by Chris Ritter
Here is the legislation enabling a Hybrid Way Forward for The United Methodist Church: Hybrid Way Forward Legislation Version 2.2
Also known as the Platypus Plan, this model uses a unique status already in our polity as a mechanism for moving us beyond our current impasse. Many variations are possible, but this version represents my current best thinking on the Way Forward drawn from conversations from across the ideological spectrum in the UMC. Other versions using the affiliated autonomous status are also being circulated and these can be weighed on their own merits.
This will be more information that most people want or need. But I commend it to members of The Commission on a Way Forward, our Council of Bishops, my fellow delegates to the specially-called 2019 General Conference in St. Louis, and all those who are praying for a just and workable solution.
People Need Jesus 
I am intrigued by this proposal, though I have problems with some of the specifics. Nevertheless, those specifics can be worked out further as more conversation happens. One thing I think does need to be addressed is the ability of a single affiliated autonomous body to have congregations in the United States as well as other countries. I think there are many US congregations that would like to keep strong connection with congregations/conferences abroad and vice versa. (My comments are fully my own and not that of my place of appointment.)
Thanks for taking time to read this over, Andrew. One thing about affiliated autonomous bodies is that they prescribe their own borders. If they want to be international, that is certainly allowed. You are so right that there are many details to be debated. At this point we just need a vehicle for a potential solution.
What about Paragraph 8, Article II?? How do you get around this without a constitutional amendment??
Thanks for reading and commenting, Fred. Are we talking about Paragraph 9, Article II? Concordat or Affiliated Autonomous bodies would no longer fall under the UM Book of Discipline. They would be autonomous, but maintain a strong connection with the UMC. There would continue to be jurisdictions and these jurisdictions would remap their conferences to cover the territory ceded by conferences taking the autonomous status. So the autonomous bodies would overlay the UMC map in the U.S. I hope this response hits your question. I could not see any conflict with Par. 8. The autonomous bodies will have their own constitution and their relationship with the UMC will be defined by concordat.
Thanks. But Par 8, Article II, (Page 27) is what I’m referring to. But I think you address it in the Q & A, question #2. The UMC Constitution does not apply to autonomous affiliates. Correct?
I’m sorry. You are correct. Par. 9. My mistake.
No problem. Thanks again for taking a look.
I believe God is the highest Authority and has absolute power. In the book of instructions that he has provided to us (THE BIBLE), he has defined what is appropriate. It is not our right, authority or privilege to change or modify his instructions.
1 Corinthians 6:9-10 English Standard Version (ESV)
9 Or do you not know that the unrighteous[a] will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality,[b] 10 nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.
So why is our denomination even having this discussion?
Yes, why are we even discussing this matter! We know what the Bible says.