2020 General Conference Guide - May 5-15, 2020 Minneapolis, Minnesota - Texas Annual Conference
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2020 General Conference Guide
May 5-15, 2020
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Contents
Letter from Daniel P.R. Krause..............................4
Episcopal Welcome...............................................5
Event Site Map......................................................6
We support all levels of 2020 General Conference Schedule.....................8
the church through: General Conference: An Overview........................14
Follow the Sights and Sounds
Online and in-person of General Conference 2020................................16
training experiences The Site.................................................................17
Local church marketing Opening Worship, Addresses,
grant opportunities Other Special Events.............................................18
Key People............................................................20
Effective outreach tools
Main Tasks.............................................................22
Affordable web hosting Sources of Legislation..........................................23
Resources in English, Legislative Committees .......................................24
Spanish and Korean Tracking Legislation..............................................27
Sharing tips and best practices Major Issues..........................................................28
that will make your job easier History of the Church............................................36
Helping you Membership..........................................................37
communicate Statistics of The United Methodist Church...........38
Structure of the Denomination.............................42
all the good Cover photo:
Ethnic Caucuses and Initiatives...........................46
you can Partner with us!
Rachael Sumner, delegate
from the Florida Annual
Conference, raises her arms
Reference Materials.............................................48
Crossing the Language Barriers...........................48
in prayer during the 2019
Find details about these resources,
Special Session of the
General Conference in St.
and many more, at Louis. Seated behind her
at left is the Rev. Sharon
Austin, also a delegate from
ResourceUMC.org/UMCom the Florida Conference.
Photo by Kathleen Barry, UM News.
3
Minneapolis Area Map
Letter from Daniel P.R. Krause Episcopal Welcome
Greetings! Greetings!
In early May, 862 delegates from around the world and thousands of Grace and peace to you from God our creator and our Lord Jesus Christ.
visitors will gather at the Minneapolis Convention Center in Minnesota for On behalf of all Minnesota and Dakotas United Methodists, I welcome you
the 2020 General Conference. to Minneapolis for General Conference 2020.
Whether you are attending General Conference as a delegate, a It is our privilege and honor to host visitors from around the world, and to
communicator or an interested church member, I welcome you to this introduce you to this place we call home. Our Dakotas-Minnesota Area Host
important event in the life of our denomination. Team looks forward to showing you the best of what the Minneapolis/St.
Paul metropolitan area has to offer. Hundreds of volunteers eagerly await
We designed this guide as a resource for you. It contains information about all the opportunity to greet you, help you find your way around, and recommend
aspects of your General Conference experience. You will find the agenda for the places to explore and dine. It is the hope of the Dakotas-Minnesota Area
assembly, details of the legislative process and summaries of key issues. You’ll to provide radical hospitality — an environment where you feel safe and
also discover information on the history of The United Methodist Church, as cared for as you meet with others at the Minneapolis Convention Center and
well as overviews of its structure, membership and finances. discern where God is calling us as a denomination.
As in the past, this guide is available in multiple languages as we embrace Minneapolis is known as the “City of Lakes.” It is situated on both banks
our global connection. It also is available as a print edition and online at of the Mississippi River and adjoins St. Paul, the state’s capital. These
GC2020.umc.org. two “Twin Cities” form the 16th-largest metro area in the United States, Photo by Mike DuBose, UM News
with about 3.2 million residents. The city is abundantly rich in water with
Dan Krause You may also find that this guide will serve as a helpful reference when
lakes and wetlands, the Mississippi riverfront, creeks and waterfalls.
Bishop Bruce R. Ough
General Conference ends.
Minneapolis was once the world’s flour-milling capital and a hub for
United Methodist Communications will be providing photos, daily news, timber, and today is the primary business center between Chicago and
feature stories, video interviews with key people and social media updates Seattle. It is a diverse city, with a wide variety of ethnic groups and among
to help interested people follow the events and stay up-to-date. the largest Hmong and Somali populations in the country. America’s most
literate city, Minneapolis also has a vibrant arts scene.
I hope you will share information about the assembly with your annual
conferences and local congregations and encourage them to watch via It is my earnest hope that as we gather in this setting, we will witness
livestreaming video. the Holy Spirit breaking through. I encourage you to join me in praying
daily for the Holy Spirit boldly to use each of us, and the 2020 General
Conference, to make disciples of Jesus Christ and transform the world.
Peace and blessings, On behalf of all Minnesota and Dakotas United Methodists, we look
forward to having you join us in Minneapolis as a delegate, a volunteer or
a visitor. We look forward to welcoming you and to witnessing the power
and presence of the Holy Spirit as one body of Christ.
Dan Krause
General Secretary
United Methodist Communications
Bishop Bruce R. Ough
Resident Bishop, Dakotas-Minnesota Area
The United Methodist Church
4 5
6
LOADING DOCK & MARSHALLING YARD
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7
Tuesday, May 5 Wednesday, May 6
Registration (all categories) Committee on Agenda and Calendar
7:00 A.M.–1:00 P.M. 7:00 A.M.
Committee on Reference
2020 General Conference Schedule
9:30 A.M. – 12:00 P.M. Orientation for All Delegates
7:30 A.M. – 6:30 P.M. Registration (all categories)
2:00 – 3:30 P.M. Opening Worship
8:00 – 8:30 A.M. Worship
3:30 – 3:50 P.M. Break
Plenary Session Episcopal Address
Plenary Session (45 minutes)
Q Call to Order 8:30 – 10:35 A.M. Monitoring Report (3 minutes)
REGISTRATION (ALL CATEGORIES) Friday, May 1
Q Roll Call and Setting the Bar of
the Conference
Report on the Social Principles
Revision (12 minutes) Nominations
Orientation for Interpreters Q Emergency Procedures 10:35 – 10:55 A.M. Break
Sunday, May 3 1:00–6:30 P.M. 6:00 P.M.
Q Greeting from Minneapolis
Plenary Session Young People’s
Q The Role of Monitoring (5 Address (30 minutes)
Monday, May 4 7:00 A.M.–6:30 P.M. minutes) 10:55 A.M. – 1:00 P.M.
General Book of Discipline Report
Saturday, May 2 Q The Power of Communication and Dialogue (90 minutes)
(15 minutes)
Tuesday, May 5 7:00 A.M.–1:00 P.M. Orientation for Central Conference Q Journey from 2016 to 2020 (15 1:00 – 2:30 P.M. Lunch
8:00 A.M.
4:00–6:30 P.M. Delegates minutes) Organization of the Legislative
2:30 – 4:30 P.M.
10:00 A.M. Committee on Credentials 3:50 – 6:30 P.M. Q Speaker Recognition System Committees
Registration will continue from 7:30 A.M.–6:30 Introduction Dinner and Mandatory Leadership
P.M. each day except for Sunday, May 10. Q Testing the Voting System Training for Legislative Committee
Sunday, May 3 Q Commission on the General Chairs, Vice Chairs, Parliamentarians,
Conference Report and Plan of 4:30 P.M. Secretaries, Assistant Secretaries,
Orientation for Central Conference Organization and Rules of Order Recorders, and Sub-Committee
8:00 A.M. – 2:00 P.M.
AGENDA AND PROGRAM Delegates
Q Elections
Chairs.
Recess for All Others
1:00 – 6:30 P.M. Registration (all categories) • Coordinator of the Calendar
Following is the overall program of the Standing Committee on Central • Inter-jurisdictional Committee 5:00 P.M. Daily Deadline for DCA Printing
2020 General Conference in Minneapolis, Conference Matters on the Episcopacy
Minnesota. Following the presentation and 3:00 P.M. Committee on Correlation and • General Conference
adoption of the report of the Commission Editorial Revision Administrative Committees Thursday, May 7
Orientation for Legislative Committee Q Report of the Committee on
on the General Conference at the opening Agenda and Calendar Committee on Agenda and Calendar
Recorders 7:00 A.M.
session of the General Conference, the Committee on Reference
6:00 P.M. Orientation for Interpreters 4:00 – 6:30 P.M. Registration (all categories)
Committee on Agenda and Calendar shall 7:30 A.M. – 6:30 P.M. Registration (all categories)
5:00 P.M. Daily Deadline for DCA Printing
immediately become responsible for guiding 8:00 – 8:45 A.M. Worship
the order of business of the Conference. 6:30 P.M. Adjournment
Monday, May 4 Plenary Session
All times listed are considered “Orders of the 7:00 A.M. – 6:30 P.M. Registration (all categories) Q Opening Prayer
Day.” Announcements will be held prior to Committee on Reference 8:45 – 9:30 A.M. Q Monitoring Report (3 minutes)
the end of each Plenary as necessary. 9:00 A.M. Q Laity Address (30 minutes)
Standing Committee on Central
Conference Matters Q Administrative Committee
Reports
10:00 A.M. Committee on Agenda and Calendar
9:30 – 9:50 A.M. Break
Committee on Courtesies and
Privileges 9:50 A.M. – 12:30 P.M. Legislative Committees
1:00 P.M. 12:30 – 1:30 P.M. Lunch
Committee on Presiding Officers
Committee on the Journal 1:30 – 4:00 P.M. Legislative Committees
Orientation for Heads of Delegations 4:00 – 4:20 P.M. Break
6:00 P.M.
Orientation for Pages and Marshals 4:20 – 6:20 P.M. Legislative Committees
5:00 P.M. Daily Deadline for DCA Printing
Evening Devotion
6:20 – 6:30 P.M. (Legislative Committees)
6:30 P.M. Adjournment
8 9
Friday, May 8 Saturday, May 9 Sunday, May 10 Tuesday, May 12
Committee on Agenda and Calendar Committee on Agenda and Calendar Sabbath 6:30 A.M. Committee on Agenda and Calendar
7:00 A.M. 7:00 A.M.
Committee on Reference Committee on Reference 7:30 A.M. – 6:30 P.M. Registration (all categories)
7:30 A.M. – 6:30 P.M. Registration (all categories) 7:30 A.M. – 6:30 P.M. Registration (all categories) Monday, May 11 Worship
8:00 – 9:30 A.M.
8:00 – 8:45 A.M. Worship 8:00 – 8:45 A.M. Worship Ecumenical Introductions
6:30 A.M. Committee on Agenda and Calendar (30 minutes)
Plenary Session Plenary Session
7:30 A.M. – 6:30 P.M. Registration (all categories) Plenary Session
Q Opening Prayer Q Opening Prayer
Worship Q Opening Prayer
Q Monitoring Report (3 minutes) Q Monitoring Report (3 minutes)
8:00 – 9:20 A.M. Q Consecration of Deaconesses 9:30 – 10:00 A.M. Q Monitoring Report (3 minutes)
Q Financial State of the Church 8:45 – 9:50 A.M. Q Wespath – New Retirement Plan and Home Missioners for
(15 minutes) Overview (45 minutes) Lifetime Service Q Administrative Committee
8:45 – 9:50 A.M. Q Administrative Committee Reports Consent Calendars
Q Connectional Table Report Plenary Session
(20 minutes) Reports 10:00 – 10:20 A.M. Break
Q Consent Calendars Q Opening Prayer
Q Jurisdictional Study Committee Plenary Session
Report (15 minutes) 9:50 – 10:10 A.M. Break 9:20 – 10:00 A.M. Q Monitoring Report (3 minutes)
10:20 A.M. – 12:00 P.M. Q Opening Prayer
Q Administrative Committee Q Administrative Committee
10:10 A.M. – 12:30 P.M. Legislative Committees Reports Q Calendar Items & Conference
Reports Business
12:30 – 1:30 P.M. Lunch Q Consent Calendars
9:50 – 10:10 A.M. Break 12:00 – 1:30 P.M. Lunch
1:30 – 4:00 P.M. Legislative Committees 10:00 – 10:20 A.M. Break
10:10 A.M. – 12:30 P.M. Legislative Committees Plenary Session
4:00 – 4:20 P.M. Break
12:30 – 1:30 P.M. Lunch Plenary Session Q Opening Prayer
4:20 – 6:00 P.M. Legislative Committees
1:30 – 4:00 P.M. Legislative Committees Q Opening Prayer Q Recognition of Retiring Bishops
5:00 P.M. Daily Deadline for DCA Printing Q Voting Demonstration and Presentation of New
4:00 – 4:20 P.M. Break 1:30 – 3:40 P.M.
6:00 – 7:30 P.M. Dinner Q Elections Episcopal Leadership (10
4:20 – 6:20 P.M. Legislative Committees minutes)
7:30 – 9:20 P.M. Legislative Committees • Trustees of John Street Church Q Calendar Items & Conference
5:00 P.M. Daily Deadline for DCA Printing • Secretary-designate of the
Evening Devotion Business
Evening Devotion 9:20 – 9:30 P.M. General Conference
6:20 – 6:30 P.M. (Legislative Committees) 10:20 A.M. – 12:00 P.M. 3:40 – 4:00 P.M. Break
(Legislative Committees)
9:30 P.M. Adjournment
• Commission on the General
Conference Plenary Session
6:30 P.M. Adjournment
• General Agencies Q Opening Prayer
• Judicial Council Q 80th Anniversary of UMCOR and
4:00 – 6:10 P.M.
• University Senate Migrant Ministries (10 minutes)
• Standing Committee on Q Calendar Items & Conference
Central Conference Matters Business
12:00 – 1:30 P.M. Lunch 5:00 P.M. Daily Deadline for DCA Printing
Plenary Session 6:10 – 6:30 P.M. Evening Devotion
Q Opening Prayer 6:30 P.M. Adjournment
Q Africa University Report
1:30 – 3:40 P.M. (20 minutes) Protestant prayer beads created for the 2016
Q Higher Education and United Methodist General Conference.
Ministry Report (20 minutes) Photo by Kathleen Barry, United Methodist Communications
Q Calendar Items &
Conference Business
3:40 – 4:00 P.M. Break
Plenary Session
Q Opening Prayer
4:00 – 6:10 P.M. Q Abundant Health Initiative Report
(10 minutes)
Q Calendar Items &
Conference Business
5:00 P.M. Daily Deadline for DCA Printing
Members of the Jefferson Dance Group help celebrate The United 6:10 – 6:30 P.M. Evening Devotion
Methodist Church’s Imagine No Malaria campaign May 18 at the 2016
United Methodist General Conference in Portland, Oregon. 6:30 P.M. Adjournment
Photo by Paul Jeffrey, UM News.
10 11
Wednesday, May 13 Thursday, May 14 Friday, May 15
6:30 A.M. Committee on Agenda and Calendar 6:30 A.M. Committee on Agenda and Calendar 6:30 A.M. Committee on Agenda and Calendar
7:30 A.M. – 6:30 P.M. Registration (all categories) 7:30 A.M. – 6:30 P.M. Registration (all categories) 7:30 A.M. – 6:30 P.M. Registration (all categories)
8:00 – 9:00 A.M. Worship 8:00 – 9:00 A.M. Worship 8:00 – 9:00 A.M. Worship
Plenary Session Q Commissioning of Missionaries Plenary Session
Q Opening Prayer Q Opening Prayer
Plenary Session
Q Monitoring Report (3 minutes) Q Monitoring Report (3 minutes)
Q Opening Prayer Administrative
9:00 – 10:00 A.M. Q Methodist Family Day 9:00 – 10:00 A.M.
(30 minutes) Q Monitoring Report (3 minutes) Q Committee Reports
Q Administrative Committee Q Mission Bicentennial GCFA Report
9:00 – 10:00 A.M. (15 minutes)
Reports Q Calendar Items & Conference
Q Consent Calendars Q Administrative Committee Business Announcements
Reports Consent Calendars
10:00 – 10:20 A.M. Break 10:00 – 10:20 A.M. Break
Q Calendar Items & Conference
Plenary Session Business Q Plenary Session
10:20 A.M. – 12:00 P.M.
Q Opening Prayer 10:00 – 10:20 A.M. Break Q Opening Prayer
10:20 A.M. – 12:00 P.M.
Q Calendar Items & Conference Plenary Session Q Calendar Items & Conference
Business Business
10:20 A.M. – 12:00 P.M. Q Opening Prayer
12:00 – 1:30 P.M. Lunch 12:00 – 1:30 P.M. Lunch
Q Calendar Items &
Plenary Session Conference Business Plenary Session
Q Opening Prayer 12:00 – 1:30 P.M. Lunch Q Opening Prayer
Q 100th Anniversary of the United Q Recognition of General
1:30 – 3:40 P.M. Plenary Session 1:30 – 3:40 P.M. Conference Staff and Local Host
Methodist Building (5 minutes)
Q Opening Prayer Committee (25 minutes)
Q Calendar Items &
Conference Business Q Recognition of New Judicial Q Calendar Items & Conference
1:30 – 3:40 P.M. Business
Council Members and those
3:40 – 4:00 P.M. Break members completing their service 3:40 – 4:00 P.M. Break
Plenary Session Q Calendar Items & Conference Plenary Session
4:00 – 6:10 P.M. Q Opening Prayer
3:40 – 4:00 P.M. Break 4:00 – 6:00 P.M. Q Opening Prayer
Q Calendar Items &
Conference Business Plenary Session Q Calendar Items & Conference
Business The primary purpose of the General
5:00 P.M. Daily Deadline for DCA Printing 4:00 – 6:10 P.M. Q Opening Prayer
Q Calendar Items & Conference 6:00 – 6:30 P.M. Closing Worship Commission on the Status and Role of
6:10 – 6:30 P.M. Evening Devotion
Business 6:30 P.M. Final Adjournment
6:30 P.M. Adjournment Women shall be to challenge The United
5:00 P.M. Daily Deadline for DCA Printing
Methodist Church...to a continuing
6:10 – 6:30 P.M. Evening Devotion
commitment to the full and equal
6:30 P.M. Adjournment
responsibility and participation of women in
the total life and mission of the Church.
Four bishops, surrounded by deacons, celebrate the Great
Thanksgiving at the opening communion worship at the United -2016 Book of Discipline ¶ 2102
A WORD ABOUT SCHEDULES
Methodist 2016 General Conference in Portland, Ore.
Photo by Maile Bradfield, UM News.
Because of the fluid nature of General Conference, it is
impossible to tell exactly when delegates will discuss a
particular issue. Even when an item is scheduled, it can
be delayed if other issues have taken more time than
expected. Items can also be added at the last minute if
more time is available than expected.
A committee meets each night to plan the agenda for
the next day. This proposed agenda appears in the
early-morning Daily Christian Advocate. Even then,
there is no guarantee that the schedule will be followed.
Please access our General Conference legislation at
Occasionally, delegates schedule an order of the day to
discuss a particular subject in plenary sessions. www.gcsrw.org/GeneralConference/Legislation.aspx
12 13
minutes less for legislative committee work and nearly
General Conference: three hours more for legislative work in the second week.
An Overview
Each day of General Conference will begin with worship
and adjourn at 6:30 p.m. CDT, with the exception of May
9, the last day of legislative committee work, which
adjourns at 9:30 p.m.
One challenge the commission’s program committee faced
General Conference, the top legislative body of The pages, translators, guides, drivers, musicians, technicians, is accommodating groups that requested to speak before
United Methodist Church, meets May 5-15, 2020, at the reporters and emergency responders. legislative committees were fully immersed in their work.
Minneapolis Convention Center in Minnesota. The eco-
focused center has 87 meeting rooms, a 3,400-seat The General Administration Fund apportionments for Most of these groups will be introducing legislation
auditorium and 475,000 square feet of exhibit space. General Conference pay for delegate expenses; operation requested by earlier General Conferences, including work
Minneapolis is part of the Minnesota Annual Conference, costs (convention center and equipment rental, publishing, on the denomination’s Social Principles, development
which has more than 70,000 members and 350 petition-tracking software, worship, labor); language of a more global Book of Discipline and a study of the
congregations, and along with the Dakotas Conference services (printed translation of advance materials and number of U.S. bishops.
constitutes the Dakotas-Minnesota Episcopal Area of The spoken interpretation on site); expenses of the offices View of the stage during the 2019 United Methodist
of the secretary, business manager and treasurer of the The first-week schedule also includes the Episcopal General Conference inside the Dome at America’s
United Methodist Church.
General Conference; and expenses of several commissions Address and the Young People’s Address on May 6 and Center in St. Louis.
Some 862 delegates, elected from around the world, will and committees in support of the event. the Laity Address on May 7. Photo by Kathleen Barry, UM News
gather to set policy and direction for the church, as well
as handle other important business. Meeting every four The changing global nature of the church is due in part to The commission also approved a budget that includes
years, General Conference is the only entity that speaks the rapidly growing membership in central conferences. $29 a day per diem for each delegate’s meals. Lodging
for the denomination. The United Methodist Book of The percentage of delegates from central conferences, expenses will be paid directly to the hotel. Visitors will
Discipline, updated every four years, incorporates changes which was 16% in 2000, has increased significantly since be asked to pay a voluntary $10 registration fee
made by General Conference. the start of this millennium. The percentage of delegates each day they attend.
from central conferences for the most current four
The theme of the 2020 General Conference is “… and quadrenniums is 29% in 2008; 38%, 2012; 42%, 2016; and
know that I am God” from Psalm 46:10. The entire verse 44%, 2020. This change in representation has resulted in
(NRSV) reads: “Be still, and know that I am God! I am two of the four major cost drivers increasing significantly.
exalted among the nations. I am exalted in the earth.”
The verse number may vary in non-English translations. The budgeted cost of language and translation services in
2020 is $1.45 million for oral interpretation and $490,000
United Methodist Communications designed the logo, for written interpretation. In 2016, the average travel
which is used to maintain a consistent visual identity for cost for delegates from within the United States was
the 2020 General Conference. The design incorporates approximately $765 for each delegate, while the average
a bridge and cityscape as a geographical nod to travel cost for delegates from central conferences was
Minneapolis’ beautiful bridges, lakes and waterfalls, along approximately $3,365 each. As representation from central
with the date and location. conferences grows because of growth in membership, so
likewise does the cost of travel for delegates.
The theme, suggested by the GC2020 Worship and Music
team, was discussed and approved by the Commission on The Commission on the General Conference launched a
the General Conference. The team plans to create a new ministry partner program for the 2012 General Conference
focus each day by pairing the theme with different words, with the intent of creating an income stream that may
such as “love” or “believe.” permit the payment of some of the accumulated costs.
This program will continue through the 2024 General
The Commission on the General Conference, led by Kim Conference. Ministry partnership net income (after
Simpson, a laywoman and delegate from the Central expenses) provided in 2016 was approximately $400,000
Texas Annual Conference, planned the conference. A and is expected to be approximately $725,000 in 2020.
local committee from the Minnesota Annual Conference,
under the leadership of Bishop Bruce R. Ough of the Meeting in August 2019, the Commission on the General
Dakotas-Minnesota Episcopal Area, is conference host. Conference approved a General Conference schedule that
The Rev. James Haun, a retired elder from the Minnesota includes 22.3 hours for legislative committee work in the
Conference, chairs the host committee. Some 7,000 first week and 27.8 hours for legislative work during the
people, many of them volunteers, will serve in a variety second week’s plenary sessions. Compared to the last
of roles, such as greeters, registration officials, marshals, regularly scheduled General Conference in 2016, that is 10
14 15
Follow the Sights and Sounds
of General Conference 2020
The Site
Keeping up with the proceedings of General Conference Resources such as frequently asked questions and
is easy! Delegates and others can follow the proceedings background information will help members and others
on the General Conference website at gc2020.umc.org understand how General Conference works.
(or www.umc.org/gc2020). You can also follow General
Conference on Facebook and Twitter using #UMCGC. A daily schedule of events will be posted, as well as The site of the international gathering has
practical information for delegates and visitors, such as traditionally rotated among the church’s five
Features will include news coverage in multiple languages, information about Minneapolis, the convention center and regional U.S. jurisdictions. Since 1968, General
with daily summaries and videos — such as interviews with maps. Delegates can go to the website to find committee Conference has convened in the following cities:
delegates, volunteers and other key individuals. assignments, seating changes and the delegate list.
Journalists can access background information on Q 1968 Dallas, Texas (uniting conference)
All plenary sessions; worship services; the Episcopal, General Conference as well as credentialing procedures.
Laity and Young People’s addresses; and other special Q 1970 St. Louis, Missouri (special session)
events will be livestreamed. Archived versions of these The 2020 General Conference will see changes in the Daily
will also be available for viewing. Christian Advocate, which will be fully digital and available Q 1972 Atlanta, Georgia
Users can track petitions and obtain general information
through a Daily Christian Advocate website. The Advance
Daily Christian Advocate will still be printed as well as
Q 1976 Portland, Oregon
about the legislative process. Plenary transcripts and
consent calendars will be posted each day.
items in the daily editions that need to be voted on, but the Q 1980 Indianapolis, Indiana
proceedings of the General Conference, delegate lists and
Press releases will update users with official
news articles will be on the website only. Improvements Q 1984 Baltimore, Maryland
to the website include highlighting items that are currently
announcements about the conference, and the digital
being discussed so they are easy to find. Q 1988 St. Louis, Missouri
lounge will feature footage of press conferences and
interviews held during the conference. Q 1992 Louisville, Kentucky
Q 1996 Denver, Colorado
Q 2000 Cleveland, Ohio
Q 2004 Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Q 2008 Fort Worth, Texas
Q 2012 Tampa, Florida
Q 2016 Portland, Oregon
Q 2019 St. Louis, Missouri (special session)
The 2020 General Conference will be in Minneapolis,
Minnesota, in the North Central Jurisdiction.
Meeting in August 2019, the Commission on the
General Conference decided that the 2024 General
Conference would not be held in Manila, Philippines,
as planned. The report of the executive session
Inside the production was that space was not available for the entire two
truck, United Methodist weeks necessary and no bid was received from the
Communications’ Andrew facilities contacted in the bid process.
Jensen works with the live
camera angles videotaping the Financial considerations or the current church
plenary floor of the 2016 United climate were not factors in the decision. Other cities
Methodist General Conference are currently under consideration.
in Portland, Oregon.
16 Photo by Kathleen Barry, UM News
17
Opening Worship, Addresses,
Other Special Events
General Conference will open at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, leader, will be the main speaker. Supporting her will be
May 5, with a worship celebration that will include Holy five conference lay leaders from the U.S. jurisdictions
Communion. The preacher will be Bishop Cynthia Fierro and central conferences. The speakers were solicited
Harvey of the Louisiana Episcopal Area, president of the from laity through a process of voluntary submissions.
Council of Bishops. The Executive Committee of the Association of Annual
Conference Lay Leaders coordinated the speaker search.
The Episcopal Address by Bishop Hope Morgan Ward
of the North Carolina Episcopal Area will be Wednesday, Other special events include:
May 6, at 8:30 a.m. The Council of Bishops selected Ward
to prepare and deliver the Episcopal Address on behalf Q Consecration of Deaconesses and Home Missioners
of the entire council, composed of 67 bishops presiding for Lifetime Service, 8 a.m. worship, Monday, May 11;
over episcopal areas in the United States and central
conferences. The council also includes retired bishops,
Q 80th anniversary of the United Methodist Committee on
Relief and Migrant Ministries, 4 p.m. plenary, Tuesday,
which now number 92.
May 12;
Later that morning, the Young People’s Address will open
the 10:55 a.m. plenary session. The speakers are Senesie
Q 100th anniversary of the United Methodist Building in
Washington, D.C., 1:30 p.m. plenary, Wednesday, May
Timothy Arounah Rogers, a law student at Fourah Bay
13;
College in Freetown, Sierra Leone; Alejandra Salemi, a
graduate student at the University of Florida; and Brennan Q Commissioning of Missionaries, 8 a.m. worship,
Hurley, a divinity student at Duke Divinity School, Durham, Thursday, May 14; and
North Carolina. They will share their witness for the church.
The address will also feature multimedia messaging, Q Mission Bicentennial, 9 a.m. plenary, Thursday, May 14.
online before the General Conference and onsite, in order to
advocate and amplify the voice of young people throughout Special reports published in the ADCA include New
the connectional system. Proposed Social Principles, General Book of Discipline,
Ministry Study, Interjurisdictional Committee Study, Full
“The Young People’s Address is always a highlight of Communion with the Episcopal Church and a study on
General Conference,” said Chris Wilterdink, director of ecclesiology titled “Sent in Love.”
Young People’s Ministries
for the denomination. “It is a
chance for young people to
declare boldly their hope for
the future and the reality of
the now, using honesty and
transparency. It is a chance
to speak life into the process
of conferencing, so that
potential harm can be both
recognized and minimized.”
The Laity Address will be
part of the 8:45 a.m. plenary
session on Thursday, May 7.
Sharon Gregory, the president
of the Association of Annual
Conference Lay Leaders
and Western Pennsylvania Bishop Hope Morgan Ward presides over debate during the 2016
United Methodist General Conference in Portland, Oregon.
Annual Conference lay
Photo by Mike DuBose, UM News
18Key People
DELEGATES JUDICIAL COUNCIL
Each U.S. annual conference elects equal numbers of lay The United Methodist Judicial Council will meet to
and clergy delegates to General Conference, and every decide if questions related to constitutionality emerge
annual conference is guaranteed at least one lay and one during the conference. N. Oswald Tweh, a lay member
clergy delegate. of Monrovia, Liberia, and managing director of Pierre,
The number of lay and clergy delegates for each annual Tweh and Associates in Monrovia, leads the council
conference to elect changes every four years (known as — the denomination’s highest judicial body, or “court.”
a quadrennium) based on the number of lay and clergy The General Conference elects its nine members. The
members. The Book of Discipline limits the total number Judicial Council determines the constitutionality of acts
of delegates to 1,000. Article I of Section II of the United or proposed acts of the General, jurisdictional, central and
Methodist Constitution mandates that the General annual conferences. It acts on these either on appeal of
Conference shall be composed of no fewer than 600 or lower rulings or through requests for declaratory decisions.
more than 1,000 delegates, half clergy and half laity, to It also rules on whether acts of other official bodies of
be elected by the annual conferences in an open and fair the denomination conform to the Book of Discipline. This
process. In 2020, 482 delegates (56% of the total) will follows procedures established in the Discipline.
come from annual conferences in the United States.
Groups of churches in Africa, Asia and Europe are central WORSHIP AND MUSIC DIRECTOR
conferences. In 2020, central conferences will have 380 The Commission on the General Conference selected
delegates. This is 20 delegates more than 2016. Of the Raymond Trapp as the worship and music director for
central conference delegates, 278 (32% of the total) are the 2020 General Conference, a position he also held for
from Africa, 40 from Europe and Eurasia (5%), 52 from the 2019 Special Session. In this role, he will develop the
the Philippines (6%) and 10 from “concordat” churches overall worship and music programming and provide
with which United Methodism has formal relationships musical leadership. Trapp also is director of music at
(1%). These represent special covenant relationships with Vanderveer Park United Methodist Church in Brooklyn,
Methodist churches in Great Britain, Puerto Rico, Mexico, New York, and has served as music director for New
and the Caribbean and the Americas. York Annual Conference sessions for several years.
“Raymond’s ability to lead brings those around him to a
BISHOPS spiritual place,” said Sara Hotchkiss, General Conference
business manager.
All bishops, active and retired, attend General Conference
but do not vote and may not speak in plenary sessions
without permission from the assembly. Individual bishops OTHER PARTICIPANTS
preside over business sessions, customarily serving More than 7,000 visitors are expected for the duration of
for one morning, afternoon or evening period. A General General Conference. These will include all members of
Conference Committee selects presiding bishops, and the General Council on Finance and Administration and
each presiding bishop selects a bishop colleague to serve the Connectional Table. Chief executive officers of the
as a parliamentarian. 12 United Methodist general agencies will also attend.
Members of the church and secular press will provide
CONFERENCE OFFICIALS coverage. Numerous United Methodist members and
other interested individuals will receive credentials to sit
The secretary of the General Conference is the Rev. Gary in the visitors’ gallery.
Graves, a member of the Kentucky Annual Conference.
Rosie Rios, a delegate from the
The treasurer is Moses Kumar, general secretary of the
California-Pacific Conference,
General Council on Finance and Administration. Sara holds an electronic candle as
Hotchkiss, a staff executive with the General Council on delegates are encouraged to "let
Finance and Administration, is business manager. She your light shine before others" at
is chief administrative officer of the Commission on the the 2016 United Methodist General
General Conference. Conference in Portland, Oregon.
Photo by Mike DuBose, UM News.
20Sources of
These committees are the first stop where legislation
Main Tasks
is debated, refined and possibly approved to go to the
full General Conference plenary for a vote. If a plan
Legislation has multiple petitions that deal with different sections
of the Discipline, those petitions will first head to the
committees that handle those sections.
The Committee on Agenda and Calendar can schedule
As the top policymaking body of the global United voting in annual conference sessions. Revoking or The primary sources of legislation are petitions and
petitions coming from multiple committees that need to
Methodist Church, General Conference is the only entity changing the Articles of Religion or Confession of Faith proposals from churches, agencies and organizations.
be considered together, said the Rev. Gary Graves, General
that speaks for the 13.2-million-member denomination. requires a two-thirds affirmative vote of the delegates, Petitions must be submitted 210 days before the opening
Conference secretary.
and three-fourths of the annual conference members of the conference. Any organization, ordained minister or
During the 11-day session, delegates will revise the Book must concur. lay member of The United Methodist Church may petition
of Discipline, which regulates the manner in which local In addition, a Committee on Reference meets at the start
the General Conference. Typically, about 1,000 petitions
churches, annual conferences and general agencies are Delegates also revise the Book of Resolutions, a volume of General Conference and considers requests to reassign
are submitted for consideration at a regularly scheduled
organized. The Discipline includes policies regarding declaring the church’s stance on social justice issues. petitions to different legislative committees.
General Conference.
church membership, ordination, administration, property The statements in the book are considered instructive and
and judicial procedures. The assembly may modify most persuasive but are not binding on members. The Rev. Abby Parker Herrera, General Conference The Book of Discipline requires all valid petitions to receive
paragraphs by a simple majority vote, but amending the petitions secretary, has the task of numbering each a vote in legislative committee, and all petitions approved
Constitution of The United Methodist Church requires In addition, the assembly approves plans and budgets for properly submitted petition and assigning it to one of 14 by a legislative committee to receive a vote in plenary.
a two-thirds affirmative vote, followed by a two-thirds churchwide programs for the next four years and elects legislative committees or the Standing Committee on
members of the Judicial Council and University Senate. All proposed legislation — from individuals, organizations,
affirmative vote of the aggregate number of members Central Conference Matters.
churchwide agencies and annual conferences — is printed
in the Advance Daily Christian Advocate. Once this
The legislative committees deal with different subject
document is distributed to elected delegates, the petitions
matters and related sections in the Book of Discipline. The
Bishops process into worship during the are posted on the General Conference website.
standing committee deals with proposals that affect United
Special Session of the United Methodist
Methodist regions in Africa, Europe and the Philippines.
General Conference in St. Louis.
Photo by Paul Jeffrey, UM News
wespath.org
Caring for those who serve since 1908
22 23Jay Horton helps bring forth the
offering collected during the opening
worship service of the 2016 United
Methodist General Conference in
Portland, Oregon, on May 10.
Legislative Committees Photo by Paul Jeffrey, UM News.
All 14 legislative committees of the General Conference will (Wespath) and the United Methodist Publishing
meet in the convention center. The meetings are open to House. The budget and recommendations prepared by
everyone, including media representatives, though space GCFA are submitted to this committee for study and
may be limited. Names of people serving on each legislative review. When GCFA presents its report to the General
committee appear in the Handbook for Delegates volume of Conference for action, the committee presents its
the Advance Edition of the Daily Christian Advocate. recommendations and may propose amendments.
The committees review, sort and refine legislative 8. GENERAL ADMINISTRATION – all petitions and
proposals. No action is final until approved by the General resolutions relating to the work and concerns of the
Conference in plenary session. Progress reports from Connectional Table. The Connectional Table report is
each committee will appear in the next day’s issue of the submitted to this committee for study and review.
Daily Christian Advocate.
9. GLOBAL MINISTRIES – all petitions and resolutions
The 14 committees and their assigned topics are: relating to the work and concerns of the General
Board of Global Ministries.
1. CHURCH AND SOCIETY 1 – all petitions and
resolutions relating to the work and concerns of 10. HIGHER EDUCATION/SUPERINTENDENCY – all
the General Board of Church and Society and the petitions and resolutions relating to the work and
Social Principles, with the exception of paragraphs concerns of the General Board of Higher Education
in the Book of Discipline dealing with “The Nurturing and Ministry and schools of theology. In addition, the
Community” (Par. 161), “The Social Community” (Par. work and concerns of superintendency, the Council
162) and “The World Community” (Par. 165). of Bishops Office of Christian Unity and Interreligious
Relationships, including autonomous and affiliated
2. CHURCH AND SOCIETY 2 – all petitions and resolutions autonomous Methodist churches, affiliated
relating to “The Nurturing Community” and “The Social united churches and concordat relationships, and
Community” sections of the Social Principles. membership or relationship to the World Methodist
Council, Councils and Consultations of Churches, and
3. CHURCH AND SOCIETY 3 – all petitions and
the American Bible Society.
resolutions relating to “The World Community” of the
Social Principles. 11. INDEPENDENT COMMISSIONS – all petitions and
resolutions relating to commissions on Archives
4. CONFERENCES – all petitions and resolutions
and History, Communication, Office of Deaconess
relating to the composition and activities of General,
and Home Missioner, Religion and Race, Status and
jurisdictional, annual, provisional, missionary and
Role of Women, United Methodist Men and United
district conferences, as well as missions — including
Methodist Women.
jurisdictional, annual and district connectional
ministries or equivalent. 12. JUDICIAL ADMINISTRATION – all petitions and
resolutions relating to judiciary concerns, the
5. DISCIPLESHIP – all petitions and resolutions relating
Judicial Civil Administration review committee, and
to the work and concerns of Discipleship Ministries.
investigations, trials and appeals.
6. FAITH AND ORDER – all petitions relating to the work
13. LOCAL CHURCH – all petitions and resolutions
and concerns of the Committee on Faith and Order,
relating to the organization of the local church
the Doctrinal Standards and Our Theological Task,
and its membership, programs, boards, councils,
the Ministry of All Christians, and the Meaning of
commissions and committees. The committee also
Ordination and Conference Membership.
considers petitions relating to local church property.
7. FINANCIAL ADMINISTRATION – all petitions and
14. ORDAINED MINISTRY– all petitions and resolutions
resolutions relating to the work and concerns of
relating to the work and concerns of ordained ministry.
the General Council on Finance and Administration,
the General Board of Pension and Health Benefits
24 25Tracking Legislation
Delegates select their committees within 30 days of If a plenary section approves legislation that involves
their elections. Selections are made in order of election. funding, that action is referred to GCFA and the
Only conferences with more than 14 General Conference Connectional Table (or their committees or expenditure
delegates will be allowed to have more than one person in review groups) for advice and review. The groups bring
a committee. Nearly all U.S. conferences will have either the legislation back to the assembly with specific
one or no delegates in a specific legislative committee. recommendations about sources and amounts. When Following the progress of legislation through the General To summarize the legislative process:
GCFA and the Connectional Table present their report, Conference process can be a challenge. Most issues
the Financial Administration Legislative Committee come before delegates in the form of petitions sent by Q Annual conferences, local churches, general
STANDING COMMITTEE ON may propose amendments to those recommendations individuals, groups, annual conferences and governing agencies and other organizations and individuals
CENTRAL CONFERENCE MATTERS and present its own recommendations. Only after the bodies of general agencies. These appear in the Advance submit petitions.
The 43-member Standing Committee on Central conference acts on this funding proposal does the
legislation take effect.
Daily Christian Advocate and on the General Conference
website, http://gc2020.umc.org.
Q The petitions secretary (Abby Parker Herrera
Conference Matters is a permanent committee of General for 2020) assigns a petition number to each.
Conference. It serves as a coordinating body that studies The number indicates the legislative committee,
If two-thirds of General Conference delegates approve Each petition from an individual, local church, annual
the structure and supervision of The United Methodist chronological order and source. Each petition is
a proposed change in the church’s constitution, that conference, general agency or other group receives a number
Church in Africa, Asia and Europe. It also has the assigned to a legislative committee.
action must be ratified by a two-thirds affirmative and is assigned to a legislative committee. Each delegate
General Conference mandate to make recommendations
related to the General Book of Discipline, and deals with
vote of the aggregate number of annual conference
members voting at their yearly gatherings. A proposal
serves on a committee and spends most of the first four days
of General Conference in committee meetings.
Q Petitions are printed in the Advance Edition of the Daily
legislative proposals affecting central conferences. Christian Advocate.
to alter one of the Articles of Religion or the Confession
Recommendations by a legislative committee of Faith requires a three-fourths majority of annual Each legislative committee deals with petitions related to a
series of paragraphs from the Book of Discipline. Petitions
Q A reference committee reviews assignments by
emerging the first week of the conference are just that conference members. No changes may occur until the the petitions secretary. The committee combines
Council of Bishops announces ratification. related to the Book of Resolutions are sorted by subject.
– recommendations. No action is final until it has the petitions and makes new assignments to legislative
approval of the entire General Conference. Delegates A legislative committee can recommend adoption, committees as necessary.
Most legislation becomes effective Jan. 1, 2021, unless
take most final actions during the second week. Final
action by the General Conference is required of any
the legislation specifies another date. rejection or referral of a petition to a plenary session. That
recommendation is called a “calendar item.” The item is
Q Legislative committees review petitions and make
statement that speaks for the denomination. recommendations to the plenary session.
assigned a number and published on the Daily Christian
Advocate website, www.dailychristianadvocate.org, and Q Reports are sent to the Daily Christian Advocate. A
will also be printed for delegates. copy is returned to committee officers for approval and
sent to the General Conference secretary for a calendar
If a proposal has no financial implications, seeks no
number prior to printing in the Daily Christian Advocate.
Bishops join hands in prayer during worship change in the constitution and receives fewer than 10
at the 2019 Special Session of the United
Methodist General Conference in St. Louis.
negative votes in the legislative committee, it goes on a Q Delegates in plenary session act upon the
“consent calendar.” A vote of 20 delegates is needed to calendar item.
Photo by Kathleen Barry, UM News. remove it from the consent calendar. If it is not removed,
it is voted on with other noncontroversial items, which Q Adopted legislation is printed in the Book of
conserves precious floor time in the plenary session. Discipline or the Book of Resolutions. The Daily
Christian Advocate becomes the official journal of
General Conference.
Bishop
Ruben
Saenz Jr. prays
with the Rev. Eunice
Iliya of Southern Nigeria
during the 2019 Special
Session of the United Methodist
General Conference in St. Louis, Missouri.
Photo by Kathleen Barry, UM News.
26 27SOCIAL PRINCIPLES
Major Issues The United Methodist Board of Church and
Society will bring legislation for a full revision of
the Social Principles — the first such overhaul in
nearly 50 years. The goal is for the statements
While, for many United Methodists, the structure Q U.S. Regional Conference, submitted by the that guide United Methodist public witness to
and sexuality debate appears paramount in General Connectional Table. The proposal leaves the be more succinct, more theologically grounded
Conference 2020 discussions, a number of other major denomination intact but creates an organizational and more globally relevant.
issues also face the denomination as preparations structure for the U.S. to have parity with existing central
continue for the May 5-15 event. conferences for doing work on the adaptable portions The proposed changes are eight years in
of the Book of Discipline. coming. The 2012 General Conference referred
legislation from the denomination’s three
LOOKING TOWARD THE FUTURE
These plans were drafted in the United States. However,
this is not a comprehensive list of the options that central conferences in Europe to revise the
will be before the delegates to reorganize or divide the Social Principles.
As of November 2019, at least four groups had submitted
denomination and its assets.
proposals addressing the denomination’s future. In addition, Church and Society held listening sessions
individual proposals had been submitted. The extent of Other proposals coming to General Conference 2020 include around the globe to learn from United
the legislation would not become known until the Advance legislation to add five more bishops to Africa, revise the Social Methodists what they thought of the social
Daily Christian Advocate’s publication in early 2020, but an Principles, create a new structure for U.S. decision-making teachings and how they might be improved.
overview of the four group proposals is provided here. and establish the 2021-24 general church budget. All four of Then, six international writing teams, assigned
these proposals were drafted by international church bodies. to the six sections of the Social Principles,
In alphabetical order, these include: worked on the draft.
Q New Denominations of United Methodism (The
Indianapolis Plan), submitted by the Rev. Kent Millard NEW AFRICAN BISHOPS
and assembled by a group of centrists, traditionalists
A United Methodist leadership body unanimously backed a
and progressives. This plan includes provisions for
plan that both changes the church’s map in Africa and adds
separating into different denominations depending on
five new bishops to the denomination’s fastest-growing region.
views around homosexuality.
The Standing Committee on Central Conference Matters
Q New Expressions Worldwide, submitted by UMForward, is proposing legislation that, starting in 2021, adds a new
a group of clergy and laity promoting supporting full central conference to the continent and increases the
LGBTQ inclusion. This proposal would dissolve The number of African bishops from 13 to 18.
United Methodist Church, effective at the close of
Establishing a new central conference requires a two-
the 2020 General Conference, and create four global
thirds majority vote at General Conference. The delegates,
denominations: traditionalist, moderate, progressive
by a simple majority, also determine the number of
and liberationist. The denominations would divide
bishops the denomination will fund.
general church assets equitably and each determine The Africa University touring choir
their own policies and structure. The African continent currently has three central
sings during the 2016 United
conferences — Africa, Congo and West Africa. Each
Q Next Generation UMC, assembled by UMCNext, a includes multiple countries and languages.
Methodist General Conference in
Portland, Oregon.
group of centrists and progressives. This proposal lifts
The standing committee’s legislation renames the Photo by Kathleen Barry, UM News.
restrictions related to gay ordination and same-sex
Congo Central Conference as the Central Africa Central
weddings, while allowing local churches that disagree
Conference and splits in two the Africa Central Conference
to depart and organize into new forms of Methodism.
— so named because it is the oldest on the continent.
Q Protocol of Reconciliation & Grace Through Separation*, Ultimately, the General Conference will determine the
submitted by a 16-member group of United Methodist boundaries of central conferences and the number of
bishops and other leaders. The proposal would bishops who serve them.
preserve The United Methodist Church while allowing
Individual central conferences will decide the boundaries
traditionalist-minded congregations to form a new
of episcopal areas and where bishops are assigned.
denomination. The separating group would get $25
million in United Methodist funds and would keep its
local church properties. Another $2 million will be held in
escrow should additional separate denominations form.
*Editor’s note: The list of plans also includes the U.S. Regional Conference proposal, submitted by the Connectional Table. While this proposal leaves
the denomination intact, it would entail a structural change and so was included with the other major plans that could affect the church’s future.
28 29U.S. STRUCTURE 2021-24 GENERAL
The Connectional Table, working closely with Wespath, is CHURCH BUDGET
proposing a two-step process to create a new decision-
making body for U.S. matters. Wespath is the name under As of September 2019, the General Council on Finance and
which the United Methodist Board of Pension and Health Administration was proposing a $493.8 million budget — the
Benefits does business. smallest in more than 20 years. According to the Commission
on Archives and History, the last time General Conference
Creating a U.S. Regional Conference would be done in approved a budget below $500 million was in 1992.
two stages:
The finance agency board and the Connectional Table
Stage I would form a committee of the General Conference, jointly approved allocations to the budget that would see
with legislative function, to deal with U.S. Region – cuts to agency budgets ranging from 15.5% to 35%. The
adaptable disciplinary provisions, U.S.-related resolutions deepest cut of 88% would be to the Interdenominational
and non-disciplinary petitions concerning U.S. matters. Cooperation Fund, which supports ecumenical work. Opening worship at the 2016 United Methodist
General Conference in Portland, Oregon.
Stage II would form the U.S. Regional Conference, and the The budget still could face further adjustments before
Photo by Kathleen Barry, UM News
Stage I committee would end its work. heading to General Conference, depending on financial
forecasts for the denomination in February 2020. Also,
Judi Kenaston, who led the Connectional Table since the special General Conference, giving to the general
subcommittee that drafted the proposal, made it clear in church has declined steeply.
April 2019 that the goal is not to skirt General Conference’s
votes on same-sex weddings and gay ordination. In August 2018, the board of the General Council on Finance
and Administration unanimously approved changes in the
Instead, she said, the Connectional Table’s goal is to have formula used in calculating U.S. apportionments — the
a place for United Methodists to vote on clergy pensions,
retirement plans, property matters, resolutions and other
requested giving from U.S. annual conferences. ECUMENICAL RELATIONSHIPS Other recommendations include replacing the
“autonomous Methodist church” category with new terms
initiatives that solely affect the United States — and The board made the changes based on the The Council of Bishops is asking General Conference to and changing the term “affiliated autonomous Methodist
remove some of the burden from General Conference to recommendations of the Apportionment Sustainability Task agree to full communion with a denomination that, like The churches” to “affiliated Methodist churches.”
deal with these matters. Force, which has been examining the ramifications of long- United Methodist Church, has historic ties to John Wesley’s
term trends on the denomination’s financial future. An amendment to Paragraph 419.1 would clarify the
Church of England. Also, like The United Methodist Church,
ecumenical and interreligious role and responsibilities
The Episcopal Church has experienced its own divisions
The task force focused on the denomination’s shrinking of district superintendents as extensions of the general
around the role of LGBTQ Christians in church life.
worship attendance and membership in the United States. superintending office of the bishop.
While the multinational denomination is growing overall, U.S. Full communion means each church acknowledges the
United Methodists still provide more than 90% of the funding The council also recommends the following:
other as a partner in the Christian faith, recognizes the
for general church operations worldwide. validity of each other’s baptism and Eucharist, and commits Q Renew the teaching statement “By Water and
to work together in ministry. Such an agreement also means the Spirit: A United Methodist Understanding of
Bishops Joaquina Filipe Nhanala (left) and Debra Wallace-Padgett bless the Episcopalians and United Methodists can share clergy. Baptism” in the Book of Resolutions;
elements of Holy Communion during a worship service sponsored by the
Commission on the Status and Role of Women during the The Council of Bishops is recommending a change in Q Renew the teaching statement “This Holy Mystery:
2016 United Methodist General Conference in Paragraph 442 of the Discipline to reflect a wider range A United Methodist Understanding of Holy
Portland, Oregon. of The United Methodist Church’s full-communion Communion” in the Book of Resolutions;
partnerships and to bring the terminology into harmony
Q
Photo by Mike DuBose, UM News.
with that used by our ecumenical partners. The petition Revise and readopt Resolution 3125, “Holocaust
changes the name of full-communion consulting bodies Memorial Day (Yom HaShoah);
from “joint commissions” to “coordinating committees,”
introduces changes in the way such bodies are populated, Q Adopt the report from the Committee on Faith
and creates options for such committees to combine with and Order, “Sent in Love: A United Methodist
others or suspend meeting for a season. Understanding of the Church,” as an official
doctrinal teaching statement of The United
The council also recommends an amendment that Methodist Church;
would give further expression to the ecumenical and
interreligious responsibilities of United Methodist bishops, Q Update policies related to the Interdenominational
adding the following sentence: “Bishops are to model Cooperation Fund to reflect the full range of
a spirit of ecumenical and interreligious cooperation ministries; and
and lead their areas in establishing relationships of
peace, reconciliation and understanding across lines of
Q Update the name of the “Office of Christian
Unity and Interreligious Relationships” to
denominational and religious differences.”
the “Advisory Committee on Ecumenical and
Interreligious Relationships.”
30 31You can also read
