Youth, young adult delegates give Statement of Unity

This statement of unity was read by Ann Jacob, a young adult reserve delegate from the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference, on the floor of the 2016 United Methodist General Conference today, May 18. It was shaped by the work of more than 300 United Methodist young people from 34 countries. Lay delegates Doug Palmer and Harvey Tukutau joined Jacob on the floor, along with other young adult delegates. It was received with a standing ovation.

Statement of Unity from the United Methodist Global Young People’s Convocation and Legislative Assembly held in Manila, Philippines:

“There has been increasing talk of schism of the United Methodist Church in recent months. Many say that the issue of homosexuality is so contentious that it will inevitably split our Church. We, as the young people of The United Methodist Church, would like to say that we do not desire a divided Church. “The Church that we have taken our places in is called to a ministry that includes so much more than this one issue. There are genuine, passionate perspectives on all sides of the issue and though we disagree, we have committed ourselves to loving, faithful discussion on this subject. Part of the beauty of our Church is that there has always been room at the table for a wide range of theological diversity within our connectional church family. As Wesley said, ‘May we not be of one heart, though we are not of one opinion?’ “We urge everyone to seek solutions that promote our global unity as the United Methodist Church of Jesus Christ, rather than focus only on the issues that divide us, so that we may faithfully live out our mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.”

By The Global Young People’s Convocation & Legislative Assembly Manila, Philippines.