The following resolution was passed at the June 2001 Desert Southwest Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church.

Resolution 21.20:  Affirmation of the Western Jurisdictional Resolution "We Will Not
Be Silent"

Whereas, the Western Jurisdictional Conference during its session at Caspar, Wyoming,
July 12-15, 2000, passed the following resolution entitled "We Will Not Be Silent":

     "We of the Western Jurisdiction of the United Methodist Church have heard
     the call of the prophet Micah "to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with
     God." We have heard Jesus  invitation for all to come to the banquet table
     of God s abundant grace.

     "Certain actions of General Conference 2000 have caused tremendous pain
     for individuals and communities and have resulted in an attempt to suppress
     our prophetic and pastoral ministries among all people, regardless of sexual
     orientation.

     "The votes may have been cast but our voices will not be silent. Our
     jurisdictional vision calls us to be "a home for all God s people, gathered
     around a table of reconciliation and transformation." Affirming the statement
     of United Methodist of Color for a Fully Inclusive Church, "We acknowledge
     that there may be differences of opinion among us, but this does not require
     that we wait on justice." We cannot accept discrimination against gay,
     lesbian, bisexual or transgendered persons and, therefore, we will work
     toward their full participation at all levels in the life of the church and 
     society. Valuing the voices of those who disagree, we will continue to be in 
     dialogue as we journey together in creative tension. We will continue to be in 
     ministry with all God's children and celebrate the gifts diversity brings. We 
     will continue to feast at table with all God's children."

WHEREAS, the Desert Southwest Annual Conference intends to support our brothers and
sisters across the Western Jurisdiction.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Desert Southwest Annual Conference both
affirms and supports the action taken by the Western Jurisdictional Conference at 
its 2000 session, and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Conference Secretary shall ensure that the text of
this resolution be printed in the "Open Line", and that the Conference Secretary shall 
mail a copy of this resolution to each congregation in the Desert Southwest Annual 
Conference.