At the May 2019 General Conference, UMC delegates passed the Traditional Plan, which reaffirmed the current Book of Discipline language that is harmful to LGBTQ people. Since the majority of US delegates oppose the current language, enforcing the current Book of Discipline is not possible.

• What is in the current Book of Discipline that is harmful to so many? Click here to go to the UMC page explaining current teachings on human sexuality.

On January 3, 2020, the Protocol of Reconciliation & Grace Through Separation, which calls for an amicable split of the UMC into at least 2 separate denominations, was signed by representatives from multiple groups of all perspectives on this issue. Click here for more information on the Protocol.

• The agreement includes a provision to immediately hold in abeyance all complaints and judicial processes until the Protocol can be voted on at the next General Conference.

• Until the Protocol is voted on, it is not legally binding.

• The next General Conference has been postponed until 2022 at the earliest.

Additional Resources:

• BOOK - “The Matter at Hand” by Randy Hardy, a UMC Layperson.

• Here is a link to Bishop Sue Haupert-Johnson’s podcast episode on the Protocol: Episode 3 of "At the Table with Bishop Sue”

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Our work within the Bridging Community

The Mountain Park UMC Agape Reconciling Community (ARC) recognizes the crucial nature of each conversation in The Bridges Movement at Mountain Park. We support the dialog and mission statement being developed by each Bridges Conversation (Racial Reconciliation, LGBTQ Inclusion). Each Bridge cannot stand alone but works in harmony and unison with the others to inspire the church to be all the Holy Spirit asks us to be, Christ in the world.

Learn more about our other Bridges and how you can connect.