Posted On The UCMPage.org Bulletin Board by MJR
Location: northeastern PA
New post
Posted: November 23, 2005, 9:26 pm
Post subject: letters of complaint against Bishop Susan Morrison
Following the Hearts on Fire convocation held early in September, members
of the Wyoming Annual Conference filed three letters of complaint against
Bishop Susan Morrison. The letters had 114 signatures among them and
represented 21 churches within the conference. The letters were delivered to
Bishop Violet Fisher who forwarded them to Bishop Jane Middleton. Copies of
two of the letters follow:
September 15th, 2005
Bishop Violet Fisher
1010 East Avenue
Rochester, NY 14607-2220
Dear Bishop Fisher,
We, the undersigned of this letter, as members of several churches in
the Wyoming Conference, write to file a formal complaint against our
Bishop, Susan M. Morrison. We believe she violated the office of her
ministerial trust by participating in the "Hearts on Fire" seminar
sponsored by the Reconciling Ministries Network. A careful reading of
the purpose statement of the Reconciling Ministries Network reveals a
purpose that is in contradiction to the stance of The United Methodist
Book of Discipline.
The purpose statement of the Reconciling Ministries Network states:
"Reconciling Ministries Network is a national grassroots organization
that exists to enable the full participation of people of all sexual
orientations and gender identities in the life of the United Methodist
Church, both in policy and practice." Bishop Morrison’s participation in
this seminar, sponsored by the Reconciling Ministries Network, is a
ministry of presence that represents a conflict and contradiction in
witness. She cannot uphold The Discipline with her participation in this
program because para. 138 states: "In The United Methodist Church,
inclusiveness means the freedom for the total involvement of all persons
who meet the requirements of The United Methodist Book of Discipline in
the membership and leadership of the Church at any level and in every
place." Her presence and her working with an organization whose stated
purpose is in conflict with the stance of our Church represents
"Disobedience to the Order and Discipline of The United Methodist
Church" (para. 2702.e).
It is our prayer and hope that we can, through this review of the
ministerial office of trust, have a "just resolution." As our Discipline
states: "A just resolution is one that focuses on repairing any harm to
people and communities, achieving real accountability by making things
right in so far as possible and bringing healing to all the parties."
Respectfully,
Name Church Affiliation
Bishop Violet Fisher
1010 East Avenue
Rochester, NY 14607-2220
Dear Bishop Fisher,
We, the undersigned of this letter, as members of several churches in
the Wyoming Conference, write to file a formal complaint against our
Bishop, Susan M. Morrison. We believe she violated the office of her
ministerial trust by participating in the "Hearts on Fire" seminar
sponsored by the Reconciling Ministries Network. A careful reading of
the purpose statement of the Reconciling Ministries Network reveals a
purpose that is in contradiction to the stance of The United Methodist
Book of Discipline.
Para. 2702.g states that it is a chargeable offense to engage in
relationships and/or behavior that undermines the ministry of another
pastor. As Bishop Morrison has openly acknowledged that she does not
agree with the restrictions regarding gay and lesbian people and
occasionally has said so, the confidence and trust of any pastor not
sharing this same opinion with Bishop Morrison is recognized as being in
agreement through association. Several people have stated in the
presence of Church members that they will not send their children to any
United Methodist camps for fear of having them exposed to doctrine
contrary to The Discipline. Another individual was accused while at work
of sharing Bishop Morrison’s belief when the individual simply said they
were a member of the United Methodist Church.
While we are blessed enough as citizens of the United States of America
to have the freedom to worship as we believe fit, those citizens who, of
their own accord, have verbalized their intent to the Church body that
they will fashion their life and beliefs to that of The United Methodist
Church, should walk the talk and make good on their public commitment to
their Church family.
It is our prayer and hope that we can, through this review of the
ministerial office of trust, have a "just resolution." As our Discipline
states: "A just resolution is one that focuses on repairing any harm to
people and communities, achieving real accountability by making things
right in so far as possible and bringing healing to all the parties."
Respectfully,
Name Church Affiliation
Last week, a reply came from Bishop Middleton. In part:
"I have carefully
reviewed your complaint with colleagues in the College of Bishops and with
the Chairperson of the Northeast Jurisdiction Committee on the Episcopacy.
We find that there is insufficient evidence to pursue the complaint
further."
There must be a better way to achieve accountability for the bishops. They
close ranks and act like an autonomous organization detached from those who
support them.
MJR |
