The team that produced the doctrinal section of the Transitional Book of Doctrine and Discipline (TDD) gave us an excellent work. They began with existing doctrinal statements of the 1968 uniting conference of the UMC (such as they were) so that we might have continuity and common reference points. They are forthright in their affirmations, and they restrained themselves from innovations. They did not assume an authority that rightly belongs to the conciliar processes of the church. If we read sections that we wish were worded differently—so do the authors. If we find things missing that we wish were there—so do the authors. The TDD presents the integrity of our doctrinal heritage, identifies some weaknesses, and uncovers some controversies that must be resolved. They did their job well. We should expect the work which they left for us to do will take a few years to finalize. It is not something that can be accomplished by sending a dozen people on a weekend retreat.

Continue reading “A Radical Proposal for Recovery of Doctrine through the Global Methodist Church” →

This week’s reflections are of a personal nature.

Continue reading “Reflections from the Circuit; Week Two” →

My first week on the Circuit was through western South Carolina. Only a few meetings. A couple of these promise early fruit, the others show a likelihood of a later harvest. No meeting was futile. A few observations strike me.

Continue reading “Reflections from the Circuit” →

Continue reading “Circuit Riders: Spreading Scriptural Holiness the Old fashioned Way” →

Of first importance when reading a paragraph of the Discipline is an understanding that the Discipline is whatever your conference leadership says it is. Bishop Holston declares par. 2553 not applicable in South Carolina and then declares himself in full compliance with the Discipline. He is correct. Every bishop does the same. They take the paragraphs they don’t want to implement and declare them invalid or not applicable in their context, then they assure us they are in full compliance with the Discipline.

Continue reading “How To Read A Sentence” →

I am not a United Methodist. I had my own exit strategy that did not require conference approval. Yet, I have compassion for those South Carolina United Methodists who feel trapped by an unfaithful power structure. What I offer is a personal perspective. It is advice based on how I understand the faith, how I have struggled to express it with my life, and how I understand the processes that move the South Carolina Conference. If you find it to extreme for your liking, then set it aside. Perhaps some part of it will inspire someone to produce better words.  

Continue reading “For Those Remaining in the South Carolina Captivity” →

(This could be two essays. While I am comfortable with the first part being reproduced as a stand alone document, I would not want the remainder distributed without the first.)

Continue reading “Where I Am Going and Why I Am Leaving” →

Because the doc is difficult to navigate to on the net I am posting the file here. Scroll to the bottom to read request for recusal.

(Many UMs will be attracted to this essay because of the upcoming announcement about General Conference.  I will speak to that at the end of the piece, but I am weary of commenting on corruption in the UMC and enjoy being immersed in a life of faith and hope and charity.)

Continue reading “Spring Is Coming. Let’s Plant a Church!” →