West Ohio Video Gives More Background to 'Protocol'

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Anyone still grappling with news of the mediated proposal known as the “Protocol of Reconciliation & Grace Through Separation” will benefit from watching the above video produced by the West Ohio Annual Conference.

In the video, Bishop Gregory V. Palmer and West Ohio pastors Rev. David Meredith of Clifton UMC, and Rev. Dr. Jeff Greenway of Reynoldsburg UMC, talk about some frequently asked questions regarding the “Protocol.” share their prayers for the delegates of the 2020 General Conference.

It’s well worth 30 minutes to watch the video to get more background on the negotiations. Once again, the mediation skills of Kenneth Feinberg are pinpointed by the West Ohio participants as the key to coming to an unanimous agreement from multiple perspectives. 

Particularly encouraging are the exchanges between Rev. Greenway and Rev. Meredith that are mutually respectful and honest. Both pastors say they’ve been contacted by other clergy about how to have “the conversation” in their own congregations. The pastors and Bishop Palmer are available to be contacted via email (see screenshot below).

Media Mentions as of Jan. 15, 2020

Dealing with the elephant in the room: United Methodist Churches to vote on proposed split – Scottsbluff Star Herald

Can this church be saved? Split on LGBTQ issues, United Methodists consider divorce – Los Angeles Times

United Methodist Church Agrees to Split Over Gay Marriage – Daily Beast

United Methodists talk more about potential split over same-sex marriage, gay clergy – TribLIVE

Why schism? United Methodist leaders explain proposal to split the denomination – The Presbyterian Outlook

Why United Methodist Church's plan for separation is good for everyone – Religion News Service

Young Methodist pastors, seminary students stress commitment to LGBT acceptance – The Columbus Dispatch

Local Methodists express sadness and hope – The Ledger

Local Pastors React to Proposals for Possible Split of United Methodist Church – GANT News

Possible United Methodist split poses tough conversations in Southern Illinois churches – The Southern

Minnesota Methodist leaders support new plan ending LGBT sanctions – Minneapolis Star Tribune

Why Jewish mediator Kenneth Feinberg wants to save the United Methodist Church - Religion News Service

Local Methodists prepare for possible divide over gay marriage – WSBT-TV

Editorial: If Methodists can agree to disagree in split, then maybe we all can – The Columbus Dispatch

Denominational divide – WORLD News Group

Shawnee Mission clergy say a split of United Methodist Church would have no effect on ministry – Shawnee Mission Pos

Online Extra: LGBTQ Agenda: United Methodists may split over same-sex marriage, LGBT clergy – Bay Area Reporter, America's highest circulation LGBT newspaper

United Methodist Leaders Explain Plan to Split Denomination – The New York Times

Why schism? United Methodist leaders explain proposal to split the denomination – Episcopal News Service

Cynthia B. Astle serves as Editor of United Methodist Insight, which she founded in 2020.