We Support #PFRAGTS

Statement in Support of the

“Protocol of Reconciliation and Grace through Separation”

Of the United Methodist Church

February 27, 2020

The General Board of the Evangelical Fellowship of Virginia supports the “Protocol of Reconciliation and Grace through Separation” as the best and most hopeful way forward for all concerned parties within the United Methodist connection. We encourage our fellowship members and like-minded clergy and laity to support the Protocol and seek to promote it in their congregations and elsewhere as they have opportunity.

At the same time, we acknowledge the inherently uncertain and disruptive nature of separation for churches and believers. Therefore, we also encourage all who support the Protocol to be proactive in seeking ways to inform congregants of the possibilities and ramifications of separation, to encourage prayerful conversation to discern the Spirit’s leading for difficult decisions ahead, and in all things to heed Paul’s admonition to “speak the truth in love” that all may grow in new ways into the fullness of Christ our Head (Ephesians 4:15).

In all of this, we confidently affirm Jesus Christ as the Lord of the Church and the Holy Spirit as our sure guide in these days of challenge and promise.