Officiating bishop: Cynthia Fierro Harvey
Guest speakers and memorable points or quotes by speakers: Gil Rendle
Main actions enacted by the conference : Election of 2020 delegates to General and Jurisdictional Conference, passage of HealthCare 2020, a proposal to form a strategic partnership in a “Private Exchange” for participants through Via Benefits, under Wespath management. All participants will have access to multiple Medicare supplement or Advantage plans under one-on-one consultation and assistance.
Resolutions related to General Conference 2019: Petition 1 Submitted by: Andrew Smith: Disavowal of the Traditional Plan Local Church: Rayne Memorial UMC, New Orleans
Reasons for the petition: Whereas our Wesleyan heritage encourages interpretation of Scripture through the lens of our tradition, experience, and reason, as illustrated by our inclusive position on the ordination of women; Whereas homosexuality and LGBTQ+ persons are scarcely mentioned in Scripture, with no reference to its status as a singular moral or spiritual affront; Whereas the Traditional Plan approved at the 2019 General Conference disregards our Wesleyan approach of careful biblical interpretation using our sources of tradition, experience, and reason in favor of a literalist approach; Whereas much of the content of the Traditional Plan had already been ruled in violation of the Constitution of the United Methodist Church prior to its approval by the 2019 General Conference, causing widespread confusion concerning the implications of its adoption Whereas the Traditional Plan singles out the UMC's position on LGBTQ+ persons for uniquely strict and punitive implementation while disregarding other inconsistencies in application of the policies in the Book of Discipline; Whereas the first of John Wesley’s General Rules entails “doing no harm,” and harm has been and continues to be caused to UMC members and non-members due to the denomination’s discriminatory policies regarding LGBTQ+ persons; Whereas the passage of the Traditional Plan has caused significant harm to persons within and outside of the UMC, causing many to question their membership and welcome in this body; Proposed Action: Be it therefore resolved that the Louisiana Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church denounces the passage of the Traditional Plan at the 2019 General Conference, and apologizes for the harm it has caused to LGBTQ+ persons, their families and friends, and the Church as a whole. We affirm all persons as individuals of sacred worth, and reject any form of discrimination that prevents any person from full participation in the life of the Church. FAILED
Resolutions related to General Conference 2020: None
Number of people ordained, commissioned or received into associate membership, and average age: 8
Names of delegates for 2020 General Conference:
Clergy, General Conference
Clergy, Jurisdictional Conference
Alternates
Laity, General Conference
Laity, Jurisdictional Conference
Alternates
Was there a push at your conference to elect younger delegates? Yes: Marissa Teauseau, Adam Philley, Jennifer Swann, Michelle DeRouen.
Did your bishop address church unity? YES, more can be found here.
Number of clergy retired: 10
Membership stands at 112148, up (or down) -2478 from the previous year.
Worship attendance stands at 34624 up (or down) -1548
Church school attendance stands at 13731, up (or down) -619 .
Professions or reaffirmations of faith for 2018 1304 up (or down) from 2017 -63.
Adults and young adults in small groups for 2018 36722 up (or down) from 2017 -1052
Worshippers engaged in mission for 2018 24209 up (or down) from 2017 -3477
--Todd Rossnagel, director of communication strategies
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