Dear friends in Christ Jesus:
I have throughout this week been at Lake Junaluska, North Carolina for the Council of Bishops (COB) annual meeting. It has been a week of beauty around the lake. Those who have travelled in the region know the beauty of which I speak.
My colleagues and I have spent much time together in meaningful worship and in our covenant and accountability groups. Our committees have met to review progress on their responsibilities, and we have all been engaged in ecumenical conversations and reflection and dialogue about our ecclesiology. In addition we have spent considerable time in prayer and working in these vital areas:
- Our United Methodist response to the disaster in the Philippines
- Updates on the Global Health Initiative including Imagine No Malaria and the Global AIDS Fund
- Hearing about progress on congregational development across the globe
- Visiting with United Methodists in Cherokee, North Carolina as a part of our participation in the “Act of Repentance toward Healing Relationships with Indigenous People”
- Prayer and conversation about The United Methodist Church and human sexuality
- Reflecting on the relationship of active and retired bishops
- Electing officers
- Being updated on the 2016 General Conference from the Commission on the General Conference
Regarding The United Methodist Church and human sexuality we specifically wrestled with responding to the recent action of one of our retired bishops. This Statement from the Council of Bishops is the result of the Council's work on this matter. This sacred work continues beyond this statement or any statement. I know you will read the statement carefully.
Please know of my continuing commitment to lead in pursuing the mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world and leading us to be in ministry with all persons. This is a crucial time to enrich our praying together, to engage in sustained biblical and theological reflection in community and to humble ourselves before both God and neighbor. As always I am,
Your servant for the sake of Jesus Christ,
†Gregory V. Palmer
Resident Bishop, Ohio West Area
Full statement by Council of Bishops