Commission on A Way Forward Dave Nuckols

Call me if / when we can help each other Dave Nuckols (952) 210-0155 cell dave.nuckols@gmail.com Conference Co-Lay Leader, Minnesota Annual Conference Treasurer, Connectional Table Member, Commission on A Way Forward

Key points… “The problem” depends on whom you ask: LGBTQ & allies: the church is doing harm & it’s time to break the rules Traditionalists: we’re right about the Bible & it’s worth leaving over Centrists & bishops: this controversy is leading to schism unless we find a more creative solution to live with our differences GC2016 approached schism but African bishops pushed back General Conference requested Council of Bishops to create COWF Commission is a creature of the CoB rather than GC. It is will give recommendation(s) to CoB who will forward petitions to CGC. Special “called session” of GC in 2019 (but same delegates as 2016) Why will 2019 produce something better than 2016? >> Because this time the worldwide church will vote on unity instead of voting about homosexuality only

32 voting members USA (21+2) (66%) Africa (7+1) SEJ (7+1) SCJ (4) 8 POC / 24 W 14 F / 18 M USA (21+2) (66%) Africa (7+1) SEJ (7+1) SCJ (4) NCJ (4) NEJ (3+1) WJ (3) Phil (2) Euro (2) Laity (11) Clergy (13) Bishops (8) Moderators (3)

What can we lay leaders do? Be well informed http://www.umc.org/who-we-are/commission-on-a-way-forward-about-us Project calm and confidence De-escalate the tensions and rally the troops pray for COWF and GC2019 Provide leadership Ask bishop how you can help lead in AC-specific dialog 2017-2019 Build resiliency in your AC – both among clergy and lay – before 2019 Work for mutual understanding Cast a new vision Mission, witness and disciple-making are essential Unity without uniformity maximizes connection and effectiveness Lift up the centrist voices in your conference

Thank you! Dave Nuckols (952) 210-0155 cell dave.nuckols@gmail.com