wfn.org | Bishops release homosexuality statement

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"UNITED METHODIST DAILY NEWS" by SUSAN PEEK on Aug. 11, 1991 at 13:58 Eastern,
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Note 2895 by SUSAN PEEK on April 23, 1996 at 17:32 Eastern (4130 characters).

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034 {2898}                                          April 23, 1996

General Conference '96

Council of Bishops responds to statement
on homosexuality made by 15 of its members

     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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