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Many of us have repeatedly asserted that human sexuality is a poor proxy for the real division in the UMC. It is the pluralism that leaves us incapable of speaking with one mind or with any integrity on any matter. As a result, people needlessly suffer. Continue reading “Everybody Wants to Kill Somebody: An Epistle for Killers”
(How sad it is that the state of the UMC is such that any satire must be clearly labeled as such. This is satire. It is more tragic satire than comic. It is akin to the irony of, “I come to bury Caesar, not to praise him.” However, I can imagine any number of U.S. bishops who could deliver this message as written and with a straight face. So, I reiterate: This is satire. Bishop Achrestos offered us assurance and calm following the 2019 General Conference. While the bishop is fictional, all events, quotes, and actions he describes are actual. One may take issue with their characterization or their significance but not the reality.} Continue reading “Bishop Achrestos Addresses the South Carolina Annual Conference”
Trust, noun,
1 assured reliance on the character, ability, strength, or truth of someone or something;
2 a charge or duty imposed in faith or confidence or as a condition of some relationship.
In years past the church has borrowed from management practices of the corporate world. Too often, we have imported much of what is amoral of that world along with it. I offer two lessons in morality that I learned in secular business. Continue reading “Lessons in Morality for the UMC, From Corporate America”
A much better sermon on the thief on the cross by Dr. Carl Hoefler can be found here. This is a greatly abbreviated version of an evangelical sermon of my own which addresses common misapplications of lessons from the thief. It may be criticized as belonging to another century. The critic is right. It’s from the first century. Continue reading “You Are Able: Are You Willing?”
I have noted that the desperate acts to save the life of the UMC are exactly what will kill it. Consider this from a more moderate voice:
As the debates raged at General Conference this week, I heard a common theme in the voices of conservative and progressive delegates and observers: desperation. Often taking the form of out of control emotions and devious legislative tactics this desperation was on display from both sides. While it is easy to be offended by acts […]
via UMC GC 2019 Final Reflections: Existential Threats and a Pathway to Peace — Wil Cantrell
Some have asked how they might preach this Sunday after GC2019. If were in a pulpit I would confine that discussion to the announcements and preach what I love most about the Gospel and the Church. For me, it would sound like this. Continue reading “BEHOLD, YOUR FAMILY”
When speaking of United Methodist bishops it is often difficult to distinguish truth from satire, therefore I am compelled to offer the following advisory. WARNING – SATIRE AHEAD Continue reading “Bishop Achrestos Addresses UM Controversy”
In the midst of the celebrations over the accomplishments of traditionalists at General Conference I sound like a faultfinder…grumbler…whiner. I am the boy who speaks out loud about the Emperor’s attire. Continue reading “Final Thoughts On the UMC General Conference”
I am not drawing many conclusions yet because tomorrow can change everything. Two things are certain: Continue reading “Reflections on the United Methodist General Conference.”
Hermit Preacher 