"Moving Day"

By Chett Pritchett

June 26 was what we United Methodists affectionately call, “Moving Day.”  Our itinerant system in United Methodism provides that all clergy appointed to a new congregation (or set of congregations) begin their appointments on July 1. Thus, the Sunday prior to July 1 is “Moving Day” – a Sunday free of church obligations so that clergy may make final preparations for their move.

Many Facebook statuses this weekend wished clergy, “Happy Moving Day!” Typically, I would celebrate these milestones with my clergy friends, many with whom I studied in seminary. But in light of this past week’s trial of Rev. Amy DeLong in Wisconsin, I am reminded of all the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender persons who have felt the call to ministry who never have the opportunity for “Moving Day.”

Or for whom “Moving Day” has meant packing your office and moving out of the parsonage because you have been transparent with your Bishop or District Superintendent about sexual orientation or gender identity. While our United Methodist Social Principles state that “All persons, regardless of age, gender, marital status, or sexual orientation, are entitled to have their human and civil rights ensured,” and we affirm the right to work for all people, these civil rights do not apply to our own places of employment.

Simply because we’re the Church, we have a right to tell corporate America not to discriminate, while we openly discriminate in our own employment practices? Is it any wonder that the Church is viewed as hypocritical?

On this Moving Day, it is my prayer that The United Methodist Church continues to step out on faith and that Moving Day is one of joy and celebration for all who are called to lead the Church in making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.

Chett Pritchett is Lay Leader of Dumbarton United Methodist Church.