If you are just tuning in to the UMC separation discussions then here is a quick primer. This is for those who are likely in the traditional/evangelical/orthodox alliance of the United Methodist Church (even though you may not be sure what those terms mean). First thing you need to know is it is not about cats or sex.
Continue reading “UMC Separation Primer: It’s Not About Cats or Sex”
I am hopefully awaiting Chris Ritter’s third article on Timelines, Tensions, and the Separation Protocol. Perhaps it will pull a rabbit out a hat. Until then, I offer this.
Just do the right thing.
I want to support the Protocol. It is the best of available options, but when it comes to protections for the local church it is seriously lacking. It relies on our institutions implementing it in good faith and as intended. Unless this fatal flaw is addressed then completing the Traditional Plan is the only option when dealing with noncompliant and corrupt institutions.
Continue reading “UMC Protocol:That’s Still Lucy Holding the Football”
(For other reflections on the sanctity of life refer to the home page for the series Everybody Wants to Kill Somebody)
My wife and I raised eight girls through their teenage years. I impressed upon more than one young man that Christianity is not an altogether non-violent religion. There are occasions where we are permitted—even expected—to use reasonable and proportionate force when necessary to protect ourselves, our loved ones, and anyone else in our vicinity who is threatened by a strong and unjust power. Continue reading “Killing in Self-defense: It’s a given—except when it isn’t”
A lot of very bad advice is being offered to preacher’s on how to address forgiveness this Sunday. Of all days, this is a problem on World Communion Sunday. I offer this old sermon for what it’s worth. Continue reading “Seventy-Seven and Counting”
Because this resolution from 2017 was referenced by someone in a recent social media post, I find it helpful to re-post it here as a Word.doc where others may access the original annotated version. It was a longshot then and has little hope now, but it may be interesting to compare what was considered outrageous just over two years ago to what is now being proposed for 2020.
Resolution on Realignment Annotated
I offer some reflections below. Continue reading “Revisiting a Resolution on Disaffiliation and Realignment”
In this video Bishop Achrestos summarizes UM doctrine as ze answers questions for the 2019 graduating class of a major United Methodist seminary.
For answers on Christology, Doctrine, and the future of the UMC simply replay the clip.
