Retreat Resources and Information
Commision on the Way Forward Powerpoint Presentation (prepared by Michael Turner)
Powerpoint Presentation on Conversation Types and Discussion Guidelines (prepared by Tom Laney)
Video Presentation: Tom Laney
Video Presentation: Michael Turner
Other Helpful Resources
- “A Ritual for Facilitating Difficult Conversations: Communion Version”
- Way Forward Handbook
- The Anatomy of Peace, Arbinger Institute
- Leadership and Self-Deception, Arbinger Institute
- Book List (put together by the North Virginia Annual Conference)
Information on the Commission on A Way Forward
The Commission on a Way Forward was proposed by the Council of Bishops and approved by the 2016 General Conference to do a complete examination and possible revision of every paragraph of the Book of Discipline concerning human sexuality and explore options that help to maintain and strengthen the unity of the church.
Official Updates from the UMC:
- May 15:Bishops’ action leads to questions
- May 7: Bishop McAlilly’s Reflections on the Council of Bishops Recommendation
- May 4: United Methodist Bishops Recommend a Way Forward
- April 29: The church is watching, waiting, UMC Bishops told
- March 23: Commission members grateful to serve, complete work on final report
- Feb. 28: Bishops see progress in unity effort, focus on 2 plans; Commission on a Way Forward clarifies values as it presents two sketches to bishops
- Jan. 30: Commission moderators emphasize mission as key to way forward
- Jan. 22, 2018: Commission on a Way Forward prepares updated report to bishops
- Nov. 10: UMC Bishops call for respectful conversations in time of uncertainty
- Nov 9: Bishops Uphold Values of Mission, United, Space, Contexuality in Interim Report
- Commission on a Way Forward drafts interim report to the bishops
- Commission on a Way Forward issues status report
- April 28: President of the Council of Bishops: Statement regarding Judicial Council decision 1341
- April 28: Judicial Council Decision 1341
- April 25, 2017: Bishops set date for special 2019 General Conference
- A letter from the Council of Bishops, April 24, 2017