by Uniting Methodists
September 18, 2019 [from UM-Insight.net]
Since its inception in 2017, the Uniting Methodists movement has remained steadfast in its commitment to seeking and building unity among the many diverse groups who hold competing visions of the future for The United Methodist Church.
Consistent with those values and beliefs, we fully support the decision to chart a new path forward as determined by the results of the Special Session earlier this year. Our goal is to provide our members with critical information about the current Next Generation UMC Proposal (legislation presented by UMCNext), which in many ways is a departure from the earlier vision that The Commission on a Way Forward outlined in the One Church Plan. We hope this will result in greater clarity and allow us all to move forward together with one voice into the future.
As many of you have observed, there is agreement between the two proposals on some broad principles. Both reinforce the respect that the Church has for diversity of opinion and strive for continuity even as we adapt to changing practices and new structures. While the Next Generation UMC Proposal is offered only a few months after the called 2019 General Conference, it addresses different concerns of a different time in the life of the UMC. It unequivocally calls for a moratorium on trials arising from the Traditional Plan as well as the repeal of all of its provisions in the Book of Discipline. The proposal calls the church to a life where all are affirmed for their gifts in ministry and where no class of persons would experience discrimination. The proposal continues to trust pastors with the capacity to choose when they will perform marriage ceremonies. The Board of Ordained Ministry will have the ability to ordain, license, or certify all persons who are duly qualified to be in ministry. [Continue reading...]