Thoughts on the United Methodist General Conference 2024

by Steven Dunn

I joined the United Methodist Church as a member of Summit on 16th on November 15th, 2015. At the time I felt I found a home, a place to grow my spiritual gifts and education, where I was protected, supported, and made to feel safe.

It wasn’t until my first Annual Conference in 2016 that I realized not everyone was as open and supportive of LGBTQIA+ people.  I learned of the harmful language in the Book of Discipline and learned of a Pastor who was having charges brought against them simply for marrying the person they loved.  Even Pastors who attended the wedding were also receiving threats of charges. I didn’t realize this was the United Methodist Church that oversaw all of us, allowing this type of division and discrimination to happen.  The more I learned the more I wanted to get involved in what was happening so I could make changes.

In 2018 I went to the Annual Conference ready to submit my name for a delegate position to the General Conference which is where all decisions are made concerning the Book of Discipline. I was getting some great vote totals; however, it was brought to my attention that you had to be involved as a member for at least 4 years.  I was a few months short, and my name had to be removed from the slate. I was devastated because I felt that is what my calling was for in this moment I had to speak out. Little did I know at the time that COVID-19 would suspend General Conference for 4 years.

In April/May of 2024, the 2019 General Conference began, and with the disaffiliation that happened over the past year of conservative churches leaving it led to the door being open to start creating the church that Jesus would be proud of.  The first big change was the “Global Social Principles” which removed the harmful language that stated, “The practice of homosexuality is incompatible with Christian teaching” It also had many sections that addressed Racism, Gender Equality and Diversity, Abuse, and many other topics that will now have inclusive language.

The next item up was Petition 20713 which enshrined local discernment about same-sex marriages and allowed Petition 20364 to be passed which removes the ability to bring charges against a pastor performing a wedding of a same-sex couple as well as protects the pastor themselves from being married to the person of the same sex.

The biggest change was the 40-year ban on whether or not LGBTQIA+ clergy could serve and be ordained as ministers was struck down!  This was a huge win and a rule that was voted down 692-51 which is historic. This allows people who’ve been waiting years to be ordained to finally go through the process. 

As a member of the LGBTQIA+ community who’s fought from the inside having safe spaces to worship at this day was overwhelming.  At my church home, Bethel International UMC, this past Sunday was the first time it felt real, it was good, it was right, and it was so great to celebrate the emotion, the joy, but also the sadness at those who didn’t live to see this or left the church rather than face more heartache.   In my church we laughed, we sang, we cried, and we stood in recognition that this is the church God wanted from the beginning.  Where everyone was valid, everyone was precious, and everyone was a child of God.

It has taken years, and many brave people who’ve been fighting much longer than me, but we have scratched the surface of equality and justice.  Yes, there is more to do and there is more to do locally by getting people involved and showing them that church is welcoming for them and their families no matter the structure, no matter the gender identity, and no matter their sexuality, God loves each and every one of us!  I was filled with joy and pride but also a realization that the fight isn’t over but taking time to enjoy this moment in time is SO needed.

To my friends who have never felt welcome in church I offer my hand to you, step inside this loving congregation at Bethel International UMC and you will feel a difference, you will see a difference, you will be able to be your authentic self, and be celebrated for that. To my friends who left the UMC due to these sections of harmful language, I hope you come back because we truly are a different church now.  The tent is wide, and all are welcome under it, no matter your history, your hurt, or your fear.  We and I will be there to hold your hand, stand beside you, and sing to the heavens above.

1 John 3:1-3

What marvelous love God has extended to us! Just look at it-we’re called children of God. That’s who we really are. But that’s also why the world doesn’t recognize us or take us seriously because it has no idea who God is or what they’re up to.

But friends, that’s exactly who we are: children of God. And that’s only the beginning. Who knows how we’ll end up! What we know is that when Christ is openly revealed, we’ll see him and in seeing him, become like him. All of us who look forward to his Coming stay ready, with the glistening purity of Jesus’s life as a model for our own.

 

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