by Stephen Drachler
Maputo, Mozambique
Nov. 4, 2006       

            Bishops are being urged to take a �cross every line� approach when dealing with controversial theological and social issues before denominational caucuses.

The Council of Bishops� Task Force on Unity called on bishops to invite colleagues �from a different corner� to join them when asked to speak on issues before the special-interest groups.

In its report, the task force said the council needs to take responsibility to cross theological, jurisdictional, and racial ethnic lines in bishops� presence at such events. This is another move to focus the church on the need and benefit of holy conferencing.

Reflecting widespread concern over the tone of debate at General Conference, the group is developing a �Covenant for Conversation� it hopes will be a model, or �rules of engagement� for the 2008 General Conference in Fort Worth.

Stemming from Wesley�s General Rules, the biblical model is based on James 1:19, �Be swift to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger,� and Ephesians 4:15, �to speak� the truth� in love� together.� The elements are:

-          To speak: we invite all voices into the conversation

-          The truth: it takes all voices to discern the truth; requires �I� statements

-          In love: speaking to and about others with generous compassion

-          Together: truth and love come only through community, the need to broaden the conversation, not to remain in isolated pockets

The recommendations are elements of a strategy focused on bishops taking a more proactive role in the time approaching General Conference. More discussion is continuing on bishops� role in leading the church toward unity, in presiding at General Conference, how annual conferences handle controversial issues, and their interaction with caucus groups.