Missionary Renegade: Judicial Council recap and what to expect moving forward from Reconciling Ministries Network in Chicago, Illinois, United States for Wednesday, 26 April 2017

Wednesday, April 26, 2017

Judicial Council recap and what to expect moving forward from Reconciling Ministries Network in Chicago, Illinois, United States for Wednesday, 26 April 2017

Judicial Council recap and what to expect moving forward from Reconciling Ministries Network in Chicago, Illinois, United States for Wednesday, 26 April 2017
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Yesterday in Newark, NJ, the Judicial Council of The United Methodist Church held an oral hearing on the case of Bishop Oliveto's election as an openly lesbian bishop. United Methodist Queer Clergy Caucus (UMQCC) and supporters from across the movement for LGBTQ justice showed up on-line and in the flesh to show support for Bishop Oliveto and to stand together as Judicial Council rules on two LGBTQ ordination related cases.
Singing, communion, and the visible presence of LGBTQ clergy and allies filled a room that otherwise attempted to normalize the legal dissecting of queer and trans lives and ministry in the church once again.
We continue to proclaim that there is #NoSuchLaw against the fruit of the Spirit in the ministry of LGBTQ persons. God is moving and there is nothing the church can do to stop the Holy Spirit. She is active. She is consistent. She is unafraid.
And we are all called to join in her holy work and celebrate the fruit of that work wherever we see it - especially in the lives of those on the margins!
The Judicial Council continues to meet this week. Their meetings are officially scheduled through Friday and their decisions can be released anytime between the close of their meeting and the following Monday. We'll keep you updated as information is available.
If you're in the area join us for a short closing prayer vigil at noon ET on Friday. Contact M with more info at m@rmnetwork.org
In the meantime, keep showing your support on-line with the #NoSuchLaw hashtag and check out all the resources available below for reading, sharing, and supporting as we actively wait for the Judicial Council's decisions. No matter what they rule, our work remains the same - keep modeling the church as it should be, keep showing up in Biblical Obedience, keep claiming what is true: LGBTQ lives and ministries are blessed by God!
Videos and photos of yesterday's events

Morning witness - click here
Communion after hearings - click here
Western Jurisdiction Press Conference with Bishop Oliveto - click here
Photos of the events - click here
No video recordings were permitted in the oral hearing room during proceedings
Reporting and reflections

Written transcript of Bishop Oliveto's press conference remarks - click here
WJ case for Jurisdictional Autonomy - click here
Western Jurisdiction on legality of Bishop Oliveto's election - click here
UMNS coverage of Queer Clergy Caucus witness - click here
UMNS reports on oral hearings - click here
"As we wait and pray" - click here
A reflection by "The Thoughtful Pastor" - click here
In case you missed it
Special Called General Conference is official for 2019 - click here
Rev. Anna Blaedel faces yet another complaint - click here
Love Prevails sends letter to commission on "local option" - click here
Have you "liked" the new Queer Caucus Page?

You might recall when 111 LGBTQ clergy boldly came out in a letter to the church the day before General Conference - almost one year ago! This group has grown to almost 200 LGBTQI candidates and clergy and they've formed a powerful caucus. Make sure to follow their public Facebook page to keep up with their great work like yesterday's witness at the Judicial Council.
View UMQCC Facebook Page
Change your Facebook profile to extend your support

Want to show LGBTQ faith leaders in the church your support? Consider changing your Facebook profile to show them that you are holding vigil and remaining in solidarity as the Judicial Council rules on their lives and ministry once again. Change your photo here.
Support RMN in the work for full inclusion