Let’s Make a Deal, #UMC Style

The Commission on a Way Forward has presented an interim report to the Council of Bishops. The report is not particularly surprising, but it could be quite helpful nonetheless. In what follows I’ll make a few brief comments on the commission’s proposals.
Before I do, though, I want to thank the members of the commission. You have invested huge amounts of time, intellect, and emotional energy in this attempt to find a way through our current denominational impasse. I know your work is not over, but I’m grateful for your efforts in bringing us to this point.
The Three Sketches
A recent UMNS article describes sketches of three models:
One sketch of a model affirms the current Book of Discipline language and places a high value on accountability.
Another sketch of a model removes restrictive language and places a high value on contextualization. This sketch also specifically protects the rights of those whose conscience will not allow them to perform same gender weddings or ordain LGBTQ persons.
A third sketch of a model is grounded in a unified core that includes shared doctrine and services and one COB, while also creating different branches that have clearly defined values such as accountability, contextualization and justice.
Each sketch represents values that are within the COB and across the church.
Each sketch includes [a] gracious way of exit for those who feel called to exit from the denomination
Read full article with David Watson's analysis of the three sketches
.