Resolution for Inclusive Ministry Passes

By Susan Sneed

Rev. Tina Harris, director of Mission, Service and Justice Ministry introduced the resolution and invited the author, Rev. Dr. Kyle Butler to formally present it to the Conference. 

Resolution 1 will provide $30,000 to congregations desiring to create ministries specifically for the LGBTQIA+ community, or by lifting up persons from that community into missional leadership. This resolution is presented in reaction to the 2019 special session of General Conference, which voted to reinforcing Discipline language that both condemns and embraces the LGBTQIA+ community. While being barred from full participation in the church, the church is still called to be in ministry to LGBTQIA+ community. Funds from Resolution 1 would fulfill that mandate.

Harris moved for the adoption of the resolution and there were several seconds from the floor. The rules allow for five speeches for each side, for and against, with a two minutes limit for each speech.
 

Butler, as the author of the resolution spoke first for the resolution citing the troubled feelings within his church, Mt. Zion (St. Louis) after the special session of General Conference in February and realizing he was failing to be radically hospitable by not being a church for the LGBTQIA+ community.
 

Rev. Ron Watts of La Croix (Cape Girardeau) spoke to support the resolution and called for the question, to discontinue debate and proceed with the vote on the resolution. It was decided to proceed with the vote and the resolution was passed with a voice vote. There were several no votes, however.