Pastoral Letter about a Plan of Separation (Jan. 3, 2020)

Dear Friends of Trinity Church,

You may have seen a national media story from last week about a proposal of amicable separation for the United Methodist Church.  The plan was conceived through a process of mediation involving sixteen laity and clergy, including eight bishops, representing traditional, moderate, and progressive perspectives.  Please see the news release from the United Methodist News Service. 

I would caution against seeing this plan as “a done deal.”  The group proposing it does not have the authority to adopt it for the denomination.  Only the delegates of the General Conference meeting this coming May in Minneapolis are authorized to approve, amend, or reject such a plan (no bishops cannot vote). 

Last year, we were in a similar position.  You may recall that a group proposed a plan that the Council of Bishops endorsed, but the General Conference declined to enact it.  Instead, we got the “Traditional Plan,” which is out of step with the ministry vision of Trinity Church and the Northern Illinois Conference.

I believe the mediated plan announced last week could be a positive development if the General Conference adopts it.  Primarily, it would reduce longstanding acrimony in our denomination by paving the way for traditionalists to form a separate (more restrictive) Methodist denomination.  Soon after that, those in the “post-separation” United Methodist Church would have the opportunity to revoke the penalties against LGBTQ clergy and those who officiate for same-gender weddings. 

If you are interested in the details of the latest proposed plan, see “Protocol of Reconciliation & Grace Through Separation.”  The Council of Bishops also has a FAQ page.  One of the plan's nuances the news media did not convey has to do with affiliation.  For example, if an annual conference votes to affiliate with a new Methodist denomination, individual congregations could vote to remain in the United Methodist Church and vice-versa.  If this plan is enacted, I would expect Trinity Church and the Northern Illinois Conference to remain in the United Methodist Church and reform it.

In the meantime, please pray for God’s grace for the church.  Join me in praying for our LGBTQ youth and loved ones who are God’s beloved children but who feel rejection from the church.  Amid this time of institutional uncertainty, I would encourage us to live out our faith in the steadfast love of God.  As John Wesley said: “Though we can’t think alike, may we not love alike?  …Help one another increase in love and in good works” (Sermon 39: “Catholic Spirit”).  Because our community and the world need our Christian witness of love, I urge us all to persevere in our worship of God, fellowship with one another, spiritual growth, and Christ-like service to others. 

Yours in Christ,

Brian