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

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