Guidelines for Conversations 1. Make sure your language is always respectful and never dehumanizing. When referring to groups of people, use the terms preferred by that group. When in doubt, ask. 2. If you hurt someone, either intentionally or unintentionally, apologize clearly and without qualification. If you are offered an apology, accept it as a first step towards reconciliation and allow the conversation to move on. 3. Avoid speaking in generalizations or stereotypes about others.

4. Listen respectfully. Do not interrupt. Be aware of your non- verbal responses. 5. Be fully engaged, open and gracious. Express your perspective in ways that are faithful to your intent while still creating space for the response of others, including those who may disagree with you. 6. Respect the integrity of those whose understandings may differ from your own. Avoid language that demeans them or the views which they hold. When referencing the Bible, be careful to remember that faithful Christians may have different understandings of the scriptural witness.

7. When pain is expressed, take time to acknowledge and recognize the experiences shared in appropriate ways. Avoid minimizing someone else's pain by providing superficial solutions or comparing it to your own pain or that of others. 8. Be aware of how different levels of power held by individuals impact the dynamics of the conversation. 9. Trust that God is at work in the conversation. Speak in such a way as to not dominate the dialogue, or try to manipulate or badger others into accepting your position.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR GROUP CONVERSATION

We are a connectional church with many varied cultures and opinions. A unified church can accomplish so much more in the world by pooling resources. Because of our size, we are able to do so much more.

We have looked for other ways to hold conversations and respond to the directive of the 2012 General Conference to move toward developing consensus on ministry. Robert’s Rules of Order is distinctly American with only limited use in the rest of the world.

What happens at General Conference? Specific Legislation Set Aside Each delegate is assigned to a small group led by a trained delegate Two separate Small Group Discussions are held – morning and afternoon General Conference approves use of the rule for a specific topic

DISCUSSION process SATURDAY, May 14 – Morning and Afternoon Small Groups of 15 or less led by a trained delegate Principles of Christian Conferencing expected in Small Groups. Each group member will affirm a standardized response sheet. Response Sheet goes back to Facilitation Group.

FACILITATION GROUP Receives Response Sheets (Saturday) Processes Response Sheets (Saturday and Sunday) Reports to General Conference Plenary (Monday – action could take place 24 hours later.

General Conference receives report Report printed in DCA Report can include consolidated legislative petition of multiple petitions Report is entirely based on what is reported from small group discussion Report or petitions are processed according to existing Rules of Order Decisions are the actions of the General Conference

FACILITATION GROUP SELECTION : Nominations come from the COB Leadership Discernment Team. COB will nominate one man and one woman from each Central Conf. and Jurisdiction. 24 Nominees go to the Exec. Committee of CGC. Training offered to all nominees by WebEx. Slate of 6 selected by Executive Committee of CGC and presented to General Conference for vote. Additional nominees from original 24 accepted from GC body for election of six.

Small Group Leaders Number Needed: 63 Nominations of up to three people were requested from delegations Leaders and alternates selected by Exec. Committee of the Commission on the General Conference Trained by webex and when committee leadership is trained at General Conference. Group leaders must agree not to serve as officers of legislative committees

MONITORS Monitors are empowered to observe the process and signal the small group when inappropriate behavior is observed. Help with recruitment of monitors from: General Commission on the Status and Role of Women General Commission on Religion and Race JUST PEACE

To be truly Wesleyan means we may not always think alike but we can all love alike. Many voices are shared – even those who may never speak on the floor. We express our value of people with differing backgrounds and cultures. This alternative legislative process is one part of the way we can conference together as United Methodist Christians.

Clarifications