"Follow UP from Last week's Message"

In Last week's message, I spoke briefly about the United Methodist Commission on a Way Forward. I wrote that the final recommendation that will be presented to the delegates of the special General Conference will exclude a "Traditionalist" option - one that would uphold the current language of our Discipline, and hold the church accountable to the truths of scripture.

My comments were hasty, and I apologize for any confusion that they may have caused. While this concept was certainly what I understood to be true at the time, the final proposal that will be presented to the delegates will NOW have the "Traditionalist" option included. That's the good news.

However, the Council of Bishops will be recommending that the "One Church Plan" be adopted. This option will allow each Annual Conference,
as I understand the wording, to make their own determination of what they will allow and what will not be allowed. And I also believe that each individual congregation, as well as each pastor, will have a similar right of determination.

As a personal observation, this will have the effect of simply legitimizing our current situation, and will resolve nothing. But time will tell, and I pray that I will be proven wrong. The following link will take you to the Bishops' Press release for the complete version of their announcement.

Many blessings, and may the Lord God bless and guide our church.

Council of Bishops' Press Release.