Alabama/West Florida UM Bishop Goodpaster Responds To Western Fiasco |
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From: Wesley wputnam@wesleyputnam.org
] Sent: Tuesday, March 23, 2004 12:22 PM To: jwarrene@ucmpage.org Subject: Pastor John Hi John, Here is a quote from Bishop Goodpastor in Mississippi. I also include an email I sent to my list responding to this fiasco. You might want to publish some address info on the cabinet in the PNW conference. I’ve included that as well. Wes "You didn't choose me, remember; I chose you, and put you in the world to
bear fruit, fruit that won't spoil." A Word from the BishopDear sisters and brothers, I begin this message with a confession of my own struggle with what to say and how to say it. I speak to you today, Monday, March 22, 2004, with a heavy heart. What follows is a brief statement in the aftermath of the finding of a church trial in the Pacific Northwest Conference. I am absolutely astounded by the announcement of a verdict of not guilty in the case of Karen Dammann in Washington. I am deeply disturbed that a group of United Methodist clergy has placed themselves above the law of the church and has clearly ignored specific statements and declarations in The Book of Discipline. Let me remind all of you that Paragraph 304.3 is very exact and definite: "Since the practice of homosexuality is incompatible with Christian teaching, self-avowed practicing homosexuals are not to be accepted as candidates, ordained as ministers, or appointed to serve in The United Methodist Church." That is what our United Methodist Church has affirmed, and is the principle by which we are to be guided. The efforts of the jury to explain away their disregard for the order of The United Methodist Church and their standing over against the decisions of General Conference is frustrating and disappointing. Their public statement places them in direct contradiction of both the letter and the spirit of past General Conferences and The Book of Discipline. I know that there are some within our denomination that disagree with the statements as contained in The Book of Discipline, and would like them changed. However, that does not mean that anyone can set the Discipline aside in favor of their own preferences. As for me, I will continue to pray for God's guidance. I will also continue to support and uphold The Book of Discipline as I understand its clear direction concerning these matters. I call upon United Methodists across our conference to be fervent in prayer, gracious in conversation, and committed to making a difference for the sake of Jesus Christ and the glory of God. Bishop Larry M. Goodpaster Key AddressesBishop Elias Galvan Bishop@pnwumc.org
Superintendent, Flora Bowers Administrative Assistant, Merri Hiatt 909 SE Everett Mall Way, Ste. C-303 Everett WA 98208 425.267.9010 Fax: 425.267.0479 psdistumc@aol.com Download the Puget Sound Directory http://www.pnwumc.org/pdf folder/puget sound directory 2003-2004.pdf (pdf.) Back to Top http://www.pnwumc.org/ Superintendent, Robert Hoshibata Administrative Assistant, Jeannie Kamihara: seadistumc@aol.com 2112 Third Ave Ste. 303 Seattle WA 98121 206.448.6426 Fax: 206.728.8442 seadistumc@aol.com Superintendent, Ronald Hines Administrative Assistant, Janet Wolfer 619A South 48th Ave Yakima WA 98908 509.972.2697, 1.888.818.4288 srdumc@bentonrea.com Web site: www.gbgm-umc.org/srdumc/ < Superintendent, Daniel Smith Administrative Assistant, Evelyn Maygra 3553 Bridgeport Way W, Ste D Tacoma WA 98466 253.564.3739 Fax: 253.564.3706 tacomads@aol.com http://www.pnwumc.org/ Superintendent, Michael Graef Administrative Assistant, Katherine Davis 1801 D Street, Suite 7 Vancouver WA 98663-3376 360.695.8598 Fax: 360.695.5948 vandistumc@aol.com These addresses, emails, and phone numbers are for the bishop and cabinet of the PNW annual conference where the Dammann fiasco was held. Perhaps you would like to let them know how this decision sits with you. I have. |
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