Annual Conference Season 2016 Report

During the 2016 General Conference, the global gathering of The United Methodist Church, all LGBTQ related legislation was tabled due to the adoption of the Council of Bishops’ Proposal, A Way Forward. This proposal resulted in a commitment to putting together a commission of diverse people in the church who will work together “to develop a complete examination and possible revision of every paragraph in our Book of Discipline regarding human sexuality.”

Read the full proposal by clicking here.

While the Bishops’ propsal promised to both “help the church live in grace with one another – including ways to avoid further complaints, trials and harm while we uphold the Discipline,” many within the denomination recgonize that we cannot wait any longer for global policy change to stop doing harm against lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and queer (LGBTQ) United Methodists.

This report is a glimpse of the many actions that were taken across the United Methodist connection during the Annual Conference season related to LGBTQ inclusion and discrimination. Many courageous speeches and witnesses took place and powerful resolutions which promised not to conform with discrimination in the church were passed by numerous conferences. This report includes all legislation that has been brought to the attention of Reconciling Ministries Network - the good, the bad, the ugly, and the beautiful.

If legislation was passed in your conference but is not listed in this report, please email RMN’s communication associate, Nelson Mendoza, at nelson@rmnetwork.org with details.

Updates will be published on our website at rmnetwork.org/ac2016.

Reconciling Ministries Network envisions a renewed and vibrant Wesleyan movement that is biblically and theologically centered. As committed disciples of Jesus Christ, the Reconciling Ministries Network strives to transform the world by living out the Gospel’s teachings of grace, love, justice and inclusion for all of God’s children.

North Central Jurisdiction Dakotas Conference - No LGBTQ related actions

Detroit Conference - No LGBTQ related actions

East Ohio Conference - No LGBTQ related actions

Illinois Great Rivers Conference - No LGBTQ related actions

Indiana Conference - No LGBTQ related actions

Iowa Conference After coming out in a moving speech on the floor of Annual Conference, Rev. Anna Blaedel had a complaint filed against them for being a “self-avowed practicing homosexual.” Rev. Blaedel is one of the 141 CalledOUT clergy and serves as pastor at the Wesley Foundation at The University of Iowa. The complaint filed against them remains in process. Watch the video of their speech by clicking here. Read a reflection on the complaint written by Rev. Dorothee Benz by clicking here.

Minnesota Conference Following the tragedy that took 49 lives at the Pulse Night Club on Latinx night in Orlando, Florida, the Minnesota Annual Conference passed a resolution acknowledging the role of religion, and in particular the teachings of The United Methodist Church, contribute towards violence and hate crimes against LGBTQ persons. The resolution called for repentance, avenues towards resolution, gentle conversation, and prayer for leadership of the Council of Bishops and the commission. Read the resolution here.

Northern Illinois Conference Three individuals who signed the CalledOUT letter were affirmed in their ministries by being ordained during Annual Conference. Bishop Sally Dyck also reported on the Commission and expectations regarding changes in the Book of Discipline saying, “The COB’s statement acknowledges that our debate and our language in the BOD regarding human sexuality “is contradictory, unnecessarily hurtful, and inadequate for the variety of local, regional and global contexts.” The unity that the proposal mentions is the need to develop “new forms and structures which allow a unity of our mission…while allowing for differing expressions as a global church.” This is an understanding of unity that allows for diversity, differing and authentic expressions of faith that I fully support. What that unity looks like is still a question for us all.” Read the full statement by clicking here.

North Central Jurisdiction West Michigan Conference - No LGBTQ related actions

West Ohio Conference During a moment of personal privilege, a delegate made a moving motion in support of Reconciling Congregations and individuals as well as a statement in support of Ken Schoon saying, “our board of ordained ministry has failed to approve Ken Schoon for ministry as a commissioned deacon in the church.

I wish I was surprised by that but I felt it was one more layer on the scar. It’s not just about us, it’s about the church and its about God. That’s what I heard our bishop say at the ordination service. Ken Schoon’s call and gifts are a gift to the church and the elephant in the room is our refusal to receive that gift.” View the video by clicking here.

Wisconsin Conference Rev. Cathy Weigand used a moment of personal privilege to call for action and compassion called for action and compassion during a moment of personal privilege. As she reflected on the Pulse massacre, she confessed her own complacency in the harm perpetuated against LGBTQ people through The United Methodist Church policies by saying, “I am sorry. I have allowed damage be done. I have considered myself an ally, but in truth, I’ve been a complacent bystander. My silence has been betrayal. My calm has caused damage. My theology means nothing without word and action. And so, I ask for forgiveness.”

Read her whole statement by clicking here.

Northeastern Jurisdiction Baltimore-Washington Conference The clergy session of the conference voted not to accept the recommendation of the Board of Ordained Ministry to commission T.C. Morrow as a deacon candidate because of her sexual orientation. Read the statement from the Baltimore-Washington Area Reconciling United Methodists (BWARM) chair by clicking here.

Eastern Pennsylvania Conference Two resolutions, one calling for conference support of marriage equality in the church and another to support LGBTQ candidates for ministry, were both put on hold until after the next General Conference.

A resolution encouraging churches to support LGBTQ young people was passed and a resolution calling for support of the Pennsylvania Fairness act prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression in regards to employment, housing, and public accommodations was also passed. Read more about them by clicking here.

Greater New Jersey Conference - No LGBTQ related actions

New England Conference The New England Annual Conference declared that they are committed to following the leading of the Spirit with each candidate and member with justice, fairness and consistent standards. They stand with those in other annual conferences who have pledged themselves to evaluate, support, equip, and deploy candidates for ministry based solely upon an understanding of their gifts for ministry and their readiness to serve Jesus Christ, not their sexual orientation or gender identity. Read more about this by clicking here.

The conference also went on to pass a resolution of non-conformity with all forms of discrimination within the Book of Discipline. Read the full resolution by clicking here.

New York Conference In a historic move, four CalledOUT clergy and candidates were affirmed for commissioning and ordination by the New York Annual Conference, despite the 44-year history of official anti-LGBTQI bias in The United Methodist Church. A request for a ruling of law was made in hopes of overturning their affirmation of ministry, but Bishop Middleton responded to the request by indicating that the Board of Ordained Ministry procedures are not subject to review by the authorities granted to bishops and thus she refused the ruling of law. The CalledOUT clergy were able to move forward with their ministry! Read more by clicking here.

The conference also went on to pass numerous LGBTQ affirming resolutions. A resolution celebrating Spirit Given gifts reaffirmed the NYAC’s “historic commitment to the civil and ecclesiastical rights and privileges of all persons, including LGBTQI persons and their families, and declares its passionate opposition to continued distinctions of church law that restrict the rights and privileges of LGBTQI people in The United Methodist Church.” Read the full resolution on page 50 by clicking here.

Northeastern Jurisdiction New York Conference continued...

Another resolution was passed that celebrated the journey to equality exhibited by the conference in the previous years’ actions which included declaring the NYAC a place where LGBTQ persons can find safe space to worship and participate equally in the church, supporting LGBTQ candidates for ministry, repenting of harm done, and more. Read the resolution on page 49 by clicking here.

Peninsula-Delaware Conference

Epworth United Methodist Church’s FIRE Reconciling group presented a resolution to create study materials on LGBT issues saying, “the motto of the United Methodist Church is Open Hearts. Open Minds. Open Doors.

And to that end, the doors of every United Methodist Church should remain open to all persons seeking Christ, and seeking to serve Christ.” The resolution lost by a small margin. Read it on page R-10 by clicking here.

Susquehanna Conference A resolution was submitted pre-annual conference that would have called for support of changing the Book of Discipline in favor of removing the prohibition to ordination for all LGBTQ persons. This resolution was withdrawn by those who submitted it in hopes of positive change flowing from the bishops’ commission on A Way Forward. Meanwhile, Bishop Park pledged to set-up an Annual Conference team to hold conversations within the Susquehanna Conference over the next year on LGBTQ matters within The UMC.

Upper New York Conference - No LGBTQ related actions

West Virginia Conference A small group process called Circles of Grace was put together to discuss conversations around LGBTQ matters and the global church during the Annual Conference gathering. A resolution in response to the Council of Bishops plan, “A Way Forward,” was tabled. Read more about this by clicking here.

Western Pennsylvania Conference - No LGBTQ related actions

South Central Jurisdiction Arkansas Conference A resolution to support the Council of Bishops’ proposal regarding a way forward on human sexuality failed on a written ballot by a vote of 310 to 356. Read more about this resolution by clicking here.

Central Texas Conference A resolution entitled “A Resolution Towards Gracefully Living Together in the Central Texas Conference” was passed that encouraged understanding that “grace always prioritizes mercy over judgment, reconciliation over division, and humility over pride.” Read the full resolution by clicking here.

Bishop Mike Lowry also shared thoughts that leave many LGBTQ people feeling continually marginalized.

Thousands of United Methodists and allies have been urging Bishops to halt the harm while the commission moves towards a decision. Read the Bishop’s statement by clicking here and read one response to the “We Are More” campaign by clicking here.

Great Plains Conference The Great Plains Conference approved legislation involving Rev. Cynthia Meyer and the complaint filed against her for being a “self-avowed practicing homosexual.” The aspirational resolution encouraged a just resolution. Read the story by clicking here. Read an update on Rev. Cynthia Meyer’s case by clicking here.

Louisiana Conference - No LGBTQ related actions

Missouri Conference Bishop Schnase reflected on General Conference the passing of A Way Forward. He stated, “The formation of the commission does not represent an avoidance of the issues that divide us nor does it represent a deferral or putting off of conversations so much as it represents an embracing of the seriousness of our differences and our intent to deal head on with some of the most difficult decisions of our day.” View the entire speech by clicking here. General Conference related remarks begin shortly after the seven minute mark.

New Mexico Conference - No LGBTQ related actions

North Texas Conference In The North Texas Annual Conference, a resolution was passed to affirm the process put forth by the Council of Bishops at General Conference. In addition, over 100 UMC clergy signed a letter stating that they desire to prayerfully and actively work toward full inclusion in the North Texas Annual Conference. Read the story by clicking here.

Northwest Texas Conference - No LGBTQ related actions

South Central Jurisdiction Oklahoma Conference - No LGBTQ related actions

Oklahoma Indian Missionary Conference - No LGBTQ related actions

Rio Texas Conference The Rio Reconciling Team lead a number of important acts of witness throughout the Annual Conference.

Just before an afternoon session began, Reconciling United Methodists sang “What does the Lord Require of You?� while walking around the Rio Texas Annual Conference plenary floor. Watch the video by clicking here.

Later, Davis Covin rose to speak through a point of personal privilege to address suicide among LGBTQ youth and the role of the church in contributing to their struggles. Read the transcript by clicking here.

Texas Annual Conference - No LGBTQ related actions

Southeastern Jurisdiction Alabama-West Florida Conference A Resolution Supporting Harm Reduction for LGBTQ Teens was presented to the Annual Conference. Among other important invitations to make a different in the lives of young people, the resolution resolved to “educate families about how to respond with love to their youth who share that their sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression may not conform to their family’s expectations; this response includes affirming the value and sacred worth of their youth, maintaining safe spaces and not severing ties with their youth, and demonstrating respect for their youth. It is not necessary for parents to agree with their children in order to demonstrate God’s love.” A motion was made to refer the resolution to the AlabamaWest Florida Board of Church & Society. This motion was approved. Read the full resolution by clicking here.

Florida Conference The Florida cabinet made a statement after the Pulse Massacre stating “On behalf of the Florida Annual Conference, we publicly denounce this act of violence against our LGBTQ brothers and sisters and acknowledge how this act deeply affects and diminishes each of us as individuals and as the entire human family...We call upon all United Methodists to claim our witness as Wesleyan Christians to stand against such hateful violence.” Listen to the whole speech by clicking here.

The youth of the Annual Conference stood together to encourage the conference’s inclusion of Ben Weger, a transgender man, stating, “This Annual Conference has been privileged to be led in worship by Ben in past years, and his gift and ability to convey the Holy Spirit through music has inspired souls across generations.

It is imperative that the Conference leadership continues to act upon their goal of unity in the church as a living body by re-affirming Ben Weger as a worship leader appointed by God and offering him a role within the 2017 Annual Conference of the Florida United Methodist Church.” Watch the full video by clicking here.

Holston Conference - No LGBTQ related actions

Kentucky Conference - No LGBTQ related actions

Memphis Conference - No LGBTQ related actions

Mississippi Conference - No LGBTQ related actions

North Alabama Conference - No LGBTQ related actions

North Carolina Conference - No LGBTQ related actions

Southeastern Jurisdiction North Georgia Conference Shanna Jackson from Grace United Methodist Church in Covington, GA addressed the North Georgia Annual Conference with vital questions for the church such as, “Through our lack of action, will we encourage hopelessness and depression to those youth that are discriminated against? Or can we love our neighbors, caring for them and helping them out where we can?� Her speech was an important prelude to voting on a resolution to support an end to suicide and homelessness among lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and questioning youth. Sadly, the resolution was passed but with amendments that removed all references to LGBTQ people. Read more about this by clicking here.

Red Bird Missionary Conference - No LGBTQ related actions

South Carolina Conference A resolution to oppose discrimination against transgender people was submitted to the South Carolina Annual Conference 2016. The resolution was adopted and signed by 19 delegates. Read more about this resolution by clicking here.

South Georgia Conference A resolution was passed that encouraged Bishop James R. King, Jr. not to receive, for appointment or transfer, clergy who have publicly stated their intent to be in full ministry with lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and queer people despite the policies within the Book of Discipline. Read more about this resolution by clicking here.

Tennessee Conference - No LGBTQ related actions

Virginia Conference Following the tragedy of the Pulse Shooting in Orlando, the Virginia Annual Conference proposed a motion that called for compassion towards those in the LGBTQ community as well as a steps forward to destroy the systemic fear, hatred, and discrimination of LGBTQ persons in The UMC. Read more about the motion by clicking here.

John Suddath, one of the leaders of the RUM NC group for many years was the newest recipient of the Gayle C. Felton Drum Major for Justice Award by MFSA of North Carolina, presented during the Gayle C Felton lunch at Annual Conference.

Pictured with Rev Laurie Hays Coffman.

Western Jurisdiction Alaska Conference - No LGBTQ related actions

California-Nevada Conference Three openly LGBTQ clergy were ordained as elders during the Annual Conference. During a moment of personal privilege, the three stood to thank their clergy colleagues for support and encourage the church to move forward in justice. Listen to their speech by clicking here.

A resolution entitled “Living into a Season of Grace,” condemned the unjust and discriminatory aspects of the Book of Discipline and resolved that the conference would “request that conducting judicial processes be avoided in matters related to prohibitions against LGBTQIA persons.” Read the full resolution by clicking

California-Pacific Conference The California-Pacific Conference of the United Methodist Church voted overwhelmingly to approve Resolution 16-11: A Call for Non-Conformity With the Book of Discipline which states, “the California-Pacific Annual Conference urges the Bishop and Cabinet to state publicly they will not deny appointments based on sexual orientation or gender identity; urges the Board of Ordained Ministry to declare its intention not to consider sexual orientation and gender identity in making decisions in regard to commissioning and ordination; urges trial boards not to convict for chargeable offenses pertaining to being ‘a self-avowed, practicing homosexual,’ as well as for those clergy who officiate at weddings for couples regardless of the gender of the partners, and that these matters would be addressed through ‘Just Resolution.’” Read the full resolution by clicking here.

Desert Southwest Conference The delegates of The United Methodist Church brought to the floor a resolution for full inclusivity in the Desert Southwest Conference. The resolution stated “the Desert Southwest Annual Conference also resolves to practice non- discrimination towards all LGBTQ persons, employees, and clergy — including not participating in or conducting judicial procedures related to the Discipline’s prohibitions against LGBTQ persons” and was passed 271 for and 80 against. View the reading of the proposed resolution by clicking here.

Oregon-Idaho Conference Oregon-Idaho Board of Ordained Ministry made a public statement that they would not consider sexual orientation or gender identity when evaluating candidates. When the clergy session responded by also making a statement that supported the BOOM, it passed. Read the statement by clicking here.

Pacific Northwest Conference The Pacific Northwest Annual Conference voted to approve an action of non-conformity. Specifically, the PNWAC stated to not conform or comply with provisions in the Book of Discipline that discriminates against LGBTQIA* person. The votes spread out in 315 in favor, 74 against, with 6 people abstaining. Read the resolution by clicking here.

Western Jurisdiction Rocky Mountain Conference A resolution was passed by the Rocky Mountain Conference of The United Methodist Church noting that sexual orientation and gender identity should not be a barrier in the election of Bishops. Read the full resolution by clicking here.

Yellowstone Conference A resolution to support the Council of Bishops’ Proposal, A Way Forward, was adopted. The resolution stated in part, a wish to see the commission starting as soon as possible with diverse voices and viewpoints including LGBTQI persons. Read the full resolution on page four by clicking here.

Reconciling Ministries Network extends our immense gratitude to all who took couragous steps individually, as Reconciling teams, and as entire conferences, in making the Annual Conference season such a strong force of inclusion. The Spirit is leading The United Methodist Church in a wave of love and justice and your faithfulness is making a difference! It’s time, and you are making it so.