The Rev. Alex da Silva Souto and Karen G. Prudente are both New York Conference delegates to the special 2019 General Conference. Da Silva Souto is a co-author of the Simple Plan, which eliminates all restrictions in The United Methodist Church’s Book of Discipline related to the practice of homosexuality, and Prudente is a co-signer.
They spoke with UM News as part of “Seeing a Way Forward,” a video series featuring different perspectives of church leaders on the work of the Commission on a Way Forward.
“The Simple Plan is a very grassroots effort.”
With no denominational structure to allow wider communication, the Rev. Alex da Silva Souto says supporters of the Simple Plan are sharing its merits by word of mouth.
What do local churches need to know about the Simple Plan?
The Simple Plan, which eliminates all restrictions in The United Methodist Church’s Book of Discipline related to the practice of homosexuality, allows every church to “thrive to be themselves,” according to Karen G. Prudente, a co-signer of the plan.
Is unity still possible in The United Methodist Church?
As the special 2019 General Conference approaches and anxiety grows over the future of the denomination, the Rev. Alex da Silva Souto believes unity is still possible, but it will require every member, regardless of theological views, to work together.
“We’re not in this to separate.”
The Rev. Alex da Silva Souto is a co-author of the Simple Plan, which eliminates all restrictions in The United Methodist Church’s Book of Discipline related to the practice of homosexuality, and Karen G. Prudente is a co-signer. Each shares their message to the church about the mission the Simple Plan hopes to accomplish.
What was the inspiration for the Simple Plan?
The Rev. Alex da Silva Souto is a co-author of the Simple Plan, which eliminates all restrictions in The United Methodist Church’s Book of Discipline related to the practice of homosexuality. He shares the inspiration for the plan, which is rooted in a prayer for church unity dating back to the creation of The United Methodist Church.
“Why I support the Simple Plan”
The Rev. Alex da Silva Souto is a co-author of the Simple Plan, which eliminates all restrictions in The United Methodist Church’s Book of Discipline related to the practice of homosexuality, and Prudente is a co-signer. Each shares their reasons for supporting the plan.
This is the twelfth in a series of video interviews by United Methodist News Service. View all interviews.
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