Dear Governor Schwarzenegger –
Every four years, the United Methodist Church holds a meeting to set church policy. At this year’s conference, the delegates:
– Upheld a church law that says gay and lesbian relationships are “incompatible with Christian teaching.”
– Kept a sentence in the Book of Discipline that says the church “does not condone the practice of homosexuality.”
– Retained a policy that lets pastors deny membership to gays and lesbians.
I think it is great that the United Methodist Church can make and enforce their own laws regarding who is able to participate in their community.
While the United Methodist Church has chosen to exclude lesbian and gay people from their ministry, my Episcopal church (like the Presbyterians, United Church of Christ and Metropolitan Community Church) has taken a different view that goes something along the lines that every human being is worthy of dignity and respect.
Governor, why are the United Methodists allowed to decide that gay couples will not get married in their church, while my church is not allowed to decide that gay couples will be allowed to marry in their church? Worse, why is my government – and my governor – enforcing this?
I’m starting to suspect that the real threat of the ban on same-sex marriage is a government intervention in the way America worships. Removing that freedom begins a slippery slide that will hurt us all.
I wish you would support the freedom to marry. It would not block the United Methodists one bit, but it would free my church to practice our beliefs without interference from you.
Yours,