Rumors

I met a young woman wearing a stole of rainbow colors. She was working a computer on which she was able to show the "witness" demonstration that occurred yesterday. (She found it on one of the UMC websites.)

As we discussed the event, she commented that she has heard some crazy rumors, especially from overseas delegates.

They said that if she wore the multicolored stole, she was homosexual.

They said that she was not a United Methodist but an outsider trying to disrupt the church.

They said she would try to convert them to being Gay.

Someone has been misrepresenting the ones in the movement seeking fair treatment of homosexuals and requesting a "place at the table" where their concerns could be addressed.

I'd guess that at least 80 percent of the wearers of the stoles are parents and siblings of Gay individuals or are supportive of proving fair treatment for Gays and Lesbians.

I'd guess that 100% of those wearing the stoles around GC are United Methodists. Everyone I know personally certainly is a member of the UMC.

I have never seen any wearer of the stoles button-hole another person and talk with them about becoming homosexual.

Such rumors are truly bearing false witness against our neighbors.