As The United Methodist Church approaches a major legislative gathering that will determine the future of the denomination, Bishop James Swanson, interim top executive of United Methodist Men, talks about the agency’s role in the church and several pieces of legislation they have submitted, including enhancing men’s role in confronting gender-based violence.
Swanson spoke with UM News as part of a video series featuring different perspectives of church leaders on legislation to be considered by General Conference delegates.
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What should delegates know about UM Men?
Swanson shares statistics that show a lot of men don’t participate in religious life at all, but of the ones who do, they are far more likely to also bring their spouses and families.
Swanson discusses adaptations to the church’s resolution on eliminating gender-based violence that would state United Methodist Men’s role being part of the solution.
United Methodist Men seeks amendments to the church’s resolution supporting the appointment of clergywomen, in Swanson’s words, “so the whole church knows that men are not opposed to women in the role and the function of being pastors in local congregations.”
Swanson discusses key legislation United Methodist Men is monitoring at General Conference, including supporting women clergy and confronting domestic violence.
Looking toward the new quadrennium, Swanson says United Methodist Men wants to lead conversations encouraging others in “trying to be the very best we could be under Christ.”