Bishops don't get final word
By Bishop Woodie W. White
Over the years, I have received letters from church folks that contained language I wouldn't read in "mixed" company! For the most part, my share of mail has been from irate pastors and laity and other church leaders.
The most recent of these letters were prompted by two statements involving United Methodist bishops. One was a Pastoral Letter issued by the Council of Bishops and the other was a statement on the war in Iraq signed by a majority of UM bishops.
The letter was quite critical of both. The writer expressed displeasure with me personally as well as the Council of Bishops. She let it be known that we did not speak for her. She is correct.
When convened as the Council of Bishops, the bishops of the United Methodist Church will often release statements on a variety of issues. Such statements are not intended to speak for the Church, but to the Church.
The responsibility of speaking for the Church is given only to the General Conference. Every four years, delegates meet representing United Methodists in the U.S., Europe, Africa and Asia. This General Conference body issues official statements in the name of and representing the denomination.
The bishops, on the other hand, as the spiritual leaders of the denomination, are given the responsibility of speaking to the church.
The Council of Bishops meets twice a year, during which the Council may decide an issue is of such import that it will formulate a statement or resolution, or a Pastoral Letter addressed to all congregations in the connection. Sometimes the pronouncement is made to the general public, an agency of government or political leaders.
When the Council speaks, it speaks for the Council and not the United Methodist Church.
The Council does not speak "ex cathedra." Ours is not the final word, but a word on a particular issue.
Members of the United Methodist Church may have different views or perspectives, and are not obligated to agree with the Council's statements. They are, however, expected to carefully and prayerfully consider them.
The letter-writer who was critical of the Council's statement exercised her right in stating her position. Her response was reasoned, well-stated, respectful and forceful. I assume she arrived at her positions prayerfully and carefully, as did the bishops.
We simply disagree. It is inevitable.
The Council has an important responsibility to assess the needs and condition of the church and society. It should exercise its responsibility only after careful study, open debate and dialogue, and a season of prayer in an effort to discern God's mind and will.
It is no easy task. That is why the Council should speak to the church on matters of utmost importance.
While the letter-writer criticized me personally, she needs to know that as a retired bishop, my role is moderated by that status.
Retired bishops do not vote on decisions of the Council. We do, however, have considerable input, voice and full participation in discussions and debates. We can even initiate matters to be considered.
Having served as a bishop for 20 years, I have observed that the Council has been well served by the counsel and wisdom of retired bishops. The decision-making and vote is reserved for active bishops. However, when the Council speaks, it represents all bishops, active and retired.
My hope is that the church will welcome a word from its episcopal leadership in these perplexing and challenging times. And, as I believe God speaks to the bishops, God also speaks to clergy and laity.
I welcomed the letter from a concerned United Methodist, and while we had different perspectives, it did not render either of us less valued members of the Body of Christ. That said, I believe some positions and decisions are more in keeping with it!
May the bishops of the church continue in their important role to speak to the church and not for it. May they do so with great care and sensitivity, guided by the Holy Spirit.
And in the spirit of the priesthood of all believers, may respectful dialogue and difference always be welcomed and cherished in United Methodism.
So let's keep trying to get it right, to the end that the transforming power of Jesus Christ transforms our beloved United Methodist Church, our nation and the world.
Copyright 2006 United Methodist Reporter. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Retired United Methodist Bishop Woodie W. White currently serves as bishop-in-resident at Candler School of Theology in Atlanta, Ga.