Delegates from the worldwide United Methodist Church gathered in St. Louis from February 23 through 26 to settle the denomination’s quandary about inclusion or exclusion of LGBTQ people and the churches that love them. The global church had the opportunity to affirm the blessing of same-sex marriage and the ordination of LGBTQ people. But presented with several options during this four-day special session on the future of the church, the delegates picked the “traditional plan,” with 53 percent voting in favor. Other options would have allowed local churches to choose their stance on sexuality, or would have split the church into separate denominations.
Spencerport and Adams Basin United Methodist Churches are two local churches that stand in strong disagreement with this decision. Throughout history, the people called Methodists have celebrated an open door theology. Pastor Jack Laskowski shared his thoughts: “We haven’t always gotten it right, but our structures have in the end always guided us toward justice, mercy and love. Our founder John Wesley declared: ‘Though we cannot think alike, may we not love alike? May we not be of one heart, though we are not of one opinion?’ ” These two congregations believe that God will continue to smile on the richness of diversity that has allowed them to do great good in the world. They are determined to let every individual know their sacred worth – and to fight the good fight until it is recognized by all.
Don’t be fooled by what appears to be a padlock on the front door of the Spencerport church building at 30 Amity Street (it is a lockbox for workers repairing the fellowship hall). Adams Basin UMC is on the corner of Canal Road and Washington Street. The people who gather within both buildings celebrate and share God’s love and hope with anyone and everyone they meet. All are welcome to join them on Sunday mornings for worship; in Adams Basin at 9 a.m. or in Spencerport at 10:30 a.m.
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