LAKE JUNALASKA AND HOMOSEXUALS
Filed under: Rick’s Thoughts — @ 9:40 am
When I heard that Lake Junalaska is hosting the “Hearts of Fire†conference, a homosexual caucus which promotes homosexuality in the United Methodist Church, I could not believe it. Yes, Lake Junalaska has approved this group to meet there for their Conference. In response, I sent him the following e-mail. Please read it as well as his response.
It is with great sorrow that I hear of your decision to have the facilities of Lake Junalaska used by homosexuals and their agenda in the United Methodist Church. Their only agenda is to promote the ordination of Homosexuals in the United Methodist Church. As I have traveled throughout the Carolinas and the south, the interest in Junalaska has been high. I am withdrawing my support for use of your conference center and will use our mailing list of 15000 United Methodist Leaders to inform them of your decision.
Very sad about your decision,
Rick Bonfim
RBM
HIS RESPONSE:
Dear Mr. Bonfim:
The Southeastern Jurisdictional Administrative Council (SEJAC) affirms the Social Principles in the Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church. It is our desire to serve the entire United Methodist Church (UMC) living and promoting the mission “Making Disciples of Jesus Christ†and desiring to practice and lift up the church’s commitment to “Open hearts, open minds and open doorsâ€.
My comments: we want open hearts. The caucus wants ordination of homosexuals to the pulpits of the United Methodist Church.
In 2004 Reconciling Ministries Network (RMN) contacted us regarding their “Hearts on Fire†conference and asked to rent housing and meeting space at Lake Junaluska. We researched their request and found RMN to be an Affiliated Caucus (2005 United Methodist Directory pgs 198-201) of the United Methodist Church. RMN is made up of a broad cross section of the United Methodist Church. They plan to host many United Methodist leaders during their event and we understand a majority will be heterosexual. We also discovered that RMN was allowed to participate during the 2004 General Conference along with other Affiliated Caucuses. The Executive Committee of SEJAC, who administers Lake Junaluska facilities, reviewed their request and agreed for us to provide hospitality to this group.
UMC Bishops Minerva Carcaño, Scott Jones, Susan Morrison, Sally Dyck and John Schol are planning to attend the “Hearts on Fire†conference. In a recent letter Bishop Dyck states “I believe the Bishops of the United Methodist Church have a role in breaking down some of the deeply divided groupsâ€.
My Comments: We are not divided; we are in war against the forces of darkness which want to enslave our children in a lifestyle of homosexuality. THIS LIFESTYLE IS NOT A CHOICE WE WANT FOR OUR CHILDREN AND GRANDCHILDREN.
The “Hearts on Fire†conference is not part of the Southeastern Jurisdiction (SEJ) ministry program and receives no funds from SEJ apportionments or Lake Junaluska Conference and Retreat Center. By renting RMN space, we do not find this in violation of the Book of Discipline of the United Methodist Church including 612 and 806. We believe we are appropriately following the Social Principles as outlined in 161:
My comments: We also have a choice to choose another retreat center for our activities.
“Homosexual persons no less than heterosexual persons are individuals of sacred worth. All persons need the ministry and guidance of the church in their struggles for human fulfillment, as well as the spiritual and emotional care of a fellowship that enables reconciling relationships with God, with others, and with self. The United Methodist Church does not condone the practice of homosexuality and consider this practice incompatible with Christian teaching. We affirm that God’s grace is available to all, and we will seek to live together in Christian community. We implore families and churches not to reject or condemn lesbian and gay members and friends. We commit ourselves to be in ministry for and with all persons.â€
My Comments: Homosexuals are in our churches. We love them, and we do not reject them. We desire to see them restored in the love of Jesus Christ. HOWEVER, WE REJECT THEIR AGENDA OF MAKING ELDER’S ORDERS OPEN TO HOMOSEXUALS. THEY ARE NOT MEETING AND STRONGLY PRESSING AT GENERAL CONFERERENCE JUST TO BE ACCEPTED AND LOVED. THEY SEEK OUR PULPITS!
As I read this, 1 Tim.4:1,2 came to mind, also Matt.24:4,12,13.
Comment by James Verbanac — August 13, 2005 @ 10:30 pm
Rick, I also inquired of Lake Junalaska Program Director and got pretty much the same answer, a publicist’s reply. It grieves me that our denomination would, in any way, encourage or assist such groups. Thanks for sharing from your heart. I love you brother. Hope to get back to Brazil with you again, soon!
Comment by Randy F carnley — August 14, 2005 @ 7:02 am
Rick, I concur with your remarks about Lake Junalaska. Sadly, we do have this division in the church. Seemingly the aim is to make homosexuality an accepted “lifestyle” in the UMC. I recall with interest when the South Georgia Conference voted to become a Confessing conference. Shortly after that we were told that we could not label ourselves as such. It is so sad that we have such contradictions in our Discipline, but as nearly as I can tell, the UMC STILL does not accept homosexuality. Probably everything that can be said about this has been said in one way or the other, but I recall just a few short months ago when my church and others were asked for a special donation for Lake Junaluska. As sadly as it might be, perhaps the only way that the conservative voice in Methodist will be heard is by voting with dollars. Speaking as a pastor whose church paid apportionments 101% last year, I do not think that the church that I pastor will be willing to again donate to a cause that is clearly against the Word of God and our own Discipline. I wonder if others might feel the same way? Maybe our brother Bill Hinson who has gone on to be with the Lord was right. Is it a time for an amicable separation from those who would lead us down the primrose path, or better still, how about them going their own way? With a thorn in my heart for God’s church – Eric Sizemore
Comment by Eric Sizemore — August 14, 2005 @ 8:12 am
Thank you, Rick for sharing with the Lake administrators. We just returned from a trip to the lovely facility, and I shudder to think of the “unseen” damage that can be done there through the presence of those in such error. We are praying that there will be some good Bible teaching and the mixed up people will be saved. Blessings to you!
Comment by Mary B.Rice — August 15, 2005 @ 1:56 pm
Tears are falling from many for the UMC these days. The bowls are flooding over, could it be that the time of the washing of the church is close at hand?
Back in the mid 70′s the new age practice of guided imagery infiltrated the youth teachings on the grounds at Junaluska, I know for I was there and heard the teachings beside the lake close to the conference center. Since then, more and more anti-God philosophy and theology has aggressively invaded the teachings of our churches.
The time has come for each of us to speak, gently but with love and compassion and express clearly our feelings letting the UMC know that the majority does not want homosexual pastors within our churches. We shall not be the squeaky wheel that gets the grease, but we shall be the sounding trumpet blowing in the darkness, the healing restoration of the UMC shall come forth in victory bathed in oil.
Thank you Rick for letting us know what is about to happen…. We shall all let our prayers arise, sound the trumpets! Remember the walls of Jerico fell with the sounds of trumpets and a shout of victory. These walls of deception to shall fall…..
BLOW the Trumpets!!!!
Comment by Carol Fleming — August 16, 2005 @ 5:03 pm
Why is it so important for some United Methodists to go directly againt the Bible Beachings?? Yes i believe that all humans SHARE of the love of Jesus. The bible does not say that we should follow only the parts we like and throw away the ones we do not agree with. IT SO HARD TO STUDY THE BIBLE AND LEAVE ALL THE OUTSIDE CAUSES TO THE TO THE DEVIL? IF WE DID MORE TEACHING OF GODS WORD A LOT OF THESES OTHER PROBLEMS WOULD SOLVE THEMSELVES . DONT MAKE FUN OF GODS TEACHINGS AND CHOOSE TO LIVE IN TORMENT FOREVER!
Comment by dorothy p smith — August 29, 2005 @ 8:38 am
Dear Rick:
I just today received your newsletter about the Lake Junalaska conference center allowing homosexuals to use the center. I was so saddened by their decision. Even tho I am not Methodist now my earlier roots are still there and I do keep up with a good bit of what goes on in the church. I still have many dear friends in the ME church (of which you are one) and remember some good times we had in our home when you visited us. There are so many scriptures that denounce the homosexual lifestyle. Paul tells us in 1 Corin.5:9-13 not to associate with any so-called brother if he should be an immoral person—”—–”remove the wicked man from among yourselves” you can read the whole account, which I am sure you have. We can pray for them and try to lead them out of this lifestyle, but we are not to embrace them as to condone the way they live and tell them they were born like this. There is no grey area to walk in, you either serve the Lord Jesus and live a life above the tongue of reproach, or you serve Satan and the world, You can’t flirt with the world and walk with the Lord and if your lifestyle is condemned in the Bible you are’nt walking with the Lord, the Word says,”come out from among them and be ye seperate” I’m blessed to know that you wrote to the conference center and withdrew your support. Have blessed day with the Lord. Louise Cater, Vidalia, La.
Comment by louise Cater — October 21, 2005 @ 12:47 am
When recently pulling up “Lake Junalaska” to check into their facilities for a youth trip, I came across your sight in a general search. I am glad that I decided to check it out before going on with my plans. We are not Methodist but I was still interested in some of the conferences and trips they have for youth. After reading your letter concerning their hosting of “Hearts of Fire” and their response, we will not be attending anything they may have to offer. Thanks for letting this be known. May God bless you for the stand you are taking.
Comment by Gail Heath — January 5, 2006 @ 9:32 am