We write in a
time when our denomination and nation feel helplessly divided. In
political, social, and religious arenas we’ve seen mounting problems,
and when we’ve sought leadership we’ve only found division. In times
such as these we need leaders to come together, engage in authentic,
grace-filled, challenging dialogue and present a path forward.
It is against
this backdrop that we, the Mountain Sky Cabinet and General Conference
Delegation, write to express our support for the One Church Model, as
presented by the Commission on a Way Forward. We believe that the One
Church Model is a reasonable compromise that aligns with our Wesleyan
heritage, allowing us to live in unity without requiring uniformity, and
allows for the least disruptions of vital ministries throughout the
Mountain Sky Conference.
We, the people
of the Mountain Sky Conference, know the value of unity even in the
midst of disagreement; we've lived into this model for many years. Go to
any UMC from Trinidad, CO to Columbia Falls, MT, from Wheatland, WY, to
St. George, UT and you’re likely to find people living in community
despite disagreement about any number of divisive issues. Despite these
disagreements, United Methodists have welcomed, supported, and loved
each other as they have lived out a shared mission to make disciples of
Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. Our theological
diversity has created increased empathy, conversation, and growth. It
has helped us to live in community with each other thus making us better
prepared to live in harmony with all of creation.
To be clear,
the One Church Model is not perfect. The One Church Model does not
completely live into the values of full inclusion for our LGBTQ sisters
and brothers; instead, discriminatory practices are allowed to persist
within the United Methodist Church. Although we support the One Church
Model, we also reaffirm our continued commitment to further the cause of
equity and justice for all of those who have been disenfranchised in
our Church.
While we
acknowledge these imperfections in the plan, we also recognize that the
One Church Model provides a significant gift to our conference and the
entire denomination: the ability to live in unity without requiring
uniformity. The One Church Model invites us to be united across our
difference – a difference found in almost every congregation. Unity is
difficult but unity teaches us empathy; it challenges us to reconsider
the preconceived notions we have about others and ourselves, to grow a
deeper understanding of ourselves and others, and to practice loving our
neighbor always.
In the interest
of unity, we, the Mountain Sky Conference Cabinet and Delegation, offer
our prayerful support for the One Church Model as it has been presented
by the Commission on the Way Forward. Recognizing its significant
challenges, we accept the invitation to live into better community and
to increase our love and empathy for each other, and to grow together in
the likeness of Christ. Further, as leaders of this conference, we
commit ourselves to working diligently to support and serve the
conference as it continues to strive to live into God’s vision of
Beloved Community.
Grace and peace in the name of Jesus Christ,
Lay delegates and first alternates: Doug Palmer, Don McCammon, Kunle Taiwo, Harvey Tukutau, Peg Plimpton,and Margaret Hotze
Clergy delegates and first alternates: Tyler Amundson, Kent Ingram, Jeremy Scott, Brad Laurvick, Megan Armstrong, and Cathie Kelsey
MSC Cabinet: Bishop Karen
Oliveto, Jeff Rainwater, Youngsook Kang, Margaret Gillikin, Paul Kottke,
Marv Vose, Jan Witman, Tezenlo Thong, Deborah Christine, and Amy Gearhart
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