Formed on April 23 1968 as a merger of the Evangelical United Brethren and Methodist denominations The Social Principles of the new denomination were first written between 19681972 The United Methodist Church ID: 934198
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Slide1
United Methodists Seeking a Way Forward
Slide2Formed on April 23, 1968 as a merger of the Evangelical United Brethren and Methodist denominations.
The ”Social Principles” of the new denomination were
first written between 1968-1972.
The United Methodist Church
Slide3"Homosexuals no less than heterosexuals are person of sacred worth, who need the ministry and guidance of the church in their struggles for human fulfillment, as well as the spiritual and emotional care of a fellowship which enables reconciling relationships with God, with others, and with self. Further we insist that all persons are entitled to have their human and civil rights ensured, although we do not condone the practice of homosexuality and consider this practice
incompatible with Christian teaching
."1972 Social Principles Statement
Slide4”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 their 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 this practice incompatible with Christian teaching. 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 an will all persons.” -2016 UMC Book of Discipline
Human Sexuality (¶ 162.G.)
Slide5“Since the practice of homosexuality is incompatible with Christian teaching, self-avowed practicing homosexuals are not to be accepted as candidates, ordained as ministers, or appointed to serve in The United Methodist Church.”
[Legislative Committee; Standards for Ordination
]1984 General Conference Addition to the Book of Discipline (¶304.3)
In favor
Against
79
22
Slide6In favor
Against
5533211996 General Conference Addition to the
Book of Discipline (
¶ 341.6)
"Ceremonies that celebrate homosexual unions shall not be conducted by our ministers and shall not be conducted in our churches.”
Slide7¶ 162.J Equal Rights Regardless of Sexual Orientation - Certain basic human rights and civil liberties are due all persons. We are committed to supporting those rights and liberties for all persons, regardless of sexual orientation.…Moreover, we support efforts to stop violence and other forms of coercion against all persons, regardless of sexual orientation….
…
U.S. military should not exclude persons from service solely on basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.2016 Book of Discipline statements(Social Principles)
Slide8All are of sacred worth and created in God’s image.The practice of homosexuality is incompatible with Christian teaching. Equal Rights should be given regardless of sexual orientation.
Marriage is for a woman and a man.
Overview – Book of Discipline
Slide9All persons are invited and welcomed into membership and participation in UMC. (All are welcome)
“Self-avowed, practicing, homosexuals are not to be certified as candidates for ministry, ordained, or appointed.”
(No ordination)“Ceremonies that celebrate homosexual unions shall not be conducted by our ministers and shall not be conducted in our churches.” (No ceremonies)
No UMC funds are to be used to support gay caucuses or groups or promote acceptance of homosexuality OR violate the commitment of UMC “not to reject or condemn lesbian gay members and friends.”
(No funding)
Overview –
Book of Discipline
Slide10Slide11Region
Percentage of Delegates
United States58.3%Africa30%
Philippines
5.8%
Europe
4.6%
“concordat
churches”
1.3%
2016 General Delegates by Region
Slide122016
General
Conference
May 10-20
Portland, Oregon
Over 100 Resolutions submitted about human sexuality.
Delegates vote to continue using Robert’s Rules of Order to make decisions.
Slide13Delegates approved request from Council of Bishops to delay a debate on homosexuality to name a special commission that would completely examine and possibly recommend revisions of every paragraph in The Book of Discipline
related to human sexuality.
2016 General Conference
May
10-20
Portland
, Oregon
In favor
Against
428
405
Slide14Commission on the Way Forward CompositionSelected by the Council of Bishops
11 ordained elders 2 ordained deacons
11 lay members 8 Bishops
Slide15The final report was presented to the Council of Bishops in Chicago on April 29-May 4
.
The Bishops recommend the One Church ModelThe Council of Bishops
Slide16Each conference
would be able to decide whether to ordain LGBTQ individuals as clergy.
Each pastor would be able to decide whether to perform same-sex weddings or unions. Each local church would be able to decide whether to allow same-sex weddings in its sanctuary or receive an openly gay pastor.
The
One-Church Model
Slide17Those who could not in good conscience participate in same-sex weddings or ordination of LGBTQ clergy would not be required to do so. Central conferences — church regions in Africa, Europe and the Philippines — could maintain their own standards on ordination and marriage.
The model would essentially make legal what is already happening in some parts of the connection.
The One-Church Model
Slide18February 23-26,
2019
Special Session of General Conference in St. Louis, MissouriWhat’s next?
Slide19What can we do?
Slide20Follow-up Sunday School class August 19www.umc.orghttp://revtomberlin.com/talking-about-lgbtq-inclusion-in-the-umc/#
sthash.n5szszV7.dpbs
Get More Information
Slide21Sign up today or on-line“If the One Church Model is approved/not approved, what would your hope for West End be?”Watch for other opportunities for conversationHoly Conversations at West End
Slide22Tnumc.org/praying-our-way-forwardPray daily from 2:23-2:26Fast weekly from Thursday evening-Friday afternoonPray and Fast
Slide23cowf@tnumc.orgListening Sessions: October 21at 3:00 at Donelson Heights UMC
November 4 at 3:00 at Clark Memorial UMC
Contact Our Delegation