When A Methodist Pastor Withdraws the Welcome to Gays and Lesbians

For over 10 years I’ve been a member of Palma Ceia United Methodist Church here in Tampa. In 2011, at the urging of a large group of members, the Administrative Council of the Church adopted a statement of welcome to all, which was to be placed on our website. Unfortunately, we were recently appointed a new pastor who’s animus towards gay people has caused to him to withdraw that welcome and remove the statement from all public display. In fact, he’s gone so far as to have our listing removed from a website that does nothing more than provide a geographic directory of gay-welcoming churches. He did it without any consultation with the Council, and has acted in some questionable ways.

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Trying to Make A Little Change

two Sunday’s ago, I was teaching my Sunday School class (as I’ve done a number of times), and took a few minutes at the end of the class to deliver the following statement. I have been amazed at the outpouring of concern and support, and a number of them are willing to attend the Council meeting with me in November. I will reintroduce the resolution leaving out the section about trying reasonably to deal only with other organizations with similar statements. The council members previously used this as their primary objection.

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