I’ve been creeping toward writing this for a week or so. Then I read John’s blip about Beth Quick’s post on transparency at General Conference. Here’s a bit of Beth’s:

As I think about the approaching General Conference for the UMC, one of the things I wish we would see more of is transparency in our actions. Cozying up to certain delegates in order to win their votes? Just say so. Offering a breakfast or lunch or dinner because you want to push a certain agenda? Please be clear about it. Attending mostly because you’ll later be running for the episcopacy? Out with it! In the end, are you going to vote based on what’s best for you personally, even if it conflicts with your stated ideals and theology? Just say so.

Here’s my related stuff. There has never been a bishop elected from the Central Texas Conference (CTC). Dr. Tim Bruster, pastor of FUMC Fort Worth, is our conference’s candidate for bishop this year.

In the CTC, the first clergy elected to the General Conference delegation is the presumptive episcopal candidate. Dr. Bruster was our first clergy elected, on either the first or the second ballot.

Don’t get me wrong; I like Tim (Dr. Bruster). We’ve known each other for almost 20 years.  I think he is an excellent episcopal candidate.  I did (and would again) vote for him.

However, he wasn’t even elected to our GC delegation 4 years ago.  Now, he leads the delegation.  I think somebody did some meeting behind closed doors and burned up some phone lines on this one.

Is there anything wrong with that?  Well, yes there is.  Officially, as we are reminded by our bishop, clergy do not and are not to politic.  We are not supposed to “run” for GC delegate.

Does it happen? Of course!  Am I merely expressing sour grapes over not being involved?  I don’t think so.  I am not opposed to deals being made and people politicking for themselves or others.  I am opposed to this all happening while we say it doesn’t and isn’t supposed to.