Cooper's Corner
Occasional Memo


We are, of course, hurt and sickened but not surprised by the refusal of the Judicial Council to reconsider its earlier action assenting to the refusal of a pastor to allow a gay man to join a United Methodist Church. The majority on the Council were obviously stung by the backlash over this decision, calling those of us who felt that the majority had overstepped its bounds by interpreting a part of the Book of Discipline that wasn't there(!) 'cavalier'. At the same time in a later paragraph, the Fateful Five indicated that they have deep respect for those who opposed its decision. The statement, which many of you have read by now, is defensive in tone, self-righteous in spirit, and clearly a damningly revealing reflection of the biased closed-mindedness of the majority on the Judicial Council of the denomination with 'Open minds.....'.

This decision of the Judicial Council will prove to be a landmark decision in the corporate life of our denomination. It is a p art of the history of the United Methodist Church, it is a defining moment in the present, and it will prove to haunt us in the generations ahead long after, pray God, it is overturned, as one of the more shameful moments in our legacy.

Who was the author (and I show my ignorance here) who said something like, 'the past is never behind us. It isn't even ever the past!' All of our life experiences are connected the one to the other and it isn't as easy as it seems to 'move on and leave the past behind you.' Perhaps it isn't even possible. Our lives and our memories of our experiences are not linear, but are composed of those experiences in life which make up the essence of who we have become and are becoming because of them.

Yes, of course, we must move ahead now and keep the cause of justice for all people ever more present in the life of our church, wherever we are and whatever God has called us to be doing in these moments. But it is also necessary to mou rn, to grieve, to experience the anger and the disappointment as well. Turning from this too soon will only push our feelings and emotions down and they will become a part of our souls,
leaving us with growing sarcasm and cynicism.

Progressives are by nature activists to one degree or another. Our focus is often outward rather than inward sometimes to the neglect of our inner life. In this moment in our life experiences as progressive United Methodists, I urge us to take care of our souls.

Spend time in prayer, in whatever form you pray. Spend time with friends and colleagues. When you feel like giving up, know that the cause of justice is never without its advocates. It is not solely dependent upon you. It is okay for you to take a temporary rest when you are tired. Your progressive soul will not let you stand idle for long! Neither will your friends and allies allow you to retreat beyond what is right and good for your spirit.

We need also to stay i n reality. Neither a sense of doom or a sense of denial is in order. The task before us is daunting but not hopeless. We are not alone. The future is on the side of those who fight for inclusion. Often the greatest progress is made in the Church and in society after what seems to be apparent as a defeat that is a harbinger of the future. .

Most of all, let us never forget who we are and whose we are. Let us stay focused upon the one who taught us how to live. Let us stay in tune with the one who taught us what it means truly to give his all to bring about the Kin-dom. Let us keep our ears and our hearts open to the one who still says to us in our time, 'Follow thou me.'

The South Africans had a little song that they sang during the struggle against apartheid. It was simple and to the point. 'Never give up, never give up, never give up, no never give up. Never, never, never, never---never no never give up.'

Stay in touch with yourself, with one another, with God . Stay focused on what is real and committed to what is true. Be well in body and soul. Never give up. Never. Never. Never.

Your brother,

Chuck Cooper, President
Oregon-Idaho Chapter
Methodist Federation for Social Action

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