A statement from Bishop Gary Mueller on the legislative committee’s votes can be read below.
Dear Sisters and Brothers,
The Legislative Committee for General Conference has ended its work and is passing along several items to General Conference for its consideration tomorrow. The Traditional Plan is being forwarded by a 56-44% vote; the One Church Plan is not. General Conference will consider all the forwarded legislation tomorrow. There also are likely to be constitutional challenges.
Some of you are glad, and some devastated by today’s events. Even more importantly, the fact of the matter is that the United Methodist Church is deeply wounded because of the significant theological and ethical divisions that exist in our church. This is also the case in Arkansas.
I will be honest. My soul is weary, and I am saddened by the deep division that is so evident in the Body of Christ. While there will be time for important conversation in the future about what all of this means, today I am aware of the pain and hurt many of you are feeling, and my heart hurts with you.
So tonight I will be praying. For those hurting by the actions taken. For those who for reasons of faithful conscience support what has occurred. And for members of the LGBTQIA community who are struggling with the committee’s decision.
Come, Holy Spirit, come.