What is 1 thing you care deeply about? What is your name? Where do you live? What is 1 thing you care deeply about?

Why are we here today? 40 years of conflict in The United Methodist Church Centers around the inclusion/exclusion of LGBTQ persons General Conference 2016 “at the brink of schism” Bishop’s Commission on a Way Forward

The Commission’s Task To find a way forward for the UMC that can: Be as connected and unified as possible Be as agile, responsive and contextual as possible Address the widest global and cultural mission field as possible

The Commission’s Members 32 people selected by the Council of Bishops: Men & Women, Straight & Gay Laity, Elders, Deacons & Bishops Young Adults to Older Adults Citizens of 9 different nations on 4 continents A range of social & theological positions Some representing lobby groups from left/right/middle on the issue of LGBTQ inclusion

It all It starts with RELATIONSHIP Listening Empathy Connection TRUST

The Influence Pyramid

Where are you? Think of someone in your life you wish you could change in some way – someone with whom you are conflicted: What level of the pyramid are you using right now? What might happen if you were to move one level down as you deal with this conflict? How would things change if you went all the way to the bottom of the pyramid?

We will listen carefully to each other We will remember we are all part of the body of Christ. We will trust that the Spirit is at work in our conversations, even when we disagree. We will ask questions and be curious. We will speak in love, assuming trust not suspicion. We will let everyone participate and allow every voice to be heard.

We will relate to each other with “Hearts of Peace”

How is this issue being addressed in your congregation? Every General Conference since 1972 has had prohibitive language in the Book of Discipline that states the practice of homosexuality is “incompatible with Christian teaching”… How is this issue being addressed in your congregation?

Where in the Quadrilateral do you typically focus your attention when deciding a difficult theological question for your life?

What is at Stake for Us

ONE CHURCH PLAN Each Annual Conference decides ordination Each clergy decides marriage Each local church decides wedding policies Each Annual Conference pays for their bishop & supports Central Conferences through apportionments

What Happens Next? Judicial Council Declaratory Decision Question around other Legislation Other Models

CONNECTIONAL CONFERENCES MODEL Creates 3 different “branches” of UMC with clearly defined values 5 US Jurisdictions replaced by 3 “Connectional Conferences” covering the whole country, based on theology/perspective on LGBTQ inclusion Progressive Conference Contextual Conference Traditional Conference

TRADITIONALIST MODEL Current prohibitive language of Book of Discipline remains in place (re: LGBTQ exclusion) Accountability to these restrictions is more vigorously enforced (more church trials)

ONE MORE STORY… “Old Turtle”