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CENTENNIAL, Colo. – An international virtual webinar focused on recent developments within United Methodism, including dismantling racism and diminishing homophobia, will highlight the Fourth Annual Inclusiveness Conference sponsored for laity and clergy by the United Methodist Association of Retired Clergy & Friends (UMARC) on Saturday, Nov. 14, 2020. The webinar begins at 8:30 a.m. and ends at 12:45 p.m. (Mountain Time).
This year’s theme is “Building a World that Works for All.” Advanced registration is required at umarc.org for this forum. The annual event is chaired by the Rev. Dr. Donald Messer, president emeritus of the Iliff School of Theology, Denver, Colorado, and Rev. Dr. Harvey Martz, former senior pastor, St. Andrew United Methodist Church, Highlands Ranch, Colo.
Keynote speakers for the free Zoom webinar include Bishop LaTrelle Easterling of the Baltimore/Washington Area and Bishop Karen Oliveto of the Mountain Sky Area of The United Methodist Church.
“These courageous episcopal leaders epitomize what it means to confront racism and homophobia in our church and society,” said Dr. Messer in a press release. “As United Methodism struggles for a new identity, mission, and ministry, they offer incredible spiritual leadership and insightful strategic direction.”
As United Methodism faces anticipated schism in the next year, other presenters will provide updates on the state of United Methodism globally and locally. Scheduled lecturers are
- The Rev. Dr. Mark Holland, Executive Director, Mainstream UMC, Olathe, Kansas;
- Dr. David Scott, Director of Mission Theology, General Board of Global Ministries, Atlanta, Georgia; and
- The Rev. Jasper Peters, Lead Pastor, Belong Church, Denver, Colorado.
International church perspectives will be offered by Rev. Knut Refsdahl, District Superintendent, Oslo, Norway, and Augustine Bahati, treasurer, Rwanda Provisional Conference, Gisenyi, Rwanda. Bishop Rodolfo A. “Rudy” Juan, president of the College of Bishops in the Philippines, will report on the Christmas Covenant.
Following an address by Bishop Easterling, an interethnic panel will reflect on their experiences dealing with institutional racism in the church and society. Moderating the panel will be the Rev. Dr. Valerie Jackson, lead pastor, Cameron United Methodist Church, Denver, Colorado, and Dr. Andriette Fields, Chief Operating Officer, Triple Threat Ministries, Denver, Colorado. Speaking will be:
- Former Colorado State Senator Lucia Guzman, Denver, Colorado;
- The Rev. Calvin Hill, pastor of Blackfeet Reservation United Methodist Parish, Browning, Montana;
- The Rev. Bich Thy (Betty) Nguyen, Mountain Sky Multicultural and Advocacy Ministries Developer, Greenwood Village, Colorado; and
- The Rev. Nathan Adams, Lead Pastor, Park Hill United Methodist Church, Denver, Colorado.
Two leading senior pastors of large membership churches in the denomination will address key controversial issues facing Christians. The Rev. Dr. Rob Fuquay of St. Luke United Methodist Church, Indianapolis, will present an understanding of human sexuality and the Bible. The Rev. Dr. Mark Feldmeir, St. Andrew United Methodist Church, Highlands Ranch, Colorado, will explore preaching in polarized circumstances.
UMARC affirms the goal of an inclusive church that reflects racial justice and is committed to standing in solidarity with LGBTQ laity, clergy and candidates for ministry, speaking and working to ensure the dignity and safety of all persons in the church and society. Formed in 2016 by retired clergy, it hosts frequent educational forums designed to assist laity and clergy to live into a more inclusive church and society.