I read the Jan. 12 Salt Lake Tribune article "Lesbian bishop at center of possible Methodist schism to preach in Utah, but sees 'beacons of hope' amid dispute.”
While I believe in traditional theological customs that were fairly modest, conservative beliefs for most mainstream denominations — say, 50 to 200 or more years ago — during those years, many denominations believed in a fairly narrow interpretation of the Holy Bible, including frowning on homosexual marriage.
I haven't changed my traditional roots, but I am much more lenient and compassionate than I used to be. I still believe the "ideal" form of holy matrimony is between a man and woman.
However, I cannot see why the United Methodist Church doesn't preserve itself and prevent schism by partnering (for lack of a better word) with perhaps Episcopalians who currently permit same-sex marriage. The Methodists could enter into a "treaty" for Episcopal ministers to "marry" any of their congregants and the once-married Methodists could return to their Methodist Church to worship under a "Don't ask, don't tell” policy. That way, traditional Methodists wouldn't feel a policy was foisted upon them on their turf. That seems the only way to prevent schism.
James A. Marples, Provo