so sad for all of the people called into ministry who cannot relax into their call to ministry and move forward with integrity about who they are for fear of provoking a witch hunt leading to the burning of their ordination and their dignity at the stake.
I feel sad that the majority of the voting body would not even allow us as a denomination to acknowledge the fact that we are all faithful and loving United Methodists deeply divided on issues of full inclusion for GLBT people.
Yesterday before the votes, they sang an amazing song called "Draw the circle wide" that described no one standing alone ... we'll stand side by side...so draw the circle wide (so that it includes everyone). Despite this amazing music paired with inclusive preaching from our Bishops, along with our eloquent and well thought out arguments in legislation, committees and on the floor, the message still does not seem to be getting through.
I hope that we can turn this deep pain into loving action that transcends the fear that so paralyzes our beloved church.
Rev. Joshua M. Noblitt
An open letter to the members of the United Methodist Church
Click here to read an open letter from the Executive Director of Soulforce to the members of the United Methodist Church. Soulforce is an organization that promotes freedom for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people from religious and political oppression through the practice of relentless nonviolent resistance.
Click here to visit the Soulforce website and to receive Soulforce Alerts.
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