Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Produced by the Greater Northwest Area Cabinet | Last Revised February 28, 2019

What exactly happened in St. Louis at the special called session of General Conference (GC)?

General Conference delegates came to St. Louis and experienced the same forces that have played out on the plenary floor of our General Conference for decades. Basically, the General Conference (our UMC version of “Congress”) passed legislation supporting what is known as the Traditional Plan, as well as one of the disaffiliation (allowing churches to leave) plans, but the Traditional Plan has been referred to the Judicial Council (basically the “Supreme Court” for The UMC) because much of the plan has been previously ruled unconstitutional and is fundamentally un-Methodist. While awaiting that official ruling, which would delete unconstitutional legislation or unconstitutional portions, we continue in ministry.

What does it mean for us?

We know that the actions of General Conference were deeply hurtful for many of us, but none more than our LGBTQIA siblings. We continue to walk with each other and care for one another as we await the dust settling after General Conference.

Some facts that might ease the pain are that fully two-thirds​ of US delegates and over 80% of our bishops supported the One Church Plan. Although it was an imperfect plan, it would have been a better result than the Traditional Plan for those that hold a centrist or progressive theological stance. Ultimately, we assume that the enhanced punishments that are currently part of the Traditional Plan will be deemed unconstitutional. If this happens, those in the Western Jurisdiction that have provided an inclusive witness to God’s grace will continue to be the church in the same way without fear of reprisals.

Where do we go from here?

In the short term we don’t expect immediate radical changes in our region; however, in the medium and long term,​ we are NOT advocating for a status quo. We are grateful for the witness of the Western Jurisdiction in living out many of the values of the Simple Church Plan and the One Church Plan for some time now, and we are not changing. That being said, it is not enough for us to keep ourselves safe and we are now really concerned about how we might extend that safety to others around the UM connection. We must work to stop the harm being done to our siblings elsewhere (clergy, laity, and congregations).

Many in the rest of the United States are looking to the Western Jurisdiction to lead and we intend to do that. We are working on a specific plan and generative conversations are happening that may very well emerge as a “new thing” (Isaiah 42:9). Whether that is within The UMC or in a new expression of Methodism is yet to be determined, but we value the good work the larger structure and General Agencies of The UMC have been doing.

When will everything start to take effect? What decisions need to be made when?

Most of the provisions adopted will take effect January 1, 2020, but some were to take place at the close of this special session. We are still investigating the things that took place and should have more clarity soon. Please see the preceding answer for our encouragement to not take to heart any of the language or provisions of the Traditional Plan.