1. Commission on A Way Forward Dave Nuckols

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

3. 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

4. 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)

5. What can we lay leaders do?
Be well informed
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
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

6. Thank you!
Dave Nuckols
(952) cell