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03/19/2004: "Humpty Dumpty: man in purple"
Called as a witness in the Karen Dammann gay pastor trial, a retired bishop of the United Methodist Church, Jack Tuell, is quoted by the Seattle Post-Intelligencer saying this:
"In my considered opinion and judgment, the United Methodist Church has never declared the practice of homosexuality to be incompatible with Christian teaching," said Jack Tuell, a retired bishop viewed by many as a top authority on the church's rulebook, the Book of Discipline.
Paragraph 65g of the Book of Discipline, however, says this:
Homosexual persons no less than heterosexual persons are individuals of sacred worth. All persons need the ministry and guidance of the church in their struggles for human fulfillment, as well as the spiritual and emotional care of a fellowship that enables reconciling relationships with God, with others, and with self. Although we do not condone the practice of homosexuality and consider this practice incompatible with Christian teaching, we affirm that God's grace is available to all. We commit ourselves to be in ministry for and with all persons.
Paragraph 304. 3 of the Discipline says this:
While persons set apart by the Church for ordained ministry are subject to all the frailties of the human condition and the pressures of society, they are required to maintain the highest standards of holy living in the world. 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.
Illiteracy is a tragic thing. So is dishonesty. Thanks be to God, there is help for both. Get some before it's too late, ok, bishop?
