The 2016 General Conference in Portland, Oregon requested the Council of Bishops to develop a plan that would settle the conflict on human sexuality which has existed in the United Methodist Church for 40 years. The Bishops put together a very diverse group of lay and clergy which includes persons from all across the theological spectrum. This special “Commission on a Way Forward” has completed its work and submitted three proposals to be considered at a special called General Conference in St. Louis, February 23-26. There is a lot at stake in this conference and the end result could be a schism of some kind.
If you would like to be better informed regarding The Way Forward and the decision to be made at the February General Conference, let me share three opportunities. Most recently, Uniting Methodists Indiana sponsored a presentation at St. Luke’s UMC by Rev. Dr. Mark Holland of Mainstream UMC who made a very convincing argument for the One Church Plan. If you would like to view this 90-minute presentation go to https://boxcast.tv/view/uniting-methodists-an-evening-with-mark-holland-rydihjz8blx7vni8b3rs.
On Thursday, November 29 at 6:30pm in Celebration Hall, Noblesville First is hosting recently retired Bishop Michael Coyner who brings a wealth of experience on this subject as he has presided over several of these General Conferences. He will not speak in favor of any of the proposed plans but will explain the implications of each and by then we will have a ruling by the Judicial Council as to what Constitutional Amendments might be required by each of the three plans.
Then on Sunday, January 20, the North Central District will bring in current Bishop Julius Trimble to preside over a discussion on The Way Forward he is calling Critical Conversations at Carmel UMC from 3-5pm. Bishop Trimble has been holding these conversations in each of the ten districts throughout the state of Indiana.
Hope to see you on November 29th!
Rev. Jerry Rairdon