United Methodist bishops are making effort this fall to foster prayer, grace and transparency in the midst of disaffiliation votes around the denomination's U.S. annual conferences. At the same time, local media are keeping tabs on disaffiliation votes and sentiments in their regions.
Arkansas Bishop Gary E. Mueller issued a heartfelt video Sept. 14 asking United Methodists in his area to proceed with disaffiliation discussions in an atmosphere of prayer and understanding for those who hold differing positions on the church's stances on human sexuality.
The bishop's video message, titled "The Heart of United Methodism," was distributed in a special email notice. Here is the video from YouTube:
The Heart of United Methodism
Bishop Mueller also announced Sept. 14 that he intends to retire effective Jan. 1, 2023, in order to spend more time with his second wife, Karen, whom he married in 2016 after the death of his first wife.
In Rio Texas Conference, Bishop Robert Schnase has scheduled a series of in-person meetings from San Antonio to McAllen on the Texas border "to share his heart on the state of the church, offer his perspective on the future of The United Methodist Church and the Rio Texas Conference," said the conference announcement. The announcement said the bishop "will receive and answer many of your questions. We will worship together and pray together as we continue to discern our future."
Bishop Schnase's meetings begin Sept. 29 and run through Oct. 13. Details, including arrangements for translation into Spanish, can be found on the conference websitee.
Bishop Schnase Video
Meanwhile, the Africa Initiative issued a Sept. 13 response to the Sept. 8 statement from African bishops condemning the organization's activities and rejecting future association with both the initiative and the Wesleyan Covenant Association. The Africa Initiative statement opens:
"However, we are shocked, surprised, and ashamed that some of our episcopal leaders (some have written to disassociate themselves from the allegations) would devote their valued annual gathering, not to address vital issues confronting the church in Africa, but on allegations against the Africa Initiative without making any inquiries of its leaders of their concerns. Contrary to the so said call for unity, they released a declaration of war. During the tenure of the late Bishop John K. Yambasu of the Sierra Leone Area, he always extended invitation to the leadership of the Initiative to the annual gatherings of the Africa College of Bishops to offer briefings. At such forums, episcopal leaders made inquiries of the Initiative’s activities, and provided guidance. Contrary to that approach, the current leadership of the College of Bishops selected to discredit the Initiative and levy allegations without any due process, consistent with our Book of Discipline (BOD, 2016, Para. 2701-2719). This is unfortunate. Whatever the misunderstandings, we could have settled them around the “fire hart or under the palaver hut” where African elders and their subjects meet to settle their disputes. Instead, some of our leaders decided to go public with unauthenticated allegations."
The statement is signed by several Africa Initiative leaders including its general coordinator, the Rev. Dr. Jerry Kulah of Liberia. Read the full statement.
In addition, here is a sampling of recent local media coverage of the disaffiliation "splintering" in their areas. Articles requiring payment are marked with an asterisk (*).
'Heartbroken': Inside the schism as Killearn United Methodist Church splits over gay marriage, clergy – Tallahassee Democrat*
Willow View votes to disaffiliate from United Methodist Church | News - EnidNews.com
United Methodist Church of the Servant votes against disaffiliation - The Oklahoman
Retired pastor: Jesus had nothing to say on homosexuality | Letters - NOLA.com
First United Methodist to change affiliation - Marysville Journal-Tribune
Cynthia B. Astle serves as Editor of United Methodist Insight, which she founded in 2011. To reproduce this content elsewhere, please email Insight for permission.