Written by Bishop Dottie Escobedo-Frank
For quite some time I have been wondering why The United Methodist structure focuses on legislation as a means of moving forward. At least in the United States, we spend a lot of time, energy and expertise in reworking and improving The Discipline. Perhaps this is our lot as we have a history of being methodical (where our name “Methodist” comes from). As a pastor, I enjoyed being part of conferences put on by the Discipleship ministries. I loved the worship, the shared ideas from experts in different areas, the gathering to hear new ideas, and the chance to wrestle with our problems and our possibilities.
When we gather to do legislative work, we do it in the tradition of holy conferencing. Likewise, when we attend meetings that provide experiences, ideas, and expertise, we are gathering in the same vein of holy conferencing. Holy conferencing is the sacred work and a ministry unto itself. At Calgary, we spent time in worship, in covenant groups from around the world, and hearing speakers who might spark new ideas or imaginings. It was a life-giving experience, especially as we centered the voices of the young, and the voices of those on the margins of our leadership structures.
And so, I began to wonder if we might make a structural change into our future. What if our General Conference gathering every four years had both legislative work and the deep work of holy conferencing, including covenant groups with Methodists in other contexts as well as worship and speakers. What if we turned away from the focus on only legislation and focused on the spiritual practices that hold us together as Methodists?
You may be hearing from others who attended Calgary from our conference. They may have more ideas and other insightful experiences. This is a time to listen to the voices not usually heard, and to imagine a new way into our future. I’m grateful to those who attended, and mindful of their courageous leadership among us.
