We Shall Overcome

As reported by the NY Times, Methodist Court Removes Openly Lesbian Minister, "In a pair of decisions that bolstered conservatives, the highest court of the United Methodist Church defrocked an openly lesbian minister yesterday and reinstated a pastor who had been suspended for refusing to allow a gay man to become a member of his congregation."

Not surprisingly, the "Church's Judicial Council reinstated a lower court's controversial defrocking of the Germantown minister for violating the denomination's ban on noncelibate gay clergy," Church judiciary upholds defrocking, but the other decision was a surprise to many.

"Although United Methodism prohibits openly gay people in the pulpit, it welcomes all to worship. Mr. Johnson did not forbid the gay man to attend his church but said he would not allow him to become a member," noted the Times. This view is eerily reminiscent of the Mormons when they considered blacks to be "second class citizens." (See: Blacks and the Mormon Church). In fact, the Inquirer quoted a Church official who "suggested that gay-rights Methodists might consider finding 'a community that is more compatible and accepting of that lifestyle,' such as the United Church of Christ."

Obviously, a gay Rosa Parks is needed. Echoing that sentiment, "Rev. Michele Bartlow, pastor of the First United Methodist Church of Germantown, where Ms. Stroud served as an associate pastor. . .said the council's decisions sent an 'unambiguous' message that the church would not tolerate openly gay people in its clergy. 'But I, like many people, will stay and fight,' she said. 'I think these decisions are another step in a journey, and one day the church will receive gay and lesbian people into ministry.'"