The Plans

The morning has been given-over to presentations of the three basic plans.

The One Church Plan seeks to maximize the United Methodist presence and witness/ministry in as many places as possible, with as much contextual diversity as possible. The hope is that the OCP balances different theological understandings of human sexuality with a concern for church unity.

 

The Connectional Conference Plan uses the New Testament language of “vine and branches” to affirm that there is a core of Methodist identity rooted in the theology of Wesley, Methodist hymnody, the General Rules and certain sections of The Discipline; but that “room” or “space” is needed for churches in various geographical, ethnic or cultural contexts to have freedom within that reality to organize themselves administratively and in local missional activity. “Mission and Context” is crucial to this plan.

The Traditional or Modified Traditional Plan aims at Unity in Doctrine, Consistency in Practice and Accountability. The TP affirms that the language in The Discipline is consistent with the scriptures which are applicable in all times an all places: “the clarity and call of the authoritative Word of God” is at the heart of Wesleyan tradition. It does not call for nor does it allow the shaming of persons, but sets the “connectional” and not the “congregational” standard of consistent practice of ordination and marriage. Accountability is a part of our covenant with each other. “To serve with joy in the ordered space” of our common and traditional life.

And now, after a break, the "discussions" will begin. Though, I must say, I have been unsettled by the conversations I had with the LA pastor this morning. It is upsetting to me to think that sermons, straight from scripture, are heard as stump speeches. 

And it has been unsettling to see, already, the cheers and silences that have accompanied the presentations. As one of our speakers said this morning, the Commission revealed the "complexity, diversity, pain and brokenness" that is part of and present in the Body of Christ. And we are unified in that "heartbreaking and spiritual reality" that is on full display here this morning.