2023 Alaska Annual Conference

The Alaska Annual Conference met June 4-6, 2023 in sunny Fairbanks, Alaska, at First United Methodist Church. 

The theme of the annual conferences across the Greater Northwest Area were “Go and Do Likewise” with a focus on being good neighbors in our communities. Ours was the first annual conference session presided over by Bishop Cedrick Bridgeforth.

On Saturday, June 3, various pre-conference learning events were offered. Sunday morning worship at 11:00 featured music from First UMC Fairbanks and Bishop Cedrick Bridgeforth preaching and celebrating Holy Communion. After lunch the 52nd session of the Alaska Annual Conference began. 

This was a historic moment. This was the first time United Methodists had gathered in Fairbanks in 32 years. Moreover, it had been three years since we had gathered in person as the Alaska Conference. 

The overall theme of the conference was “GO AND DO LIKEWISE” and was shaped by the parable of the “Good Samaritan. Over the three days of Conference many actors in the parable were brought to light. The roles of robbers, victim, Priest and Levite, Innkeeper, donkey, the ditch, the Samaritan, and the lawyer that asked the question, “And who is my neighbor?” were examined. Participants were asked to consider our lack of “neighboring” in how we include and exclude in our communities.

Along with the business of approving budgets, shaping committees, and approving statements, it was a time to recognize those who had excelled in various fields of mission and service. 

Monday afternoon, Superior Court Judge Niesje Steinkruger (retired) told the story of Morningside Hospital in Portland, Oregon, and the “Lost Alaskans” who were sent there. Morningside is the site where, prior to statehood, individuals in Alaska who experienced mental illness or developmental disabilities were often taken. Many Alaskan adults and children were arrested, convicted of being “insane,” and were sent by the federal government to Oregon. At least 3,500 Alaskans were taken between 1904 and the 1960s. This is a justice issue for our conference and state.

Dr. Ron Smith, a retired professor from The University of Alaska, Fairbanks presented on Climate Change and Implications for Christians. Of note, Dr. Smith highlighted some of our Alaskan villages that are struggling with climate-related erosion and flooding. Moreover, he stated that we may see more climate refugees in the future as we are engaged in ministry in one of the cooler climates. This will provide many opportunities for service.

Monday evening had time to remember all those Alaska United Methodists that transferred to the Church Eternal in the past year. We also grieved the disaffiliation of a congregation, St. Peter the Fisherman in Ninilchik, that will no longer be part of the United Methodist journey in Alaska.  

The business of the conference continued Tuesday as we approved our budget and nominations with few questions. The appointments were read. Clergy new to the Alaska Conference were commissioned and three returning clergy were welcomed back. The dates were set for next year’s Annual Conference. Then we all scattered to various corners of the 665,000 square miles of Alaska Conference.

Actions or resolutions not related to General Conference enacted by the conference:

  • Reaffirmed our Alaska Conference Values from 2021.

  • Adopted a resolution in support of “Alaska House Bill 145,” which removes the exemptions on APR limits for Payday Lenders in the state while affirming United Methodist opposition to “harmful lending practices.”

  • Approved a petition to “Review and Modify ‘Mission’ Language” in recognition of the harm that has historically been done by “Missionaries” both in our state and around the world.

Resolutions or actions related to the postponed 2020 General Conference, now set for 2024:

  • Approved a “Petition to Regionalize The United Methodist Church,” combining other regionalization proposals and modifying them to provide three regional conferences in North America, replacing the current five jurisdictions.

  • Approved a “Petition to Provide for Electronic Sessions of General Conference” when circumstances require.

  • Adopted a resolution for the “Prohibition of Spending Alaska Conference (AUMC) Funds for an Additional General Conference Session” as required in Judicial Council Decision 1472.

Did any churches disaffiliate or leave the conference?

  • Previous disaffiliation of St. Peter the Fisherman in Ninilchik

Number of churches that closed because no longer sustainable: 

  • None

Any special annual conference set: 

  • None

What budget did the conference pass and how did it change from last year?

  • Approved $783,400 spending plan for 2024, an increase of 6% from 2023

Did your clergy session approve any openly gay candidates for ministry? 

  • The Alaska Conference clergy session does not approve candidates for ministry.

Did the conference have to elect replacement delegates due to the delay? If so, which delegates are replacements and why? 

  • No

Names of delegates for both General Conference and jurisdictional or central conference and designation of lay or clergy:

  • Laity – JoAnne Hayden (GC), Lonnie Brooks (JC), Fran Lynch (Reserve)

  • Clergy – James Doepken (GC), Daniel Wilcox (JC), Lisa Talbott (Reserve), Bennie Grace Nabua (Reserve)

Was there a push at your conference to elect younger delegates? If so, how many delegates under 35 were elected and what are their names and ages?

  • No election of delegates

Number of clergy retired:

  • Clergy don’t officially retire from The Alaska Conference as there is no Conference Membership.

STATISTICS

  • Membership stands at 2,616, down 26 from the previous year. 

  • Worship attendance stands at 2,602, down 40. 

  • Church school attendance stands at 822 down 32. 

  • Professions or reaffirmations of faith for 2022 is 25, no change from 2021

  • Adults and young adults in small groups for 2022 is 49, down 1 from 2021.

  • Worshippers engaged in mission for 2022 is 1,089, down 79 from 2021.

  • Phrase for bullet point

  • Phrase for bullet point

Compiled by the Rev. Bob Jones and Alaska Conference communicator, the Rev. James Doepken