United Methodists Begin Leadership Gathering to Shape Church’s Future

More than 280 officials and members of the clergy from four continents have joined forces, both in person and online, to begin work on the future of the United Methodist Church. The gathering, held in Calgary, Alberta, brought together 235 United Methodists and 46 church officials, including students, who participated through online learning due to travel restrictions. Over one-third of participants are under 35 years of age, marking a significant shift in the demographic composition of the leadership.

Stephanie Henry, a United Methodist from the Pacific Northwest Conference, addressed the participants at the opening of the meeting on October 20th. She emphasized that attendees were invited for their experience, expertise, love, and commitment to the church. Henry, who co-led the 21-member design team responsible for organizing the event, highlighted the challenges of envisioning a united church amid ongoing divisions, particularly regarding the role of LGBTQ individuals within the denomination.

For many United Methodists, imagining a union between the two sides of the spectrum has been difficult without clear boundaries around ecclesiastical legislation. Henry and Rube Saenz, president of the Council of Bishops and co-organizer of the gathering, both stressed that the purpose of the meeting was not to address legislation or other contentious issues. They repeatedly clarified that the Leadership Gathering is not a legislative assembly.

Saenz, who also leads the Horizon Texas Conference, described the vision being pursued as a “dynamic unit in his memory, adapted in his department, inclusive towards all, deeply rooted in faith and acquav; the listening of communities that it serves.” Over the next three days, participants will meet in small working groups to discuss what they have heard and develop recommendations for the future of the church.

Source: Read the original report (translated from French)