For the United Methodist Church, of which Huntsville First is a member, it means some churches have entered Discernment periods to decide whether or not to leave the UMC using Paragraph 2553 (see documents section). Some have discerned and decided to “disaffiliate” (leave) the UMC while others have decided to stay with the UMC. Some have decided not to enter into a Discernment at all, opting to stay UMC by default.
Excerpt from the booklet mailed to all members this summer on the United Methodist situation:
“There have been calls for separation for years, particularly regarding issues relating to LGBTQ marriage and ordination rites. There was hope in early 2020 of a separation that could be amicable. I believe it was the Holy Spirit who prompted Bishop John Yambasu of the Sierra Leone Annual Conference to call together leaders at different ends of the theological spectrum for the purpose of reaching a healthy separation. The Protocol for Grace and Reconciliation through Separation, known simply as The Protocol, was the result of this call and much expert mediation. Traditionalist leaders sought to continue the church’s prohibition on LGBTQ marriages and ordinations in the UMC. Progressive leaders sought to remove such prohibitions… “
This was a snippet from our booklet that was sent out. If you did not receive that booklet or would like an online copy…
These are the members of our Discernment Team. They are seeking to understand God’s will for Huntsville First UMC in this Discernment Process; nothing more, nothing less, nothing else.
You can help in this process with your prayers and by sending your thoughts and reflections by emailing:
discernment@huntsvillefirst.org