Welcome to the 'Cone of Uncertainty'

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Welcome to the “cone of uncertainty” around The United Methodist Church’s future. As of March 11, so many things are in flux.

  • Will the rapid spread of COVID-19, caused by the novel coronavirus, result in postponing General Conference 2020? Already conferences offices in California-Nevada and Pacific Northwest have closed for disinfecting after a staff member or other contact person tested positive for coronavirus. The General Commission on the General Conference issued a statement March 6 saying it’s monitoring the situation in consultation with public health officials and the U.S. State Department.
  • Liberationists are “leaving Egypt” with preparations to form a separate denomination and/also a “semi-autonomous liberation collective” within a United Methodist Church. The two options are described as “fluid and porous” in terms of their development and potentially in their influence over the outcome of GC2020. The movement’s lofty aim – to create a faith community that overcomes all the historic oppressions of United Methodism – faces enormous institutional obstacles along with tremendous risk to individuals’ and congregations’ economies.
  • Despite endorsement by four annual conferences to send it for GC2020 consideration, opposition continues to swell against the “Protocol of Reconciliation & Grace Through Separation” as THE roadmap to the UMC’s future. Some resistance has been public such as Liberia’s proposal for changes to the “Protocol.” Simultaneously, the political chat zeroes in on two aspects: the small number of select people who negotiated the plan, and the $25 million slated for a “traditionalist” denomination that everyone reads as the Wesleyan Covenant Association. To its credit, the “Protocol’s” bold action has galvanized movement behind alternative visions such as the Philippines’ “Christmas Covenant” now available online, and the aforementioned Liberationist efforts.

To paraphrase that baseball sage Yogi Berra, it ain’t over ‘til it’s over. All we can say is stay tuned.

A Wedding in Durham, N.C.

Duke Memorial UMC in Durham, N.C., celebrated the covenant marriage of Caleb Parker and Thomas Phillips, on Leap Day, Feb. 29. According to a press release, “twelve clergy from Duke Memorial United Methodist Church and our United Methodist and ecumenical connection jointly officiated this wedding in holy disobedience to the prohibitions against same-gender marriage laid forth by denominational policy in the United Methodist Book of Discipline (¶ 341.6).”

Mark Evans, coordinator of administration and communications, told UM Insight via email that "overall, the response to the marriage has been over wonderfully positive. People are excited to witness a hopeful future for our denomination."

Nonetheless, Mr. Evans wrote, "a complaint was filed on the day of the event against all 10 UMC clergy [who participated in the ceremony]. The complaint has been confirmed [as] received by our conference Bishop, Hope Morgan Ward." How soon the complaint will be processed isn't known.

North UMC in Indianapolis Issues Declaration About Inclusivity

Amid the debate over the UMC’s future, North United Methodist Church in Indianapolis announced it has issued theological statement called “The North Declaration,” that “lays out the Wesleyan theological foundation for its vision for a fully inclusive church that ordains LGBTQA pastors and conducts same-sex weddings.”

According to the release, North UMC’s senior pastor, the Rev. Darren Cushman Wood, said: “The most important thing we can do right now is clarify who we are in the midst of our broken and confused denomination. Knowing who we are will give us vision for what we should do in the future.”

The release goes on: “This vision is important theologically, socially, politically and financially. Currently LGBTQA persons are not permitted to be ordained in the United Methodist Church, and its clergy are not permitted to perform same-sex marriages. New denominational rules went into effect Jan. 1 that impose a minimum one-year suspension without pay for any United Methodist pastor who performs a same-sex wedding or who is found guilty of being a ‘self-avowed, practicing homosexual.’’’

Hamline University joins Reconciling Ministries Network

Reconciling Ministries Network reported via Resist Harm's Facebook page that Hamline University has officially joined the LGBTQ+ advocacy organization. RMN's release said: "Through the advocacy of LGBTQ students and their allies, the Love Boldly Campaign presented the Reconciling Resolution before the Board of Trustees, which passed the Resolution unanimously.

Hamline’s Resolution: "Throughout its history, Hamline University has strived to create a diverse and inclusive learning community. As a school that invites all and is committed to continued learning and growth, Hamline University welcomes and celebrates people of all educational backgrounds, nationalities, religious and spiritual identities, socio-economic classes, mental and physical abilities and disabilities, marital statuses, cultural identities, racial and ethnic identities, immigration statuses, veteran status, gender expressions, sexual orientations, and gender identities. All are welcomed at Hamline."

RMN says: "Hamline is also planning a #ResistHarm witness at GC2020."

A Prayer for the Denomination in Troubling Times

The Rev. Dr. Mark Stamm, professor of Christian worship at Perkins School of Theology, has published a collect (corporate prayer) through Discipleship Ministries that addresses the current turmoil in the UMC. It comes wrapped in an enlightening essay on the nature of communal prayer intended for pastors and worship leaders who want to create their own collects. Here’s the prayer and online link:

“God of the Ages, who called Abraham and Sarah to journey to a land that you promised: Guide the people called United Methodist through our current distress to a place of peace and rekindled vision, that we may yet participate in the transformation of the world, and that our neighbors may find in us generous friends; through Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd, who with you and the Holy Spirit, lives and reigns, one God, now and forever. Amen. (Mark W. Stamm, copyright ©2020)”

Media Mentions as of March 11, 2020

Bishop at town hall: There will always be a United Methodist Church – The Atlanta Journal-Constitution*

After years of debate, do United Methodists have a path forward? – The Atlanta Journal Constitution*

Sunday's letters: Rich diversity – Lexington Dispatch

A church divided? – La Mesa Courier

God in a Box: The Gay Rights dispute has finally pulled the United Methodist Church apart – Milwaukee Independent

United Methodist Michigan Conference advances separation proposal – Christian Post

United Methodist Church closer to split over LGBTQ people – UpperMichigansSource.com

A split in the path: Navigating the divide in the United Methodist Church – WJHL-TV News Channel 11

Michigan United Methodists vote to advance plan to divide denomination – Battle Creek Enquirer

Congregation supports same-sex marriage as Methodists consider possible split – WISHTV.com

African Methodists Stand Against LGBTQ Takeover – CNSNews.com

Liberian Methodists: Divide in truth, don't unite in lies – OneNewsNow

Local Methodists grapple with national changes – Wheat Ridge Transcript

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