I will give from now on to areas that will receive it directly for that purpose.

Discipline or Book of Resolutions items should be submitted to local churches before being brought up at conference. Local members can then make input to their conference delegates, including electing them or sending their inputs to those who do elect delegates.

When propaganda is used in Methodist writings, whoever is behind it should be called to task and word should be spread concerning it.

If you have friends who aren’t active on websites, print information for them about these issues — and make a few copies that can be available in church.

May God open our eyes.

I have been considering joining a local Methodist Church but am having second thoughts. Abortion isn’t the only questionable part of this bill. I am for a health bill but not this one with all of its payoffs to various members and states.

I called the local church and associate pastor knew nothing of this; only saying perhaps it came from the Bishops and referring me to the internet. Would really like to see a copy of the letter Nancy Pelosi claims to have.

[Editor's note: The letter the commenter refers to is here (PDF).]

Many people in the UMC are concerned with our agencies and boards taking stances on issues, in our name, as though it is these stances are clearly those of the larger Church.

Until accountability is taken seriously by our leaders, especially bishops, and they are willing to call out those who speak against our polity, Wesleyan ideals, and biblical precepts, there will be no changes made. The UMC will continue to decline.

To correct the course on which we’re now heading, the “sleeping giant” of the Methodist Church must be awakened by a commonality of belief, leadership, and action.

I am going to limit myself to restricted giving, so I am assured not one cent of my tithe goes to the deplorable activities of the General Board of Church and Society. The difference will go to Compassion International.

God have mercy on us all!!!!

Shalom

Can there be any further doubt among thinking Methodists that the General Board of Church and Society (GBCS) pursues a radical political agenda that is out of step not just with UM membership but with the population at large? Can there be any further doubt that the GBCS actually harbors contempt for many traditional Christian teachings? The actions of the GBCS are beyond objectionable — they are detestable.

Earlier this year the GBCS’s own Linda Bales (Todd) applauded a policy reversal by the Obama adminstration which paved the way for U.S. taxpayers to fund abortion clinics overseas. Unbelievable. And now they are attacking one of the few saving graces — the Stupak Amendment — of the so-called health-care “reform” bill.

But they may still get their wish. The Senate version contains Harry Reid’s provision for abortion funding. According to Rep. John Boehner:

Leader Reid’s 2,074-page health care monstrosity is an affront to the American people and drastically moves away from current policy. The National Right to Life Committee has called the Reid abortion language “completely unacceptable.” The American people deserve more from their government than being forced to pay for abortion.

The pro-life Stupak/Pitts amendment passed the House by a vote of 240 to 194, enjoying the overwhelming support of 176 Republicans and 64 Democrats. The Stupak/Pitts amendment codifies current law by prohibiting federal funding of elective abortions under any government-run plan or plans available under the Exchange.

The Reid plan ignores the will of a bipartisan majority of the House, and indeed the American people, by rejecting this bipartisan amendment.

Apparently frustrated that they cannot alter Holy Scripture, some leaders of the GBCS, in supporting radical pro-abortion groups like the misnamed Religious Coalition For Reproductive Choice, have focused their attention on changing the UM Book of Discipline and passing questionable resolutions. Once they have a Discipline more to their liking, they may disregard the Bible entirely.

The ridiculous wording of the “Responsible Parenthood” resolution shows how little attention is paid to these resolutions — except, of course, by those, such as the GBCS, who submit them. They know if they cannot get questionable legislation passed openly, or covertly via the use of consent calendars, they can at least maximize ambiguity, particularly on controversial issues. That allows them to use disingenuous reasoning to justify just about any agenda they want to pursue. And that’s exactly what the GBCS does.