In the midst of a long-standing debate on LGBT issues, eight current and former bishops of the United Methodist Church have signed a statement calling for a “new form of unity” after years of discord, according to the Christian Post.
“The events transpiring since the adjournment of the Special Session of General Conference illustrate how deep our division is,” the statement said. “Sadly, even greater discord, chaos and fighting loom on the horizon at the 2020 General Conference in Minneapolis.
“This is why we recognize our beloved United Methodist Church no longer can continue in our current form of unity. It is time to quit undermining our mission. It is time for the entire church to come together to figure out how to be the people called Methodists in a new way—to seek a new form of unity.”
The debate has focused largely on the teachings of the Book of Discipline which states that homosexuality is “incompatible with Christian teaching.” In a 438-384 vote recently, delegates agreed to uphold the teaching. But an increasing number of bishops hope to create a more progressive Methodist denomination.
“It is time to end our conflict that undermines all our efforts to proclaim the Gospel,” the statement continued. “It is time to bless, support and free one another to be the church we feel God calls us to be.”
In 2020, delegates will discuss…
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