1. UMC and PVUMC UPDATES ON Issues of Inclusivity
“Where are we, how did we get here, and where might we go?”

2. Principles of Holy Conferencing
Every person is a child of God
Listen before speaking
Strive to understand from another’s point of view
Strive to reflect accurately the views of others
Disagree without being disagreeable
Speak about issues; do not defame people
Pray, in silence or aloud, before decisions.
By Bishop Sally Dyck The United Methodist Church

3. UMC General Conference 2019
Traditional Plan received 438 yes votes (53%) and 384 no votes (47%), and was approved. Among United States delegates, two-thirds voted against the Traditional Plan. 
A “Disaffiliation Plan,” or exit plan, was also passed, providing guidelines for congregations who wish to leave the UMC “for reasons of conscience” regarding issues of human sexuality.

4. Traditional Plan Retains exclusionary language from Discipline;
broadens the definition of “self-avowed, practicing homosexual”;
sets severe penalties to clergy for disobedience to the Discipline;
requires bishops, pastors and annual conferences to certify adherence to the Discipline.
The General Conference “doubled down.”

5. Denominational Responses to General Conference 2019
Responses, in general
PVUMC Response to GC Vote
Other Initiatives
Western Jurisdiction
Bishops
Adam Hamilton’s Initiative
Meetings in Minnesota and elsewhere

6. PVUMC Mission/Vision/Invitation
The PVUMC Mission and Vision Statements
The PVUMC Response to Events
Our Statement of Inclusivity (also known as our Invitational Statement or Welcoming Statement at

7. PVUMC Mission and Vision Statements
Mission Statement (revised 2019):
God’s Love in Action
Vision Statement: Love that crosses all barriers and embraces all people

8. Preconditions to PVUMC Action
Deep-Seated Historically Societal Prejudices
Social Transformation and Change
Social Awakening / Awareness of LBGTQ issues at PVUMC and our culture
Recognition of Fundamental Contradictions
Recognition of public and congregational perceptions about UMC and PVUMC
Rise of Reconciling Ministries Network (RMN)
The question at the time: Should we join?
What happened? We acted....

9. Our Statement of Inclusivity (formerly Invitational Statement)
We invite you to join us on a shared journey of life and faith, open to all, regardless of age, ability, economics, color, race, ethnicity, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, politics, theology or anything else that might separate us from each other. Whoever you are and wherever you may be on your spiritual journey, you’re invited to walk with Christ in community with all of God’s children, and embrace the endless possibilities of God’s unconditional love.

10. What has happened since 2/28/17?
Formation of Diversity Ministry Team
New LGBT+ members/allies because of statement
PFLAG monthly meetings began April 2018
Participation in Pride Parade with Conference
Diversity Team web page to launch May 2019
Running inclusive digital advertising campaign now
Growing congregational awareness of LGBT+ issues
All-Embracing Church Initiative

11. Why are we here today?
As parishioners and as a church we have changed since 2017.
The world has changed since 2017.
In light of the UMC’s adoption of the Traditional Plan, should PVUMC take a more visible public stance on inclusiveness by joining Reconciling Ministries Network as a church community?
What would it mean for the church to be a part of the RMN?

12. RMN Mission Statement
Living into our shared baptismal covenant, Reconciling Ministries Network equips and mobilizes United Methodists to resist evil, injustice, and oppression as we seek justice for people of all sexual orientations and gender identities.

13. RMN Vision Statement
Reconciling Ministries Network envisions a renewed and vibrant Wesleyan movement that is biblically and theologically centered. As committed disciples of Jesus Christ, we strive to transform ourselves and the world by living out the Gospel’s teachings of grace, love, justice, and celebration of all of God’s children. 

14. What does RMN do? What is the purpose of RMN?
Who or what entities can join?
What are the implications of joining?
What information is on the site?

15. Did you know….?
There are 10 Reconciling Congregations in the Desert Southwest Conference
The Desert Southwest Conference is a Reconciling Conference
The Western Jurisdiction is a Reconciling Jurisdiction

16. Why Join RMN?
To signal to the world our strong commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusiveness and our strong disagreement with the General Conference decision.
To signal to existing and potential LGBTQ+ guests and to prospective members our clear stance.
To leverage our public stance and help build inclusiveness in other ways.
To bind together in solidarity with other churches who value diversity and inclusion.

17. Questions and Thoughts