UMA Board Establishes a Way Forward Task Force

The UMA Board of Directors at its July meeting established a task force to explore how best to prepare for changes that may impact UMA ministries as a result of the scheduled 2019 Special Session of the UMC General Conference on a Way Forward.

Two issues of a Way Forward identified by the board as potentially affecting UMA members are the use of the name “United Methodist Church” and the trust clause with regards to property. The UMA task force plans to share its findings during the UMA Annual Meeting in Fort Myers, FL, May 7-8.

“The Commission on a Way Forward was proposed by the Council of Bishops and approved by the 2016 General Conference to do a complete examination and possible revision of every paragraph of the Book of Discipline concerning human sexuality and explore options that help to maintain and strengthen the unity of the church,” according to the UMC.

The final report of the Commission on a Way Forward was released by the Council of Bishop on July 31st in advance of the October meeting of the UMC Judicial Council. The Judicial Council has been asked to rule on the constitutionality of three plans for restructure of the denomination and present its report to the 2019 Special Session of the General Conference of the UMC to be held February 23-26, 2019 in St. Louis, Missouri.

“The purpose of this Special Session of the General Conference shall be limited to receiving and acting upon a report from the Commission on a Way Forward based upon the recommendations of the Council of Bishops,” said COB President Kenneth H. Carter.

Member who wish to share information or comment for the task force, please send them by e-mail to askuma@ouruma.org with the subject line: Way Forward.