Word has come that the Methodist Church might be divided because of the issue over gay clergy. This isn’t the first time the Methodist Church has split over a political issue. In 1844, the church split over the issue of slavery, some for, some against.
You’re probably thinking this blog is going to be about whether I think this division is needed. However, I just want to point out that religions have split several times during the years, not just the Methodist Church. This is called a schism and it’s a common occurance.
It doesn’t matter which side you fall on; the main thing Christians need to remember is that in Matthew 22:37-40, Jesus was asked what the greatest commandment was. Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
As Christians, this is what we need to focus on more than any personal opinions on whether the church should allow gay clergy. Love trumps hate all the time.
If you’d like to read more about the split, here’s an article from Fox News. https://www.foxnews.com/us/united-methodist-church-split-lgbtq-rights
It’s sad that we allow such issues to divide us as Christians. We should keep our eyes on God and live like we are believers. Whether Baptist, Methodist, gay or straight, hopefully one day we can all come together in love and show Jesus in all our hearts.
If you or someone you know is in need of prayer, please leave a comment below, and I’ll pray for the situation.
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Thank you for your post Kathryn. However, I think you got one point wrong. We should allow such issues to divide. Why? It is actually commanded in Scripture that if someone within the church is going against Scripture we are to have nothing to do with them if they refuse to repent.
I understand what you’re saying, David, but we need to remember that whenever you point a finger at someone else, you have 3 more fingers pointing back at you.