Methodist Violence Over LGBTQ Schism
A headline from the Associated Press last month reads, ‘Deadly violence in Nigeria linked to breakup of United Methodist Church over LGBTQ policies’.
The article goes on to say, “A religious schism has turned deadly in Nigeria, with a church member fatally shot and two young children killed as homes were set ablaze, according to United Methodist News Service. The news service said the reported violence on Sunday stemmed from a schism in the worldwide United Methodist Church over its decision to repeal LGBTQ bans — and the ensuing formation of the new Global Methodist Church by breakaway conservative churches.”
Catholic Movement Dissolved Over Abuses
Also from the AP, Dissolution of Sodalitium Christianae Vitae: Pope Francis has dissolved the Peru-based conservative Catholic movement, Sodalitium Christianae Vitae, following a comprehensive investigation that uncovered extensive sexual, financial, and spiritual abuses by its founder and leaders. This action reflects the Vatican’s ongoing efforts to address and rectify abuses within Church-affiliated organizations.
Across The Pond: Archbishop of Canterbury Resigns in Wake of Abuse Scandal
From The Times – It is right that Justin Welby resigned after the publication of the Makin review into the Church of England’s most prolific abuser, John Smyth. If the former Archbishop of Canterbury, and others, had acted with more resolution when they were made aware of the scale of Smyth’s offending then some boys he victimized might have been spared.
What’s Going On?
Do you notice a pattern in these three stories? I do – abuse and division. No wonder folks are fleeing religion in droves.
The words of Jesus come to mind.
Abuse: “It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones.” Luke 17:2
Division: “And if a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand.” Mark 3:25
And no wonder the chief enemies of Jesus were the religious leaders of the time. He exposed them.
What are we as followers of Jesus doing to expose the ‘whited sepulchers’ of our day and time?