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A conversation with

Reconciling Churches

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RMN’s Organizing Team

Izzy (he/him)

Ordained Elder

izzy@rmnetwork.org

510-717-4894

Western Jurisdiction

North Central Jurisdiction

The Philippines

Helen (they/them)

Home Missioner

helen@rmnetwork.org

508-247-7818

Southeastern Jurisdiction,

West Virginia, Baltimore-Washington, Greater New Jersey, Peninsula-Delaware, Western Pennsylvania, Africa

Laura (she/her)

Deaconess

laura@rmnetwork.org

936-581-9401

South Central Jurisdiction,

Upper New York,

New York,

New England, Susquehanna,

Eastern Pennsylvania,

Europe

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Discussion Topics

An overview of this season
The 3 most time-sensitive General Conference proposals
Key leadership opportunities immediately before us
Q & A

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Acronyms we’ll use today

RC = Reconciling congregation, community, or campus

RRC = Regional Reconciling community

RM = Reconciling Ministry

RUM = Reconciling United Methodist (and individual person)

BOD = Book of Discipline

CC = Central Conferences

GC = General Conference (often followed by the year, GC24)

AC = Annual Conference

JC = Jurisdictional Conference (can also mean Judicial Council)

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An overview of this season

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A Reconciling

Liturgy:

the work of the

Reconciling People

Hearts & Minds

Policy

Practice

CHANGING

Liturgy, in the various forms of worship services or acts of justice and compassion, is “the work of the people” of God.
Building and strengthening our Reconciling movement is our liturgy as Reconciling United Methodists.
This is holy work . . . sometimes hard and holy work, but always holy work.
And there are seasons to this work - ebbs and flows - but these 3 areas of work remain the same.
It’s all connected!

Changing Hearts and Minds: primarily at the local church level - through relationships and conversations with friends, family, pew neighbors, bible study groups, district and annual conference discussions and events, etc.

Changing Policy / Book of Discipline (BoD): changing policy at the general church level - through legislation at General Conference. (Annual and Jurisdictional Conferences play different and important roles as well.) This is both delegate and non-delegate work!

Changing Practice: living into our stated values. This takes place in the everyday, on-the-ground decisions and behaviors of life and ministry - so that our actions and advocacy genuinely reflect what our hearts know is just and loving.

Each of these areas is critical, and equally so. Each area overlaps, having influence on the other two. And God can call us to give our energy and focus to different areas at different times.

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General Conference in 2024 (April 23 - May 3, Charlotte, NC)
Annual Conference in 2024 (a very important AC)
Jurisdictional Conferences in 2024 (July 10-12)
General Conference in 2026 (called session)
General Conference in 2028 (regular session)

Timeline

Holding 3 GCs within 5 years provides an important opportunity to improve our structure and polity.

It’s critical that we use these next 5 years

to help shape the future of The UMC.

This “season”... that we’ve just begun and are feeling hopeful about, is about a 5 year span of time.
And these next 5 years are packed with potential!

The changes we’re working toward at GC in 2024 are not a foregone conclusion
It’s true… that those who are most rigidly opposed to LGBTQ+ justice have chosen to disaffiliate
It’s true… that our current U.S. delegates are more inclusive than in the past
And, it’s also true… that our United Methodist family is still very theologically diverse
The UMC still includes folks who hold more traditional/conservative views
Some strongly support the current language in our BOD - policies that we find discriminatory and harmful
AND… we have a real opportunity before us… over these next 5 years - to take several important steps in a more inclusive direction
This next season really matter! We’re hoping for all hands on deck!

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3 most time-sensitive General Conference proposals

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General Conference in 2024

The 3 most time-sensitive GC proposals

Adopt worldwide regionalization

How we relate as the church

Adopt revised Social Principles

How we relate to the world

Remove anti-LGBTQ+ language and discrimination

How we treat each other

These goals are not listed in priority order. All 3 are critical.
In a way, this is 1 goal with 3 legislative components.

Are these the only proposals we care about? Absolutely not!
RMN is engaged with our RUM delegates - through a larger coalition of centrist and progressive delegates
And the coalition cares about a wide range of concerns
We’re getting voting recommendations from all of our justice-seeking partners, each in their area of expertise.
RUM and coalition delegates will be encouraged to vote in ways that we hope lead to The UMC becoming more diverse, equitable, safe, healthy, green, and inclusive

And… RMN had to be really honest about our band-width, and decide how to best use our time and energy.
So, while we count on our partners to share their voting recommendation on other important topics….
We will be organizing for progress around these 3 goals that we think are the most time-sensitive.

Some are using “The 3 Rs” to help them remember…

Think…

Regionalization

Revised Social Principles

Remove anti-lgbtq+ language

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Global Regionalization

Restructures UMC based on equity and respect for missional context
Critical first step toward decolonizing both polity and relationships
Keeps us connected as a global church
Creates regional conferences in Africa, Europe, Philippines, U.S.
Offers autonomy in regional decision-making
Vote requirement is 2/3rd at GC, plus 2/3rd ratification vote at AC
Education in local churches and ACs is key to adoption/ratification

Connectionalism + Autonomy = Regionalization

Legislation is coming to us from the Standing Committee on Central Conference Matters (SCOCCM) and Connectional Table
What is decolonization? The UMC is a worldwide church. Yet, for most of our history, the United States has been the center and focal point of our church structure. Decolonization de-centers power and influence, and lifts up respect for our diverse missional context while strengthening ministry partnerships.
Because this restructuring involves changing the constitution within our Book of Discipline, higher vote support is required.
It requires a 2/3 vote at GC, followed by a ⅔ ratification vote at AC
An aggregate vote means the total collective vote throughout the connection.
For example, the more U.S. votes we get, the fewer Central Conference votes are needed
Delegates will try to ensure that a ratification vote is on the agenda at U.S. Annual Conferences in 2024 (just 1 month after GC)
Central Conferences hold their Annual Conferences in the fall of 2024
Ratification is always a heavy lift. We need to be in conversation about it now!
Be aware of how easy it is for false information to get into the rumor mill. Let’s learn and share the facts!
Everyone is encouraged to host conversations in your local context.
Everyone is encouraged to send affirming delegates to AC in both 2024 (and 2025)
Coalition strategists are working on additional options to help ensure ratification
Global regionalization is a win for everyone, everywhere!

Links to learn more

https://www.resourceumc.org/en/churchwide/the-connectional-table/regionalization-legislation
https://www.resourceumc.org/-/media/umc-media/2023/10/23/17/33/worldwide-regionalization-petitions-english.ashx

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Revised Social Principles

Proposed by the General Board of Church and Society
Collaboration of 4000+ UMs from around the world, across 8 years
The proposed revisions are:

more succinct
more theologically grounded
better reflect the nature of the global Church

They include:

Removing “The practice of homosexuality is incompatibility with Christian teaching”
Changing the definition of marriage from “one man and one woman” to “two people”

Vote requirement is 50% plus 1

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Remove anti-LGBTQ+ language and policies

Goal is to leave the 2024 BOD void of any language that targets LGBTQ+ persons
Honor regionalization and create a blank slate for a new structure and future regional conferences
RMN continues critical and collaborative work with coalition partners toward this goal
RMN continues to equip and support a growing coalition of delegates - both before and throughout GC
Vote requirement is 50% plus 1

Anti-LGBTQ+ language and policy appears in multiple places in the BOD

Need to remove:

the incompatibility statement
policy that prohibits ordination equality
policy that prohibits marriage equality
all parts of the traditional plan (added at GC in 2019)
chargeable offenses
the funding ban (in both places)

The goal is to leave the 2024 BOD void of any statements that name/isolate/target LGBTQ+ people.
This removes harmful language and creates a blank slate… which is in sync with our commitment to adopting global regionalization
Adding affirming language to the BOD in 2024 would be in conflict with our commitment to regionalization…
… regionalization provides equal autonomy for future regional conferences to choose language that best fits their current ministry setting.
In addition, it’s likely that any attempt to add affirming language in 2024 would result in the vote falling apart altogether - meaning no progress at all.
Check in with your centrist and progressive delegates. Encourage them to connect to our support system for Legislative Committee Stewards/Delegates

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Why are these goals time sensitive?

The number of delegates allotted to each AC is decided by a standard formula, based on membership
Following each GC, delegate allotments are recalculated so that ACs know how many new delegates to elect for the next GC
Currently, the large majority of U.S. delegates describe themselves as centrist or progressive, and support greater diversity, equity, and inclusion
Because of disaffiliations in the U.S., when the new delegate allotments are calculated, the U.S. will have far fewer delegates and thus fewer votes at all future GCs

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Key leadership opportunities immediately before us

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Important Leadership opportunities

Help shape the future UMC

Engage in the work leading to both GC and AC in 2024

Help support RMN

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Help shape the future UMC - #1

Within your Reconciling Church

Invite individual United Methodists to affiliate as RUMs
Organize a standing Reconciling team at your church
If not already, discuss RMN’s foundational statement
Join/participate in any existing AC-level Reconciling team
Connect with local LGBTQ+ advocacy and support groups
Participate in local Pride and other public events
Check out Next Steps for New RCs (whether or not you’re new)

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Help shape the future UMC - #2

Within your Annual Conference

Mentor other churches interested in affiliating with RMN
Help establish a Regional RC in sparse areas
Reach out to friends at new church starts
If none exist, help create an AC-level Reconciling Team
Encourage your AC-level Reconciling Team to affiliate as an official Regional RC

Growing the Reconciling movement really makes a difference!
It’s always been important, but even more so following a season of disaffiliations

We need many more safe and affirming spaces throughout our conferences
And, a growing Reconciling presence makes an important public statement

We value a diverse and inclusive UMC
We’re committed to being part of creating it

It helps shape the future of our denomination

So, how does an existing Reconciling Church play a role?

If a church is feeling nudged to affiliate with RMN…

Support from a neighboring Reconciling church is often the spark needed to help them take a next step
We love when our existing Reconciling churches serve as mentors

We hope you’ll reach out to any churches who might have the potential to affiliate with RMN.

Check in with friends in new church starts! They might be interested.
Visit about their goals, and offer your support.

At the AC level: If your AC doesn’t already have an AC-level Reconciling Team, consider helping to start one

We can share a document that outlines the recommended steps
We can also connect you with other RUMs in your area who might want to help

If your AC does already have a Reconciling Team… and if it’s not affiliated with RMN as a Regional Reconciling Community…

Please, contact your organizer and let’s talk about becoming an official community!

All of this increases both the number and visibility of affirming spaces, and helps to shape the future of the UMC

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Help shape the future UMC - #3

Across the denomination and beyond

Further your relationships across the denomination

United Women in Faith
United Methodist Men
Boards and Agencies
Mission work
Central Conference relationships
Justice-seeking caucuses (official and unofficial)

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Engage members around GC/AC priorities

Host conversations to help members feel more informed
Equip members to talk to UM friends in other UM churches
Engage with your GC delegation

Commit to pray for them
Share your story and hopes for the future UMC
Ask how you can support them

Send affirming lay delegates to AC in both 2024 and 2025

We hope sharing our slides from today can be a tool for hosting conversations in your church
The more members feel informed, the more confident they’ll be engaging in conversation and in advocacy
If you need contact info for your delegation chair, ask your organizer! We’ll help you find it.
Because we expect/hope AC 2024 will include ratifications votes, we’re counting on our RCs to send voting delegates/members to AC who support regionalization.
But just in case the ratification vote takes place in 2025, let’s pay special attention to our AC delegates in both 2024 and 2025
Don’t forget about the option to serve as a district/at-large/equalizing delegate (different ACs call them by different names)
If you’re not serving as the lay delegate from your local church, but you’re able to serve, call your district office and volunteer

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Help support RMN… (because, beyond, until)

RMN does not require Reconciling Churches to give

RMN can’t survive without financial support from Reconciling Churches

both of these statements are true…

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Help support RMN… (because, beyond, until)

Our current status

In the past, we’ve leaned on the generosity of foundations
Foundations have shifted their focus… away from consistent support for faith-based organizations
Some have misunderstood the time required to reach our goals
Reconciling Churches can turn this around!

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How does RMN use its financial resources?

Establishing new Reconciling ministries
Supporting and equipping existing Reconciling ministries
Ongoing creation of educational resources
Crisis management
Pastoral care
Collaboration with boards, agencies, and ally bishops
Collaboration with coalition partners
Leading/serving on strategy teams
Writing legislation

Organizing, resourcing, supporting RUM/coalition delegates
Relationships with central conference churches/leaders
Hosting convocation and other training opportunities
Travel to lead, organize, support
Travel for GC related goals
Travel for AC/JC related goals
Technology infrastructure
Communication
Effective admin/office tools
Salaries for skilled, dedicated staff

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Help support RMN… (because, beyond, until)

Invest in both short and long term support toward:

continued growth of new RCs
equipping RCs and RUMs in local ministry/witness/advocacy
ongoing development of educational resources
ongoing pastoral care and crisis management
presence and leadership at policy changing events
future RMN Convocations
and so much more

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In 2023…

86 of our 928 Reconciling churches have given to RMN - which is 9.27%
0 of our 59 campuses have given - 0%
10 of our 373 communities have given - which is 2.68%
5 our 76 regional reconciling communities have given - which is 6.58%

If your RC is among the 9% that has given in 2023 - THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! We are extremely grateful!
If you don’t know if your RC has given this year, you can contact your organizer and we can tell you.
We are not able to view gifts from individuals, but we can see gifts from Reconciling churches

We know some churches - depending on their size - are able to give more, and some less.
Here’s the magic! If the 928 Reconciling churches gave 1k per year - this would total $928k, the large majority of our budget.
Every single gift makes a difference!

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Ways to share a recurring offering with RMN

Include an annual gift to RMN in your church budget

Monthly, quarterly, or annual - whichever is best

Celebrate your Reconciling anniversary each year

Plan a Reconciling worship service or other event
Tell your story, renew your commitment
Include an offering for RMN

Host a fundraising event

Bake sales
Promote your church and/or RMN on tote bags, shirts, hats, mugs, etc.

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Today’s invitation to Reconciling Churches

Send a gift to RMN before the end of 2023

Create a plan to give annually starting in 2024

Some churches designate their Advent offerings to be shared with one or several ministries
Perhaps RMN could be one of those ministries.
And, there may be other creative ways your church can share an offering in December
Of course, gifts from individual RUMs are incredibly helpful as well
Looking ahead to next year and beyond…
Just like our personal budgets, and the budget in our local churches…

RMN is making decisions about critical ministry, meeting the needs of change…
We’re responding to the requests shared you and others in the Movement…
All of this is only possible when we know things can and will be funded

Routine giving by our Reconciling Congregations is how we make it happen
Your donations can be shared on whatever schedule works best for your church - monthly, quarterly, or annually
And, again, these two things are true

RMN doesn’t use a membership model or require Reconciling Church to give, and.,,
RMN can’t survive without financial support from Reconciling Churches
We hope you’ll visit with your leaders and congregation about establishing a routine for giving to RMN

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Q & A

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Support LGBTQ+ justice today.

Click to make a donation to RMN.

Checks can be mailed to:

201 W. Lake St., Ste 109, Chicago, IL 60606

Thank you for your support!