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GC2004 Updates
NIC
VOICE General Conference Update # 29
New items are indicated as follows:
NEW!!!!
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THE FOLLOWING IS UNOFFICIAL AND
UNCONFIRMED; OFFICIAL TEXT WILL BE ISSUED THIS AFTERNOON
(see also following just released report
by Christianity Today):
UNOFFICIAL REPORT ON
RESOLUTION PASSED IN MAY 7 AM PLENARY SESSION (source: ucmpage BB @
www.ucmpage.org)
Bruce Robbins and Bill Hinson were granted
privilege to make a statement.
After discussion, the
following (UNOFFICIAL) passed: 97%
"As United Methodists, we affirm our covenant with one another
even in the midst of disagreement, and affirm our commitment to
work together for the common mission of making disciples of
Jesus Christ throughout the world."
NIC VOICE Editor's Note:
NIC GC Delegate
Lonnie Chafin spoke in favor, expressing that we are "one in the
Spirit".
NIC GC Clergy Delegate
Rev. Luis Reyes was part of a group that made a supportive
statement.
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NEW!!!! Press
Articles May 7, 2004 UMC Split
In a tactical
shift, evangelical leaders who said yesterday they would seek an
"amicable separation" of the United Methodist Church now say they will
pursue further dialogue.
James V.
Heidinger, president of the
Good News
renewal group, said conservatives will not seek to impanel a committee
to study a permanent split. The denomination's General Conference, which
ends today, has been meeting in Pittsburgh. But Heidinger said "the idea
is not being forgotten."
Conservatives Say Methodists May
Need to Split Over Homosexuality
By Jim Brown and Jody Brown
May 7, 2004
"'United Methodist' is an
oxymoron. We haven't been united for a long time. Others ridicule us as the
'untied' Methodist Church."
Rev. Bill Hinson, President of the
Confessing Movement Within the UMC
PITTSBURGH, PA (AgapePress) -
Conservative Methodists may have exited the denomination's General
Conference in Pittsburgh with their agenda intact. But they may also see
the writing on the wall: that revisionists who favor homosexual clergy
might eventually get their way. That's why there is now talk of a
possible split in one of the largest Protestant denominations in the
United States.
Methodists urged to split over gay issue
Conservative organizers will work over next few years to build
support for separation
There had been some hope among conservatives to bring the issue
to a vote yesterday.
But after a day of meetings, conservative organizers decided
instead to try to build support for the idea in the next four years,
before the next legislative gathering.
<snip>
CONSERVATIVES acknowledged yesterday that the proposal for
separation had little chance of passing on such short notice, but they
had hoped to bring the matter to the church's attention, and they said
they accomplished that with the publicity over Hinson's speech.
<snip>
Hinson cited not only the controversy over homosexuality but also
theological differences with liberals, who he contended do not respect
the authority of the Bible or believe in the literal resurrection of
Jesus.
He said he was speaking for himself and not his organization,
though he said he checked with some board members.
One of Hinson's board members, however, would not go as far as
Hinson has. Maxie Dunnam, president of Asbury Theological Seminary in
Wilmore, said only that the church "should start talking about" a
possible split.
"If we're going to have a separation, it needs to be worked out
by people who represent the whole church, and it should be amicable,"
said Dunnam, who is also a delegate. "What the church should work on is
to quit fighting each other, to work together, to quit putting all of
our time on this one divisive issue."
Methodist pastor suggests church
split over homosexuality
By ERVIN DYER
BLOCK NEWS ALLIANCE
PITTSBURGH - A conservative United Methodist
pastor yesterday put forth a surprise, last-minute proposal to split the
denomination in reaction to decades-long disagreements over
homosexuality.
The Rev. William Hinson, president of the Confessing Movement for
conservative Methodists, said in a letter that the church has been divided
on commitments of conscience for the past 30 years and "it is the best
option available to set people free."
Shattered chalice becomes a symbol for Methodists
BY DAVID CRUMM
FREE PRESS COLUMNIST
May 7, 2004
When a communion chalice was smashed on the floor of a worldwide
gathering of United Methodist leaders in Pittsburgh this week, hundreds
of bishops, pastors and laypeople were shocked.
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NEW!!!!
May 6 - UMNS Audio
Bishop
Sees Church as Redemptive Community
Bishop Joe Pennel says debate within
the church is not a win or lose situation. He feels what's important
is whether the church grows in justice and love. The story is
reported by Art McClanahan (:38, 300K)
[download]
Bishops Respond to Call for Amicable Separation
Five United Methodist
bishops responded to the call for an “amicable separation” put forth
on Thursday morning by retired pastor Bill Hinson. They disagreed
with the proposal, saying that the church is not whole without all
its parts. Art McClanahan reports the story. (:56,
462K)
[download]
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(Note - these reports are numbered beginning with
last Monday as Day 1)
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Clearing the air
On Monday night, seven of us from
the evangelical coalition went somewhat unwillingly to a
meeting (not on Aldersgate Street). We had been invited to
gather after the evening session with persons from several
groups and caucuses who differ with us on the issue of
homosexuality. Staff and board members of the Commission on
Christian Unity joined us. Tom Porter of Just Peace served
as facilitator.
From 10 p.m. until midnight we shared
with one another our stories, hopes, hurts, convictions, and
frustrations about the protracted conflict over
homosexuality in our church. We closed with prayer and
agreed to meet the next day to see what we were sensing as a
possible follow-up.
Our Tuesday meeting was smaller, yet
we sensed among ourselves little interest in pursuing more
dialogue. Our differences had seemed insurmountable. Several
of us had brought a statement for possible discussion, as an
alternative to more unproductive dialogue. It was a
statement that acknowledged our deep, if not irreconcilable,
differences. It suggested that instead of continued friction
and rancor, perhaps a better way forward would be for the
church to consider amicable separation. If such a proposal
were to be presented to General Conference, we felt it would
need to come from both sides. We left the proposal with
those at the meeting without having discussed it. We
suggested they share it with those not present and possibly
get back with us if interested.
Someone who had received the document
made copies of it and gave it to the press. When Dr. Bill
Hinson suggested at our Thursday briefing breakfast that it
may be time to explore “an amicable and just separation,” it
was assumed that the document leaked to the press had been
Bill’s. It was not.
Having said this, we would add that
the matter of amicable separation is now on the table for
discussion by United Methodists. In the light of broken
covenants, defiance of the Book of Discipline, and
declarations of intent to continue ignoring General
Conference guidelines, it may well be time to ask if there
isn’t a better way forward.
No such resolution will be brought
before this General Conference. But many across the church
are beginning to conclude that the destructiveness of this
conflict and the resulting continual loss of members are not
in anyone’s best interests. The time, energy, and resources
spent on this issue year after year are deflecting the
church’s attention from evangelism, mission, and ministries
of compassion to which we are called.
Dr. James V. Heidinger II
President & Publisher
Good News
Q&A with Dr. Bill Hinson
Why did you give the speech on
amicable separation?
As I made clear in the first paragraph
of my speech, it represents my thinking alone. It’s not from
the Confessing Movement. This is I and I alone. This was
building in my own heart, and the precipitating moment came
through genuine dialogue with persons of a different
persuasion. This gave me a sleepless night and the need to
communicate my feeling that we have an unbridgeable gap
here. Therefore, my suggestion of amicable separation.
Did you prepare a
resolution to accompany your speech?
I did not prepare a resolution to
accompany my speech. At our second dialogue meeting a member
of another renewal group brought a sheet outlining some
possible points for moving into the future, including
exploring the feasibility of amicable separation. This was
offered by him as a source for the dialogue and the
continuing conversation. However, a member of the dialogue
group took that sheet, circulated it to members of the
General Conference along with my speech so that it appeared
that I was offering a speech and a resolution. The document
was not intended to be anything other than a source for that
particular dialogue.
This speech has taken on a life of its
own in the media, on the internet, in newspapers all over
the nation. What does that tell you about where Methodism is
as a fractured denomination?
I think my personal thoughts, shared
in no official capacity at the breakfast, were combustible
beyond anything I’ve ever experienced because I named the
issue, identified the 800 pound gorilla around which we’ve
been dancing during these days. People were simply hungry to
at least identify the problem.
The Character of a
Methodist
by John Wesley
Agreeable to this his one desire, is the one
design of his life, namely, “not to do his own will, but the
will of Him that sent him.” His one intention at all times
and in all things is, not to please himself, but Him whom
his soul loveth. He has a single eye. And because “his eye
is single, his whole body is full of light.” Indeed, where
the loving eye of the soul is continually fixed upon God,
there can be no darkness at all, “but the whole is light; as
when the bright shining of a candle doth enlighten the
house.” God then reigns alone. All that is in the soul is
holiness to the Lord. There is not a motion in his heart,
but is according to his will. Every thought that arises
points to Him, and is in obedience to the law of Christ.
And the tree is known by its fruits.
For as he loves God, so he keeps his commandments; not only
some, or most of them, but all, from the least to the
greatest. He is not content to “keep the whole law, and
offend in one point;” but has, in all points, “a conscience
void of offence towards God and towards man.” Whatever God
has forbidden, he avoids; whatever God hath enjoined, he
doeth; and that whether it be little or great, hard or easy,
joyous or grievous to the flesh. He “runs the way of God's
commandments,” now he hath set his heart at liberty. It is
his glory so to do; it is his daily crown of rejoicing, “to
do the will of God on earth, as it is done in heaven;”
knowing it is the highest privilege of “the angels of God,
of those that excel in strength, to fulfil his commandments,
and hearken to the voice of his word.”
A moment of personal
privilege
By Norman H. Coleman, clergy
delegate, West Ohio
Brothers and sisters, having been here
these days of General Conference I feel like the psalmist
when he said, “O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you;
my soul thirsts for you…in a dry and weary land where there
is no water” (Psalm 63:1).
I am ashamed, sad, and embarrassed by
what happened on the floor of the General Conference
yesterday morning. Liturgy and sacraments were exploited to
make a political point. Spiritual manipulation was used to
shame and intimidate all of us. The permission given by our
episcopal leaders may have been well intentioned, but was
without the consent of the house and left many of us feeling
betrayed.
We are so focused on political
strategies and procedural motions and getting our own way.
But we must admit what is before our eyes: We are broken. No
political strategy can fix that. No vote can bring us the
healing of the Holy Spirit. We are at a decision point. For
the Lord requires us to do justice, love kindness, and walk
humbly with our God (Micah 6:8).
I don’t know what the church is going
to do. But choose we must. So I must say, in response to all
efforts to make a show of unity, that our unity can only
come from the unity given us in Christ: “One Lord, One
faith, One baptism, one God and Father of us all.” Living in
that unity is a choice each of us must make. As for me and
my house, I want you to know where we stand: As for me and
my house, we shall serve the Lord.
Ministry of
Encouragement
We remain concerned about evangelical pastors and laity
in annual conferences where United Methodist doctrine and
teaching are sometimes ignored. The renewal ministries of
the UMDecision 2004 coalition are committing themselves to
ministries of encouragement to these brothers and sisters in
such conferences and standing in solidarity with them. Our
friends in the Western Jurisdiction continue to need our
prayers and encouragement, and our support.
Yesterday’s
legislative highlights
• Referred the provision for a full-time executive bishop
for study.
• Proportional representation on
boards and agencies passed 514-331.
• Use of the Methodist Building and
its income according to the trust agreement was defeated
601-246.
• Resolution affirming the historic
doctrines of the Christian faith and United Methodism passed
570-334.
• Change in the number of bishops was
referred to the episcopacy study.
• Resolution promoting ministry for
and with homosexuals in accordance with the Social
Principles was referred to the Board of Discipleship.
• Resolution mandating that the Boy
Scouts include homosexuals was defeated 637-158.
• Resolution forming a task group to
combat teen suicide caused by struggles over sexual identity
issues passed 476-397.
• Petition providing for a variety of
women’s ministries in the local church was defeated 295-571.
Appreciation
A personal word of thanks is due to the Rev. Dr. Scott Field
and his lovely wife, Lynda, for their splendid leadership of
the Good News team in Pittsburgh. Scott’s insightful
handling of the morning breakfast briefings got high reviews
among delegates. Thanks, too, to the Revs. Tom Lambrecht and
David Flagel for their thorough morning analyses of issues
at our breakfast briefing.
—UM Decision 2004
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General Conference 2004 - Follow the United
Methodist Church General Conference on our web page. The General
Conference is the only body that speaks for the Church.
The Confessing Movement has staff
and volunteers in Pittsburgh working to address the crisis in the
Church. We are seeing some real victories, but there are great
challenges before General Conference ends on May 7th. Our
efforts in Pittsburgh are bringing an increase in our financial needs.
We need your help. Please send your contribution to: The
Confessing Movement, 7995 East 21st Street, Indianapolis,
Indiana 46219. Thank you and God bless you.
NEW!!!!
May 6, 2004
A Statement of Conscience
by Dr. Bill Hinson
given at the UM Decision 2004 breakfast
Thursday, May 6 -- Pittsburgh, PennsylvaniaI am
speaking only for myself.
All of us have poignant moments when deep sadness sweeps
over our souls. I recall as a young preacher when our church
was the largest Protestant denomination in America at the time
and first began to lose members. I've always thought numbers
were important because they represent people. Besides, I've
become convinced that people who run numbers down never run them
up. Mine is the last generation of United Methodist preachers
who can remember when we were a growing movement.
I believe that every Christian possesses a deep sense of
joy. I remember the story of Bishop Arthur Moore who was riding
a train across south Georgia on a hot summer's day. His train
pulled into a small station and from his open window he noticed
an old man leaning his chair back against the wall, whose eyes
were closed. The bishop calling out from the train inquired,
"Friend, do the people around here enjoy their religion?"
without opening his eyes or moving a muscle, the old man
responded to the bishop saying, "Them what has it do."
I felt another poignant moment of sadness on the morning
I learned that Karen Dammann had been acquitted. For the first
time in my life I wasn't so eager to go out and face the world
with the announcement that I'm a United Methodist pastor. Last
Monday night when six of us met with fifteen persons who are of
a different perspective, my sadness took on a new dimension. We
took turns talking in that circle about the church and where we
were coming from. At the end of more than two hours my feelings
had coalesced to the point that I was fully persuaded we cannot
bridge the gap separating us. I was and am profoundly saddened
by that conviction.
Our friends in the Western Jurisdiction have left us.
Our covenant is in shreds. And when I speak of covenant, I'm
not talking about the trust clause. I'm talking about a sacred
trust that is much deeper and more binding. Through the years
such a trust could be counted on to keep us faithful to what we
have discussed, voted on, and placed into our Book of
Discipline. All of that has now changed. More than that, our
friends who have broken our covenant feel that they themselves
are broken, because the votes of this Conference have largely
gone against them, they feel disenfranchised, they feel we are
doing spiritual violence to them, and have told us clearly that
we are not truth tellers. In addition, they are seeking
autonomy from the larger body. they garnered more than 300
votes in an attempt to do things their way with regard to
ordination in the Western Jurisdiction.
No one enjoys stepping on another person's dream. Some
playwright whose name I cannot recall told of the crossing of
the Red Sea by the children of Israel. When the waters began to
roll over the Egyptian chariots, and as they began to drown in
the sea, Miriam and the children of Israel began to sing and
dance because of their great victory. God however inquired,
"How can you sing and dance when my children are drowning?" No
earnest Christian enjoys seeing another human suffering. I
believe it is time for us to end this cycle of pain we are
inflicting on each other.
There is a great gulf fixed between those of us who are
centered on Scripture and our friends who are of another
persuasion. Repeatedly they have spoken of the need to get our
church in step with our culture. We on the other hand have not
desire to be the chaplain to an increasingly godless society.
Rather our desire is to be faithful to the Word of God.
I shall never forget the puzzled look on the face of a
newscaster this past summer. He was covering the events leading
up to the selection of an active homosexual as a bishop in the
Episcopal Church. He asked one of the priests who had worked
hardest to elect Gene Robinson, "How do you feel about what you
are doing? This is the first time in recorded history that a
mainline denomination has gone against the clear teaching of
Scripture. How do you feel about that?" he asked. The priest
responded, "I feel fine about that. You can't be guided in the
21st century by an old book like the Bible." The newscaster,
obviously bewildered, asked then, "What is your ultimate
authority if it is not the Bible?" The priest responded, "Our
authority comes from the Holy Spirit working in community."
Now, at first glance, I thought, "How subjective can you get?"
That means a group could meet down at the convention center and
decide the Holy spirit was leading them to be polygamous.
However, as I reflected on his statement, I realized that the
church was born out of the Holy Spirit working through
community. That is precisely what happened at Pentecost. What
is the difference? The difference is Simon Peter stood up
immediately and announced that what was occurring was the
fulfillment of Scripture. What the prophet Joel had declared
was becoming a reality. Then I understood. The Holy Spirit
leads in the fulfillment of Scripture and in the illumination of
Scripture. He never contradicts the Word of God. If you are
being led by a spirit to do something that is contrary to the
Word of God, you must test the spirit, because it is clearly not
the Spirit of God. The Holy Spirit will never contradict
Himself.
For many, truth is still evolving. They sincerely
believe that the world has the wisdom we need and we should
relativize the Bible so as to bring our thoughts into harmony
with whatever the current worldly wisdom suggests. We, on the
other hand, believe that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday,
today, and forever. And the grass withers, and the flowers
fade, but the Word of God shall stand forever. We think that
old military man Omar Bradley had it right when he said, "We do
not set our course by the light of every passing ship, but by
the stars."
Let me confess that there is a deep yearning in my heart
as strong as when I first began to preach to be called up in the
wave of God's Spirit that is sweeping the earth, especially in
the global south. Just this week, I had dinner with two of the
bishops from Africa. To listen to them speak of the mission and
ministry being accomplished in their areas is to make the heart
homesick for a place in the world revival.
I would not even tell my wife of my dream and conviction
when I first began to preach in my 39-member church in south
Georgia. I really thought a great revival would begin in that
tiny church that would sweep through the community and
eventually the nation and finally across the world. I thought
God might use me to ignite that holy fire. Now my earnest
desire is for my church, which exists to spread scriptural
holiness across the earth, might be free to recapture our
mission and refocus on the great commission to make disciples of
all nations. I dream of men's, women's, and youth's movements
grounded in the Great Commission.
We cannot fight both church and culture. Our culture
alone confronts us with more challenges than we can humanly
speaking confront and challenge. That struggle, combined with
the continuous struggle in the church, is more than we can
bear. And our people, who have been faithful and patient,
should not have to continue to endure our endless conflict. I
believe the time has come when we must begin to explore an
amicable and just separation that will free us both from our
cycle of pain and conflict. Such a just separation will protect
the property rights of churches and the pension rights of
clergy. It will also free us to reclaim our high calling and to
fulfill our mission in the world.
May 2, 2004
URGENT need for Prayer!
Please focus from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon on Monday, May 3, 2004, for the
election of Judicial Council members. The Judicial Council is the Supreme
Court of the Church.
May 1, 2004
The
Judicial Council Speaks(click
here)
Judicial Council Decision No. 984(click
here)
April 30, 2004
Legislative Committee Updates(click here)
The Confessing Movement at General Conference(click here)
Thursday, April 29
Rumors of
Protest (click here)
Declaratory Decision Requested (click here)
Wednesday, April 28
Our
Differences Matter (click here)
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NEW!!!!
Reconciling Ministries Network GC2004 Articles and Reports
| Past Reports: |
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Past Photo Pages: |
|
Tuesday, April 27 |
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Tuesday, April 27 |
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Wednesday, April 28 |
|
Wednesday, April 28 |
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Thursday, April 29 |
|
Thursday, April 29 |
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Friday, April 30 |
|
Friday, April 30 |
| No report |
|
Saturday, May 1 |
| No report |
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Sunday, May 2 |
|
Monday, May 3 |
|
Monday, May 3 |
|
Tuesday, May 4 |
|
Tuesday, May 4 |
|
Wednesday, May 5 |
|
Wednesday, May 5 |
| NEW!!
Thursday, May 6 |
|
NEW!!
Thursday, May 6 |
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Previous Reports
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NEW!!!! Institute for Religion &
Democracy, UM Action Reports
UM Action
: 2004 General Conference
The 2004 General
Conference of the United Methodist Church is taking place on April 27
through May 7 in Pittsburgh, PA. UMAction director Mark Tooley is in
Pittsburgh, and will be issuing regular reports on the issues and
controversies. Check this page for the most current articles and press
releases on the conference.
NEW!!!!
Press Release: United Methodists Do Not Follow Episcopalians on Sex
(7-May)
Contact: Steve Rempe
May 7, 2004
In a dramatic
contrast to the Episcopal Church's election last year of an openly
homosexual bishop, the 8.3 million member [in the [U.S.] United
Methodist Church soundly reaffirmed and strengthened its disapproval of
homosexual practice.
"The Episcopal
Church followed America's cultural elites on this issue," observed IRD
United Methodist spokesman Mark Tooley. "But the far larger United
Methodist Church aligned itself with historic and international
Christianity on issues relating to marriage and sex."
Past Reports
An
Amicable and Just Separation
(6-May)
Renegade Bishop Participates in "Gay" Church Service
(5-May)
Liberal Speaker Accuses United Methodists of Racism
(5-May)
Homosexuality Scholar Speaks at UM Action Lunch
(4-May)
UM
Action Hosts Event on Persecuted Christians
(3-May)
Liberal UM Caucus Celebrates "Gay" Cause Again
(3-May)
Press Release: United Methodists Become First Mainline Church Against
Same-Sex Marriage
(3-May)
Two
Retired Bishops Address Liberal Caucus about Dammann Trial
(30-Apr)
Methodist Bishops Charge U.S. State Department with Racism
(30-Apr)
Church Council Chief Speaks to Church and Society Breakfast
(29-Apr)
United Methodists Debate Homosexuality Among Other Issues
(28-Apr)
Church and Society Chief Lashes Out
(28-Apr)
Former Clinton Spokesman Speaks at General Conference Luncheon
(28-Apr)
Bishop Carder Delivers Old-Time Social Gospel
(28-Apr)
*******************************
Where Do We Go
From Here? by Ken Rowe, Affirmation Co-spokesperson,
May 7, 2004
Is It Time for a
Schism? by Peggy Gaylord, Affirmation co-spokesperson,
May 6, 2004
Articles include:
- Where Do We Go From Here?
- The Rock Will Wear Away Eventually
- If I Were Not Here, Would You Tell My
Story
- "Baptized, Blessed and Beloved - We Are
Still Standing" Lunch
- It's Been Fun Sorta
Past Reports:
Drops of Water,
#8, May 7, 2004 (PDF format)
Also
available in text format.
Drops of Water,
#7, May 6, 2004 (PDF format)
Also
available in text format.
Drops of Water,
#6, May 5, 2004 (PDF format)
Also
available in text format.
Drops of Water,
#5, May 4, 2004 (PDF format)
Also
available in text format.
Drops of Water,
#4, May 3, 2004 (PDF format)
Also available in text format.
Drops of Water,
#3, April 30, 2004 (PDF format)
Also
available in text format.
Drops of Water,
#2, April 29, 2004 (PDF format)
Drops of Water,
#1, April 28, 2004 (PDF format)
******************************
Called Out Information Service
sponsored by Affirmation - includes updates on GC2004
"Called Out"
is an information service about LGBT religious concerns sponsored by
Affirmation: United Methodists for Lesbian, Gay, and Transgendered
Concerns.
Affirmation is not an official body of the UMC.
This is a public, read-only mailing list. Anyone may join, no matter
what their opinions. The sponsors of this list support full inclusion
and justice for LGBT people in society and The United Methodist Church.
Content and viewpoints of materials and links will vary with the source.
Previous Posts:
*******************************
Pacific Northwest Reconciling Ministries Network:
Day
2 at General Conference
Winifred Keefer
Day
3 at General Conference
Winifred Keefer
*******************************
GC2004
Updates by Faithful Christian Laity:
Cathy Biehler is volunteering with
Good News and is attending the entire conference.
*******************************
Petitions Status and
Legislative Tracking:
******************************
How to listen/watch GC2004 session
Bandwidth has been added to the UMC;
if you continue to have difficulties accessing video/audio feeds at the
UMC site, try these alternative links:
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