Queer Delegate Caucus Gathers in Person

Rev. Frank Wulf (he/him pronouns), Clergy Reserve Delegate, California-Pacific Annual Conference and Derrick Scott III (he/him), Lay Delegate, Florida Annual Conference.

On Tuesday, April 23, after months of organizing remotely, the United Methodist Queer Delegate Caucus assembled for lunch at the Hilton Garden Inn in uptown Charlotte, NC. The gathering was largely a hopeful one, with delegates joyful to be together. These individuals, laity and clergy, new and seasoned delegates, discussed the varying interests and identities they carry. While supporting the progressive and centrist “3 R” priorities of Regionalization, Revised Social Principles, and Removal of Harmful Language, delegates take different views on how much to quiet one’s queerness in favor of the week’s legislative goals. 

Matt Dailey (he/they), Lay Delegate, Florida Annual Conference and Jess Brown (they/them), Lay Reserve Delegate, Desert Southwest Annual Conference.

The beauty of the event included delegates caring for one another’s physical and spiritual needs: reminding one another of where to get snacks, the introduction of the caucus’ dedicated chaplain, and a pastoral assurance of God’s love for YOU! Click here to hear this assurance and prayer from Rev. Effie McAvoy (she/her pronouns), a clergy delegate from the New England Annual Conference.

Jorge Lockward (he/him), a lay delegate from the New York Annual Conference, led those gathered in a brief time of shared worship featuring an original song, declaring that “love is stronger than hate” and “hope is stronger than fear.” Queer delegates, including those who are out and the “hidden faithful” (not public about their sexuality or gender identity), continue onward in God’s love and the work of Christian conferencing. About 40 attended the lunch, and the caucus’ membership has risen to 65 delegates and reserves to General and Jurisdictional Conferences.

Alberto Hidalgo (he/him), Lay Delegate; Alisa Isaacs-Bailey (she/her), Lay Delegate; and Duane Carlisle (he/him), Clergy Delegate; all from the Indiana Annual Conference. Photo credits: Rev. Hannah Adair Bonner (she/her).