General Conference – one last protest

Even with GC approving the bishop's proposal and things seem to be on track for the commission there was still another protest today. This one declared unfinished business – there is still harm being done to LGBT people and that harm will continue (at least) until that special GC concludes its work 2-3 years from now. Yes, there is a glimmer of hope, but the harm continues. Sue Laurie, the one who was unofficially ordained earlier during GC, asked "Where does a LGBT person go to church on Sunday?" The protesters surrounded the plenary floor and sang, "I am not forgotten, you are not forgotten, God knows your name."

Yes, more damaging petitions did not come up for a vote (which we likely would have lost). But this is not a victory, this is merely crumbs. The Book of Discipline was not changed.

The last paragraph of the bishop's response that created the commission is, "We will continue to explore options to help the church live in grace with one another – including ways to avoid further complaints, trials and harm while we uphold the Discipline." Emphasis added.

Add to that a Council of Bishops that has become dysfunctional, with no leadership and too invested in the status quo and keeping the peace. Yes, peace has a higher priority than justice for us.

The result is nothing has changed. And we fell for the glimmer of hope this commission offers us.

Will Green offers some final thoughts. The only new idea from this GC is the possibility of more frequent GCs.



One of the big votes today was whether the denomination should become fossil free by divesting from oil and coal companies. As the issue was debated a delegate quoted John Wesley: "We ought not gain money at the expense of life." The issue came down to whether it was better to divest or to engage.


This is me speaking: I see that as whether divesting is heard louder than engaging. I don't hear the denomination doing a whole lot of engaging, though the Financial Administration Committee or whatever group is in charge of pensions might be doing it quietly – and apparently ineffectively.

Divestment lost by 86%.



Back in 1984 GC added the restriction that "self-avowed practicing homosexuals are not to be certified as candidates, ordained as ministers or appointed to serve." Later the Judicial Council decided that was appropriate. Another JC decision says annual conferences "have the authority to decide whether candidates for ordination meet the disciplinary qualifications." Someone finally asked, don't these decisions conflict?

This is an important question because many annual conferences are using the second decision to say they aren't going to ask whether a candidate for ordination is LGBT. That means they are defying the first decision.

JC responded. Nope, no conflict. "The annual conferences have clear authority under the constitution. But that authority does not and constitutionally cannot intrude into the authority of the General Conference." Even so, defiance will continue.