resources

Human Sexuality Resources

Welcome to Our Way Forward: Graceful Conversation and Covenanting, a resource helping United Methodist congregations engage in respectful dialogue on human sexuality and ministry with LGBTQ persons. Commissioned by the Northeastern College of Bishops, it fosters unity, trust-building, and understanding of 2020/24 Book of Discipline updates. Explore this tool to embrace unity in diversity and strengthen our shared mission to transform the world.

Click here to view Our Way Forward: Graceful Conversation and Covenanting resource.
Click here to find a list of districts and leadership information in order to request a facilitator.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the purpose of this resource?

The Graceful Conversations and Covenanting Process resource, commissioned by the NEJ College of Bishops, is designed to help congregations understand the 2024 General Conference’s changes regarding human sexuality. It provides a pathway for congregations to clarify their intentions around ministry with and by LGBTQ persons.

Is engaging the resource and creating a covenant mandatory for all congregations?

No, this is optional. Church leadership and pastors are entrusted by the cabinet to prayerfully discern whether this process is valuable for their specific context.

Will congregational covenants affect appointment-making?

The process aids congregations in articulating their ministry intentions with/by LGBTQ persons. These covenants offer guidance to support alignment in appointments, aiming to minimize unintended harm. Additionally, starting in 2025, clergy and congregational profiles completed during charge conferences will include questions on this matter to enhance the cabinet’s understanding of missional contexts and inform appointment decisions.

Do already “Welcoming and Reconciling” churches need to re-engage the process?

Not necessarily. Congregations already self-identifying as “Welcoming and Reconciling” or affiliated with the Reconciling Ministries Network may find this process unnecessary for their specific contexts.

Facilitation: Can local teams lead the process?

Yes, local teams within congregations can facilitate the process, with the pastor strongly recommended to be part of the facilitation team. Alternatively, congregations may opt for external facilitators; the conference has identified a pool of facilitators available upon request through your superintendent.