tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1954032186621541669.post1157475231255768207..comments2023-12-23T07:04:04.016-08:00Comments on Thinking Faith: Equal Rights, Equal Marriage and the United Methodist ChurchBill Trenchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17055902411464959661noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1954032186621541669.post-24104973160930185242013-11-17T02:51:24.584-08:002013-11-17T02:51:24.584-08:00The Methodist Church used to be prominent for taki...The Methodist Church used to be prominent for taking courageous stands on issues where the nation's sense of justice lagged behind. Now the Methodist Church lags behind.<br /><br />The Bishops are clever and slick turners of a phrase. "We proceed with our theological task, trusting that the Spirit will grant us wisdom to continue our journey with the whole people of God.” It's too bad that they define "whole" so narrowly. Peter Weaver, himself an experienced accuser and accomplished trial-bringer, used to like to assert “our church’s clear commitment to welcome all.” And he could do that without cracking a smile. Well, actually, he said everything with a smile. So much for smiles.<br /><br />Tremble. General Conference politics can be alluring, and Southern Strategies have proven successful in our lifetime, but God is not mocked.<br />Abrahamnoreply@blogger.com