This is one of the two aspects of this matter on my mind when I was blessed with the insight of God’s Word being His ‘Battle-Plan’. Revd Franklin Graham remarks about it on his Facebook as follows (emphases and linkage mine):

‘The Methodist Church in the United Kingdom has released its own “Inclusive Church Language Guide” that urges ministers and church-goers to avoid using words such as “husband” and wife” (and more) because those terms can be “hurtful” and “offensive.” Shame on the Methodist Church. These are Biblical terms—and marriage between a man and a woman is Biblical truth. The word “wife” is used in some 360 verses in 38 books of the Bible. They are in essence trying to edit what the Word of God says and teaches to be more appealing to the changing whims of culture.We are warned against that in Scripture. As Christians, we aren’t called to avoid what might offend people—we are called to share the Truth of God’s Word that can guide and direct us through every step of life.’

UN-BIBLICAL ‘BLESSINGS’

Let us not forget that in 2021 this body voted by 254 to 46 to allow same-sex marriages, requiring a change to the definition of marriage to be “a lifelong union in body, mind and spirit of two people who freely enter it”.  This is completely contrary to and at odds with what the saintly founder of Methodism, Charles Wesley, taught – and is utter heresy!

Note that Franklin Graham’s remarks warrant a clarification. In her covering blog, the Assistant Secretary of the Methodist Conference explains “why words are important and how the Guide affirms traditional terms…”

The Guide describes its purpose of facilitating direct, open conversations without condemning other viewpoints, as explained in the Guide’s Introduction (Dec 2023):

‘As Christians, we need to have the courage for conversations that can sometimes be
difficult, to recognise that we sometimes exclude people, to listen with humility, to repent of any hurtful language and to take care with how we listen and what we say or write, in the Spirit of Christ. Good, open, encouraging conversations, based on careful listening, are central to all positive relationships, including those within the Church. Using careful and positive language is key to effective ministry and mission.’

This is foundational in practising good listening skills and it proceeds to ‘offer’ guidance for conversing well with not-yet and, presumably, new believers in several situations:

• Ageism
• Anti-racist Language (including ‘antisemitism’, Islamophobia)
• Disabled and Neurodiverse people
• Gender
• Mental Illness
• Sexuality
• Slavery
• Trauma and Abuse

In the Guide’s penultimate page we read:

‘HOWEVER…,It is also worth considering whether there is any need to refer to any aspect of a person’s identity that isn’t directly relevant to the conversation or communication you are taking part in. Sometimes the most inclusive way of speaking or writing about people is not to emphasise an aspect of their identity….

…Where it isn’t relevant, you don’t need to reference any kind of ‘status’ or current or past struggles that people might have had. This keeps the emphasis on our common humanity and our common identity as children of God…'(emphasis mine)

The last phrase is a common theme in Methodism, but is in need of expansion on solid scriptural grounds – similarly, the Guidelines for Deliverance Ministry lacks clarity and in being vague is thereby ambiguous!

On page 3 we read what may be the most objectionable premise because it shuts down teaching people true principles, as laid down in holy writ (underscoring added):

‘Be open to correction
You may use words you consider to be inclusive, but find that someone corrects you. Be open to listening to the reasons they give you for not using the word or phrase you have used and understand that their thoughts are as valid as your own. We will all make
mistakes but it’s much more important that we try to take on board people’s preferences
and risk being corrected than not try at all.

Human relationships come in many varied expressions
There is infinite variety in the way that God’s creation is expressed in human life. This is
worth bearing in mind as we speak and write. Terminology such as ‘husband’ and ‘wife’
may sound inoffensive but it makes assumptions about a family or personal life that is not the reality for many people.

The words ‘parent’, ‘partner’ and ‘child’ are a good place to start. ‘Carer’ is also a neutral
yet understandable way to refer to the primary carer of a child, who may or may not be
their parent.’

Accepting notions of trans-sexuality without regards to the Word of God and not helping such folk come into and develop their identity in Jesus Christ and our relationship with Him. thereby endorses Methodism’s un-Godly stance.

At the root of this matter is the failure to teach about our true individual identity as in our loving Saviour, Jesus Christ.

There’s a world of difference between our loving all lost souls and graciously, listening carefully and compassionately with understanding, and in implicitly endorsing falsehood – and demanding its acceptance!

ANOTHER OPINION

Revd Graham links into this reaction, which may be imprecise in its assumptions or the document may have been amended (click image to read):

Methodist Church Calls on Ministers ‘to Repent of Any Hurtful Language’ like ‘Husband’ and ‘Wife’

Extract with objection:

In their double-minded approach to and, like in Anglican synods, twisting explicit Bible teaching, Methodists have accepted satanic strategy of enticement into false doctrine and consequential falling away from the full Gospel of Jesus Christ! 

THUS, Methodism is in heretical deviance from the Bible and fallen away from standing together in the Body of Christ – apostasy – with the consequences that entails.

Next, God willing, I hope to cover the really BIG instance of this heretical apostasy for which the Lord has given a distinct, unquestionable sign from heaven – watch out! Plus a personal ‘God-incidental’ confirmation!!