A Message from Bishop Sue on Judicial Council Ruling

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
 
The Judicial Council of The United Methodist Church has just issued its ruling, finding 6-3 that  the consecration of Bishop Karen Oliveto, who is married to another woman, violates church law. The Council’s action, however, does not nullify the consecration or cause Bishop Oliveto to be removed from the episcopal office. The Council concluded that the bishop’s ministerial office is now subject to review, which will begin when a complaint is filed against Bishop Oliveto.
 
Here are my initial thoughts and reactions to this decision, and what likely will happen next:

1. It is my understanding that several complaints challenging Bishop Oliveto’s status have already been filed with Bishop Grant Hagiya. The disciplinary process against her will now begin. As in any case involving matters of clergy conduct, it would be inappropriate simply to remove a person from ministerial office without a complaint and the administrative and judicial process spelled out in the Discipline. The Judicial Council has, in essence, referred the case back for judicial action which in all likelihood will result in Bishop Oliveto’s removal from the episcopal office.
2. The Judicial Council rather straightforwardly applied the Disciplinary standards which prohibit self-avowed, practicing homosexuals from holding ministerial office in the United Methodist Church, finding that having a same-sex marriage license and being in a same-sex relationship is a public declaration that one is a self-avowed, practicing homosexual.
3. Many faithful United Methodists agree with this Disciplinary prohibition, and many faithful United Methodists disagree with the prohibition. The Commission on the Way Forward is in a process to discern how the Church can acknowledge these conflicting viewpoints yet remain united in heart and mission. The Commission’s work continues, and this ruling will now come within its scope of deliberation.
4. We all need to acknowledge that this decision is hurtful to many of our brothers and sisters and will make them feel even more distanced from the Church. I grieve for them and hold them in prayer. I ask you to do the same.
5. I honor and have profound love and respect for my sister, Bishop Karen Oliveto. She has shown grace and compassion throughout these difficult days. She has led the Mountain Sky Area well, and has endeared herself to its people in a few short months. I pray for her and those who have so appreciated her leadership.

 
I ask again that you pray for The United Methodist Church, the Council of Bishops, and the Commission on the Way Forward. These are difficult and conflicted days, but I am confident the Holy Spirit will guide us as we seek to offer Christ to all persons, for Christ’s greatest desire is to draw all unto him. May we all be vessels of his hospitality and grace in the world.
 
Yours in Christ,
 
Bishop Sue
 

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President of the Council of Bishops: Statement Regarding Judicial Council Decision

United Methodist Council of Bishops
April 28, 2017
TO:  All United Methodists
FROM:  Bishop Bruce R. Ough, President Council of Bishops
RE:  Judicial Council Decision

Grace to you and peace from God our Creator and our Lord Jesus Christ.

Today, the Judicial Council released its decision on a request for a declaratory decision from the South Central Jurisdiction (SCJ) in response to the Western Jurisdiction’s (WJ) nomination, election, consecration and assignment of Karen Oliveto as a Bishop of the United Methodist Church.

In its decision, the Judicial Council ruled that the consecration of a gay bishop violates church law but also said Bishop Oliveto “remains in good standing,” until an administrative or judicial process is completed.

This decision means Bishop Oliveto will continue as a Bishop of the church until such process is completed.

The Council of Bishops expresses our appreciation for the Judicial Council’s careful and deliberate consideration of this matter and for the thoughtful and considerate participation of all parties to the case.  The Judicial Council has a distinct and critical role in the governance structure of the denomination.  We recognize and respect the Judicial Council as the body responsible for deciding complex questions of church law, including the right to declare jurisdiction.  We implore all within the United Methodist structure and family to honor the Judicial Council ruling.

Yet, we acknowledge that the decision does not help to ease the disagreements, impatience and anxiety that permeates The United Methodist Church over the matter of human sexuality, and particularly this case.  Our compassion and prayers of intercession extend to all those who are hurt, relieved, confused or fearful.

The decision does not change the Book of Discipline. The Judicial Council’s actions are specific to the cases that they are requested or required to consider.  Only the General Conference speaks for the church and has the authority to change the Book of Discipline. The Council of Bishops will continue to exercise temporal and spiritual oversight support of the church’s mission.

The Council of Bishops remains committed to the unity of the church and the flourishing of its mission. We are confident of the work that the Commission on a Way Forward has begun and we believe the Holy Spirit is working through the Commission and Council to accomplish God’s purposes.

I am encouraged by the relationships that are developing within the Commission.  The distinct and diverse opinions among its members reflect the richness and vitality of The United Methodist Church. The Commission is committed to its task. I believe that their work will bear fruit as we meet for a Special Session of the General Conference in February 2019.

We continue to urge the entire church to stay focused on the Commission’s work as our best opportunity to determine God’s leading for a way forward. We believe the God who began a good work in us will be faithful to complete it (Philippians 1:6). We are strongest when we remain in connection with each other.

We urge you to join your bishops in daily prayers for all United Methodists and for the denomination as we tenderly hold the unity and mission of the church in our hearts and hands.

Just as Jesus’ disciples were patient in waiting for the coming of the Holy Spirit after the ascension of Christ into heaven, we too are being called to wait for the revealing of what God has in store for our church. In this Easter Season, let us hear one another, let us understand one another, let us maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

Where do we go from here?  We put our trust in God to strengthen us even as we hold differing views about human sexuality. We must continue to love one another just as Christ instructed us to do. It is by loving one another fully that the world will know we are Christians (John 13:34-35).  It is through this incarnational love that we go forth to make disciples of Jesus Christ and transform the world.

Nearly every day, I hear an inspiring new story of how the people of The United Methodist Church are at work in the world transforming and enriching people’s lives. This is what we’re about. This is our calling. This is the work we do together, no matter our differences. May we continue to do so for the greater glory of God.