WHEREAS, The United Methodist Church has struggled for many years over the issue of homosexuality, and

WHEREAS, the General Commission on Christian Unity and Interreligious Concerns (GCCUIC) remains committed to pursuing unity within the church as a gift and calling of God, and

WHEREAS, the 2000 General Conference directed the GCCUIC to lead the church in dialogue on issues related to homosexuality and the unity of the church (Resolution Number 29, Book of Resolutions 2000, page 134), and