Bishop Farr Issues Statement on Church Disaffiliations
Thinking Theologically – Christian Theology of Place Class
Missouri Conference’s Plan for Boy Scouts’ Survivor Fund Commitment
Job Postings
Bishop Farr Issues Statement on Church Disaffiliations
In a recent statement emailed to clergy and laity in the Missouri Conference, Bishop Bob Farr shared his increasing concerns about statements made to congregations considering disaffiliation from the United Methodist Church. Details about the process of disaffiliation are spelled out in the full statement and frequently asked questions document.
Thinking Theologically – Christian Theology of Place Class
This March, join facilitator Rev. Rodney Aist on an exploration of place in the three-part series Home and Away: A Christian Theology of Place. This virtual class takes a nuanced approach to sacred places, explores the theological distinctions between space and place, and discusses the spirituality of differentiated places. Learn more and sign up at www.moumethodist.org/thinkingtheologically.
Missouri Conference’s Plan for Boy Scouts’ Survivor Fund Commitment
In December, it was announced that United Methodist leaders reached a settlement in the matter of the Boy Scouts of America’s (B.S.A.) pending bankruptcy proceedings. Upon final court approval, the settlement would resolve any claims of sexual abuse that may have occurred in congregation-sponsored Scouting programs. Under the terms of the settlement, United Methodists would raise and give $30 million over a three-year period into a fund that will be utilized to compensate survivors, and United Methodist congregations that charter Scout troops and packs would be released from all abuse claims involving Scouting activities. All U.S. annual conferences of the denomination are being asked to make a commitment to raise the necessary funds. A team comprised of United Methodist treasurers, bishops and chancellors endeavored to fairly allocate the $30 million across the US-based annual conferences. That allocation was provided to Missouri’s leadership teams in January and aligned with their expectations.
In January, Missouri Annual Conference’s primary leadership teams, Mission Council, CFA, Trustees and Conference Board of Pensions, in consultation with the Bishop Bob Farr, Chancellor Jordan Ault and Conference Treasurer Nate Berneking, approved a plan for Missouri’s financial commitment. In addition to the financial obligation, Conference leaders also supported the healing action commitments outlined in the settlement: work with local churches to review and update as necessary Safe Sanctuary policies, run a series of articles provided by the UMC BSA leadership and recruit leaders to listen to survivor experiences as we provide opportunities for healing and learning. CFA, Trustees and Conference Board of Pensions intend to report about the B.S.A. settlement at the next regular session of annual conference in June.
Job Postings
For complete job descriptions, application instructions or to post a job opportunity at your Missouri Conference church go to www.moumethodist.org/classifieds.
