Dear Friends,
General Conference, the worldwide legislative body for the United Methodist Church, is in the midst of its third day of plenary sessions. Plenary sessions are those in which changes to the Book of Discipline (the UMC’s book of law) are considered and voted on. After handling more mundane matters related to finances and the deployment of bishops, the General Conference today acted on the issues of same-sex marriage and eligibility for ordination.
Regarding marriage, the language prohibiting same-sex marriage was removed from the Book of Discipline. Language was added to the Book of Discipline stating that clergy and local churches cannot be compelled to officiate and hold same-sex weddings. Additionally, congregations and clergy cannot be penalized for refraining from holding or officiating same-sex weddings.
Regarding ordination, the language prohibiting self-professed, practicing homosexuals from ordination has also been removed. This means that it will be the job of each annual conference, already charged with screening candidates for ordination, to determine who can and cannot serve as clergy within their conference.
You are probably asking, “What does this mean for Central?” The bishop will not appoint a clergyperson to serve any church when it would be detrimental to the church and the clergyperson. This is especially true in the case of South Carolina’s flagship churches, of which Central is one. Additionally, the clergy of Central would never take any action that would divide the church.
Another implication is that local churches and annual conferences will apply these changes differently in different places. What we do in South Carolina will differ from what United Methodists do in California and Africa. It may mean that other congregations in South Carolina will do things differently from how we do things at Central. Regardless of the implications of these changes, the principle of home rule prevails. In other words, South Carolinians will decide what is best for South Carolina and the people of Central will decide what is best for Central.
Some will greet this news with celebration, others with angst, and others with anxiety as we tread new ground. Regardless of where you stand on the issues at hand, know that I and the entire ministry team of Central will continue to pursue Central’s best interests. The words of Jesus from Matthew 6:23 come to mind, “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things shall be yours as well.” Jesus is speaking here to people who are worrying about what the future holds. He reminds us that if we do our best to faithfully serve Him where He has placed us, we do not need to worry. God will bring God’s purposes into being.
I know that you may have questions or concerns. I will continue to share with you information from General Conference as it unfolds. Please do not hesitate to come to me, Rev. Ann Kovan, or Rev. Meg Jiunnies. We are blessed to serve God with you and are committed to following Jesus alongside you.
Yours in Christ,
Thomas