The UMC General Conference: a nonbinary Methodist's hopes and fears

From February 23-26, 2019, the United Methodist Church is holding a special general conference specifically for the discussion of "human sexuality." The outcome will impact all members of the UMC, but particularly those within it who are LGBTQ+.   In this special episode, nonbinary Methodist Adam Richards was good enough to walk me through the various possible outcomes of this conference. While doing so, they shared their own story -- their love for Methodism and why they stay despite pain and frustation, their plans to pursue a calling to ordination, and the differences they've noticed between LGB issues and trans issues in Methodist churches.  Talking points: - Introducing Adam and LGBT+ discussions in the UMC (0:00 - 5:14) - M Barclay and LGBT+ resilience (5:15 - 6:34) - Constant conflict at previous General Conferences (6:35 - 8:42) - This February's special General Conference: 3 main plans (8:43 - 10:56) - Possible consequences for congregations and for LGBT+ individuals (10:57 - 12:51) - Why Adam stays (12:51 - 15:04) - Congregations don't know; lack of knowledge and resources about trans people (15:05 - 19:46) - The discussion is focused on the wrong thing -- property instead of actual people; allies lack resources (19:47 - 22:39) - The consequences land on LGBTQ+ people; "live in my shoes" (22:40 - 23:50) - Groups who want to do LGBTQ+ actual harm; what this is really about: "You hate us" (23:51 - 26:51) - Schism will be a sad thing even if necessary (26:52 - 30:10) - Adam's journey to ordained ministry -- "no matter what, I will be ordained"; Spirit and spite (30:11 - 38:12)