Dear Central district clergy and congregations,
May the peace of God be with you as we begin the Lenten season.
Yesterday, the Commission on General Conference of the United Methodist Church announced their decision to further postpone the 2020 General Conference to the year 2024, citing long wait times for visas and remaining health concerns, both related to COVID19. You can read an article and the full press release, here.
In response to the news of the further postponing of GC200, the Wesleyan Covenant Association and Good News, announced that they endorse and will support the launching of a new denomination, The Global Methodist Church, on May 1, 2022. You can read the press release, here.
As a fellow United Methodist, ordained elder, and your district superintendent, I understand the frustration, and in some cases, disappointment these decisions cause. For many of our congregations and clergy leaders, this added time of waiting makes people feel in a state of limbo. Last night, Bishop LaTrelle Miller Easterling, resident bishop of the Baltimore-Washington Conference, posted on her Facebook page a statement that was a healing balm and of encouragement to me. She wrote, “GC200 postponed again. Things that have not been postponed: feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, consoling the grieving, sharing the love of Christ, and fervent prayers”.
During this time of added waiting and uncertainty about the future of our beloved United Methodist denomination, I reaffirm the commitments I made as part of the GNJ Way Forward, alongside the cabinet, to,
Focus my efforts to resource pastors and congregations to THRIVE in the mission field.
Respect congregations and clergy in their convictions.
Work with each pastor and congregation, realizing our diversity—culturally, ethnically, and theologically—so that all may minister with integrity in each unique context and from a sense of calling from our Wesleyan heritage.
Spread faith, hope, love, and justice for all with courage and joy.
As your district superintendent, as we continue navigating through these unchartered waters, I call all clergy and congregations in the Central District to,
Pray. Constantly and fervently for the future of the United Methodist Church. Pray for our leaders, General Conference delegates, and all that will continue discerning a faithful path forward for our denomination (Philippians 4:6-7).
Love One Another. During this liminal time, instead of engaging in sterile debates that do harm and further divide us, extravagantly offer Christ’s love to one another, especially people that may have different views and beliefs. Remember, the world will know we are followers of Christ by how we love one another (John 13:35).
Serve. Stay focused on what is most important, the mission. Continue to be a beacon of hope in the community spreading the love, mercy, and justice of God with all people. (Matthew 28:18-20, Matthew 25:31-44).
More than ever, the world needs to experience through us, the church, which is comprised of passionate disciples of Jesus Christ, the everlasting hope of our Lord and Savior and Jesus Christ. Join me in praying for the future. Loving one another. And staying focused on sharing Christ through life-giving words and deeds. And, as we continue to wait, the best thing is, that God is with us.
Together in mission,
Héctor
Rev. Héctor A. Burgos | Central District | Superintendent
