When you have your evidence in hand, press your case. Third, call for accountability and reform. Ask your own bishop, superintendent, Board of Ministry, etc. to verbally affirm loyalty to our normative documents and to back the words with public testimonies and actions. The present crises has moved us beyond merely saying we're in line with our standards. There are times in the life of a church when words must be fortified with action.
Today is the day.
Recognize that spectators will not renew the church, only involved persons will. Follow that recommitment with a careful examination of the wide range of ministries in the UM Church. Give hearty financial support to those efforts which are in concert with our normative documents. The time is passed when a docile constituency will uncritically give to everything. Instead, let it be known that support will be given to those programs and agencies which unambiguously promote the historical mission and nature of the UM Church.