MEMORANDUM
DATE: 02JUN19
TO: MARK HOLLAND
FM: LONNIE BROOKS
CY: ANDY BARTEL
SJ: Alaska United Methodist Conference Action on UMC Next Aspirational Commitments
It was great to get your message about the Great Plains affirmation of the UMC Next aspirational commitments to an inclusive way forward, and I want you to know that almost simultaneously we here in Alaska were making the same commitment yesterday at our annual conference. Here is a copy of our resolution. It's important to note that, like Kansas and Nebraska, Alaska is a solidly Republican majority state. In addition, it is solidly identified by and committed to exploration for and production of oil and natural gas. So, our commitment to full inclusion of our LGBTQ sisters and brothers is, I think, at least as remarkable as is yours in Great Plains. I hope you will consider mentioning this in a future newsletter.
Adopted by the Alaska United Methodist Conference on Saturday, 01Jun19 by a margin of 90%:
The Alaska United Methodist Conference affirms the four commitments that came forth from the UMC Next meeting at the Kansas City United Methodist Church of the Resurrection on May 20-22:
We believe these commitments are essential to a hope-filled future for the global Methodist movement as we make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world:
We long to be passionate followers of Jesus Christ, committed to a Wesleyan vision of Christianity, anchored in Scripture and informed by tradition, experience, and reason as we live a life of personal piety and social holiness
We commit to resist evil, injustice, and oppression in all forms and toward all people and build a church which affirms the full participation of all ages, nations, races, classes, cultures, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities.
We reject the Traditional Plan approved at General Conference 2019 as inconsistent with the gospel of Jesus Christ and will resist its implementation.
We will work to eliminate discriminatory language and the restrictions and penalties in the Discipline regarding LGBTQ persons. We affirm the sacred worth of LGBTQ persons, celebrate their gifts, and commit to being in ministry together.
Regards,
Lonnie