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“Unacceptable” can mean just about anything, which is why I believe it was used.

Most UMC members don’t know the details of the Social Principles. I was releived to see that the pastor of the UMC church I’m leaving is encouraging folks to attend a seminar on them. I doubt many will attend, but even if it’s just a few, it will go a long way.

When I taught Confirmation was the first time I really came to understand what the Social Principles are, and after that, took the time/effort to read many of them online.

I wouldn't know what their social principles are, just noticed that my old church, the biggest one here, goes in for causes I might question. Of course, I am not against a more fair and just society, just the means of getting there and what gets stomped on along the way. So much we see we were warned about 2000 years ago in the bible. The poor you will always have with you. I believe that, and no matter what we do or don't do, it is going to be true. That's one reason I would object to socialism. But it is no excuse for not doing what little you can to alleviate the suffering of others.

I'm sorry you feel you have to leave, and I didn't mean to bash Methodism across the board. If I'd put more into it, I might have gotten more out of it. At some point, I did read a book about John Wesley.

I wish you well in making the transition and leaving friends/family behind. Once you get out of it, it's still not easy sorting it out. There are things in every church that cause conflict. Church seems to teach one thing, you wouldn't know it from what you encouter. Something in the bible says about how hard it would be to be a Christian in the last days, wherever we are with that. It was never easy to be a Christian if you took it seriously and thought about things for yourself, once you reach the point where you might be so inclined.

I almost envy people who are comfortable with their churches. It seems so easy for them. So many seem blissfully unaware of what is really going on other than the big scandals. I was once like that, just go along with the crowd no matter what. And I look back and see where that got me. For better or for worse, FR brings some of these matters forward I would never have questioned or thought about otherwise, not that I can assure you I have found the exact right path because I have not.