We, the undersigned full and reserve U.S. delegates to the 2024 General Conference, write with some urgency to share our hopes and aspirations for the upcoming worldwide gathering of United Methodist leaders. Our deepest desire is to foster greater unity in the Church while recognizing our denomination's diverse theological, social, and contextual viewpoints [John 17:20-23].
Over the past five years, the U.S. Church has undergone a profound crisis caused by the deep conflicts exposed by the 2019 Special Session of the General Conference, the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the mass disaffiliation of 25% of our local churches. These events have strained our denominational ties, threatened our financial well-being, and shaken our understanding of who we are as United Methodists.
Yet, despite these strains, the 75% of the U.S. Church who have chosen to stay with our beloved denomination remain firmly committed to our worldwide fellowship. Additionally, as delegates, we look forward eagerly to meeting with our United Methodist siblings from Africa, Europe, the Philippines, and other parts of the world at the upcoming General Conference.
We hope that the gathering in Charlotte, NC, will bear witness to a more perfect way of faithful service to Christ, who makes all things new and reconciles all people unto himself [2 Cor. 5:16-20]. Further, as the General Conference approaches, we pray that we may transcend the conflicts that have so long divided us so that our shared longing for a faith community rooted in love, mutual respect, and faith in Christ will be fulfilled.
As our portion of the Church commences a prolonged period of healing, reconciliation, and rebuilding, we have engaged in ongoing conversations and reflection with United Methodists from around the world to discern what changes we might make as a General Conference that might strengthen unity amidst diversity and allow enough flexibility for our various geographical regions to thrive. As a result of these conversations and with a spirit of humility, we share the following endorsements with all General Conference delegates.
Worldwide Regionalization: We support the Standing Committee on Central Conference Matter’s legislation (endorsed by the Christmas Covenant and Connectional Table), which would create distinct regional governing bodies in Africa, Europe, the Philippines, and the U.S. These proposed changes would expand the ability of regions outside the U.S. to adapt portions of the UM Book of Discipline, and, for the first time, would give the U.S. the same authority. We support this legislation because we are committed to greater self-determination and self-governance. We also believe that expanding regional decision-making will allow annual conferences within each region to thrive.
The Revised Social Principles: We support the adoption of the revised Social Principles as a much-needed restatement of our fundamental moral and social commitments as United Methodists. The eight-year revision process began with worldwide consultations, entailed opportunities for online feedback, and convened eleven writing teams comprised of members from throughout the global UMC connection. Commissioned by the 2012 General Conference, the newly revised Social Principles fulfill their mandates to be more globally relevant, theologically and biblically grounded, and succinct. The revised Social Principles provide a timely opportunity for reaffirming who we are as United Methodists.
Removal of Exclusionary Policies: We support the removal of all provisions in the UM Book of Discipline regarding the participation of gays and lesbians in The United Methodist Church. Added more than fifty years ago to address issues primarily affecting the U.S. Church, the current prohibitions have led to years of disagreement, conflict, and harm to those they have impacted. Removing the current language will create a new starting place for dialogue and learning. It will also remove a significant stumbling block to engaging all people in the ministries of the Church, particularly for local congregations and annual conferences ready to welcome LGBTQ+ people as full church members.
We hope that passing these vital pieces of legislation will strengthen our worldwide fellowship, foster greater unity in the midst of diversity, and ensure that many years hence, United Methodists worldwide will still be able to proclaim that we are one body serving one Lord of all. Until we meet at the upcoming General Conference, let this be our prayer: May the Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord lift his countenance upon you and give you peace!
Yours in Christ,
