“See I’m making all things new”-Rev.21:5
“For I the Lord do not change.” -Mal.3:6a
What’s up with those Methodists? The answer is that churches & culture have grappled with some questions for decades. These conversations have reached a pivotal moment.
First—God is unchanging; God is love; God
renews, & remakes things. All of
that is true for the United Methodist Church (UMC). UMC core beliefs are not being
changed.
I know that here at Cornwall Manor we are from
many backgrounds. I also know that UMC questions
around sexuality, & interpreting
scripture (the key issues at hand) are raising questions
for United Methodists and they also ripple into conversations with neighbors.
Here is a word of information about all
this. The UMC continues to affirm &
believe what it has for decades. A new
traditionalist denomination formed, the “Global Methodist Church” (as separate from the UMC), as a different voice in the
conversation. With that genesis comes
the tacit query, “With whom do congregations & pastors align?” In truth, UMC congregations can decide by
doing nothing and their familiar church home will not be altered from the core
beliefs or general governance.
Wow that’s a lot! And that’s what’s up with those
Methodists. If you need details ask
Chaplain Dave, he’s got histories (another here), Q&A’s, & more. Both of
your chaplains are happy to talk further.
What I encourage for ALL engaged in any unsettling or difficult
conversations, is to engage the other with
the goal to better understand their thoughts & heart, before sharing yours. When we converse to prove a point, to fix a
position that we believe is wrong, or to attack, it helps no one & rarely
changes anyone’s mind. Additionally, it
often polarizes further.
One thing I know (among the myriad that I don’t know), is that God’s got this. I know we’re richer & happier when we learn about one another. I know that hard topics don’t have to create losses of friends, security, or convictions. We can do this! Let’s talk. Peace
Prayer- Loving God, teach us how to love in our differences; to build one another up in love; to learn from one another through love; & to seek redeeming ways in love. Amen.
*Added after 1st publication -- Another resources Proud to Be UMC--6 Adam Hamilton Videos
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