Council President Addresses “Division and Discord”

United Methodist Communications

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 22, 2016
Washington, D.C.: 

In a pre-holiday, post-election letter to the people of The United Methodist Church, Bishop Bruce R. Ough, president of the Council of Bishops, called upon all Christians to “remember who we are” in this time of tension and anxiety and work to overcome hatred and discrimination.

The letter follows:

To the People Called United Methodist:

Grace and peace in the name of Jesus Christ!

On the eve of Advent and in the post-election climate in the United States, I write as President of the Council of Bishops to call for a renewed commitment to the vision of the Beloved Community of Christ.

Isaiah prophesized that a child would be born to re-establish the beloved community – a time of endless peace, a time of justice and righteousness, a time of reconciliation and unity.

For a child has been born to us, a son given to us;
     authority rests upon his shoulders;
And he is named
     Wonderful Counselor,
     Mighty God,
     Everlasting Father,
     Prince of Peace.
His authority shall grow continually, and there shall be endless peace
     for the throne of David and his kingdom.
He shall establish and uphold it with justice and righteousness
     from this time onward and forevermore.

                       Isaiah 9:6-7 NRSV

Read the rest of the letter at this link.