Current Status

Deuteronomy 31:8 – “it is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.”

Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

     Many of you will have now heard about the results of the UMC General Conference (GC). The actions taken by the GC are clear now, as is the denomination’s chosen path toward a more inclusive church.  In many cases, the petitions reviewed by the GC legislative committees dealing with the LGBTQ+ items and the UMC Social Principles were passed without debate on the consent calendar. It appears as if the exodus of traditional churches over the last two years has irrevocably changed the voting demographics within the UMC governing body.

    In August 2023, Bethany UMC Church Council (CC) decided to enter the Discernment Process but to hold our decisions on separation until the results of the GC were known. However, the CC and the Discernment Steering Group have been active over the last eight months proactively working to inform our congregation on the issues surrounding the UMC and the GC. For example, on Wednesday of this week, the Church Council will begin a five-week series of Society meetings to examine the issues of sexual orientation, gender identity, the definition of marriage, adherence to the Book of Discipline, and the UMC social principles. These sessions are meant to inform the CC on the issues which have broadly affected our denomination and our beliefs. These sessions will lead us to two church-wide Town Halls (29 May and 23 June) and to a CC vote on 26 June 24 to determine if there should be a church wide vote on whether to stay or separate from the UMC.

   As we move closer to the CC vote, we need your presence within the church and your prayers for our church more than ever. You have patiently waited for the last eight months, and I am asking, as your CC Chairperson and as a member of a church that has loved me, to support Bethany in our efforts to complete the Discernment Process.  Bethany UMC’s spiritual character, loving nature, and rich history should be allowed to remain intact, regardless of how the coming church-wide vote decides. Let that decision be made by the current members of Bethany.

The bottom-line – I am asking you to continue to worship in your church, and to support your brothers and sisters in Christ to ensure you have a say in Bethany’s future.

In His Service,

Chris Glaze, PhD            2024 Bethany Church Council Chairperson

Barbara Petrohovich    2024 Bethany Church Council Vice Chairperson