What’s happening in the Global United Methodist Church?
...and what does that mean for FUMC LaGrange?
Denomination changes & updates are on hold due to Covid-19, but we will continue to update this page as updates are available.
Oct. 2019 Update:
After last February’s Special General Conference (where a vote passed a “Traditional Plan”), our church established a Task Force to monitor the situation in the larger United Methodist Church. It is our task force’s goal to gather information and keep you updated as the church as a whole, as well as conferences and individual churches determine next steps.
Since February, churches and groups across the nation have been gathering, responding, and preparing for January 2020 when new penalties take effect (against being an openly gay, practicing clergy, and against clergy performing same sex marriages). More than 20 Annual Conferences across the U.S. declared statements rejecting the Traditional Plan, including our own Northern Illinois Conference. At least nine conferences have commissioned or ordained openly LGBTQ individuals.
While a handful of churches have left the denomination, most moderate and progressive congregations are looking to have one more shot at changing the plan through the church's political system. One option is to include a vote at the next General Conference in May 2020 that would make the United States a “Regional Conference," allowing for different decisions in different global regions. The church is currently not structured this way. Additionally at least nine plans “dealing with this LGBTQ issue” have been submitted for vote at the General Conference. These plans would require enough votes to essentially undo the vote in 2019.
Our Northern Illinois Conference has tasked an Exploratory Committee with researching and developing some future options for our community. While watching the movement at the national and global level, a small group of leaders are establishing the procedure for churches in our conference to disaffiliate, or leave the UMC, as a contingency option if needed.
From our church's perspective in La Grange, nothing still changes. We will continue to hold our Reconciling Identity at the forefront, and we reject the Traditional Plan. And we are not alone. We are meeting and participating with churches in our conference and nationally. We are part of the estimated 28,000+ churches in the U.S. that would affiliate themselves with a Centrist/Progressive movement, representing almost 80% of the churches nationally. We pray and prepare for a path forward that removes all language and bans against LGBTQ individuals from being able to safely bring their full God-given identities to the table.
Summer 2019 Update:
Following the Task Force meeting July 11, it was decided to address a few of the questions which came up on Sunday, July 7, when the lay and clergy members who attended Annual Conference in June, gave a presentation.
Question 1. If and when the time comes for possible disaffiliation, will the congregation be able to vote?
Response: Yes, if there is ever the need for a vote in the future, the proposal for a change in affiliation will come before a Special Church Conference.
Question 2. How would the name change?
Response: Exactly how the name would change is unclear at this time. However, there is strong hope and belief that “Methodist” would still be part of the name, as has been the case with denominational changes in the past.
Upcoming:
At the direction of the June session of Annual Conference, an Exploration Team was formed by Bishop Sally Dyck for the purpose of exploring our future as an Annual Conference, in light of the passing of the Traditional Plan at General Conference 2019. According to information received this past week, a report by this team will be given at the special session of Annual Conference, Nov. 16, 2019. The report will include an initial statement defining who we are as a Conference, with the values we share and that most closely define us. This statement will help determine how to propose aligning and moving forward, when the time comes after General Conference 2020. A process for feedback and comments to the Exploration Team will be initiated following the November 16 meeting.
Also Upcoming:
Leadership Institute 2019 at the UM Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, KS. September 25-27, 2019. The focus for this year’s institute is aimed at preparing folks to navigate and lead congregations and annual conferences for any future changes around LGBTQ ministry. First UMC La Grange will be represented by Sue Johnston and Cynthia Zolk. Sometime after our return, we will be ready to share our insights and learnings with you.
Please don’t hesitate to contact one of the Task Force members if you have further questions.
Jim Huff
Dennis Kajmowicz
Hattie Koher
Sue Johnston
Hal Miller
James Pinnick
isa Telomen
Carmen Woodring
Cynthia Zolk
Oct. 2019 Update:
After last February’s Special General Conference (where a vote passed a “Traditional Plan”), our church established a Task Force to monitor the situation in the larger United Methodist Church. It is our task force’s goal to gather information and keep you updated as the church as a whole, as well as conferences and individual churches determine next steps.
Since February, churches and groups across the nation have been gathering, responding, and preparing for January 2020 when new penalties take effect (against being an openly gay, practicing clergy, and against clergy performing same sex marriages). More than 20 Annual Conferences across the U.S. declared statements rejecting the Traditional Plan, including our own Northern Illinois Conference. At least nine conferences have commissioned or ordained openly LGBTQ individuals.
While a handful of churches have left the denomination, most moderate and progressive congregations are looking to have one more shot at changing the plan through the church's political system. One option is to include a vote at the next General Conference in May 2020 that would make the United States a “Regional Conference," allowing for different decisions in different global regions. The church is currently not structured this way. Additionally at least nine plans “dealing with this LGBTQ issue” have been submitted for vote at the General Conference. These plans would require enough votes to essentially undo the vote in 2019.
Our Northern Illinois Conference has tasked an Exploratory Committee with researching and developing some future options for our community. While watching the movement at the national and global level, a small group of leaders are establishing the procedure for churches in our conference to disaffiliate, or leave the UMC, as a contingency option if needed.
From our church's perspective in La Grange, nothing still changes. We will continue to hold our Reconciling Identity at the forefront, and we reject the Traditional Plan. And we are not alone. We are meeting and participating with churches in our conference and nationally. We are part of the estimated 28,000+ churches in the U.S. that would affiliate themselves with a Centrist/Progressive movement, representing almost 80% of the churches nationally. We pray and prepare for a path forward that removes all language and bans against LGBTQ individuals from being able to safely bring their full God-given identities to the table.
Summer 2019 Update:
Following the Task Force meeting July 11, it was decided to address a few of the questions which came up on Sunday, July 7, when the lay and clergy members who attended Annual Conference in June, gave a presentation.
Question 1. If and when the time comes for possible disaffiliation, will the congregation be able to vote?
Response: Yes, if there is ever the need for a vote in the future, the proposal for a change in affiliation will come before a Special Church Conference.
Question 2. How would the name change?
Response: Exactly how the name would change is unclear at this time. However, there is strong hope and belief that “Methodist” would still be part of the name, as has been the case with denominational changes in the past.
Upcoming:
At the direction of the June session of Annual Conference, an Exploration Team was formed by Bishop Sally Dyck for the purpose of exploring our future as an Annual Conference, in light of the passing of the Traditional Plan at General Conference 2019. According to information received this past week, a report by this team will be given at the special session of Annual Conference, Nov. 16, 2019. The report will include an initial statement defining who we are as a Conference, with the values we share and that most closely define us. This statement will help determine how to propose aligning and moving forward, when the time comes after General Conference 2020. A process for feedback and comments to the Exploration Team will be initiated following the November 16 meeting.
Also Upcoming:
Leadership Institute 2019 at the UM Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, KS. September 25-27, 2019. The focus for this year’s institute is aimed at preparing folks to navigate and lead congregations and annual conferences for any future changes around LGBTQ ministry. First UMC La Grange will be represented by Sue Johnston and Cynthia Zolk. Sometime after our return, we will be ready to share our insights and learnings with you.
Please don’t hesitate to contact one of the Task Force members if you have further questions.
Jim Huff
Dennis Kajmowicz
Hattie Koher
Sue Johnston
Hal Miller
James Pinnick
isa Telomen
Carmen Woodring
Cynthia Zolk
Spring Update:
First, a little local background -
First, a little local background -
In Jan. 2014, our local church (FUMC LaGrange) voted to become a Reconciling Church (the vote was 94% in favor). This meant we publicly joined churches across the country in the Reconciling Ministries Network to work toward the full inclusion of all people in the UMC. Our Reconciling Statement is -
With God’s grace, our congregation’s hearts, minds and doors are open to people of all races, ethnicities, physical and mental abilities, sexual orientations, gender identities, and economic conditions.
With God’s grace, our congregation’s hearts, minds and doors are open to people of all races, ethnicities, physical and mental abilities, sexual orientations, gender identities, and economic conditions.
After completing the CAT Survey (Church Assessment Tool, facilitated by the Samaritan Center for Congregations) in the fall of 2015, our church hosted a “World Café” to summarize the results and brainstorm some next steps. Church Leadership Council discussed this information, and then tasked a small group with creating a new mission statement for the church.
Approved in 2016, our mission statement is, “Exploring our faith, Extending Christ’s reach.”
Now, back to the Global UMC -
(for a better understanding of the structure and terms of the United Methodist Church, head here)
(for a better understanding of the structure and terms of the United Methodist Church, head here)
In 2016, after having the same set of debates over issues of human sexuality, a “Commission on the Way Forward” was established. This diverse group of 32 people was tasked with putting together proposals for a special session of the General Conference, in Feb. 2019. They proposed 3 plans - The Traditional Plan; The One Church Plan, and the Connectional Conference Plan. Two other plans were proposed by other groups, the Modified Traditional Plan and the Simple Plan.
In Feb. 2019, 822 delegates from across the denomination gathered in St. Louis and voted to pass a version of the Modified Traditional Plan (438 in favor, 384 against). The Judicial Council met in April and ruled that parts of the plan were unconstitutional (according to our Book of Discipline), but in large part, the plan will go into effect in Jan. 2020.
In Feb. 2019, 822 delegates from across the denomination gathered in St. Louis and voted to pass a version of the Modified Traditional Plan (438 in favor, 384 against). The Judicial Council met in April and ruled that parts of the plan were unconstitutional (according to our Book of Discipline), but in large part, the plan will go into effect in Jan. 2020.
The plan upholds the UMC’s official opposition to homosexuality, gay marriage, and the ordination of noncelibate homosexuals, while also ensuring stricter enforcement of these policies.
FUMC LaGrange’s Church Leadership Council met in late February and April, and reaffirmed our church’s Reconciling statement and status as a Reconciling Church, calling for the establishment of a Task Force, which has met twice now, with the following goals -
- To reaffirm our core values at FUMC LaGrange
- To research information - most UMC congregations in our district, conference, and across the United States are grappling with what it means to be The UMC in light of these big decisions, and there are many groups discussing how we can move forward (head here for a review/breakdown of UMC structure, etc!)
- To communicate information with our FUMC LaGrange congregation so that we can all stay up-to-date.
The Task Force will not be making any decisions. FUMC LaGrange remains both a part of the United Methodist Church, and a Reconciling United Methodist Church. Any decisions to the contrary would be made only after careful consideration, and only with a vote of the full congregation.