United Methodist Judical Council Meets

[Montanna]

Originally Posted by dewdrop_world

It's about speaking the truth to those who would turn the church into an instrument of social control (if not oppression).

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Speaking the truth to those who wish to use the church that way is necessary. Once you have done it, give it time to work. Withdraw. Heal. Love. Care for yourself. Do good works. Avoid further explanation. Even as things move through a bad decision, they will change. Bless you for speaking the truth. I am trying to change some Presbyterian minds myself. It's pretty scary and gut wrenching. No one person can do everything. We just keep chipping away. We'll get there.

[NonLemming]

Originally Posted by Montanna

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Speaking the truth to those who wish to use the church that way is necessary. Once you have done it, give it time to work. Withdraw. Heal. Love. Care for yourself. Do good works. Avoid further explanation. Even as things move through a bad decision, they will change. Bless you for speaking the truth. I am trying to change some Presbyterian minds myself. It's pretty scary and gut wrenching. No one person can do everything. We just keep chipping away. We'll get there.

I sincerely hope you will. You have some powerful addicts's minds to change. Who said religion was the opiate of the masses?

Best of luck.

[Vanessa White]

FYI: I just wanted to give everyone a small update on my Pastor and my going to her regarding this. She was not able to respond to my email, but saw me in church yesterday and said to me that she got my email, and she did want to have a conversation with me about it. She said not to be worried, and that there are many more progressive United Methodists out there to help, or something like that. I felt so much better! Again, I did not even make any full disclosure to her, not even in the email, but she was all ready to assure me that everything would be okay. I know even more now that it will, and that she is on our side. Maybe a trial is not in my future, I hope, but maybe the support that I find in my own backyard will be bigger than I ever dreamed. Praise it! Peace all, Vanessa

[Zerbie]

I thought as much!!!

YAY Vanessa!

I had a very good feeling about your pastor - what a relief that she said that to you about progessive Methodists, and everything working out okay. Now you don't have to hang on tenterhooks wondering how she stands on the issue. I'm proud of you for reaching out to her. And I'm completely convinced that you are going to find more support than you bargained for from the people in your life, even those to whom you haven't yet "disclosed." My sense about all this is, they are all going to rally round you and you will be pleasantly surprised by their outpouring of care and solidarity. I'm glad for you.

[Vanessa White]

Thank you so much, Zerbie. I have been pleasantly and gratefully surprised, and I hope I continue to be...... Have a blessed day, Vanessa

[awediot]

Good for you Vanessa, I am really glad to hear things went better than they could have... I've been reading some things on another site about the debate tearing at your church, mostly the 180 other side version. It is a critical mass issue and what ever happens, sounds like you'll be on the winning side. Good luck and God bless...

[suzer1013]

Vanessa -- that's wonderful news. I'm glad that your pastor is supportive about this issue, and I commend you on your courage in bringing it up.

Awediot -- could you share the site you are talking about? I'd be interested to read the stuff there. Thx.

Susan

[awediot]

Sure Suzer1013, It is on the CARM.org(Christian Apologetics Resource Ministry) site. This link goes right to the Methodists page, and the "Liberal" word hops out pretty quick. You have to register to post, and I think be able to see all the 'delightful' rants as well... Guaranteed the site will make you appreciate the "nonviolence" and kindness practiced here. You may find a couple of familiar voices as well...