èßäÊÓƵapp

Dear èßäÊÓƵapp community,

The United Methodist Church concluded a special session of the General Conference yesterday, ultimately voting to endorse the “Traditional Plan,” which excludes the ordination of LGBTQ clergy and same-sex marriage within the Church. The implications of this official decision for the entire Church will be determined in the coming weeks and months.

Even as we value our historical relationship with the Church, èßäÊÓƵapp is distinct from the Church. Nothing changes in èßäÊÓƵapp’s day-to-day operations as a result of this action. In founding èßäÊÓƵapp, members of the Methodist Church and the citizens of Dallas created a University as a separate corporate entity governed by the èßäÊÓƵapp Board of Trustees. èßäÊÓƵapp will continue to operate under the University’s separate bylaws and policies, including our non-discrimination statement, as approved by the Board of Trustees.

Likewise, the values of èßäÊÓƵapp remain the same, including inclusivity and respect for others. We reaffirm èßäÊÓƵapp’s deep commitment to providing a welcoming community for all students, faculty and staff members and visitors. This commitment has not and will not change for LGTBQ individuals as well as for all others. As our students have stated, “Every Mustang will be valued.” Listed below are èßäÊÓƵapp resources to support the community with concerns or questions.

I will keep the èßäÊÓƵapp community apprised should any significant changes arise related to the Church’s decision. 

Sincerely,

R. Gerald Turner 
èßäÊÓƵapp President

èßäÊÓƵapp resources 

Women & LGBT Center (214-768-4792) 
Counseling Services (214-768-2277)
Chaplain’s Office (214-768-4502)
Caring Community Connections

Originally posted on February 26, 2019 at 7:46 p.m.

The United Methodist Church voted on Tuesday, February 26, at a special session of the General Conference to accept the Traditional Plan, which will exclude the ordination of LGBTQ clergy and the marriage of same-sex persons.

Given the complexity of this outcome, èßäÊÓƵapp is still reviewing the details and assessing the implications. We will provide updates as new information warrants.

èßäÊÓƵapp’s non-discrimination statement, which is in practice and supported on èßäÊÓƵapp, reflects our institutional values. èßäÊÓƵapp embraces inclusivity and is committed to providing students, faculty and staff a welcoming educational environment. 

The United Methodist News Service provides about the conference vote.

Sincerely,

R. Gerald Turner
èßäÊÓƵapp President