Moving Forward - Creating a More Inclusive Church Connection
Conference and Connection Updates - UPDATED 4.28.19
As the United Methodist Church continues to move towards the implementation of the decisions made at the General Conference this past February, do not be dismayed. The discriminatory language and policies that are now part of our global denomination have led to the birthing a new Methodist movement in protest.
A division in our denomination is inevitable. The foundation for a new, more inclusive Methodist movement is being laid. In Minnesota, a group has emerged, the Minnesota Methodists, as a way to gather together voices and stakeholders in pushing forward a way to create a more inclusive church. The Minnesota Methodists are organizing churches, laity, and clergy around the state, while partnering with the Minnesota Reconciling Ministries Network and staying in communication with Minnesota Conference Leadership.
But this movement is not just a local effort. A national conference, Our Movement Forward, will be happening in the Twin Cities May 17-18. This conference is intended to center voices that have been historically marginalized by our denomination, centering the LGBTQ community and people of color in the conversation.
A few days after Our Movement Forward, there will be another national gathering in the Kansas City area of delegates, ten from each state comprised of clergy and laity ( MN delegates were selected by the Minnesota Methodists,) to begin the work of organizing this new Methodist Movement.
Our Bishop and cabinet see a way forward that will unite nearly all annual conference across the United States, creating a new Methodist Movement in the US.
These are exciting times. As many are looking for ways to be involved, there are a couple of things we can do right now.
As the United Methodist Church continues to move towards the implementation of the decisions made at the General Conference this past February, do not be dismayed. The discriminatory language and policies that are now part of our global denomination have led to the birthing a new Methodist movement in protest.
A division in our denomination is inevitable. The foundation for a new, more inclusive Methodist movement is being laid. In Minnesota, a group has emerged, the Minnesota Methodists, as a way to gather together voices and stakeholders in pushing forward a way to create a more inclusive church. The Minnesota Methodists are organizing churches, laity, and clergy around the state, while partnering with the Minnesota Reconciling Ministries Network and staying in communication with Minnesota Conference Leadership.
But this movement is not just a local effort. A national conference, Our Movement Forward, will be happening in the Twin Cities May 17-18. This conference is intended to center voices that have been historically marginalized by our denomination, centering the LGBTQ community and people of color in the conversation.
A few days after Our Movement Forward, there will be another national gathering in the Kansas City area of delegates, ten from each state comprised of clergy and laity ( MN delegates were selected by the Minnesota Methodists,) to begin the work of organizing this new Methodist Movement.
Our Bishop and cabinet see a way forward that will unite nearly all annual conference across the United States, creating a new Methodist Movement in the US.
These are exciting times. As many are looking for ways to be involved, there are a couple of things we can do right now.
- Volunteers will be needed to serve as “hosts” at a prayer/meditation room that Pastor Shawna will be organizing for the Our Movement Forward event.
- Our Movement Forward is also accepting donations to help cover the cost of this event.
- Fairmount Avenue UMC will be taking a special offering on Mother’s Day as part of our worship service to support the work of Minnesota Methodists as they work to share a message of inclusion through a state-wide Ad campaign.
- Fairmount Avenue UMC has been awarded a grant from the MN Annual Conference to share our message of inclusion in our immediate neighborhood.
- Stay informed. Pastor Shawna will be leading an informational session in May to answer questions.
- Pay attention to the leadership of Adam Hamilton, who pastor’s the nations largest UMC church in Kansas and, although a centrist, has emerged as the lead organizer in this new Methodist Movement.
- Websites to follow:
- Minnesota Methodists: https://www.minnesotamethodists.org/
- Reconciling Ministries Network (national): https://rmnetwork.org/
- MN Reconciling Ministries Network (local): http://www.mnrcumc.org/
- Our Movement Forward: https://um-forward.org/our-movement-forward
- Adam Hamilton Blog: https://www.adamhamilton.com/blog