from the 6/27/19 edition of the NIC Weekly e-News Exploration Team named A newly formed task force to explore a way forward for the Northern Illinois Conference, including the possibility of a new Methodist expression, has been named and will hold their first meeting this Saturday, June 29, to discuss next steps.
The Northern Illinois Annual Conference passed legislation in June that expressed disappointment that the Traditional Plan was adopted by the 2019 Special Session of General Conference and called for the Bishop to form a task force in response.
Bishop Dyck has asked a diverse group of clergy and laity to join the task force and is calling it the “Exploration Team”, since its purpose is to “explore a way forward for the Northern Illinois Conference.”
“This will be a working team that will imagine, create, strategize and connect with other groups and annual conferences to find a workable plan going forward for those of us who cannot remain in The United Methodist Church under the Traditional Plan,” said Bishop Dyck.
The group will be meeting intensely over the next five months and be in conversation with clergy and laity cross the conference in various ways before giving a report at the NIC Special Session Nov. 16, 2019. Click here to read more.
UMC Bishops pose five questions to Judicial Council on Traditional Plan The Council of Bishops (COB) has asked the Judicial Council for a declaratory decision as to the constitutionality, meaning, application and effect of certain petitions adopted as the Traditional Plan by the 2019 General Conference. Click here for the press release.