Justice
Justice is the quality of being just; righteousness, equitableness, or moral rightness (Dictionary.com). Justice is also the moral principle determining just conduct and conformity to this principle, as manifested in conduct, dealing, or treatment.
In modern society, justice is most often described as fairness according to the law.... But God's justice goes beyond simply obeying the law; it is mainly concerned with doing what is right in all relationships.... It means living in relationships of love and caring. Justice begins with God and flows from God's overwhelming love. God wants justice for all of creation and wants us to be living examples of God's justice.... When Jesus announced the purpose for his work on earth, he said it was to bring good news to the poor, prisoners, those with physical limitations, and anyone who suffers (Luke 4:18). Justice brings protection and freedom to all. (Excerpted from the American Bible Society)
Justice is a frequent theme in the Bible. Micah 6:8 reminds us what God wants us to do, and that is to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with God. The Psalms tell us that God loves righteousness and justice (Psalm 33:5) and that those who observe justice and do righteousness at all times will be happy (Psalm 106:3). The prophet Amos calls for justice to roll down like waters and righteousness to flow like a stream (Amos 5:24).
On the basis of these biblical principles, we as Christians and as United Methodists believe in and work for justice for everyone. We stand for the dignity of all human life and are committed to inclusion and equality for all.
This strong commitment to justice is a compelling reason why many United Methodists work for the full inclusion of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people and their families in the life of the church.
Deeply held values of human kindness and fairness toward all inform the actions of many who call on the United Methodist Church to be open, accepting, and supporting of LGBT people. John Wesley's rule for living—"Do no harm"—calls us to eliminate discrimination against and marginalization of LGBT people and their families. Silence and inaction can also cause harm. If we recognize an injustice and do nothing to correct it, the harm continues. So we're called to take action against injustice.
If the church is to be a vibrant instrument of God's love, faithful to the justice of Jesus, then it must be a place that welcomes all.
We all know Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender people. Seen or unseen, they are vital members of our communities. For many of us, they have been our invisible neighbors, sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, cherished members in the community of life. Indeed, we recognize that throughout history, our church and our communities have benefited from the gifts of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender people. But in return for their gifts, we have given these brothers and sisters silence or scorn. When they have asked for their name and acknowledgment of their place as worthy members in the family of God, they have been answered with continued overt or subtle forms of spiritual and physical violence. (From the United Methodists of Color for a Fully Inclusive Church brochure; available at www.rmnetwork.org)
United Methodists believe in "liberty and justice for all" and strive to create a just church with no second-class citizens.
A young adult hears the call of God to be in the ordained ministry. This person grew up actively involved in the United Methodist Church—attended Sunday School regularly, was confirmed, was a leader in the youth group, helped in the nursery, sang in the choir, and was a leader in Wesley Foundation at college. This young person's love for God and deep commitment to serving the church are obvious. However, this person also happens to be a lesbian. That makes her a second-class citizen in the church—she can't be ordained. Although her spiritual gifts and graces inspire others and the evidence of her call from God is obvious in her life, she's ineligible for ordination in the United Methodist Church because she's a lesbian in a committed relationship with a woman.
Questions for Reflection or Discussion (call or text a friend)
- What United Methodist Church services, programs, and policies exclude LGBT people? What about policies and practices in my congregation?
- How has our church benefited from the gifts of LGBT people? In what ways have we returned silence or scorn for these gifts?
- Where do you see division and exclusion used in the church around issues related to LGBT people? Where do you see unity and inclusion being used?
"Our church has a long history of speaking out in favor of equal rights for everyone. So when our city council passed an ordinance that discriminated against gay, lesbian, and bisexual people, we wrote letters and organized a campaign with other churches and groups to overturn it. We want our city to be a place that treats everyone fairly."
Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly affects all indirectly. (Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Letter from Birmingham City Jail. 1963.)
