Thread by @ralphmays_

THREAD: Watching the 2019 UMC Special Session of General Conference has been absolutely heart-wrenching.

#UMCGC #GC2019

Baptized into the church by water and spirit as a baby, the UMC promised to, "...surround me with a community of love and forgiveness, that I might grow in my service to others; to pray for me, that I might be a true disciple who walks in the way that leads to life." #GC2019

Years later, confirmed in the Methodist church, I promised to faithfully participate in its ministries by my prayers, my presence, my gifts, my service, and my witness – and I have. #GC2019

I have loved the UMC every way I know how. I have honored my vows, offering so much of my life to a church that today decides whether to uphold its' promise at my baptism. I have offered my presence, sharing pews with people I know would vote to exclude me from their sanctuaries.

I have offered my gifts, preaching the gospel in our Church which now questions whether the Good News applies to me. #GC2019

I have served in every aspect of the life of the Church; as an acolyte, in mission projects, in kitchens and bathrooms and boardrooms; as a Sunday School teacher and lay-leader and everything in-between. #GC2019

I have offered my witness as an LGBT person determined to live the work of the gospel; the work of telling our truth; confessing our sins; forgiving our enemies; embracing our neighbors & each other while sitting together in our pain, and our sanctification. #GC2019

And yet, with the fruit of my baptism and God's sanctifying grace towards perfection in love of God and neighbor on full display in my life, delegates debate whether I am worthy to share the sacraments and the name United Methodist. #GC2019

To quote Frank Ocean, "It's a bad religion, this unrequited love; to be in love with [a church] who can never love you."
#UMCGC #GC2019