A pastoral letter to the people of the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference My brothers and sisters, I bid you grace and peace in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. It has been a difficult week for our conference as many gathered at Camp Innabah for the church trial of the Reverend Frank Schaefer. A trial is a somber event in the life of our church, and one that we approached with prayer and sadness. I want to share my thanks to all of those who worked to make the process go smoothly, from the camp staff to those who served as chaplains, bailiff, TIP staff, greeters, and many people in our churches who were praying for this process and all involved. Our goal was that the trial could take place in an environment that was gracious, hospitable, and respectful. This was possible only because of the dedicated and caring efforts of staff and volunteers. The issues involved are difficult for people of faith and conscience. The trial court’s task was not an easy one, and we trust that they listened intently to the evidence that was presented and considered it carefully in order to make the best judgment they could. I want to express my appreciation for their time and their service, as well as to Bishop Alfred W. Gwinn, Jr. (retired) who presided over the trial in a dignified, compassionate and fair-minded manner. Thanks also to the counsel for the church, Rev. Dr. Christopher L. Fisher, the counsel for the respondent, Rev. Robert G. Coombs, and Rev. Dr. Lloyd F. Speer, III, the court secretary who all spent countless hours preparing for this trial. In addition we thank the legal counsel for each team and the many expert witnesses. The media coordination on behalf of the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference consisted of Rev. Michele Bartlow as conference spokesperson, Mr. John W. Coleman, Jr, EPA Communications Director and Ms. Diane Degnan from UMCom and I am thankful for their assistance. I would also like to acknowledge appreciation for all the preliminary work accomplished by Rev. Dr. David L. Fife. After finding Rev. Schaefer had violated Paragraph 2702.1 of the 2012 Book of Discipline, the trial court voted to suspend him from all ministerial duties for 30 days. During the 30 days, Rev. Schaefer is to discern whether he can uphold the Church’s Book of Discipline in its entirety. If he cannot, he must withdraw from ministerial office at the end of the 30 days at a meeting of the Board of Ordained Ministry. This is an issue that causes pain for many in our church and we hold all those affected in our prayers. We know that United Methodists have diverse opinions on this issue and our hope is that pray and work together toward unity, greater understanding, and healing. Settling our theological differences through church trials is simply not an effective form of problem solving. It is expensive, grueling and it leaves numerous painful scars behind. The hard work of relationship-building and holy conferencing needs to replace a win-lose court setting. I ask that you hold Rev. Schaefer and his family in prayer at this time. Rev. Schaefer has a heart for Christ and for the church and this is a most difficult place to be. He has taken a difficult stand and during this period of discernment our prayers and support are very important. I ask that you follow the Book of Discipline where it says: “We affirm that God’s grace is available to all. We will seek to live together in Christian community, welcoming, forgiving and loving one another, as Christ has loved and accepted us. We implore families and churches not to reject or condemn lesbian and gay members and friends. We commit ourselves to be in ministry for and with all persons.” (Paragraph 161.F) Let us also follow words of Paul who advises us: “You were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: ‘you shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another.” (Galatians 5:13-15). Bishop Peggy A. Johnson
Posted on: Fri, 22 Nov 2013 00:53:51 +0000
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