November 20, 2008

  • Not only am I Reverend with the Universal Life Church Monastery, I have decided my calling and title to be Minister of Peace.

    Here is the thing. I do realize that while I have been legally ordained with an online church, a dubious title to many I'm sure.  I personally find it to be my ultimate expression of Protestantism, I have grown up in the United Methodist Church, having been through many Sunday Schools, Confirmation, and other study and fellowship classes.  I have mentored youth, and have fed and clothed those in need, spent weeks of summer vacation on work missions fixing houses.  I have done, and continue to do much work in the church community.  And though I have not attended formal seminary, neither had the fisherman Jesus called from their boats.

    This leads me to my protest; The UMC, should I have even bothered to attend seminary, would not ordain me, or anyone like me.  They do not ordain gay and lesbian clergy, nor are the UMC Clergy allowed to marry or bless gay and lesbian couples.  To this, I protest, in fact I protest any denomination or group that would exclude LGBT persons.  I must step beyond the boundary of oppressive church rule, as Martin Luther did with Rome. This calls me to be ordained with the ULC Monastery, for I am called to make sure that ALL people can offer, and receive blessings and recognition.  Now, I still attend my UMC, but I have been increasingly involved and connected with the Reconciling Ministries Network, a movement within, but not recognized, by the UMC to be fully inclusive to all LGBT persons. 

    Obviously people are free to have thier religious views that are quite contrary to mine, being as ridged and exlusive as they like.  That is their right.  I however, have the right, and I feel, the calling, to be a Minister of Peace, spreading inclusivity, especially to the LBGT persons so often marginalized even today in this 21st Century America.

    I'm writing this post not as much to defend my position to others, but to clearly understand for myself, why I am moving in the direction I am heading. 

Comments (8)

  • Does this mean I need to start confessing my sins to you?

  • @TheTheologiansCafe - Only if you ever felt called to. 

  • @TheTheologiansCafe - I'm sure some would label me a heretic, but such is the risk with reformation.  

  • @wxcruiser - Ok.  I am constantly asking women off the internet to send me their boobs.  I don't think it is a sin but just in case.

  • @TheTheologiansCafe - So far as I understand, it is your endeavor to promote breast cancer awareness, and that seems a noble cause. 

  • the interesting thing about Jesus is that he was constantly trying to tell us that we could do all the amazing miracles he did if we just believed.

  • bless me reverand, for i have sinned....

    i think you're doing the right thing. but i'm pretty anti-religion, so i'm not the best person to comment on your spiritual problem with your lifelong church. but i thought i'd stop by and say hello. i like the line "step beyond the boundary of oppresive church rule": good one

    and oh, very cool about protesting Prop 8! it's time to say enough, separate but equal cannot stand.... me and evan were thinking of flying up to california next year to get married,but, well, guess we will have to wait on that again. sigh.

    -j

  • @jman17_jeremy - you'll just have to fly up to Canada then.  Its still cool there.

    Glad to see you back online.

    Much blessings to you, :)

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