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Hello St. John’s Family,
As many of you know, the General Conference of the United Methodist Church convened in Charlotte, NC on April 23 and runs through tomorrow (May 3). The General Conference is comprised of 862 delegates from around the world and is the only entity that speaks for the denomination. The changes approved and decisions made from General Conference are captured in the Book of Discipline, our official record of the law, doctrine, administration, organization, and procedures of The United Methodist Church. The 8 delegates from our Eastern PA Conference have been hard at work, and several significant updates have been approved by the General Conference. Worldwide structural updates grouping specific regions together while providing some operational/procedural autonomy (referred to as Regionalization), altering the ministerial pension plan such that the defined benefit portion is replaced by a defined contribution program, approving a budget, and updating a series of resolutions known as our Social Principles are some of the legislative measures approved. In addition, measures passed yesterday removing the restrictive language that prohibited UMC Clergy from performing weddings of same-gendered couples, and Boards of Ordained Ministry from recommending LGBTQIA persons for ordination.
At a time when many shifts and changes are occurring within the UMC, the measures regarding human sexuality are the ones receiving the most attention. Many have celebrated the passage of those measures as right, needed, and overdue; thankful the UMC will now more fully reflect the deep love and grace that Christ extended to all people. Others are struggling, concerned, or angered by a shift from the historic understanding of marriage and clergy covenants. Some aren’t quite sure what to make of these changes. To which I want to say: that’s OK. God’s love, grace, and mercy that have guided St. John’s UMC throughout our history – and to the prayerful decision (made years ago) to not allow these differences to divide us – will continue to guide us now. I believe that with all my heart, and I committed to leading Christ’s Church with that focus.
Given differing perspectives, I want to share brief details regarding some of the updates to our Discipline, as well as a personal reflection. Greater details and information will be shared at our upcoming Annual Conference (a meeting of clergy and congregational representatives from all UMC congregations in Eastern PA, occurring May 21-23). After that meeting, opportunities for us to come together to pray, reflect, listen, and discern will be offered here at St. John’s.
First, regarding the changes to our Discipline: clergy will continue to determine who they will marry, and local congregations will continue to determine what weddings are permitted in their buildings. Specifically, the changes will include new language in ¶ 419.12 Book of Discipline that states (copied directly from the approved legislation):
13. The superintendent shall not penalize any clergy from performing, or refraining from performing, a same-sex marriage service.
14. The superintendent shall neither require any local church to hold or prohibit a local church from holding a same-sex marriage service on property owned by a local church.
I offer those details to emphasize that mandates are not part of the approved legislation, regardless of one’s theological perspective.
From a personal perspective, I firmly believe that every human is a child of God. We all reflect in a real and meaningful way God’s image and goodness. So many of God’s children have struggled through confusion, hurt, uncertainty, ridicule, pain – and sometimes, worse – as they’ve wrestled with same-sex attraction. So many of our LGBTQIA siblings have questioned if their life matters, or if they’re worthy of love. I am very thankful those persons are now able to hear and see more clearly that they are God’s child, one who can be welcomed into the fullness of the life of Christ’s Church – worthy and accepted with love.
This Sunday in worship we’ll hear a story of someone who felt the deep need to worship… yet didn’t understand the scriptures of the God he felt compelled to worship. As he was leaving Jerusalem, God’s Holy Spirit met him in his uncertainty, sending a guide to reveal how nothing could prevent him – or anyone – from being washed in God’s grace and love as he opened his heart in faith. I hope you’ll read Acts 8:26-38 and then join me in worship!
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Brad
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