The following report is being shared on behalf of the WJ Fresh Summit Working Group. The ten-person team was elected by attendees of the summit in November. January 6, 2020 A working group of the Western Jurisdiction was elected by the 200+ United Methodists who came...
“We’ve had to go back to the basics … be who Jesus was: An organizer, someone who spoke truth to power, who said I’m going to be with the least of these.” Michael Hsu, a participant at the Summit On its final day, attendees at the Western Jurisdiction Fresh United...
LOS ANGELES (Nov. 18) – More than 200 laypersons, clergy, and bishops gathered in Los Angeles, Calif., on Nov. 14-16 for the Western Jurisdiction’s Fresh United Methodism Summit to help prepare for the denomination’s 2020 General Conference and the ensuing...
The second day of the Western Jurisdiction’s Fresh United Methodism Summit began with a resoundingly supportive reception of the bishops’ Safe Harbor Declaration. It continued with an innovation process aiming to help the group to uncover next steps.
After a morning of discussions and posting sticky notes to the wall around four key areas where strategic action will be needed in this year, the following is a summation of the proposals moving forward: January 1 Safe Harbor Strategy – Protection at all levelsGet...
A four-page Theological Declaration termed a “call to action” had everyone on their feet at the Western Jurisdiction Fresh United Methodism Summit in Torrance, California on Thursday, Nov. 14. Developed by a work group formed after the 2019 General Conference, the...
The following declaration was presented to the Western Jurisdiction Fresh United Methodism Summit on Thursday, November 14, 2019. It was received with enthusiasm by those in attendance. Theological Declaration of the Western Jurisdiction of The United Methodist Church...
In powerful testimonials, the active United Methodist bishops of the Western Jurisdiction explain why they have taken the bold step of pledging Safe Harbor for LGBTQ+ United Methodist Clergy and candidates, and for those officiating at same-sex weddings. #UMC4All To...
Western bishops lead with grace not persecution. Active United Methodist Bishops in the Western Jurisdiction announce their intention to set aside complaints against clergy accused of being gay or performing LGBTQ+ weddings, urge others to join them. #UMC4All
For Immediate Release: September 16, 2019 What will the future of The United Methodist Church look like in the coming years? Who is shaping that vision, and what are the most important values? From November 14 to 16, 2019, the Western Jurisdiction (WJ) Mission Cabinet...