Dear Friends,
We completed our fourth Commission on a Way Forward meeting in Chicago this past week. Our specific recommendations for the Council of Bishops consideration for the 2019 General Conference are still being formed and thus are not yet ready for release. Though we have ground to cover before finalizing a proposal(s), I am encouraged by the progress the Commission is making. See www.umc.org/news-and-media/commission-on-a-way-forward-meets-in-chicago for a summary of last week’s meeting.
I am keenly aware of the anxiety many United Methodist clergy, congregations and denominational leaders are feeling right now. I am also deeply grateful for the response of the clergy and churches in the North Alabama Conference to this season of waiting. Though some would like to see change and others desire for our current position to remain the same, we are all honoring the General Conference discernment process. Thank you for your patience and respect for our process.
Below is a general timeline for the Commission’s work.
During this in-between time you are invited to continue to participate in “Praying Our Way Forward.” I encourage you to join me in daily prayer for the work of the Commission . . . the February 2019 General Conference . . . and the United Methodist Church’s increased effectiveness in making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.
As always it is a privilege to serve as your bishop.
Blessings,
Debra Wallace-Padgett
Resident Bishop
North Alabama Conference
P.S. Also see www.umcna.org/postdetail/8887895 for July 27, 2017, status report of the Commission on a Way Forward.
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