Reconciling Congregation – still!
What does the passage of the Traditional Plan mean for N. Chatham UMC? Practically speaking, nothing.
Six of us attended a regional meeting where Bishop Webb offered a time of Worship, explanation and thoughts about Special Session in St. Louis in March. It was there that the delegates to The United Methodist Church’s top lawmaking assembly passed the Traditional Plan in a 438-384 vote, which affirms the church’s policy on homosexuality and strengthens enforcement. Many of us are disappointed about his.
NC UMC is a “Reconciling Congregation” – We love and welcome all people without regard to race, gender, occupation and LGBTQ status. Are we different than the rest of the UMC? Yes, in respect to the full-inclusion issue. NC has voted to support LGBTQ persons as full and valuable members of the Church. All UMCs accept LGQBT as full Laity and full members, the dissimilarity is in not-allowing the sacrament of marriage or in being qualified as pastors. Special Session’s passage reinforced the existing system of penalties and exclusion. Bishop Webb assured us that he is not actively seeking out transgressors: he will investigate any complaint. Bishop Webb also asked for further consideration of the Connectional Church plan as a way to keep our world missions and larger theological issues and accept differences on this issue.
Click here to read the Petitions of Special Session of General Conference was held February 23-26, 2019 in St. Louis, Missouri
http://www.unyumc.org/events/general-conference-decisions-2019
Click here to read the questions to Bishop Webb and his responses.
http://www.unyumc.org/events/special-session-resources-the-way-forward
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