UUC’s Statement in response to the UMCs Special General Conference
Jesus wept.
We are deeply saddened and hurt and unequivocally condemn the decision the United Methodist Church’s General Conference made to uphold discriminatory language regarding our LGBTQIA+ siblings and the ban on same-sex marriage and ordination of our LGTBQIA+ siblings. This decision has been part of an effort that’s taken many decades by wealthy groups to try to break up mainline churches, including the United Methodist Church. Although not surprising because of our call to love one another and seek justice for all, this decision has caused immense harm to many of us, including our LGBTQIA+ siblings.
The United University Church is in a unique position in that we are both affiliated with the Presbyterian USA Church and the United Methodist Church. But above all else, we are a Christian church in that we proclaim and spread the love of Jesus. The church has had a long history of fighting for human rights and social justice, including the full affirmation and participation of our LGBTQIA+ siblings in the life of the church. We are and will continue to be affiliated and work with More Light Presbyterians and the Reconciling Ministries Network.
To our LGBTQIA+ siblings: you are loved. You are a beloved child of God, no matter what any church institution, including the United Methodist Church says. If we inflict any harm to you, intentionally or unintentionally, we are deeply sorry and ask for your forgiveness. The United University Church is and always will be a sanctuary for you and you are welcomed and affirmed in this church. We celebrate you, and we desire your gifts that you bring to the life of the church.
To the USC community: this decision is not a reflection of who we are as a church and what Christianity is. In fact, it’s the opposite. It is not Christian to discriminate against one another, no matter your identities. It is not Christian to have a need for more power and money. It is not Christian to turn your backs against the most vulnerable in our society. It is Christian to fight for equality and affirmation for all. It is Christian to stand up to power and greed. It is Christian to care for the most vulnerable in our societies.
We recognize the history of Christianity and how it has harmed so many, not just our LGBTQIA+ siblings. We recognize that Christianity has been used to uphold slavery and segregation. We recognize that Christianity has been used to justify the genocide of our indigenous and Native American siblings. We recognize that Christianity has been used to prevent women from being ordained in our churches. These are just some of the harm that has been caused in the name of Christianity.
But please know, the United University Church has and will be in the frontlines in the struggle for peace and justice in our society. We stood with Japanese Americans when they were scapegoated and sent to concentration camps across the US. We stood with the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s. We stood up for LGBTQIA+ rights during the 1980s, when they were falsely blamed and stigmatized during the AIDS epidemic.
God’s love does not discriminate, because God IS love! In a moment of pain and hurt, we will resurrect into a new life, a new life that will transform us all to love one another and care for each other’s wellbeing. We must and will stay strong. As a bi-denominational church, we fully embrace not just our Presbyterian tradition, but our United Methodist tradition, but we fully embrace the Christian tradition of following Jesus, who loved ALL, no exceptions! Love will prevail, because it never fails!
Jesus wept.
We are deeply saddened and hurt and unequivocally condemn the decision the United Methodist Church’s General Conference made to uphold discriminatory language regarding our LGBTQIA+ siblings and the ban on same-sex marriage and ordination of our LGTBQIA+ siblings. This decision has been part of an effort that’s taken many decades by wealthy groups to try to break up mainline churches, including the United Methodist Church. Although not surprising because of our call to love one another and seek justice for all, this decision has caused immense harm to many of us, including our LGBTQIA+ siblings.
The United University Church is in a unique position in that we are both affiliated with the Presbyterian USA Church and the United Methodist Church. But above all else, we are a Christian church in that we proclaim and spread the love of Jesus. The church has had a long history of fighting for human rights and social justice, including the full affirmation and participation of our LGBTQIA+ siblings in the life of the church. We are and will continue to be affiliated and work with More Light Presbyterians and the Reconciling Ministries Network.
To our LGBTQIA+ siblings: you are loved. You are a beloved child of God, no matter what any church institution, including the United Methodist Church says. If we inflict any harm to you, intentionally or unintentionally, we are deeply sorry and ask for your forgiveness. The United University Church is and always will be a sanctuary for you and you are welcomed and affirmed in this church. We celebrate you, and we desire your gifts that you bring to the life of the church.
To the USC community: this decision is not a reflection of who we are as a church and what Christianity is. In fact, it’s the opposite. It is not Christian to discriminate against one another, no matter your identities. It is not Christian to have a need for more power and money. It is not Christian to turn your backs against the most vulnerable in our society. It is Christian to fight for equality and affirmation for all. It is Christian to stand up to power and greed. It is Christian to care for the most vulnerable in our societies.
We recognize the history of Christianity and how it has harmed so many, not just our LGBTQIA+ siblings. We recognize that Christianity has been used to uphold slavery and segregation. We recognize that Christianity has been used to justify the genocide of our indigenous and Native American siblings. We recognize that Christianity has been used to prevent women from being ordained in our churches. These are just some of the harm that has been caused in the name of Christianity.
But please know, the United University Church has and will be in the frontlines in the struggle for peace and justice in our society. We stood with Japanese Americans when they were scapegoated and sent to concentration camps across the US. We stood with the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s. We stood up for LGBTQIA+ rights during the 1980s, when they were falsely blamed and stigmatized during the AIDS epidemic.
God’s love does not discriminate, because God IS love! In a moment of pain and hurt, we will resurrect into a new life, a new life that will transform us all to love one another and care for each other’s wellbeing. We must and will stay strong. As a bi-denominational church, we fully embrace not just our Presbyterian tradition, but our United Methodist tradition, but we fully embrace the Christian tradition of following Jesus, who loved ALL, no exceptions! Love will prevail, because it never fails!
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Message from Pastor Sunny
Care Packages: We are collecting small things to let first year students know that they are
remembered as they go through their first year of college and away from home. Pastor Matthias has
the list of things you can bring so please sign up.
Open and Affirmation Congregation
UUC is an inclusive, progressive campus and community church located at the intersection of Jefferson and Hoover, on the North side of USC Campus. Rooted in the love of God, and following the example of Jesus, the faith community of United University Church seeks peace with justice, and welcomes all to join the journey, break bread and share stories of hope.
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