The 102 participants included bishops, seminary professors, pastors, some members of the World Methodist Council, and prominent laity from all five U.S. jurisdictions of the UM Church. The United Methodist Church is at the crossroads. In order to enact the Discipline's call to 'doctrinal reinvigoration,' and to avoid schism and prevent mass exodus, we intend to form a Confessing Movement within the United Methodist Church. By this we mean people and congregations who exalt the Lordship of Jesus Christ alone, and adhere to doctrinal standards of our church. Dr. Harper, who participated and presented a paper at the gathering, has prepared the following article that contains his personal views on why he believes the UM Church needs such a movement.
Unusual times require unusual actions.
I sincerely believe we are at such a point in the history of the United Methodist Church. Theological variations threaten to tear the fabric of an already-precarious pluralism. Radical revisionists have openly declared their mission to substantially rewrite the faith, particularly regarding the person and work of Jesus. The fact is, there are a host of faithful and loyal United Methodists who believe we are at such a time. As a scholar, I know there are two sides to every issue.