“Subsequent to all of the challenges that The United Methodist Church has faced — some of which have been talked about here on the floor during this discussion — we attempted to work collaboratively with all of the voices.” — West Ohio Conference Bishop Gregory V. Palmer, who led the task force that developed an Africa Comprehensive Plan.
NEWS AND FEATURES
Church in Africa gets 2 more bishops, new map
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (UM News) — General Conference approved a plan to add two more bishops and adjust The United Methodist Church’s map in Africa, where the denomination is growing. But several delegates expressed frustration that the number of bishops was below the five initially sought by the 2016 General Conference. Heather Hahn reports.
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Delegates pray after Charlotte shooting
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (UM News) — General Conference delegates paused for prayer on April 29, after learning of a deadly shooting a few miles from where they are meeting at the Charlotte Convention Center. Police later reported that three members of a U.S. Marshals task force were killed, and five other officers were wounded, one critically. A suspect also was killed.
Sam Hodges reports.
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Apology OK’d for church role in Hawaiian history
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (UM News) — Hawaiian United Methodists are cheering the decision by General Conference to approve a formal apology for the denomination’s role in the overthrow of the 1893 Hawaiian monarchy. Sam Hodges has the story.
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Mood upbeat as General Conference enters Week 2
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (UM News) — The familiar feeling of frustration in his gut is noticeably absent for the Rev. Kevin Young, who has attended every General Conference since 2008. The pastor of First United Methodist Church of Montrose, Colorado, is starting to think he might finally go home from the lawmaking assembly satisfied with the results. He is not alone. Jim Patterson reports on the sense of calm optimism as the conference enters Week 2.
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Bishop: ‘Love every neighbor’
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (UM News) — During April 29 morning worship at General Conference, bishops consecrated 26 laypersons, including three central conference members, to a lifetime of service as deaconesses and home missioners. Preaching at the service, Mountain Sky Area Bishop Karen Oliveto gave thanks for their commitment and called on those in attendance to look to the order’s history of serving the marginalized. Audrey Stanton-Smith has the story.
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Church court: A youth must be elected to GC commission
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (UM News) — The United Methodist Church’s top court ruled on a question about youth membership on the commission that plans General Conference. This marks the first time the Judicial Council has been asked to rule on church law since the legislative assembly began. Heather Hahn reports.
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Regionalization passage a ‘kairos moment’ for Filipinos
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (UM News) — Filipino United Methodists are calling the passing of Worldwide Regionalization legislation a “kairos moment.” “Kairos” is an ancient Greek word that means the right or critical decisive moment. Delegates from the Philippines say a regional system is a way to keep traditionalists and progressives connected. Gladys P. Mangiduyos has the story.
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UM News: General Conference gives regionalization green light
Women’s group celebrates past, present, future
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (UM News) — Representatives of United Women in Faith captivated General Conference attendees with a dynamic presentation highlighting the organization’s substantial contributions to advocacy and education. Leaders of the women’s organization displayed their ongoing efforts to drive societal change through focused, faith-driven initiatives. James Lee reports.
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New app will preserve Methodist history
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (UM News) — Selected participants at General Conference are recording their impressions for posterity, using a new app soon to be available to all United Methodists. The United Methodist Stories app, developed by the United Methodist Commission on Archives and History, was announced April 29 at General Conference. Jim Patterson has the story.
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April 29 GC wrap-up: What happened on Day 6
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (UM News) — After resting on Sunday, General Conference delegates hit the ground running in the legislative assembly’s second week. But as news spread of a mass shooting in Charlotte, just a few miles from where General Conference is taking place, a hectic plenary session was paused as delegates prayed for victims and the community. Joey Butler reports on the day’s happenings.
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RESOURCES
United Methodist Communications
Stay informed with daily video wrap-ups
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Each day of General Conference, United Methodist Communications is sharing video summaries that capture the key moments and insights from the worldwide gathering of The United Methodist Church. These daily updates help United Methodists to stay informed and engaged with legislation, worship, events and all that occurs throughout the day.
Watch videos
Follow General Conference in photos
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (UM News) — UM News has a team of photographers covering all of the happenings at General Conference, from morning worship to committee meetings, plenary action, special celebrations and more. Thousands of high-resolution photos capturing the events will be posted on Flickr with a separate album for each day of the conference.
See photos
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