Author: Bishop Joe A. Wilson, retired
I am a strong supporter of the One Church Plan. At a time when the church is stressed with discordant voices, this plan allows conscientious convictions to guide our actions, both individually and ecclesiastically. This Plan does not conflict with scripture directives, because scripture understandings and foundations for the practice of homosexuality have not been interpreted the same way theologically. Many scriptural foundations are given without context and without scholarly agreement.
I believe a greater unity of the United Methodist Church can be preserved by accepting this Plan. The future actions of the UMC may make adjustments to this Plan, but in the midst of the present conflict, this Plan does not dismiss others who have strongly held convictions and allows us to continue a future dialogue in which the Holy Spirit may be a forceful guidance.
The One Church Plan is a balanced and realistic decision for the called General Conference, and allows the United Methodist Church to continue its Mission without it being drastically split by the conflict over one issue.