UM Forward

Who Are They?

UM Forward is holding a Summit to discuss the future of The United Methodist Church, centered on POC+Q+T (Person of Color, Queer, and Transgender) voices. This Summit is to take place May 17-18, 2019 in Minneapolis.

General Conference 2019 showed the world that some of the most articulate, faithful, visionary leaders of the church are POC+Q+T. And yet, while there are post-GC gatherings planned for leaders who oppose the Traditional Plan, we are yet to see a gathering that specifically centers these wise (and underrepresented) groups.

Addressing These Questions

• In the wake of the passage of the Traditional plan, how can United Methodists who affirm LGBTQIA+ lives shape the future of the church in a manner that does not continue to replicate racist, sexist, classist, and colonialist structures?
• How do we articulate a passionate love for God to our communities?
• What are the non-negotiables for the church moving forward?
• What is the nature of the problem for which the local church is the solution?
• How do we want to relate to each other? What are the benefits/costs for staying together as a denomination?
• Theological: What theological and spiritual understandings must be at the core of our covenant and solidarity?

Strategizing Along 3 Tracks:

1. Resisting from within
2. Developing an in/out hybrid connectedness
3. Birthing a wholly/holy new church connection