The second week of the General Conference has been long, confusing, and filled with uncertainty; and it is this uncertainty that I want to focus on today. As we progress through our work, there is a feeling of looming uncertainty of the future of the Church.
There is one word which seems to be uttered more than any other word at the 2016 General Conference gathering. That word is unity. Unity. Unity within the Council of Bishops. Unity within the UMC.
How do we move forward with candidates who identify as LGBTQI? How do we move forward as colleagues come out as LGBTQI? How do we move forward as colleagues conduct wedding ceremonies for same-gendered couples?
Let me tell you about the hope and happiness I found today. Today I participated in the best holy conferencing and discernment I have been a part of in 20 years of Methodist Conferences.
Today was a time for relationship. As people settled in, new relationships were formed, old relationships remembered, and friendship strengthened.