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From the Desk of Bishop Héctor: Launch of Human Sexuality Resource

April 1, 2025 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Editor's Note: The following message was sent to United Methodists of Upper New York on April 1, 2025, on behalf of Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez, introducing Our Way Forward: Graceful Conversation and Covenanting, a new resource to help congregations engage in respectful dialogue and discernment around human sexuality.

"Behold, how good and pleasant it is when siblings dwell in unity!" Psalm 133:1

Dear United Methodists of Upper New York, 

Grace and peace from Jesus Christ, our Savior and Friend, be with you this Lenten season. 

In the Fall of 2024, I shared that the Northeastern College of Bishops had commissioned a diverse team of clergy and laity to create a resource for United Methodist congregations. Its purpose is twofold: 

• To help congregations understand the changes in the 2020/24 Book of Discipline concerning human sexuality. 
• To guide them in discerning a covenant statement reflecting their perspectives on human sexuality, ministry with LGBTQ persons, and unity in diversity, in alignment with our United Methodist polity and commitment to do no harm.  

Though originally scheduled for release in Fall 2024, the team chose a thoughtful approach, prioritizing trust-building and collaboration. I thank them for their faithful work and your patience.

The resource, Our Way Forward: Graceful Conversation and Covenanting helps congregations navigate diverse beliefs through reflection questions, conversation guides, and actionable steps. It encourages respectful dialogue and unity. While optional, I urge church councils to review it with their pastor to explore its value. Holy Conferencing and covenanting offer a grace-filled path to understanding and unity.

Pastors may co-facilitate these sessions with lay leaders (recommended) or request an outside facilitator through their District Superintendent. Requests for a facilitator must be submitted by July 31, 2025, through your district office.  

You can view or download the resource here. 

As United Methodists, we embrace our rich diversity as a gift from God and remain united in our love for Christ and commitment to making disciples for the transformation of the world.

I pray for God’s continued blessings to fill your lives, and ministry – for the glory of God.  

Together in Christ’s mission, 

Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez
The United Methodist Church   
Serving the Susquehanna and Upper New York Episcopal Area