A Message from Pastor Chris

[off...@resurrectionumc.org]

Dear Friends, 

 

I greet you in deep grief over what’s transpired at the Special Session of General Conference in St. Louis. The Traditional Plan was affirmed by 53% of General Conference delegates, the vast majority of support coming from conservative segments of the global church. As Bishop Ward said in a short statement released this morning, the tumultuous Session revealed “the difficult intersections of Biblical interpretation, contextual ministry and the global nature of our church.” 

 

What the implications of this decision will mean for our denomination are still unclear to me—and I urge you to join me at Duke Memorial this Sunday at 6pm as our District leadership helps us make sense of it all—but I deeply lament the ones already revealed: the continued harm done by the church. The United Methodist Church has yet again ignored the work of the Spirit in and among LGBTQ folks in our churches, and reduced their lives and loves into an “issue” up for debate. 

 

I know this: Calvary and Resurrection will continue, as they have for some time, to practice full inclusion—to be churches of welcome and embrace that affirm and celebrate the gifts and graces of our LGBTQ members. We will continue to hold space for all people because we believe the realm of God is brought closer by each person’s presence. 

 

You are deeply loved and longed for by God just as you are. Look out for one another during this time, and pray with me as we continue to seek and live into the redemptive possibilities of our Lord. 

 

With love,

Chris