20 Years Late and Out of Breath

by

Views from a Ridge

Forgive me, friends, but some United Methodist decisions make me want to whine: “What took you so long?” I refer to an announcement from the General Commission on the General Conference about an orientation session for Central Conference delegates in advance of the 2020 General Conference. I quote:

“The nine members of a newly formed steering committee responsible for planning a pre-General Conference 2020 Orientation for Central Conference Delegates held their initial meeting November 3 at Lake Junaluska, N.C.

“The orientation was added last September by the Commission on the General Conference as an official part of The United Methodist Church’s legislating assembly that convenes every four years. Central Conference delegates are those from outside the United States, notably from Africa, Europe/Eurasia and the Philippines.

“The idea for a pre-conference orientation for Central Conference clergy and lay delegates originated with the General Secretaries Table (a group of chief executives of denominational agencies). It received the endorsement of the Commission and was supported by the Council of Bishops. Members of the steering committee were named by the Commission on the General Conference, the Council of Bishops, and the general agencies.”

Now why would such a laudable development – and it is most laudable – cause the equivalent of an “OK, Boomer” hissy fit from this old news hen? Because the conservative forces in the UMC have been doing this for at least the past FIVE General Conferences at sites sequestered away from the official assembly. Unlike the proposed session, which will seek to educate Central Conference delegates on how to work the legislative system, the Reform and Renewal Coalition’s pre-GC retreats have been political propaganda sessions instructing delegates on how to vote as a bloc on key issues, principally LGBTQ-related legislation.

I commend the UMC leadership for coming up with this official pre-GC retreat, but the clear need to counteract conservative/traditionalist captive-audience lobbying has existed for at least the past 20 years. The late arrival of this new session, just as it seems the titanic UMC is about to founder, makes me grit my teeth and growl, which scares my faithful dog. Once again, when it comes to a seemingly common-sense issue, the church arrives 20 years late and out of breath. Literally, in this case. End of lament.

Chart summarizes future plans

United Methodist News Service has published a chart summarizing the four plans for the UMC’s future drafted by groups. Unfortunately, plans from individuals, such as Frank Holbrook’s “Plain Grace” proposal, aren’t included. UMNews staff has said it won't write detailed reviews of all the various plans until it gets the Advance Daily Christian Advocate, the official journal of General Conference that will contain the actual legislation for all plans. Download the PDF.

LGBTQ support rolls on across U.S. UMC

Thanks to Reconciling Ministries Network’s Nov. 8 newsletter for the following notes:

Mount Vernon Place United Methodist Church in Washington, D.C., celebrated their 10th Anniversary of becoming a Reconciling Congregation. Members of the Washington, D.C., Gay Men’s Chorus joined members of the MVP Choir for the day’s special music, and the first same-sex couple to have their relationship blessed at MVP spoke of the importance the MVP community has played in their lives. (Photos by Sam Troia)

Boston Avenue UMC in Tulsa, OK,  held a prayer vigil and worship service as a form of holy protest against the global gathering of the anti-LGBTQ Wesleyan Covenant Association that also happened in Tulsa at Asbury UMC. Boston Avenue's Rev. David Wiggs affirms that his conscience would encourage him to officiate a same-sex wedding.

The Great Plains Annual Conference has made available $20,000 in grant funding to local congregations for ministries that raise up LGBTQ folks as ministry leaders. Grant applications are reviewed on a monthly rolling basis.

LGBTQ students, alumni and friends of the Wesley Foundation at the University of Virginia are collaborating to provide a collection of daily devotions for all to grow and nurture their faith. Make a donation at the Wesley Foundation's website and write "Advent" in the "in honor of" box, and you'll receive the devotional in your email.

RMN continues its new biweekly Reconciling Wednesday series with the Rev. Dr. Israel Alvaran, Reconciling Process and Western Jurisdiction Organizer. The next event will be Nov. 20, 2019, 12-1 p.m. PT / 3-4 p.m. ET. Click here to RSVP.

Media Mentions as of Nov. 11, 2019

Debate over human sexuality issue among Methodists plays out at Tulsa church – Tulsa World

United Methodist Church's Western bishops announce 'safe harbor' for LGBTQ clergy – Salt Lake Tribune

Chinese-American UMC caucus supports 'Traditional Plan' on homosexuality; rejects resistance – Christian Post

UMC's Western Jurisdiction announces 'safe harbor' for LGBTQ clergy – The Presbyterian Outlook