2024 Resolutions

At the 2024 Session of the Baltimore-Washinton Conference, members will consider four resolutions:

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Title: Affirming common ground by recognizing the flaws of the proposed amendment to the Maryland Constitution establishing a right to reproductive freedom.
Title: Affirming common ground by recognizing the flaws of the proposed amendment to the Maryland Constitution establishing a right to reproductive freedom.

Budget Implications: None.

Rationale: We should all agree that a proposed constitutional amendment should be clearly understandable by the citizens, so they fully understand what they are voting for or against. We should also agree that a proposed constitutional amendment should use terms that are clearly defined in present law. Therefore, regardless of our positions on the underlying issues, we should be able to find common ground in recognizing the flaws in the proposed amendment to the Maryland Constitution establishing a right to reproductive freedom (Declaration of Rights, proposed Article 48) because it is unclear what is being proposed and it uses a term, reproductive freedom, which is undefined in present Maryland law. Clarity is especially important since the issues addressed affect human life, because God calls us to uphold the sanctity of human life from the womb to natural death.   (Note: For brevity “Declaration of Rights , proposed Article 48” is referred to below simply as “proposed Article 48.” The full text is given below1.)

Submitted by: Roger C. Kuhn, , Lay Member of the BWC from Morgan Chapel UMC, Woodbine, MD.

Resolution:

Whereas the term “reproductive freedom” is undefined in Maryland law and is only partially and broadly defined in proposed Article 48, the meaning is unclear.  Reproductive freedom is often connected to reproductive rights.  The rights included vary internationally, but may include a fairly small number of rights related to pregnancy and women’s healthcare2. To ensure they are included and for clarity, these specific rights could have been stated in proposed Article 48. They were not. Left to the courts, reproductive freedom could be interpreted to include all, some or none of these rights;

Whereas reproductive freedom could be interpreted in other ways that the citizens of Maryland might not understand or intend when voting on proposed Article 48, therefore the term reproductive freedom does not belong in our law at the constitutional level. For example, at least one article favorable to the idea has stated that reproductive rights also include what is commonly called gender affirming care3 . What else might be included is unclear; 

Whereas the language specific to pregnancy in proposed Article 48 recognizes only the rights of the pregnant person and not the rights of the unborn person, it is at odds with the Book of Discipline 2016 (Par.161K)4 which recognizes the sanctity of life of both the unborn child and the mother. There are at least two human persons whose rights need to be considered in any decision regarding a pregnancy;

Whereas Maryland law already allows great latitude to those who consider terminating a pregnancy at any stage5, proposed Article 48 is unnecessary. Current Maryland law does recognize in a limited way the concept of the viability of the unborn child and the importance of parents in advising their minor daughters;

Whereas guarding the health and life of mother and baby during pregnancy is a continuing art and science, it is necessary that laws ensure that up-to-date information regarding the risks of and alternatives to abortion be provided to women considering abortions to ensure true informed consent;

Whereas many women feel pressured by others to end their pregnancy and later regret that decision,  proposed Article 48 could interfere with keeping the laws of Maryland fine-tuned to the rights and needs of mothers and babies, including the need to be shielded from coercion.   Any attempt to  fine-tune the laws later would be subjected to strict scrutiny and likely would not survive ; and

Whereas there is no provision in proposed Article 48 to recognize and deal with the vulnerability of minors to exploitation. Trafficking victims can too easily be coerced into what might appear to be informed consent by their traffickers. To counter this there should be, built into any proposed amendment of this type, safeguards that ensure the involvement of family and, if necessary, protective services in any reproductive health decisions regarding a minor. There are no such safeguards in proposed Article 48 and any attempt to add them later would be subjected to strict scrutiny; now

Therefore, be it

Resolved, that the Baltimore-Washington Conference of the United Methodist Church recognizes that the proposed amendment to the Maryland Constitution establishing a right to reproductive freedom (Declaration of Rights, proposed Article 48) is deeply flawed, and encourages individuals and churches to prayerfully consider their response to this amendment in light of the above discussion and, especially Par.161K of the Book of Discipline 2016, and Resolution 2026 of the Book of Resolutions 20164.

References:

1. Proposed amendment: Accessed 2/11/2024 at:

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/2024RS/Statute_Google/c0/48.pdf

- 1 -

Article - Declaration of Rights

• Article 48. NOT IN EFFECT

** SUBJECT TO REFERENDUM NOVEMBER 2024 – CHAPTERS 244 AND

245 OF 2023 **

That every person, as a central component of an individual’s rights to liberty

and equality, has the fundamental right to reproductive freedom, including but not

limited to the ability to make and effectuate decisions to prevent, continue, or end

one’s own pregnancy. The State may not, directly or indirectly, deny, burden, or

abridge the right unless justified by a compelling State interest achieved by the least

restrictive means.

2. See, for example: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reproductive_rights

Accessed 3/12/24.

3. https://nwlc.org/resource/reproductive-rights-include-bodily-autonomy-for-trans-and-intersex-youth/ Accessed 3/19/24.

4. Free online UMC Book of Discipline 2016 and Book of Resolutions 2016:

https://www.cokesbury.com/book-of-discipline-book-of-resolutions-free-versions

5. Article - Health – General, Md law: See pp.1383 and following.

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/2020RS/Statute_Web/ghg/ghg.pdf

Effective Date: Effective immediately upon successful passage of the resolution.

As per Baltimore-Washington Conference Rule Para. 3006.2.c., this resolution was reviewed by the Conference Secretary and found consistent with the current Book of Discipline. 

At a Feb. 24 meeting, Connectional Table members reviewed an earlier version of this resolution and voted for non-concurrence with this resolution. This version has not been reviewed by the members of the Connectional Table.

Title: Recognition of Sickle Cell Disease in our UMC Communities
Title: Recognition of Sickle Cell Disease in our UMC Communities

 Budget Implications: None

 Rationale: Sickle Cell, first discovered in Sub Saharan Africa centuries ago, currently affects mostly persons of African descent in the United States, however, other ethnic groups from Mediterranean and Middle Eastern countries, Spanish-speaking regions of South & Central America, and parts of the Caribbean are also affected.[i] Globally– about 300,000 babies are born world-wide each year with sickle cell disease (SCD). In the US – about 120,000 individuals live with SCD.[ii] In and around the DMV (District, Maryland, Virginia) area there are about 2500- 5000 individuals. (Maryland is one of the top ten states in the country with the highest occurrence of SCD patients).[iii] Sickle Cell Disease affects normal round blood cells to become sickle shaped as they try to move along in the vein causing pain and long- term organ damage to brain, heart, liver, kidneys, lungs – anywhere where blood flows through the body. However, while individuals identified with sickle cell trait (SCT) do not have disease, there is an on-going need for education regarding “breaking the sickle cycle.”

 Submitted By:

  • Rev. Dr. R. Lorraine Brown, DMin, RN, Elder, Founder and Executive Director of Extension Ministry, Project SPIRIT Sickle Cell (PSSC), Inc., email:  or 
  • Cynthia Gipson, MA, Outreach, Health & Welfare Chairperson, Macedonia UMC, and Founder of the Christopher Gipson Sickle Cell Moya-Moya Foundation, email: 

RESOLUTION:

Whereas “God created all living things in God’s image,[iv] and God said that God’s creation was good!”[v] we celebrate each person with and without health and physical disabilities as unique and wonderfully made;

Whereas Jesus reached out to people with physical disabilities and illness to help them be welcomed members of their communities, so too individuals living with sickle cell disease, aka ‘warriors’, and others who live with a blood disorder are to be welcomed with empathy, and compassion into church communities;

Whereas the majority of individuals living with sickle cell disease are considered to have a so- called “black disease” and experience more discrimination, health disparities, racial injustices, and bias in both their community and in medical settings;

Whereas more awareness and education is needed throughout our society particularly churches to provide essential disease education that can save lives and dispel harmful myths.[vi] The life of a sickle cell warrior involves a battle that never ends as they fight their own bodies, hospital workers who doubt their pain and the public and family who just do not understand the disease[vii]; and

Whereas greater awareness of sickle cell disease can save lives. SCD should no longer be a secret as too many individuals who live with the disease and family/caregivers have been negatively affected - living in isolation because it has been a misunderstood secret for far too long; now

Therefore, be it resolved, that the local churches and congregations of the Baltimore-Washington Conference of the United Methodist Church:

  1. Become more informed and aware of this disease and its impact on individuals, their families and/or caregivers;
  2. Provide or seek ways to offer spiritual support that conveys God’s message of unconditional love; and 
  3. Be a place of community for affected individuals and family/caregivers who are too often isolated. Further guidance can be sought from sickle cell community-based organizations who provide education and awareness for individuals and their families living with sickle cell disease and/or sickle trait regarding how to assist persons with how they can navigate life and health challenges, consider the best methods for managing their SCD, and discover their own sense of spirituality;

Be it further resolved, that each year churches recognize June 19 as World Sickle Cell Day and September as Sickle Cell Awareness Month through announcements and other ways to increase SCD awareness. These days could include the telling and hearing of individuals, families/caregiver’s shared stories and testimonies; an informative message; distribution of educational materials at exhibit tables, information sessions or food giveaways; observation of the Shine the Light annual awareness campaign, lighting all BWC-UMC churches in red on June 19th for 24 hours; and other events to raise awareness as recognized by impacted people. Through the sharing of God’s truth and love about sickle cell disease, we can provide individuals and families/caregivers living with Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) to be transformed by seeing and enjoying God in their own lives; 

Be it further resolved, that individuals are encouraged to partner with their local American Red Cross Blood Services to schedule and promote blood drives. Blood from these drives can support transfusion needs of patients, reduce pain crisis, reduce stroke risk, and reduce organ damage; and

Be it further Resolved, that members are urged to request educational information and resources for promotional ideas from national SCD agencies such as:

EFFECTIVE DATE: Immediately upon completion of Annual Conference

CO-SPONSORS:

  • Rev. Dr. Cynthia Belt, Retired Elder, Harwood Park UMC 
  • Rev. Dr. Jalene Chase, Elder Goshen UMC - 
  • Keya Robinson, M.S, Chairperson of Christopher Gipson Sickle Cell Moya-Moya Foundation, 
  • Rev. Dorothea Stroman, Elder Clinton UMC – 
  • Kim Walker, United Women in Faith – 

 Citations:

[i] Hassell KL. Population estimates of sickle cell disease in the U.S. Am J Prev Med. 2010;38(4S):S512-S521.

[ii] https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/sicklecell/data.html

[iii] Cummings, Maya Rockeymoore, (2022). Maya Rockeymoore Cummings: The suffering of sickle cell disease. Maryland Matters. (Nov 2022).

[iv] Genesis 1:27; Genesis 1:31; Mark 5:19 & Luke 18: 35-43.

   https://umcdmc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/das-God-created-all-living-things-good-1.docx

[v] Ibid.

[vi] Power-Hays, A., & McGann, P. T. (2020). When actions speak louder than words—racism and sickle cell disease. New England Journal of Medicine, 383(20), 1902-1903 https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMp2022125

[vii] Wakefield, E. O., Ashley Pantaleao, et al. Journal of Pediatric Psychology, Describing Perceived Racial Bias Among Youth with Sickle Cell Disease, jsy015, 17-Mar-2018, https://doi.org/10.1093/jpepsy/jsy015

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

As per Baltimore-Washington Conference Rule Para. 3006.2.c., this resolution was reviewed by the Conference Secretary and found consistent with the current Book of Discipline.

At a Feb. 24 meeting, Connectional Table members voted for concurrence with this resolution.

Title: Draw the Circle Wide: Celebrating the 40th Anniversary of Reconciling Ministries Network
Title: Draw the Circle Wide: Celebrating the 40th Anniversary of Reconciling Ministries Network

Budget Implications: None

Rationale: “John Wesley encouraged Methodists toward perfection in the lifelong pursuit of love. Love looks like affirmation in the face of persecution, like kinship in the face of isolation and like courage in the face of despair”. (Reconciling Methodist Convocation 2023) This has always been the work of Reconciling Ministries.

Submitted By: Rev. Debbie Scott, Chair of BWARM, Rev. Angela Wells, Co-Chair BWARM

RESOLUTION:

Whereas in 1984, the Reconciling Congregation Program formed to help United Methodist congregations and clergy work for justice for LGBTQ people, and in 2000, the program changed its name to Reconciling Ministries Network (RMN);

Whereas recently United Methodists, particularly in the United States, have signaled their desire for the denomination to become a church home, “where LGBTQIA+ people will be protected, affirmed, and empowered in the life and ministry of the church” in large part due to the ongoing work of the Reconciling Ministries Network;

Whereas no matter what happens at this year’s General Conference, Reconciling Ministries Network will continue their advocacy work, “committed to intersectional justice across and beyond the United Methodist connection for the full participation of all LGBTQ+ people throughout the life and leadership of the church”;

Whereas many of our BW Conference members have supported this international movement by serving on the Board of RMN, by becoming individual Reconciling United Methodists, by becoming Reconciling Congregations and Communities; and

Whereas the “denomination now looks to rebuild and revive and Reconciling Ministries Network members see hope that people at the social margins can be at the center of this renewed growth just as they were in the early church”; now

Therefore, be it Resolved, that the Baltimore-Washington Conference affirms and celebrates the 40 years of RMN’s justice ministry that draws from the Wesleyan understanding of God’s grace “that embraces all of creation and seeks its’ restoration and perfection in love.”

Effective Date: Immediately

As per Baltimore-Washington Conference Rule Para. 3006.2.c., this resolution was reviewed by the Conference Secretary and found consistent with the current Book of Discipline.

At a Feb. 24 meeting, Connectional Table members voted for concurrence with this resolution.

Title: Establish Camping Sunday
Title: Establish Camping Sunday

 Budget Implications: None

 Rationale: The Baltimore-Washington Conference has a rich history of retreat and camping ministry and currently owns Camp Harmison, Manidokan Camp and Retreat Center, and the West River Center.  This resolution designates a Camping Sunday to celebrate this ministry and promote involvement with people of all ages to strengthen and sustain this conference-wide ministry.

 Submitted by: Chris Schlieckert, Director of Baltimore-Washington Conference Retreat and Camping Ministries and the West River Center, on behalf of Baltimore-Washington Conference Retreat and Camping Ministries.

 RESOLUTION: 

Whereas one of the most common desires expressed by local churches is to be in ministry with more young people;

 Whereas retreat and camping ministries is a prime example of how we can do more through our connection than we can on our own;

Whereas many of our churches, clergy, and laity do not know about the opportunities available for personal and spiritual growth through retreat and camping ministries;

Whereas our camps are most effective when both clergy and laity are actively involved in promotion, recruitment, usage, and service as volunteers and spokespeople;

Whereas retreat and camping ministries offer a unique place and space to encounter Christ and promote a life of discipleship particularly with young people; and

Whereas 93% of campers say their faith was strengthened by camp, 80% answer that they “learned something new at camp,” and 73% believe their faith questions were taken seriously by camp staff[i]; now

Therefore, be it Resolved, that the Baltimore-Washington Conference establishes Camping Sunday as a special Sunday to appear annually on the Conference calendar on the second Sunday of February.  Local churches are encouraged to: 1) promote Conference summer camp programs and recruit people to participant as campers, volunteers, or staff; 2) to organize and attend retreat opportunities; and 3) to celebrate the impact of retreat and camping ministries; and

Be it further Resolved, that churches are encouraged to collect a special offering on Camping Sunday for the purpose of creating or sustaining their local church’s campership (camp scholarship) fund to support sending young people in their congregation and community to camp, opening the opportunity to grow and be transformed at summer camp to as many young people as possible.

EFFECTIVE DATE: July 1, 2024

CO-SPONSOR(S): 
Christie Latona – BWC Chief Program Officer/Director of Connectional Ministries
Rev. Bill Brown – BWC Director of Innovative Evangelism
Rev. Rachel Cornwell - Dumbarton UMC (Washington DC)
Rev. Kathryn Bishop - Middletown UMC (Middletown)
Wendy Johnson - Eastern UMC (Baltimore)
Rev. Bonnie McCubbin -Old Otterbein UMC (Baltimore) and BWC Director of Museums and Pilgrimage
Rev. Dr. Jennifer Smith - Wesley Freedom UMC (Eldersburg)
Rev. Terri Rae Chattin -Reisterstown UMC (Reisterstown)
Melissa Andrews – New Hope UMC (Brunswick)
Rev. Amy McCullough - Grace UMC (Baltimore)
Rev. Vivian McCarthy - Trinity UMC (Frederick)
Ken Ow - North Bethesda UMC (Bethesda)
Rev. Meredith Wilkins – Arnolia UMC (Parkville)
Cheryl Cook - Community UMC (Crofton)
Rev. Danny Breidenbaugh - Mission Central Parish (Fallston)
Rev. Erik Alsgaard - Community UMC (Crofton)
Jennie Lane - Mt. Carmel UMC (Frederick)
Rev. Conrad O. Link - Brook Hill UMC (Frederick)
Rev. Sam Tryon - Brookfield-Immanuel Charge (Brandywine)
Rev. Michael Beiber - Baldwin Memorial UMC (Millersville)
Carly Aughenbaugh - Westminster UMC (Westminster)
Andrew Thornton - Galesville UMC (Galesville)
Rev. Timothy B. Warner - Emory Grove UMC (Gaithersburg)
Rev. Carissa Surber - Hunt's Memorial UMC (Towson)
Rev. Laura Norvell - Faith UMC (Rockville)
Rev. Scott Bostic - Simpson-Hamline UMC (Greater Washington)

[i] https://sacredplaygrounds.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/ECRP-Phase-2-Executive-Summary.pdf

As per Baltimore-Washington Conference Rule Para. 3006.2.c., this resolution was reviewed by the Conference Secretary and found consistent with the current Book of Discipline.

At a Feb. 24 meeting, Connectional Table members voted for concurrence with this resolution.