Dear Glen Mar friends,

The General Conference of the United Methodist Church is the legislative body for our world-wide denomination, and they recently concluded their 2-week meeting in Charlotte NC. Many of you may have seen coverage of some of the work that was done there. Around 1500 pieces of legislation were considered by the delegates from around the world, and you can find a list of some of the major outcomes and further details about all of it, here.

   
 
There is consensus that this Conference had a real spirit of cooperation and care, conversation and dialogue, across lines of race, nation, and political party. Most items that passed did so by huge majorities (75-93 percent). The UMC has always been a “big tent” — encompassing traditionalists, centrists, progressives and everyone in between (just like Glen Mar itself is) and the General Conference made space for that big tent to include more people who need the gospel. Some historic work was done in a variety of areas to help reach more people for Christ and enable churches to do the work of blessing their neighbors, and making disciples in their contexts, and to engage in more far reaching and nimble ministry. Here are some highlights.
 
Regionalization: Legislation passed that would unite UM’s around the world on the essentials of our faith (e.g. our Articles of Religion, our General Rules, our Confession of Faith), and would create a regionalized system for churches in regions (like the US, Africa, the Philippines, Europe) to “do church” in ways that make sense for their contexts. This was supported by the majority of delegates in each of these regions. In fact, most of the world’s UM’s already run their churches this way. This will give the US the same freedom the other parts of the world have. This “regionalization” passed by 78 percent. However, it requires amendments to our Constitution, so this legislation goes to our Annual Conferences for a vote and must be passed by 2/3 of the total number of AC members worldwide to be ratified. (We have 6 Glen Mar folks who are members of our Annual Conference who will vote). It will NOT come up at this year’s Annual Conference but will next year.
 
Removal of Restrictive Language:

• By large majority, over 90 percent, the GC voted to remove statements that said that the practice of homosexuality is “incompatible with Christian teaching.” Before 1972, there were no such prohibitions…so in a sense this is a return to our Discipline from John Wesley’s day to 1970. This statement of “incompatibility” effectively barred many people from ministry in or even visiting our churches and kept many of them from opening the gift of the gospel or knowing and sharing the love of Jesus.
• In addition, by large majority—over 90 percent– the GC removed the penalties for Annual Conferences that ordain gay people and removed the penalties on clergy who perform gay weddings. It does NOT mandate that any church must accept a particular pastor (gay or not). The Bishop and Cabinet will continue to consult with churches and with pastors to ensure that there is a good fit between the needs of churches and the gifts of clergy. Similarly, it does not mandate that any clergyperson HAS to do any wedding (gay or not). Decisions on who pastors marry have always been made by clergy and will continue to be so. It does not mandate that a church has to have a wedding (gay or not) on their premises. It simply removes the penalties and prohibitions that were placed there in the years following 1972 to make those things possible.

 
Full Communion with the Episcopal Church: The GC voted to enter into communion with the Episcopal Church, which means that we recognize each other’s sacraments and orders, and it would be possible for a UM pastor to be appointed to an Episcopal Church and vice versa. (The UMC is already in full communion with the ELCA). If the Episcopalians agree at their equivalent Conference, this will happen.
 
Fiscal Work: Reduction in overall budget, due in part to disaffiliations (about 25%)—not passing on costs to local churches, because they want local churches to keep resources for ministry. All is fiscally sound. New clergy pension plan, starting in 2025.
 
Sacramental Authority for Ordained Deacons (in their appointment/context): Will allow for easier ministry—currently Deacons need to ask for special permission from Bishop.
 
Glen Mar Church (like the UMC itself) is a “big tent” that is “purple,” to use a common term. We have people who differ in every way, except when it comes to Jesus. We have every political and ethnic and “kind” of person—united in our love of Jesus, our commitment to His Lordship, and our mission to grow disciples of Jesus Christ (Praising God, Growing Disciples, Serving the World). At Glen Mar, we will continue to love and welcome ALL people and fully include them in the life and ministry of Glen Mar Church. By ALL, we mean you—and everyone you know. We will continue to love and welcome people of every color, stripe, orientation, and nationality—love, welcome, include and offer Christ. We need you, no matter where you find yourself in this description, and you have a place here at our church.
 
John Wesley’s sage counsel (perhaps quoting St. Augustine) was “In essentials, unity. In non-essentials, liberty. In all things, charity (love).” Because the Kingdom of God is “purple” too…. If you have questions, please feel free to reach out to me, or to any member of our Leadership Board.
 
See you in church,
 
Mandy
Pastor Mandy Sayers