Top Stories of 2003: Methodist Committee Tosses Out Charges Against Chicago Bishop
by Fred Jackson and Jody Brown
December 22, 2003
(AgapePress) - A committee of United Methodist Church (UMC) bishops has dismissed charges against a fellow bishop who denies the basic biblical teachings about Jesus Christ.Many United Methodist members have expressed outrage over statements made by Bishop Joseph Sprague of Chicago. They say he has denied the virgin birth, the physical resurrection of Jesus Christ, and that faith in Jesus Christ is the only way of salvation.
Based on that, a group of about 30 Methodists filed charges against Sprague late last year, calling for his removal. But now a committee of bishops that dealt with the charges has dismissed them, saying after reviewing the case they are convinced the Chicago Bishop "knows Christ as Lord and Savior, has faith in Christ's saving and transforming power, and is obedient to Christ's teachings."
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Bishop Joseph Sprague |
According to United Methodist News Service, the committee states the theological and doctrinal issues raised in the charges against Sprague are already "a matter of considerable public debate" within the United Methodist Church and that -- according to church law -- those charges should have been kept confidential. The committee made no mention of Sprague doing anything wrong. But it did criticize those who brought the charges for discussing the matter in public and has demanded they make a public apology.Other recommendations emanating from the committee are that Sprague release a public statement reaffirming his adherence to the UMC's doctrinal standards, that Sprague and those who brought the charges engage in a "third-party public dialogue," and that the Council of Bishops enter in "serious theological reflection" on issues of biblical authority and Christology.
Pastor Thomas Lambrecht, a spokesman for the complainants, says they are deeply disappointed with the committee's response.
"This decision appears to give official sanction to the personal interpretation of our doctrinal standards in a way that diminishes their unifying and binding force," Lambrecht told UMNS. He predicts such an approach to theology will only lead to even deeper divisions in the denomination and weaken its ministry.
Earlier this month, two conservative leaders in the United Methodist Church had predicted the charges against Sprague would be dismissed. One of those, Dr. Don Wildmon, stated there would not be a trial because "there are many leaders in the church -- including other bishops -- who would agree with Bishop Sprague."
