Praying for General Conference

Being here on the ground in Portland is surreal at times.   Let me just say that I do not want The United Methodist Church to decide upon an amicable split.  I really do not think anyone does; it is not our "ultimate will".  And yet, given our circumstances, I do think it is time for the conversation to happen, as the Council of Bishops are going to suggest today.  If you have not heard, the Council of Bishops met last night and we think they are going to propose an amicable split of the two most polarized ends of the Methodist spectrum.  So essentially, there would be three groups.

We are already splintered and hurting.  Good Christians on all sides of the spectrum are at a stall.  I can honestly say that because of our church's stance, I am not free to do my best ministry.  I am not allowed to offer without penalty my gifts for ministry in the whole of my being.  I yearn for a day when that will be true.  But even with a split that would allow me to go and be the pastor I am called to be without penalty, I still wouldn't be whole because the United Methodist Church is my family.  It's a messy and contentious family.  I would grieve the loss of colleagues and the connection.  We all would grieve the loss and we would feel the wound, the gaping loss of part of our family.

The Jewish notion of Shalom keeps coming to mind.  It is when all of creation is back to it's created order of "It is good."  Peace does not always mean an absence of conflict, although I would certainly welcome that today and everyday.  Peace means to me a connection to the life-giving source of the creative power of love, no matter what.  Whatever happens today, no matter what, may we all tap into that unimaginable source of love and peace that is God's gift to us.  May we listen to love.  May we embody love.  May we be love to one another.