WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Commission on a Way Forward has released the final two videos of a series that the Commission hopes will inform The United Methodist Church on its processes and work done during the 18-month period of its meetings and deliberations. The Commission has released a total of 10 videos in this series in the last three weeks. The videos can be viewed on Facebook or YouTube and can be downloaded for viewing offline.
The videos released today are:
Patricia Miller, Executive Director of the Confessing Movement, and Matt Berryman, former Executive Director of Reconciling Ministries Network, talk about their friendship and their experiences serving together on the Commission. (Length 7:55)
Download: https://tinyurl.com/millerandberryman
YouTube:: https://youtu.be/xbR96EBl5Qk
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/umcforward/videos/2122013974747651/
Commission members Mazvita Machinga (laity, Zimbabwe East Conference), David Field (laity, Swiss Conference), and Myungrae Kim Lee (laity, New York Conference), share their thoughts about the work of the Commission. (Length 10:56)
Download: https://tinyurl.com/machinga-fields-lee
YouTube: https://youtu.be/rfL-en8wnho
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/umcforward/videos/2122020988080283/
In the last two weeks, the Commission released the following videos:
Gil Rendle: A Parable for Today is a video featuring Commission 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).
Download: https://tinyurl.com/COWFRendleParable
YouTube: https://youtu.be/D8ZGS6Dpl9g
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/umcforward/videos/2114710432144672/
Gil Rendle gives an overview of the Purpose, Principles and Importance of the work of the Commission. This video was recorded during the final Commission meeting in May 2018. The video gives an in-depth theological and technical overview of the work done by the Commission that helps to frame the task given to the delegates to the February 2019 General Conference. (Length 54:18).
Download: https://tinyurl.com/cowfRendleOverview
YouTube: https://youtu.be/j9sDqunec2o
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/umcforward/videos/2122158108066571/
Bishop Grant Hagiya, a member of the Commission, shares reflections on the book Anatomy of Peace. Bishop Hagiya explains why the principles of this book can help us make a fundamental shift to allowing spaces where people can have open and honest dialogue with one another. (Length 5:44)
Download: https://tinyurl.com/COWFAnatomyPeace
YouTube: https://youtu.be/6trW2HJuwP8
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/umcforward/videos/2122150748067307/
Commission members Donna Pritchard (clergy, Oregon-Idaho Conference), Tom Salsgiver (clergy, Susquehanna Conference) and Leah Taylor (laity, Texas Conference) share reflections on their work, the value of connection, and the relationships they formed during their time together as members on the Commission. (Length 7:02)
Download: https://tinyurl.com/COWFTomDonnaLeah2
YouTube: https://youtu.be/v15xKo_URFU
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/umcforward/videos/2122086861407029/
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 focuses. (Length 5:35).
Download: https://tinyurl.com/moderatorsview
YouTube https://youtu.be/5tOGnPrLqKg
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/umcforward/videos/2114673678815014/
Jasmine Smothers, Julie Hager Love and Tom Berlin are Commission members who are also clergy serving in the Southeastern Jurisdiction (SEJ). In this interview, they reflect on their experience and their hopes for the future of the United Methodist Church. (Length 5:46).
Download: https://tinyurl.com/smothers-love-berlin
YouTube: https://youtu.be/85KP5qxfCpA
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/umcforward/videos/2114649482150767/
Dave Nuckols (laity, Minnesota Conference) and Helen Cunanan (clergy, Pampango Philippines Conference) have a conversation about the Commission, sharing their experiences from different places in the world. (Length 7:50).
Download: https://tinyurl.com/nuckols-cunanan
YouTube: https://youtu.be/pJCPnFqQgUU
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/umcforward/videos/2114658032149912/
Bishops Gregory Palmer and Robert Schnase, 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).
Download: https://tinyurl.com/palmer-schnase
YouTube: https://youtu.be/52EVb7wuva8
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/umcforward/videos/2114658685483180/
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.
I think the use of semantics is wonderful because the subject material is not mentioned. Let us be Streight forward what this general conference is about and the consequences we face. Some real understanding of its its benefits and down side. I have pondered the subject material for many years and have taken long prayerful hours and remain in the valley of in decision. I do understand the grief these not mentioned persons suffer God help us all’