Our Goal: To inform … and to foster open dialog on a sensitive topic. Tonight’s topics for discussion: Acknowledge God’s presence in our midst Provide background regarding the UMC’s stand on homosexuality The work of “The Commission on a Way Forward” and their three Model “sketches” The proposal from Council of Bishops Reactions/Comments/Next Steps In preparation for the special General Conference in 2019, United Methodists are using this book on conflict resolution.

Today’s contested “stand” on Homosexuality Was first openly debated at the 1972 General Conference and added to the Social Principles: “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 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.” After the 2004 General Conference, these words were added to the list of chargeable offenses for clergy: “practices declared to be incompatible with Christian teachings, including but not limited to: being a self-avowed practicing homosexual … performing same- sex wedding ceremonies…”

From an impasse at the 2016 General Conference …To The Commission on A Way Forward: A diverse 32-member Commission on a Way Forward was appointed by the Council of Bishops, assisting them with their charge from the 2016 General Conference: to lead the church beyond the impasse related to human sexuality and its resulting questions about the unity of the church. The Commission met several times for multi-day sessions. They received input from advocacy groups, UMC Boards and Conferences, plus agencies of the church. Members of the commission held open forums and received survey results from constituents (e.g. large-church pastors and seminary students). The Commission relied on several resources, beyond “The Anatomy of Peace” not the least of which was the Bible, with an early focus on Galatians, Paul’s epistle to early Christians facing their own conflicts.

Three potential models for the future were identified and presented to the Council of Bishops The One Church Plan, would allow but not require United Methodist clergy to perform same-gender weddings where legal, and allow but not require annual conferences to ordain LGBTQ pastors. The Connectional Conference Plan would create “three values-based connectional conferences” in the U.S., and provide for central conferences to align with one of those connectional conferences or become one of their own. The Traditionalist Plan is mentioned in the report, but details written by “a few members of the Council of Bishops” appear in an appendix. Essentially, the Traditional Model seeks to maintain the current United Methodist teaching on human sexuality, while also strengthening enforcement for violation.

One Church Plan (as recommended by the Council of Bishops) The one-church model allows different United Methodists in different places to make decisions regarding ministry with or by LGBTQ persons rather than maintaining a single worldwide standard. This plan removes restrictive language from the Book of Discipline and give conferences, churches and pastors the flexibility to “uniquely reach their missional context in relation to human sexuality without changing the connectional nature of The United Methodist Church.“ This plan protects the rights of churches (and clergy) whose theological convictions will (or won’t) allow them to perform same-sex weddings or ordain LGBTQ people (within the constraints of their local laws.)  No laity votes are required unless the local church wants to allow same-gender weddings on their property.  

Some Rationale Behind the Majority View by the Council of Bishops “This conversation, human sexual practice and gender identity, is NOT, in my judgement a church dividing issue. We need to see everyone as a Child of God.” He also quoted Wesley on schisms, “It is only when our love grows cold, that we can think of separating from our brethren…” -- Bishop Gregory V. Palmer, member of the Commission on the Way Forward, and Bishop for Ohio West. Retired Bishop Huie wants to be imminently practical. She believes this model: Expands our opportunities for mission. Imagining a bell curve, we have people ranging from Traditional to Progressive … this model expands the middle as much as possible. Undergirds religious freedom for everyone. Minimal votes are needed, avoiding winners and losers. Division & trials have huge costs, both financial and distracting from our mission.

Intense pain continues on all sides of this issue… Traditionalists Progressives The Wesleyan Covenant Association is working on a contingency plan for a Methodist movement within or outside of The UMC — depending on decisions from the 2019 General Conference. The group held its first global legislative assembly passing four resolutions, including one that said adopting the One Church Plan would be “untenable and would force us to leave.” https://wesleyancovenant.org One pastor, Rev. Schmutz, from Park City, Kansas resigned and surrendered his ministerial credentials based on petitions for change. Christopher was born again, at the age of 44. He returned to a UMC of his childhood, having made a decision to be celibate… While grateful for his rebirth, he said, “the thought of never falling in love again makes me sad.” A millennial, Sinclair grew up in conservative household. As a teen he learned, “I am queer and black.” He said, “My ancestors had their identity stripped from them… I do not want my relationship with God to be hijacked. … It is hard to live as a fractured person, where only a part of me can be accepted…” Sinclair wants to be ordained. A new group has formed to champion a “Simple Plan” at the special General Conference in 2019. This legislation would open the door to full participation of LGBTQ by eliminating all restrictions in the denomination’s Book of Discipline related to the practice of homosexuality. “Defrocked” by F. Schaefer shares his journey, emanating from an act of love for his gay son.

Uniting Methodist www.unitingmethodists.com Founded in 2016 this group is “a movement of Christ-centered, hope-filled United Methodists, uniting in Christ to make disciples for the transformation of the world.” They commit to challenge, in love, that which may divide us. They are not trying to find a plan to satisfy the traditionalists or the progressives. Rather, they are a group of UMC clergy and lay people seeking unity. They do not see human sexuality or gender identification as issues that rise to a level that should drive church division. Guided by Ephesians 4:1-6, they are driven to make every effort to maintain unity of the Spirit, in a bond of peace. They believe there must be “Room for All” despite differing views. As Adam Hamilton put it, “There are only a few things that we believe are the unmitigated law of God. They are: Love God with all our heart, mind, and body… love others as we love ourselves.”

Comments? Questions? What’s Next: Session 2, November 14 with Delegate(s) from the North Texas Annual Conference Session 3, November 28 for review and roundtable discussions

------------------------ Ephesians 4:1-6 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) Unity in the Body of Christ  I therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called, 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, 3 making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling, 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all.