There is a seamy side to the apparent openness of some United Methodist Churches, those who are part of their so-called “Reconciling Ministries Network” that I have unfortunately experienced, and intend to detail in this post and one or two more following posts.
In this post I will mention some of the philosophical contradictions and show how philosophically their inclusiveness is a form of enslavement, of giving up of freedom and uniqueness by those in the LGBTIQA+ community. Let me start by bringing up their statement of inclusiveness:
Those who identify with the LGBTQ+ community and wish to participate in the life and ministries of AUMC are welcomed with open arms. Our congregation is a member of the Reconciling Ministries Network of churches, meaning that we are welcoming, affirming, and inclusive for all. We hope you will join us in worship, fellowship, and serving the Lord together.
avondarlemethodist.org
This sounds great, until you read further into their post, and realize what they really think of people in the LGBTIQA+ community.
Following their official statement they list 4 helpful links for the people of this community. One is Synergy Services, which they describe as “Homeless, youth and human services”. Another is the Trevor project, 24/7 crisis intervention programs. and a third is the suicide prevention hotline. They believe the people of the community are homeless, suicidal and involved in constant crisis needing help. If you have any ordinary human needs they don’t want to address any of those.
If you are in the community they see you as incapable of living a life on your own, because you are oppressed, and always will be oppressed,. and thus psychologically unbalanced and in need of perpetual help.
Okay, so I am stretching what the list of links says, on a conscious level. But at the sub conscious level it shows that they don’t think of you as people, but as a group. You have to be and act like they expect you to act, to be in your expected place, or they will make you fit or cast you out. They know what is best for you, and will do whatever it takes, even to the violation of every one of your civil rights to do it for you. Think I am being extreme? The next post will share a story of how they cast someone in the LGBTIQA+ community out for not matching their expectations of what that person should be
Tomorrow: A first person story of enslavement and the escape to freedom.
At The Rainbow 