Mainstream UMC Holding Survey on UMC's Future

June 28, 2019

3:36 PM

Future signs

Which way to the future? Being attentive and nimble will help churches discern their path. (GraphicStock Photo)

Want to have input into where The United Methodist Church is going? Then respond to a survey being sponsored by Mainstream UMC.

The organization’s executive director, the Rev. Dr. Mark R. Holland, says in an email:

“… At this point, the question is not if we change the structure of the church but how. There is no way we will tolerate the Traditional Plan in the United States. Period. Saying what we will not do is the easy part. What structure we want is much more difficult. This survey digs into some of the options that different groups are currently exploring.

“… There are also several questions in the survey about the nature of the global church. This input is critical to conversations with Central Conference Bishops and advocacy with international delegates. Also, September is the deadline for petitions to General Conference 2020. We need to start developing a consensus on next steps so we can work together for the best outcome for everyone. The best outcome may not be a legislative outcome.”

Dr. Holland asks that readers forward the survey link to all their United Methodist contacts to get as broad input as possible. He also said that the results of the Mainstream UMC survey will be shared with all those unofficial groups and church entities “working on a positive outcome” for the UMC.

Mainstream UMC survey on the future of the UMC.

Media Mentions as of June 28, 2016

After Disagreements Over LGBT Clergy, US Methodists Move Closer To Split – NPR

US Methodists Consider What Comes Next After Disagreements Over LGBT Clergy – WVTF

Some Charlotte churches won't follow United Methodist rule against LGBTQ marriage –Charlotte Observer

Comments (3)

Comment Feed

This is 2019

The UMC should come, kicking and screaming, if necessary into the 21 st Century.
We are not living in 1819, or even 1919, it is 2019 and we KNOW that being LBGT is a matter of someone's birth, similar to their eye color or adult height, all determined at the time we are born.

Carla and Robert more than 5 years ago

Survey by Mainstream UMC

About as accurate as a CNN 2016 presidential poll, right? Wonder if they can pervert their methodology as well as the left-wing press?
Carla and Robert, Hate to throw cold water on your oversimplified left wing zealotry, but let’s be intellectually serious and honest: there are still many mysteries surrounding sexual orientation. Beside that point, the critical question for the church essentially is this: whether or not—or where—we have the authority to overthrow thousands of years of scriptural and traditional precedent by the granting of sacramental approval to same sex marriage on an equal level of integrity as traditional marriage. Moreover, aside from the issue of same-sex attraction as a phenomenon of the human condition, what gives the church scriptural and traditional support for endorsing and encouraging same-sex sexual practice? Where’s the precedent? hopefully your response has more gravitas than simply whining, “we just need to get pulled into the 21st century!” Sorry. Not a good enough reason for thoughtful people of committed Christian faith.

Paula more than 5 years ago

we DON'T know

What determines at birth later self-identity as LGBT? We know that eye color is genetically determined, height is largely determined by genetics. But there's just nothing conclusive about whether sexual orientation is determined by genetics, environment, psycho-social factors, or some combination of those or other factors.

John more than 5 years ago