Desert Southwest Conference Engages at UMCNext

What was it? An invitational gathering of 600 U.S. Methodist laity and pastors as well as any bishops and general secretaries of the United Methodist Church who met in Leawood, Kansas at Church of the Resurrection. Those who came represented different voices that are unified in their opposition to the General Conference’s decision regarding the “Traditional Plan” changes to the 2016 Book of Discipline.

What was it? Those gathered engaged in three days of intentional conversation and prayerfully wrestled with questions about how best to engage Global Methodism as faithful Disciples of Jesus Christ in resistance and rejection of racism, ageism, ableism, sexism, classism, homophobia, xenophobia, and colonialism.

What was it? It was not a time of creating legislation or organizing as a new denomination. It was simply a time exercising United Methodism’s most powerful tool - connectionalism - in an effort to build collaborative networks of resistance against the Traditional Plan and support for a Methodist movement that truly welcomes all.

Who Did We Send? N. Susan Brims, Central East District Superintendent Paul Cho, pastor, First UMC of Tucson David Devereaux, pastor, Desert Spring UMC, Las Vegas Robert T. Hoshibata, bishop, Desert Southwest Conference Dan Hurlbert, pastor, Prescott UMC David McPherson, Director of New Faith and Vital Faith Julie O’Neal, Dayspring UMC, Tempe Sharon Ragland, pastor, St. Mark’s UMC, Tucson Beth Rambikur, Director of Connectional Ministries Kimberly Scott, pastor, Crossroads UMC, Phoenix Khalif Smith, pastor, Trinity UMC, Las Vegas

Why The Secrecy? The Desert Southwest Conference and other Annual Conferences of the West have intentionally developed an environment as reconciling conferences. This is unique in the global connection. Many conferences openly and publicly penalize pastors who officiate or celebrate same-sex weddings, as well as clergy who are openly in a “same-sex” relationship.

Why The Secrecy? For thousands of Methodists just attending an event like UMCNext to build collaborative support would be enough to have them removed from ministry. Participants were asked not to share specifics of conversation or take pictures of other participants to protect those who came under threat of removal or retribution.

Why The Secrecy? This is why UMCNext was not an open event, did not record, and has not released a list of all participants.

What Is Next Participants are encouraged to return to their conferences and organize for acts of resistance and new creation.

What Is Next The DSC Next Team is organizing to build collaborative open work groups to create a foundation for a new vision of Methodism to emerge in the Desert Southwest Conference.

What Is Next https://dscumc.org/dsc-next This team will host a web-based Town Hall on Wednesday, June 5, at 10:30 am. Additional information and resources will be fourth coming and can be found on the DSCUMC website at https://dscumc.org/dsc-next

What Is Next Church, groups, and individuals who wish to be part of our NEXT Steps or stand in solidarity with this work are invited to commit to and affirm the four agreements found. Stay tuned to your conference and connectional ministry news sources to learn what else is happening.

Engage with us at www.dscumc.org/dsc-next/