Here is a brief update from General Conference.

Today has been a difficult day for those of us who would like to see The United Methodist Church offer some softening of its language on homosexuality. For another four years, clergy in our church will be prohibited from performing same-sex unions. Our official Social Principles will retain the language that “the practice of homosexuality is incompatible with Christian teaching.” “Self-avowed practicing homosexuals” will not be ordained. On the last matter, I had worked with a few people to offer some compromise language for our Book of Discipline that while it would not have changed the ordination standards, it would have admitted that we disagree about homosexuality as a barrier to ordination and that we will continue to work and pray and think together. I was able to get the motion on the floor, but it was defeated soundly – both a liberal and conservative speech were made against it. I was saddened by that.

At the same time, the church was at its best again. In my last column, I related the story of the African-American who had seemingly been discriminated against at a local restaurant. The entire General Conference heard his story today, and the President of the restaurant chain is receiving a letter from The United Methodist Church. The church is at its best when it can offer compassion and when it can work for justice. Both are needed. Both are necessary. Many churches seem to do better focusing on one or the other, but we need both – and we need the church to help us care for our inner lives, too.

This is not a new insight. This week, the official mission of The United Methodist Church became – “making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.” Believe it or not, many spoke against this change. They wanted the statement to focus on making disciples as the saving of souls. Yes, the church cares about our inner life and the way we meet God there. Yes, the church seeks to bring people into relationship with Jesus Christ – but we do so in order that the world will be different. Both are needed – social focus and inner spirituality. Both are needed – justice and compassion.

After 2000 years, we are still learning what it means to be the church.

With Faith and With Feathers,

David