Commission Resources
Learn More About the Commission
The 32-member Commission on a Way Forward was appointed by the Council of Bishops to assist the bishops in their charge from the 2016 General Conference to lead the church forward amid the present impasse related to LGBTQ inclusion and resulting questions about the unity of the church.
Books
Finding a Way Forward: Resources for Witness, Contextual Leadership and Unity (Free PDF download)
Videos
Commission on A Way Forward Moderators Overview - Bishops Sandra Steiner Ball, David Yemba and Ken Carter share an overview of their role as moderators for the Commission and how service was one of their primary focus. (Length 5:35).
Jasmine Smothers, Julie Hager Love and Tom Berlin Interview - Smothers, Hager Love and Berlin are all Commission members who are also clergy serving in the SEJ. In this interview they reflect on their experience and their hopes for the future of the United Methodist Church. (Length 5:46).
Common on A Way Forward Around the World - Dave Nuckols (laity, Minnesota) and Helen Cunanan (clergy, Philippines) have a conversation about the Commission on A Way Forward sharing their experiences from very different places in the world. (Length 7:50).
Bishops Gregory Palmer and Robert Schnase Interview - These Bishops, who are members of the Commission, talk about how the work of the Commission points to the larger mission of The United Methodist Church. (Length 5:35).
Gil Rendle: a parable for today is a video featuring Commission on A Way Forward Consultant Gil Rendle. Gil shares a story that illustrates the difference between positions and interests. When we are able to move from holding onto our positions to seeking to understand each other’s underlying interests we are better able to move forward together. (length 5:14)
Bishop Grant Hagiya Reflection on Anatomy of Peace - Bishop Hagiya, a member of the Commission on A Way Forward, shares reflections about the book "Anatomy of Peace." Bishop Hagiya shares why the principles of this book help us make a fundamental shift from battleground to a place where people can have open and honest dialogue with one another. (length 5:44)
Reflections on Commission Work - Donna Pritchard (clergy, Pacific Northwest Conference), Tom Salsgiver (clergy, Susquehanna Conference) and Leah Taylor (laity, Texas Conference) are all Commission on A Way Forward members. They share reflections on their work, the value of connection and the relationships they formed during their time together on the Commission. (length 7:02)
General Commission Resources
Understanding the Nature of the Sketches Presented by the Commission
Resources from Bishop Ken Carter, Commission Moderator Team
Stay Connected
Facebook: www.facebook.com/umcforward/
Twitter: www.twitter.com/umcforward
Instagram: www.instagram.com/umcforward/
Web: www.umc.org/who-we-are/commission-on-a-way-forward
Email: wayforward@umcom.org