From pages 280-281 of the 2019 Holston Conference Journal
Adopted June 10, 2019
BLACK METHODIST CHURCH RENEWAL
Whereas we, (the Black Methodist for Church Renewal- BMCR) believe that the Holston Conference would be better severed by the “inclusion” of at least one person of color serving on all conference committees, ad hoc committees, teams, taskforces, cabinet, extended cabinet and any and all leadership groups. We believe inclusion, diversity and “A Seat at Every Table” is critical to the success of the conference and helps to eradicate the sin of racism.
Whereas we believe that every racial and ethnic person has a right to have a seat at the table: Rights of Racial and Ethnic Persons- “Racism is the combination of the power to dominate by one race over other races and a value system that assumes that the dominant race is innately superior to the others. Racism includes both personal and institutional expressions, attitudes, and/ or behaviors that accept the assumptions of racial value system and that maintain the benefits of this system ... Therefore, we recognize racism as sin and affirm the ultimate and temporal worth of all persons. We rejoice in the gifts that particular ethnic histories and cultures bring to our total life”. (2016 Book of Discipline: Social Principles: II: THE NURTURING COMMUNITY (161) p. 110-162- A).
Whereas we believe the Holston Conference nominating committee, cabinet and extended cabinet and all appointing entities should make these appointments in consultation with Black Methodist For Church Renewal (BMCR) and the Holston Conference African American Task Force and people of ethnic decent already serving in leadership positions.
Whereas the BMCR in cooperation with the Holston Annual Conference is willing to provide a list of clergy and laity who arc available to serve in an)’ capacity as not to slow up the process.
Whereas we believe this combined effort will be the BMCR and Holston Conference’s answer to the clarion call to inclusiveness and be a Christ like example of what the Book of Discipline means when it states: “We recognize that God made all creation and saw that it was good. As diverse people of God who bring special gift s and evidences of God’s grace to the unity of the Church and to society, we are called to be faithful to the example of Jesus’ ministry to all persons.” (The Mission and Ministry of the Church: Section VI: Called to Inclusiveness (140) page 101).
Whereas the BMCR of the Holston Conference calls for an intentional inclusiveness within our conference: “Inclusiveness means openness, acceptance, and support that enable all persons to participate in the life of the Church, the community, and the world; therefore, inclusiveness denies every semblance of discrimination. The services of worship of every local church of The United Methodist Church shall be open to all persons”.
“The mark of an inclusive society is one in which all persons are open, welcoming, fully accepting, and supporting of all other persons, enabling them to participate fully in the life of the church, the community, and the world”. (The Mission and Ministry of the Church Section VI: Called to Inclusiveness (140) page 101).
Whereas to “The United Methodist Church inclusiveness means the freedom for the total involvement of all persons who meet the requirements of The United Methodist Church Book of Discipline, in the membership and leadership of the Church at any level and in every place”. (The Mission and Ministry of the Church Section VI: Called to Inclusiveness (140) page 101).
Now therefore, be it resolved that the BMCR requests that the Holston Conference adopt and implement our policy, “A Seat At Every Table” as a way to ensure that persons of color in the Holston conference are fully included in the workings of the conference, posses empowered leadership and work together to eradicate racism.
Be it further resolved that the Holston Conference Black Methodist for Church Renewal asks the Holston Annual Conference to support the efforts to “A Seat At Every Table” by embodying inclusivity and diversity with the implementation of language that supports the “inclusion” of at least one person of color serving on all conference committees, ad hoc committees, teams, taskforces, cabinet, extended cabinet and any and all leadership groups.
Holston Conference Black Methodist for Church Renewal
Rev. Dr. Barbara Doyle, Chairperson
Adopted June 10, 2019
BLACK METHODIST CHURCH RENEWAL
Whereas we, (the Black Methodist for Church Renewal- BMCR) believe that the Holston Conference would be better severed by the “inclusion” of at least one person of color serving on all conference committees, ad hoc committees, teams, taskforces, cabinet, extended cabinet and any and all leadership groups. We believe inclusion, diversity and “A Seat at Every Table” is critical to the success of the conference and helps to eradicate the sin of racism.
Whereas we believe that every racial and ethnic person has a right to have a seat at the table: Rights of Racial and Ethnic Persons- “Racism is the combination of the power to dominate by one race over other races and a value system that assumes that the dominant race is innately superior to the others. Racism includes both personal and institutional expressions, attitudes, and/ or behaviors that accept the assumptions of racial value system and that maintain the benefits of this system ... Therefore, we recognize racism as sin and affirm the ultimate and temporal worth of all persons. We rejoice in the gifts that particular ethnic histories and cultures bring to our total life”. (2016 Book of Discipline: Social Principles: II: THE NURTURING COMMUNITY (161) p. 110-162- A).
Whereas we believe the Holston Conference nominating committee, cabinet and extended cabinet and all appointing entities should make these appointments in consultation with Black Methodist For Church Renewal (BMCR) and the Holston Conference African American Task Force and people of ethnic decent already serving in leadership positions.
Whereas the BMCR in cooperation with the Holston Annual Conference is willing to provide a list of clergy and laity who arc available to serve in an)’ capacity as not to slow up the process.
Whereas we believe this combined effort will be the BMCR and Holston Conference’s answer to the clarion call to inclusiveness and be a Christ like example of what the Book of Discipline means when it states: “We recognize that God made all creation and saw that it was good. As diverse people of God who bring special gift s and evidences of God’s grace to the unity of the Church and to society, we are called to be faithful to the example of Jesus’ ministry to all persons.” (The Mission and Ministry of the Church: Section VI: Called to Inclusiveness (140) page 101).
Whereas the BMCR of the Holston Conference calls for an intentional inclusiveness within our conference: “Inclusiveness means openness, acceptance, and support that enable all persons to participate in the life of the Church, the community, and the world; therefore, inclusiveness denies every semblance of discrimination. The services of worship of every local church of The United Methodist Church shall be open to all persons”.
“The mark of an inclusive society is one in which all persons are open, welcoming, fully accepting, and supporting of all other persons, enabling them to participate fully in the life of the church, the community, and the world”. (The Mission and Ministry of the Church Section VI: Called to Inclusiveness (140) page 101).
Whereas to “The United Methodist Church inclusiveness means the freedom for the total involvement of all persons who meet the requirements of The United Methodist Church Book of Discipline, in the membership and leadership of the Church at any level and in every place”. (The Mission and Ministry of the Church Section VI: Called to Inclusiveness (140) page 101).
Now therefore, be it resolved that the BMCR requests that the Holston Conference adopt and implement our policy, “A Seat At Every Table” as a way to ensure that persons of color in the Holston conference are fully included in the workings of the conference, posses empowered leadership and work together to eradicate racism.
Be it further resolved that the Holston Conference Black Methodist for Church Renewal asks the Holston Annual Conference to support the efforts to “A Seat At Every Table” by embodying inclusivity and diversity with the implementation of language that supports the “inclusion” of at least one person of color serving on all conference committees, ad hoc committees, teams, taskforces, cabinet, extended cabinet and any and all leadership groups.
Holston Conference Black Methodist for Church Renewal
Rev. Dr. Barbara Doyle, Chairperson