One Thoughtless Move

From what I can tell as I read other blogs and reports from General Conference, it was the rigid adherence to Roberts Rules of Order and a case of thoughtlessness that led to the dismantling yesterday of a key element in the United Methodist system.

Now, is the current system working well?  Nope.  But I’m betting the unintended consequences of this move, to give Bishops the power to put clergy on a two year transitional leave, without financial support, without health insurance, without pension contributions, and for many, without housing, and for clergy to have no power to refuse appointments that could lead to the as yet undefined state of “ineffective” will change everything we do.  Some of it will be good, but much will be lost.

The big loss will be in the nature of our clergy covenant.  It’s been shaky for a while anyway, with a few getting very, very rich and comfortable and most dealing with aging churches in transition neighborhoods where the future is dim.  Now, Bishops, who managed to ensure that they stay Bishops for life before this debacle yesterday, will find themselves more isolated than ever from the realities of the work and ministry of most of those under their command.

I write, “under their command” deliberately.  Covenant has been broken and in a most egregious way.

I actually was in favor of the elimination of guaranteed appointment, with significant safeguards for clergy and with an understanding that Bishops would come under the same rubric.

My passion is for the gospel, not for the protection of clergy employment.  My hope is to see the kingdom of heaven grow.  But unrighteousness does not lead to righteousness.  When we treat one another in our covenant connection poorly, we lose our right to tell the world that the gospel transforms lives.