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TO: Northern Illinois Clergy, Churches and Friends
FROM: Bishop Sally Dyck
RE: Council of Bishops statement
The following is a statement from the Council of Bishops, approved at our meeting this past week:
As bishops of The United Methodist Church, our hearts break because of the divisions that exist within the church. We have been in constant prayer and conversation and affirm our consecration vow “to guard the faith, to seek the unity and to exercise the discipline of the whole church.”We recognize that we are one church in a variety of contexts around the world and that bishops and the church are not of one mind about human sexuality. Despite our differences, we are united in our commitment to be in ministry for and with all people. We are also united in our resolve to lead the church together to fulfill its mandate-to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. As we do so, we call on all United Methodists to pray for us and for one another.
If I were reading this statement outside the context of the conversations I experienced in executive sessions periodically throughout the recent Council of Bishops meeting, I might wonder why the statement would even be sent out to the church. A statement probably wouldn’t have been released except that earlier this fall two opposing groups within The United Methodist Church made specific demands on the Council of Bishops regarding human sexuality in terms of ignoring or enforcing the Discipline’s restrictions on same-gender marriages in particular.
In light of the conversation (not readily apparent in the statement) and the spirit of the Council, I believe this statement is actually a small step forward – albeit still too small for many-given the differences in the Council.
Throughout a week full of many agenda items, we periodically met in executive session to talk about our contexts and differences in the acceptance of LGBTQ persons and families. The conversation at the Council was in my estimation at a deeper level, more honest and open than previous conversations.
As part of our conversation, we had a panel and I was asked to be on it with three other bishops from other areas of the country and the world which aren’t as accepting as many in the Northern Illinois Annual Conference of LGBTQ persons.
As I began, I asked all the bishops who serve in areas where same-gender marriage is legal – or is in the process of becoming legal due to federal law – to stand. I think it was impressive for some to see how many stood, indicating a shift that is occurring across this country.
Restrictions in the Book of Discipline put pressure on all of us who seek to serve all people in our communities, especially in light of this shift. In contrast, other bishops from countries where homosexuality is criminal talked about how having statements about homosexuality from the Council puts their lives in jeopardy.
While we are still not of one mind, there is a growing appreciation that we can’t continue as we are. By that I don’t mean in the sense of division but the need to find a way forward that allows for more flexibility in responding to our local contexts. While we are not getting through this any time soon, I do sense a greater commitment on the part of the Council to begin to find a way for clergy and churches within the U.S. to be in ministry with all people.
Please continue to pray for our Church, its clergy and local churches who still differ on the way forward, just as the Council continues to struggle.
~Bishop Sally Dyck |
