Questions and conflict about homosexual practice and the church
abound. We encounter media reports of same-gender unions and clergy
trials. This leads to talk in congregations and district preacher's
meetings, in the hallways at district, conference and general
church gatherings, and in the deliberations of the Council of
Bishops where we hear prayers, questions, and an outpouring of
conviction or anguish.
We observe The United Methodist Church grappling with issues of
importance that divide and confound us. We hunger for our church to
engage hard questions and decisions in a spirit of generosity,
gracefulness, and mutual respect.
This book could change the nature of the conversation. It
encourages frank and constructive dialogue that will help us
conference together and open ourselves to God's guidance. We seek
faithful, fair, just, and loving resolution to issues that
challenge our faith community.
Finding Our Way: Love and Law in The United Methodist Church is
authored by several United Methodist bishops. These writers
enunciate and clarify pathways that represent faithful,
responsible, and constructive ways forward through the current
controversies. Each bishop articulates a prescription for moving
through current conflict about homosexual practice, same-gender
unions, qualifications for ordination, and maintaining the "good
standing" of elders. Go to www.ministrymatters.com/FindingOurWay to
read the introduction and to comment.
Contents:
Frame: An introduction about the guiding vision and theological
framework as we seek together to be faithful to God and to our
covenants. By Rueben P. Job, retired, from the Iowa Area, and by
Neil M. Alexander, who is publisher for The United Methodist
Church.
Part One: Options
Enforce (follow the Book of Discipline): The Discipline
interprets scripture and contains the rule of law for UM
congregations and elders. When sacred promises are violated,
leaders must uphold the spirit and letter of the law and follow the
process defined by the Discipline. By Gregory V. Palmer, who serves
the Ohio West Area.
Emend (work to change the Book of Discipline): The General
Conference legislative process must be engaged to emend the Book of
Discipline -- or not. This is the responsible and thoroughly United
Methodist way of moving through disputes and reaching consensus. By
Hope Morgan Ward, who serves the Raleigh Area.
Disobey (biblical obedience): Scripture and the sanctity of love
are a higher authority than the Book of Discipline. Therefore, the
current impasse must be broken by loving acts of conscientious
fidelity to higher principles. By Melvin G. Talbert, retired, from
the San Francisco Area.
Disarm (suspending conflict between personal and social
holiness): In many kinds of conflicts, in marriage and in war, the
conflicted parties drop their weapons or grievances, agree to a
cease fire, and search for a peaceful way to resolve their
disagreement. By Kenneth H. Carter Jr., who serves the Florida
Area.
Part Two: Responses
Order (supporting our covenant): Our sacred trust depends on
keeping our promises. By J. Michael Lowry, who serves the Forth
Worth Area
Unity (dwelling in God's church as a family of Christ
followers): When two elephants fight, the grass suffers. By John K.
Yambasu, who serves the Sierra Leone Area.
Diversity (coexisting with differences). By Rosemarie Wenner,
who serves the Germany Area and is current president of the Council
of Bishops.
Part Three: Steps
Trust God (discernment): Immerse ourselves in an intense process
of prayerful discernment. This approach pleads for the guidance of
the Holy Spirit and asks all to open themselves without condition
or pre-judgment to the insight and inspiration that comes through
deep prayer and listening. By Rueben P. Job, retired, from the Iowa
Area.