The “Big Tent” Shrank in Charlotte

By Elizabeth Fink

This is not an easy piece to write. The emotions are raw. The future of the United Methodist Church has been set on a path I cannot follow. While many may view the changes as progress, I see them as heartbreaking and a departure from scriptural, orthodox Christianity.

I would be lying if I said I had been looking forward to the General Conference. Having attended the 2016 and 2019 conferences, I had an idea of what I was getting myself into. I knew I would be in the minority this time around. Mentally and emotionally preparing for an environment hostile to my beliefs, I understood the slim chances of passing any disaffiliation processes or maintaining the current definitions of marriage and sexuality.

I felt a deep sense of duty to represent churches and individuals who hold to a traditional orthodox perspective on scripture, marriage, and sexuality, fearing that no one else from my delegation would advocate for them. I was taken aback by the extent to which traditionalist voices were disregarded. Essential petitions were hastily dismissed through the use of “calling the question,” stifling meaningful debate and rushing to a vote. The movement to redefine marriage exceeded my expectations, with a reluctance to provide clear definitions or boundaries regarding human sexuality. This ambiguity only served to create confusion. It was reminiscent of the phrase, “and they all did what was right in their own eyes.”

The General Conference exposed the hollowness of talk about a diverse and welcoming church. There was a  chance to prove to us “traditionalists” that we were welcome in your “big tent.” The talk of being a diverse church welcoming of all perspectives proved to be just words. Your real intentions shined bright at the General Conference. Bishop Bickerton’s statement at the opening worship, implying those of us who can’t get on board need to leave, left little doubt. Genuine discussions around the many topics that divide us were nowhere to be found.

This experience only reinforced what I felt at the last Jurisdictional conference. Being vulnerable, I confided in my delegation and our new bishop, expressing my concern that there might not be a place for me and others who share my beliefs in the UMC. Sadly, my fears were met with silence. Not a single person responded by assuring me that I was wanted or that my presence was valued. The opportunities to demonstrate their “big tent” concept have been abundant, yet they have failed to do so.

One of the most unsettling moments occurred when they approved the legislation permitting churches to return and reaffiliate with the UMC. I chuckled at the thought, genuinely wanting to go to the microphone and ask how many churches have asked to come back. They commended themselves for demonstrating grace to those who might wish to return by keeping a door open. What perplexes me is their failure to recognize the absurdity of this situation! How can individuals come back if they’re not allowed to leave in the first place? Moreover, they undermine the essence of grace by offering it solely to those desiring to return, while showing none to those wishing to depart.

At this General Conference, we lost every vote, we were mocked, and our attempts to speak fell on deaf ears. The one thing I walked away certain of, was that this would be my last involvement in anything UMC-related. I cannot stay where the church seeks to lift itself up and praise its own efforts above the work of Christ. I cannot stay where marriage and sexuality are defined by the culture and not Scripture.

In the UM Church’s continual attempts to be inclusive I pray that they remain exclusive in their belief that Jesus Christ is the only way. He is the truth, the life, and the way for no one comes to the Father except through him. Despite what some progressives may think, traditionalists do not desire the demise of the UMC. As the body of Christ, the Church, we serve as a tangible demonstration of God’s grace and love for the world, and may we continue to fulfill this role faithfully!

A General Conference delegate, Elizabth Fink is also a student at Asbury Theological Seminary and secretary of the WCA’s Global Council. Image: Charlotte, North Carolina. Photo by Steve Beard.