Mercy. Where do I begin? This has been quite a day, one that we anticipated – and if we’re honest, dreaded – from the time we were selected for this responsibility at General Conference. I’ll start with the “easy” stuff.
We heard a wonderful presentation on the development of Africa University where over 2,500 students have been educated over the past 16 years. With the annual inflation rate over 200,000% (you read that correctly), the school has remained debt-free and continues to provide quality education for students, 49% of whom are women. That is a remarkable story.
A Social Litany (companion to the Social Creed written in 1908) was approved without the Trinitarian language as some requested. Let me know what you think of it as it becomes available.
From now on, we need to say that we will “uphold the church by our prayers, our presence, our gifts, our service and our witness.” Not bad, in my opinion.
The major decisions today centered on the positions of the UMC re homosexuality. From the first day of our arrival at the convention center, scores of persons wearing rainbow-colored scarves were passing out literature and candy, displaying banners, and holding pictures of their children. Some of these persons are part of SOULFORCE, a Gay Rights activist group. Others are UMC members and pastors who see this as a justice issue. Still others are parents and friends of gays and lesbians.
Here are today's decisions of the GC in brief:
· the prohibition of civil unions/marriages between gay persons in UM churches and conducted by UM pastors was upheld.
· after almost 3 hours of debate, the minority report re “Human Sexuality” which mirrors the current language of the Discipline that “homosexuality is incompatible with Christian teaching” was adopted by 55% - 45%.
· the GC rejected a petition to make church membership more inclusive by 12 votes. This motion would have required pastors and churches to receive into membership all who were willing to take vows. Without clear language, the Judicial Council ruled that pastors have the authority to discern who is ready to become official members of the church.
· a petition to remove exclusionary language re “self-avowed practicing homosexuals” from applying for certification for ministry was rejected 63% - 37%.
I cannot describe how weary I am tonight after this emotionally exhausting day. After the votes began to show that the GC delegates were not going to change the UMC position on the matters related to homosexuality, supporters of gay/lesbian/transgender persons in the visitors’ section stood and sang “Jesus loves us” for about 30 minutes. No one felt “victorious” with these decisions. There are no “winners” and “losers” re this issue. I won’t try to re-hash all the arguments here, but simply point out as one delegate explained, we wonder why God has not made a clearer, easier path for UMs re this matter. Strange as it may seem, conflict and the Church have acquainted from Day One. For whatever reason, this issue (homosexuality/gay rights) is the challenge for our generation, so we must learn how to hold fast to the essentials on the one hand and respect opinions of those with whom we disagree on the other.
That’s enough for now. I think I’ll try to catch a few hours of sleep before we get back to the other 122 petitions we need to approve before Friday p.m. I’m pooped. Stay tuned.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Did you know that
· the average membership of a UM congregation is 110? (In the Kentucky, the average size of a UM church is 88)
· 4% of all Kentuckians are United Methodists
· the UMC is now in “full communion” with the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America which means we can participate fully in each other’s services, liturgies, sacraments and member transfers without conditions.
· this year is the 40th anniversary of the Commission on Religion and Race. The old Central Jurisdiction (that segregated the black Methodists from the white Methodists in 1939) was discarded at the Uniting Conference of the United Methodists Church in 1968.
· Ellen Johnson Sirleaf graduated from a UM school in Liberia, earned her degree from Harvard, and in 2006 was elected the first female President of an African nation? It was a privilege to hear her speak to the GC today.
We finished with all the petitions that had financial implications tonight, only one day later than planned on the Conference agenda. Most of our time this afternoon and tonight was spent discussing the leadership needs of the Central Conferences, particularly the African conferences where the church is growing at a phenomenal rate. New episcopal leaders are needed for this emerging church, but a plan and funding will not be in place until 2013.
To my surprise, the GC voted to reduce the number of bishops in the US jurisdictions by 4. Beginning in 2013, one less bishop will be assigned to the Northeastern, North Central, South Central and Western Jurisdictions. The Southeastern Jurisdiction actually qualifies for one MORE bishop, but at this time has not requested one. These episcopal funds will be allocated to the Central Conferences where episcopal leadership is needed the greatest.
Jim Harnish has served very effectively as a pastor in the Florida Annual Conference for many years. I’ve always respected Jim and greatly enjoyed reading his books, many of which come from his preaching. I told him tonight how often I’ve thought of a phrase he used from Yates as he introduced his “Apostles’ Creed” sermons: the center that holds. I am wondering that center is that will hold this General Conference together. There is a wide range of thought about that center. Jim said that the best we can hope for is that “General Conference will do no harm.” Let’s hope so.
Stay tuned.
· the average membership of a UM congregation is 110? (In the Kentucky, the average size of a UM church is 88)
· 4% of all Kentuckians are United Methodists
· the UMC is now in “full communion” with the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America which means we can participate fully in each other’s services, liturgies, sacraments and member transfers without conditions.
· this year is the 40th anniversary of the Commission on Religion and Race. The old Central Jurisdiction (that segregated the black Methodists from the white Methodists in 1939) was discarded at the Uniting Conference of the United Methodists Church in 1968.
· Ellen Johnson Sirleaf graduated from a UM school in Liberia, earned her degree from Harvard, and in 2006 was elected the first female President of an African nation? It was a privilege to hear her speak to the GC today.
We finished with all the petitions that had financial implications tonight, only one day later than planned on the Conference agenda. Most of our time this afternoon and tonight was spent discussing the leadership needs of the Central Conferences, particularly the African conferences where the church is growing at a phenomenal rate. New episcopal leaders are needed for this emerging church, but a plan and funding will not be in place until 2013.
To my surprise, the GC voted to reduce the number of bishops in the US jurisdictions by 4. Beginning in 2013, one less bishop will be assigned to the Northeastern, North Central, South Central and Western Jurisdictions. The Southeastern Jurisdiction actually qualifies for one MORE bishop, but at this time has not requested one. These episcopal funds will be allocated to the Central Conferences where episcopal leadership is needed the greatest.
Jim Harnish has served very effectively as a pastor in the Florida Annual Conference for many years. I’ve always respected Jim and greatly enjoyed reading his books, many of which come from his preaching. I told him tonight how often I’ve thought of a phrase he used from Yates as he introduced his “Apostles’ Creed” sermons: the center that holds. I am wondering that center is that will hold this General Conference together. There is a wide range of thought about that center. Jim said that the best we can hope for is that “General Conference will do no harm.” Let’s hope so.
Stay tuned.
Monday, April 28, 2008
Quite a day today…make that “quite a LONG day today”! The highlight without a doubt was the music of the HOPE FOR AFRICA Children’s Choir. Their voices, smiles and genuine joy filled every heart and brought us to our feet more than once. Bishop Wandabula put it best on the video presentation: “No wonder they are going to be the future of our nation.” We will have the privilege of hearing them at Annual Conference in June. They also will share at Franklin 1st UMC on Sunday morning, June 1. DON’T miss these special ambassadors of God’s love and joy. Once you hear them, you will know what I mean. I also enjoyed the Asbury Theological Seminary luncheon today with Ellsworth Kalas and the Higher Education Commission dinner tonight. A group of students attending UM-related schools blessed us with their music as well.
An interesting thing happened re the Judicial Council elections. Previously this week, the Board of Church and Society registered its complaint that an unofficial caucus group passed out cell phones to delegates from the Central Conferences, attempting to sway their votes on these elections and other matters before the GC. What happened today is even more interesting. This morning, a “moderate” group put together a list of candidates and placed it on the desks of certain delegates before the election. Would you believe that every one of those nominees, clergy and lay, were elected in the exact order of that list? I asked the BCS if they were going to mention that in their next publication as well, but have not heard from them.
A couple or three other matters. The proposal from my legislative committee (Conferences) went through with a few adjustments after the minority report was voted down by less than 100 votes. A study group was given “guidelines” to prepare a report to the 2012 GC re how the UMC can live into a more global church. This petition did NOT approve or endorse a regional conference or conferences for the USA, but allows that discussion to take place. I can live with that for now. The GC also authorized a new hymnal for the church to be revealed by the 2012 General Conference. The youth/young adults questioned the need for it, but Tom Lankford’s group was given the go-ahead by the majority of delegates. And, bishops will be able to be assigned to areas until their 68th birthdays (presently, 66). Thus, their retirement age will be 72 years of age rather than 70. A petition re mandatory retirement for clergy at age 72 has not come before us yet.
If you want to respond, click on the “comments” at the bottom of this blog and a screen will pop up. Type your response in the “leave your comment” box and then hit “publish your comment.” You may need to enter the verification word that is listed there as well.
Things will get more interesting from this point on. Stay tuned.
An interesting thing happened re the Judicial Council elections. Previously this week, the Board of Church and Society registered its complaint that an unofficial caucus group passed out cell phones to delegates from the Central Conferences, attempting to sway their votes on these elections and other matters before the GC. What happened today is even more interesting. This morning, a “moderate” group put together a list of candidates and placed it on the desks of certain delegates before the election. Would you believe that every one of those nominees, clergy and lay, were elected in the exact order of that list? I asked the BCS if they were going to mention that in their next publication as well, but have not heard from them.
A couple or three other matters. The proposal from my legislative committee (Conferences) went through with a few adjustments after the minority report was voted down by less than 100 votes. A study group was given “guidelines” to prepare a report to the 2012 GC re how the UMC can live into a more global church. This petition did NOT approve or endorse a regional conference or conferences for the USA, but allows that discussion to take place. I can live with that for now. The GC also authorized a new hymnal for the church to be revealed by the 2012 General Conference. The youth/young adults questioned the need for it, but Tom Lankford’s group was given the go-ahead by the majority of delegates. And, bishops will be able to be assigned to areas until their 68th birthdays (presently, 66). Thus, their retirement age will be 72 years of age rather than 70. A petition re mandatory retirement for clergy at age 72 has not come before us yet.
If you want to respond, click on the “comments” at the bottom of this blog and a screen will pop up. Type your response in the “leave your comment” box and then hit “publish your comment.” You may need to enter the verification word that is listed there as well.
Things will get more interesting from this point on. Stay tuned.
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Here are a few random thoughts after spending the Lord’s Day at General Conference:
1. I have enjoyed the various worship experiences, but I found it odd that this day seemed like all the others with the early worship gathering, presentations, a quick lunch, and then legislative committee meetings in the afternoon and evening. This year, one full day was removed from the General Conference schedule, and it seems that the spiritual discipline of Sabbath went with it. Can we really do “worshipful work” for 10 days without a Sabbath experience? All was not lost, however! I enjoyed a wonderful steak dinner and great fellowship with friends tonight at the Stockyards. Then, it was back to the Convention Center for our legislative committee meeting until 11 p.m.
2. Bishop William Hutchinson gave a refreshing, challenging and inspiring message on John 3:1-17 on remembering our baptism as “something more” that ushers us into the Kingdom of God. It was a welcome change in the midst of so much liberation theology that decries the USA as the evil empire and the US UMC as the dominant, unjust and oppressive church.
3. Most of the delegates from other annual conferences with whom I have talked seem to be so much more educated and prepared to discuss the issues than I am. I regret that we spent too little time reflecting on these serious matters as a delegation over the past year. I wish I had received more coaching from GC “veterans” who have learned how to work the process to their advantage. Obviously, leaders from other parts of the connection come prepared to do just that.
4. One revealing observation is how seriously many youth and young adults from jurisdictional and central conferences approach General Conference. For example, my legislative committee (which is considering pivotal proposals for our UM connection) is chaired by a college senior who is assisted by a 17-year old secretary. Other young people shared the “first address by youth at a General Conference” on Thursday, and it was very clear that their agenda is quite different from traditional, evangelical values. No young person from the Southeastern Jurisdiction has participated at any level of the GC as best I can tell. Conclusion: the future of the UMC leadership is being handed over by default to those whose agendas are quite different from mine.
Tomorrow, we vote for members of the Judicial Council (the “Supreme Court” of the UMC) and the University Senate (those who oversee and approve theological schools). Be much in prayer for these decisions as we seek to elect men and women who will help the UMC remain faithful to its scriptural foundations. Stay tuned.
1. I have enjoyed the various worship experiences, but I found it odd that this day seemed like all the others with the early worship gathering, presentations, a quick lunch, and then legislative committee meetings in the afternoon and evening. This year, one full day was removed from the General Conference schedule, and it seems that the spiritual discipline of Sabbath went with it. Can we really do “worshipful work” for 10 days without a Sabbath experience? All was not lost, however! I enjoyed a wonderful steak dinner and great fellowship with friends tonight at the Stockyards. Then, it was back to the Convention Center for our legislative committee meeting until 11 p.m.
2. Bishop William Hutchinson gave a refreshing, challenging and inspiring message on John 3:1-17 on remembering our baptism as “something more” that ushers us into the Kingdom of God. It was a welcome change in the midst of so much liberation theology that decries the USA as the evil empire and the US UMC as the dominant, unjust and oppressive church.
3. Most of the delegates from other annual conferences with whom I have talked seem to be so much more educated and prepared to discuss the issues than I am. I regret that we spent too little time reflecting on these serious matters as a delegation over the past year. I wish I had received more coaching from GC “veterans” who have learned how to work the process to their advantage. Obviously, leaders from other parts of the connection come prepared to do just that.
4. One revealing observation is how seriously many youth and young adults from jurisdictional and central conferences approach General Conference. For example, my legislative committee (which is considering pivotal proposals for our UM connection) is chaired by a college senior who is assisted by a 17-year old secretary. Other young people shared the “first address by youth at a General Conference” on Thursday, and it was very clear that their agenda is quite different from traditional, evangelical values. No young person from the Southeastern Jurisdiction has participated at any level of the GC as best I can tell. Conclusion: the future of the UMC leadership is being handed over by default to those whose agendas are quite different from mine.
Tomorrow, we vote for members of the Judicial Council (the “Supreme Court” of the UMC) and the University Senate (those who oversee and approve theological schools). Be much in prayer for these decisions as we seek to elect men and women who will help the UMC remain faithful to its scriptural foundations. Stay tuned.
Well, I missed writing my blog over the past two days for a couple of good reasons: (1) My roommate, Bill Arnold, has been sound asleep when I got to the hotel, so I did not want to disturb him with my pecking on this computer, and (2) most of our business was “business as usual” as we met in sub-committees (smaller groups within our legislative committees). Some folks on the Annual Conference level do not appreciate the legislative process. This experience has shown me that for good/bad, it certainly gives everyone an opportunity to participate and have voice where many would not speak before the entire Conference.
Anyway, I “volunteered” to be the secretary of our sub-committee (Worldwide Nature of the UMC). This group has dealt with three petitions that are offered after the study of a Task Force related to the Council of Bishops and the Connectional Table. The brief version of these proposals is that the UMC connection would/could/may (we spend hours on one word!) be structured by “regional” (presently, central) conferences which have the authority to determine their missional priorities as well as a variety of other matters including standards for ordination, social principles and chargeable offenses. One of the key questions is whether the US also would become a regional conference. This, as some see it, would de-centralize the power and influence of the US church and empower the church in other parts of the world. On the other hand, decisions would be more localized. Obviously, this would create local expressions of the UMC and move us toward dis-unity. Some of us are holding fast that the final word re the issues that shape our church should be at the General Conference, not regional or jurisdictional conference level. To move to 4 or 5 regional conferences in the US would create a very fractured church. The proposal coming out of our Committee would allow for a group to study this proposal for another 4 years.
I’ll have some free time tonight (Sunday) to share more thoughts so stay tuned.
Anyway, I “volunteered” to be the secretary of our sub-committee (Worldwide Nature of the UMC). This group has dealt with three petitions that are offered after the study of a Task Force related to the Council of Bishops and the Connectional Table. The brief version of these proposals is that the UMC connection would/could/may (we spend hours on one word!) be structured by “regional” (presently, central) conferences which have the authority to determine their missional priorities as well as a variety of other matters including standards for ordination, social principles and chargeable offenses. One of the key questions is whether the US also would become a regional conference. This, as some see it, would de-centralize the power and influence of the US church and empower the church in other parts of the world. On the other hand, decisions would be more localized. Obviously, this would create local expressions of the UMC and move us toward dis-unity. Some of us are holding fast that the final word re the issues that shape our church should be at the General Conference, not regional or jurisdictional conference level. To move to 4 or 5 regional conferences in the US would create a very fractured church. The proposal coming out of our Committee would allow for a group to study this proposal for another 4 years.
I’ll have some free time tonight (Sunday) to share more thoughts so stay tuned.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
There were many wonderful things shared today at General Conference. To the person, we agreed that Bishop Sharon Brown Christopher’s Episcopal Address was absolutely outstanding. Interspersing statements of the power of Jesus Christ to transform lives, churches and communities with the order of the Lord’s Supper and video presentations, we sensed an authentic witness of the Gospel. If only that spirit could prevail over all the rest of our time together!
Two other moments stand out clearly in my mind: a young girl named Katherine who has raised over $40,000 for NOTHING BUT NETS, the cooperative effort that is providing nets for beds to protect people in Africa from mosquitoes carrying the deadly malaria virus. The other was Eddie Fox sharing the story of the church in Bulgaria that buried the church bell when the Communists closed all churches when they took over the country. For 40 years that bell remained buried until one day Communism failed, the church emerged, the bell was uncovered, and placed high in the belfry of a new church structure. Every day since, that bell has rung out the sound of the hope that is found in Jesus Christ across that city. Today, we could see more clearly that our connection as United Methodists is a means of grace, not a burden.
There were other moments that were less inspiring to me personally, but were encouraging to others. It was also very cold in the auditorium, so it was easy to stay awake (even after only 4 ½ hours of sleep!).
We organized into legislative committees in the afternoon and evening. That is where the issues before the UMC will be discussed, perhaps amended or discarded, and then presented next week to be voted on by the entire Conference. I am secretary to the “World-wide Nature of the Church” sub-committee which will consider changing our constitution so as to re-structure the UMC. While re-structuring seems like a waste of time and energy, sometimes it becomes necessary. But, my primary questions are what will this re-structuring look like, and how does it affect the mission and witness of the church? Stay tuned.
Two other moments stand out clearly in my mind: a young girl named Katherine who has raised over $40,000 for NOTHING BUT NETS, the cooperative effort that is providing nets for beds to protect people in Africa from mosquitoes carrying the deadly malaria virus. The other was Eddie Fox sharing the story of the church in Bulgaria that buried the church bell when the Communists closed all churches when they took over the country. For 40 years that bell remained buried until one day Communism failed, the church emerged, the bell was uncovered, and placed high in the belfry of a new church structure. Every day since, that bell has rung out the sound of the hope that is found in Jesus Christ across that city. Today, we could see more clearly that our connection as United Methodists is a means of grace, not a burden.
There were other moments that were less inspiring to me personally, but were encouraging to others. It was also very cold in the auditorium, so it was easy to stay awake (even after only 4 ½ hours of sleep!).
We organized into legislative committees in the afternoon and evening. That is where the issues before the UMC will be discussed, perhaps amended or discarded, and then presented next week to be voted on by the entire Conference. I am secretary to the “World-wide Nature of the Church” sub-committee which will consider changing our constitution so as to re-structure the UMC. While re-structuring seems like a waste of time and energy, sometimes it becomes necessary. But, my primary questions are what will this re-structuring look like, and how does it affect the mission and witness of the church? Stay tuned.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
It’s 12:35 a.m. Thursday morning – the benediction was offered at the opening service of General Conference just over 2 hours ago. Bishop Janice Huie pronounced that we were “in recess” until the next session which begins in less than 8 hours. Bill Arnold (my roommate) and I decided we could wait until morning to get a bite to eat, so I’m ready for bed.
It was noted that today marks the 40th anniversary of the uniting of the Methodist Church and the Evangelical United Brethren Church, forming the United Methodist Church. Over these forty years our membership has declined almost 3 million, but that was not mentioned tonight. In fact, I have heard or read very little about the evangelistic mission of the UMC. Added to our mission statement to make disciples of Jesus Christ are the words for the transformation of the world. Some may debate that addition at GC, but I can live with it. However, I have difficulty living with the fact that we talk so little about leading people into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Seems to me that Jesus is the Transformer of lives and all of creation. I’ll keep listening, and hoping, and probably waiting to hear that Good News from our leadership.
We begin meeting in legislative committees tomorrow afternoon. I will be serving on the “Conferences” committee that is considering proposals to re-structure the UMC and reduce the size of General Conference. Should be very interesting. Stay tuned.
It was noted that today marks the 40th anniversary of the uniting of the Methodist Church and the Evangelical United Brethren Church, forming the United Methodist Church. Over these forty years our membership has declined almost 3 million, but that was not mentioned tonight. In fact, I have heard or read very little about the evangelistic mission of the UMC. Added to our mission statement to make disciples of Jesus Christ are the words for the transformation of the world. Some may debate that addition at GC, but I can live with it. However, I have difficulty living with the fact that we talk so little about leading people into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Seems to me that Jesus is the Transformer of lives and all of creation. I’ll keep listening, and hoping, and probably waiting to hear that Good News from our leadership.
We begin meeting in legislative committees tomorrow afternoon. I will be serving on the “Conferences” committee that is considering proposals to re-structure the UMC and reduce the size of General Conference. Should be very interesting. Stay tuned.
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Saturday - April 19, 2008
Greetings! Welcome to a "Moment with Mike" where I plan to share my observations and reflections from the General Conference of the United Methodist Church which convenes next Wednesday (April 23) in Ft. Worth, Texas. This is my first attempt at "blogging," but thanks to my expert computer tech (Dr. Pam Petty), I should be able to get these comments to you in a timely fashion.
Thus far, I have learned that
(1) it is best to make one's own housing reservations,
(2) previous delegates were telling the truth re the amount of "stuff" delegates receive in the mail prior to Conference,
(3) being a delegate, and a husband, and a father, and a DS (especially during appointment season) makes the weeks/days prior GC very "eventful" (or, event-FILLED),
(4) the "united" part of our denomination will be challenged over the next few days,
(5) our confidence must be in God's faithfulness as we enter these uncertain days.
I have been assigned to the "Conference" legislative committee which will consider the three petititions that propose re-structuring the UMC into central conferences. Key question: What does it mean to be a "global church"? Being on the frontline of this debate, I will be able to keep you posted on this conversation. I have been receiving emails, phone calls, letters and invitations to dinners from groups on all sides of this issue. Stay tuned!
Let me hear from you. I cannot promise to answer every question, but I am very interested in your thoughts and concerns. I ask for your prayers as we seek know and do the Lord's will in this fascinating, often troubling, work in progress called United Methodism.
Above all, let us remember that Jesus is Lord.
Thus far, I have learned that
(1) it is best to make one's own housing reservations,
(2) previous delegates were telling the truth re the amount of "stuff" delegates receive in the mail prior to Conference,
(3) being a delegate, and a husband, and a father, and a DS (especially during appointment season) makes the weeks/days prior GC very "eventful" (or, event-FILLED),
(4) the "united" part of our denomination will be challenged over the next few days,
(5) our confidence must be in God's faithfulness as we enter these uncertain days.
I have been assigned to the "Conference" legislative committee which will consider the three petititions that propose re-structuring the UMC into central conferences. Key question: What does it mean to be a "global church"? Being on the frontline of this debate, I will be able to keep you posted on this conversation. I have been receiving emails, phone calls, letters and invitations to dinners from groups on all sides of this issue. Stay tuned!
Let me hear from you. I cannot promise to answer every question, but I am very interested in your thoughts and concerns. I ask for your prayers as we seek know and do the Lord's will in this fascinating, often troubling, work in progress called United Methodism.
Above all, let us remember that Jesus is Lord.
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