Umaction Briefing ❖ Winter 2009 a Newsletter for United Methodists Working for Scripture-Based Reform in Our Denomination

UMAction Briefing ❖ Winter 2009 A newsletter for United Methodists working for Scripture-based reform in our denomination. Circulation: 475,000

Don’t Leave Our Church! United Methodist Lobby Signs Then Withdraws Stay and Work for Reform! from Abortion Letter We tell you the painful truth UMAction Non Profit Org. about what has gone wrong Winter 2009 Briefing U.S. Postage he United Methodist General Board of Church and Conference, the legislative arm of our denomination, we have with The United Methodist UMAction Church: unfaithfulness and far- PAID Society (GBCS) initially endorsed and then withdrew withdrawn our support of this bill due to language added by the left partisan politics by too many The Institute on Religion & Democracy Briefing its support from the Freedom of Choice Act (FOCA), General Conference.” high church officials. We don’t 1023 15th Street NW, Suite 601 Permit # 382 Twhich is legislation before the U.S. Congress that would prohibit Bales noted that the United Methodist Social Principles now enjoy bringing you bad news, Washington, DC 20005-2601 Dulles, VA but we must tell the truth. any abortion restrictions by states and establish a “fundamental support “parental, guardian or trusted adult notification in cases 202.682.4131 right” to abortion. of minors seeking abortions,” and FOCA would overturn state The good news is the growing www.TheIRD.org GBCS also removed its name from a controversial “Interfaith notification laws. The 2008 General Conference declared that movement to restore Scriptural faithfulness in our church. More [email protected] Call to Action on Reproductive Health” organized by the United Methodists “respect the sacredness of life and well-being and more United Methodists African Church Leader Opposes Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice (RCRC), which of the mother and the unborn child” and supported “parental, are working together for reform included an “open letter” to President Obama urging expanded guardian, or other responsible adult notification and consent and renewal. “Global Segregation Plan” for government support for “comprehensive sex education, abor- before abortions can be performed on girls who have not yet Don’t leave! Our great Methodist United Methodists tion services and contraceptive information and options.” reached the age of legal adulthood.” heritage is too valuable to be Winter 2009 GBCS is a member of RCRC, which lobbies against any restric- The RCRC was originally founded in the United Methodist abandoned. Join with us to tions on abortion. The United Methodist General Conference Building in 1973, with GBCS support, to defend unrestricted help The United Methodist peaking to the West African Central Conference in December, Liberian District Church return to its Wesleyan Inside: in 2008 narrowly failed to withdraw United Methodism from abortion rights. roots as a growing, evangelical, Superintendent Jerry Kulah warned against the impact on African United Methodists RCRC, but did approve other legislation that restricted church Christian church living Christ’s Action: Thank GBCS official Linda Bailes for if The United Methodist Church creates a new U.S. only regional conference. Methodist Theologian Explains United agencies’ ability to promote abortion rights. According to Great Commission: “Go and S“Because of our biblical perspective and continued growth, the liberals within the Church Methodism’s Decline ...... 2 removing GBCS’s endorsement from the pro-FOCA make disciples of all nations.” GBCS official Linda Bales, “after further examination of the see their African brothers and sisters as a threat to the control of the Church,” observed letter to President Obama. Email: ‘LBales@UMC- (Matthew 28:19) Methodist Building Hosts Anti-Israel ramifications of this [FOCA] bill and considering the most GBCS.ORG; Address: 100 Maryland Ave., NE, Kulah in his speech to the delegates from Liberia, Sierre Leone, Ivory Coast and Nigeria. Exhibit ...... 2 recent statement on abortion approved at our 2008 General Washington, DC 20002. “Just as about 140 years ago, white Methodists in America saw black people as a threat to the control of the Church. Certainly, this divisive spirit should not be encouraged amongst UM Bishop Denounces Film Expose of Radical Islam ...... 3 brothers and sisters who claim allegiance to Jesus Christ.” The 2008 General Conference approved a plan that would create a separate, U.S. only Bishop Davis Led United Methodism’s regional conference to address U.S.-only issues, separate from the international General Largest Conference ...... 4 Be sure to visit www.TheIRD.org to sign up for E-mail updates! EDITOR AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Conference. This plan, in the form of constitutional amendments, requires approval of Do you receive Mark Mark Tooley Homosexual Groups Supporting two thirds of all the votes at all the local annual conferences this Spring. Liberals in the Membership Amendment ...... 4 CHAIRMAN VICE CHAIRMAN church are increasingly frustrated by the growing number of African delegates at General David M. Stanley Helen Rhea Stumbo Help us Reach a Million Homes! Tooley’s weekly Conference, which is preventing acceptance of same-sex unions and homosexual clergy. United Methodist Lobby Signs Then Withdraws from Abortion Letter . . . . .5 STEERING COMMITTEE Many liberals hope that a U.S. only regional conference, divorced from African influence, Yes, I (we) want to help UMAction inform one million United Methodists and UMAction Gerald Anderson Jane Bonner William Bonner could potentially overturn United Methodism’s traditional standards on sexual morality. their families about the urgent need for church reform and faithfulness. Janice Crouse J. Robert Ladd Thomas Oden At the 2008 General Conference, Africans were 20 percent of the delegates. In 2012, Enclosed it my tax-deductible gift of: YOUR OPINION, Bob Parrott Leo Scholl William Smallwood they will number about 30 percent, as U.S. churches continue to decline while African  $50  $75  $100  Other $ _____ E-Newsletter? Jean Leu Stanley John Stumbo PLEASE! churches grow. If not, just sign on to www.TheIRD.org and register ADVISORY BOARD “If this regional Conference idea is pursued and sustained, we are most likely to have _____ Please send UMAction Briefing to the United Methodists on the George Anderson Karl Baumgardner Karen Booth How should United Methodists to receive this timely and informative email on latest enclosed list of names and addresses. a fractured church,” Kulah warned. “We might not have a common Discipline and a Officials React to the New Barack happenings affecting the United Methodist Church. Riley Case John Dowlin Ira Gallaway H.T. Maclin Joy Moore Quentin Nesbitt unified way of doing the business of the United Methodist Church. Regional Conferences _____ Please send UMAction Briefing to the names I have marked in the Obama Administration? enclosed church directory. Mark and his team are con- Edmund Robb, III T. Terrell Sessums Faye Short doing their own things could keep going their separate ways until new denominations stantly traveling the country Glen Spann Donald Wildmon eventually evolve.” My Name: ______n Support and reporting on the latest IRD PRESIDENT UMACTION STAFF Kulah urged that the regional conference plan, which primarily emerged from U.S. happenings within the United James W. Tonkowich Jerald Walz Rebekah Sharpe bishops, be further studied by a team that includes Africans. “Leaders from the American Address: ______Methodist church. UMC cannot plan for us in isolation and tell us what is best for us,” Kulah said. “The Oppose period of colonization and paternalism is over for the people and Church in Africa. Any City, State, Zip: ______n Stay in the know! decision regarding the future of the Church must involve leaders of the Church in Africa E-mail Address: ______Prayerfully from its conception stage to the time it becomes a finished product.” n Register Today! avoid partisan Action: Please urge your pastor and lay member to your Annual Liberian District Superintendent Jerry Kulah, Clip and mail to: UMAction c/o IRD www.TheIRD.org Conference this Spring to oppose the constitutional amendments Speaking at the 2007 UM Reform and Re- 1023 15th Street NW, Suite 601 BM0901 commitments newal Conference. (IRD/Rebekah Sharpe) Washington, DC 20005-2620 that would creating a new U.S.-only regional conference.

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Methodist Theologian Explains United Methodism’s Decline UM Bishop Denounces Film Expose of Radical Islam Bishop Davis Led United Methodism’s Largest Conference

ddressing the United Methodist Congress on “I’m worried when we ‘improve’ on Jesus,” Abraham said. ible with the deplorable DVD entitled ‘Obsession: nder the leadership of public square, or in the marketplace.” Evangelism in Nashville on January 6, Irish Modern United Methodism tried to speak in the language of Radical Islam’s War Against the West,’ and its Bishop Lindsey Davis over The Bishop warned against this effort to Methodist Billy Abraham of Perkins School of the “university common room, the couch, and the country disingenuous distribution in the midst of a national 12 years, the North Georgia “sideline our Christian witness, so that we ATheology in Dallas warned against the anti-supernatural- club,” guided by “process philosophy and psychotherapy,” political campaign.” The bishop said his church’s UConference became the largest confer- will be weak.” He emphasized the impor- ism that undermined evangelism and the church in the late Abraham regretted. The church became an “endless seminar “prophetic” tradition demands naming the “harm ence in United Methodism. The con- tance for the church to proclaim the “whole 20th century. in search of elusive and ultimately unattainable truth, rather that is being done to our neighbors,” which specifi- ference now has 350,000 members and gospel story.” Often churches in America Although Abraham fills the Albert Outler chair at Perkins, than the carrier of the rich and salutary faith once delivered cally entailed “Obsession’s” dissemination through is one of only about a dozen confer- today want to “spend all of our time talk- he “painfully” pointed to mistakes by United Methodism’s to the saints.” dozens of newspapers, plus direct mail, resulting in ences in the U.S. church that is growing about grace and redemption and salva- most influential theologian for much of the 20th century. “God did not come into the world to hold an endless semi- 28 million free copies of the DVD across the nation. ing. Nationally, United Methodism tion,” all of which are an important “part” According to Abraham, Outler was a brilliant scholar and nar on who He is,” Abraham declared. United Methodist The film “links Islamic radicalism with pictures of is losing over 60,000 members a year. of the story, he said. “But it’s also impor- committed churchman whose “vision of Providence” rejected theologians too often have given up on any “intellectual Hitler and mass rallies of his Nazi followers,” Ough The declining Virginia Conference tant that we tell the rest of the story — that divine intervention in the world even while Outler upheld an defense of the faith,” he worried, instead “marrying the in- complained, to “promote fear of Muslims and dark was previously the largest conference. we tell about sin and the consequences of orthodox view of Jesus and the Trinity. “The Incarnation tellectual fads of the day.” Without a common faith in the suspicions about Islam.” Ough declared: “This is Davis, who last year transferred to sin, and that we talk about redemption and and Resurrection involve divine intervention,” Abraham church, Abraham said Jesus would become a “cipher for a time to ask purveyors of prejudice, ‘Have you no the Kentucky Conference, is theologi- the need for redemption, so that then the insisted with a chuckle. “Suck it up or get over it!” our own passions and desires.” And the Gospel becomes a shame?’” He denounced the film as “hate speech” cally conservative and has focused on stories of grace and salvation make sense Abraham called Outler the “founding Father” of modern “game of smoke and mirrors,” with God’s Kingdom reduced whose aim is to incite “prejudice and fear with our evangelism and church growth. In a to those who come after us.” United Methodism and praised his “historical learning, to television slogans like, “Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Bishop Bruce Ough speaks at the 2008 General Conference (UMNS/ Mike DuBose) Muslim brothers and sisters.” sermon he gave at Mt. Bethel United In contrast to the North Georgia extraordinary rhetorical skill, boundless energy, deep desire Doors,” Abraham complained, citing United Methodism’s Acknowledging that “Obsession” emphasizes that Methodist Church in Marietta, Conference, United Methodism nationally to face the truth, and an uncanny eye for humbug.” But advertising theme. est Ohio Bishop Bruce Ough in September attacked “most Muslims are peaceful and do not support terror,” Bishop Georgia last June, Davis spoke out has lost over 3 million members over the Abraham said Outler, in trying to preserve parts of ortho- In his later years, Outler had “significant second thoughts the film “Obsession,” while declining to agree that Ough was still distressed by the film’s assertion that 10% to 15% against secularism in society. He said: Bishop Lindsey Davis speaks at the 2008 last 40 years. doxy, accommodated too much of secular, modern culture. about his early aversion to orthodoxy” and “serious reser- radical Islam poses any special concerns. Ough of Muslims are “radicals” or support terror, the film’s assertion “There is a strong movement in the Conference Leaders Convocation (KYUMC) The result was a “kaleidoscope of theological options” vations” about his propositions of the 1960’s and 1970’s, Wjoined in an anti-”Obsession” press conference with, among others, that international polls support. United States and in Europe, by those Action: Thank Bishop Lindsey and “pluralism” for United Methodism and the church’s Abraham noted. Before his death in 1989, Outler surmised the Council on American-Islamic Relations, which shared his con- who want a very secular culture, to put the Christian voice on the Davis for his work to expand God’s Kingdom. Email: Action: Please politely and respectfully urge steep decline. that the church needed a new Pentecost and new reliance on cern about the film’s distribution in Ohio, and elsewhere. sidelines — to not allow the Christian faith and the Christian wit- [email protected]. Address: 7400 Floydsburg Bishop Ough to speak out on behalf of persecuted Lacking a theological consensus, Abraham said United the Holy Spirit. “Obsession” exposes radical Islamists who support terrorism, the ness to have to have its proper place in the public arena, in the Road, Crestwood, KY 40014 Christians who suffer in Islamic countries that Methodism came to rely on the language of “organizational imposition of theocratic Islamic law, persecution of non-Muslims, Action: For more information, read Albert C. Out- restrict the free practice of Christianity and other structure” and the business world. Meanwhile, evangelism anti-Semitism, and anti-Americanism. The film asserts that 10-15 ler: The Gifted Dilettante by Bob Parrott, available non-Islamic faiths. Email: [email protected]; has been reduced to “communication” and anything that percent of Muslims globally agree with aspects of radical Islam. Homosexual Groups Supporting Membership Amendment at Bristol House: 1-800-451-7323; website: www. Address: 32 Wesley Blvd, Worthington, OH 43085. points to Christ’s lordship. This modern perspective “did According to Ough, United Methodist beliefs about “doing no bristolhouseltd.com. his Spring all United Methodist Annual Conferences marital sexual activity, affirming sex only within marriage. not begin to fathom the native hostility in the human heart harm, doing good and staying in love with God” are “incompat- [to the Gospel] due to sin.” will vote on a proposed constitutional amendment to This proposed constitutional amendment declares: “All our church’s constitution requiring that “all” persons persons, upon taking vows declaring the Christian faith and Tbe eligible for church membership. relationship in Jesus Christ, shall be eligible to become profess- The proposal arises from the controversial case of Virginia ing members in any local church in the connection.” It also pastor Ed Johnson, who declined to grant immediate church declares: “All persons shall be eligible to attend its worship ser- graphic eradication of a Jewish Israel. A kick-off reception lowing the creation of Israel.” The photo show claimed that Methodist Building Hosts membership to a sexually active homosexual attending vices, participate in its programs, receive the sacraments, and in the Methodist Building was hosted by the Washington Jews willfully rousted thousands of innocent Arabs from his church. Virginia Bishop Charlene Kammerer removed upon baptism be admitted as baptized members.” Anti-Israel Exhibit Interfaith Alliance for Middle East Peace, which advocates their homes because of their own greed and imperialism. Johnson from his church in 2005, but United Methodism’s The amendment seems to compel automatic church member- divesting from firms doing business with Israel. Last year, Not mentioned by the exhibit was the Arab refusal in 1948 to Judicial Council restored Johnson to his pulpit, declaring ship to anyone, depriving pastors of any discretion. Could a n February, the United Methodist Building on Capitol Hill, the United Methodist General Conference voted against en- accept a two state solution for Palestine, instead waging war that pastors have pastoral discretion about readiness for pastor refuse immediate church membership to a racist, por- from which our church conducts its political lobbying, dorsing anti-Israel divestment. on the new Israel. church membership. nographer, embezzler, drug dealer, chronic shoplifter, or wife hosted a photo exhibit from a pro-Palestinian group GBCS chief Winkler was among the speakers at the recep- Action: Please politely urge GBCS chief Jim Both the Council of Bishops and homosexual groups de- beater? Traditionally, Methodists have welcomed all people to Icalling the creation of Israel a “catastrophe.” The building is tion. So too was a Muslim imam, who read from the Koran Winkler to be more even-handed in his Middle East nounced the Judicial Council for siding with Johnson. Defenders hear the Gospel but have understood membership to include a owned and occupied by the United Methodist General Board and pronounced that Israel may have the ”might” to exist but pronouncements. Email: [email protected]. of Rev. Johnson pointed out that the homosexual man was changed heart and willingness to live for Jesus Christ. of Church and Society (GBCS). not necessarily the “right” to exist. Address: 100 Maryland Ave, NE, Washington, welcome and active in the church but that Rev. Johnson, who The photo show was called “Our Story: A Photo Exhibit According to an announcement from GBCS, the exhibit Action: Urge your pastor and lay member to An- Sharpe) DC 20002. was counseling the man, held a traditional Wesleyan view that Commemorating 60 Years of Dispossession.” It origi- “marks the annual observance of the nakba, the 1948 mass nual Conference to oppose Constitutional Amend- formal membership involves faithful Christian living. nated with Sabeel, a Jerusalem-based group that advocates deportation of Palestinians, massacres of civilians and the ment #1 on membership. The United Methodist Church affirms divine love for all Liberation Theology for Palestinians and the gradual demo- razing to the ground of hundreds of Palestinian villages fol- people but officially disapproves of homosexual and other non- (IRD/Rebekah

2 3 4 UMAction Briefing ❖ Winter 2009 UMAction Briefing ❖ Winter 2009 UMAction Briefing ❖ Winter 2008

Methodist Theologian Explains United Methodism’s Decline UM Bishop Denounces Film Expose of Radical Islam Bishop Davis Led United Methodism’s Largest Conference

ddressing the United Methodist Congress on “I’m worried when we ‘improve’ on Jesus,” Abraham said. ible with the deplorable DVD entitled ‘Obsession: nder the leadership of public square, or in the marketplace.” Evangelism in Nashville on January 6, Irish Modern United Methodism tried to speak in the language of Radical Islam’s War Against the West,’ and its Bishop Lindsey Davis over The Bishop warned against this effort to Methodist Billy Abraham of Perkins School of the “university common room, the couch, and the country disingenuous distribution in the midst of a national 12 years, the North Georgia “sideline our Christian witness, so that we ATheology in Dallas warned against the anti-supernatural- club,” guided by “process philosophy and psychotherapy,” political campaign.” The bishop said his church’s UConference became the largest confer- will be weak.” He emphasized the impor- ism that undermined evangelism and the church in the late Abraham regretted. The church became an “endless seminar “prophetic” tradition demands naming the “harm ence in United Methodism. The con- tance for the church to proclaim the “whole 20th century. in search of elusive and ultimately unattainable truth, rather that is being done to our neighbors,” which specifi- ference now has 350,000 members and gospel story.” Often churches in America Although Abraham fills the Albert Outler chair at Perkins, than the carrier of the rich and salutary faith once delivered cally entailed “Obsession’s” dissemination through is one of only about a dozen confer- today want to “spend all of our time talk- he “painfully” pointed to mistakes by United Methodism’s to the saints.” dozens of newspapers, plus direct mail, resulting in ences in the U.S. church that is growing about grace and redemption and salva- most influential theologian for much of the 20th century. “God did not come into the world to hold an endless semi- 28 million free copies of the DVD across the nation. ing. Nationally, United Methodism tion,” all of which are an important “part” According to Abraham, Outler was a brilliant scholar and nar on who He is,” Abraham declared. United Methodist The film “links Islamic radicalism with pictures of is losing over 60,000 members a year. of the story, he said. “But it’s also impor- committed churchman whose “vision of Providence” rejected theologians too often have given up on any “intellectual Hitler and mass rallies of his Nazi followers,” Ough The declining Virginia Conference tant that we tell the rest of the story — that divine intervention in the world even while Outler upheld an defense of the faith,” he worried, instead “marrying the in- complained, to “promote fear of Muslims and dark was previously the largest conference. we tell about sin and the consequences of orthodox view of Jesus and the Trinity. “The Incarnation tellectual fads of the day.” Without a common faith in the suspicions about Islam.” Ough declared: “This is Davis, who last year transferred to sin, and that we talk about redemption and and Resurrection involve divine intervention,” Abraham church, Abraham said Jesus would become a “cipher for a time to ask purveyors of prejudice, ‘Have you no the Kentucky Conference, is theologi- the need for redemption, so that then the insisted with a chuckle. “Suck it up or get over it!” our own passions and desires.” And the Gospel becomes a shame?’” He denounced the film as “hate speech” cally conservative and has focused on stories of grace and salvation make sense Abraham called Outler the “founding Father” of modern “game of smoke and mirrors,” with God’s Kingdom reduced whose aim is to incite “prejudice and fear with our evangelism and church growth. In a to those who come after us.” United Methodism and praised his “historical learning, to television slogans like, “Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Bishop Bruce Ough speaks at the 2008 General Conference (UMNS/ Mike DuBose) Muslim brothers and sisters.” sermon he gave at Mt. Bethel United In contrast to the North Georgia extraordinary rhetorical skill, boundless energy, deep desire Doors,” Abraham complained, citing United Methodism’s Acknowledging that “Obsession” emphasizes that Methodist Church in Marietta, Conference, United Methodism nationally to face the truth, and an uncanny eye for humbug.” But advertising theme. est Ohio Bishop Bruce Ough in September attacked “most Muslims are peaceful and do not support terror,” Bishop Georgia last June, Davis spoke out has lost over 3 million members over the Abraham said Outler, in trying to preserve parts of ortho- In his later years, Outler had “significant second thoughts the film “Obsession,” while declining to agree that Ough was still distressed by the film’s assertion that 10% to 15% against secularism in society. He said: Bishop Lindsey Davis speaks at the 2008 last 40 years. doxy, accommodated too much of secular, modern culture. about his early aversion to orthodoxy” and “serious reser- radical Islam poses any special concerns. Ough of Muslims are “radicals” or support terror, the film’s assertion “There is a strong movement in the Conference Leaders Convocation (KYUMC) The result was a “kaleidoscope of theological options” vations” about his propositions of the 1960’s and 1970’s, Wjoined in an anti-”Obsession” press conference with, among others, that international polls support. United States and in Europe, by those Action: Thank Bishop Lindsey and “pluralism” for United Methodism and the church’s Abraham noted. Before his death in 1989, Outler surmised the Council on American-Islamic Relations, which shared his con- who want a very secular culture, to put the Christian voice on the Davis for his work to expand God’s Kingdom. Email: Action: Please politely and respectfully urge steep decline. that the church needed a new Pentecost and new reliance on cern about the film’s distribution in Ohio, and elsewhere. sidelines — to not allow the Christian faith and the Christian wit- [email protected]. Address: 7400 Floydsburg Bishop Ough to speak out on behalf of persecuted Lacking a theological consensus, Abraham said United the Holy Spirit. “Obsession” exposes radical Islamists who support terrorism, the ness to have to have its proper place in the public arena, in the Road, Crestwood, KY 40014 Christians who suffer in Islamic countries that Methodism came to rely on the language of “organizational imposition of theocratic Islamic law, persecution of non-Muslims, Action: For more information, read Albert C. Out- restrict the free practice of Christianity and other structure” and the business world. Meanwhile, evangelism anti-Semitism, and anti-Americanism. The film asserts that 10-15 ler: The Gifted Dilettante by Bob Parrott, available non-Islamic faiths. Email: [email protected]; has been reduced to “communication” and anything that percent of Muslims globally agree with aspects of radical Islam. Homosexual Groups Supporting Membership Amendment at Bristol House: 1-800-451-7323; website: www. Address: 32 Wesley Blvd, Worthington, OH 43085. points to Christ’s lordship. This modern perspective “did According to Ough, United Methodist beliefs about “doing no bristolhouseltd.com. marital sexual activity, affirming sex only within marriage. not begin to fathom the native hostility in the human heart harm, doing good and staying in love with God” are “incompat- his Spring all United Methodist Annual Conferences [to the Gospel] due to sin.” will vote on a proposed constitutional amendment to This proposed constitutional amendment declares: “All our church’s constitution requiring that “all” persons persons, upon taking vows declaring the Christian faith and Tbe eligible for church membership. relationship in Jesus Christ, shall be eligible to become profess- The proposal arises from the controversial case of Virginia ing members in any local church in the connection.” It also pastor Ed Johnson, who declined to grant immediate church declares: “All persons shall be eligible to attend its worship ser- graphic eradication of a Jewish Israel. A kick-off reception lowing the creation of Israel.” The photo show claimed that Methodist Building Hosts membership to a sexually active homosexual attending vices, participate in its programs, receive the sacraments, and in the Methodist Building was hosted by the Washington Jews willfully rousted thousands of innocent Arabs from his church. Virginia Bishop Charlene Kammerer removed upon baptism be admitted as baptized members.” Anti-Israel Exhibit Interfaith Alliance for Middle East Peace, which advocates their homes because of their own greed and imperialism. Johnson from his church in 2005, but United Methodism’s The amendment seems to compel automatic church member- divesting from firms doing business with Israel. Last year, Not mentioned by the exhibit was the Arab refusal in 1948 to Judicial Council restored Johnson to his pulpit, declaring ship to anyone, depriving pastors of any discretion. Could a n February, the United Methodist Building on Capitol Hill, the United Methodist General Conference voted against en- accept a two state solution for Palestine, instead waging war that pastors have pastoral discretion about readiness for pastor refuse immediate church membership to a racist, por- from which our church conducts its political lobbying, dorsing anti-Israel divestment. on the new Israel. church membership. nographer, embezzler, drug dealer, chronic shoplifter, or wife hosted a photo exhibit from a pro-Palestinian group GBCS chief Winkler was among the speakers at the recep- Action: Please politely urge GBCS chief Jim Both the Council of Bishops and homosexual groups de- beater? Traditionally, Methodists have welcomed all people to Icalling the creation of Israel a “catastrophe.” The building is tion. So too was a Muslim imam, who read from the Koran Winkler to be more even-handed in his Middle East nounced the Judicial Council for siding with Johnson. Defenders hear the Gospel but have understood membership to include a owned and occupied by the United Methodist General Board and pronounced that Israel may have the ”might” to exist but pronouncements. Email: [email protected]. of Rev. Johnson pointed out that the homosexual man was changed heart and willingness to live for Jesus Christ. of Church and Society (GBCS). not necessarily the “right” to exist. Address: 100 Maryland Ave, NE, Washington, welcome and active in the church but that Rev. Johnson, who The photo show was called “Our Story: A Photo Exhibit According to an announcement from GBCS, the exhibit Action: Urge your pastor and lay member to An- Sharpe) DC 20002. was counseling the man, held a traditional Wesleyan view that Commemorating 60 Years of Dispossession.” It origi- “marks the annual observance of the nakba, the 1948 mass nual Conference to oppose Constitutional Amend- formal membership involves faithful Christian living. nated with Sabeel, a Jerusalem-based group that advocates deportation of Palestinians, massacres of civilians and the ment #1 on membership. The United Methodist Church affirms divine love for all Liberation Theology for Palestinians and the gradual demo- razing to the ground of hundreds of Palestinian villages fol- people but officially disapproves of homosexual and other non- (IRD/Rebekah

2 3 4 UMAction Briefing ❖ Winter 2009 UMAction Briefing ❖ Winter 2009 UMAction Briefing ❖ Winter 2008

Methodist Theologian Explains United Methodism’s Decline UM Bishop Denounces Film Expose of Radical Islam Bishop Davis Led United Methodism’s Largest Conference

ddressing the United Methodist Congress on “I’m worried when we ‘improve’ on Jesus,” Abraham said. ible with the deplorable DVD entitled ‘Obsession: nder the leadership of public square, or in the marketplace.” Evangelism in Nashville on January 6, Irish Modern United Methodism tried to speak in the language of Radical Islam’s War Against the West,’ and its Bishop Lindsey Davis over The Bishop warned against this effort to Methodist Billy Abraham of Perkins School of the “university common room, the couch, and the country disingenuous distribution in the midst of a national 12 years, the North Georgia “sideline our Christian witness, so that we ATheology in Dallas warned against the anti-supernatural- club,” guided by “process philosophy and psychotherapy,” political campaign.” The bishop said his church’s UConference became the largest confer- will be weak.” He emphasized the impor- ism that undermined evangelism and the church in the late Abraham regretted. The church became an “endless seminar “prophetic” tradition demands naming the “harm ence in United Methodism. The con- tance for the church to proclaim the “whole 20th century. in search of elusive and ultimately unattainable truth, rather that is being done to our neighbors,” which specifi- ference now has 350,000 members and gospel story.” Often churches in America Although Abraham fills the Albert Outler chair at Perkins, than the carrier of the rich and salutary faith once delivered cally entailed “Obsession’s” dissemination through is one of only about a dozen confer- today want to “spend all of our time talk- he “painfully” pointed to mistakes by United Methodism’s to the saints.” dozens of newspapers, plus direct mail, resulting in ences in the U.S. church that is growing about grace and redemption and salva- most influential theologian for much of the 20th century. “God did not come into the world to hold an endless semi- 28 million free copies of the DVD across the nation. ing. Nationally, United Methodism tion,” all of which are an important “part” According to Abraham, Outler was a brilliant scholar and nar on who He is,” Abraham declared. United Methodist The film “links Islamic radicalism with pictures of is losing over 60,000 members a year. of the story, he said. “But it’s also impor- committed churchman whose “vision of Providence” rejected theologians too often have given up on any “intellectual Hitler and mass rallies of his Nazi followers,” Ough The declining Virginia Conference tant that we tell the rest of the story — that divine intervention in the world even while Outler upheld an defense of the faith,” he worried, instead “marrying the in- complained, to “promote fear of Muslims and dark was previously the largest conference. we tell about sin and the consequences of orthodox view of Jesus and the Trinity. “The Incarnation tellectual fads of the day.” Without a common faith in the suspicions about Islam.” Ough declared: “This is Davis, who last year transferred to sin, and that we talk about redemption and and Resurrection involve divine intervention,” Abraham church, Abraham said Jesus would become a “cipher for a time to ask purveyors of prejudice, ‘Have you no the Kentucky Conference, is theologi- the need for redemption, so that then the insisted with a chuckle. “Suck it up or get over it!” our own passions and desires.” And the Gospel becomes a shame?’” He denounced the film as “hate speech” cally conservative and has focused on stories of grace and salvation make sense Abraham called Outler the “founding Father” of modern “game of smoke and mirrors,” with God’s Kingdom reduced whose aim is to incite “prejudice and fear with our evangelism and church growth. In a to those who come after us.” United Methodism and praised his “historical learning, to television slogans like, “Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Bishop Bruce Ough speaks at the 2008 General Conference (UMNS/ Mike DuBose) Muslim brothers and sisters.” sermon he gave at Mt. Bethel United In contrast to the North Georgia extraordinary rhetorical skill, boundless energy, deep desire Doors,” Abraham complained, citing United Methodism’s Acknowledging that “Obsession” emphasizes that Methodist Church in Marietta, Conference, United Methodism nationally to face the truth, and an uncanny eye for humbug.” But advertising theme. est Ohio Bishop Bruce Ough in September attacked “most Muslims are peaceful and do not support terror,” Bishop Georgia last June, Davis spoke out has lost over 3 million members over the Abraham said Outler, in trying to preserve parts of ortho- In his later years, Outler had “significant second thoughts the film “Obsession,” while declining to agree that Ough was still distressed by the film’s assertion that 10% to 15% against secularism in society. He said: Bishop Lindsey Davis speaks at the 2008 last 40 years. doxy, accommodated too much of secular, modern culture. about his early aversion to orthodoxy” and “serious reser- radical Islam poses any special concerns. Ough of Muslims are “radicals” or support terror, the film’s assertion “There is a strong movement in the Conference Leaders Convocation (KYUMC) The result was a “kaleidoscope of theological options” vations” about his propositions of the 1960’s and 1970’s, Wjoined in an anti-”Obsession” press conference with, among others, that international polls support. United States and in Europe, by those Action: Thank Bishop Lindsey and “pluralism” for United Methodism and the church’s Abraham noted. Before his death in 1989, Outler surmised the Council on American-Islamic Relations, which shared his con- who want a very secular culture, to put the Christian voice on the Davis for his work to expand God’s Kingdom. Email: Action: Please politely and respectfully urge steep decline. that the church needed a new Pentecost and new reliance on cern about the film’s distribution in Ohio, and elsewhere. sidelines — to not allow the Christian faith and the Christian wit- [email protected]. Address: 7400 Floydsburg Bishop Ough to speak out on behalf of persecuted Lacking a theological consensus, Abraham said United the Holy Spirit. “Obsession” exposes radical Islamists who support terrorism, the ness to have to have its proper place in the public arena, in the Road, Crestwood, KY 40014 Christians who suffer in Islamic countries that Methodism came to rely on the language of “organizational imposition of theocratic Islamic law, persecution of non-Muslims, Action: For more information, read Albert C. Out- restrict the free practice of Christianity and other structure” and the business world. Meanwhile, evangelism anti-Semitism, and anti-Americanism. The film asserts that 10-15 ler: The Gifted Dilettante by Bob Parrott, available non-Islamic faiths. Email: [email protected]; has been reduced to “communication” and anything that percent of Muslims globally agree with aspects of radical Islam. Homosexual Groups Supporting Membership Amendment at Bristol House: 1-800-451-7323; website: www. Address: 32 Wesley Blvd, Worthington, OH 43085. points to Christ’s lordship. This modern perspective “did According to Ough, United Methodist beliefs about “doing no bristolhouseltd.com. marital sexual activity, affirming sex only within marriage. not begin to fathom the native hostility in the human heart harm, doing good and staying in love with God” are “incompat- his Spring all United Methodist Annual Conferences [to the Gospel] due to sin.” will vote on a proposed constitutional amendment to This proposed constitutional amendment declares: “All our church’s constitution requiring that “all” persons persons, upon taking vows declaring the Christian faith and Tbe eligible for church membership. relationship in Jesus Christ, shall be eligible to become profess- The proposal arises from the controversial case of Virginia ing members in any local church in the connection.” It also pastor Ed Johnson, who declined to grant immediate church declares: “All persons shall be eligible to attend its worship ser- graphic eradication of a Jewish Israel. A kick-off reception lowing the creation of Israel.” The photo show claimed that Methodist Building Hosts membership to a sexually active homosexual attending vices, participate in its programs, receive the sacraments, and in the Methodist Building was hosted by the Washington Jews willfully rousted thousands of innocent Arabs from his church. Virginia Bishop Charlene Kammerer removed upon baptism be admitted as baptized members.” Anti-Israel Exhibit Interfaith Alliance for Middle East Peace, which advocates their homes because of their own greed and imperialism. Johnson from his church in 2005, but United Methodism’s The amendment seems to compel automatic church member- divesting from firms doing business with Israel. Last year, Not mentioned by the exhibit was the Arab refusal in 1948 to Judicial Council restored Johnson to his pulpit, declaring ship to anyone, depriving pastors of any discretion. Could a n February, the United Methodist Building on Capitol Hill, the United Methodist General Conference voted against en- accept a two state solution for Palestine, instead waging war that pastors have pastoral discretion about readiness for pastor refuse immediate church membership to a racist, por- from which our church conducts its political lobbying, dorsing anti-Israel divestment. on the new Israel. church membership. nographer, embezzler, drug dealer, chronic shoplifter, or wife hosted a photo exhibit from a pro-Palestinian group GBCS chief Winkler was among the speakers at the recep- Action: Please politely urge GBCS chief Jim Both the Council of Bishops and homosexual groups de- beater? Traditionally, Methodists have welcomed all people to Icalling the creation of Israel a “catastrophe.” The building is tion. So too was a Muslim imam, who read from the Koran Winkler to be more even-handed in his Middle East nounced the Judicial Council for siding with Johnson. Defenders hear the Gospel but have understood membership to include a owned and occupied by the United Methodist General Board and pronounced that Israel may have the ”might” to exist but pronouncements. Email: [email protected]. of Rev. Johnson pointed out that the homosexual man was changed heart and willingness to live for Jesus Christ. of Church and Society (GBCS). not necessarily the “right” to exist. Address: 100 Maryland Ave, NE, Washington, welcome and active in the church but that Rev. Johnson, who The photo show was called “Our Story: A Photo Exhibit According to an announcement from GBCS, the exhibit Action: Urge your pastor and lay member to An- Sharpe) DC 20002. was counseling the man, held a traditional Wesleyan view that Commemorating 60 Years of Dispossession.” It origi- “marks the annual observance of the nakba, the 1948 mass nual Conference to oppose Constitutional Amend- formal membership involves faithful Christian living. nated with Sabeel, a Jerusalem-based group that advocates deportation of Palestinians, massacres of civilians and the ment #1 on membership. The United Methodist Church affirms divine love for all Liberation Theology for Palestinians and the gradual demo- razing to the ground of hundreds of Palestinian villages fol- people but officially disapproves of homosexual and other non- (IRD/Rebekah

2 3 4 UMAction Briefing ❖ Winter 2009 A newsletter for United Methodists working for Scripture-based reform in our denomination. Circulation: 475,000

Don’t Leave Our Church! United Methodist Lobby Signs Then Withdraws Stay and Work for Reform! from Abortion Letter We tell you the painful truth UMAction Non Profit Org. about what has gone wrong Winter 2009 Briefing U.S. Postage he United Methodist General Board of Church and Conference, the legislative arm of our denomination, we have with The United Methodist UMAction Church: unfaithfulness and far- PAID Society (GBCS) initially endorsed and then withdrew withdrawn our support of this bill due to language added by the left partisan politics by too many The Institute on Religion & Democracy Briefing its support from the Freedom of Choice Act (FOCA), General Conference.” high church officials. We don’t 1023 15th Street NW, Suite 601 Permit # 382 Twhich is legislation before the U.S. Congress that would prohibit Bales noted that the United Methodist Social Principles now enjoy bringing you bad news, Washington, DC 20005-2601 Dulles, VA but we must tell the truth. any abortion restrictions by states and establish a “fundamental support “parental, guardian or trusted adult notification in cases 202.682.4131 right” to abortion. of minors seeking abortions,” and FOCA would overturn state The good news is the growing www.TheIRD.org GBCS also removed its name from a controversial “Interfaith notification laws. The 2008 General Conference declared that movement to restore Scriptural faithfulness in our church. More [email protected] Call to Action on Reproductive Health” organized by the United Methodists “respect the sacredness of life and well-being and more United Methodists African Church Leader Opposes Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice (RCRC), which of the mother and the unborn child” and supported “parental, are working together for reform included an “open letter” to President Obama urging expanded guardian, or other responsible adult notification and consent and renewal. “Global Segregation Plan” for government support for “comprehensive sex education, abor- before abortions can be performed on girls who have not yet Don’t leave! Our great Methodist United Methodists tion services and contraceptive information and options.” reached the age of legal adulthood.” heritage is too valuable to be Winter 2009 GBCS is a member of RCRC, which lobbies against any restric- The RCRC was originally founded in the United Methodist abandoned. Join with us to tions on abortion. The United Methodist General Conference Building in 1973, with GBCS support, to defend unrestricted help The United Methodist peaking to the West African Central Conference in December, Liberian District Church return to its Wesleyan Inside: in 2008 narrowly failed to withdraw United Methodism from abortion rights. roots as a growing, evangelical, Superintendent Jerry Kulah warned against the impact on African United Methodists RCRC, but did approve other legislation that restricted church Christian church living Christ’s Action: Thank GBCS official Linda Bailes for if The United Methodist Church creates a new U.S. only regional conference. Methodist Theologian Explains United agencies’ ability to promote abortion rights. According to Great Commission: “Go and S“Because of our biblical perspective and continued growth, the liberals within the Church Methodism’s Decline ...... 2 removing GBCS’s endorsement from the pro-FOCA make disciples of all nations.” GBCS official Linda Bales, “after further examination of the see their African brothers and sisters as a threat to the control of the Church,” observed letter to President Obama. Email: ‘LBales@UMC- (Matthew 28:19) Methodist Building Hosts Anti-Israel ramifications of this [FOCA] bill and considering the most GBCS.ORG; Address: 100 Maryland Ave., NE, Kulah in his speech to the delegates from Liberia, Sierre Leone, Ivory Coast and Nigeria. Exhibit ...... 2 recent statement on abortion approved at our 2008 General Washington, DC 20002. “Just as about 140 years ago, white Methodists in America saw black people as a threat to the control of the Church. Certainly, this divisive spirit should not be encouraged amongst UM Bishop Denounces Film Expose of Radical Islam ...... 3 brothers and sisters who claim allegiance to Jesus Christ.” The 2008 General Conference approved a plan that would create a separate, U.S. only Bishop Davis Led United Methodism’s regional conference to address U.S.-only issues, separate from the international General Largest Conference ...... 4 Be sure to visit www.TheIRD.org to sign up for E-mail updates! EDITOR AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Conference. This plan, in the form of constitutional amendments, requires approval of Do you receive Mark Mark Tooley Homosexual Groups Supporting two thirds of all the votes at all the local annual conferences this Spring. Liberals in the Membership Amendment ...... 4 CHAIRMAN VICE CHAIRMAN church are increasingly frustrated by the growing number of African delegates at General David M. Stanley Helen Rhea Stumbo Help us Reach a Million Homes! Tooley’s weekly Conference, which is preventing acceptance of same-sex unions and homosexual clergy. United Methodist Lobby Signs Then Withdraws from Abortion Letter . . . . .5 STEERING COMMITTEE Many liberals hope that a U.S. only regional conference, divorced from African influence, Yes, I (we) want to help UMAction inform one million United Methodists and UMAction Gerald Anderson Jane Bonner William Bonner could potentially overturn United Methodism’s traditional standards on sexual morality. their families about the urgent need for church reform and faithfulness. Janice Crouse J. Robert Ladd Thomas Oden At the 2008 General Conference, Africans were 20 percent of the delegates. In 2012, Enclosed it my tax-deductible gift of: YOUR OPINION, Bob Parrott Leo Scholl William Smallwood they will number about 30 percent, as U.S. churches continue to decline while African  $50  $75  $100  Other $ _____ E-Newsletter? Jean Leu Stanley John Stumbo PLEASE! churches grow. ADVISORY BOARD If not, just sign on to www.TheIRD.org and register “If this regional Conference idea is pursued and sustained, we are most likely to have _____ Please send UMAction Briefing to the United Methodists on the George Anderson Karl Baumgardner Karen Booth How should United Methodists to receive this timely and informative email on latest enclosed list of names and addresses. a fractured church,” Kulah warned. “We might not have a common Discipline and a Officials React to the New Barack happenings affecting the United Methodist Church. Riley Case John Dowlin Ira Gallaway H.T. Maclin Joy Moore Quentin Nesbitt unified way of doing the business of the United Methodist Church. Regional Conferences _____ Please send UMAction Briefing to the names I have marked in the Obama Administration? enclosed church directory. Mark and his team are con- Edmund Robb, III T. Terrell Sessums Faye Short doing their own things could keep going their separate ways until new denominations stantly traveling the country Glen Spann Donald Wildmon eventually evolve.” My Name: ______n Support and reporting on the latest IRD PRESIDENT UMACTION STAFF Kulah urged that the regional conference plan, which primarily emerged from U.S. happenings within the United James W. Tonkowich Jerald Walz Rebekah Sharpe bishops, be further studied by a team that includes Africans. “Leaders from the American Address: ______Methodist church. UMC cannot plan for us in isolation and tell us what is best for us,” Kulah said. “The Oppose period of colonization and paternalism is over for the people and Church in Africa. Any City, State, Zip: ______n Stay in the know! decision regarding the future of the Church must involve leaders of the Church in Africa E-mail Address: ______Prayerfully from its conception stage to the time it becomes a finished product.” n Register Today! avoid partisan Action: Please urge your pastor and lay member to your Annual Liberian District Superintendent Jerry Kulah, Clip and mail to: UMAction c/o IRD www.TheIRD.org Conference this Spring to oppose the constitutional amendments Speaking at the 2007 UM Reform and Re- 1023 15th Street NW, Suite 601 BM0901 commitments newal Conference. (IRD/Rebekah Sharpe) Washington, DC 20005-2620 that would creating a new U.S.-only regional conference.

If you are receiving duplicates of UMAction Briefing, please send us your address labels. 6 UMAction Briefing ❖ Winter 2009 A newsletter for United Methodists working for Scripture-based reform in our denomination. Circulation: 475,000

Don’t Leave Our Church! United Methodist Lobby Signs Then Withdraws Stay and Work for Reform! from Abortion Letter We tell you the painful truth UMAction Non Profit Org. about what has gone wrong Winter 2009 Briefing U.S. Postage he United Methodist General Board of Church and Conference, the legislative arm of our denomination, we have with The United Methodist UMAction Church: unfaithfulness and far- PAID Society (GBCS) initially endorsed and then withdrew withdrawn our support of this bill due to language added by the left partisan politics by too many The Institute on Religion & Democracy Briefing its support from the Freedom of Choice Act (FOCA), General Conference.” high church officials. We don’t 1023 15th Street NW, Suite 601 Permit # 382 Twhich is legislation before the U.S. Congress that would prohibit Bales noted that the United Methodist Social Principles now enjoy bringing you bad news, Washington, DC 20005-2601 Dulles, VA but we must tell the truth. any abortion restrictions by states and establish a “fundamental support “parental, guardian or trusted adult notification in cases 202.682.4131 right” to abortion. of minors seeking abortions,” and FOCA would overturn state The good news is the growing www.TheIRD.org GBCS also removed its name from a controversial “Interfaith notification laws. The 2008 General Conference declared that movement to restore Scriptural faithfulness in our church. More [email protected] Call to Action on Reproductive Health” organized by the United Methodists “respect the sacredness of life and well-being and more United Methodists African Church Leader Opposes Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice (RCRC), which of the mother and the unborn child” and supported “parental, are working together for reform included an “open letter” to President Obama urging expanded guardian, or other responsible adult notification and consent and renewal. “Global Segregation Plan” for government support for “comprehensive sex education, abor- before abortions can be performed on girls who have not yet Don’t leave! Our great Methodist United Methodists tion services and contraceptive information and options.” reached the age of legal adulthood.” heritage is too valuable to be Winter 2009 GBCS is a member of RCRC, which lobbies against any restric- The RCRC was originally founded in the United Methodist abandoned. Join with us to tions on abortion. The United Methodist General Conference Building in 1973, with GBCS support, to defend unrestricted help The United Methodist peaking to the West African Central Conference in December, Liberian District Church return to its Wesleyan Inside: in 2008 narrowly failed to withdraw United Methodism from abortion rights. roots as a growing, evangelical, Superintendent Jerry Kulah warned against the impact on African United Methodists RCRC, but did approve other legislation that restricted church Christian church living Christ’s Action: Thank GBCS official Linda Bailes for if The United Methodist Church creates a new U.S. only regional conference. Methodist Theologian Explains United agencies’ ability to promote abortion rights. According to Great Commission: “Go and S“Because of our biblical perspective and continued growth, the liberals within the Church Methodism’s Decline ...... 2 removing GBCS’s endorsement from the pro-FOCA make disciples of all nations.” GBCS official Linda Bales, “after further examination of the see their African brothers and sisters as a threat to the control of the Church,” observed letter to President Obama. Email: ‘LBales@UMC- (Matthew 28:19) Methodist Building Hosts Anti-Israel ramifications of this [FOCA] bill and considering the most GBCS.ORG; Address: 100 Maryland Ave., NE, Kulah in his speech to the delegates from Liberia, Sierre Leone, Ivory Coast and Nigeria. Exhibit ...... 2 recent statement on abortion approved at our 2008 General Washington, DC 20002. “Just as about 140 years ago, white Methodists in America saw black people as a threat to the control of the Church. Certainly, this divisive spirit should not be encouraged amongst UM Bishop Denounces Film Expose of Radical Islam ...... 3 brothers and sisters who claim allegiance to Jesus Christ.” The 2008 General Conference approved a plan that would create a separate, U.S. only Bishop Davis Led United Methodism’s regional conference to address U.S.-only issues, separate from the international General Largest Conference ...... 4 Be sure to visit www.TheIRD.org to sign up for E-mail updates! EDITOR AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Conference. This plan, in the form of constitutional amendments, requires approval of Do you receive Mark Mark Tooley Homosexual Groups Supporting two thirds of all the votes at all the local annual conferences this Spring. Liberals in the Membership Amendment ...... 4 CHAIRMAN VICE CHAIRMAN church are increasingly frustrated by the growing number of African delegates at General David M. Stanley Helen Rhea Stumbo Help us Reach a Million Homes! Tooley’s weekly Conference, which is preventing acceptance of same-sex unions and homosexual clergy. United Methodist Lobby Signs Then Withdraws from Abortion Letter . . . . .5 STEERING COMMITTEE Many liberals hope that a U.S. only regional conference, divorced from African influence, Yes, I (we) want to help UMAction inform one million United Methodists and UMAction Gerald Anderson Jane Bonner William Bonner could potentially overturn United Methodism’s traditional standards on sexual morality. their families about the urgent need for church reform and faithfulness. Janice Crouse J. Robert Ladd Thomas Oden At the 2008 General Conference, Africans were 20 percent of the delegates. In 2012, Enclosed it my tax-deductible gift of: YOUR OPINION, Bob Parrott Leo Scholl William Smallwood they will number about 30 percent, as U.S. churches continue to decline while African  $50  $75  $100  Other $ _____ E-Newsletter? Jean Leu Stanley John Stumbo PLEASE! churches grow. ADVISORY BOARD If not, just sign on to www.TheIRD.org and register “If this regional Conference idea is pursued and sustained, we are most likely to have _____ Please send UMAction Briefing to the United Methodists on the George Anderson Karl Baumgardner Karen Booth How should United Methodists to receive this timely and informative email on latest enclosed list of names and addresses. a fractured church,” Kulah warned. “We might not have a common Discipline and a Officials React to the New Barack happenings affecting the United Methodist Church. Riley Case John Dowlin Ira Gallaway H.T. Maclin Joy Moore Quentin Nesbitt unified way of doing the business of the United Methodist Church. Regional Conferences _____ Please send UMAction Briefing to the names I have marked in the Obama Administration? enclosed church directory. Mark and his team are con- Edmund Robb, III T. Terrell Sessums Faye Short doing their own things could keep going their separate ways until new denominations stantly traveling the country Glen Spann Donald Wildmon eventually evolve.” My Name: ______n Support and reporting on the latest IRD PRESIDENT UMACTION STAFF Kulah urged that the regional conference plan, which primarily emerged from U.S. happenings within the United James W. Tonkowich Jerald Walz Rebekah Sharpe bishops, be further studied by a team that includes Africans. “Leaders from the American Address: ______Methodist church. UMC cannot plan for us in isolation and tell us what is best for us,” Kulah said. “The Oppose period of colonization and paternalism is over for the people and Church in Africa. Any City, State, Zip: ______n Stay in the know! decision regarding the future of the Church must involve leaders of the Church in Africa E-mail Address: ______Prayerfully from its conception stage to the time it becomes a finished product.” n Register Today! avoid partisan Action: Please urge your pastor and lay member to your Annual Liberian District Superintendent Jerry Kulah, Clip and mail to: UMAction c/o IRD www.TheIRD.org Conference this Spring to oppose the constitutional amendments Speaking at the 2007 UM Reform and Re- 1023 15th Street NW, Suite 601 BM0901 commitments newal Conference. (IRD/Rebekah Sharpe) Washington, DC 20005-2620 that would creating a new U.S.-only regional conference.

If you are receiving duplicates of UMAction Briefing, please send us your address labels. 6