The Confessing Movement Newsletter, April-July 2018
This issue of the Confessing Movement newsletter provides insights into the discussions and strategies of the Confessing Movement within The United Methodist Church (UMC), focusing primarily on the divisive issue of human sexuality. This edition, published in the lead-up to the 2019 Special General Conference, outlines various proposals under consideration for addressing the denomination's longstanding debates over LGBTQ+ inclusion, particularly concerning same-sex marriage and the ordination of LGBTQ+ clergy. The Confessing Movement is a renewal group within the UMC dedicated to upholding traditional Wesleyan theology, particularly on matters of doctrine, marriage, and sexuality. This newsletter serves as both an informational resource and a rallying call for members to advocate for the preservation of what the movement considers biblical standards and traditional Christian teachings. From an archival perspective, this document is valuable for understanding the theological and organizational strategies of the Confessing Movement during a critical period in the UMC's history. It illustrates how renewal groups within the denomination sought to influence decision-making processes, particularly on the contentious issue of human sexuality. The newsletter also provides a snapshot of the tensions and divisions leading up to the 2019 Special General Conference, reflecting broader societal debates on LGBTQ+ rights and religious freedom.
The Confessing Movement Within the United Methodist Church
This document is made available for research purposes through the General Commission on Archives & History, The United Methodist Church.