Late last week, news broke of a protocol that was mediated between diverse members of the United Methodist Church for it’s separation. Read below for news, and messages from our Bishop, District Superintendent, and our Pastors.
Despite reports in the secular news may imply, the protocol agreed to is far from a sure thing. “At this point we have a hint of an idea of how things may move forward,” said Pastor David Wells. “There are many steps to this process and even if it is adopted without change by the General Conference this spring, it will be years before local congregations have to act.”
“We feel God moving in the ministry of St. Paul Community United Methodist Church,” said Family Pastor Brian Gath. “While we need to watch what is going on in the larger church, our focus needs to remain on reaching our congregation and community with God’s love.”
Learn more about what is happening by reading coverage by the United Methodist News Service, a statement from the West Ohio Conference of the United Methodist Church, the text of the Protocol of Reconciliation and Grace through Separation, and this FAQ put out by the group who signed it.
Once you have read about the proposal, read Bishop Palmer’s statement “…And Hope Does Not Disappoint Us” as our leader and as one of the people who signed the protocol.
Finally, consider the four points made by our District Superintendent, Todd Anderson below.
This plan was put together and signed by a diverse, sixteen member group. It is the only plan that has been sponsored by all of the major caucus groups in the United Methodist Church. Considering the impasse that we have been at for so long, agreement for all groups for this plan is amazing. While a split has been long talked about, including all the way back to the 2012 General Conference in Tampa, FL, broad agreement among leadership is very helpful in moving us forward as a witness to the world in our genuine love for another even in the midst of disagreement. This plan reflects a deep commitment on the part of all involved to live out the three simple rules of Do No Harm, Do Good and Stay In Love with God.At this point no decision has been made. This will be one of the plans that will be discussed and voted on at General Conference in May 2020.Help direct people to the source material rather than the interpretation done by the secular media or interest groups. Bishop Gregory V. Palmer, one of the sixteen signatories, has offered a letter to the Annual Conference. Attached in this link is the press release from the group which outlines the plan. Please read it in addition to find commentaries from all the caucus groups. We are also honored and pleased that ORV Pastor and District Urban Ministries Director Rev. David W. Meredith, Pastor of Clifton UMC, was on this team. We should remember that the secular media is going to focus on the split, but those on the negotiating team are focused on justice, amicability, stewardship and wishing each other the best in all the prayerful decision making ahead.Please continue to pray for our church and those impacted by this decision: Local Churches, our Clergy, General and Jurisdictional Conference Delegates, the Bishops of the church and the people we serve every day who don’t even know what a United Methodist Church is, but appreciate the bowl of soup, the homeless ministry, a place to get warm in winter and hundreds of others ministries that span from healthcare, nursing home care, colleges and universities.
As always, your pastors are available to speak with you further. Please contact the church office 513-891-8181 to arrange an appointment.