Freedom of expression is right for everyone.
People can choose their own ways to express their views, showing either support to a specific action or standing against that action.
Last February, at the United Methodist Church (UMC) in St. Louis, a decision was made, that may have affected the feelings of many, about openly-gay people.
The church banned openly-gay people from serving in the church or being ordained as ministers. Moreover, UMC also decided not to release funds to any gay group and forbade any of the funds to be used in any cause that supports homosexuality.
An interesting way of protest was recorded when a young lady used her confirmation speech in a Church as a platform to protest against recent policies.
A 14 year young Kat Miller rejected the church’s confirmation in protest of the new anti-LGBTQ+ policies. This happened when she stood before her congregation at Batavia Zion United Methodist Church, Batavia.
This type of protest may have long-lasting implications as it can potentially affect church members and that person’s family.
Although this policy against the LGBTQ+ community was not appreciated by the majority of churches in the United States, the tipping point was delegates based in The Philippines and Africa.
It was a long struggle for Miller to get the status of the church’s member, as she spent 2 years in church’s confirmation program but she refused to take it, as her views were different.
On the same day, there were three other members of the church who came in front of the congregation and read personal faith letters. However, Miller came up with saying,
“I believe the most important values of Christian life are to accept everyone who is willing to believe in being a good person in God’s realm… Yet, the stance of the UMC, the organization, does not resonate with what I believe.”
Instead of being confirmed as “Church’s Members”, she only contented to be confirmed as a “Christian”. She further said in an interview about the story of Bishop Karen Oliveto, that,
“I don’t agree with that, I don’t think that we should be judging people because I think the church should be a welcoming place where you can come and feel loved.”
A similar protest was observed by eight teens in Omaha, Nebraska when the stood against the new policy. They stated that if they join and accept membership at this time, they would be sending the message that they are accepting this anti-LGBTQ policy.
The teens received support for their congregation and were given a standing ovation.
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