"By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."
John 13:35
Today, I am grateful that The United Methodist Church is a part of the greater Wesleyan movement through our activity in the World Methodist Council.
Sheryl and I had the opportunity in 2011 to attend our first World Methodist Conference in South Africa with Rev. Jeremy Basset who is a native of that country. There were a number of us from the Oklahoma Conference who attended and we shared in our common heritage with other sister denominations around the world.
In the opening worship ceremony, the various churches that participated marched in while holding their denominational banners. It wasn't a competition so much as a celebration of John Wesley's influence around the world. We didn't look to fight over our differences but rather lift up the things on which we agreed!
One of the highlights for me was during worship when the liturgist asked us to pray the Lord's prayer in our first language. It was a Pentecost moment as you heard so many languages praying in rhythm together. We started at the same time and mostly ended at the same time. It gave me a great sense of peace and unity.
Since that time, I was able to serve as a delegate to the World Methodist Council (which helps to lead the World Methodist Conference every five years) in Houston in 2016 and plan on going to Sweden for the next gathering in 2024. While the Council has named delegates, the Conference is open to all who would like to attend.
I don't believe that the current divisiveness within The United Methodist Church is indicative of our identity. It is also to be noted that there are no independent churches that hold membership in the World Methodist Council but they are denominations of multiple churches. It isn't in our Wesleyan DNA to become singular or disconnected with our brothers and sisters around the world. I'm grateful for the connection through this worldwide body.
As we move through Lent, where do you find divisiveness tugging at your heart? What voices are calling to you for a movement away from your neighbors? Why is this tempting? How is Jesus moving us to love even those who may disagree with us?
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