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BISHOP'S OFFICE

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition,
with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” - Philippians 4:6 (NIV)

Earlier today, a press release was issued on behalf of a United Methodist mediation team, comprised of clergy and laity, proposing a way to address the impasse within the denomination regarding matters of human sexuality.

I strongly encourage all clergy and laity to visit the Conference website and read the release – and the links contained within it – to gain a full understanding of what is being proposed. I ask that you not solely rely on news of the release shared through broadcast and social media.

The faithful group submitting today’s proposal joins other faithful groups across our beloved United Methodist Church who have already submitted petitions to be considered by delegates to the General Conference, which meets May 5-15 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

General Conference is the only body that can set official policy and speak for the denomination. The General Conference delegates who were elected by their respective annual conferences are given the responsibility to review and make decisions on all matters and petitions before the Conference. Bishops preside over the sessions of General Conference but do not vote.

A lot of work has been done, and is still being done, by many faithful United Methodists to prepare for General Conference 2020.

I ask that you continue to pray for The United Methodist Church and pray for the delegates as they do their best work on behalf of the denomination and for the sake of the mission of The United Methodist Church and our witness in the world.

While we do not know the outcome of General Conference 2020, we do know that we serve a faithful God who leads us and guides us and through whom all things are possible. Therefore, be it resolved that we remain committed to our mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world; and we remain faithful to live into our East Ohio Conference vision by:

• being disciples, making disciples, and maturing disciples of Jesus Christ;
• being God’s agents of transformation in our communities and throughout the world, and
• being bold and courageous leaders in reaching new people, younger people, and a more diverse people.  

Read today’s release on the Conference website.