The Future of Christ Church: Congregational Meeting
On Monday, September 13, the Christ Church congregation convened to hear about the upcoming denominational separation and to ask questions regarding the future of the church. Below are the key points from this presentation in addition to the recording of the original congregational meeting.
What is the Protocol of Reconciliation and Grace through Separation (the Protocol)?
While not a perfect document, the Protocol was created by a group of progressives, centrists, and conservatives. This plan was formulated after the 2019 General Conference Special Assembly.
The primary provisions of the Protocol allow for a new traditionalist church and for annual conferences and local churches to withdraw from the United Methodist Church (UMC).
Under the Protocol, local churches will be allowed to retain their properties under the Trust Clause, which states that churches have control of their property, with no payment to UMC.
When will the Protocol be voted on by the UMC?
The Protocol will be presented as a petition for a vote at the 2022 General Conference.
When is the 2022 General Conference?
The General Conference typically meets every four years, however, due to COVID-19, the 2020 event was postponed. The rescheduled date is currently scheduled for August/September of 2022 in Minneapolis.
What happens if the Protocol is passed?
Each level of participation in the UMC will be able to decide for itself whether to stay with the Post-UMC (after the Protocol passes), move to a traditionalist denomination, or move elsewhere (independent).
If the Protocol passes in current writing, a Central Conference, by a 2/3 vote, can join a new denomination. Annal conferences can vote by 57% to withdraw.
The local church can decide its future by a vote of either 50% majority or a 2/3 vote to withdraw. Each church council within the local church will decide on the threshold of the vote.
Clergy and bishops have the choice to go with a new denomination or stay with the Post-UMC.
Is the Protocol expected to pass?
The coalition of diverse groups (progressives, centrists, and conservatives) who supported the Protocol remains committed to the plan and it is expected to pass.
Where does Christ Church stand?
Upon the Protocol being approved, it is expected that Christ Church would withdraw from the UMC and join the Global Methodist Church (GMC).
What is The Global Methodist Church (GMC)?
The GMC is a new, traditionalist methodist denomination that was created after the Protocol was proposed.
Per the GMC website: “We will be a global church that recognizes and deploys the gifts and contributions of each part of the church, working as partners in the gospel with equal voice and leadership.”
What are its mission and values?
Mission: Make disciples of Jesus Christ who worship passionately, love extravagantly, and witness boldly.
Vision: Join God in a journey of bringing new life, reconciliation, and the presence of Christ to all people, and to helping each person to increasingly reflect the character of Christ.
Is the GMC similar to the UMC?
The GMC has assembled a transitional Book of Doctrines and Discipline that is largely based on the current UMC Book of Discipline, but has several significant differences. Some highlights include:
There is no Trust Clause.
The GMC will preach and uphold the Apostle’s Creed and Nicene Creed.
The Holy Scripture will not be subject to modification or reinterpretation.
The GMC believes in the sanctity of life.
The marriage standard will remain as a monogamous relationship between one man and one woman.
It is expected that the Post-UMC’s position on the above items will be contrary to the above statements.
What can you, a member/attendee of Christ Church, do right now?
Inform yourself of the issues
Continue to love Jesus and love like Jesus and make disciples of Jesus
Provide a place of spiritual nourishment
Worship passionately, love extravagantly, and witness boldly