Pastor Steve’s Blog March 3, 2019 The moment has now come and gone for the special called session of the General Conference. Thank you for your heartfelt prayers for the delegates from around the world. Their task was not an easy one. There were three plans offered at General Conference to address how the church wanted to proceed in regard to human sexuality. The three plans were The Traditional Plan, the One Church Plan and Connectional Conference Plan. In the end after much debate and discussion, The Traditional Plan was passed by the General Conference. The Traditional Plan maintains the current language in the Book of Discipline with some changes. Our District Superintendent, the Rev. Dr. Jay Therrell, has outlined the changes: SO THE PARTS THAT PASSED AND WERE CONSTITUTIONAL TO THE BOOK OF DISCIPLINE AS FAR AS WE KNOW: • The definition of self-avowed practicing homosexual now includes people living in a same-sex marriage, domestic partnership or civil union, or is a person who publicly states she or he is a practicing homosexual. (Petition 1) • Bishops are prohibited from consecrating bishops who are self-avowed homosexuals even if they have been elected. • Bishops are prohibited from commissioning or ordaining those on the deacon or elder track if the Board of Ordained Ministry (BOOM) has determined the individual is a self-avowed practicing homosexual. (Petition 5) • BOOM members must certify to the bishop that they will uphold the Discipline in its entirety (Petition 6) • The minimum penalty if someone is convicted of conducting ceremonies or same-sex weddings is one year suspension without pay (first offense), and termination (second offense) (Petition 11) • The DCOM and BOOM shall not approve or recommend persons who do not meet the qualifications after full examination and the bishop shall rule any unqualified candidate so recommended out of order (Petition 12) • Bishops can only dismiss a complaint if it has no basis in law and the reason for dismissal is shared with complainant (Petition 13) • Just Resolutions must state all identified harms and how they will be addressed to the complainant. (Petition 14) • Every effort should be made for Just Resolution to be agreed upon by the complainant (Petition 15) • Church can appeal based on egregious errors of law (Petition 16)