The Secret Transcript of the Council of Bishops: A Dialogue on Homosexuality and Church Unity

What would Wesley say? United Methodists have always looked to their founder for an example or a quick quote to justify their actions. The Secret Transcript of the Council of Bishops takes the readers inside the debate over homosexuality and church unity with John Wesley as their guide. Homosexuality raises a host of related questions about the nature and mission of the church the meaning of membership and the role of the episcopacy. The Secret Transcript of the Council of Bishops explores what Wesley had to say that can show us a more loving way to move forward. Written as a dialogue among a group of fictitious United Methodist bishops The Secret Transcript of the Council of Bishops explores the real-life implications of homosexuality on church unity. Every perspective in this complex and contentious debate is examined and respected as the reader explores how God might be speaking to us through the insights of John Wesley. Wood is an astute observer of things Methodist. This fictional conversation regarding the inclusion of LGBTQ persons in the church is laced with humor and irony and a careful mining of historical resources. One hopes real-life bishops struggle as fully with the religion of the heart or Wesleys practical theology and views on justification. Our current impasse is made clearer and helpful hints are provided as to how we might find a way forward together. --Philip A. Amerson President-Emeritus Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary Sadly I missed this meeting of the Council of Bishops. The level of conversation is certainly more scintillating than most of the conversations Ive heard at the United Methodist Council of Bishops. Wood has recorded a remarkably faithful exchange on some controversial subjects. . . . For all those in my beloved church who pray for edifying healing Christian conferencing wait until you read this secret transcript! --Will Willimon United Methodist Bishop retired and Professor of the Practice of Christian Ministry Duke Divinity School John Wesley knew people would not all agree even in the church! He encouraged honest open and respectful conversation that was always in grace seasoned with salt carefully planned not too long in duration and begun continued and concluded in prayer. Theres much to learn from Woods secret imaginary conversation as The United Methodist Council of Bishops stay connected utilizing Wesleys guidance and wisdom to deepen the difficult conversation on homosexuality and discerning Gods direction for the church. --Sharon Zimmerman Rader Retired Bishop Darren Cushman Wood (elder) is senior minister of North United Methodist Church Indianapolis. He is the author of Blue Collar Jesus: How Christianity Supports Workers Rights.