ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton has issued a pastoral letter on news about the United Methodist Church, a full-communion partner of the ELCA.
“Last week, in a flurry of misleading headlines, many of us read that the United Methodist Church had split,” the letter read, in part. “This is not, in fact, what happened. On Jan. 3, it was announced that an ideologically diverse group of leaders collaborated in a mediation process resulting in their unanimous support for a proposed agreement. If adopted, the Protocol of Reconciliation and Grace through Separation would result in the separation of the United Methodist Church.”
For now, I invite your continued prayers for, and accompaniment with, our full communion partners. Reach out to your neighbors and let them know that you are walking with them and praying for them, for the unity of Christ’s church, and for God’s justice and peace for all people and creation.”
