GBHEM Releases a New Book Featuring Scholarly Statements on Church Unity and Human Sexuality

The General Board of Higher Education and Ministry (GBHEM) and the Association of United Methodist Theological Schools (AUMTS), in support of the Commission on a Way Forward, are the sponsors of a new book, “Unity of the Church and Human Sexuality: Toward a Faithful United Methodist Witness.”

This book showcases the presentations made at the March 2017 academic colloquy that shares its name. “Unity of the Church and Human Sexuality” represents the earnest and in-depth conferencing of international scholars around the cultural and ecclesial flashpoint—human sexuality. 

A collection of essays, the books includes voices across the theological spectrum that examine human sexuality and the church both historically and constructively, including ideas about how to move The United Methodist Church forward. This book plumbs the depths of the Wesleyan heritage to enhance our faithful witness to the gospel of Jesus Christ at a time when devout followers are deeply divided.

The contributors for the book include: William J. Abraham, Lisa M. Allen-McLaurin, Karen Baker-Fletcher, Barry E. Bryant, Anne L. Burkholder, Ted A. Campbell, Kenneth H. Carter Jr., Philip Clayton, Kenneth J. Collins, Morris L. Davis, Christopher Evans, Jack Jackson, Catherine L. Kelsey, Scott T. Kisker, Sarah Heaner Lancaster, Jan Love, Kevin D. Newburg, L. Edward Phillips, Russell E. Richey, R. Kendall Soulen, Mark R. Teasdale, Jørgen Thaarup, Júlio André Vilanculos, Kevin M. Watson, Sondra Wheeler, and Charles M. Wood.

A study guide, also titled “Unity of the Church and Human Sexuality: Toward a Faithful United Methodist Witness,” was also published as a result of the colloquy. The four-week guide is a tool to help annual conferences and local churches empower conversations around church unity and human sexuality. The guide is based on the paper “Wonder, Love, and Praise” by Dr. Charles Wood, retired professor of Christian Doctrine from Perkins School of Theology.

“The Unity of the Church and Human Sexuality: Toward a Faithful United Methodist Witness” is available on Cokebury.com and Amazon.com. The study guide is available at Cokesbury.com and Amazon.com and online in English, French, Korean, Spanish and Portuguese.

For more about GBHEM Publishing, visit www.gbhem.org/about/publications and follow us on Facebook: @GBHEMPublishing.

About GBHEM: As the leadership development agency of The United Methodist Church, the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry’s mission is to build capacity for United Methodist lay and clergy leaders to discover, claim and flourish in Christ’s calling in their lives, by creating connections and providing resources to aid in recruitment, education, professional development and spiritual formation. Every elder, deacon and licensed local pastor benefits from our training and candidacy programs. Many young adults find help in clarifying their vocation and God’s call in their lives through our leadership and discernment programs. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook: @GBHEM.