Supporting GC Postponement - Yet Calling For Inclusion
The Love Your Neighbor Coalition, representing 12 social justice ministries and ethnic caucuses with United Methodist connections, appreciates the prayerful deliberation that has led to the decision to postpone General Conference to 2024. In light of our current unequal access to world health systems as well as our geopolitical situation, we support this decision.
However, we are dismayed that this action postpones action to reorganize which we believe is an essential step for our church in order to:
rid us of colonialist structures that perpetuate unequal representation;
allow ways to expand equitable ministry in various global contexts, and
correct unequal power distribution within our church.
This postponement also does further harm to our LGBTQIA+ kin. LYNC endorses the “Resist Harm petition,” requesting that the UMChurch and Bishops maintain the abeyance against any actions that will do harm to our individual and collective ministries. We will support all persons who are called to the ministry of Jesus Christ in the way of our Wesleyan tradition.
In this kairos moment, LYNC will continue to support the ministries of its many liaison organizations that work at the grassroots local level, ministering to marginalized persons around the globe. While our General Church is restricted by its rules and structure, we will act in favor of acceptance, inclusion, and justice at all regional and local levels. We call all justice seekers to work in this time to fight for racial justice, equity and inclusion for all in the church, and acceptance of our diversity in the kin-dom of God.
LYNC supports all of those who are shut out of the United Methodist Church because of its policies of exclusion and vilification. We will amplify the witness of our caucuses. LYNC is committed to sustained prayer and advocacy for The United Methodist Church and its efforts to assure full global participation and a safe and healthy General Conference.
Our coalition believes that all belong and will be loved in The UMC. All will be heard, respected and engaged. All will be free to develop their personal relationship with God and to serve fully in the Beloved Community of Jesus Christ. We know that our global meetings are an essential part of our identity as they provide repeated opportunities to be together and achieve these goals. We know that “whenever two or three of you come together in my name, I am there with you.” (Matthew 18:20). We know that together we can make a difference in the world. We look forward to the opportunity to gather together again in 2024 and LYNC reaffirms our commitment to be a fruitful and collaborative partner as we prepare for the postponed General Conference.