{"id":12548,"date":"2016-05-11T15:38:36","date_gmt":"2016-05-11T22:38:36","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.pnwumc.org\/news\/?p=12548"},"modified":"2016-05-11T15:38:36","modified_gmt":"2016-05-11T22:38:36","slug":"palmer-trust-gods-promise-and-go-forth","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.pnwumc.org\/news\/palmer-trust-gods-promise-and-go-forth\/","title":{"rendered":"Palmer: Trust God\u2019s promise and go forth"},"content":{"rendered":"

By Kathy L. Gilbert<\/strong>
\nMay 11, 2016 | PORTLAND, Ore. (UMNS)<\/h4>\n

Bishop Gregory V. Palmer laid out a path for the 2016 United Methodist General Conference: humility, humility, humility.<\/p>\n

\u201cEveryone here is a child of God. Any behavior to the contrary of that truth undermines the gospel and is a choice to live beneath our privilege,\u201d Palmer, who serves the West Ohio Episcopal Area, said in the episcopal address on May 11.<\/p>\n

The Council of Bishops chose Palmer to deliver this speech, which he said was an opportunity to try to set the tone for the gathering.<\/p>\n

Many issues before the denomination\u2019s top legislative assembly will require delegates to vote on difficult subjects such as human sexuality, divestment and the denomination\u2019s budget.<\/p>\n

\u201cOur capacity to turn on each other is destroying the soul of this church and under-serving the mission,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

2012 General Conference<\/strong><\/h4>\n

\u201cIt needs to be said that the 2012 General Conference took something out of this church in dramatic proportions,\u201d he said. Many said it was a waste of time and resources; others were discouraged and disappointed.<\/p>\n

However, The United Methodist Church has participated in life-changing and life-giving ministry, he said.<\/p>\n

Palmer lifted up major accomplishments of the denomination:<\/p>\n