Ruling means we must re-examine
membership standards

Some assembly required. That simple disclaimer strikes fear into the hearts of every mechanically challenged shopper in our nation. It means you have to put the product together before it has any worth.
Aren’t you glad God doesn’t require that of us?
How hard would it be if God expected us to put our lives together before we were considered of any worth?
Don’t you wish someone had reminded the Judicial Council of that truth before it ruled that the Rev. Edward Johnson, pastor of South Hill (Va.) UMC, had rightfully used his pastoral discretion in refusing to accept an openly gay man as a member of his denomination (“Council reinstates pastor who wouldn’t take gay member,” Nov. 11)?
I thought the church was an entry point to God’s kingdom on earth. I thought we were supposed to preach and practice a message that all are welcome. No assembly required.
I thought we advocated “open hearts, open minds, open doors.” Do we now need to issue a disclaimer with our denominational advertising?
As an ordained United Methodist elder, I acknowledge our current stance that the gay lifestyle is incompatible with Christian teaching. You may or may not agree with that.
Nevertheless, let me remind us of our position that all people are of sacred worth and equal value—regardless of how much we feel they have put their lives together.
This Judicial Council ruling is a wake-up call for the Southwest Texas Conference and our denomination. We need to re-examine our procedures and criteria for church membership.
It’s one thing to have selective hearing. It’s another for the church to have selective membership.
Do we need a disclaimer in our church bulletins regarding qualifications for membership?
The drumbeats of the 2008 General Conference are growing louder each day. The lines appear more clearly drawn than ever. It is my prayer that our future holds a solution, not a schism. History may show that our response to this latest Judicial Council ruling made all the difference.