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Dear Friends,
The first in person General Conference of this decade took place in Charlotte, North Carolina over the past two weeks. In talking to many of the delegates, the Holy Spirit has been at work. Amazing legislation has been passed that will reshape and reset the ministries we do as a connectional system. Last week I wrote to you about how messy it is to be in a connectional system that relies on representatives from across the world to come together and address the issues that influence our local churches. This is especially difficult when we live in an age of misinformation and winner takes all. We must collaborate. We must have difficult conversations. We must pray together for guidance.
Those conversations have led these diverse delegates to overwhelmingly adopt legislation in line with the four goals I have discussed with you.
Regionalization - The final piece of regionalization legislation was passed yesterday. Since this is a change in structure, it will have to be ratified by the Annual Conferences. What harm is this addressing? It put the US churches in a prior position over the churches across the world. Regionalization sees us as being equal. Equality is a wrong that needs to be righted.
Removal - All language that condemned individuals over human sexuality were removed. I believe this is another wrong that needs to be made right. Our understanding of human sexuality is heavily influenced by the voices we choose to allow influence over us. It is complex and we still do not have all the answers but what we do know it that we are all God's children and Jesus did not turn away from those society saw as outcasts. Care was taken to allow the local churches to determine the correct path for their own congregation and mission field.
Revised Social Principles - Revising our Social Principals also intended to right many wrongs. Their first goal was to recognize the humanity and dignity of all human beings. We live in a environment where humanity is politized. Refugees are not recognized as humans. Civilians in wars are not seen as being human. Those who do not identify in the patterns of male and female are discussed as being less than human. These are all God's children.
Here is where I must acknowledge that General Conference did something I did not like and I expressed my concerns last night to our delegation. Now I more fully understand what happened and while I still have concerns for our church, I do respect why they did what they did. Yesterday while seeking to define the seriousness of Christian marriage and to address that it is between consenting adults, members of one of the African delegations expressed concern that if they did not include language that stated marriage was between a man and a woman, they could be subject to persecution in their country. So that language was included but then what do you do about gay marriage. So they included language about both. That is going to be difficult for those who are more "traditional." Now that I understand the problems for those African communities, I am less anxious about this. For those who feel this step was a bridge too far, I hope you will rethink in light of the whole of our global church. Yes, we will take a beating as some will be publicly calling out our denomination, but we can hold together in Christ.
The last R was Renewal and there were major advances to include youth and young adults in all aspects of administration, ministry, and leadership. Deacons were given the same sacramental authority as local pastors which will help our deacons in rural communities. There was disagreement but there was a willingness to listen strive for a solution. There was an attitude of prayer. What great role models for our world.
Friends, for the last month I have had my head buried in the book of Galatians which has been good for keeping my heart and mind open to the work of the Spirit even when it pushes me to discomfort. You are truly an amazing church. Let's keeping loving Jesus, loving each other, and loving our neighbor.
Grace and peace,
Beth
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