In addition to the decision on the work of the Commission on the Way Forward, our Council of Bishops was also tasked with certifying the results of our Constitutional Amendments. The results of the certification is explained in the news story below.
Many of us were shocked to learn that two of the amendments which would include the full inclusion of women in our constitution did not reach the 2/3rd majority needed. This is an affront to our very United Methodist way of being. I am deeply distressed by this, and our Council of Bishops were equally troubled. The Council wrote a pastoral letter addressing this sexism, and the women Bishops included their own hurt and pain in a separate letter.
I will speak to specifics of this at a later time but suffice it to say I am deeply disappointed and we must do better as a church and denomination.
Be the Hope,
Bishop Grant J. Hagiya
Los Angeles Area Resident Bishop
The United Methodist Church
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