GC Wednesday May 18

This is rather long.  I took notes throughout the day so here you go.  (By the way, this is the last update as I am flying home tomorrow to get in the car and drive to Asbury Seminary in KY to celebrate Molly's graduation.)

5/18 - General Conference, Portland Oregon

To be honest, I am getting rather weary.  These are long days.  There is a  heaviness of heart when I reflect upon where we are as the UMC and it is draining. Plus, I haven't slept too well even though I've been tired.  Got up at 4:30 this morning to go to the Good News breakfast.  It was worth it to see some like minded friends from around the country and to eat and have fellowship with them.  Plus, Maxie Dunnam shared a word with all of us which was so refreshing for me.  I've known Maxie for many years and am blessed to call him a great leader and friend.  He left us with the challenge to "feel for the power of the Holy Spirit".  Sadly, the Spirit has been "woefully missing in our movement".  Come Holy Spirit, come Holy Spirit!
Rob Renfroe, the president of Good News then reminded us to be gracious and loving to all, to have a smile, and yes, to have a spine!

The morning worship was fantastic and powerful!  A young man blew us away as he led us in singing "How Great Thou Art!"  Awesome!   And then Bishop James Swanson preached the sermon of the conference thus far!  He was brave enough to address the fact that there is such a thing as evil and that just because we say yes to Jesus and are justified by God's grace, we are not to think that all will go well as a result.  No, it is then that the evil one attacks and subtlety cause us to doubt, and be fearful, and be weak.  No, says Swanson.  Greater is He that is in you than he who is in the world.  Because of Jesus, evil has no place in our place!  It was powerful!  I hope you get a chance to listen to it.  We are the people of God who will not allow the evil one to have his way!

Sadly, immediately following worship was a silent protest by the lgbtq group who marched in and stood silently around the altar and then left after 10-15 minutes or so.  This will continue.  They are expressing their sense of pain and we must pray for them and for us.  All of us are in pain.  Continue to pray!

Bishop Ough then gave the Council of Bishop response to address the conflict in the church around human sexuality.  Defer and study.  They desire to name a commission to maintain ongoing dialogue including clear objectives and outcomes.  Continue to explore options to help the church grow in grace with one another.

Hamilton motion to follow the recommendation of the council of bishops.
Call a special 2 or 3 day GC before 2020 specifically focused on human sexuality
Defer all votes of human sexuality legislation

Chap Temple amended with the intent to continue the legislative process and vote now and then come together in 2 years.  Defeated.

Bishop Bill MCAlillie (sp?). Presiding the afternoon plenary.

Back to original motion from Hamilton.  Much debate for and against.
(Young person response - "prophetic voice" to stand in unity and not divide as a church).   Standing ovation.
After another attempt and defeat of an amendment, there is a calling of the question.
Question called.    Much (and angry) discussion.  Now voting on the motion. Defeated 438- 393.
And now a person has called the bishop out of order and accused him of single handedly high jacking the work of the council of bishops.  She demanded him to step down!  Ouch!

A recess and Africa rocked the house. Singing and dancing.  History in the making.  Africa  definitely taking the lead.  High emotion in the house.

Back to business.  The Bishop continued to preside as affirmed by the committee on presiding officers.  Several rising to support the bishop.  Obvious contention in the house.

Now continuation of the discussion regarding the proposal by the Council of Bishops.
A motion to approve the recommendation of the bishops.  (Howard option) Now discussion.  Here we go again. The question was called and approved.   And the vote on the motion is............ 428-405.  Sexuality petitions have been deferred.  Wow!!

Took a break

Returned to vote on petitions dealing with central conference concerns. Additional funding, the request for additional bishops, number of episcopal areas, etc.

Also the petition of the USA as a Central Conference. A motion to refer to the council of bishops.   The motion was not referred.  Discussion followed, much confusion on what was voted upon.  So....voted again.  Did not refer.  Based on my understanding, the petition is now dead which is good as the intention would separate the USA from the rest of the other conferences with separate disciplines, policies, etc.   If we are a global church, than we must act like a global church.

The day closed with a service of remembrance as it related to the Sand Creek Massacre of the Cheyenne and Arapahoe tribes in Colorado in 1864.  Sadly, there was great involvement of the death of hundreds of Indians at the hands of many Methodist leaders.  You can read more about it on the GC website.

Thanks for taking some time to read these updates.  It was an honor to represent the Great Plains Conference.  By the way, I've heard that there is going to be a motion to reconsider the Council of Bishops recommendation to defer the discussion on human sexuality.  If so, it would force the delegates to make a decision at this GC.  That needs to happen so we can move forward.  Keep praying.  Watch for updates on the various sites I have mentioned.  I am flying out in the morning so I can help my daughter-in-law celebrate her graduation from Asbury Seminary in Wilmore KY on Saturday.

Bless you all!