wfn.org | Responds to Conscience Statement

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"UNITED METHODIST DAILY NEWS" by SUSAN PEEK on Aug. 11, 1991 at 13:58 Eastern,
about FULL TEXT RELEASES FROM UNITED METHODIST NEWS SERVICE (3412 notes).

Note 3411 by UMNS on Feb. 4, 1997 at 16:15 Eastern (3532 characters).

SEARCH: homosexual, response, "The More Excellent Way," United
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CONTACT:  Ralph E. Baker                    57(10-21-28-71B){3411}
          Nashville, Tenn. (615) 742-5470             Feb. 4, 1997

Evangelicals, traditionalists respond
to 'Statement of Conscience' on homosexuality

                 by United Methodist News Service

     United Methodist clergy and lay members from 20 states have
called for an end to "needless debate over an issue settled
centuries ago and upheld throughout history by the unanimous
witness of scripture and Christian tradition."
     The three-page statement entitled "The More Excellent Way:
God's Plan Re-Affirmed," signed by 47 clergy and lay members of
the denomination, suggests that those pressing for the acceptance
of homosexual practice find avenues other than "United Methodist
pulpits, boards, agencies, educational institutions and other
affiliated entities" to express their views.
     The response document specifically refers to "In All Things
Charity," a "statement of conscience" concerning the
denomination's official position on homosexuality released in
early January by 15 United Methodist clergy.  The document also
mentions a statement lamenting the church's position on
homosexuality, released during the 1996 General Conference in
Denver by 15 United Methodist bishops as being "of particular
concern."
     "The More Excellent Way" affirms,
     * the United Methodist Church's position on homosexuality
stated in the "Social Principles" and Book of Discipline;
     * the "lifelong commitment between one man and one woman" as
the only appropriate form of marriage;
     * "the Disciplinary standards for ordination" excluding
"self-avowed practicing homosexuals" from the ranks of the
ordained;
     * support for "ministries of transformation" for homosexuals
"who wish to leave such lifestyles."
     In contrast to "In All Things Charity," which was signed only
by clergy, "The More Excellent Way" was signed by both clergy and
laity.
     The document concludes, "As a people of God, let us leave
behind this distraction and move forward, shining forth the light
of the Gospel of Jesus Christ into the dawning of a new
millenium."
                              #  #  #

     Original clergy signers of the statement include:
Robert Kuyper, Trinity United Methodist Church, Bakersfield,
     Calif.;
William A. Hines, St. Mark's United Methodist Church, Findlay,
     Ohio;
Cynthia S.L. Greene, Cherry Park United Methodist Church,
     Portland, Ore.;
Thomas A. Lambrecht, Chapel Heights United Methodist Church, Eau
     Claire, Wis.;
Patricia B. Looper, Faith United Methodist Church, Riverdale, Ga.;
Eugenio D. Raphael, Irwindell United Methodist Church, Dallas;
Jim Hill, North Claremont United Methodist Church, San Diego; and
Maxie Dunnam, president, Asbury Theological Seminary, Wilmore, Ky.

     Lay signatories include:
Carolyn P. Elias, First United Methodist Church, Hot Springs,
     Ark.;
Donald and Virginia Law Shell, Long's Chapel United Methodist
     Church, Lake Junaluska, N.C.;
Jerry Lapham, Monroe United Methodist Church, Monroe, Ohio;
Quentin Nesbitt, Groesbeck United Methodist Church, Cincinnati,
     Ohio; and
Dawn Percival, Aldersgate United Methodist Church, College
     Station, Texas.

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