LETTER: Church decision disappointing
As a pastor in the United Methodist Church, I am disappointed in the decisions made by our denomination earlier this week to strengthen bans on same-sex marriages and ordination of LGBTQ clergy. These decisions are not supported by a majority of United Methodists in the United States, nor a majority of people in my church in Washington. Alternative options were rejected that would have allowed us to “agree to disagree,” and every church or pastor could have acted from their own beliefs on this single issue. Instead, our denomination has done irreparable harm to LGBTQ persons and their families with these intolerant actions.
Many United Methodists affirm and support our LGBTQ neighbors as beloved creations of God, worthy of full participation in the church and community. I personally support same-sex marriage and the ordination of LGBTQ persons. To the members of the LGBTQ community: I am deeply sorry for the way the church continues to inflict pain upon you and exclude you. Whatever larger church bodies say, know that God loves you, and many Christians love you, too.
Rev. Erik Hoeke
Avery United Methodist Church, Washington