United Methodists Seeking a Way Forward Conference
The conference, held at Northside UMC in Jackson, TN, focuses on the United Methodist Church formed in 1968 through a merger. It aims to address challenges and explore the Social Principles of the denomination.
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At Table: United Methodists Seeking a Way Forward Northside UMC, Jackson, TN April 13 & 14
The United Methodist Church o Formed on April 23, 1968 as a merger of the Evangelical United Brethren and Methodist denominations. o The Social Principles of the new denomination were first written between 1968-1972.
1972 Social Principles Statement "Homosexuals no less than heterosexuals are person of sacred worth, who need the ministry and guidance of the church in their struggles for human fulfillment, as well as the spiritual and emotional care of a fellowship which enables reconciling relationships with God, with others, and with self. Further we insist that all persons are entitled to have their human and civil rights ensured, although we do not condone the practice of homosexuality and consider this practice incompatible with Christian teaching."
Human Sexuality ( 162.G.) We affirm that all persons are individuals of sacred worth, created in the image of God. All persons need the ministry of the Church in their struggles for human fulfillment, as well as their spiritual and emotional care of a fellowship that enables reconciling relationships with God, with others, and with self. The United Methodist Church does not condone the practice of homosexuality and considers this practice incompatible with Christian teaching. We affirm that God s grace is available to all. We will seek to live together in Christian community, welcoming, forgiving, and loving one another, as Christ has loved and accepted us. We implore families and churches not to reject or condemn lesbian and gay members and friends. We commit ourselves to be in ministry for an will all persons. -2016 UMC Book of Discipline
Human Sexuality ( 162.G.) We affirm that all persons are individuals of sacred worth, created in the image of God. All persons need the ministry of the Church in their struggles for human fulfillment, as well as their spiritual and emotional care of a fellowship that enables reconciling relationships with God, with others, and with self. The United Methodist Church does not condone the practice of homosexuality and considers this practice incompatible with Christian teaching. We affirm that God s grace is available to all. We will seek to live together in Christian community, welcoming, forgiving, and loving one another, as Christ has loved and accepted us. We implore families and churches not to reject or condemn lesbian and gay members and friends. We commit ourselves to be in ministry for an will all persons. -2016 UMC Book of Discipline
1976 General Conference Addition to the Book of Discipline ( 613) No board, agency, committee, commission, or council shall give United Methodist funds to any gay caucus or group or otherwise use such funds to promote the acceptance of homosexuality. [Financial Administration} In favor 39 Against 31
1984 General Conference Addition to the Book of Discipline ( 304.3) Since the practice of homosexuality is incompatible with Christian teaching, self-avowed practicing homosexuals are not to be accepted as candidates, ordained as ministers, or appointed to serve in The United Methodist Church. [Legislative Committee; Standards for Ordination] In favor 79 Against 22
1996 General Conference Addition to the Book of Discipline ( 341.6) "Ceremonies that celebrate homosexual unions shall not be conducted by our ministers and shall not be conducted in our churches. In favor 553 Against 321
2016 Book of Discipline statements (Social Principles) 162.J Equal Rights Regardless of Sexual Orientation - Certain basic human rights and civil liberties are due all persons. We are committed to supporting those rights and liberties for all persons, regardless of sexual orientation. Moreover, we support efforts to stop violence and other forms of coercion against all persons, regardless of sexual orientation . U.S. military should not exclude persons from service solely on basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.
Overview Book of Discipline o All are of sacred worth and created in God s image. o The practice of homosexuality is incompatible with Christian teaching. o Equal Rights should be given regardless of sexual orientation. o Marriage is for a woman and a man.
Overview Book of Discipline o All persons are invited and welcomed into membership and participation in UMC. (All are welcome) o Self-avowed, practicing, homosexuals are not to be certified as candidates for ministry, ordained, or appointed. (No ordination) o Ceremonies that celebrate homosexual unions shall not be conducted by our ministers and shall not be conducted in our churches. (No ceremonies) o No UMC funds are to be used to support gay caucuses or groups or promote acceptance of homosexuality OR violate the commitment of UMC not to reject or condemn lesbian gay members and friends. (No funding)
2016 General Delegates by Region Region Percentage of Delegates United States Africa Philippines Europe concordatchurches 58.3% 30% 5.8% 4.6% 1.3%
2016 General Conference May 10-20 Portland, Oregon o Over 100 Resolutions submitted about human sexuality. o Delegates vote to continue using Robert s Rules of Order to make decisions.
2016 General Conference May 10-20 Portland, Oregon Delegates approved request from Council of Bishops to delay a debate on homosexuality to name a special commission that would completely examine and possibly recommend revisions of every paragraph in The Book of Discipline related to human sexuality. In favor 428 Against 405
Commission on the Way Forward Composition Selected by the Council of Bishops 11 ordained elders 2 ordained deacons 11 lay members 8 Bishops
Membership includes. o Members from U.S. (23), Republic of Congo, Philippines (2), Switzerland, C te d Ivoire, Zimbabwe, Germany, Nigeria, and Mozambique. o A wide range of ages o 18 men and 14 women o Individuals in and related to the LGBTQI community (including Reconciling Ministries) o Members from theologically conservative caucuses like the Good News Movement
Vision of the Commission The Commission will design a way for being church o that maximizes the presence of a United Methodist witness in as many places in the world as possible, o that allows for as much contextual differentiation as possible, and o that balances an approach to different theological understandings of human sexuality with a desire for as much unity as possible. o This unity will not be grounded in our conceptions of human sexuality, but in our affirmation of the Triune God who calls us to be a grace-filled and holy people in the Wesleyan tradition.
The Work of the Commission 1. Through March, 2018, it has met 8 times (each time for 3-4 days) 2. Work has included creating a covenant, defining its task, exploring scripture, clarifying its key values 3. The Commission s final recommendation goes to the Council of Bishops who then decide how to articulate the issue to be weighed at the called General Conference
So far. o The Commission has determined to focus on two models. o A third model ( traditionalist ) was discussed early in the Commission s work. It is no longer the focus of the commission. o No model is being seriously considered that would require all UMC churches and clergy to accept LGBT clergy and marriages.
Option 1: The One-Church Model o Each conference would be able to decide whether to ordain LGBTQ individuals as clergy. o Each pastor would be able to decide whether to perform same-sex weddings or unions. o Each local church would be able to decide whether to allow same-sex weddings in its sanctuary or receive an openly gay pastor.
Option 1: The One-Church Model o Those who could not in good conscience participate in same-sex weddings or ordination of LGBTQ clergy would not be required to do so. o Central conferences church regions in Africa, Europe and the Philippines could maintain their own standards on ordination and marriage. o The model would essentially make legal what is already happening in some parts of the connection.
Option 2: The Multi-branch Model o United Methodists would share doctrine, services and one Council of Bishops, while also creating different branches. o The five U.S. jurisdictions would be replaced by three connectional conferences based on theology and perspective on LGBTQ ministry. o Central conferences would remain as they are or could choose to affiliate with one of the three connectional conferences. o This model likely would require amendments to the denomination s constitution.
The Multi-branch Model of the UMC Progressive Traditional Contextual o Each annual conference would decide which connectional conference to align. o Contextual means allowing churches flexibility in ministry with LGBTQ people as best fits their mission field
Why Would the Multi-branch Model Require Constitutional Amendments? o Primarily because this model would do away with jurisdictions which are explicitly instituted n Section IV of the Constitution. o Other changes to the Constitution might also be necessary. o Amendments require a two-thirds aggregate majority of annual conferences and a two-thirds majority of delegates at General Conference.
Whats Next? o The final report will be presented to the Council of Bishops in Chicago on April 29-May 4. o The Commission s final meeting will be from May 14-17. o February 23-26, 2019: Special Session of General Conference in St. Louis, Missouri
