As the United Methodist Church continues to discern God’s will for the Church on issues of human sexuality – and now considers a possible split of the denomination over same-sex marriage and the ordination of LGBTQ clergy – turn to this page for news and insights from Lima Church and beyond.
LIMA UMC is now a Reconciling Congregation! – After the United Methodist Church’s 2019 Special General Conference adopted the Traditional Plan (which continued the UMC’s bans on same-sex weddings and ordination of gay clergy), a group of concerned church members began to meet and discuss how Lima Church might respond. The group drafted a Statement of Affirmation (see below) to clearly articulate that all are welcome and affirmed here at Lima UMC regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. With the adoption of the proposed Statement, Lima Church has joined the Reconciling Ministries Network – an unofficial association of United Methodists who are working for the full inclusion of LGBTQ persons in the life and ministry of the United Methodist denomination.
WHAT DOES OURRECONCILING STATEMENT SAY?
Lima UMC celebrates that all people are created in God’s image and are of sacred worth. We are a welcoming community that affirms and values all people without regard to age, race, culture, sexual orientation, gender identity, mental or physical ability, family configuration, faith history, or socioeconomic status. We seek to love all people because God loves all people. As generations before us have done, we humbly continue to explore and live the meaning of Christian discipleship in today’s world.
This statement was adopted with overwhelming support by the Lima UMC congregation on October 25, 2020.
WHAT HAS PASTOR DORRY SAID ABOUT THIS ISSUE? – You can read or download Pastor Dorry’s story of her journey to a view that supports same-sex marriage and the ordination of LGBTQ persons as clergy here…
WHAT IS THE PROTOCOL FOR RECONCILIATION & GRACE THROUGH SEPARATION? – You may have heard of the leading proposal to resolve the UMC’s differences over human sexuality by splitting the United Methodist Church. It’s called the Protocol for Reconciliation and Grace through Separation.What is this plan? How might it affect us if it is adopted at General Conference in September 2022? Learn more by reading or downloading this presentation….
WHERE CAN I LEARN MORE ABOUT HUMAN SEXUALITY? –Sean Cleary, who teaches Human Sexuality at Penn State Brandywine, made a presentation at Lima Church to help us understand issues around human sexuality. You can read it or download it here…
WHAT’S THE BIBLICAL CASE FOR FULL LGBTQ INCLUSION IN THE UMC? Phil Newcomer, who leads our Tuesday night Bible study, has written a legal brief that makes a Biblical case for full inclusion of LGBTQ persons in the United Methodist Church. You can read it or download it here…
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