FAQ for Protocol of Reconciliation and Grace Announced January 3
Please review the FAQs below which were asked the GNJ clergy and laity on conference calls with the Bishop or were submitted on line. If you have additional questions you may submit them at the bottom of this page.
With this proposed separation, can we judge now that most or all of Traditional congregations (affirming a more literal interpretation of Scripture and opposing allowing UMC clergy to perform LBGTQ marriages LBGTQ and ordain clergy) would expected to leave the UMC?
The protocol proposes to allow congregations to leave The United Methodist Church. It does not expect anyone to leave. GNJ welcomes all congregations and has consistently said it is our desire to work with all congregations and for all congregations to continue with The United Methodist Church. A number of more traditional congregations are already indicating that they have no intention of leaving The United Methodist Church.
Are many such churches and/or members in Africa, and South America?
The Methodist Churches in South America are not part of The United Methodist Church. They are part of another branch of Methodism just as are the Methodist Churches in England. African leadership has indicated on a number of occasions that they do not want to see the United Methodist Church divide and that they want to continue as United Methodists.
How many such churches and/or members are in the United States? How many UMC congregations and/or members are there today?
There are almost 30,000 congregations in the United States and just under 7 million members. United Methodism in and outside the US total 42,000 congregations and just under 13 million members. 43% of The United Methodist Church’s membership are outside the United States and approximately 25% of the congregations are outside the United States.
How many UMC congregations and/or members are estimated to remain after this Protocol is adopted and put into effect.
We do not know. In GNJ, through conversations with laity and clergy, most congregations will not leave but continue with The United Methodist Church.
With respect to the $39,000,000 to address systemic racism, past and present within the denomination, can you advise how arrived at that number? Is it based per year, per occurrence, or perhaps a financial analysis other organizations have done? Also, does the $39,000,000 represent a full and final payment or is the door open for future payments?
New information has been released about the protocol’s proposal concerning this money. The $39 million supports the ethnic plans to grow United Methodism among ethnic groups and assist ethnic congregations to carry out ministry. These groups include the Black Church for the 21st Century, Hispanic, Asian/Korean and Native American plans and support of Africa University. The $39 million represents the continuation of the plans for at least eight years. There is no proposal after the eight years, but these plans and commitments have been important to The United Methodist Church and it is anticipated that they will continue.
As I have been listening and considering and praying about this separation proposal, I am feeling like I don’t want to contribute to the $25 million that will be given the WCA to leave. If this is passed, I don’t want to have supported a new denomination where I believe more harm will be done — where the LGBTQ+ children born into that new denomination to be thrown out of their homes or put into conversion therapy or worse, due to the harmful beliefs that are / will continue to be propagated through the WCA. What’s my recourse? Can local congregations have assurances that their “shared ministry” won’t go into this 25 million (or whatever amount is determined)?
It is proposed that the $25 million will be taken from reserves managed by Council of Finance and Benefits. No future shared ministry payments would be earmarked for the payment.
If the proposed plan passes, then how will finances and budgets and Bishop and clergy appointments be split and will there be any opportunities for collaboration in the future?
It is not clear how finances and budgets will be managed throughout the denomination. In GNJ, the cabinet and leadership have been planning for any disruption to our mission and ministry because of any action taken by the General Conference. This includes appointment-making and financial contingencies so that all of our congregations can live out of their convictions and thrive. GNJ would always seek to collaborate with others. We have been a diverse conference theologically and ethnically and that requires collaboration.
If a split is approved, will the newly formed churches be allowed to call themselves Methodists?
The protocol proposes that those who leave the denomination may not call themselves United Methodist. There are no specifics about the name to be used for this new denomination from the Wesleyan Covenant Association.
Many in our church do not wish to see same sex marriages in our church. Is this an option we will have if we stay and do not opt to leave?
Since the protocol is only a proposal, no one can predict the outcome of legislation coming before General Conference. Greater New Jersey has been a conference that is inclusive of ethnic and theological diversity and will continue to be so.
If GC 2020 votes to allow this split or some type of split with adjustments. How long will the historic and currently passed special session oppressive language, interpretations, restrictions and penalties against our LGBTQ+ brothers and sisters in the UMC BOD be allowed to remain? Is GC2020 too soon to
The protocol proposes a contextual approach to the matters of the Book of Discipline. This requires change to the Book of Discipline.
If General Conference approves the plan for schism does GNJ anticipate any changes to the retired clergy health benefits?
Yes. Those clergy who leave The United Methodist Church will not be entitled to the GNJ retiree health care program nor other benefits afforded by GNJ. If the budget of GNJ is severely impacted financially, it may also affect those who stay with GNJ.
How are we going to pay for the exiting churches? We are already hard-pressed to pay our existing apportionments.
GNJ leadership has contingency plans to support our congregations through a variety of means including shared ministry, finances and appointments. There will be no payment to exiting churches.
Does GNJUMC intend to ordain and/or assign newly qualified clergy as pastors who happen to openly identify as LGTBQ+?
This will be guided by General Conference action. GNJ currently receives input from congregations and clergy about appointments and will continue to do so. We do not make appointments to change convictions or beliefs.
What is GNJ planning for those congregations that seek to find unity and common ground within? While I believe the process out lines may be best for those congregations that have set their feet in concrete. There are many of us who haven’t and are desperate for assistance.
For the last several years, the cabinet and leadership of GNJ have been planning for any disruption to our mission and ministry because of any action taken by the General Conference. This includes how we will:
- Support and work with all our congregations to live out of their convictions and thrive.
- Support and resource our clergy as they lead our congregations through this challenging time.
- Make appointment contingencies to ensure every congregation has a pastor and every pastor has the opportunity to serve a congregation.
- Facilitate congregations through challenging conversations and provide facilitators to congregations who request them.
- Establish communication strategies that includes emails, FAQs, website pages and conference calls.
- Manage financial contingencies that range from minor disruption to major disruption.
In a Jan 3rd message from Bishop Schol, item #2 stated in part that “It (the Protocol Resolution) primarily provides the ability for the Wesleyan Covenant Association to leave the United Methodist Church with their property and assets. Most of the denomination will stay together.” If more than half of the General Conference (GC) delegates voted for the Traditional Plan at the Special 2019 GC, and there will be fewer US delegates at GC2020, what is the basis for saying that most of the denomination will stay together?
The difference in the vote for the Traditional Plan at special session was 54 votes. In other words if 28 people had not voted for the Traditional Plan, it would not have passed. The Wesleyan Covenant Association currently has approximately 3,000 members. Traditional pastors and congregations have indicated, even after the protocol was released that they do not plan to leave The United Methodist Church. Bishop Schol based his remarks on these factors.
I have a question as member of a Methodist church and 25 years being a Christian. Where in the bible does it confirm or allow for LBGT, lesbian, homesexual to be in pastoral, priestly, any type of overseeing position in church? If so please show me where so I can learn the truth.
No it does not say anything about a gay or lesbian person being a pastor. Nor does it say anything about women being pastors. But we have outstanding women serving as pastors.
Why is it that we who are traditionalists and want the United Methodist Church to remain as it has been are the ones that are being kicked out of the church? It seems to me that the progressives are being exceptionally arrogant to claim that they are the United Methodist Church when they are the ones who want to throw away centuries of Christian teaching and bow to the mores of a secular world.
All are welcome to be United Methodists. We are enriched by our global, ethnic and theological diversity. Bishop Schol has vowed to ensure no one is forced to leave or forced to make a decision to leave The United Methodist Church in Greater New Jersey. The agreement, if passed as legislation, allows the Wesleyan Covenant Association to leave with their church property and $25 million.
Can the differences in the amounts of money being discussed be explained? It appears that departing traditionalists are being offered an extensive sum, while less is being offered to inclusive / progressive groups considering departing. Is this based on projected sizes of the departing groups?
The proposed protocol was negotiated by a group of 16 people that did not include all voices at the table. It was negotiated to satisfy the call from the WCA to leave the UMC. They requested the protocol agreement to allow them to leave with a sum of money and their property.
Are the 17 people working on the New Book of Discipline all from the GNJ conference and if they are the collaborating with other groups across the Global UMC?
The early drafts of The Connection stemmed from a group of GNJ clergy and laity after the Special Session of General Conference in February of 2019 who were concerned that the conversation and proposal all focused on separation and division of the denomination. Since that time, this team has collaborated with those outside of Greater New Jersey including Bishops, denominational leaders and peer conference leaders both within the US and internationally.
Theologically it appears that this entire challenge originated or had a root cause with UMC minister that married his son to another man. This event started the chaos we see today I believe. This minister broke his covenant with the UMC at that point. A covenant made as an ordained minister. Yet he was not reprimanded or charged with an offense until much later.
This statement is not true. The first call for separation at General Conference came in 2004 when the forerunners of the WCA asked for separation. It was rejected at the 2004 General Conference. The WCA and its forerunners have been requesting for years to be able to leave with their property. They requested the Protocol agreement to allow them to leave with a sum of money and their property.
Are we as a church changing our values to accommodate the changing values of a culture that is morally and ethically bankrupt? Does not a church , based on the word of God, and its clear indication of the sinfulness of acted upon homosexuality, risk changing its values to accommodate a current culture which appears lost, therefore making us a lost church and separated from the Bible and the word of God? And I understand that we are to accept all peoples, sinners or not. To love them and to forgive…but did Jesus not say, sin no more? Man making rules that are contrary to the laws of God seems like a risky business! And we are reaping that pain now I believe. Has the definition of “”sin”” changed or of an “”abomination”” changed? Are we changing their meaning to fit today’s culture?
The proposed protocol addresses the call from the Wesleyan Covenant Association to divide the church. It does not change the values of United Methodists.
What if my church chooses to disaffiliate from the United Methodist Church, what would the consequences be and the obligations be for a church that decides to disaffiliate altogether?
The proposed protocol would allow churches who wish to join the Wesleyan Covenant Association to leave with their church property. It does not address other disaffiliation specifically.
But, in the PROTOCOL OF RECONCILIATION& GRACE THROUGH SEPARATION, ARTICLE I: Agreement and Commitment to this Protocol, Item # 5. “”The undersigned agree that each of the provisions of this Protocol is integrated with and integral to the whole and shall not be severable from the remainder of the Protocol. Further, should any provisions of the Protocol be deemed illegal by either the United Methodist Judicial Council or by civil courts, the entirety of this Protocol shall be considered null and void. Can this PROTOCOL/Agreement be amended at the May General conference or not?
General Conference has the power to amend all proposals and legislation presented before the body.
What effect, if any, will these new developments have on the GNJ covenanting initiative?
None. Congregations should continue their process of covenanting and engaging in Graceful Conversations. You can find out more information HERE.
Was our church supposed to distribute the letter explaining how the division was being handled, and were we supposed to take a vote as to which side we wanted to take?
No. While we encourage all to talk with your congregations about the issues facing General Conference, no vote is necessary. Even if the protocol passes General Conference, no vote is necessary to remain with the United Methodist Church.
How will this proposed plan affect how appointments are made this year. In effect, how will you match churches and pastors when either one might choose to leave? What happens if a church decides to go traditional while the pastor wants to be inclusive or visa-versa?
The cabinet and leadership of GNJ have been making contingency plans that include ensuring every congregation has a pastor and every pastor has the opportunity to serve a congregation.
What was the rationale for setting aside vast sums for the creation of a traditionalist Methodist Denomination rather than a progressive Denomination?
The agreement allows the Wesleyan Covenant Association to leave with their church property and $25 million. The first call for separation at General Conference came in 2004 when the forerunners of the WCA asked for separation. It was rejected at the 2004 General Conference. The WCA and its forerunners have been requesting for years to be able to leave with their property. They requested the Protocol agreement to allow them to leave with a sum of money and their property.
Will the items voted on at the October 26th special conference still be in effect for the GNJ after the separations take place?
Yes.
What authority does the group and the document have in the life of the church?
The group of 16 leaders who negotiated the protocol does not have authority to enact the protocol or bring legislation to General Conference. They were self-selected and represent their own interest. They do not speak for the Council of Bishops, the General Conference or an annual conference. Several represent groups that are not officially recognized by the church and the bishops who participated acted on their own, not with the approval or authority of the Council of Bishops. Most of the participants in drafting the protocol are not delegates to the next General Conference and will vote on general conference legislation. The group has no authority to act or even recommend on behalf of the United Methodist Church.
Will General Conference vote on the protocol?
The document itself at this moment has no standing in the church and is not even legislation. It lacks specifics and makes bold and general statements and proposals. For this to be actionable by General Conference it will need to be approved by an annual conference session at least 45 days in advance or by the third week of March.
How was this group formed?
Bishop John Yembasu from Sierra Leone said that he initiated calling the group together. The bishops were informed about the agreement of the 16 people at 4:00 p.m. the day before the document was released. The bishops received the protocol document the same time it was released to the press.
Is this a proposed schism?
Yes. It proposes a separation of the church between those who want stay with the denomination and those who want to go with the Wesleyan Covenant Association, the sponsors of the traditionalists plan, to form a new denomination. UM Forward, a liberal organization is also calling for separation and $2 million was included for this group to possibly form a new denomination.
Will The United Methodist Church cease to exist if the proposed protocol plan is enacted?
Absolutely not. The United Methodist Church will continue as a global denomination and continue the proud history and tradition of the church.
Will congregations have to vote to continue in The United Methodist Church?
No. A congregation does not have to vote unless it wants to leave the denomination. An annual conference does not have to vote unless it wants to leave the denomination or affirm staying with the denomination.
Are the most conservative and the most liberal congregations, and the most conservative and liberal clergy and laity being exited from The United Methodist Church?
No, not at all. All are welcome to be United Methodists. We are enriched by our global, ethnic and theological diversity. Bishop Schol has vowed to ensure no one is forced to leave or forced to make a decision to leave The United Methodist Church in Greater New Jersey.
How will this affect our Way Forward plan that was discussed at our annual conference special session in October?
GNJ took a courageous step in October when it said we may not all think alike but we can love alike, that we may not all practice the same ministry, but we can be in mission together. We said that different congregations will practice different ministries with LGBTQ persons. We did not say that all congregations had to practice the same ministry but that GNJ would create room and space for some congregations who desired to practice different ministries could develop a covenant among their members for this ministry. Because we do not know what may be passed at General Conference, congregations should continue to move forward with their covenants and ministries.
What plans are GNJ making?
For the last several years, the cabinet and leadership of GNJ have been planning for any disruption to our mission and ministry because of any action taken by the General Conference. This includes how we will:
• Support and work with all our congregations to live out of their convictions and thrive.
• Support and resource our clergy as they lead our congregations through this challenging time.
• Make appointment contingencies to ensure every congregation has a pastor and every pastor has the opportunity to serve a congregation.
• Facilitate congregations through challenging conversations and provide facilitators to congregations who request them.
• Establish communication strategies that includes emails, FAQs, website pages and conference calls.
• Manage financial contingencies that range from minor disruption to major disruption.
How does this impact The Connection, the new Discipline, we have been working on and hearing about?
As you are probably aware a group of 17 laity and clergy have been working on a new Book of Discipline called The Connection. This new Book of Discipline is focused on renewing our church and our polity rather than simply addressing the present impasse within the church. It offers a much more simplified church and gives more authority to annual conferences and congregations for local decision-making. It offers a sustainable apportionment system that reduces general church apportionment in half, and it focuses the church on our mission, doctrine, teachings and Wesleyan Path. It also offers a path for congregations that allows them to live their convictions.
The draft of The Connection can be found here. People across GNJ are invited to workshop sessions to provide input and changes to The Connection prior to going out across the world for input. We are proud of our leaders who worked on it, and the team continues to move forward.
Are local churches or Annual Conferences confined to staying with the United Methodist Church or any newly created denominations coming from this protocol proposal, or can they join an existing historical Wesleyan denomination such as, but not limited to, African Methodist Episcopal Church, Church of the Nazarene, The Free Methodist Church, Primitive Methodist Church, Wesleyan Church, etc. and keep their property?
The protocol only allows congregations to join a newly created United Methodist Church born out of The United Methodist Church to take their property with them.
If in fact there is a schism, what will be the ramifications to those of us who are licensed local pastors? Are our licenses going to be rendered null and void?
Licensed local pastors who stay with the United Methodist Church will continue in their ministry.
How will this proposal affect congregations that are using a church building not owned by the congregation but another congregation or the conference, if they choose to affiliate with another Methodist denomination?
If the congregation leaves, they cannot take the property with them.
If the UMC still holds a traditional view on human sexuality, (no same gender marriage ceremonies, no-ordination of LGBTQ persons) why does the Protocol indicate the Wesleyan Covenant Association, (WCA) is the one to separate itself from The United Methodist Church when they hold the views and were sponsors of the traditionalist plan that passed at the Special Session of General Conference in February 2019?
The agreement allows the Wesleyan Covenant Association to leave with their church property and $25 million. The first call for separation at General Conference came in 2004 when the forerunners of the WCA asked for separation. It was rejected at the 2004 General Conference. The WCA and its forerunners have been requesting for years to be able to leave with their property. They requested the Protocol agreement to allow them to leave with a sum of money and their property.
What is the best way to clarify to church members that this is a proposal?
When 16 leaders of The United Methodist Church and groups at the center of our impasse come to an agreement, it appears to carry a lot of weight and even the inaccurate assumption that a final decision has been made. Also, the secular press picked up on this signal and reported it more as a reality rather than a proposal. Here are some things you can do:
• Have the lay leader or lay member of annual conference share with the congregation what you are hearing today.
• Tell the congregation that you will keep them informed regularly through email or newsletter about any unfolding developments.
• Be honest with them. Tell them it may pass. Remind them there were a lot of people who thought the One Church Plan would pass and it didn’t and that the Traditional Plan would not pass, and it did.
• Share with them that GNJ will work with the congregation regardless of the outcome of the next General Conference. GNJ has plans to support each of our congregations regardless of the outcome of General Conference.
• Share with them your own testimony and that you will be the pastor of the whole congregation and will commit to work with them through any transition.
• Focus on your mission and ministry and continue to report every week how the congregation made a difference in someone’s life. Keep moving forward. God will see you through.
Are you aware of any discussion about postponing the U.S. Jurisdictional Conferences and Episcopal elections (a year or two) until the configuration of the Post Separation United Methodist Church is clearer?
Yes. These conversations are taking place and would need to be approved by the General Conference. The team working on The Connection, a new discipline, is also working on the enabling legislation that would postpone the election of new bishops for one year with all bishops staying in place for one more year.
The money in the protocol proposal is causing confusion over churches’ responsibilities needed, particularly the $25 million? Can you shed light on this?
There are no specifics on this as yet.
How will GNJ be reorganized as far as district superintendents, if within a district some churches follow the traditional path and some stay with the UMC?
Churches that go to a new denomination will be under a different system and superintending.
What happens if the Protocol isn’t adopted?
If nothing is adopted, GNJ will continue under our most recent annual conference session regarding our ministry with the LGBTQ+ community.
Do you anticipate a re-shuffling of people from church to church, if a congregation stays within the UMC, for example, but individuals disagree and choose to attend a traditional church? That could potentially have a severe impact on the church as far as leaders leaving or a church losing significant member contributors.
As mentioned above, GNJ leaders have contingency plans to support congregations and clergy affected by any changes.
How will this separation affect the “apportionment” allocations in the conference? Will our current 2020 amounts remain the same for the entire 2020?
GNJ leadership has contingency plans to support our congregations through a variety of means including finances and appointments.
Is there different information being shared with clergy and laity?
No, GNJ is sharing the same information with clergy and laity.
If a congregation is a split decision regarding the protocol what becomes of the churches’ assets?
A congregation’s assets stay with The United Methodist Church in such a case.
Why isn’t there anything coming out from the general church about the stance the general church is taking in response to the Protocol?
You may go to UMC.org to read any statements. Only the General Conference can speak for the entire church.
Can there be a hotline to conference leadership that members of local congregations can call?
Please check our website for updates and contact your superintendent.
What is going to happen to the general agencies and how will this impact the mission of the church i.e. UMCOR?
We do not know at this point. The Wesleyan Covenant Association has communicated that it is not interested in continuing the work of our general agencies.
Why was the Protocol report released from the Council of Bishops? Did they approve the protocol?
No, they did not. Those who worked on the protocol statement agreed to release it to the Council of Bishops’ media person.
What is the feedback you have received from other conferences about the work GNJ is doing?
Other conference leaders have communicated appreciation for our work, but we welcome additional feedback.
What are the implications of the Protocol for those who are currently considering ordination, either in the discerning process or ordination process already?
They should continue in their process.
What does each church have to do as a result of this decision?
No decision has been made. Congregations should not do anything until General Conference acts and then we will provide specific steps.
Is there going to be a Special Conference before the Annual Conference in May?
Possibly. One is tentatively slated for March 14.
At the next General Conference will the vote to split come first?
We do not know. The General Conference will make this decision.
If we vote to split, how do we ensure that folks who plan to leave don’t vote on matters that pertain to those who are staying?
This decision will have to be decided by General Conference.
What will happen if a church is progressive AND centrist AND traditional? Will each congregation be made to identify with ONE of those descriptions and follow the Book of Discipline or other rule book according to its choice?
No congregation in GNJ will be forced to make this decision.
If a congregation decides to leave the conference, what will happen to their 501 (c) status? Will they need to apply for their own not-for-profit exemption?
Congregations that leave will need to apply for their own tax exemption.
What about existing pensions?
Congregations who leave must pay them in full, and all pastors’ pensions are protected.
If a congregation decides to leave the conference, will each congregation need to insure their facilities separately and be removed from the umbrella of UMC?
Yes.
How hard is it to leave United Methodism and become the new denomination for Traditional Methodists? If our congregation is afraid of this process, what can we tell them they would have to do?
We do not know at this point because nothing has been enacted.
How does the new plan affect retired clergy? Can we still perform services as ordained clergy in other states?
Yes.
Does our membership status in the Greater New Jersey Annual Conference change?
There will be no change unless something has been passed by the General Conference.
How can we trust leaders and especially bishops at this time?
Trust is low right now because of a lack of clarity and uncertainty about the future. That is natural and normal. Continue to ask questions. GNJ is doing everything it can to communicate and to be transparent.
Please clarify and explain the purpose of the “$39,000,000 to address systemic racism, past and present within the denomination” including how it is planned to be allocated” How will it be distributed and who will be conducting the assessment as to the prior and current impact of systemic racism on people of color?
There are no specifics at this time.
Will any of the funds be directed to historically African American churches that have not historically received support from the conference and/or denomination?
There are not specifics at this time.
Please suggest a BRIEF and CLEAR response to the question, “What is all this I’m reading in the papers about the UMC splitting? What’s going on with the Church anyway?”
You are reading about a proposal. Nothing has been decided.
Why is the Church equating the term, “traditionalist” with “exclusionary” or, “restrictive”? We love Methodist tradition, and inclusion is part of our tradition. But those in favor of inclusion are now branded “progressives,” a trendy and uncomfortable term at best. Why distort an honorable term like “traditional”? Why not use, “inclusive” and “exclusive”?
The Wesleyan Covenant Association has used the term traditionalists. It is not helpful to brand anyone or judge others by what they call themselves.
Church members ask, “Are we going to have to vote on something? What will the questions be?”
There are not specifics in the proposed Protocol and nothing has been approved by General Conference. Congregations do not have to vote on anything right now except if they want to leave the UMC and disaffiliate.
What if the vote is split within the congregation? Is it going to divide our Church?”
If legislation something passes at General Conference, we will work with each congregation that wants to take a vote to ensure things go well for everyone. A congregation only has to vote if it wants to disaffiliate from the UMC.
What is the status of the 2020 Social Principles? How can traditionalists remain within a divided “United Methodist Church” if it affirms the 2020 Social Principles on Marriage as “between two people of faith” ? (Would the social principles differ regionally in a global church ?)
The 2020 draft of the UMC Social Principles were drafted to be globally oriented, biblically grounded and succinct. They were drafted over an eight year period and included input from thousands of United Methodists. They will be part of the legislation presented at General Conference.