Recent national and local news reports covering the General Conference in Pittsburgh, indicated a “split” was brewing in the United Methodist Church over the issue of homosexuality. Although passions ran deep on both sides of the issue, the Minnesota delegates returning from the General Conference said there was an intentional effort to affirm our unity in Christ in the midst of controversy.

The topic of homosexuality has been a point of struggle and tension for a number of years among many Christian denominations. The feelings and passions expressed in Pittsburgh reflect the struggle that is going on throughout the church from the local level to the national level.

At a recent meeting of United Methodist clergy, the discussion quickly took on “sides”. Those on each side of the issue were certain they were right and the other was wrong. It occurred to me during that polite but passionate debate, that neither side was going to be converted. Not soon. Recognizing that reality, we have come to say that we will for now, “agree to disagree” regarding the ordination of homosexual persons and the issue of committed partnership and marriage. Where does “agreeing to disagree” leave us? Can we solve this issue? Is it ours to solve? Or will this matter work itself out in God’s good time as we continue the conversation? At its best, the church offers a place where the conversation can take place in an atmosphere of respect and love for one another, acknowledging that God is in the conversation. Is that possible? I hope so.

As I ponder this struggle I ask myself: does our denominational and cultural anxiety over homosexuality reflect some deeper fear or fixation with sexuality in general and each of ours in particular? Do we have a need to make everything a moral absolute, with no gray areas? Have we forgotten that God is Alpha and Omega (beginning and end), and that all life is in God’s hands, not ours? God is the ruler and judge, not humanity.

We do not have to turn back the calendar too many years to remember that the United Methodist Church was divided over the issue of slavery. The ordination of women was also a “hot button” for many years. Now we are astonished to think that so much time and energy was spent on those issues.

I keep thinking of Jesus’ response to the Pharisee who questioned him about faithful living through observance of the law. Jesus said: “ ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and first commandment.’ And a second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.” (Matthew 22:34-40)

I am committed to following that teaching. I am committed to welcoming all people to join us for worship and work in Christ’s ministry called Prairie Church. I am committed to trusting God to welcome all of us and to bring us all home by the amazing gift of grace. It is not about us. It is about God. May we live as those who follow Jesus by living in God’s love.

Pastor Mike Miller