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Oct. 27, 1998
Jeanne Knepper and Morris Floyd, spokespersons for Affirmation issued the following statement:
ONCE AGAIN, THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH IS IN THE NEWS FOR BRINGING CHARGES AGAINST ONE OF ITS BEST AND MOST FAITHFUL PASTORS. Even as he filed charges against the Rev. Gregory R. Dell for officiating at a covenant service for two men within his congregation, Bishop C. Joseph Sprague noted that the Rev. Dell is "a person of integrity" and an "exceptional pastor," with "an enviable record of pastoral faithfulness and effectiveness," for whom Bishop Sprague has "high regard." Bishop Sprague made it clear that he has "theological and pastoral disagreement" with the law he nonetheless has decided to enforce.
We've watched over the years as The United Methodist Church has driven many gifted and faithful lesbian and gay pastors out of ministry, but that was not enough for those who preach the "Good News" of judgment and condemnation. Now we've come to the next step, convincing those in positions of trust that it is necessary to bring charges against faithful and gifted pastors who will not turn from their calling to be in ministry with all people, regardless of sexual orientation.
No matter how well-intentioned Bishop Sprague is in his attempt to affirm Rev. Dell's integrity and faithfulness, the world at large hears only the simple message: The United Methodist Church seeks to bring one more gay-friendly pastor to trial. This is the stony, rejecting face the Church presents to the unchurched world. This is the Church, driving people away from God.
As an independent voice of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer people, Affirmation radically reclaims the compassionate and transforming gospel of Jesus Christ by relentlessly pursuing full inclusion in the Church as we journey with the Spirit in creating God's beloved community. We affirm a Gospel of respect, love, justice and mercy for all. Affirmation is an activist, all-volunteer, not-for-profit organization with no official ties to The United Methodist Church.
Copyright © 1998-2009 Affirmation: United Methodists for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Concerns.