Did you Miss It? Decolonizing the Church: True Regionalization for the UMC

Learn about the UMC's Colonial history and how the Christmas Covenant proposal can change it.

On June 5 WMJM hosted this webinar to highlight information about the Christmas Covenant proposal and the church's history of being a colonial power. Presenters shared about impacts of colonization in the Philippines, Africa, and Europe. Along with information about how the Christmas Covenant, a plan originating out of UMC Central Conferences, changes this point of view in UMC structures.

If you missed it, you can watch the online recording.

What is the Christmas Covenant? 

Conceived in the context of post-GC 2019 proposals for dissolution and separation – all of which emanated from the United States – the Christmas Covenant Preamble was published in December 2019, at Christmas time, and its proposed legislation sent to the next General Conference by the Cavite Philippines Annual Conference in February 2020.

Its name is also inspired by the 1784 Christmas Conference that gave birth to the Methodist church in the United States, highlighting a need for a new decolonized polity for the future of The UMC.

The legislative proposal of the Connectional Table to create a U.S. Regional Conference was also a spark that motivated the Christmas Covenant team to dream of regionalization as a global structure for The UMC. The CT proposal is embedded in the Christmas Covenant, and after careful study, the CT affirmed the Christmas Covenant and is collaborating on its passing.

This proposed legislation is historic. This is the first time that a major restructure legislation is being brought before General Conference by a group primarily composed of leaders from central conferences. This legislation is built on relationships and shared values.

For more information, please visit the Christmas Covenant website: www.christmascovenant.com. Any inquiries may be addressed to christmascovenant@gmail.com.

A folder of useful documents about the Christmas Covenant is available via this link.

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