Theologically different pastors agree on more Christian-like elections for delegates in South Indiana

By Daniel R. Gangler

Two theologically different South Indiana pastors, who are tired of divisive general and jurisdictional conference elections at annual conference sessions, have met several times and propose what they believe to be a less divisive more Christian process during a United Methodist annual conference session.

The Rev. Joe Easley, pastor of Central UMC in Evansville and president of the Aldersgate Society, a progressive caucus in the South Indiana Conference, and the Rev. Mark Dicken, pastor of Newburgh UMC and president of the South Indiana Conference Confessing Movement, a part of the national evangelical caucus known as the Confessing Movement within The United Methodist Church, have discussed during the past six months how to make the election process more open and less divisive.

According to both pastors, the past two election cycles in 1999 and 2003 were quite divisive and led to allegations and suspicions of backroom political tactics.

Both Easley and Dicken agree that while the Confessing Movement and Aldersgate Society have different positions on many issues, they share more in common as Christians and as part of The United Methodist Church.

"We both want what's best for the church, although we don't always agree on what that is," Easley told Together. Dicken agreed.

Out of those conversations has come a proposal for changes in Section 3 of Article V, the Standing Rules of the South Indiana Annual Conference. This section is called "Guidelines for Nomination and Candidacy for General and Jurisdictional Conference Delegates," and may now under rewording proposed by the Rev. Curt Hurley, conference secretary, be called "Guidelines for Persons Willing to Serve as General and Jurisdictional Conference Delegates."

Hurley plans to include in his report a copy of the proposed changes in the standing rules, so they can be voted on at the opening plenary session of the South Indiana Conference in June. The revision includes proposals by Hurley and jointly by Easley and Dicken.

Both Easley and Dicken met in November with Indiana Area Bishop Mike Coyner to share what they were proposing for his input and perspective.

Coyner told Together he was open to what they were doing and had one suggestion that is now incorporated into the proposal. They also informed the Committee on the South Indiana Annual Conference Session and its subcommittees on Standing Rules and Agenda of their proposals to help prepare for possible changes.

In a phone interview, Easley said an important change is a forum early in the conference session to allow people willing to serve as delegates to be known to annual conference members as they vote.

"The change is not recommended to give any advantage to our two groups, but to open up the process in a way that is good for the entire conference, all the groups in it and the people who are interested in serving the church as delegate," Easley said.

Easley and Dicken believe the change in process will open up the process so that candidates are better known than they are now. Hopefully, the changes will bring a different spirit to the conference when delegates are elected.

Easley said, "So many things divide us in the church. We need to learn how to disagree as Christians rather than disagree as the world. We need to be in dialogue. We are a stronger church because of our diversity. We all have one central commitment to Jesus Christ."

During a phone interview Dicken said, "I think that openness is particular important as we discuss the possibility of being one conference in the future." He further believes, "We (conference members) can all take a deep breath and identify who we are and what is important to us. We hope with this (change) there is an open manner so that there is no hidden agenda."

To see more:
Some of the changes agreed upon and proposed by South Indiana

Last updated on 25 Apr 2008

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