On February 23-26, 2019 the United Methodist Church will hold a special session of the General Conference in St. Louis, Missouri. Delegates will gather to consider proposals regarding church policy for same-sex marriage and ordaining and appointing LGBT clergy.
In 2016, the General Conference found itself at an impasse on issues of human sexuality. Current church rule (The Discipline of the United Methodist Church) prohibits clergy from performing same-sex marriage and “self-avowed, practicing homosexuals” are not allowed to serve as clergy in our churches. Many in the church accept these rules and many do not. These differences are made all the more challenging because the United Methodist Church spans continents and cultures.
“The Commission on a Way Forward”, a diverse group appointed by the Council of Bishops, has offered three different plans for Conference delegates to consider in February. You will find more information about the plans in handouts provided on the information table outside the sanctuary or in the Community Room.
Bishop David Bard has prepared a recorded presentation that explains the plans and changes that would follow if a plan is adopted. You can view the video here.
I have scheduled town halls to discuss the plans and future of the United Methodist Church and invite you to attend: Sunday, January 27 at 11:00 (Whitmore Lake Campus); Monday, January 28 at noon with lunch provided (Brighton Campus); Monday, February 11 at 6:30 pm (Brighton) and February 17 at noon (Brighton).
Please keep these delegates who will attend this General Conference and the United Methodist Church in your prayers.
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