Teresa’s Note: May 1, 2024

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Dear friends and members of University UMC: JOY JOY JOY! Earlier this morning, The General Conference voted to REMOVE the harmful “incompatibility language” from the Book of Discipline! It was a strong majority, with over 90% voting in favor. The wider denomination is finally catching up with you, University UMC! Stay posted for a Friday note from me as well, with an invitation to wear all things rainbow on Sunday morning. We’ll pack the church house and get a picture of the congregation in the chancel together. As I shared prior to General Conference, no matter what takes place, there will always be ongoing work to do in the name of justice and inclusion. We celebrate AND we commit to our participation in that ongoing work.  Funny that even earlier this morning, I had in mind a mid-week “Teresa’s Note” because it’s another big news week, but I’ve already had to update this article because of recent developments at General Conference. Of course, I don’t mind one bit because it is always a joy to share GOOD NEWS! Below are a few additional updates, including the student protests at UT. Again, know this is simply the most up-to-date information I have and I will look to provide more updates as I learn of them.  We have been hopeful this General Conference will finally move the wider denomination forward in the work of inclusion. Reconciling Ministries Network reports that earlier this week:  “The General Conference made significant strides toward a more equitable Church for LGBTQ+ people and others on the margins of our denomination. The longstanding anti-LGBTQ+ funding ban, which prohibits Church funds from going to “gay caucus groups” like RMN or being used to “promote the acceptance of homosexuality,” has been struck from the Book of Discipline! Also, we eliminated some of the anti-LGBTQ+ language that was passed through the Traditionalist Plan.” You can read more in the links below. Rev. David Meredith is a gay and married retired elder in the West Ohio Conference and chairs the Reconciling Ministries Network board. Earlier this week, he said: “With the approvals and acceptance of the things today by the General Conference, we’re beginning to see the unwinding, unraveling, dismantling of the heterosexism, the homophobia, the hurt and the harm of The United Methodist Church.” Further, as we learned this morning, perhaps the most harmful language of all in our Book of Discipline is being removed. Praise God from whom all blessings flow! It’s not time…it’s way past time! As I write this morning, I am listening to the General Conference livestream. A choir from the Oklahoma Indian Missionary Conference is sharing the special music and the first Native American Bishop in The UMC, David Wilson, is preaching. He expresses appreciation for the good work the delegates are doing to become a more inclusive church. May it be so! Yesterday at General Conference, United Methodist students and seminarians also engaged in silent protest in support of Palestinians during lunchtime in the convention center. I also communicated that we were hearing of another big event at the UT campus led by students protesting the ongoing violence in Gaza. However, this morning, I heard from multiple sources that this event is being postponed - likely until May 5. I apologize for any unnecessary confusion this has caused for any of you. Just as news, needs, and fitting responses shift, changing plans are also part of the nature of this season. As always, never hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns and I will do my best to share what I know. I appreciate the number of you who have reached out asking how you can assist. Often in these times, we can feel helpless. But know that your heart and prayers for peace are a gift to the world and our community.  Below, you can find links if you are interested in more information including a news article interviewing Rev. Natalie Webb of University Baptist Church regarding the ecumenical response to provide respite to college students and some resources for staying up to date with General Conference news. I remain prayerful and hopeful with you and will prepare another update for Friday.  What a joy to be your pastor! Teresa A Recent UM News Article on General Conference General Conference is making historic changes to The United Methodist Church’s policies related to LGBTQ people. LGBTQ Bans Slowly Being Eliminated Watch the General Conference Livestream Interview with Rev. Natalie Webb Rev. Webb is the Senior Pastor of University Baptist Church, where I volunteered this week. “As protests continue, she said there could be an ongoing need for such support — something that’s brought a sense of community amid what often feels like a crisis.” As police crack down on UT Austin protestors, campus churches find a new way to reach out. 2409 Guadalupe Street Austin, Texas 78705 512-478-9387 Want to change how you receive emails from us? Click here to update your preferences or unsubscribe or unsubscribe from this list