Jurisdictional Conference November 2-5, 2022
Our Odd Space
Dynamic Worship
Opening Worship Bishop Bruce Ough, preaching
Retired Bishop Bruce R. Ough welcomed the 2022 North Central Jurisdiction delegates and visitors with a sermon entitled “God has us Right Where God Wants us,” Based on God’s question to Ezekiel: Can these bones live?” Watch Entire Worship Watch the Sermon HereThursday Morning Worship, Bishop Malone, preaching
A powerful sermon titled “Living in the Promise” was the highlight of Thursday morning worship. “We are hard-pressed on every side. But thanks be to God, we’re not crushed,” said Malone. Watch Entire Worship Watch the sermonFriday Morning Worship, Bishop Tremble, preaching
Indiana Bishop Julius C. Tremble was worship preacher for Friday morning. Watch entire worship. Watch Sermon Consecration Service, Bishop Dyck, preaching
Retired Bishop Sally Dyck concluded the week’s dynamic speaking with her sermon during the Consecration Service on Saturday morning. She issued a challenge to the new Bishops warning them and all those listening—to watch out for three temptations in ministry. The service videos are divided into two parts: Watch service from the start to the affirmation Part Two: Consecration of the new Bishops to the conclusion of the service Building The Beloved Community
Read the Covenant to Build A Beloved Community adopted in 2021
White Nationalism /Christian Nationalism
Bishop Bard and Bishop Tremble led a shortened session about White Supremacy and Christian Nationalism. Shortening their presentation required them to delete a third video segment with Shara Ruble, Associate Provost and Dean of Academic Programs and Accreditation in Provost's Office and Professor in Religion at Gustavus Adolphus College.
Below are links to the presentation at NCJ 2022 with two video segments. There are some questions for discussion and reflection for the first segment.
Preliminary materials and readings
Definitions and useful materials
Watch Bishop Bard and Bishop Tremble presentation.
Questions following first segment of presentation
Anti-Racism
Paul Perez and Anetra Jones report on Anti-Racism work through out the North Central Jurisdiction.
Homophobia
Following the called session of the NCJ Conference in 2021, the Mission Council was charged with creating teaching exercises to highlight the effects of Homophobia, Transphobia and Heterosexism on the United Methodist Church. This segment and the two that follow are the results of those efforts. We encourage you to watch them and lead discussions in your context. Watch Segment 1 Here After watching the video reflect on the following After viewing Angie's presentation, consider these Questions For Reflection.
Transphobia
Heterosexism
Heterosexism-Reflection-Questions
Gun Violence
Business Session Results
Episcopal Address
Bishop David Bard delivered a stirring Episcopal Address, telling the delegates and visitors that “We find ourselves in odd space. We are in an odd space historically, politically and denominationally.” Watch The Address
2023-2024 Budget. Treasure Lonnie Chafin
Reinstate NCJ Comm on Ordained Ministry
Motion made that the North Central Jurisdiction reinstate the Jurisdictional Committee on Ordained Ministry Passed Yes 139 No 12 Read the Resolution
Ethics Code for Delegates
Be it resolved that General Conference and Jurisdictional Conference delegates are fully committed to The United Methodist Church.
Passed Yes: 128. No 25 Read the Resolution
Leading with Integrity
Be it resolved that, as we continue this period of transition, the North Central Jurisdiction calls upon every United Methodist, as a disciple of Jesus the Christ, to move forward in fairness and with integrity and goodwill to all. Passed 114-32 Read the Resolution
Support Regional Conference
Be it resolved that the North Central Jurisdiction supports the expressed intents of the Christmas Covenant and Connectional Table legislation, including the creation of Regional Conferences… Passed. Yes 123. No 21 Read the Resolution
Call For Justice and Empowerment
Be it resolved that the 2022 North Central Jurisdictional Conference of The United Methodist Church:
- Supports and amplifies the queer delegates’ call to justice and empowerment for the LGBTQIA+ community in our Jurisdiction, within and beyond our churches and agencies.
- Affirms the spirit of the abeyance or moratorium as proposed to the General Conference, as referenced above, until changes can be made in The United Methodist Book of Discipline.
- Implores our member Annual Conferences to either not pursue or resolve in an appropriately timely fashion through a non-punitive, just resolution process any complaints against clergy regarding their sexual orientation or clergy who officiate weddings of LGBTQIA+ persons.
- Urges that as a Jurisdiction we either not pursue or resolve in an appropriately timely fashion through a non-punitive, just resolution process any complaints against Bishops regarding their sexual orientation or those who officiate weddings of LGBTQIA+ persons.
- Supports the election of episcopal leaders who commit to upholding this resolution and who will further justice for and empowerment of LGBTQIA+ people in the annual conferences where they serve
- Commits to a future of The United Methodist Church where LGBTQIA+ people will be protected, affirmed, and empowered in the life and ministry of the church in our Jurisdiction, including as laity, ordained clergy, in the episcopacy, and on boards and agencies.
Passed Yes 129 No 23 Read the Resolution
Requested Decision of Law
Read Decision of Law by clicking link below
Celebration, Lament, Hope of People of Color
A motion, that all leaders of color of the North Central Jurisdiction and the entire College of Bishops will meet at least once a year, and more as needed, to share, strategize and develop magnanimous spaces of HOPE, reconciliation, thoughtful conversations and extravagant welcome to all people of God! Passed Yes 131 No 8 Read the Resolution
Three New Bishops
Kennetha Bigham-Tsai
Rev. Kennetha J. Bigham-Tsai
Lanette Plambeck
Rev. Dr. Lanette Plambeck
Dan Schwerin
Rev. Dan Schwerin
