Rio Texas Methodist Federation for Social Action

United Methodists Gather in Portland for General Conference Briefing

From Reconciling Ministries Network Flashnet (1/26/2016)

In January, nearly 400 delegates, agency representatives, and communicators gathered in Portland, Oregon for a briefing on General Conference legislation and practices. Alongside other important legislative conversations on fossil fuels, global restructuring, and an alternative legislative approach, discussion of policies regarding LGBTQ persons were front and center. The Commission on General Conference, which plans the legislative gathering, hopes its Group Discernment Process might provide a template for dealing with other contentious issues in the life of the church.

On Friday, January 22nd, the gathered heard a panel on “Conversation about Topics Related to Human Sexuality.”  Dr. Dorothee Benz, representative of MIND in NY, opened by reminding those listening that a more apt title for the panel would be “Whether and how The UMC will continue discriminate against LGBTQ people.” The diverse panelists were given the opportunity to share their convictions, answer questions, and respond to one another.

Dr. Benz was a courageous presence on the panel as the only queer voice. She used the opportunity not only to share about her own call to ministry being denied in the church, but to also lift of up the stories of LGBTQ asylum seekers facing violence in their home countries and youth struggling with suicide because of church teachings. Benz was also able to articulate a precise and compelling explanation of why acts of Biblical Obedience are the most authentic way forward for those who are invested in justice for LGBTQ persons in The United Methodist Church.

The full panel is now available for viewing here. We invite you to tune-in to this important conversation and then visit our website to tell your delegates to let them know your own conviction, story, and response.

Successful panels are important for expanding education and building relationship, but after over forty years dialogue and discrimination, #ItsTime for change.

http://us1.campaign-archive1.com/?u=38f2eb8a4757127e09ba18224&id=c86dfea480&e=ea209fd75b

General Conference 2016 News: http://www.umc.org/who-we-are/general-conference-2016-news

PBS documentary, Dividing the United Methodist (2014) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SnRVhB2tYS8

Gay Marriage: The Battle For The Methodist Church’s Soul (2012) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zeeBBcMh-UA

We have not drawn swords. by Sue Laurie (1/26/2016) http://www.rmnetwork.org/newrmn/we-have-not-drawn-swords/

Advance Daily Christian Advocate (including legislative petitions)

Everything you want to know and more about General Conference 2016 in this 1488 page document posted at:  http://www.umc.org/who-we-are/gc2016-advance-edition-daily-christian-advocate. There were 999 petitions about sexuality submitted, but they have been combined in the following way.

Human Sexuality – page 305 Daily Christian Advocate

Amend the Book of Discipline, 2012 ¶ 161.F Human Sexuality as follows:

BOD 2012 ¶ 161.F Human Sexuality—We affirm that sexuality is God’s good gift to all persons. We call everyone to responsible stewardship of this sacred gift. Although all persons are sexual beings whether or not they are married, sexual relations are affirmed only with the covenant of monogamous, heterosexual marriage. We deplore all forms of the commercialization, abuse, and exploitation of sex. We call for strict global enforcement of laws prohibiting the sexual exploitation of children and for adequate protection, guidance, and counseling for abused children. All persons, regardless of age, gender, marital status, or sexual orientation, or gender identity are entitled to have their human and civil rights ensured and to be protected against violence. The Church should support the family in providing age-appropriate education regarding sexuality to children, youth, and adults. We affirm that all persons are individuals of sacred worth, created in the image of God. All persons need the ministry of the Church in their struggles for human fulfillment, as well as the spiritual and emotional care of a fellowship that enables reconciling relationships with God, with others, and with self. The United Methodist church does not condone the practice of homosexuality and considers his practice incompatible with Christian teaching. Though faithful United Methodists remain in disagreement regarding our understanding of homosexuality, We we affirm that God’s grace is available to all.  We will seek to live together in Christian community, welcoming, forgiving, and loving one another, as Christ has loved and accepted us. We implore families and churches not to reject or condemn lesbian and gay members and friends. We commit ourselves to be in ministry for and with all persons.

Rationale:

Disagreements on human sexuality among United Methodists will continue as discussions continue. Removal of this inflammatory language will help facilitate removal of animus during holy conferencing and acknowledge that we “agree to disagree.” The current statement no longer reflects the beliefs of all United Methodists.

Since adoption of the current ¶161.F. [For Group Discernment Process (p. 1187)] Petition Number: 60825-CB-¶161.F-G; Cramer, Phil -Nashville, TN, USA for Belmont UMC. 999 Similar Petitions