UMC-Next Site, including Press Release, interviews...
Key Result: Four Commitments of UMCNext
- We believe these commitments are essential to a hope-filled future for the global Methodist movement as we make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world:
- We long to be passionate followers of Jesus Christ, committed to a Wesleyan vision of Christianity, anchored in scripture and informed by tradition, experience and reason as we live a life of personal piety and social holiness.
- We commit to resist evil, injustice and oppression in all forms and toward all people and build a church which affirms the full participation of all ages, nations, races, classes, cultures, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities.
- We reject the Traditional Plan approved at General Conference 2019 as inconsistent with the gospel of Jesus Christ and will resist its implementation.
- We will work to eliminate discriminatory language and the restrictions and penalties in the Discipline regarding LGBTQ persons. We affirm the sacred worth of LGBTQ persons, celebrate their gifts, and commit to being in ministry together.
News Story by Heather Hahn, UMNS: Planning new directions for the church
Press Conference Video from Great Plains Conference (Vimeo 41 min.)
Cal-Pac UMC-Next Team's Statement
UM-Insight's Cynthia Astle's Story: UMC Next Vows to Resist Traditional Plan, Reform Methodism
A compilation by Cynthia Astle of comments of participants: Resistance Expected to Build After UMC Next Conclave
Speech by Rev. Scott Gilliland: "We're Building a New Methodism for Our Children"
David W. Scott, Questions about UMC Separation
David Livingston: After UMC Next
Mark Holland (Mainstream UMC): UMC Next Recap
Jeremy Smith, Hacking Christianity: UMCNext: Pathways to a More Just Church
Mark Feldmeir, St. Andrew UMC: Pastoral Letter
Bishop Elaine Stanovsky: Moving FORWARD to what’s NEXT
Tyler Schwaller, UM-Forward: From Inclusion to Liberation
Darren Cushman Wood, North UMC, Indianapolis: What I Saw (and Felt) at UMCNext
Cameron Overton, social worker, lay worship pastor: Why Liberation Can't Wait
Megan Armstrong, General Conference Delegate, pastor: Reflection (from FB)
Dan Lewis, pastor: Reflection (from FB)
Jan Lawrence, Executive Director, RMN: Reflection (from FB)
First UMC, Lincoln, NE, adopted the 4 principles above, tailored to their church, and mandated they be published in the bulletin and newsletter. (From FB)