The Spirit Is Moving: A Kairos Moment in The United Methodist Church
RMN Celebrates Ratification of the Constitutional Amendments Advancing Equity, Decolonization, and Inclusion Across the Global Church
Chicago, IL — November 5, 2025 — Reconciling Ministries Network (RMN), a global movement advocating for the full inclusion of LGBTQ+ people in The United Methodist Church (UMC), celebrates a kairos moment in the life of the denomination. Constitutional amendments recently certified by the Council of Bishops express a worldwide resolve to pursue relationships rooted in equity and mutuality, dismantle racism, and affirm women and people of all abilities. The Spirit is moving.
A Worldwide Step Toward Equity and Partnership
The ratification of Worldwide Regionalization legislation—adopted by the General Conference 2020/2024 by a 78% margin—is an audacious move forward. RMN believes that genuine inclusion requires relationships grounded in grace, respect, and justice.
Originating through the Christmas Covenant team, a grassroots group mostly from central conferences and includes some Reconciling leaders, and developed in collaboration with the Connectional Table and the Standing Committee on Central Conference Matters, this polity reform signifies a decisive shift away from a U.S.–centric structure toward a more equitable and decolonized future.
“This moment calls us to reimagine connectionalism through gracious engagement and reciprocity ,” said Rev. Dr. Israel “Izzy” Alvaran (he/him) of Reconciling Ministries Network. “Worldwide Regionalization is more than a structural change—it’s a spiritual invitation to embody mutuality, equitable partnerships, and hope for respectful dialogue across all regions of our church.”
This new structure:
- Decolonizes our polity and relationships across regions
- Values mutuality, equity, and trust
- Recognizes diverse missional contexts and encourages dialogue across cultures
- Maintains our connection as a worldwide denomination with a shared prophetic voice for justice and compassion
Annual conference delegates also voted overwhelmingly to enshrine in the Constitution a commitment to anti-racism and equality for all genders and abilities, embodying our baptismal vows to resist injustice and discrimination in every form. The Spirit is moving!
Our Hopes for This New Season
As the UMC decentralizes U.S. privilege and embraces a decolonized connection, RMN hopes this kairos moment will:
- Build stronger relationships rooted in mutual respect and contextual understanding
- Create space for meaningful ministry with all God’s beloved children
- Renew our collective commitment to intersectional justice—addressing racism, colonialism, economic inequity, and all forms of oppression.
We join fellow United Methodists in dreaming of a church that embodies liberation, compassion, and courage—and we celebrate that regions of the church may now fully affirm LGBTQ+ persons and ministries according to their discernment and context.
Our Call as Reconciling United Methodists
In this season of transformation, RMN and Reconciling United Methodists across the world are called to:
- Reflect on and transform patterns of relationship rooted in fear rather than shared mission and grace
- Continue holding the church accountable to welcome and affirm all LGBTQ+ people
- Renew our commitment to sustain RMN’s work as a wellspring for intersectional LGBTQ+ justice, advocacy, and partnership across all regions of the UMC
A Closing Word
We enter this new chapter with gratitude, courage, and hope. RMN looks forward to partnering with leaders, agencies, and conferences in living out the mandate of these constitutional changes—to cultivate a United Methodist Church where every LGBTQ+ person is embraced as beloved, affirmed as gifted, and celebrated as essential to the Body of Christ.
The Spirit is moving! Thanks be to God.
For more information about the Council of Bishops’ certification of constitutional amendments, read the official statement from the Council of Bishops here.
About Reconciling Ministries Network
Reconciling Ministries Network equips and supports United Methodists to resist exclusion and proclaim God’s love and justice for LGBTQ+ people. With over 1,400 Reconciling communities worldwide, RMN advocates for full inclusion and affirmation throughout The United Methodist Church and beyond.
Contact: Rev. Dr. Israel “Izzy” Alvaran (he/him) – izzy@rmnetwork.org Article reproduced by permission: Reconciling Ministries Network (RMN), www.rmnetwork.org.