To sign this resolution go to: https://chng.it/5MP6qdpbFx

​

Whereas, the specially called 2019 General Conference of The United Methodist Church (UMC), meeting in St. Louis, passed the Traditional Plan relative to the human sexuality matters facing The UMC; and

​

Whereas, Discipline ¶ 341.6 prohibits pastors from performing same sex weddings and Discipline ¶ 304.3 prohibits self-avowed practicing homosexuals (as defined by the Book of Discipline) from serving as ministers in The United Methodist Church; and

​

Whereas, the Discipline calls for violations are to be punished through the bringing of a complaint under Discipline ¶ 2702 of The UMC Book of Discipline; and

​

Whereas, a way forward for The UMC relative to human sexuality remains uncertain and in flux; and

​

Whereas, charging pastors with violations to Discipline ¶ 341.6 of the "No Same Sex Weddings" ban would cause harm to the individual pastor and to congregations and members of The UMC; and

​

Whereas, under Discipline ¶ 304.3, self-avowed practicing homosexuals (as defined by the Book of Discipline) are prevented from serving as clergy in the Holston Conference, resulting in the loss of effective ministers from ever serving in Holston Conference; and

​

Whereas, Bishop Kenneth H. Carter, former President of The UMC Council of Bishops, has suggested that there be a moratorium on church trials;

​

Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Holston Annual Conference encourage the Bishop, the Holston Conference Board of Ordained Ministry and District Committees on Ministry to delay punitive action(s) on church trials relative to violations of Discipline ¶ 341.6 and Discipline ¶ 304.3 until the first Holston Annual Conference following the delayed 2020 General Conference and/or 2024 General Conference, to give clergy time to evaluate their moral and spiritual beliefs in light of changes that may occur at the delayed 2020 General Conference and/or 2024 General Conference, affecting the Book of Discipline.

​

To sign this resolution go to:  https://chng.it/5MP6qdpbFx