Response to Leadership on #1 Question

StayUMC Response

With all due respect, the #1 question for the majority of Bethany members is "when will all of this all stop?". 

In the midst of so much information overload we, the StayUMC community, extend Grace to EVERY member of Bethany and pray for peace in your heart.

Thomas and Stella got it right - "follow God's guidance".  In addition,  follow your conscience and trust what you heard in your listening prayers". 

Each of you are a child of God and are blessed!   You are loved today just as you were loved in September last year before we started this whole discernment period.     

While we may disagree with the "Bethany Leadership" about the good news of UMC,  we embrace the whole lead team with all our love and grace.  the grace that Jesus showed for all of us on the Cross.   We trust that God has every member of Bethany in his palm and is whispering love and care to each of you. 

Love, Grace and Peace!

Observation about the Sept 21 email 

There is really nothing new in this email except an acknowledgement that the "independent option" will not reconcile our differences.   And the belief that on Oct 2 there will be "unity" --  meaning the whole church will all magically align on conservative beliefs of sexuality (marriage/clergy).   That accountability will be applied immediately, ie. agree on a single uniform definition or else. 

We continue to ask the leadership to reconcile the following - it is very simple 

  - UMC is the path to healing and reconciliation:

1. Leadership email: "LGBTQ... has led to deep division within the UMC at large and within our own congregation"
   Congregation: Survey #2 UMC Option clearly showed that 70-85% are Pro United Methodist
                           Lead team recommendation for a fully inclusive church
   
   
2. Fully Inclusive Church
   Leadership email: "We have been learning throughout our Discernment Process
                        ...we hold to a particular doctrine (marriage is only between man/woman),",
   Congregation (Survey #1 top 3 priorities) :  "Broaden LGBTQ+ inclusiveness"

Original Email from Bethany Leadership

Subject: Our #1 Most Asked Question

"So let's strive together for the things that bring peace and the things that build each other up." - Romans 14:19 Bethany’s Discernment Process is nearing its end. Thank you, church family, for your commitment and faithfulness throughout these 11 months of prayer, research, meetings, and discussion. We urge you to come, vote, and believe in God’s best for Bethany, regardless of the outcome.

CHURCH CONFERENCES AND VOTE

Monday, September 25th, 6-8pm Sunday, October 1st, 4-6pm *Identical meetings. Only members are eligible to vote once at one meeting. Updated voting details, including information regarding special accommodations for the immunocompromised and mobility impaired, are here.

THE RECOMMENDATION

Church leadership believes semi-independence is the most unifying, non-polarizing option of the current options considered:  Leadership Recommendation: Becoming semi-independent and connecting with the Methodist Collegiate Church (MCC) Current Affiliation: Remaining in the United Methodist Church (UMC)

OUR #1 MOST ASKED QUESTION

How can disaffiliation be the “most unifying/least polarizing option” for Bethany?

The conflict over LGBTQ+ marriage and ordination has led to deep division within the UMC at large and within our own congregation. For years we have had conversations with people who hold the following views and any number of things in between: “The doctrine of the church should be changed to allow same-sex weddings and ordination of homosexual pastors.” “Scripture forbids homosexual relations; the church should not change its doctrine to conform to the moral standards of our secular community.” “A change in doctrine is the only way to fully welcome the LGBTQ+ community into the church.” “UMC bishops should uphold the positions currently stated in the UMC Book of Discipline.” “I am uncomfortable talking about the homosexuality debate in church.” In the past, Bethany has been able to thrive despite these different views. We have loved people well and served in mission together, side-by-side, with members who disagree with us. Now, however, there is division at Bethany. If we choose to stay in the UMC, we will need to build ministry amidst continued controversy over the denominational struggles while a wide breadth of Bethany’s congregation doesn’t name LGBTQ+ inclusion as a primary focus for their faith and practice. We believe a strength of Bethany lies in the diversity of all viewpoints, and we value the individuals who hold each of them. We want each and every one of our members to remain a part of our Bethany family. Semi-independence creates space for this diversity - from traditional to progressive and everything in between - to continue. Yes, Bethany’s recommendation upholds a traditional stance on marriage and sexuality. We have been learning throughout our Discernment Process, however, that as we hold to a particular doctrine, we are never excused from extending God’s unconditional love and welcome to all people in intentional ways. We are committed to the work of healing that is needed in our congregation, and we invite our members to join us in rebuilding. Bethany’s heart hasn’t changed in its 47 years of ministry: we hope for all people to Experience God’s love, Know Jesus Christ, and Grow in His image. With that mission in mind, we are confident Bethany can lead the way in loving people, put divisiveness behind us, and focus on the wider mission and ministries of our church. Our goal October 2 and beyond is to learn, heal, and rebuild.

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THE VOTE?

On October 2, the day after our final churchwide vote, God will be calling us to what’s next for Bethany: continued deep discipleship, wide outreach to the world, and loving and grace-filled hospitality to our neighbors. We are eager to reach the next generation and be creative and passionate in our ministry. Join us! Bethany’s best years are ahead.