A number of Methodist leaders in Mississippi have voiced out their objection against the state's latest religious objections law. They are saying that it violates their religious principles.
In a report by Salon, more than 30 ministers from around the state published an open letter on Monday, saying the so-called religious freedom law goes against the Christian teachings, which is to love and respect all kinds of people. Some of the ministers who joined the open letter are from different parts of the nation.
The group of Methodist leaders is the latest to join major businesses, human rights groups, and legal experts in criticizing and opposing the religious freedom law. The law is believed to discriminate against the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community, The Salt Lake Tribune reported.
The law basically lets churches and some private businesses deny their services to the LGBT community due to religious beliefs. Governor Phil Bryant signed the legislation into law earlier this April which caused major backlash. Some films have backed out from filming in the state due to the aforementioned law.
Pastor Bruce Case of Madison, Mississippi said in a statement that the law creates a problem where there is supposed to be none. He is one of the many who signed the open letter. He added that the LGBT people have always been a part of the church and that they are "our friends and fellow churchgoers. This law is unnecessary and just feels mean-spirited to me," ABC News reported.
Justin White of Greenville, Mississippi was the one who drafted the letter of the ministers. White said that many ministers have called him to ask to have their names added to the list since it was published. White hinks it is important as Methodists to speak out against what they see as injustices and that they believe in "fundamental rights for all and welcome all people unconditionally. If the Church should be anything it should be a sanctuary."
White also noted that the group was inspired by the 28 Methodist ministers back in the 1960s who spoke out against racism and segregation. The group published the "Born of Conviction" statement after riots broke out when James Meredith became the first African-American student to attend the University of Mississippi.
