6/6/18 A Way Forward The Process C O N V E R S A T I O N The Purpose History The Mission The Mission The Commission will bring together persons ...and exploring the potential future(s) of our deeply committed to the future(s) of The United denomination in light of General Conference and Methodist Church, with an openness to subsequent annual, jurisdictional and central developing new relationships with each other... conference actions. 1
6/6/18 The Vision The Vision The Commission will design a way for being ...that allows for as much contextual church that maximizes the presence of a United differentiation as possible, and that balances an Methodist witness in as many places in the approach to different theological world as possible... understandings of human sexuality with a desire for as much unity as possible. Scope Scope Therefore, we should consider new ways of We should be open to new ways of being in relationship across cultures and embodying unity that move us beyond where jurisdictions, in understandings of episcopacy, we are in the present impasse and cycle of in contextual definitions of autonomy for action and reaction around ministry and annual conferences, and in the design and human sexuality. purpose of the apportionment. Scope Scope In reflection on the two matters of unity and We will give consideration to greater freedom human sexuality, we will fulfill our directive by and flexibility to a future United Methodist considering “new forms and structures” of Church that will redefine our present relationship and through the “complete connectionality, which is showing signs of examination and possible revision” of relevant brokenness. paragraphs in the Book of Discipline. 2
6/6/18 Commission on a Way Forward COB-COWF Relationship Motion Motion Having received and considered the extensive § All three plans for a way forward considered by the Commission and the Council. work of the Commission on a Way Forward, the Council of Bishops will submit a report to the § The Council’s recommendation of The One Church Plan. special session of the General Conference in § A historical narrative of the Council’s discernment 2019 that includes: process regarding all three plans. Rationale Rationale In order to invite the church to go deeper into the journey the Council and Commission have been on, the The values of our global church are reflected in Council makes all the information considered by the all three plans. The majority of the Council Commission and the Council of Bishops available to the recommends The One Church Plan as the best way forward for The United Methodist Church. delegates of the General Conference and acknowledges there is support for each of the three plans within the Council. 3
6/6/18 Three Plans One • Traditional Church Plan • One Church • Connectional Conference One Church Plan One Church Plan • Removes the restrictive language • Does not require any conference, from our current Book of Discipline bishop, clergy or church to act in ways contrary to their convictions • Maintains the current structure of the denomination Connectional Conference Plan Connectional • Reflects a unified core that includes shared doctrine and services Conference Plan • Creates 3 values-based conferences in U.S.: Accountability, Contextuality & Justice 4
6/6/18 Connectional Conference Plan Connectional Conference Plan • Annual conferences choose which • College of Bishops in each connectional conference to join Connectional Conference • Local churches that wish to join a • Redefined Council of Bishops is different connectional conference focused on ecumenical than their annual conference can relationships and shared learning vote to do so Traditional Church Plan Traditional • Affirms current language in the Church Plan Book of Discipline • Increases accountability Traditional Church Plan Judicial Council • Maintains the current structure of the church Ruling • Continues current relationships with general agencies and commissions 5
6/6/18 What’s Next? What’s Next? July 8 July 8, 2018 All Petitions Submitted All Petitions Submitted February 23-26, 2019 Special Session of General Conference Praying Our Way Forward What’s Next? July 8, 2018 Phase 1 All Petitions Submitted February 23-26, 2019 Special Session of General Conference June 3, 2018 -February 26, 2019 Praying Our Way Forward Phase 3 Praying Our Way Forward Praying Our Way Forward Phase 2 Phase 3 6
6/6/18 Praying Our Way Forward Praying Our Way Forward Phase 3 Phase 3 Weekly Wesleyan Fast Weekly Wesleyan Fast Daily Prayer from 2:23-2:26 am or pm What Can Each of Us Do? What Can Each of Us Do? Read the Report Carefully Read the Report Carefully Dialogue About Questions You Have What Can Each of Us Do? What Can Each of Us Do? Read the Report Carefully Read the Report Carefully Dialogue About Questions You Have Dialogue About Questions You Have Pray Our Way Forward Phase 3 Pray Our Way Forward Phase 3 Participate in District Days This Fall 7
6/6/18 A Way Forward C O N V E R S A T I O N 8
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