We have a big problem
By John Wright
May 1, 2008 - 7:48:28 PM
(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F70.84.212.75%2Fartman%2Fimages%2FdvLogo_headerBG.jpg&hash=1576bca83f776bfd1d2d41ca7d5e6bb9ad60b574) (http://www.dallasvoice.com/artman/publish/article_8794.php)
QuoteDelegates to the General Conference voted to retain language in the church's Book of Discipline, its governing document, which states that homosexuality is "incompatible with Christian teaching." The delegates also voted to uphold a decision by the church's Judicial Council that allows pastors to deny people membership based on their sexual orientation.
Both votes went against majority reports from committees at the General Conference, a lawmaking session held once every four years that ends Friday, May 2.
Eric Folkerth, senior pastor at Northaven United Methodist Church in Dallas, called the votes "shocking." Members from Northaven, where about one-third of the congregation is gay, have spent the last year lobbying delegates to the General Conference from North Texas.
"It's not what we expected," Folkerth said. "We have a big problem on our hands."