What is all this talk about "A Way Forward?"
Since 1974 Annual Conference, the UMC has been locked in a debate over our theological views of homosexuality. Every 4 years as we gather to discuss the business of the church, worship together, and decide if any changes to church laws should be made. At that assembly is an equal part of laity and clergy from all over the world. Once again in 2016, our church found itself gridlocked over this issues at Annual Conference. A motion was passed and then voted into life that created a "Commission On A Way Forward" tasked with undergoing a 2 year discussion that would lead to a proposal for a way forward that would perhaps end this quarrel. That proposal would be presented to a special called General Conference for vote and possible acceptance. That Conference will meet in St. Louis, MO in February 2019.
What has emerged from this commission's work, the Council of Bishops leadership, and petitions placed before the judicial council are three plans up for vote: the "One Church Plan", "Connectional Conference Plan", and "Traditionalist Plan". In overly simple terms, The One Church Plan would allow for changes to the Book of Discipline opening the door for individual churches and pastors to choose how they would handle homosexual weddings and teaching on the subject. Annual Conferences would also be able to choose their own stance on what qualifies a person for ordained ministry. Care would be given to try to ensure conservative/liberal churches were appointed a conservative/liberal pastor that most closely aligned with their view. The Connectional Conference Plan would allow churches and pastors to choose to align with one of three new conference affiliations: one progressive, one more middle of the road, and one conservative. For instance, a liberal church in a conservative conference could opt to leave the conference and join a progressive conference without loosing their property, etc. The Traditionalist Plan aims to keep the current stance on homosexuality as defined in the Book of Discipline and take steps to more rigorously enforce those rules. I admit that I may be misrepresenting these little in my desire to simplify things as well as my desire to not speak from a position of favor for one plan over another. These facts above at least give you an understanding of what is at stake.
Over the next few months, there will be fussing and fighting over this (it's already begun in big ways) played out in the media. Churches will try to pull out of the denomination and many already have. People will walk away from the UMC. The only thing for certain: no one will truly win. And that is so very sad.
How will this change Fayette FUMC? There is absolutely no way to know at this point. It will be a distraction if we allow it. It could divide us a little if we let it. But until this comes to pass, it should cause us to pray for the future of our church and then simply keep working for the Kingdom. What will be will be-we can't do much to change that. Until then, let's just keep serving and worshipping the One who is "I AM".
If you want to learn more about this Conference or the plans being presented, join others at Winfield FUMC on September 27 at 6 PM for an informational update. You can also search for info on the web-but be careful, as there are many who are add in their presentation of the "facts" on the web.
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