At the same meeting where they unveiled a new vision for The United Methodist Church, the denomination’s Bishops explored how to live into that vision.
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As part of putting those words into action, the bishops delved into loving God across denominational boundaries, serving immigrant neighbors under threat and empowering fellow United Methodists to lead.
One way United Methodists love boldly is through maintaining strong relationships across religious lines.
United Methodist bishops took a step toward strengthening ties within the diverse Christian family by asking for church leaders to revisit adding the Nicene Creed to the Book of Discipline.
The bishops’ move comes as Christians around the world mark the 1700th anniversary of an important milestone in unifying the faith — the Council of Nicaea.
On May 7, the bishops also released four letters aimed at bearing prophetic witness and following the United Methodist baptismal vows to “resist evil, injustice, and oppression in whatever forms they present themselves.”
“We acknowledge that these letters may challenge, comfort or unsettle you,” said Council of Bishops President Tracy S. Malone in the press release. “Yet, as a worldwide church, we are called to holy conversation — to wrestle together, to learn from one another, and to seek the Spirit’s guidance in community.”
Working on a uniform Christian calendar remains a work in progress, though this year’s Eastern and Western observances of Easter happen to coincide. The Council of Nicaea, nevertheless, did succeed in agreeing on Christ’s divinity — ultimately leading to the creation of what became the first part of the Nicene Creed. This is the oldest Christian creed.
The Council of Bishops also received a written update detailing how United Methodists already are serving in ministry with migrant communities around the globe.
The United Methodist general agencies, the denomination’s racial-ethnic caucuses and the denomination’s Immigration Law and Justice Network are all working together to live into the teachings adopted by last year’s General Conference calling for the dignity and care of immigrants. This also is a charge frequently repeated in the Bible.
During their meeting, the bishops made plans for a Leadership Gathering on April 22-26 next year at a location yet to be announced. The gathering will bring together United Methodist lay and clergy to worship and discern how to live into the denomination’s new vision.
The Council of Bishops meeting also included a luncheon hosted by the Commission on the Status and Role of Women that recognized the denomination’s growing number of female bishops.
“We have more active female bishops here in the United States than we do men — not that I’m disparaging men,” the Rev. Stephanie York Arnold, the agency’s new top executive, told the bishops. She presented the 26 female bishops in attendance with stoles made by her mother.
“We still have work to do for parity worldwide,” York Arnold said. “There is no doubt about that. But this is a really wonderful start. I want something that you can put on and you can wear that reminds you that your very being is a visual reminder that there is no limit to what God can do.”
During closing worship, Council of Bishops President Malone — who also leads the Indiana Conference — urged her fellow bishops to continue living into the denomination’s new vision
“As we go forth, let us love boldly as Christ loved us, breaking barriers, healing wounds and extending grace to all,” she said. “Let us serve joyfully, for joy is the fruit of a life rooted in grace. … And let us lead courageously, for courage is not the absence of fear, but it is the presence of faith, trusting in the Spirit’s power to equip and sustain us for the challenges ahead.”
excerpt from a story by Heather Hahn, assistant news editor, UM News
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