Bishop Robert T. Hoshibata (left) and Jim Winkler, chief executive of the United Methodist Board of Church and Society, walk together to the Imagine No Malaria conference on Capitol Hill in Washington Dec. 3, 2012. UMNS photos by Jay Mallin
Jim Winkler, who sometimes has been a lightning rod for controversy in advocating the church’s social positions, will depart this year as the top executive for the United Methodist Board of Church and Society.
Winkler, who has worked for the agency for 28 years, is ending his 12-year term as the top executive. The United Methodist Board of Church and Society is charged with advocating the social teachings approved by the United Methodist General Conference, the denomination’s top policymaking body. The agency owns the United Methodist Building on Capitol Hill and has a presence at the United Nations in New York.
The Book of Discipline, the denomination’s law book, limits elected executives of general boards to serving a dozen years. Church law allows agency boards to suspend this provision by a two-thirds vote, and the Church and Society board has asked Winkler to remain in his job until his successor is hired.
Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, D-Mass., (left) and Jim Winkler chatted before a rally. A UMNS photo by Vince Isner, United Methodist Board of Church and Society.
“It’s been a phenomenal honor to serve the church in this way,” Winkler said. “I know there are a lot of interesting jobs in the church, but I can’t imagine any one being more interesting than this one in the amount of information and the sheer breadth of issues we address.”
The Board of Church and Society has set March 18 as the deadline for applications for a new top executive. Winkler told United Methodist News Service he is not sure what his future work will be.
“I’ve always been impressed by Jim’s ability to move with comfort into some difficult conversations with people of power and influence to represent our United Methodist social witness and see that it does not go unheeded,” said Phoenix Area Bishop Robert Hoshibata, the board’s chair as well as chair of the search committee.
At times controversial tenure
Both Winkler and Hoshibata agree the job can at times be controversial.
That was especially true in 2010 when the U.S. Congress passed and President Obama signed the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act health-care reform law.
The majority of United Methodist lawmakers in the U.S. House of Representatives voted against the plan. However, then-Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D.-Calif., referred to The United Methodist Church as one of many organizations “sending a clear message to members of Congress: Say yes to health care reform.” More specifically, the United Methodist Board of Church and Society was included on Pelosi’s website in a list of organizations supporting reform.
Winkler has faced frequent criticism that his advocacy does not speak for every United Methodist.
“Never once have I purported to speak for the whole United Methodist Church,” Winkler said. “The general board is directed by General Conference to speak its convictions on what’s happening in the world, and we do that.”
For example, he pointed out, eight consecutive gatherings of General Conference had called for comprehensive health-care reform in the United States.
The United Methodist Book of Discipline contains a Social Principle on the “Right to Health Care” and the Book of Resolutions includes a number of resolutions on the topic.
Jim Winkler was among 11 faith leaders arrested for refusing to stop public prayers in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda in July 2011. The group agreed to a pretrial resolution of the misdemeanor charges. A UMNS photo by Jewel DeGuzman.
Winkler also sparked controversy on July 28, 2011, when he and 10 other religious leaders were arrested in the U.S. Capitol as they refused to stop public prayers asking the Obama administration and Congress not to balance the budget on the backs of the poor.
Not every issue Winkler and his staff deal with is controversial among church members. The agency also campaigns to stop human trafficking and child abuse and supports ministries aimed at fighting substance abuse.
The past two years, the agency has called on United Methodists to give up alcohol consumption for Lent, donate the funds they would have used to buy alcohol and start an international conversation about the harm done by this common vice.
What’s next for agency
Hoshibata said that whoever follows Winkler likely also will sometimes take unpopular positions and face criticism from some in the denomination.
“I think that by the very nature of our work, we are in a divisive role,” he said. “Any statement that we make — even though we are backed up by our Book of Resolutions and Social Principles — because of the diversity in our United Methodist Church will be potentially divisive.”
He said his search committee is hoping to attract a wide range of qualified candidates. Applicants must be professing members of The United Methodist Church with “a biblical and theological understanding of its mission and social witness” as well as a thorough knowledge of the denomination’s doctrines and governance.
Applicants also must be articulate in expressing the mandates of the church and justice issues.
“There is a deep appreciation for the presence of our general board on Capitol Hill,” Hoshibata said. “We feel it’s made a difference in the way our country’s government has responded to some of the concerns of United Methodists. We’d like to see a continuation of that.”
He added that the board also would like to see the next top executive expand on the agency’s mission to talk about how the global church can become more involved in the board’s work. “My concern is that we want to share with the whole global community the variety of concerns that we address,” he said.
*Hahn is a multimedia news reporter for United Methodist News Service.
News media contact: Heather Hahn, Nashville, Tenn., (615) 742-5470 or newsdesk@umcom.org.
50 comments
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Chris G
January 17, 2013 at 3:33 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
The GBCS speaks for its own convictions, and UM positions when convenient!
“United Methodism’s Book of Resolutions supports the ‘legal right to abortion as established by the 1973 Supreme Court decision.’ The church’s Social Principles oppose abortion ‘as an acceptable means of birth control’ and gender selection, while also opposing partial-birth abortion. ****GBCS and the United Methodist Women’s Division belong to the Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice, which opposes all legal restrictions on abortion, and which supports Obamacare funding of abortion.” –theird.org
Good riddance to Winkler. Here’s to hoping the next GS will be one who advocates UM positions rather than his own with a UM stamp and funding attached.
M. Wright
January 18, 2013 at 7:58 am (UTC -6) Link to this comment
Life is complex. The Church holds to the Truth of Jesus Christ which often cuts across popular culture and is not dogmatic nor simplistic. We as Methodist support abortion as a sometimes needed way forward for health but oppose abortion for such lesser ends such as birth control and gender selection. Jack Winkler has served Christ and Christ’s Church well in showing the Light of Christ in a darken world of evil and simple-mindedness.
Mark
January 19, 2013 at 9:41 am (UTC -6) Link to this comment
No, I am sorry, but Jim Winkler (not Jack) chose time and again to refuse to draw the distinctions between HIS point of view and the church’s official stand. Jim promoted abortion on demand – regardless of circumstances, the church does not. In my opinion, we are far better of without him. I have lost too many members of my church because of his ultra liberal and non Biblical stands.
Monica Ling-Tannehill
January 27, 2013 at 8:11 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
I consider Jim Winkler a personal hero. I am proud to be a member of the United Methodist because of his humble resolve to stand on the side of righteousness and not sway with the social divisionist political demagoguery of the times. Thank You, Jim Winkler.
John Alexander
January 17, 2013 at 4:26 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
Sorry to see ya go Jim Winkler. You’ve represented us well.
George Holcombe
January 18, 2013 at 6:52 am (UTC -6) Link to this comment
We’ll miss this voice that has represented us so well. Hopefully, the agency can find someone with the courage and Christian conviction of Winkler.
Mark
January 19, 2013 at 9:42 am (UTC -6) Link to this comment
I hope NOT!
Laura L. Salguero.
January 22, 2013 at 12:42 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
I would like to say a big Amen to cyfever’s last comment!
Anne Ewing
January 18, 2013 at 7:44 am (UTC -6) Link to this comment
We sure are going to miss you!! So many time when things were a mess you had just the right words to right our thoughts and clarify our views.
Thanks, and Blessings,
Anne Ewing
Ed Rhodes
January 18, 2013 at 7:47 am (UTC -6) Link to this comment
Good news about Winkler’s departure. Too often he appears to speak for the UMC and I thought Gen. Confer. spoke for the church.
Larry Leister
January 18, 2013 at 9:08 am (UTC -6) Link to this comment
Appreciate his passion but it’s time for a change. Shows the wisdom of the 12 year rule.
arleneg
January 18, 2013 at 9:31 am (UTC -6) Link to this comment
Thank you for your bravery in the face of comments such as the one above by Chris G. You have led us to face the truth of what is happening in our society – the marginalization of those who have little power or resources to make changes. I am glad we have such advocates as you have been. Agreement across the denomination is not necessary (or possible), following the teachings of Christ and the example of Wesley is.
Edna M. Barrier
January 18, 2013 at 9:35 am (UTC -6) Link to this comment
I’m believing that Jim Winkler has been a blessing to the United Methodist Church with his faithful work. Now I’ll pray that a new leader may continue a strong Church and Society presence on the multiple issues to be addressed.
Ellen Johanson
January 18, 2013 at 10:44 am (UTC -6) Link to this comment
I think Jim Winkler has done a wonderful job these past 12 years. I was thoroughly impressed by his down-to-earth friendly personality and generosity as well as his relevant and excellent message when he spoke to our Annual Conference in 2012. I wish him all the best and hope that we will find another leader as passionate and dedicated as he is to our United Methodist Social Principles.
Linda McGuire
January 18, 2013 at 11:24 am (UTC -6) Link to this comment
I am sorry Jim Winkler is leaving his post. He is seemingly the last bastion of what Christian religion ought to be about. Now the “me saved, me better than you – who cares about anyone else” troop can carry the day. Poor delusional people unable to cope the real world. The good news? Upcoming generations are deserting the institutional church in ever increasing numbers. Thank you Jim, for your insight and discernment.
Dave Good
January 18, 2013 at 11:31 am (UTC -6) Link to this comment
You have not represented me and I’m so glad to see you gone.
cyfever
January 18, 2013 at 1:19 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
You will be missed — really missed
Randy Flanagan
January 18, 2013 at 4:17 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
Thank you for your faithful service and leadership, Jim
Laura L. Salguero, LA Conf. UMW Social Action Coordinator and Assist. Chair of LA Bd. of C&S
January 18, 2013 at 7:48 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
I have had the pleasure of meeting Jim Winkler several times when I was at the Methodist Building for Peace with Justice Training. In my opinion, he is a very sincere, dedicated Christian and has done an excellent job for the UMC. He will be missed!
Laura L. Salguero
January 18, 2013 at 7:54 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
As long as what Jim says is in keeping with the Social Principles and the Book of Resolutions, the General Conference is speaking through him. These documents are approved by the General Conference.
Mark
January 19, 2013 at 9:45 am (UTC -6) Link to this comment
These documents contradict each other too often and Jim almost always chose the wrong statement to champion..
ROSEMARY B. GAGLIARDI
January 18, 2013 at 9:47 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
Yes, Jim will be missed. He was a guiding light. We send along our prayers as he leaves.
May God be with him.
ROSEMARY B. GAGLIARDI
January 18, 2013 at 9:48 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
Yes, Jim will be missed. He was a guiding light.
Manfred Marquardt
January 19, 2013 at 4:46 am (UTC -6) Link to this comment
Thank you, Jim, for your clear Wesleyan voice in church and society. It has been heard also in old Europe.
Mark
January 19, 2013 at 9:47 am (UTC -6) Link to this comment
In my opinion, Wesley was rolling over in his grave half the time with Jim’s stands and leadership.
Randy Burbank
January 21, 2013 at 8:11 am (UTC -6) Link to this comment
Admired his willingness to stand by his convictions, but far too often he portrayed himself as the voice of United Methodists, which he is not. I pray that the next director will listen to every view point, not just their own.
arlene green
January 21, 2013 at 11:53 am (UTC -6) Link to this comment
How can one person speak for all U Methodists without watering down the message to a point of uselessness? Jim’s purpose was to lead – to be the voice speaking to the collective conscience of the church. I have not always agreed with his voice, but I have felt moved to search my thoughts and opinions by his words and actions. Please save the church from a leader who tries to please everyone! Let the new director be pleasing to God.
b.j.p.
January 22, 2013 at 7:22 am (UTC -6) Link to this comment
Sadly the GBCS has been a shill for the left wing of the Democratic party, utterly predictable in pronouncements, utterly indifferent to offering an authentic voice that speaks for the whole church and, as a result, replacing credibility with laugh ability before both church and world. It has reminded me of a drunk who says, “I can take it or leave it” but always takes it, i.e., the leftward tilt. The point is not to correct by becoming a right wing shill for the Republican party but…brace yourself…pay serious attention to speaking in the name of Jesus and his church. That kind of GBCS would prophetically call the abortion lobby to stop their moral denial regarding gender-based and ‘defect” based abortions, currently pushing 20% of all abortions performed. It also then can be equally prophetic in pushing for social safety net protection for those on the margins, precisely because it would no longer be viewed as a hack for one political position. GBCS leadership’s main contribution to the local churches they represent has been embarrassment. Balance, please, else the waltz into complete irrelevance will be complete.
Eloise M. Cranke
January 22, 2013 at 11:36 am (UTC -6) Link to this comment
Profound and deep thanks to Jim for his courage and dedication over the past 12 years. He has represented the UMC very well, and his leaving is a loss for the whole denomination. How desperately we need the voice of justice and compassion that he provided! Thank you, Jim! We will miss you!
Eloise Cranke
Barbara Grace Ripple
January 23, 2013 at 3:29 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
Jim–I knew this day would have to come but it is still hard. Mahalo nui loa and si yu’us ma’ase for the leadership you have given to encouraging the UMC to be visible in many and varied social issues. And although your office has been on the East Coast, your presence was welcomed in Hawaii, Guam, Saipan, the Marshall Islands and elsewhere. You have been a true inspiration and role model for those of us serving as laity and clergy in the local churches. I am eager to see where God leads you next!
Betty Likis
January 23, 2013 at 3:37 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
It’s people like Jim who have kept me from leaving the UMC. I very much appreciate the courage he has shown in speaking for justice and compassion.
I hope the next person in that position will show as much love and understanding as Jim has in helping us better understand what it means to follow Jesus.
Betty likis
Dale
January 24, 2013 at 7:59 am (UTC -6) Link to this comment
You’re right, Mark, but no doubt another party will step up to the plate promptly, carry the Hammer & Sickle proudly, and vigorously trample the cross underfoot, in the historical, traditional, and liberal, fashion.
arleneg
January 24, 2013 at 10:40 am (UTC -6) Link to this comment
At first I found Dale’s comment shocking, but then I realize this is the world we live in – polarized. Please, God, have mercy on all of us. When dialogue becomes such as this I understand why the secular world looks askance at the church and those who are striving to follow Christ.
cyfever
January 24, 2013 at 11:12 am (UTC -6) Link to this comment
I also found his comments (and some others) very shocking. In the words of Martin Luther King — “Hate can not drive out hate! Only love can drive out hate”. Jesus is love
pasro
January 25, 2013 at 9:11 am (UTC -6) Link to this comment
Has Jim Winkler been a tireless advocate for all that he believes to be true? No question. Does he advocate in ways that are pleasing to every United Methodist. Of course not… we are a huge denomination with a wide range of perspectives. It has been increasingly clear that Jim Winkler and GBCS do not represent General Conference and, therefore, the church at large. GBCS represents a mid-twentieth-century, Modernist, Anglo-American, liberal-Protestantism worldview that is virtually irrelevant both to the world as well as to the global church.
Like it or not, Chris G is quite correct… General Conference has made it clear that the UMC upholds the sanctity of pre-born life, although it acknowledges that in narrowly defined circumstances abortion may be deemed necessary. Yet, GBCS has continued to advocate for unrestricted abortion laws. GBCS unashamedly permits itself to be identified in the media as speaking for the UMC (when General Conference alone can speak for the entire church), and makes little or no effort to correct that misperception. That is why Nancy Pelosi could so easily give thanks to the UMC for its support for the passage of Obamacare. Perhaps, as Winkler asserts, GBCS doesn’t “purport to speak” for the church at large, but it doesn’t appear to take much corrective action either.
While I wish Jim well in his future endeavors, I pray that God will raise up a new director that can guide the work of GBCS in a way that reflects the fullness of Christ’s eternal kingdom and not merely the narrow interests of the left wing of the Democratic Party.
arleneg
January 25, 2013 at 2:36 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
Why is it that every time I hear this theme it all gets caught up in the right to life debate? There are few references to the leadership of the GBCS in the fight against poverty, women’s rights, human-trafficking, etc. No, the ONE BIG ISSUE is brought forth! I feel this is often to squash all other debate on issues that need to be addressed or at least to ignore that we need to move forward at more than a snail’s pace on them. What is irrevlevant in any time about advocating in the areas of Justice, Equality or Freedom? We have become a society who loves to label – LIBERAL thought, so no good – CONSERVATIVE thought, so no good; therefore I can believe that whatever fits under that label is no good. I don’t have to consider it, or that I might need to adjust my actions. There was one thing I was taught by my parents – to see things from another’s perspective before I decided on an opinion or action. I thank God for that. It doesn’t make living easier but it does give one some peace. Sometimes my only assurance in in the Grace of God. What a blessing.
pasro
January 25, 2013 at 5:16 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
Is there much debate about our need to fight poverty, human trafficking, sexism, racism, etc.? Very little within the Body of Christ, I would hope. What does become problematic on a large scale is when Christians are encouraged to look to the State as their provider and benefactor instead of to God. It’s problematic when the Church abdicates its call to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, etc., preferring instead to lobby Caesar to do its work. It is not a problem exclusive to “liberalism” or to “conservatism.” It is a problem with a Modernist worldview that exalts the individual and the State over Christian community.
The abortion question has been raised only because it is the most glaring example of the disconnect between the leanings of GBCS and the larger church, not to mention the main current of 2000 years of Christian teachings. GBCS continues to advocate in ways vastly different from those espoused by the General Conference. Paragraph 161 of the Discipline unequivocably stands in opposition to Dilation & Extraction (partial-birth abortion) and unconditionally rejects the use of abortion as a means of gender selection. Yet GBCS has consistently and persistently supported removing all legal impediments to “a woman’s right to choose” as though General Conference’s prayerful work in creating a thoughtful, nuanced stance was irrelevant. Contrary to our Modernist assumptions, we are stewards of our bodies… they belong to God and not to us. Therefore, the question we must wrestle with is not “What do I want to do?” but “What is God’s will?”
GBCS would far better serve the church and Christ’s kingdom by spending its energies in ways that are not antithetical to UM teachings and that provide educational and alternative supports to those who are at risk of unexpected pregnancies. Perhaps all of us then can then devote our energies to our greater calling–making disciples of Jesus Christ.
Sharon Corl
January 25, 2013 at 12:54 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
The Board of Church and Society has always been the visioning part of the United Methodist Church that made sense to me, Jim Winkler has been the voice of a prophet crying in the wilderness to those who would listen. I’m no longer a United Methodist but attend a Church where all no matter their sexual orientation are accepted and loved by the congregation, kind of like Jesus would do. Lynn
Dale
January 25, 2013 at 1:32 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
My dear friends, please know that I very much prefer St. Mark’s Gospel over Karl Marx’ Gospel.
Peggy Broadstreet
January 27, 2013 at 2:16 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
Why is it that those who want undesirable gun laws uphold abortion and same sex marriages?
Is John Q. Public now rewriting the scriptures so they can be “politically correct”? Peggy b/
cyfever
January 27, 2013 at 4:53 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
why do those opposed to a fetus being removed stay in favor of letting the courts murder people. Even tho many who have been executed are innocent. Why do they not believe in people repenting and becoming great Christians?
George
January 28, 2013 at 2:24 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
Good riddance to Jim Winkler who seems to never represent my point of view.
agreen
January 31, 2013 at 11:08 am (UTC -6) Link to this comment
I am saddened by some of this dialogue. Some of it does not reflect well on the UMC and its membership. I do find it interesting that the majority of those who show their appreciation of Jim’s leadership are women. As a United Methodist Women’s participant I see women as leading in many areas of social justice. It is MY EXPERIENCE that often men of the UMC trail behind dragging their feet, content with the status quo. I am certain of one thing – all of us, women or men, will never agree in many areas. Each of us is struggling to understand and live as Christ calls us to. Let’s support each other as much as it is possible. Let us not constantly tear down others – which I see as one of the prevalent attitudes in our society.
Laura L. Salguero
January 31, 2013 at 8:24 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
Amen, Sister! When I go to Multi-conference UMW or Church and Society events, I am always humbled by the degree of love and dedication I see in the participants, and I feel very proud of our Church. However, when I read some of the hateful remarks above, I feel very sad for our denomination.
Sue Mullins
February 18, 2013 at 7:55 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
I have been– and am– so relieved and proud to have Jim speak for me as a United Methodist in today’s controversial issues from a Christian perspective. I am so grateful, as a woman, to have Jim stand for us. I am so relieved that Jim speaks and acts for all those without voice, following the majority stands of United Methodists world-wide. At great personal risk, he has advocated for the least and the lost…echoing the voice and passion of Christ.
cyfever
February 18, 2013 at 11:39 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
Sue, I so agree. He has been a Christian as Jesus wanted us to be!
Earl Sallinger
February 25, 2013 at 3:22 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
Mr. Winkler carried his own flag and NOT that of the UMC and true Weslyan and Christian ways. Anyone who supports abortion on demand or the abolishment of our 2nd. Amendment rights to bear arms (handguns included) or who supports any resolution to have have our rights as Americans decided by the UN has no business in this position. All Mr. Winkler did was promote the liberal, socialist, communistic agenda of the left. Check out the movie ‘Agend, Grinding America Down’ – will enlighten you very much.
agreen
March 6, 2013 at 11:28 am (UTC -6) Link to this comment
Mr. Salinger makes me sad. He uses all the buzz words to put down thought and dialogue: liberal, socialist, communist, left, and, oh horrors, the UN! He appears to be certain he knows the “true Wesleyan and Christian ways”. I would hope as Christians and United Methodists we could be kinder and more open as we grow in our relationship with God and each other. Christ gave us only 2 commandments in the New Covenant: Love God and Love our Neighbor as we love ourselves.
cyfever
March 6, 2013 at 10:39 am (UTC -6) Link to this comment
Maybe before you recommend a movie — you should find out the facts presented in a movie
Al Milligan
April 28, 2013 at 4:12 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
Mr. Winkler addressed the Iowa chapter of MFSA last year. I asked him then what his thoughts were on the demolition of building 7 of the WTC on 9/11. (That building 7 was brought down by a controlled demolition attested to by sight and the, now, thousands of architects, engineers and the forensic evidence, is uncontested except by the incredulity of belief.) Mr. Winkler dismissed me as being, you guessed it, a conspiracy theorist. He, like all the other people in high places, continues to refer to 9/11 as a terrorist attack the evidence notwithstanding. We can not build a peace based upon a lie. Until we are at least willing to look at the evidence, google 9/11 WTC 7, there will be no resolution to what really happened that day and we will continue to use it (the terrorist attack) as an impetus for perpetual war. The most important day in the history of the United States is 9/11, but we need to get it right. The first move to getting it right is to believe your eyes regardless of the spin.