Commission on Way Forward Meets; Prayers Asked

The Commission on a Way Forward began its work on Sunday, January 22. This initial organizing meeting will continue until Thursday, January 26.

We encourage all of us to hold the Commission in our prayers as it does the difficult work of exploring how The United Methodist Church can move forward, as a diverse, global community, on matters related to human sexuality. While the WMJM is committed to the full-inclusion of LGBTQIA persons in the life and leadership of our United Methodist Church, we understand that full-inclusion will not come easily. In addition to the powerful theological and cultural impediments that have always stood in the way of full-inclusion, there are also cynical forces at work manipulating our disagreements in order to feed fears, magnify hatreds, and sow division.

Nevertheless, in spite of all that stands in the way, we continue to believe in the power of God’s Holy Spirit to bring change to our Church. During this season after the Epiphany, it is good to remind ourselves that the light is still shining in the darkness, and that the darkness is still unable to extinguish it. (John 1:10) So, let us pray fervently for the Commission on a Way Forward. It may be imperfect in conception and flawed in implementation, but then all human creations are. And in the end, our faith does not rest on the Commission, but on God who has power to work through the Commission to do a new and good thing in the Church.  

The Rev. Frank Wulf, Convener, WMJM
Echo Park United Methodist Church
1226 N. Alvarado Street
Los Angeles, CA 90026