Pastoral Letter to the Horizon Texas Conference Regarding Judicial Council Decision 1516

Companions in Christ,

Grace and peace to you in the name of Jesus Christ, who calls us to love one another as He has loved us.

In light of the recent Judicial Council decision, I write to you as your bishop with a word of pastoral guidance and clarity. In seasons of denominational transition, our calling remains unchanged: to center our ministry in Christ, to love one another deeply, and to lead with integrity in the communities we are appointed to serve.

The Council of Bishops has responded to the decision, in part:

During our time together as a Council of Bishops we, along with the rest of the church, received Judicial Council decision 1516. We are aware that this decision has created some anxiety and consternation, and we are aware that there are misunderstandings regarding the decision. We thought it helpful to offer some clarifying words.

Judicial Council decision 1516 is a precise and specific ruling that reaffirms the longstanding authority of a pastor to determine the use of church property for religious services, including marriage ceremonies. It also reaffirms ¶341.3 which states: “No clergy at any time may be required or compelled to perform, or prohibited from performing, any marriage, union, or blessing of any couple, including same-sex couples. All clergy have the right to exercise and preserve their conscience when requested to perform any marriage, union, or blessing of any couple.”  

As bishops, we expect that the pastors we appoint will continue to exercise their authority with deep pastoral sensitivity to the congregation and community to which they are appointed. We also affirm that the Judicial Council decision does not negate the powers and duties that apply only in the central conferences.  We recognize the varying legal contexts in different parts of the world where The United Methodist Church is in ministry.

The Horizon Texas Conference is a diverse body of faithful people and passionate leaders. Our clergy are entrusted with ordering the life of the church in ways that reflect the character of Christ and the needs of their particular context.

In our conference, we will continue to support our pastors as they engage this work with courage, compassion, and a deep love for the people they serve. We expect pastors to shepherd with grace, to listen well, and to lead congregations in discerning faithful responses rooted in Scripture, tradition, reason, and experience. I urge trustees and pastors to engage in prayerful, grace-filled dialogue about facility use policies, always grounding your conversations in the teachings of scripture.

The Horizon Texas Conference is a tapestry of diverse beliefs, yet we are bound by our baptismal vow to “serve all people, following the example of Jesus” (¶217). Let us honor and work out our differences with humility, remembering to “above all, clothe ourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony” (Colossians 3:14).

I remain in prayer for each of you, confident that God will continue to equip and guide us for the work ahead.

In Christ’s service, 

Bishop Ruben Saenz Jr.