Karen Oliveto Essay

The United Methodist Church may soon undergo what “ten years ago would be considered a schism” due to the recent election of their first openly gay bishop, Karen Oliveto, this past November (MacDonald). This phrase is referencing the Great Schism of the Roman Catholic Church. As homosexuality is a highly controversial topic within the church, the United Methodist Church is in a unique position in regards to what they will and will not allow. Clearly stated in the church’s Book of Discipline is the prohibition of openly gay ministers being ordained; yet one was just ordained as a bishop. Accepting the LGBT community is seen to be living out the gospel by loving all of God’s children, while also pursuing justice and equality for all humans. In …show more content…
A hearing is set to settle the matter next spring, but that does not mean that there will be a clear-cut decision that both the traditionalist and the progressives can agree upon. Also, what is to be done until then? Of course, maintaining unity is the goal; but if that is not obtainable there have been three options that have been chosen to best suit this issue. Oddly enough, the bishops have expressed that they are prepared for some form of division due to this matter. The first fix to this issue would be to enforce the Book of Disciplines church-wide. The removal of Oliveto as a bishop, unpleased church members, and the loss of church members can all be a result of this decision. Both solutions, two and three, call for the restructuring of the United Methodist Church. As this may sound to be preparation for division, the goal is still to maintain unity. In efforts to appease both the traditionalists and the progressives, a proposed “patchwork of beliefs” is on the table (MacDonald). This would possibly include the allowance of same-sex marriage ceremonies, which will please the progressives while still prohibiting the open acceptance of the LGBT