PlainSpoken

The East Ohio Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church has forced a congregation in Struthers Ohio to close their doors against their will. This unfortunate patter of behavior seems to be commonplace in The United Methodist Church in this season of disaffiliation, we look into this case and explore what happened to Struthers United Methodist Church. Show Notes:Christian Post Article:https://www.christianpost.com/news/united-methodist-congregation-says-closure-process-was-unfair.htmlNPR Article:https://www.npr.org/2023/05/17/1175452002/church-closings-religious-affiliation#:~:text=Church%20closings%20have%20created%20crisis,opportunity%2C%20for%20the%20faithful%20%3A%20NPR&text=Press-,Church%20closings%20have%20created%20crisis%2C%20and%20opportunity%2C%20for%20the%20faithful,shattered%20congregations%20in%20its%20wake.DS Profile:https://www.eocumc.com/mahoningvalley/ds.htmlBishop Profile:https://www.unitedmethodistbishops.org/person-detail/2463406Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jeffreyrickman.substack.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit plainspokenpod.substack.com

Rev. Daniel Dennison was in ministry for two decades in the Oklahoma Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church. His final appointment at Asbury (formerly United Methodist Church) in Tulsa put him in a position to see many financial realities of the conference that most laity and clergy in the conference are still ignorant about. Both he and Jeffrey were disciplined by the bishop for speaking publicly about concerns they had about financial protocols in the conference. Now that they have both severed their relationships with the conference, they get together to compare notes and try to fit the pieces of this puzzle together.This video is for folks to understand how and why it is that many desire to leave the UMC. Many in conferences outside of Oklahoma may see similar signs of paternalism and obscurantism. Or perhaps you want to speak publicly about an issue that you're afraid will get you in trouble with the bishop, and you would benefit from hearing two guys talk about what that is like.We are trying to steer clear of the bitterness and pettiness that naturally arises from these situations. We prayed before recording that our words would only bright about truth for the benefit of all who watch it, and that it would lead to good for those leaving and for those staying within the UMC. We would like to think these concerns will be received in good faith by people of all dispositions, especially as annual conferences continue to meet and do business together. If the culture of secrecy persists, The United Methodist Church has no right to expect fidelity from its constituent members, nor are they worthy to demand the tithes of their disciples.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jeffreyrickman.substack.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit plainspokenpod.substack.com

Two big events taking place this Saturday at the same time. Each has potential to be really great! The Arkansas Annual Conference is holding their next Special Called session. The last one didn't go very well. We are hopeful that this one, under their new bishop, will go much more smoothly! Also, the Heartland TCAT of the Global Methodist Church is going to be holding a two-day event called The Summit, which will end with the ordination of a new class of clergy. Watch or listen to learn more details.Links:https://arumc.org/may-2023-annual-conference-special-session/https://www.unitedmethodistbishops.org/person-detail/4173673https://heartlandgmc.orgAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jeffreyrickman.substack.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit plainspokenpod.substack.com

Jeffrey attended the Oklahoma Annual Conference's "Special Called" session on April 22 with the lay leaders of the churches he serves in Nowata and Delaware, alongside TJ who attended as press. The four of them gathered to discuss what they experienced on the day of the conference, and what lessons they thought they learned that might be pertinent to people in other conferences struggling to ratify disaffiliations. Each of them had their own insights and encouragements. We hope you enjoy the earnest discussion. Blessings to everyone navigating these tense waters!Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jeffreyrickman.substack.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit plainspokenpod.substack.com

Jason Sutfin is an ordained elder in The United Methodist Church, currently serving in the Arkansas Annual Conference. As the UMs in Arkansas prepare for their next Special Called session on May 13, Jason wanted to help me understand the different dynamics at play there. This obviously intersects with the reporting I did on last year's session, which refused to ratify the disaffiliations of three churches. This video is for anyone who wants to better understand the (dys)function of this particular conference and how at least one elder sees the options before them.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jeffreyrickman.substack.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit plainspokenpod.substack.com

United Methodist Bishop James Nunn recently sent a letter that has requested that all clergy that have disaffiliated from The United Methodist Church to turn in their credentials or be charged with disobedince to the book of discipline. According to the Bishop the recent judicial council decision does not impact this request. Clergy who refuse to submit their credentials before May 6th 2023 (The letter was sent on May 2nd), will be charged with paragraph 2702.1d and "do not have the right to a fair process". Join us as we take a look at the Bishop's demands and the recent Judicial Council rulings.Show Notes:UM News Article:https://www.umnews.org/en/news/court-rules-on-exiting-clergy-and-churchesDecision 1482:https://www.resourceumc.org/en/churchwide/judicial-council/judicial-council-decision-home/judicial-decisions/judicial-council-decision-1482#:~:text=Decision-,An%20annual%20conference%20cannot%20condition%20the%20disaffiliation%20of%20a%20local,retire%20or%20surrender%20their%20credentials.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jeffreyrickman.substack.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit plainspokenpod.substack.com

Rev. Drew Ensz is clergy in the Virginia Annual Conference. Has been awaiting a church trial for years after having been brought up on charges for conducting the legal wedding ceremony of two gay men in his capacity as clergy of a college ecumenical ministry. We focused a little on his story in our segment on Bishop Sharma Lewis' conduct in the Mississippi Annual Conference, bringing up two clergy for performing the nuptials for a 'nonbinary' couple. As another who had drawn the attention of Bishop Lewis, Rev. Ensz is eager to tell his story and to advocate for change within The United Methodist Church. Though his worldview and theology are the polar opposite of ours, we thought it would be helpful to discuss the issues at play with him in a spirit of mutual respect. Drew was a joy to speak and share that time with. Our hope is that you learn about him, about how the UMC's justice system can often break down, and how there isn't much ground for mutual cooperation in a covenant body that is home to liberal and conservative visions of sexual ethics. Please let us know your thoughts on the conversation in the comments. What points do you find helpful? Where do you think we got things right? What seemed off base, strange, or false to you? Use this as an exercise to see if you might be able to speak accurately about what you believe without the invective and hate that so often accompanies these conversations. Also, we hope this helps you think about how you can pray for those with whom you disagree. We want this to turn down the temperature in the UMC. Your prayers are essential for helping that to happen.Links from Interview:- https://www.resourceumc.org/en/churchwide/judicial-council-decision-home/judicial-decisions/judicial-council-memorandum-1466- https://vimeo.com/721268808- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4706071/Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jeffreyrickman.substack.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit plainspokenpod.substack.com

We're thankful for everyone that has been tuning into our program as of late and we've been getting some great questions recently that we would like to address. Here is a response to two of those questions from one of our viewers.How are you able to do what you do under your Bishop and District Superintendent?&How are you able to effectively serve your churches and do this podcast at the same time?If you have any questions you would like to ask us you can contact us at:PlainSpokenPod@gmail.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jeffreyrickman.substack.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit plainspokenpod.substack.com

This is an update on the case of Bishop Minerva Carcaño, who was put on suspension for unnamed charges more than a year ago. The General Commission on Race & Religion has publicly reprimanded those responsible for her case and demanded an immediate lifting of her sanction. Meanwhile, another group of oppressed people from California-Nevada have simultaneously reprimanded GCORR for demanding justice because it might violate their justice. All this while the Council of Bishops is gathering to livestream everything they're doing outside of closed door session. Well, they haven't streamed anything all day, but I'm sure all is well!Urgent request from GCORR Board regarding Bishop Carcaño's suspension - https://www.gcorr.org/news/urgent-request-from-gcorr-board-regarding-bishop-carcaos-suspension Timeline of Carcaño's Suspension - https://www.cnumc.org/newsdetails/conference-committee-on-episcopacy-outlines-process-involving-bishop-carca-o-17192125Statement from California-Nevada Clergy - https://hackingchristianity.net/2023/05/california-nevada-clergy-respond-to-calls-to-lift-their-bishops-suspension.html?fbclid=IwAR2Boqa6AS3eEwcU8Z6brMaJQZxn43OVFrVA7WtLNF2gM9huz23VuQ21TL8Article on Council of Bishops Meeting - https://www.unitedmethodistbishops.org/newsdetail/umc-bishops-to-meet-in-person-april-30-to-may-5-first-since-2019-17410006Judicial Council Ruling #1450 - https://www.resourceumc.org/en/churchwide/judicial-council/judicial-council-decision-home/judicial-decisions/memorandum-1450Council of Bishops Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/umcbishopsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jeffreyrickman.substack.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit plainspokenpod.substack.com

Being connected together is a hallmark of being a Methodist, unfortunately we as conservatives can sometimes forget that. Rather than banding together and tackling issues head on we've isolated ourselves in our smaller communities, its time for that to change.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jeffreyrickman.substack.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit plainspokenpod.substack.com