From the Editor

GOD IS IN THE LEGISLATIVE PROCESS

          God is all and all.  Hebrews reminds us that the Son…”upholds all things by the word of His power.”  Therefore, all things come under His auspices, even the legislative process at United Methodist General Conferences! 
General Conference 2000 stands as a testimony to the effectiveness of praying for God’s assistance in the legislative process.  While there were certainly human shortcomings in the decision-making process, The United Methodist Church held its ground on most doctrinal and moral issues.

For the first time, the RENEW Network has encouraged submission of several petitions to General Conference.  These legislative proposals are geared toward allowing for greater inclusion of evangelical women among the elected directors, encouraging greater accountability on the part of the Women’s Division to the general church—and the inclusion of the women’s ministry in the total program of the local church, and toward allowing for supplemental women’s ministries at the local level.
            This last legislative focus is the one that has received the most criticism from the Women’s Division.  District and conference officers have heard from the Division, and have passed along the warning, that this petition is “out to destroy UMW.”  Not so. 

This petition addresses a reality within our church.  Although the Discipline mandates, “in every local church there shall be an organized unit of United Methodist Women,” there is not.  The petition RENEW has recommended asks that this language be changed to read, “In the local church there may be an organized unit of United Methodist Women.” 
            This legislative change was first introduced at General Conference 1996 by a woman who had no connection with RENEW.  The vote was 407 for the change, 477 against.  This was shockingly close.  The same individual reintroduced her petition at General Conference 2000.  It was soundly defeated since the the opposition was alert and marshaled against it.
            In 1999 the Texas Annual Conference approved a supplemental women’s ministry called Celebration.  It is thriving, and is not a threat to United Methodist Women, but rather offers another women’s ministry opportunity to women who do not choose to join UMW.  Is this not far preferable to having disenchanted women uninvolved in women’s ministries, or joining those sponsored by parachurch organizations?
           RENEW asserts that the new language will create a more open and inviting atmosphere for a variety of women’s ministries to arise.  All women’s ministries, including United Methodist Women, will grow if there is a climate encouraging multiple women’s program ministries that addresses the needs and desires of local church women.

We will be sending a copy of our recommended petitions and their rationale to all General Conference 2004 delegates and alternates.  In addition, we will send an analysis of the 17 legislative pieces submitted by the Women’s Division, many of which are highly controversial. 

Pray with us for the legislative process at General Conference
                 —God will be in it!