I agree with Eddie Fox. I'm a United Methodist delegate at my annual conference. We defeated these amendments as they were most annual conferences. The General Conference is manipulated by liberals in our Church sadly.
The only catch is that homosexuality is not the only thing that African delegates and others from our "global" community are against. They are also against women's rights, many have a very different understanding of marriage (men have more than one wife), their understanding of education and human rights in general is more than a little lacking---quite different than ours. I wonder if we are ready to let all of those ideas be so dominant as well.......Maybe not.
It was a very politically correct video, and spoke in nicey-nice terms for the un-politicized lay person. However, reality is that it does not benefit WME's stance politically to pass these amendments. The rest is nice theology, but not really as relevant to this obviously politicized and legislative process. But, hey, that's Methodism!
The reality is not what is put forward in this video. I love you, Eddie, but tell 'em the truth. Reality is that the liberal groups got this passed, now it's going to the conferences. The groups that are outside the US are more conservative. If we give them 'til 2012, the conservatives have another chance to nip inclusive legislation in the bud. Odds will be increasingly in conservatives favor the longer they keep the church "global" rather than "regional".
Eddie would have us wait so a later proposal might be considered and pass General Conference by a 2/3 vote. Eddie was on the losing side at our last General Conference that did pass these already considered amendments by more than a 2/3 vote. This is just a sore loser trying a delaying technique. I hope he doesn't prevail in tricking folks into his fear-fantasy regarding a "national church" that is only in his imagination.
according the video-it's almost 40% non-US church membership, but voting members at general conference is 80% US. if we shift to regional conferences then the US loses their significant power to control the issues and the direction of the UMC.
What if we thought about it from the other side, what if we saw it as a colonialism as the church is now and not actually the globalism that we're claiming.
This is the view I take on the surface of things, that each country should have appropriate representation.
However, I don't agree with voting for something which is not fully defined. I do see a danger in that, and I don't understand why there should not be additional time to define what we are voting for.
I have been a Methodist for 14 years it was good when i became a Methodist my wife & i found a home.
But here lateley it hase become all about money when the Church tells you give till it hurts and the big CEO. of the church make any were from 50,000 up to 200,000a year that not bad for ARK. USA.
And that famley with 4 kids maybe makes 20,000 a year if they are lucky?
I agree with Eddie Fox. I'm a United Methodist delegate at my annual conference. We defeated these amendments as they were most annual conferences. The General Conference is manipulated by liberals in our Church sadly.
Jeremyofhuguley 2 years ago
The only catch is that homosexuality is not the only thing that African delegates and others from our "global" community are against. They are also against women's rights, many have a very different understanding of marriage (men have more than one wife), their understanding of education and human rights in general is more than a little lacking---quite different than ours. I wonder if we are ready to let all of those ideas be so dominant as well.......Maybe not.
hermeneuticland 2 years ago
It was a very politically correct video, and spoke in nicey-nice terms for the un-politicized lay person. However, reality is that it does not benefit WME's stance politically to pass these amendments. The rest is nice theology, but not really as relevant to this obviously politicized and legislative process. But, hey, that's Methodism!
hermeneuticland 2 years ago
Hah. If you think Methodism is too politically wound up... You should check out Presbyterianism. :P
heart4moocows 2 years ago
The reality is not what is put forward in this video. I love you, Eddie, but tell 'em the truth. Reality is that the liberal groups got this passed, now it's going to the conferences. The groups that are outside the US are more conservative. If we give them 'til 2012, the conservatives have another chance to nip inclusive legislation in the bud. Odds will be increasingly in conservatives favor the longer they keep the church "global" rather than "regional".
hermeneuticland 2 years ago
Eddie would have us wait so a later proposal might be considered and pass General Conference by a 2/3 vote. Eddie was on the losing side at our last General Conference that did pass these already considered amendments by more than a 2/3 vote. This is just a sore loser trying a delaying technique. I hope he doesn't prevail in tricking folks into his fear-fantasy regarding a "national church" that is only in his imagination.
wwtims 2 years ago
Comment removed
esreagan 2 years ago
according the video-it's almost 40% non-US church membership, but voting members at general conference is 80% US. if we shift to regional conferences then the US loses their significant power to control the issues and the direction of the UMC.
What if we thought about it from the other side, what if we saw it as a colonialism as the church is now and not actually the globalism that we're claiming.
leahrose215 2 years ago
Comment removed
esreagan 2 years ago
This is the view I take on the surface of things, that each country should have appropriate representation.
However, I don't agree with voting for something which is not fully defined. I do see a danger in that, and I don't understand why there should not be additional time to define what we are voting for.
scientastic 2 years ago
Good and easy to follow, simple and forthright. Well worth passing along.
bryanwfink 2 years ago 2
I have been a Methodist for 14 years it was good when i became a Methodist my wife & i found a home.
But here lateley it hase become all about money when the Church tells you give till it hurts and the big CEO. of the church make any were from 50,000 up to 200,000a year that not bad for ARK. USA.
And that famley with 4 kids maybe makes 20,000 a year if they are lucky?
I would like too know why??
BIGER IS NOT AWAYS BETTER!!!
gustergusher 2 years ago
it has been at least a couple of decades since a family of 4 would consider itself lucky to bring in 20,000 a year.
sheyduck 2 years ago
Rev Fox, an outstanding explanation and very well done. You present your opinion graciously, straightforwardly, and with love and logic.
adamarap 2 years ago
Rev. Fox, thanks for explaining these amendments and giving your honest opinion. Every delegate should hear your explanation.
aTxPastor 2 years ago