Dear Editor,
Your report on the Methodist Conference’s consideration of ‘polyamory’, and the decision to hold same-sex ‘marriages’ in The New Room at Bristol – the oldest Methodist Church in Britain – is evidence that this once-great denomination has now drifted into apostasy. The evangelical voice, though strong and brave, has been drowned out by the liberals who have largely taken over the Conference.
As a life-long active Methodist, and an accredited Local Preacher for more than 50 years, I find this heartbreaking. John Wesley would have been horrified!
Two years ago, my wife and I, together with our small local congregation, decided we had no alternative but to leave the denomination, as many others have done. We joined the Independent Methodist Connexion – a much smaller but Bible-based denomination – and are enjoying our new-found autonomy. Our congregation has grown, as people who value good, evangelical ministry have come to join us.
However, I still feel deep sadness at what has happened, and the fact that I am no longer allowed to preach in Methodist pulpits where I had been welcome for half a century.
Yours sincerely,
Geoff Chapman West Camel Independent Methodist Church, near Yeovil, Somerset
Dear Editor,
As a long-time reader and supporter of Evangelical Now I was disappointed to read your front page story, ‘Methodists ponder polyamory’ (September en 2022).
Christians of all denominations are struggling with issues of sexuality in a rapidly changing world. The Methodist Church is no exception, nor, I suspect are many more conventional Evangelical congregations. When born-again Christians struggle with their sexuality or gender identity, it is often Methodist churches who pick up the pieces following their rejection by other ‘brothers in Christ’.
en’s story was based on a report from our Faith and Order Committee which summarised some of the issues raised during our discussions on homosexuality. Other topics included singleness, childlessness, healthy sexual expression, cohabitation, and gender identity.
I was a steward at the Telford Conference, I heard much about how the gospel is proclaimed by Methodists throughout this land, often accompanied with important social action.
Yours sincerely,
David Hallam By email
Dear Editor,
The matter of the Methodist Conference beginning to consider both polyamory and polygamy, as reported in the September edition of en, is a further step away from its original calling to ‘spread Scriptural holiness’.
Eight times elected as a member of that Conference, I observed its increasing rejection of the full authority of the Bible which has led to the present situation where we are unable to name some sins and call people to repentance, new birth and a life of holiness.
Members have left, lay and ordained preachers have resigned, and whole, or sections, of congregations have departed. My church, The King’s Cross Church, Hexthorpe, Doncaster is going through the process of leaving the denomination. We are doing so with grace and seeking to show love to those from whom we are parting. Readers may not know that the British Methodist Church holds the properties and funds of all churches ‘in trust’ and when churches leave they lose both. Naturally, this is holding some churches within the denomination.
The area of Hexthorpe, where we are centred, is one of great deprivation. Part of it is the 55th most deprived in the country and another part is the 550th most deprived. The church seeks to ‘Make Jesus Known’ by intentional and appropriate evangelism as well as by huge amounts of work seeking to help those living under such huge financial and social disadvantages. So, how shall we buy from the denomination our site with its new main double-decker building and a renovated hall as both are needed for all our serving and evangelism?
Firstly, they have to decide to sell the site, probably to the highest bidders. Next we need the finances to purchase it. The purpose of this letter is to ask your readers if they will kindly join with us in prayer for our Heavenly Father to supply this need so gospel work can be maintained and grow in this very special place where Methodist gospel work began 150+ years ago.
Yours sincerely,
Richard Iball By email
