North Alabama Bishop Debra Wallace-Padgett released this statement* criticizing retired Bishop Melvin Talbert's decision to officiate a same-sex wedding in her conference. *(It seems the original statement has been replaced by a new one as of this afternoon.) Part of the Bishop's concern is that Bishop Talbert's actions will somehow be a distraction from the church's *real* ministry.
First of all, to her concern about media coverage, I say bring it on. The coverage of Bishop Talbert performing the wedding in opposition to discriminatory church law will be an inspiration to many of us, inside and outside the UMC. How refreshing it will be to see a leader lead.
But yes, the ongoing debate about sexual orientation and marriage equality is a distraction. It consumes too much of my time and energy as a queer United Methodist. Jesus, we should all remember, did not seem to care at all about condemning or policing people around their adherence to Levitical law. He did, though, say a heck of a lot about money and the poor and how we should treat those on the margins. If Jesus were still in his grave, I am sure he would be rolling over. It's true that the church's obsession with sex is a giant distraction from the ministry to which we followers of Jesus are called.
Except that church law and practice as it stands is causing grave harm to God's children. It is further marginalizing the marginalized. And Jesus does call us to care about that. Bishop Wallace-Padgett, I will be glad to turn my attention to things more important than sexual orientation when you and the rest of the church stop actively marginalizing me and my LGBT brothers and sisters. Until then, we will not be silenced.
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