BMCR Resolution Statement - 2019

During the 52nd General Meeting of Black Methodists for Church Renewal (BMCR), we, like many others within the United Methodist Church, found ourselves grappling with finding a way forward.  Specifically, what is the way forward for us, as BMCR, in light of the recent developments related to the Called Special Session of the General Conference held in St. Louis.  As an organization, our thinking is framed by several questions:1) What does it mean for us, as Black Methodists, to be faithful to God in light of the outcomes of the Called Special Session?2) How can we remain true to our mission “to raise up spiritual and prophetic leaders who will be advocates for the unique needs of Black people in the United Methodist Church?” and3) Can we afford to commit our spirits to unity in the Body of Christ, when all our souls are offered is an ungodly, negotiated, dressed-up form of segregated existence in political power, privilege, control, and greed?BMCR remains concerned about the pervasive mindset that has the propensity to separate, diminish and relegate, to inferior status, the voices and experiences of historically marginalized people.  We have a well-documented history of this denomination muting the issues that are unique to persons of color whose only aspiration has been to renew the church so that it truly reflects the love of God for all of God’s people.  We have done this while continuing to be impacted by the residual effects of chattel slavery upon which this country was founded. We have done this in spite of the existential hurt, psychological injury, and military-like assault on Black families and communities.The mere presence of someone whose skin is Black still causes white ladies to clutch their purses. The creation of unjust laws continue to enable white people to feel justified in disregarding the humanity of Black people (i.e., Travon Martin); e.g., stand your ground laws.   Our educational system directs and redirects resources to benefit the wealthy to the detriment of the poor. The ongoing assault on health care disproportionately affects the poor and underserved. In addition, within our United Methodist structure, we continue to contend with Boards of Ordained Ministry that deny the giftedness and calls of Black ministerial candidates.  We also experience Bishops, their cabinets, as well as majority churches, that abuse and demonstrate a total disregard for appointments to positions.While the United Methodist Church has worked to dismantle racism within the systems and structures of the denomination, we know that persons of color are often discriminated against and viewed as inadequate based on their skin color rather than their gifts and abilities. Power and privilege serve as blind spots that prevent us from experiencing the Unity of Christ within the Church and its global witness To Make Disciples of Jesus Christ for the Transformation of the World.  As members of BMCR we reaffirm our mission “To raise up spiritual and prophetic leaders who will be advocates for the unique needs of Black people in the United Methodist Church.”We believe this mission is as necessary now, in 2019, as it was 52 years ago when BMCR was founded.  In light of this, BMCR stands against the spirit of division pervasive within the denomination for it is not of God.We, Black Methodists for Church Renewal, therefore, call upon our United Methodist Church to rid itself of the sin of racism, which systematically manifests itself in overt and covert ways, creating the disparity between ungodly behavior and the call to truly be disciples of Jesus Christ to transform the world.  We call upon the Church to repent against the sin of white privilege, the pursuit of white power and privilege and the injustice inherent in such pursuit. Furthermore, BMCR resolves to not support a church structure rooted in a Eurocentric model where missional direction and control are in the hands of a few while the voices of All God’s Children are ignored and disregarded.