Early Reactions Mostly Positive to Mediated Schism Proposal

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News of a mediated proposal for dividing The United Methodist Church garnered mostly positive reactions from United Methodist leaders quoted by news outlets.

NBC News sought out LGBTQ activist JJ Warren and Mountain Sky Bishop Karen Oliveto for their responses to the news

Mr. Warren was quoted: “I’m in favor of this protocol because it gives us an opportunity to say: go off and you can practice how you need to practice and we can practice how we need to practice.” 

Bishop Oliveto, the first openly gay clergy to be elected a United Methodist Bishop, told NBC News she saw the protocol as a "grace-filled way to move forward." She was quoted: “For one, LGBTQ lives will no longer be held as scapegoats for divisions in the church.”

Other bishops around the United States sent their constituencies email letters with links to the press release, an FAQ page and other information on the protocol.

In one of the first letters to hit UM Insight's mailbox, Bishop Bob Hoshibata of the Desert Southwest Annual Conference, told his constituents that he is encouraged by the Protocol.

"While there are still many questions and details to be addressed, the Protocol of Reconciliation and Grace Through Separation offers a ray of hope. I want to share with you that I am encouraged by this development for several reasons:

  • "Among those who participated in a process that I understand was both contentious and gracious, are persons that I genuinely trust and whose hopes for our United Methodist Church I know and appreciate.
  • "As I understand, the mediated process was one that was fair and respectful. The mediator himself is one who came from a neutral place and offered his services to The United Methodist Church pro bono. I also know that no one got everything she or he wanted, and that the result is truly a compromise.
  • "All those who participated have signed the agreement committing themselves to working diligently for the successful passage of this proposed protocol at General Conference 2020, thereby giving hope that we will not engage in painfully fighting with each other as we have in the past.
  • "I am encouraged and heartily support the inclusion of serious conversation about the resolution to dismantle institutional racism in The United Methodist Church.
  • "The elimination of the harmful language that promotes misunderstanding and discriminatory harm against LGBTQIA+ siblings will finally be a hopeful affirmation that God loves all persons and so should we.
  • "The Protocol holds in abeyance, complaints and possible trials against LGBTQ clergy and clergy who conduct same gender weddings.
  • "The terms of the Protocol allow for a more peaceful resolution of our differences about human sexuality. While some may feel a need to seek the opportunity to form a new Methodist denomination apart from the current United Methodist Church, both those who disaffiliate and those who remain will be given an opportunity to start anew with an eye toward vitality and growth in mission and ministry."

Greater Northwest Area Bishop Elaine J.W. Stanovsky commented in her letter:

"While this is not the resolution I hope for, I believe it may be the best next step for the people called United Methodists who have been unable to find a way forward that maintains the unity of the Church. It does not move the Church toward Christ’s vision that we “may all be one…so that the world may believe” (John 17:21), but it is a faithful effort “to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3), even as we find it necessary to walk separate paths for a season.

"I trust this proposal is designed to unbind us from our “irreconcilable differences” and free us to focus on the future. It does not guarantee a particular outcome, but it appears to offer United Methodists in the United States the opportunity to choose a future that is fully inclusive of LGBTQ persons."

North Texas Bishop Michael McKee sounded a reassuring note:

"To be clear, nothing will happen immediately, and much work remains as legislation currently is being developed for delegates to potentially act on in Minneapolis. This Protocol simply provides a framework for potential legislation while offering a great hope for our collective future."

The leadership of longtime LGBTQ advocate Foundry UMC in Washington, D.C., was one of the first congregations to respond publicly to news of the Protocol. Its letter specified:

"In particular, we support:

  • "the call for an immediate moratorium on anti-LGBTQ complaints and trials
  • "the allocation of $39 million over the next eight years to support communities historically marginalized by the sin of racism
  • "maintaining connection as a global church through mission together, breaking down colonialist structures through creation of the U.S. as a Regional Conference, and self-determination of all Regional and Central Conference bodies
  • "the continuation of The United Methodist Church as a denomination that believes that persons are always “going on to perfection” and that “Scriptural holiness entails more than personal piety; love of God is always linked with love of neighbor, a passion for justice and renewal in the life of the world.” (¶102, Our Doctrinal Heritage: Distinctive Wesleyan Emphases, The Book of Discipline)
  • "the provision for a congregation "stranded" by the decision of their Annual Conference to vote to connect with a Methodist body which better reflects their beliefs and mission
  • "the clear path that—if supported—will provide U.S. delegates the opportunity to repeal the Traditional Plan and remove discriminatory language from The Book of Discipline in May 2020.

"Foundry Senior Pastor, Ginger Gaines-Cirelli was both part of the initial conversation that led to the mediation process and the “outer circle” advisory group to the team. Foundry member and Reconciling Ministries Network Executive Director Jan Lawrence participated in the initial conversation and, along with our Bishop, Latrelle Miller Easterling, was a participating member of the mediation team."

Pat Luna, a spokesman for the Resist Harm movement, said in an email that the campaign intends to go forward "with even greater resolve" toward the 2020 General Conference in May.

Mainstream UMC, one of the groups represented at the negotiating table, issued a joyful message late on Jan. 3.

"Mainstream UMC celebrates the unanimous, negotiated protocol that has just been announced to restructure the church through separation.  Mainstream UMC is honored to have been a part of these negotiations and our Board has unanimously endorsed the document.  We believe this protocol lays out great hope for the United Methodist Church."

Cynthia B. Astle serves as Editor of United Methodist Insight, which she founded in 2011.