The Confessing Movement Responds
to the Karen Dammann Acquittal

Response from Bishop Larry Goodpastor:

Dear sisters and brothers,

I begin this message with a confession of my own struggle with what to say and how to say it. I speak to you today, Monday, March 22, 2004, with a heavy heart. What follows is a brief statement in the aftermath of the finding of a church trial in the Pacific Northwest Conference.

I am absolutely astounded by the announcement of a verdict of not guilty in the case of Karen Dammann in Washington. I am deeply disturbed that a group of United Methodist clergy has placed themselves above the law of the church and has clearly ignored specific statements and declarations in The Book of Discipline. 

Let me remind all of you that Paragraph 304.3 is very exact and definite: 
"Since the practice of homosexuality is incompatible with Christian teaching, self-avowed practicing homosexuals are not to be accepted as candidates, ordained as ministers, or appointed to serve in The United Methodist Church." That is what our United Methodist Church has affirmed, and is the principle by which we are to be guided.

The efforts of the jury to explain away their disregard for the order of The United Methodist Church and their standing over against the decisions of General Conference is frustrating and disappointing. Their public statement places them in direct contradiction of both the letter and the spirit of past General Conferences and The Book of Discipline. I know that there are some within our denomination that disagree with the statements as contained in The Book of Discipline, and would like them changed. However, that does not mean that anyone can set the Discipline aside in favor of their own preferences. 

As for me, I will continue to pray for God's guidance. I will also continue to support and uphold The Book of Discipline as I understand its clear direction concerning these matters. I call upon United Methodists across our conference to be fervent in prayer, gracious in conversation, and committed to making a difference for the sake of Jesus Christ and the glory of God.

Bishop Larry M. Goodpaster
Alabama-West Florida Conference

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Letter from Larry Eddings to Bishop Elias Galvan

Bishop Elias Galvan
2112 Third Avenue, Suite 301
Seattle, WA 98121-

Bishop Galvan:

Regarding: The Book of Discipline on Trial

Bishop, I am writing as a clergy person who has served in The United Methodist Church for fifty-two years as pastor in local churches and as a General Evangelist in an appointment beyond the local church. Thirty-nine of those years have been in this Annual Conference. Through those years I have endeavored to faithfully follow the Book of Discipline, as created by the General Conference and the legislative processes it follows in determining what is best for this denomination.

I have also endeavored to faithfully preach the Word of God as found in Holy Scripture, applying it to both dimensions of personal piety and social outreach. I have kept to the Faith as handed down to us through the Wesley Tradition and led the members of the congregations I served to do likewise. In those times when my human frailty has caused me to sin, I have endeavored to repent, seek God’s forgiveness and move on in the ministry to which God called me. With the help of God’s Holy Spirit I have endeavored to “live the highest standard of holy living,” as stated in the Discipline.

Now I find myself in a place where, as a retired pastor in the Pacific Northwest Annual Conference, I feel that all I have believed to be a valid expression of the Christian Faith is looked upon with apparent disdain by the leadership of this Annual Conference. The Scriptures are no longer authoritative. The Book of Discipline is no longer binding. The Covenant of the Clergy is a myth.

In light of the recent decision made at the trial of Karen Dammann, it is evident that Karen was not on trial for her failure to adhere to the requirements of the Book of Discipline, but that the Book of Discipline and the Scriptures were on trial because they did not encourage or support the personal lifestyle chosen by Karen Dammann. The Jury statement on Decision in the Karen Dammann Trial is ludicrous!

Since it was determined by the jury that the paragraph in the Book of Discipline that deals with homosexual practice [304.3] to be ambiguous and not declarative and that it did not apply to Karen Dammann’s relationship with the Pacific Northwest Annual Conference, I would like to suggest to you the possible ramifications that come because of the outcome of the trial.

What has happened in reality is that the verdict has carte blanche nullified the Book of Discipline and set in motion a whole series of possibilities that the church may have to wrestle with for years to come. For example:

1. Paragraph 304.3 - Pertaining to homosexual practice. “While persons set apart by the Church for ordained ministry are subject to all the frailties of the human condition and the pressures of society, they are required to maintain the highest standards of holy living in the world. Since the practice of homosexuality is incompatible with Christian teaching, self-avowed practicing homosexuals are not to be accepted as candidates, ordained as ministers, or appointed to serve in The United Methodist Church.”

NOTE: The paragraph related to the appointment and ordination of homosexual persons appears to be clear and about as declarative as it could possibly be. Nevertheless to the leadership of this Annual Conference it is not clear, but ambiguous. Consequently it would appear that all other parts of The Book of Discipline do not hold any authority governing the churches in this Annual Conference. The jury has determined that this paragraph in the Book of Discipline [2000] does not apply to the Pacific Northwest Conference of The United Methodist Church.

In light of this conclusion, now consider the following possible ramifications as a result of the outcome of this jury decision:

NOTE: Though the Book of Discipline [Paragraph 304.3] appears to be clear in its statement regarding homosexual practices, it is now permissible, as a result of the decision made at the Dammann trial to disregard that paragraph.

Since this Paragraph no longer applies to the Pacific Northwest Annual Conference, Pacific Northwest Clergy are not restricted from engaging in homosexual and/or adulterous acts consistent with their sexual orientation and preference. It is their “God-given” and civil right. The Church needs to catch up with and get in step with society. Consequently, homosexual and heterosexual practices that satisfy the needs of the individual, including homosexual “marriage,” heterosexual adultery, pedophilia, incest, bisexual activity and any other sexual relationship of choice is now permissible, without fear of reprisal or censure by the United Methodist Church in the Pacific Northwest Conference, since there is nothing in the Book of Discipline prohibiting these acts, but only vague and ambiguous, non-declarative references to “unquestionable moral character” and “genuine piety.”

2. Paragraph 404.1 - Pertaining to the duties of the Bishop. “As followers of Jesus Christ called to servant leadership, bishops are authorized to guard the faith, order, liturgy, doctrine, and discipline of the Church.”

NOTE: The Book of Discipline appears to be clear in stating that the bishop has the responsibility to uphold and support obedience to the Book of Discipline. The bishop in this Annual Conference carefully followed the Disciplinary procedure for bringing a person to trial on charges related to a true and legitimate action of a clergy person that breached the Book of Discipline. Nevertheless, the jury of the trial dismissed the charges altogether. It holds that the bishop has been stripped of all power or authority to enforce this or any other part of the Book of Discipline in the Pacific Northwest Annual Conference. The bishop is powerless.

3. Paragraph 324 - Elders in Full Connection. Pertaining to Commitment of Clergy to Covenant relationship. “Elders in full connection with an annual conference by virtue of their election and ordination are bound in special covenant with all the ordained elders of the annual conference. In the keeping of this covenant they perform the ministerial duties and maintain the ministerial standards established by those in the covenant. They offer themselves without reserve to be appointed and to serve, after consultation, as the appointive authority may determine. They live with all other ordained ministers in mutual trust and concern and seek with them the sanctification of the fellowship. By entering into the covenant, they accept and subject themselves to the process of clergy discipline, including serving on committees on investigation, trial courts, or appellate committees. Only those shall be elected to full membership who are of unquestionable moral character and genuine piety, sound in the fundamental doctrines of Christianity, and faithful in the discharge of their duties.”

NOTE: The Book of Discipline appears to be clear in stating that clergy are committed to a connectional covenant in which they will obey the rules of the United Methodist Church. The decision by the clergy jury at the Dammann trial opens the door for those who do not like certain parts of the Discipline to obey or disobey whatever part they do or do not like. The jury that allows for either selective or permissive obedience or disobedience, without reprisal from the church or its leadership, has set the standard. And too, am I as a part of the covenant community in this conference, being asked to “maintain the standards established by the jury in this trial” when I disagree and am appalled by it? Notice: not appalled by Karen’s life for she is a person of sacred worth, but by the decision of this jury’s vague rationale for their decision.

4. Paragraph 2501 Pertaining to ownership of church property. “In consonance with the legal definition and self-understanding of The United Methodist Church, and with particular reference to its lack of capacity to hold title to property, The United Methodist Church is organized as a connectional structure, and titles to all real and personal, tangible and intangible property held at general, jurisdictional, annual, or district conference levels, or by a local church or charge, or by an agency or institution of the Church, shall be held in trust for The United Methodist Church and subject to the provisions of its Discipline. Titles are not held by The United Methodist Church or by the General Conference of The United Methodist Church, but instead by the incorporated conferences, agencies or organizations of the denomination.”

NOTE: The Discipline appears to be clear in stating that all local church property belongs to The United Methodist Church and held in trust for it by local church and conference trustees. The paragraph that has to do with the United Methodist Church owning the local church property is very complicated and ambiguous and no longer in effect. Now the property may belong to local church and not The United Methodist Church. Since no one has the power to enforce it, the local church may have title to its own property, and, carried out to its extreme may choose to remain or not to remain a United Methodist Church. (emphasis mine)

5. Paragraph 328 - Pertaining to Guaranteed appointments. “All elders in full connection who are in good standing in an annual conference shall be continued under appointment by the bishop unless they are granted a sabbatical leave, an incapacity leave, family leave, a leave of absence, retirement or have failed to meet the requirements for continued eligibility.”

NOTE: The Book of Discipline appears to be clear relative to guaranteed appointments to clergy in good standing and they in turn must accept an appointment. Some do not agree because they have no such assurance of job security. This rule is ambiguous and is no longer valid. The bishop in The Pacific Northwest Annual Conference no longer has the authority to make appointments. The clergy and local church may choose to not follow the Book of Discipline and choose for them selves whether they will listen to the bishop relative to appointments. (emphasis mine)

6. Paragraph 431 Pertaining to a Church receiving a pastor. “Consultation is the process whereby the bishop and/or district superintendent confer with the pastor and committee on pastor-parish relations, taking into consideration the criteria of Paragraph 432, a performance evaluation, needs of the appointment under consideration and mission of the Church. Consultation is not merely notification. The role of the committee on pastor-parish relations is advisory.”

NOTE: It appears that the Book of Discipline is clear about a local church receiving the pastor appointed by the bishop. However, now the local church, not the Cabinet, may decide if pastors stay or go. Since there is ambiguity regarding guaranteed appointments, the local church, without consultation, has the freedom not to advise, but to select its own pastor or dismiss the one who is there, and at any time of the year, depending on the needs and desires of that local congregation. (emphasis mine) 

7. Paragraph 259.4c and Paragraph 246.13: - Pertaining to Conference Apportionments. “As soon as practicable after the session of annual conference, each district superintendent or designated agent shall notify each local church in the district what amounts have been apportioned to it from World Service, conference benevolences and other general Church, jurisdictional and annual conference funds…..Conference benevolences represent the minimum needs for mission and ministry in the annual conference. Payment in full of these apportionments by local churches is the first benevolent responsibility of the church.”“The treasurer[s] shall remit each month to the conference treasurer all World Service and conference benevolences funds then on hand. Contributions to benevolence shall not be used for any cause other than that to which they have been given.”

NOTE: The Book of Discipline appears to be very clear that the local church shall pay conference apportionments. However, since one part of the Book of Discipline has been nullified by previous ruling made at the Dammann trial, it is not mandatory to obey any other part of it. The local church is no longer required to pay conference apportionments in the Pacific Northwest Annual Conference, having dramatic and profound effect on pensions and insurance.

8. Paragraph 602.8 - Pertaining to Required Attendance. “It is the duty of every member and all probationers and local pastors of the annual conference to attend its sessions and furnish such reports in such form as the Discipline may require. Any such person unable to attend shall report by letter to the conference secretary, setting forth the reasons for the absence. Should any ordained minister in active service be absent from the session of the annual conference without a satisfactory reason for the absence, the matter shall be referred by the conference secretary to the board of ordained ministry.”

NOTE: The Book of Discipline appears to make it very clear that there are required meetings for all ordained pastors. That is no longer a valid requirement and clergy in the Pacific Northwest Conference may disregard it as a result of the Book of Discipline now being non-binding. There is now no required clergy attendance at Annual Conference, [paragraph 602.8], Meeting of the Orders [paragraph 311] or any other meetings called for in the Book of Discipline.. Application: no elders or deacons are required to attend the meeting of the Orders scheduled for May of this year.

Bishop, the door has been opened and, if carried to the not so extreme, it could cause much grief for the United Methodist Church for years to come. It may seem far-fetched and not even a remote possibility that this could happen. But that is what many thought about the clarity of paragraph 304.3 prior to the Dammann trial.

The secular, and pro-gay Seattle Post Intelligencer gave a very favorable report regarding the trial and it no doubt pleases some on the Cabinet to share it with others across the general church because it gives us a “feel good” feeling that the secular press liked what was done at the Dammann trial. It is interesting that the response of the secular press carries more favorable weight for the church than what the Scriptures say about it.

Bishop, no doubt Karen Dammann is a fine person and she has chosen a lifestyle that is suitable and fulfilling for her, and you have stated that “as soon as she is able to return to ministry you will welcome her and appoint her.” In light of this determination to pay no attention to what the Book of Discipline states, that “no self-avowed, practicing homosexuals are not to be accepted as candidates, ordained as ministers or appointed to serve as ministers in The United Methodist Church.” you will not agree with the possible ramifications that I have mentioned related to trial and the verdict that favored Karen.

However, this is not about Karen Dammann. This is about the validity of the Book of Discipline in The United Methodist Church, not to mention the Scriptures! Therefore, though you end your pastoral letter with the statement that “this matter is resolved,” I wish that were so, so that we could, in fact, get on with the primary business of the church. However, you may be assured that it is far from being resolved, neither in the Annual Conference nor in the larger Church.

I do not pretend that I have the answers or that we should quit dialoguing about this issue in the church. I am all for that. I write as one who grieves over the actions of some among our conference elders and leadership who would place them selves above and beyond the General Conference and the Discipline of the Church, the very Discipline they, and the rest of us, including you, swore to uphold when we were ordained.

Rev. Larry L. Eddings

The above letter was posted on Faithful Christian Laity (the laity web site for evangelicals in the Pacific North West Annual Conference).  Additional statements can be found here:  http://www.faithfulchristianlaity.org/discussion/viewtopic.php?t=67.

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