| Scripture should trump Discipline I have been reflecting on the case of Karen Dammann and find the whole thing disheartening. Since 1972 the General Conference has spoken for the church on the issue of homosexuality. Now we have a case of a clergywoman practicing fornication, and her bishop is very relieved that her colleagues did not find her guilty. However, the Bible speaks on this issue in clear, declaratory statements, and it supercedes the United Methodist Book of Discipline. The liberal disregard of the Holy Bible by our leadership, from the laity all the way to the Council of Bishops, is distressing. I don’t understand the waffling of our leaders on 'disciplinary discrepancies.' We seem to think it’s proper to elevate to prominence the mantra of 'inclusiveness' above the requirement for holiness. What disturbs me even more is the issue of personal integrity. In order to become a United Methodist pastor, homosexual people have to falsely represent themselves. When we stand for ordination, we take vows to remain celibate as singles and faithful in marriage (as our service in the hymnal defines it, marriage means one man and one woman). The idea that someone claiming a call to ordained ministry had to lie in order to follow that call is problematic at best. As the Council of Bishops said, 'Our unity in Christ does not depend on unanimity of opinion.' However, these cases are not matters of opinion.The Holy Bible is clear and we as United Methodists claim Scripture as our primary authority in faith and doctrine. Rather than let society decide how we ought to stand, let’s go where Wesley went — The Word. Rev. Dennis Whitmore
First UMC, Laurel | 
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