OPINION: SEPARATION OF METHODIST CHURCH A STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION

NICOLE HASEK, TRUMPET GUEST WRITER

The United Methodist Church proposed to separate into a traditionalist and centrist denomination on Jan. 3. As a member of the Methodist church, I believe that the separation would cause each church to become closer. The separation is based on opposing beliefs of same-sex marriage within the church.

The proposal, which was created by 16 United Methodist leaders from around the world, will be voted on at the general conference in May. It also allows the existing church, which would repeal the rules against same-sex marriage and clergy, to be more accepting of members and pastors of the LGBTQ community.

Currently, ordained pastors within the church are not allowed to perform same-sex marriages, and are not allowed to be members of the LGBTQ community. If the proposal is passed, the existing United Methodist Church will allow LGBTQ pastors to perform same-sex marriages.

The separated traditionalist church will continue the homosexual ban. Someone’s sexual orientation is not something that should stop them from being able to pursue a profession in the church.

With the separation, individuals will have a chance to preach open and freely. In the traditionalist segment of the Methodist church, LGBTQ members will still be welcome to worship.

However, if they choose to marry someone of the same sex, they will not be able to get married in the church. This is a problem because many people want to marry in the church they attend, and that is not possible for some individuals with the rule.

I was raised to believe that being a Christian means showing love to others unconditionally, the way God does to everyone. Another thing I have always believed is that a church is a safe place for anyone.

I was raised to believe that being a Christian means showing love to others unconditionally, the way God does to everyone. Another thing I have always believed is that a church is a safe place for anyone.

– NICOLE HASEK

By not allowing certain couples to marry in their own church, it feels to me like these members are not being accepted. No one should go to a place of love and worship and feel that they are not welcome.

If an environment makes me feel uncomfortable or unwelcome, I tend to avoid those places. With the separation, individual churches will not have to vote on these topics.