Human Sexuality – Susquehanna Conference UMC

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 Jurisdiction College of Bishops, it seeks to help congregations clearly and gracefully understand the changes of the 2020/24 Book of Discipline concerning human sexuality.

We know that our congregations can thrive even as we recognize that United Methodists have different beliefs, understandings, and experiences concerning human sexuality. This resource is designed to equip congregations with tools for engaging in thoughtful, grace-filled, and respectful conversations that recognize and embrace unity in diversity as well as strengthen our shared mission to transform the world.

Click here to view Our Way Forward: Graceful Conversations resource. (revised on 6/15/25 to reflect Judicial Council Decision #1516)

Contact your district office to request a facilitator.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the purpose of this resource?

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

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?

Facilitation: Can local teams lead the process?

Why was the Our Way Forward resource revised on 6/15/2025?

Judicial Council Decision 1516 interpreted changes made to the Book of Discipline by the 2020/2024 General Conference. The decisions clarifies the authority of pastors regarding the use of church property for religious services, including marriage ceremonies. Notably, it affirms that pastors have sole discretion in deciding whether to perform any marriage, and that local church trustees cannot interfere with or restrict the use of church facilities for such services. As a result, updates have been made to the sections on the role of the pastor, discussion questions, sample covenants, and the addendum (c) to align with this clarified understanding.