Commission on a Way Forward

The Commission on a Way Forward was proposed by the Council of Bishops and approved by the 2016 General Conference to do a complete examination and possible revision of every paragraph of the Book of Discipline concerning human sexuality and explore options that help to maintain and strengthen the unity of the church.

• COB/Way Forward Recommendations to 2019 General Conference
  • PowerPoint 2016 (2.1 mb)
  • PDF (1.0 mb)
• COB on the One Church Model Video 
• Constitutional Amendment Revote
  • PowerPoint 2016 (197 kb)
  • PDF (905 kb)

• Commission on A Way Forward
• Constitutional Amendments Before 2017 Annual Conference
• Constitutional Amendments Text
• Proposed General Book of Discipline (provide feedback to the proposed book)

Additional Articles

• Bishop Gives Overview of United Methodist Struggles
• Conferences React to ‘Way Forward’ on Sexuality
• Bishops in No Rush to Form Sexuality Panel
• Committee Alters GC2016 Rule Recommendation
• Brown Gives Final Address as Bishops’ Leader
• Another Board Removes LBGTQ Clergy Bar
• Commentary: GC2016 will Hear Lumad Plight
• New Program Texts GC2016 News to Africans
• GC2016: When does Africa Get More Bishops?
• New Time Set for GC2016 Prayer Event
• General Conference: Livestream and Photos
• Remaking Denomination’s Map?
• Boards Challenge Others to Remove LGBTQ Bar
• Bishop Coyner’s Advice for GC2016
• Global Ministries Gets $1.5 Million
• GC2016: Supporting Central Conference Clergy
• Shareholders Target Climate Change
• 15 Clergy, Candidates Come Out as Gay
• GC2016: Divestment Debate Continues
• GC2016 Items on Top Court’s Agenda
• GC2016: Keeping Faith with Young Clergy Effort
• AU Graduates Interpret for GC2016
• Analysis: GC2016 Tackling 44-Year Stance on Homosexuality
• Ugandans Join Push for Bishop Accountability
• United Methodists, Episcopalians Meet
• History and Highlights of General Conferences
• Attending General Conference 2016
• Pastor Faces Complaint for Same-Sex Wedding
• Agency will have Twitter Session on Budget
• Bishop Again Officiates at Same-Sex Nuptials
• Africa University Keeps Dream Alive
• Every United Methodist Can Be Part of GC2016
• Wesley Chose People over Policies
• Renewal Agenda on Sexuality, Abortion
• GC2016: Impact of Climate Change
• Watch GC2016 Episcopal Address
• GC2016: Turning Page on New, High-Tech Hymnal
• What Does GC2016 Mean to my Church?
• United Methodists Launch French-Language Portal
• #CTTalks Series on Strategic Directions
• GC2016 Host Committee Welcomes Global Church
• Lesbian Pastor Moves Closer to Church Trial
• Slashed Church Budget Heads to GC2016
• Multi-Campus Church Pastor to Lead Discipleship Ministries
• 60 Days of Prayer for GC2016
• Ecumenical Staff Officer to Retire
• Women by the Numbers at GC2016
• GC2016: Should Bishops have Term Limits?
• Make a Prayer Lantern for GC2016 Climate Vigil
• Top Agency Executives Urge Sizable Budget Cuts
• #CTTalks Begins Series on Human Sexuality
• Promoting ‘Abundant Health’ at GC2016
• Nearing a Malaria Goal Before GC2016
• Board Recommends Married Lesbian as Deacon
• Pre-General Conference Videos Online
• African Bishops Speak Out on Terrorism, Sexuality
• #CTTalks About Christian Conferencing (press release | watch video)
• #CTTalks Begins November Series on Christian Conferencing
• New Voices in Planning General Conference
• North Central Jurisdiction Retains Same Number of Bishops
• NCJ Response to GCFA Press Release
• Could Reorganizing Agencies Boost Church Vitality?
• Effort to Change Funding Rules on Homosexuality
• Fairness of Delegate Allotment Questioned
• Bishops Urged to Adopt Accountability Covenant
• African delegates to gather before GC2016
• Free course on General Conference
• Pre-GC2016 Video on Divestment Gets Pushback
• Liberia Divorce Rule and Connectionalism
• Coalition to African Bishops: Let's Talk
• Discipleship Ministries Board Approves New Hymnal Petition
• Earlier Ordination Favored by Ministry Study Group
• Top Court Reviews Agency Structure Plan
• Connectional Table Launches #CTTalks in Preparation for General Conference 2016
• GCFA Press Release (September 2015)
• NCJ Response to GCFA Release