The debate in the United Methodist Church about homosexuality and whether it is “incompatible with Christian teaching” or if “a self-avowed practicing homosexual” should be ordained has continued for many years. No matter where you stand on these issues, I wholeheartedly recommend listening to the following story from This American Life.
The story is “81 Words: The story of how the American Psychiatric Association decided in 1973 that homosexuality was no longer a mental illness.” This change in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders has had ripple effects across American society, including The United Methodist Church.
I very much enjoy the story telling style of This American Life and recommend that you check out more information at http://www.thisamericanlife.org/ You can also subscribe to the podcast directly in iTunes.
Rev. Andrew Conard 