Becoming a Global Church

       When we blame Central Conference delegates (from where the majority of voices against this statement came) for being intolerant toward homosexuality, we need to remember about their context. We are way too quick in blaming others for not sharing our point of view or for not being liberal, for not loving enough or even for not being American enough. 
       If we want to see our denomination growing on the account of Central Conferences, where the growth happens, then we need to put more efforts into understanding their context and where they are coming from or let them go their separate ways. It’s like we want their members and numbers to look good as the denomination, but we do not like how they think. It’s a dangerous approach, and its not far from colonialism.

       It is enough that we twist their arms with the Robert’s rules that they are not familiar with, making people from Africa, Asia and Europe to vote for petitions and amendments that have nothing to do with their context. Besides, the Book of Discipline will be translated into other languages probably only by the next GC. Pastors in Central Conferences are made accountable for things they have no idea about as well as no control over. 
       If we want to be a global church and achieve common understanding in major issues, then Americans should find new ways to communicate the message much prior the vote, not putting our brothers and sisters from Central Conferences in a spot when they have to vote in a hurry while the translation is even not yet done, but the Presider already announces the vote. Instead of escalating displeasure we need to understand what is behind the vote. We can’t make Central Conferences to become a scapegoat. We need to have a constructive dialogue, workshops, sharing and listening. Voices from outside of America are becoming more and more important. Are we not for adaptive leadership or we practice it only when it is safe for us? 
       It is more dangerous to address discrimination, hatred, and intolerance in the Methodist Church because, if we take an honest look at how American Methodists are, we better close the church now. How many of us are really tolerant and accepting of all? Are we in this battle not leaving someone else out? How about the poor? How about ethnic women? How about those who speak the truth? We focus on one group, leaving others outside of the spectrum. If we preach inclusivity, then it should apply to all minority groups! While fighting for the rights of one minority group, the United methodist Church still exists mostly for affluent white Americans.