Human Sexuality & The United Methodist Church
In the context of the United Methodist Church, this collection of images and text delves into the terms, structure, and stance on human sexuality within the church. It highlights Methodist terms, caucus groups, human sexuality terms, and the current language used to address these topics.
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Presentation Transcript
A WAY FORWARD Human Sexuality & The United Methodist Church
METHODIST TERMS Local Church (Charge Conference) District (West Jackson) Annual Conference (Mississippi) Jurisdiction (Southeastern) Central Conferences (International) General Agencies (13- Programming, Pensions, Missions)
METHODIST TERMS General Conference (Congress) Council of Bishops (Executive Branch) Judicial Council (Supreme Court)
BOOK OF DISCIPLINE Written by General Conference Interpreted by Judicial Council Enforced by Bishops
CAUCUS GROUPS Good News Reconciling Ministries Confessing Movement Wesleyan Covenant Association Uniting Methodists
HUMAN SEXUALITY TERMS Sexual Orientation Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual (LGBTQIA) Homosexual/Heterosexual Cisgender/Transgender
CURRENT LANGUAGE We affirm that sexuality is God s good gift to all persons. We call everyone to responsible stewardship of this sacred gift. 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 the 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.
CURRENT LANGUAGE 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 and with all persons.
CURRENT LANGUAGE All people may attend its worship services, participate in its programs, receive the sacraments and become members in any local church in the connection. The practice of homosexuality is incompatible with Christian teaching. Therefore self-avowed practicing homosexuals are not to be certified as candidates, ordained as ministers, or appointed to serve in The United Methodist Church. Ceremonies that celebrate homosexual unions shall not be conducted by our ministers and shall not be conducted in our churches.
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS General Conference 2016 establishes Commission on a Way Forward Election of Rev. Karen Oliveto as a Bishop in Western Jurisdiction, July 2016 Judicial Council rules election invalid on April 25, 2017 Bishops call a special General Conference for Feb. 23-26, 2019 Commission presents 3 proposals to Bishops, who select a preferred option Judicial Council rules that any person may submit legislation to 2019 GC Regular General Conference still scheduled for May 5-15, 2020
MISSISSIPPI CHURCHES Feb. 5, 2017, The Orchard votes (96%) to leave (retained building) Feb. 5, 2017, Getwell Road votes (94%) to leave (retained building) Feb. 19, 2017, Laurderdale votes (115-19) to leave (surrendered building) Sep. 10, 2017, Burns votes (30-0) to leave (retained building) Mar. 25, 2018, Louisville First votes (175-6) to leave (pending court case) Mar. 25, 2018, Bevil Hill votes (22-0) to leave (pending court case) April 8, 2018, Bellwether votes (105-2) to leave (retained building) May 13, 2018, The Pointe votes (112-0) to leave (retained building)
COMMISSION PROPOSALS Traditional Plan Connectional Plan One Church Plan
TRADITIONAL PLAN Retains and Clarifies current language in Discipline Clergy required to reaffirm the covenant Strengthen penalties for violations (mandatory minimums) Streamline withdrawal procedures (majority vote) 50 churches could form a Self-Governing denomination Self-Governing denomination could pay for UMC services
CONNECTIONAL PLAN Creates 3 Connectional Conferences (Jurisdictions) Traditionalist, Contextual, Progressive A sorting process for conferences, churches, and clergy The UMC continues as an umbrella of shared services Primary Authority resides in Connectional Conferences Receiving conference must approve transitions.
ONE CHURCH PLAN Deletes all language and policies regarding LGBTQIA Conferences, Churches, Clergy determine own policies No Conference, Church, Clergy compelled to act Local churches follow current withdrawal policies Departing churches and clergy must satisfy pension plan Receiving conference must approve transitions.
OTHER PROPOSALS Dissolution to create 2 or more new denominations Autonomous Affiliate Churches Simple Church Plan
WHAT WILL HAPPEN? Something Passes (2/3 vote, 2/3 Conference Ratification) Something passes but ruled unconstitutional Tabled until 2020 General Conference Nothing passes Slow Schism/Fast Schism Movement of the Holy Spirit
