Methodist leaders to meet with Durham neighbors after opposition to new church
A Durham church that refuses to perform same-sex marriages will be the topic of a conversation among leaders of the United Methodist Church Tuesday night.
UMC Resident Bishop Leonard Fairley will attend the event, which is open to the public.
When Pioneers Church opened along Geer Street in downtown Durham last year, neighbors were concerned the church didn't reflect the progressive values of Durham.
Sherei Lopez Jackson, the pastor, told WRAL News she believes Christian marriage is a sacred covenant between one man and one woman, saying she is not permitted to marry people within the LGBTQIA+ community "under the limits of my ordination in the United Methodist Church and my own convictions."
The official stance of the United Methodist Church backs Jackson's position. The church "draws a distinction between orientation and practice, or behavior. ... The United Methodist Church supports laws that define marriage as the union of one man and one woman."
Jackson said people in the LGBTQIA+ community will still be welcome as full members of Pioneers Church.
That, too, is in line with official Methodist teachings.
In March, Fairley responded to opposition of the new church, writing, "It is never the intention of any truly passionate disciple of Jesus Christ to cause harm or hurt. Therefore, when harm is caused, it becomes our duty as followers of Christ to confess it and seek forgiveness, healing, and reconciliation for everyone involved ... In an effort to name and address the harm that many people have experienced in this all too human process, we are asking various clergy leaders ... to gather in mediated conversation so that we can together discern ways to address the hurts and harms."
The conversation will take place Tuesday evening. The community is invited to witness the discussion, but registration is requested for the "safety and security" of those attending.
Attendees are asked to wear a mask and bring written testimonials sharing their opinion on Pioneers and how it impacts the community. While time won't be allotted for the public to speak, the letters can be given to the panel at the end of the meeting for UMC leadership to read and review while considering their next steps.
