Tulsa-area churches are continuing a demonstration against current United Methodist policies in the lead up to a vote on potentially realigning the denomination.
Until that vote in May, churches must abide by bans on ordaining LGBTQ clergy and marrying same-sex couples. They also must enforce disciplinary sanctions when those bans are violated.
Boston Avenue United Methodist Senior Pastor David Wiggs was at a Sunday evening service hosted by University United Methodist Church with the theme of lament, which included tearing church T-shirts, symbolizing the practice of rending garments to show grief.
"You know, we frame it a little bit more in terms of worship and support and encouragement and support and standing for love and for inclusion and for equality, but it is in response to what had happened at that general conference in February of 2019. It is a protest against that," Wiggs said.
UUMC Pastor Nathan Mattox said his church has not taken a public stance on the issue but welcomes the LGBTQ community.
"Yes, there’s always a concern that something is going to alienate beloved church members, but at the same time, we’re asked to lead with boldness," Mattox said.
Similar services coordinated by the Resist Harm movement within the United Methodist church will continue until the separation vote.
Wiggs said he does not expect many U.S. churches to leave the denomination if the separation plan is approved, saying international bishops were largely behind the current anti-LGBTQ policies.
