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Christianity Today, April (Web-only), 2008 |

Methodist Restructuring May Empower Non-U.S. Churches — Or Silence Them

With 3 of 10 delegates from abroad, general conference will consider creating an Americans-only body.

Jim Jones in Fort Worth | posted 4/22/2008 11:10AM

It is not uncommon to walk into a United Methodist church and hear the congregation singing "My Country 'Tis of Thee" during a traditional worship service. All four verses of it.

But while the church's ...

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Marc	Posted: April 28, 2008 5:13 AM

I thank God for Rev. James Heidenger, Rev. Mark Tooley, and Dr. James Holsinger who bring order to a denomination gone crazy. Perhaps there would not be as much suspicion if clergy and laity in senior positions actually did the Chrisitian thing and honor General Conference decisions that have become church law. Instead, it seems as though such people will not be held accountable. Many of us don't question IRD and GOOD NEWS as much as we question unchecked rebellion within the UMC. Perhaps Ralph R. Oduor, a lay member from the New England Annual Conference, has barely touched on a complaint of undue influence. Maybe he could broaden the complaint to include Annual Conferences and senior church leaders who are intentionally violating church law; this is definitely far worse. Maybe he could also start with his own New England Conference. A free cell phone, no strings attached, seems considerably less harmful than intentional rebellion without any checks and balances.

Sergey

Posted: April 24, 2008 6:29 AM


Read more at http://www.weeklystandard.com/Content/Public/Articles/000/000/015/022kcwgs.asp?pg=1

Patricia

Posted: April 23, 2008 9:26 AM

I too hope that this resolution does not pass. I don't think there are any hidden agendas here, such as hoping to steer the church to being more liberal if the people from other countries are not there. Those from other countries enrich the denomination, so we need their voice at General Conference. What we need to do is to make sure that there are enough agenda items that would apply to these people, and not just mostly American-centered agenda items.

Christ1st

Posted: April 23, 2008 8:57 AM

As a current UMC member and lay leader, I pray this resolution does not come to pass. While its original intentions may be in the interest of equity, I feel it is just another foothold for the weakening of the denomination. There are many UM's that hold to the truth and inerrancy of scripture and do not want to be found "lukewarm" in these times. I'm thankful for our overseas brethren as they counter-balance the left leaning forces at work within our church.

Kevin

Posted: April 23, 2008 5:16 AM


It makes perfect sense for Christians to exclude non-Americans, because everyone knows Jesus was an American.

RJR_fan

Posted: April 22, 2008 3:32 PM


Speaking as a former UMC licensed preacher -- let the dead bury the dead. The living have work to do.

JohnW

Posted: April 22, 2008 12:55 PM


The article mentions Mark Tooley, formerly of the CIA and currently director of UM (United Methodist) Action, a committee of the Washington D.C.-based Institute on Religion and Democracy. Readers may want to investigate the history of this organization and it's goals-are they really interested in "renewal" or are they political operatives?

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