Dear Friends,
With General Conference behind us, I have received many questions about what the changes to the Book of Discipline mean for Central. As I wrote in my last Tidings from Thomas, the people of Central will, with the Holy Spirit’s guidance, continue to decide what is best for Central. If you have not already done so, please read my reflections on General Conference here: https://www.centralmethodist.net/tft.
The two biggest concerns I have heard relate to same-sex weddings and the potential of a gay clergyperson being appointed to serve Central. The Book of Discipline gives Central’s Board of Trustees the authority to make decisions regarding who can be married on our campus. Central’s Board of Trustees has voted to affirm our existing wedding policy and practices. In the coming weeks, the Board will gather input from the congregation on this issue, which will in turn inform the Board of Trustees’ future decisions. Be assured that our Board of Trustees will proceed thoughtfully, prayerfully, and in a spirit of Christian discernment, seeking to preserve the unity of the church. Unless the Board of Trustees makes decisions to the contrary, our wedding practices will remain as they currently are.
Regarding the potential appointment of a gay clergyperson, pastoral appointments are made in consultation with Central’s Staff Parish Relations Committee. I cannot foresee the bishop making any appointment that would be divisive for Central, one of South Carolina’s cornerstone churches. I am confident that neither our current bishop and cabinet, nor any bishop and cabinet, would place a clergyperson in a church that would be divisive to the church. Such an action would not be in the interest of the church or the clergyperson and would be detrimental to the church’s effectiveness. After all, the bishop and cabinet are tasked with the responsibility of strengthening churches.
As your pastor, I commit to you that none of Central’s clergy or staff will undertake any action that would divide the people of Central against one another. The people of Central hold a wide variety of opinions and beliefs. In our diversity, God nevertheless calls us to unity. Consider the words of Psalm 133:1, “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!” Let us embody a spirit of Christian love and seek the unity to which God calls us.
Yours in Christ,
Thomas