At its annual convention, the Northern Illinois Conference of the United Methodist Church passed a resolution affirming the ministry of liberal bishop Joe Sprague, who denies the bodily resurrection, virgin birth, and eternal deity of Jesus Christ.

Mark Tooley

But according to Mark Tooley, director of the Institute on Religion and Democracy's United Methodist Committee, the affirmation of Sprague was not the only controversial action the conference initiated. Tooley says another disturbing aspect of the gathering was the passing of a resolution that affirmed both homosexuality and bisexuality as "gifts of God" -- notions that go against the official doctrines of the United Methodist Church, scriptural teachings, and the historic teachings of all Christian churches.

The conference also encouraged clergy and Sunday school teachers to teach children to be accepting of such lifestyles.

The Northern Illinois Conference passed dozens of resolutions advocating liberal political causes. Tooley expresses ire over misplaced emphases: "A church gathering was unable to affirm scriptural teachings ... but had a great deal to say about what they regarded as very trendy and pressing political topics -- whether it's opposing the U.S. war against terrorism or calling for boycotts against Kraft Macaroni and Cheese."

Tooley notes that other matters the Conference deemed more relevant than affirming the divine identity of Jesus Christ included speaking out against policies of the Israeli government and urging the U.S. not to take any action against the Stalinist government of North Korea. Tooley says such actions demonstrate why the Northern Illinois Conference is one of Methodism's fastest declining regions, and why its yearly meeting "has turned into a parody."

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