#LGBTQIA #faithfullylgbtqia RMNetwork Bishop Karen Oliveto

Otherwise decorous and quiet, observers rose in applause. ***CHARLOTTE folks*** that means: at the next plenary break, bring your rainbow umbrella and head out to the fountains and garden near the College St. entrance! #umcgc #unitedmethodistchurch #umc

We who were nurtured in United Methodism’s theology of God’s generous grace can now bring our full selves as we respond to the Holy Spirit’s call into ordained ministry. May we be judged on the fruits of our ministry, not on our sexual orientation or gender identity. #UMCGC

The church that nurtured us in the faith, helped us experience God’s grace, encouraged our relationship with Jesus Christ, &helped us hear our call into ordained ministry has now allowed us 2 respond in faithfulness to our call as the restrictive language has been removed. #UMCGC

After several days of long discussions, the Interjurisdictional Committee on Episcopacy shared that there will be no episcopal elections this year. Two bishops will be transferred from other jurisdictions into the Western Jurisdiction. #UMCGC westernjurisdictionumc.org/wj-to-keep-5-b…

"This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you." — John 15:12

Ten Western Jurisdiction bishops — five active and five retired — share a video reflection on General Conference. They ground their message in the biblical account in Ezra of God’s people returning from the Babylonian diaspora. buff.ly/3JRgLtC

We loved the experience we had with the staff of Storycorps! They honored our story with a tenderness that was sacred!

One of the great prophets of our time has passed. I am grateful for all I learned from him about non-violent resistance, justice-making, and social justice. Rest in peace and rise in power, Rev. James Lawson! lasentinel.net/breaking-news-…

My Lord God, I have no idea where I am going. I do not see the road ahead of me. I cannot know for certain where it will end. nor do I really know myself, and the fact that I think I am following your will does not mean that I am actually doing so. ...

But I believe that the desire to please you does in fact please you. And I hope I have that desire in all that I am doing. I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire. ...

And I know that if I do this you will lead me by the right road, though I may know nothing about it. Therefore will I trust you always though I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death. ...

I will not fear, for you are ever with me, and you will never leave me to face my perils alone. —Thomas Merton <Amen>

We’re so pleased to share with you The Next Faithful Steps! The Church is on the precipice of change. Find out what this means for you and your church and the role you can play today: rmnetwork.org/resources/the-… #faithfullylgbt #lgbtq #umc #unitedmethodistchurch