Everyone Matters!!
Growing up somehow someway I developed a heart desire for all people to live cohesively and could not understand why they could not. As I have grown quite a bit older I now understand the reasons: pride, fear, control, hurts & disappointments, indifferences, and lack of respect, patience & forgiveness. As you know by now the ruling of the Judicial Council regarding the traditional plan which continues to exclude LGBTQIA+ from ministry and marriage and carries with it punitive consequences, stands. I am deeply troubled by many things as it pertains to this stance and ruling. The one thing that I am trouble most by is the legislative process by which the decision and ruling was made. I believe it is a hurtful and divisive process and it does not move everyone forward together. I truly believe that you cannot legislate relationship. Stuart-Mt. Vernon, you have heard me say that I believe we all need to stay at the table and do the hard work that gets us through all of the things that prevent us from living in a loving cohesive relationship with one another. There are many that believe a split is necessary but I truly do believe that we are better together. Therefore, after much prayer and many conversations I believe that I am called to be that voice while fighting for God’s love, holiness, righteousness, and justice for all. With the support of the Staff Pastor Parish Relations Committee here at Stuart-Mt. Vernon I have decided to be a nominee for the 2020 General Conference. Printed in this newsletter is my nomination statement and I illicit your prayers as I attend our Annual Conference June 7 – 11 where the delegates will be selected (yes…by legislative process!).
loving God heart, mind, soul, and strength pastor latonya