Eureka Springs Redux
First United Methodist Church in Eureka Springs, Ark., continues to proclaim its support for LGBTQ people and resistance to the Traditional Plan. (Facebook photo)
June 20 was a historic day in U.S. United Methodism, according to the Rev. Jeremy Smith. General Conference 2020 delegate elections were held in four annual conferences, and not one traditionalist was elected in any of them.
That’s right, says the esteemed Rev. Smith. More than 50 centrist and progressive GC2020 delegates were elected and not one WCA-supported delegate was chosen in California-Nevada, Minnesota, Western North Carolina and Virginia conferences. Of the four, Western North Carolina and Virginia typically have been conservative strongholds.
According to GC2020 math, these additional delegates still aren’t enough to vote out the Traditional Plan next May. But they are enough to provide a solid base for negotiation.
Tennessee Conference apologizes to LGBT members
Holly Meyer of the Tennessean writes that Tennessee Conference United Methodists voted to apologize to LGBTQ members for the draconian strengthening of bans on gay clergy and same-sex marriage. Annual conference clergy and laity voted 335-208 in favor of the apology. Earlier this month, the Knoxville-based Holston Conference in East Tennessee also approved a resolution of apology, saying they grieve the results of the 2019 General Conference.
Tennessee Conference members also voted to merge with the Memphis Conference, which includes western Tennessee and part of western Kentucky. Memphis Conference clergy and laity approved the merger during their 2019 session the week of June 11. The merger needs approval from the Southeastern Jurisdiction, which meets in July 2020.
Tennessee’s GC2020 delegates include more women, people of color and young people under 35, Ms. Meyer reported.
Media Mentions as of June 21, 20119
Disunited Methodists – Preston Hollow People
Local churches worship for Juneteenth in unity to move beyond racist past
Minnesota Methodists resolve to allow officiating of same-sex marriages, LGBT ordination – Minnesota Public Radio
Minnesota United Methodist Churches Adopt Vision on LGBTQ Inclusion – WDIO