Subject: A Word from the Bishop
Dear sisters and brothers,

I begin this message with a confession of my own struggle with what to say and how to say it. I speak to you today, Monday, March 22, 2004, with a heavy heart. What follows is a brief statement in the aftermath of the finding of a
church trial in the Pacific Northwest Conference.

  I am absolutely astounded by the announcement of a verdict of not guilty in the case of Karen Dammann in Washington. I am deeply disturbed that a group of United Methodist clergy has placed themselves above the law of the church and has clearly ignored specific statements and declarations in The Book of Discipline. 

  Let me remind all of you that Paragraph 304.3 is very exact and definite: “Since the practice of homosexuality is incompatible with Christian teaching, self-avowed practicing homosexuals are not to be accepted as candidates, ordained as ministers, or appointed to serve in The United Methodist Church.” That is what our United Methodist Church has affirmed, and is the principle by which we are to be guided.

The efforts of the jury to explain away their disregard for the order of The United Methodist Church and their standing over against the decisions of General Conference is frustrating and disappointing. Their public statement places them in direct contradiction of both the letter and the spirit of past General Conferences and The Book of Discipline.  I know that there are some within our denomination that disagree with the statements as contained in The Book of Discipline, and would like them changed. However, that does not mean that anyone can set the Discipline aside in favor of their own preferences. 

As for me, I will continue to pray for God’s guidance. I will also continue to support and uphold The Book of Discipline as I understand its clear direction concerning these matters. I call upon United Methodists across our
conference to be fervent in prayer, gracious in conversation, and committed to making a difference for the sake of Jesus Christ and the glory of God.

 Bishop Larry M. Goodpaster

Alabama-West Florida Conference