Dear Editor:
Recently you may have seen headlines in major newspapers such as the following — “United Methodist Tighten Ban on Same Sex Marriage and Gay Clergy” — regarding legislation passed at a Special Conference of the governing body of our denomination.
We would like to publicly state that we are appalled by these rulings. We grieve for our LGBTQ brothers and sisters both inside and outside of our congregations for the cruel message of rejection you have received in these pronouncements.
We want you to know you are welcome in our congregations and we look forward to the day when these prohibitions that grieve the heart of Jesus are removed.
Both of our churches are “Reconciling Congregations” who proudly proclaim that homosexuality is not a sin and celebrate the ministry of ALL people as blessed children of God.
Rev. Jeff Edwards
Parsippany United Methodist Church
903 S. Beverwyck Road, Parsippany
Sunday Worship 10:00 a.m.
Rev. Amanda Hemenetz
United Methodist Church at Mount Tabor
5 Simpson Avenue, Mount Tabor
Sunday Worship 10:30 a.m.