I will be lay rep from my church to my fourth UM regional conference in June. My first year, some incremental gay-supported issues were put on the agenda, debated from the floor the same way as all agenda items, and resoundingly defeated.
Year 2 featured the pro-gay agenda supporters wearing rainbow ties or collars. The pro LGBTQs sponsored a booth in the display area and chanted like they were right out of 1968. Another resounding no vote.
Last year, we were Delphi’d. The conference workshops all were cancelled in favor of carefully planned discussion groups. I arrived early to hear instructions given to the “facilitators,” first clue the Delphi Method is in use.
They were told to remove their rainbow gear and take care not to reveal their position. When they dispersed, at least two went to each table of eight. Most of the session was a listening tour. There was no direct indoctrination. Instead, they tried to build warm fuzzy feelings toward each other, and gain affirmation of “the process.”
There was no floor debate last year. A binding secret ballot was handed out at our discussion tables. No proposition was listed. They referred to a fine-print monstrosity available only if you’d read the district website in advance.
Fortunately, a woman at our table had brought a printed copy. Our session ended with a touchy-feely survey on the process, and how well we liked each other.
This process resulted in a flip from 60-40 the previous year against the incremental gay agenda items to 60-40 in favor. The results were quietly announced early the next morning as most people were just arriving.
Frankly, I continue to attend as a subversive. Someone has to expose them and their methods, don’t they? Until it’s pointless. Perhaps that’s where you are, xzins. I may not be far behind.
Rule 44 at this week’s general conference will be decided upon early. If it passes, they will use the technique you just described to deal with legislation this year. IOW, they will attempt to subvert voting itself in favor of ‘group process.’
If rule 44 is the method, then I’ve no doubt they will sideline the African delegations who are solidly opposed to homosexualism. They will put them all at their own tables, and all other tables will outnumber theirs.
As I said, I’m so sick of the subterfuge, the agenda setting prior to meeting, and the powers at the top in position to stifle dissent that I’m on my final lap around the track.
I’ve said this before out of frustration over my time as a freeper. This time it is real.
May God bless you for standing in the Truth!