Well the General Conference of the United Methodist Church has concluded for another 4 years and our church has spoken on many issues. Some will not become fully clear until they are published. I wanted to comment on a few decisions that were made.

1. The biggest issue of tension was around the church's stance on homosexuality. The legislative committee proposed language that would say that United Methodists were not of one mind and to refrain from judgement on the matter. The body voted to accept a minority report that retained our current language stating that it is incompatible with Christian teaching. The vote was 501-417. It is no secret that it is disappointing to me that we retained the language. I authored a similar compromise petition last year. We will now cling to a statement that cuts off dialogue and marginalizes people rather that stating the honest truth, that our church is divided and I believe we should say so.

2. The conference referred back for study a proposal that attempted to clarify the ordination status of local pastors, associate members, probationary elders and full elders. While I can understand the need to make certain we are organizing our ministry in the best way possible, it seems to me that a commission spent the last 4 years doing exactly that. But I suppose another 4 years can't hurt if it means getting it right.

3. A phrase was added to the mission of the church which now reads "To make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world." Personally I thought we had already added the last part but that was formally adopted this time. I was always uncomfortable with the purpose of us making disciples, as I have always believed that was God's doing. However, with the addition we make clear that we are to use what God is doing in us in the world for the betterment of the world. That seems to give us a better focus.

4. They also approved a committee to look at restructuring the global United Methodist Church. This makes me nervous on some fronts, as there are many who would lobby for eliminating some of the social Justice and outreach arms of the church, like the Board of Church and Society, the Women's division, and Christian Unity and Inter religious Concerns. However, if we look at the glass as half full and can be an opportunity for us to modernize our overall approach for effective ministry in the 21st century. If done properly rather than just reshuffling the same deck, many new possibilities can emerge that will help us better live out our new mission statement.

Well there is lots more and I'm open to discussion on anything I've posted or other items as well if anyone is reading this. You can access all this information at http://www.umc.org and click on the General Conference link.