Uniting Resources
articles and reflections about our path to unity
Articles & Reflections
It’s Not About Jesus
A perspective from Rev. Dr. William O. (Bud) Reeves, Senior Pastor at First United Methodist Church in Fort Smith, Arkansas I have been following the United Methodist discussions about human sexuality since I was in high school and the first discriminatory language...
Singing Our Song in a Strange Land
A Song for Methodists in the Coronavirus Crisis A meditation from James A Harnish, Retired Elder, Florida Annual Conference, Co-convener Uniting Methodists A solitary psalmist sang the question that echoed in the hearts of the Israelites in Babylon who were isolated...
The Traditional Pastor of the Counter-Cultural Emergent Church
A perspective from Dr. Tom Pace, Senior Pastor of St. Luke's UMC in Houston, Texas. Everyone knows the narrative. Seen and unseen forces in the world are pulling us apart. Red versus blue. Conservative versus progressive. White versus black or brown. Rich versus poor....
Why I’m Not Leaving the UMC
A perspective from the Rev. Steve West of First United Methodist Church Arab, Alabama. A few weeks ago, hundreds of North Alabama Methodists that consider themselves traditional, orthodox, and conservative met at Clearbranch UMC to talk about splitting from the...
A Wide Embrace
A perspective from Dr. Paul W. Chilcote, Retired United Methodist Theologian & Historian. My study of the life and work of John and Charles Wesley cultivated a deep love of the Anglican tradition in me. One particular collect that comes from the Book of...
Advocacy Groups from Across the Church Endorse the Protocol
The governing boards of advocacy groups who often are referred to as traditionalist, centrist, or progressive today announced their endorsement and support of the Protocol of Reconciliation & Grace Through Separation. The following organizations join in this...
“We are walking together at a different pace.”
A perspective from Pastor Sungho Lee (Concord UMC, Cal.-Nev. AC) Last year, we had a “holy conferencing” session at our annual conference. Annual conference delegates were mixed in small groups. No one person was from the same church in a group. Clergy and lay were...
A reflection from John Stephens, Senior Pastor at Chapelwood United Methodist Church in Houston, TX
On Friday January 3, major news outlets reported the press release from a broad group of United Methodist leaders who have agreed in principle to a separation over the issue of human sexuality. The Washington Post, New York Times, Christianity...
Words of Wisdom from Don Underwood and Chris Dowd, Christ United Methodist Church in Plano, TX
United Methodist Church members and friends, Since July of 2019 a small group of United Methodist leaders, representing most of the caucus groups and theological positions of our church, has been quietly negotiating to find a way through the United Methodist...
A Special Word from Bishop David Graves
Friends, Last week the United Methodist Church was in the national media headlines regarding a potential split in the denomination. A press release about a proposed agreement for separation sparked this media attention. Many of the secular headlines caused...
Grace to Be the Church We Are Becoming
Uniting Methodists along with people across The UMC have today received a gift from a cross-section of faithful leaders proposing a “Protocol of Reconciliation & Grace Through Separation.” We commend the participants, who represented an array of perspectives and...
Gift of Hope
Across the United Methodist connection many experience impatience, discouragement, weariness, and anxiety as we continue to grapple with the fallout from the 2019 Special Session of General Conference. A palpable feeling of looming, intense struggles over what to...
Join Uniting Methodists in support of the Resist Harm Movement
Uniting Methodists is honored to be an organizational partner and support the work of the Resist Harm Movement. The Resist Harm Movement stands firmly within our Wesleyan tradition of the wideness of God’s grace in a broken world in need of Christ’s love. In light of...
To Redefine The Connection: Loving our Neighbor with a Convicted Humility
At the Council of Bishops meeting earlier this month, Bishop Ken Carter, President of the Council, addressed the plenary with the address below. Redefining The Connection The scope of the Way Forward was to “redefine our present connectionality” (2016). This is more...
Making Faithful Choices – UMC Futures
Debates about UMC futures have been intensified by the sharply polarized and conflicted Special Session of General Conference in February 2019, and subsequent responses by many annual conferences. Along with statements of concern and preferences from bishops in Africa...
Next Generation UMC Essentials
The Next Generation UMC Plan envisions a continuing and renewed United Methodist Church that: Welcomes everyone into full participation in the life and ministries of the church.Relentlessly focuses on making disciples of Jesus Christ.Equips persons to live as salt and...
Constructing the Next Generation United Methodist Church
The Next Generation UMC Plan is sponsored by UMCNext and others. It consists of multiple petitions that have been submitted in accordance with the requirements of the Commission on the General Conference for consideration at the next session of General Conference in...
In Support of the Next Generation UMC Plan
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...
Methodist Slime, Scum, Sloths and Slugs
by James C. Howell I’m one who has urged us United Methodists to be generous listeners, and full of love and respect even when we disagree strongly on homosexuality or other issues. I’m one who is mortified when politicians are ugly toward one another, with vicious...
New Ways for Making Room for All
The Uniting Methodists movement is animated by a vision of The United Methodist Church as a body of faithful disciples who are united in their commitment to the primacy of scripture, the historic affirmations of the Christian faith in the Wesleyan tradition, and the...
Faithful Minnesota United Methodists Speak Out
by Rev. Carol Zaagsma Soon after the Special Session of General Conference 2019, a group of clergy and laity gathered with the common belief that the Traditional Plan does great harm to the witness of The United Methodist Church. Minnesota Methodists was created as a...
“I Dreamed a Dream” of the United Methodist Church
by Rev. Dr. James C. Howell “When the Lord restores Zion’s fortunes, we should be like dreamers” (Psalm 126:1, in Robert Alter’s translation). I’ve been dreaming a lot lately: anxiety-rooted dreams during the night (while asleep or lying awake), and more hopeful...
Uniting Methodists Step Forward
Moving On We United Methodists have challenging work to do as we distinguish between essentials and non-essentials and define what is important in our witness, what is indispensable in our mission, and how we’ll organize and govern our common life. Following the...
Has the Methodist Middle Collapsed – Or Is It Awakening?
by Bishop Mike Coyner (Retired) Recently I received a phone call from a friend, a retired UM pastor, to discuss the events of the 2019 General Conference. He then asked me, “Do you think the Methodist Middle has collapsed?” His question was in reference to an article...
Living and Dreaming Together
by Bishop Bruce R. Ough. This post was originally a letter sent to the Minnesota Annual Conference. Grace and peace to you in name of the risen Christ! I echo the words of the apostle Paul as I greet you: “I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers...
An Open Book Process
As followers of the One who promised, “You shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free” (John 8:32), we eagerly seek the truth. We are deeply concerned that any possible irregular or unethical actions in delegate elections, preparations, credentialing, or...
Envisioning a “Central Conference Plan” for United Methodists
by Ted A. Campbell Christ, have mercy upon us. What would a real “win” have looked like at the General Conference? Imagine: St. Louis, February 26, 2019: General Conference votes to adopt the One Church Plan. Traditionalists say, “Well, you know, we tried to make our...
Statement from Michigan Clergy
Bishop David Bard, We, the undersigned Deacons, Elders, and Local Pastors of the Michigan Conference, are called in this moment in the life of The United Methodist Church to offer you this open pastoral letter. You have shared publicly that you find it difficult...
Ordinary People with an Extraordinary God
by Pastor Gary Weaver and Pastor Anna Layman Knox, Camp Hill United Methodist Church, Camp Hill, PA Dear Siblings in Christ, Grace and peace to you in the name of Jesus Christ. Earlier this week the Special Session of the General Conference of The United Methodist...
Pastoral Statement to Anniston FUMC
by Rev. Dale Clem, North Alabama Conference It’s hard for me to put into words what I’m feeling about General Conference. First, I hope I can respond rather than react. Reacting is emotional, spontaneous, and allows venting without first processing. We have all...
Continuing to Regard Each Other Equally
by Rev. John P. Feagins and Rev. Raquel C. Feagins Beloved in Christ, Over the past few days, several members of our La Trinidad community have been attending the 2019 Called General Conference in St. Louis, Missouri. Around 850 delegates gathered from across the...
The Living, Breathing Body of Christ
by Britt Skarda senior pastor of Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church, Little Rock, Arkansas Dear PHUMC Family, As I write this message to you from General Conference in St Louis, I know that many of you are disappointed and saddened by the decisions that have been...
Holy Resistance
by The German Executive Committee The Special Session of the General Conference adopted at its meeting in St. Louis the Traditional Plan. This upholds the current stance of the Book of Discipline on homosexuality; moreover, it demands consistent application with...
Andinkra and the One Church Model
by Rev. Mike Baughman There is a West African symbol called the Andinkra. It’s a Siamese crocodile with two heads and two tails. It looks an awful lot like a cross. The story goes that the two heads of this one organism are prone to snapping at one another. Because...
Easter
by Rev. Don Underwood, Senior Pastor at Christ UMC in Plano, TX Easter comes late this year. April 21 to be exact. But it is not too late to be thinking about the resurrection. Additionally, it is part of our great worship tradition that every Sunday is a mini-Easter...
A Statement on the UMC Special General Conference
by David McAllister-Wilson, President of Wesley Theological Seminary As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.Joshua 24:15 I have returned from the General Conference of The United Methodist Church in St. Louis on the Mississippi River. It may seem from news...
Dean Jan Love Offers Thoughts on General Conference
by Dean Jan Love, in an email to the Candler School of Theology community Dear members of the Candler community: I write to you from the St. Louis Special Session of the General Conference with a very heavy heart. I apologize in advance that this is a long message....
I Speak Against the Traditional Plan
by Jeremy Troxler, General Conference Delegate, Spruce Pine UMC I rise to speak against what is referred to as the "Traditional" Plan, not because it is traditional, but because it is NOT. This plan's approach is contrary to the generous, grace-filled spirit and...
Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi’s Call to Prayer
by Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi Grace and peace to you. I greet you in the name and with the love of Jesus Christ. In preparation for the 2019 Special Called Session of the General Conference, the Commission on a Way Forward worked with great integrity and faith. As an...
Reflections from Bishop Sally Dyck
by Bishop Sally Dyck Dear Friends and Members of the Northern Illinois Annual Conference: The long-awaited Special Session of the General Conference of the United Methodist Church in St. Louis, Mo., has finished its work. The three days were very painful for people...
Comments from Bishop Hagiya on the Special Session of General Conference
by Bishop Grant J. Hagiya I greet you in the name of Jesus Christ! By now you have probably all heard that the General Conference Special Called Session is now over, and the Traditional Plan prevailed (53% – 438 votes to 47% – 384 votes). Although it does...
Bishop Farr’s Words for the Missouri Annual Conference
by Bishop Robert D. Farr Dear Friends, I want to apologize for the hurt on all sides of this special session of General Conference. As a Bishop of the Church, I am concerned for all of our clergy and laity, regardless of their opinions. We knew the special session...
A Letter from Bishop Cynthia Harvey
by Bishop Cynthia Harvey, President Designate of the Council of Bishops Greetings Louisiana Conference, The Special Session of General Conference has come to an end in St. Louis and I would like to update you on what happened and what we can expect. After much...
Bishop Carter Comments on the Special Session
by Ken Carter, Resident Bishop of the Florida Conference and President of the Council of Bishops Dear Florida Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Some are grateful for the results of the Special Session. And others sought a different outcome. All of this will take some...
A Pastoral Letter Following General Conference 2019
by Brett Opalinski, Christ Church in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida Christ Church family and friends, The special General Conference of the United Methodist Church, in St. Louis, has concluded. As a wise person said to me on Saturday night at our special prayer service for...
And Yet, There is Change
by Rev. Teresa G. Welborn, District Superintendent of the Capital District in Austin, Texas I’m heading home to Austin from General Conference. I want to share a few words - especially to the laity and clergy of the Capital District. It has been a rough few days. Some...
We Are People of Grace
by Juan Carlos Huertas, Lead Pastor at Grace Community in Shreveport, Louisana Sisters and Brothers, After much deliberation and work the delegates at the 2019 Special Session of General Conference have approved the Traditional Plan. I join you in grieving this...
Charting a New Way Forward
by Pastor Justin Coleman, University United Methodist Church in Chapel Hill, North Carolina On Sunday, February 17, we shared information in worship and held a Town Hall meeting so that you could learn about a United Methodist Church’s denomination-wide Special...
All Are Welcome to Pursue Christian Ministry
by Greg Jones, Dean of Duke Divinity School Dear Members of the Board of Visitors and National Alumni Council, Duke Divinity School is a seminary of the United Methodist Church (UMC), and on Tuesday, February 26, the UMC passed legislation that affirms the...
The Witness of the Church
by Luke Edwards, Pastor of Boone UMC, King Street Campus My personal reflections on the United Methodist General Conference: Friends, it’s too early to tell what will happen to the United Methodist Church. We will know much more by Easter when the Judicial Council...
A Commitment of Non-Discrimination Towards LGBTQ Persons
by Neil B. Blair, President of Saint Paul School of Theology Dear Saint Paul Community, As most of you know, the General Conference of the United Methodist Church met in St. Louis the past four days. The purpose was for elected General Conference delegates from...
God Brings Light in Darkness
by Pastor Dan Bryant, Lakewood United Methodist Church in Lakewood, Ohio Sitting on the other side of the GC 2019 actions that clearly have “untied” The United Methodist Church, I am reminded that God is with us. Standing in prayer as the vote for the One Church Plan...
A Letter to My Fellow United Methodists
by Wil Cantrell Dear Fellow United Methodists, In 1972, we realized we had significant differences of opinion on homosexuality within the United Methodist Church. Thankfully, John Wesley was not naïve enough to think the people called Methodists would never experience...
2019 General Conference Update
by Pastor Laura Ledford Dear Saints, As you may have read or heard about, a special called session of the United Methodist Church’s General Conference gathered this week in St. Louis. The General Conference is the “deciding body” of our denomination, made up of...
Niner United
by Stephen Cheyney, UNC Charlotte Campus Ministry Niner United is UNC Charlotte’s Episcopal, Lutheran, Presbyterian, and United Methodist campus ministry. Today I want to talk with you about the United Methodist part. Niner United was founded in 1965 by the Methodist...
I Remain Committed
by Rev. Bradley Laurvick, Highlands United Methodist Church in NW Denver As a United Methodist, as a pastor, as a child of God, I remain committed to our call to build a home where all belong. Never has it been more important for loving, inclusive United Methodists to...
A Pastoral Word of Love
by Rev. Magrey deVega, Senior Pastor at Hyde Park United Methodist in Tampa, FL Dear Hyde Park Family, With the close of yesterday’s special General Conference in St. Louis, I’d like to give you an update on its outcome, and share with you a pastoral word of love to...
Respond, Don’t React
by Rev. Andy Call, Lead Pastor at Church of the Saviour, United Methodist in Cleveland Heights, Ohio Dear members and friends of Church of the Saviour, I find it difficult to find words to adequately capture what I am feeling today, much less how to interpret the...
General Conference Recap
by Hilary Marchbanks Dear Church, Six of us from Saint John's have spent the past several days at the United Methodist called General Conference in St. Louis, participating in prayer and worship, watching our general conference delegates decide the church’s current...
The Denomination Remains Divided on this Issue
by Clayton Oliphint Dear FUMCR Family, I have just arrived home from the Special Session of General Conference in St. Louis, addressing issues of ordination and marriage of those in the gay community. By a margin of 53% to 47% the conference approved the Traditional...
God Is Still Creating Something New
by Oak Lawn United Methodist Church Staff Greetings Oak Lawn Family: We are here in Saint Louis on the final day of this special called general conference. It’s been an emotional week— as many of you have seen. The One Church Plan did not pass in legislative session...
Our Doors Are Open
by Rev. Carol Cavin-Dillon Dearest Members of the West End UMC Family, The General Conference in St. Louis has come to an end. I know that many of you were watching over livestream or keeping up on Twitter and Facebook, but I want to summarize for all of us what was...
People of Sacred Worth
by Carl Frazier, Martha McLean, Heather Herrin Wong, Ben Adams Grace to you and peace from our God and the Lord Jesus Christ. By now, you may have heard that the special session of the General Conference of The United Methodist Church has completed its work. The...
Our Spiritual Crisis
by Rev. Don Underwood, Senior Pastor at Christ UMC in Plano, TX, and clergy delegate to General Conference David Brooks of the New York Times pointed out earlier this week that approximately 47,000 Americans will die this year by suicide, and another 72,000 by drug...
On Being Counter-Cultural
by Rev. Andy Call, a Pastor in the East Ohio Conference A number of people have spoken to me recently about their views on what the United Methodist Church should do regarding human sexuality and their hopes for the outcome...
