This author thinks that the Pastors and Bishops who do not agree with scripture, or with the current Book of Discipline, and that don’t subscribe to the hundreds of years of traditions of the Methodist Church would and likely should resign for the good of the church and its Biblical teaching. But it does not appear they will. I can only assume they do not because they are looking out for something other than the good of the church.

That said, an agreement of sorts has been reached and will be considered at the May conference. The “Protocol of Reconciliation & Grace Through Separation” provides for a graceful separation between two factions within the Methodist congregation. It is not the best for the church as a whole because it is a plan to divide the church. As stated in Mark 3:25, “And if a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand.” It is sad, but for those who would like to adhere to scripture this may serve as a way forward.

The protocols can be found at the following link: HERE.

There is an organization called the Wesleyan Covenant Association that adheres to a traditional view of the scripture. A recent conference in NE Ohio attempted to provide an overview and answer questions about the “Protocols.” The video of that meeting can be found at the following link. HERE. The key note speaker was Rev. Walter Fenton WCA Vice President for Strategic Engagement. It is a difficult to listen to video but worth time.

Anyone seriously interested in this issue should be open minded to consider all sides. However, we must allow the scriptures and prayers to be our guide, rather than human emotion or choice. What looks and feels good may turn out to be the converse, “for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light (2 Cor. 11:14)” and as stated in Ezekiel 28:17 “thine heart was lifted up because of thy beauty, thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness: I will cast thee to the ground, I will lay thee before kings, that they may behold thee.”

IMPORTANT NOTE: If you care about the future of the church and have a traditionalist view point, now is the time to consider reaching out to the leadership in your church. If the protocols are approved in May decisions may be made shortly after the conference. To be clear a decision to separate become a standalone traditionalist church or a member of the Wesleyan Covenant Church is a sound decision.