Title: Bishops release homosexuality statement
Release # 034 {2898}
April 23, 1996
DENVER (UMNS) -- Bishops of the United Methodist Church are praying and talking with one another "in a new spirit of honesty and openness that is both painful and hopeful," according to a statement released here April 23.
The 250-word statement came days after 15 of the episcopal leaders expressed their "pain" over the church's stance on homosexuality.
The 15 bishops said they would uphold the policies of the church but confessed the "pain we feel over our personal convictions that are contradicted by the proscriptions in the (Book of) Discipline against gay and lesbians within our church and within our ordained and diaconal ministers."
Following the release of that statement, which stunned many bishops and General Conference delegates, several General Conference delegates called for the bishops to give a collective response.
After a series of closed meetings, the bishops released their brief statement in the April 23rd Daily Christian Advocate, issued daily during the quadrennial General Conference. The council acknowledged that "serious differences" exist among United Methodists and the bishops on issues related to homosexuality.
"The Council understands the present language in the Book of Discipline to be a faithful expression of faith and discipleship and are committed, collectively and individually, to teach and uphold our church's doctrine and discipline," the statement says.
The 1992 Book of Discipline, being revised and updated by General Conference delegates meeting here April 16-26, declares homosexuality to be "incompatible with Christian teaching" and bars "self-avowed practicing homosexuals" from ordination or appointment as ministers.
Recommendations that could alter these positions will be considered by delegates before adjournment Friday, April 26.
The Council of Bishops said it affirms and respects the legislative authority of the General Conference but adds, "Our life together is not based upon uniformity of mind or conscience. We are a community of grace centered in Jesus Christ who makes us one."
Full text of the bishops' statement follows:
We, the Council of Bishops of The United Methodist Church, acknowledge the serious differences that exist among United Methodists on issues related to homosexuality. These differences are also reflected within the Council of Bishops. We have been praying together and have been talking with one another in a new spirit of honesty and openness that is both painful and hopeful.
The Council understands the present language in the Book of Discipline to be a faithful expression of faith and discipleship and are committed, collectively and individually, to teach and uphold our church's doctrine and discipline.
We prayerfully support the General Conference delegates as they struggle with these issues during the current session. As General Superintendents and servants of the whole church, we affirm and respect the legislative authority of the General Conference. Together we remain open to God's continued guidance.
With the entire church, we seek to address all issues, including homosexuality, with biblical, theological and personal integrity, and in ways that reflect God's love incarnate in Jesus Christ. As bishops, we share in the church's pilgrimage and pray anew what we prayed at the table: "By your Spirit make us one with Christ, one with each other, and one in ministry to all the world. ... "
Our life together is not based upon uniformity of mind or conscience. We are a community of grace centered in Jesus Christ who makes us one.
We call upon all United Methodists to join us in bearing witness to God's gift of unity in Jesus Christ.
-- Tom McAnally
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