Two conversations with Bishop David Bard are scheduled for this spring. Come speak and listen.
“How do we have difficult conversations in The United Methodist Church?” That is a question Bishop David Alan Bard raises as United Methodists across Michigan share hopes, dreams and concerns about the ministry of the church with those who identify as lesbian, bisexual, gay, transgendered, or queer.
At the 2016 General Conference of The United Methodist Church, delegates approved a proposal from the Council of Bishops to form a commission to explore how the church might live with grace with one another in light of significant differences on LGBTQ inclusion. In November 2016, the Council of Bishops asked each resident bishop to organize conversation in their area parallel to the work of the Commission on a Way Forward.
In keeping with that charge, Bishop Bard met with groups of persons around the state during 2017. He noted in his invitation, “It is my expectation that as followers of Jesus we will gather to listen deeply to each other and take from these Weaving the Future conversations not only a more profound understanding of both shared values and differences, but also a renewed commitment to compassionate, intelligent and courageous conversation even when topics are difficult.”
Now BIshop Bard has scheduled the last two conversations that will take place before the special General Conference in February 2019:
- March 19, Saginaw: First UMC, 4590 Gratiot Road, Saginaw, MI, 7-9 pm
- April 16, Grayling, Michelson Memorial UMC, 400 East Michigan Avenue, Grayling, MI, 7-9 pm
Those interested in learning more about the official position of The United Methodist Church on human sexuality can visit http://www.umc.org/topics/topic-human-sexuality-homosexuality.
Last Updated on February 19, 2018