Marker of Centristm

Lots of people will be watching what the United Methodist Church (my lifelong denomination) does at its General Conference starting in two weeks from now. General Conference is where we set policy and bylaws that will last at least the next four years. One person, who appears to be a delegate, says that the UMC is a "marker of Centrism" in the USA. We are between Baptists on the right and United Church of Christ on the left. UMC churches in the West and Northeast lead the way in inclusive language, and those in the South resist progressive ideas. We are a good measure of the religious center of America. Where we go, so goes America. It also means the UMC is central in the battle. The Institute for Religion and Democracy (IRD) on the Right is spending heavily to influence the vote by lobbying churches and individual delegates. There are organizations on the Left as well, such as Reconciling Ministries Network, but it is doubtful they have the budget even close to that of IRD. Four years ago the central issue about "homosexuality is incompatible with Christian teaching" was retained with only 55% approval, down from 80% in 1984. This is the phrase which is the justification for lots of other mischief, such as banning gay pastors. The vote is likely to be close this year, close enough that I won't attempt to call it. A comment to this post noted that the IRD effort against the Episcopal Church has essentially failed, in spite of the noise made by some Anglican bishops in Africa.