2020 General Conference
Nashville Diary Day 2
The Pre-General Conference Briefing challenges attendees with a long day of details about future plans, United Methodist life outside the USA, and spirituality. Read more
Nashville Diary
United Methodist Insight Editor Cynthia B. Astle shares sights, sounds and signals from the Pre-General Conference Briefing for delegates and communicators happening Jan 23-24 in Nashville, Tenn. Read more
A 'No' and a 'Yes' on Abeyance of LGBTQ+ Complaints
The bishop in Virginia vows to uphold the Book of Discipline, while the cabinet in Greater Northwest reaffirms its resistance to newly enacted anti-LGBTQ+ punishments. Read more
One Person’s Answer to the Question: 'We Won. Why Should We Leave?'
In Frank Holbrook's view, both so-called Traditionalists and Centrists have won Pyrrhic victories in the human sexuality war of the past 50 years. Now the focus has shifted to managing the membership decline and maintaining church assets. Read more
Somewhere but Nowhere
United Methodist schism is the smallest of the earth’s concerns. The world is tired and afraid. People are worn out. The world needs churches that offer hope. Too bad we’re breaking camp, writes the Rev. Richard Lowell Bryant. Read more
United Methodist Schism and the ‘Protocol’ of 2020
The Rev. Dr. William B. Lawrence, past president of the UMC's Judicial Council, weighs in on the political and technical aspects of the "Protocol of Reconciliation & Grace Through Separation." Read more
West Ohio Video Gives More Background to 'Protocol'
A new video from West Ohio Annual Conference expands more on the discussions that led to the creation of the "Protocol of Reconciliation & Grace Through Separation." Read more
Random Thoughts on Watching the ‘Protocol’ Team
Cynthia B. Astle analyzes the video report of the negotiating team for "A Protocol of Reconciliation & Grace Through Separation" and interprets its implications for the UMC. Read more
Brad Ward
A Way Out of Impasse Over LGBT Issues?
A proposed split in the United Methodist Church could be good news for colleges that struggled with whether to retain their church affiliation following the adoption of anti-LGBT policies. Read more
Panel Offers Peek Behind Scenes of Separation Plan
Members of the negotiation team for "A Protocol of Reconciliation & Grace Through Separation" talked about their process during a 75-minute video session. Read more
Count Me In
The vice chair of the Wesleyan Covenant Association explains why she supports the proposed "Protocol of Reconciliation & Grace Through Separation." Read more
Humble Confession and Practical Politics
Two church leaders give surprising reactions in the ongoing discussion over The United Methodist Church's future. Read more
GCFA Responds to 'Protocol' Request
The denomination's financial agency says a budget for 2021-2024 is still in process to be considered at the 2020 General Conference. Read more
Jan. 13: UM News to interview protocol developers
Six of the 16 negotiators on "A Protocol of Reconciliation & Grace Through Separation, plus their mediator Kenneth Feinberg, will be interviewed live online Jan. 13 by United Methodist News Service. Read more
Change
The most difficult part of change is the feeling that events or circumstances are out of one's control, writes the Rev. Mark Conrad of Desert Southwest Conference. Read more
Photo courtesy of Hollywood United Methodist Church
Change Agents Weigh In on Developments
Well-known United Methodist leaders are among those who made public statements this week on the UMC's struggle over LGBTQ+ acceptance and its potential split. Read more
Reaction Aplenty to Separation Plan
Reactions to the separation plan negotiated by a 16-member group range from enthusiasm to acceptance to unhappiness. Read more
Things to Remember about the New 'Protocol'
Awash in media reports, United Methodists should hang on to these facts about the proposed 'Protocol for Reconciliation & Grace Through Separation.' Read more
God Is at Work in the 'Protocol'
Looking through a spiritual lens, Cynthia B. Astle finds the "Protocol for Reconciliation & Grace Through Separation" has many earmarks of God at work in its content and process. Read more
Queer Clergy, MFSA Dispute 'Protocol' Representation
Two LGBTQ+ groups say they weren't officially represented at the negotiations on the "Protocol for Reconciliation & Grace Through Separation." Read more