Complaint against Rev. Blaedel "resolved."

After a 19 month process and a vote by the Committee on Investigation to send the case to trial, a resolution has been reached in the charges brought against Rev. Anna Blaedel (they/them) for being a "self-avowed practicing homosexual" and clergy in The United Methodist Church.

We grieve the harm that has been done and the losses endured and celebrate the courage, witness, and faithfulness of Rev. Blaedel and their commitment to telling the truth, even when it costs significantly.

From Rev. Blaedel's statement:

"Dear ones: my heart is broken open, moved by all I cannot save.

The truth is: I had hoped more would be possible.
This resolution is not just.
None of this is ok.
And, I believe, I have done what I can.

My primary goals during the 19 months of this 3rd complaint have been: to survive; to create the conditions for a livable future; to find a way out of endless complaints and charges that is consistent with my core values and commitments, and sense of integrity.

I have not wanted to lose, nor be forced to leave, the denomination that has baptized, confirmed, called, commissioned, ordained, and appointed me. I have not wanted to lose, nor be forced to leave, my place of spiritual belonging and religious community. I have not wanted to lose, nor be forced to leave, my clergy credentials.

Today we are naming together the truth that it is not currently possible for me to continue my ministry in the context of the Iowa Annual Conference, nor the UMC.

That is not the truth I want to come to, but it has been, is being, revealed as true. I have hoped for a different conclusion to this story, and resolution to this series of complaints. And the story is still being written. But. And. I am no longer willing to subject my body and soul and life to this particular violence.

Sometimes we have to be willing to risk losing that which we fear we cannot live without, in order to be free. I, too, “believe in freedom more than I believe in the structures incompatible with freedom.” (Alexis Pauline Gumbs)

Dear ones: It never had to be this way. But it is how it is.

We are here today because people with institutional power have refused to take responsibility for unjust, oppressive, discriminatory policies and practices that are incompatible with Christian teaching, and incompatible with collective liberation and common flourishing.

Those of us who have signed this resolution are seeking to reduce the harm. We have done hard and holy work together. We have shown up honestly, and relationally. Interpersonally, we’re good. Thank you for showing up, in the ways that you did.

But, and: it never had to be this way."

Rev. Tyler Schwaller, Blaedel’s legal counsel, shared in his closing statement:

”If I have one thing to say to the people of this church, it may be simply this: perhaps the most insidious harm is not outright bigotry—that’s obvious—but when people call themselves friends, while being willing to compromise our lives for the sake of “church unity.” And what has that gotten us? The promise of unity has only exacerbated division, destroying the church, as it has destroyed the lives of LGBTQIA+ beloveds. And still, we who are queer have something to teach the church. We know something of liberation on the other side of fear and trembling. We know how to celebrate life and love and tenderness and delight. We know how to make feasts out of crumbs. We know good news in our bodies, in our relationships, and in our living and loving beyond dehumanizing policies and practices. Follow our lead. We have good news for the church and world. This is messy, complicated stuff, and it matters so desperately that we get it right. Because bodies and lives and souls are at stake.”

Read Rev. Blaedel’s full statement
Read Rev. Schwaller’s full statement
Read the just resolution