The United Methodist Association of Retired Clergy will sponsor its third “Inclusiveness Conference from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6 at St. Andrew United Methodist Church in Highlands Ranch, Colo.
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Keynote speakers will be Bishop Karen Oliveto, (Mountain Sky Area) the Rev. Dr. Mark Holland, executive director of Mainstream UMC, and the Rev. Dr. Joretta Marshall of Brite Divinity School in Fort Worth, Texas. They and others will offer "focused conversations" during morning and afternoon sessions. Registrants are asked to choose two among topics such as:
- “Exploring Various Plans Coming Before 2020 General Conference.” Mark Holland & others will focus on four major plans addressing the future of United Methodism.
- “Staying Focused When The Vision Is Blurred.” Joretta Marshall will share how to be both resistant and resilient.
- “The West and the Rest: What Shall We Do? Who Will We Be in the Western Jurisdiction?” Mountain Sky leaders will update about developments in the Western Jurisdiction.
- “What is Happening in our Congregations? Specific Strategies and Plans from Three Congregations: Urban, Suburban, & Town & Country.”
- “Congregations Dealing with the Stress and Storm of Schism.” Lay leaders and clergy report on how they are coping with current challenges of disunity and uncertainty.
- “Helping People Deal with the ‘Clobber Passages’ in the Bible.” Harvey Martz explores understanding and interpreting Scriptures dealing with same gender relationships.
- “New Reasons For Reconciling Congregations.” How to become part of the worldwide reconciling movement toward inclusiveness.
Conference cost is $25 per person and includes lunch. Registration and more details are found on the UMARC website. Live streaming will be available.
Media Mentions as of Nov. 18, 2019
The "just resolution" of the complaint against the Rev. Anna Blaedel drew lots of attention this week.
Iowa Priest Forced Out Of Position Over Anti-Gay Laws – Instinct Magazine
Queer pastor on leave without compensation for being a 'practicing homosexual' – PinkNews
Letter: Alum calls on Divinity School to support LGBTQ+ students – Duke Chronicle
Gay aspiring Methodist pastor brings his platform of LGBTQ inclusion to Church Street – GoVolsXtra
Iowa pastor facing church trial for being 'self-avowed practicing homosexual' takes leave of absence – DesMoinesRegister.com
Dispute over gay clergy culminates in leave for Iowa City pastor – The Gazette: Eastern Iowa Breaking News and Headlines
Iowa pastor facing church trial for being 'self-avowed practicing homosexual' takes leave of absence – DesMoinesRegister.com
Dispute over gay clergy culminates in leave for Iowa City pastor – The Gazette: Eastern Iowa Breaking News and Headlines
Former Wesley Center director taking 'indefinite' leave of absence from United Methodist Church – UI The Daily Iowan
Pastor accused of being 'practicing homosexual' takes leave of absence – USA TODAY
Iowa City pastor Anna Blaedel takes 'indefinite' leave of absence for being gay – The Gazette: Eastern Iowa Breaking News and Headlines
The Moral Confusion of the Iowa's United Methodists – Caffeinated Thoughts
Cynthia B. Astle serves as Editor of United Methodist Insight, which she founded in 2011.