Myrna Hill delivers a statement from the Common Table at the 2020 Annual Conference held virtually. Photo by John Srstka.

Members of the Dakotas Conference Common Table met October 6, via Zoom, to review the current work of the Conference, reflect on the past year and the highlights of the missional report, and wrestle with their responsibilities as a Conference leadership team. Through that discussion, the group discerned the need to make a statement regarding the process that led to legislation being brought to the 2019 Dakotas Annual Conference session in the form of a resolution regarding LGBTQ persons. In the midst of the diversity and differences of opinion in our Conference, their hope was to foster compassion and grace for all. The group determined that, Myrna Hill, Conference co-lay leader and Common Table member, would make a statement during the 2020 Annual Conference Session.

Members of the Common Table are: Sheila Dailie, chair, Cody Warns, Rev. Steve Behrens, Rev.  Jeanne Sortland, Rev. Ross Reinhiller, Rev. Jeff Adel, Myrna Hill, Bishop Bruce Ough, Rev. Rebecca Trefz.

Here is the statement. 

Statement: We, the Common Table of the Dakotas Conference of The United Methodist Church, acknowledge the hurt anyone experienced through the process of the adoption of the resolution regarding LGBTQ persons at the 2019 Annual Conference. We value all people whose lives and witness make up the Dakotas Conference. When any one of us hurts, we should all acknowledge that pain.  

It is our prayer that we can respectfully agree to disagree and maintain our unity as Dakota Conference Methodists in order to complete our mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.  

View or download this statement here.