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Author: Rev. Dr. Mark R. Holland, Executive Director, Mainstream UMC Since the release of the “Protocol of reconciliation and grace through separation” there have been a rush of expectations for General Conference 2020.  It is important to remember that the Protocol is only the first step.  It will not create the church we all want.  It will simply stop the harm in the church … [Read more...] about The Protocol Is Only the First Step

Author: Rev. Dr. Mark Holland, Executive Director, Mainstream UMC  Mainstream UMC celebrates the unanimous, negotiated protocol that has just been announced to restructure the church through separation.  Mainstream UMC is honored to have been a part of these negotiations and our Board has unanimously endorsed the document.  We believe this protocol lays out great hope for the … [Read more...] about Great News! Negotiations Reach Compromise!

Author: Rev. Dr. Mark Holland, Executive Director, Mainstream UMC Mainstream UMC is not the only group raising money ahead of the harmful Traditional Plan taking effect in just a few days, January 1, 2020.  The Institute on Religion and Democracy (IRD), the most far-right, far-out-there group in the church is also raising money.  You can see their full Thanksgiving email below from … [Read more...] about IRD Raising Big Money for More Harm

Author: Rev. Dr. Mark Holland, Executive Director, Mainstream UMC Dear Friends, Here at Mainstream UMC we see a number of reasons for optimism as we head into Christmas this year.  A big thank you to all of you who have supported us and make this work possible.  Here are our top 6 reasons to be hopeful for our church: Reason for Optimism #1:  Jesus the Messiah is born … [Read more...] about 6 Reasons for Optimism for the UMC

Posted By: Rev. Dr. Mark Holland, Executive Director, Mainstream UMC Mainstream UMC is proud to team up with UMCNext, Reconciling Ministries Network, Uniting Methodists, Methodist Federation for Social Action, The Western Methodist Justice Movement, UM Scholars for an Inclusive Church, All Belong, Affirmation, and LYNC (Love Your Neighbor Coalition).  “ResistHarm” is a United Methodist movement … [Read more...] about The Resistance Has Gone Mainstream!

Posted by: Rev. Dr. Mark Holland, Executive Director, Mainstream UMC One of our favorite carols says the holidays are the “most wonderful time of the year.”  They are certainly the most amplified.  The first holiday with a newborn baby is more magical than ever.  The first holiday without a loved one is harder than ever.  Whatever we are experiencing in life, the holidays … [Read more...] about Giving Thanks While Grieving

We Need a Moratorium Author: Rev. Dr. Mark Holland, Executive Director, Mainstream UMC The anti-gay coalition in the UMC celebrated another big win this week as queer clergy member, Rev. Anna Blaedel was removed from ministry in Iowa.  This is exactly the outcome envisioned by the architects of a generation-long plan to forcibly remove LGBTQ clergy and their allies.  This is the … [Read more...] about Another Big Win for Anti-Gay Coalition

Posted By Mark Holland, Executive Director, Mainstream UMC Mainstream UMC Co-Founders, Rev. Dr. Nanette Roberts and Rev. Dr. Mark Holland, were able to bring our appeal for a moratorium on trials directly to our Bishops from the central conferences (those outside the US) on Friday November 1.  Fifteen of the central conference Bishops from Africa, Europe, and the Philippines gathered just … [Read more...] about Mainstream UMC Meets with Central Conference Bishops

Dear Friends, November 3-6, 2019 is the last meeting of the United Methodist Council of Bishops before the Traditional Plan takes effect January 1, 2020.  Mainstream UMC is asking for your help to ask the Bishops to call for a church-wide moratorium on harmful complaints, charges, and trials.  Please take these four actions: 1. Please click here to sign this letter to the bishops (text … [Read more...] about Urgent Action Needed: Sign Letter, and Call or Email Your Bishop Today!

Author: Rev. Dr. Mark R. Holland, Executive Director, Mainstream UMC This is the second in a series on the complaints and trials going on currently in the UMC and what is ahead when the Traditional Plan takes effect January 1, 2020.  The Traditional Plan’s goal is to evict bishops, clergy, and entire annual conferences from the UMC.  This series will explore how we actively resist … [Read more...] about Church Trials Part II: A Generation of Harm