Many religious organizations are not shy when it comes to taking a stand against the LGBTQ community.
The United Methodist Church is one of them — with their policies becoming so discriminatory that confirmation students are electing not to be confirmed until all rights are observed.
At First United Methodist in Omaha, Nebraska — a confirmation class of 8 students announced how they have decided to not become members of the church at this time.
Their decision comes after the United Methodist Church as a whole adopted a stance of anti-LGBTQ bigotry.
Currently, members of the United Methodist religion are currently at a divide as a proposal that would have allowed gay clergy as well as same-sex marriage was recently denied.
On Sunday, the group of 13 and 14-year-old students made their announcement in front of the Omaha-based congregation on Sunday.
Two members of the class then took turns reading aloud a letter explaining their decision.
The letter reads as follows:
“We have spent the year learning about our faith and clarifying our beliefs. Most of us started the confirmation year assuming that we would join the church at the end, But with the action of the general conference in February, we are disappointed about the direction the United Methodist denomination is heading. We are concerned that if we join at this time, we will be sending a message that we approve of this decision.
We want to be clear that, while we love our congregation, we believe that the United Methodist policies on LGBTQ+ clergy and same-sex marriage are immoral. Depending on how this church responds to the general conference action, we will decide at a later time whether or not to become officially confirmed.
But until then, we will continue to stand up against the unjust actions that the denomination is taking. We are not standing just for ourselves, we are standing for every single member of the LGBTQ+ community who is hurting right now, Because we were raised in this church, we believe that if we all stand together as a whole, we can make a difference.“
In the original post, the church allegedly gave the students a standing ovation in support of their choice.
Many were quick to comment, praising the students:
“What amazing young people! I am awed by their bravery and thank them for standing up for the LGBTQ community.”
“THIS is how change happens. Cheers to those young adults and to their community.”
“I adore this. The tears are just streaming down my face. Thank you to the kids for being so brave to stand up for what they believe. This generation, including my sons, is going to do us some good.”
“Wow. I’m in awe at the poise and conviction of these kids. Well done. And to their parents, you have my respect.”
“The young can be very wise beyond their years when they listen to what their hearts tell them. Bravo.”
“Such pride in these kids and in the congregation.”
“why am I crying in the club right now”
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