A new proposal for the future of the UMC has come forward. It is called the United Methodist Centrist Movement Platform. It is not affiliated with any particular caucus group. In fact, that’s kind of the point. These folks believe that our dialogue and decision-making has become too heavily politicized (and I am inclined to…
Dr. Bill Arnold is a friend and dialogue partner. I got to know him first by our common work on the University Senate. We both care very much about the church, the work of ministry, and theological education. We are committed to the UMC and would see denominational division as a very sad and regrettable…
Good News has just published a press statement regarding some eighty pastors and theologians who are calling for a division of the denomination. A group of leading pastors and theologians released a progress report on their considerations regarding the future of The United Methodist Church. Hailing from all five jurisdictions, the more than 80 pastors and…
Many of my theological friends in the UMC–brothers and sisters in Christ–are much more progressive than I am. I feel the need to state publicly that I value these friends a great deal. I learn from them. They challenge me and keep me from becoming too comfortable with my own positions. They remind me that…
If you’ve been following news around the UMC at all, you’ve likely become acquainted with the term “just resolution.” Essentially, this is a way of resolving administrative complaints without a church trial. As stated in ¶363 of the Discipline, “A just resolution is one that focuses on repairing any harm to people and communities, achieving…