Bethany United Methodist Church is one of over one-hundred-and-thirty Reconciling Congregations throughout the United Methodist Church which openly welcome lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgendered people into the full life of the Church. As a reconciling congregation, we at Bethany affirm same-gender relationships and recognize the need to acknowledge God's blessing of life-partnerships as an integral component of our nurturing ministry.
Regrettably, the debate over the blessing of same-gender unions is far from over in The United Methodist Church. United Methodist pastors who choose to perform holy unions do so at great personal and professional risk. As a community of faith, we offer our loving and prayerful support for Bethany's pastor and any other United Methodist clergy who choose to celebrate the unions of same-gender couple. In so doing we also acknowledge and accept our responsibility as a United Methodist congregation.
At this time in the history of The United Methodist Church, we affirm
that our declaration to celebrate holy unions and covenant services within
our congregation is a witness to Christ's whole Church and is deeply
rooted in Bethany's on-going commitment to social justice. Therefore, having
diligently studied this issue and having sought guidance of the Holy
Spirit through congregational discussion and prayer, we at Bethany United
Methodist Church affirm our intention as a congregation to continue to provide
the opportunity and space for celebration of holy unions between loving,
committed life-partners.
Approved by Administrative Council at its September 2nd (1997) meeting.
Bethany's Re-Affirmation of Its Covenant Services Policy, September 1, 1998
Bethany's home page at http://members.aol.com/bethanyum2/
Bethany's e-mail is bethanyumc@aol.com.