That’s how Bishop Jonathan Holston began the 2019 United Methodist annual conference this month in Greenville.

“I also believe that we are a people who love God, seek to do God’s will and love and cherish each other, as well as treat others with dignity and honesty,” he said.

Due to a church decision in St. Louis to continue a ban of homosexual clergy and same-sex marriage, those opposed made 3 proposals that would allow homosexual clergy and same-sex marriage.

The 1st would allow for 2 Books of Discipline.

One book for the African Methodists with the ban on homosexual clergy.

The other for the American United Methodist Church would lift the ban and allow homosexual clergy in the US.

The other petitions would repeal the Traditional Plan and allow for same-sex marriage.

Dan O’Mara, communications director of the SC UMC, said, the Bishop ruled all 3 out of order.

That meant annual conference delegates did not debate or vote on them.

He found that the 3 were not in compliance with Paragraph 507 of the Book of Discipline of the United Methodist Church, which addresses proper submittal of petitions.

Those who put them forward can revise them and submit them directly to the 2020 General Conference of the United Methodist Church if they so choose.

The delegates approved with no opposition a new Sexual & Professional Misconduct Policy for Ministerial Leadership.

Bishop Holston closed the conference imploring pastors to “go deep” in ministry as Peter did when he let down his fishing nets farther from shore at Jesus’ behest, and asking laity to welcome and partner with clergy in ministry and mission.