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Navigating Inclusivity: UMC Updates and Vision

Explore the principles of Holy Conferencing, the outcomes of the UMC General Conference 2019, and PVUMC responses. Delve into the mission, vision, and actions of PVUMC regarding inclusivity. Learn about joining the Reconciling Ministries Network and its mission and vision. Discover the significance and implications of joining RMN for PVUMC. Find out why joining RMN is a step towards LGBTQ+ inclusiveness and social justice. Joining RMN signifies a strong commitment to inclusivity and resistance against injustice.

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Navigating Inclusivity: UMC Updates and Vision

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  1. UMC and PVUMC UPDATESON Issues of Inclusivity “Where are we, how did we get here, and where might we go?”

  2. Principles of Holy Conferencing • Every person is a child of God • Listen before speaking • Strive to understand from another’s point of view • Strive to reflect accurately the views of others • Disagree without being disagreeable • Speak about issues; do not defame people • Pray, in silence or aloud, before decisions. By Bishop Sally DyckThe United Methodist Church

  3. UMC General Conference 2019 • Traditional Plan received 438 yes votes (53%) and 384 no votes (47%), and was approved. Among United States delegates, two-thirds voted against the Traditional Plan.  • A “Disaffiliation Plan,” or exit plan, was also passed, providing guidelines for congregations who wish to leave the UMC “for reasons of conscience” regarding issues of human sexuality.

  4. Traditional Plan • Retains exclusionary language from Discipline; • broadens the definition of “self-avowed, practicing homosexual”; • sets severe penalties to clergy for disobedience to the Discipline; • requires bishops, pastors and annual conferences to certify adherence to the Discipline. The General Conference “doubled down.”

  5. Denominational Responses to General Conference 2019 • Responses, in general • PVUMC Response to GC Vote Other Initiatives • Western Jurisdiction • Bishops • Adam Hamilton’s Initiative • Meetings in Minnesota and elsewhere

  6. PVUMC Mission/Vision/Invitation • The PVUMC Mission and Vision Statements • The PVUMC Response to Events • Our Statement of Inclusivity (also known as our Invitational Statement or Welcoming Statement at https://pvumc.org/welcome/

  7. PVUMC Mission and Vision Statements • Mission Statement (revised 2019): God’s Love in Action • Vision Statement: Love that crosses all barriers and embraces all people

  8. Preconditions to PVUMC Action • Deep-Seated Historically Societal Prejudices • Social Transformation and Change • Social Awakening / Awareness of LBGTQ issues at PVUMC and our culture • Recognition of Fundamental Contradictions • Recognition of public and congregational perceptions about UMC and PVUMC • Rise of Reconciling Ministries Network (RMN) • The question at the time: Should we join? • What happened? We acted....

  9. Our Statement of Inclusivity(formerly Invitational Statement) We invite you to join us on a shared journey of life and faith, open to all, regardless of age, ability, economics, color, race, ethnicity, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, politics, theology or anything else that might separate us from each other. Whoever you are and wherever you may be on your spiritual journey, you’re invited to walk with Christ in community with all of God’s children, and embrace the endless possibilities of God’s unconditional love.

  10. What has happened since 2/28/17? • Formation of Diversity Ministry Team • New LGBT+ members/allies because of statement • PFLAG monthly meetings began April 2018 • Participation in Pride Parade with Conference • Diversity Team web page to launch May 2019 • Running inclusive digital advertising campaign now • Growing congregational awareness of LGBT+ issues • All-Embracing Church Initiative

  11. Why are we here today? • As parishioners and as a church we have changed since 2017. • The world has changed since 2017. • In light of the UMC’s adoption of the Traditional Plan, should PVUMC take a more visible public stance on inclusiveness by joining Reconciling Ministries Network as a church community? • What would it mean for the church to be a part of the RMN?

  12. RMN Mission Statement Living into our shared baptismal covenant, Reconciling Ministries Network equips and mobilizes United Methodists to resist evil, injustice, and oppression as we seek justice for people of all sexual orientations and gender identities.

  13. RMN Vision Statement Reconciling Ministries Network envisions a renewed and vibrant Wesleyan movement that is biblically and theologically centered. As committed disciples of Jesus Christ, we strive to transform ourselves and the world by living out the Gospel’s teachings of grace, love, justice, and celebration of all of God’s children. 

  14. What does RMN do? • What is the purpose of RMN? • Who or what entities can join? • What are the implications of joining? • What information is on the site?

  15. Did you know….? • There are 10 Reconciling Congregations in the Desert Southwest Conference • The Desert Southwest Conference is a Reconciling Conference • The Western Jurisdiction is a Reconciling Jurisdiction

  16. Why Join RMN? • To signal to the world our strong commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusiveness and our strong disagreement with the General Conference decision. • To signal to existing and potential LGBTQ+ guests and to prospective members our clear stance. • To leverage our public stance and help build inclusiveness in other ways. • To bind together in solidarity with other churches who value diversity and inclusion.

  17. Questions and Thoughts

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