Bishop Ough leads bishop's meeting in Dallas
Council of Bishops President Bruce R. Ough calls for colleagues to be open to changing their minds under the influence of the Holy Spirit. Photo by Sam Hodges, UMNS.
“There really is a desire to find a way forward, and I think that was reflected in our work this time.” — Council of Bishops President Bruce R. Ough, on the council’s just-completed Dallas meeting.
DALLAS- The Council of Bishops wrapped up a four-day meeting here as leaders reported progress in their deliberations about how to prevent denominational schism over homosexuality, with a focus on two possible church futures.
“We’re dealing with a very difficult issue that’s clearly divisive, and yet there’s a real commitment to stay at the table,” said Council of Bishops President Bruce R. Ough on Feb. 28. “There really is a desire to find a way forward, and I think that was reflected in our work this time.”
Ough insisted the council’s relationship with its advisory group, the 32-member Commission on a Way Forward, precludes sharing many details for now.
“We’re not interested in the commission hearing or reading about things until the (bishop) moderators can go back and report to them,” Ough said of the closed-door meeting.
“Let us practice the Lenten discipline of self-emptying, letting go of the positions we came here to defend and the battles we are plotting to wage in this council, or the Judicial Council, or on the floor of the special General Conference.” — Council of Bishops President Bruce R. Ough, speaking to colleagues on Feb. 25 in a sermon that doubled as a presidential address.
Council of Bishops President Bruce R. Ough challenged colleagues to be open to changing their minds as they grapple with how to avoid a breakup of The United Methodist Church over homosexuality.
He noted that the council’s meeting here this week coincides with Lent, a season for reflection and change.
“Let us practice the Lenten discipline of listening to God and one another to the point of dying to ourselves.”
