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United Methodist Theology & Doctrine (links page)
Finishing the Journey: Questions and Answers from United Methodists of Conviction, Northaven United Methodist Church, a reconciling congregation in Dallas, Texas
Antiphonal Affirmation of Faith by Drew Cottle
I believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.
I believe in God, creator of the universe and of Earth, creator of humanity and creator of Love.
Sarah Laughed by Drew Cottle
Often, when we are presented with opportunities beyond our own imagination, we laugh and disbelieve. Sarah's laughter then is no different from our own now.
Baptism: Gifted and Called to a New Year of Justing Love by John Auer (officiant at California Holy Union) , January 11, 1999
"I suspect many of us who may well be risking our orders as deacons and
elders in the church and as clergy members of this conference are
remembering our baptisms, fondly, this morning! We may need them more than
we know!"
"Catholic Spirit" by John Wesley
"...Though we cannot think alike, may we not love alike? May we not be of one heart, though we are not of one opinion? Without all doubt, we may. Herein all the children of God may unite, notwithstanding these smaller differences. These remaining as they are, they may forward one another in love and in good works." (18th Century)
Ecclesiastical Disobedience: The Ugliest Word in the English Language (Covenant Services) by Donald Fado
"I cannot remain silent in face of injustice. I have a choice between two options, it seems to me. I can leave the United Methodist ministry, or I can protest. I choose the latter."
Gratitude and Hope: A Letter from Jimmy Creech, December 2, 1999
I don't feel defeated. I am now among the laity of The United Methodist Church, called to the same ministry I've always been called to honor, called to "resist evil, injustice, and oppression in whatever forms they present themselves."
"The Word of God, The Church, and Jimmy Creech" by Russ Hawkins
"The God I believe in, the God whose Word I was ordained to preach years ago, and whose Word I have tried to be faithful to, is a God of grace, a God who rejoices in the celebration of new life, a God who embraces and reaches out to all people...." (December 20, 1997)
The Covenant Service of Linda Enger and Eleanora Piombino, a photo essay by CORNET
On Friday, August 27, 1999, Linda E. Enger and Eleanora N. Piombino of Houston celebrated their love and commitment at a covenant service that took place on the street in front of Bering Memorial United Methodist Church in Houston, TX.
Faith Journey of Judith J. WestLee, co-convener of Affirmation
Through all of this, I feel the close presence of God standing with me. Where will this end? Only God knows.
And I will trust God to make the wisest choice for my life as I have done ever since that prayer for God to take
my life. I have never taken it back into my hands.
My Partner, Myself and God: Two Women Celebrate Their Love and Commitment
RR and SS "felt blessed" when they found a chapel at a United Methodist camp that seemed perfect for their commitment service. They called to reserve the chapel for a private "spiritual union" on Sunday, February 1, 1998. The camp asked if it was a same gender service. RR says, "After I responded that it was a lesbian couple, she said it was the policy of The United Methodist Church not to allow same sex unions in their churches...."
Testimonies (About Their Statement of Commitment)
United Methodist clergy who signed the Statement of Commitment (now retired), that they will participate in same-gender covenant services even if it is against church law, share their individual stories about how they arrived at their decision.
Annotated Bibliography: Covenant Relationships Resources
Whosoever Magazine: An Online Magazine for L/G/B/T Christians. Whosoever is an online magazine dedicated to the spiritual growth of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered Christians. Whosoever seeks to dispel the myths and outright lies spread shamelessly by Christian extremists who seek to keep gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgendered people from God's realm. Whosoever's mission is to reach gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgendered people around the world and tell them the Good News of God's unconditional love for all people, as shown through the ministry of Jesus Christ.
Shower of Stoles Project : The Shower of Stoles is a collection of hundreds of liturgical stoles from gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people of faith from all over North America, from Canada to Cuba, Alaska to Hawaii.
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.