“Today, we celebrate this historic vote. Tomorrow, we will continue to work together. To learn from one another. To stand with one another. To continue to widen the circle so that those on the margins of church and society can find a home.” — Mountain Sky Area Bishop Karen Oliveto
NEWS AND FEATURES
40-year ban on gay clergy struck down
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (UM News) — In an emotional morning, General Conference eliminated the ban on “self-avowed practicing” gay clergy — a prohibition that dates to 1984. After the vote, many hugged and more than a few cried, in a mass release of joy for those who had pushed, some for decades, to make The United Methodist Church fully inclusive. Heather Hahn reports.
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Removal of LGBTQ ban comes too late for some
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (UM News) — There was a strain of sadness among the jubilant United Methodists celebrating at Charlotte Convention Center after the ban on gay clergy was lifted. Those whose potential contributions to the church were lost because of the restrictions also were remembered, and some church members voiced their concerns. Jim Patterson has the story.
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Disaffiliation ends, regionalization moves forward
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (UM News) — The United Methodist Church’s focus on disaffiliation has come to an end and a new push for regionalization is just beginning. General Conference delegates supported the end of a disaffiliation policy added by the special 2019 General Conference and used by more than 7,600 U.S. churches to leave the denomination. Delegates also adopted the last of the regionalization petitions aimed at giving church regions equal standing in decision-making. Heather Hahn reports.
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New clergy retirement plan approved
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (UM News) — General Conference delegates have supported the request by Wespath, The United Methodist Church’s pension and benefits agency, to move to a defined contribution retirement plan for U.S. clergy. Wespath leaders said the denomination’s steady numerical decline over many years required a new, sustainable approach to supporting retired clergy. Sam Hodges has the story.
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Formula for calculating number of bishops eliminated
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (UM News) — Jurisdictions across the United States will have more say about the number of bishops they need, thanks to new legislation that passed during General Conference. By May 1 of the gathering, the body had rejected one but passed four other petitions recommended by the Jurisdictional Study Committee, eliminating the formula for calculating bishops while guaranteeing at least five bishops per jurisdiction. Jessica Brodie reports.
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Elections held for all 9 Judicial Council spots
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (UM News) — In a break from previous sessions, the General Conference held elections May 1 for all nine spots on the Judicial Council — The United Methodist Church’s top court. After multiple rounds of voting, only two current Judicial Council members were re-elected, but two others are familiar faces on the court. Neill Caldwell reports.
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Bishop encourages delegates to inspire next generations
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (UM News) — Bishop David Wilson, the denomination’s first Native American bishop, encouraged General Conference delegates to remember the people who inspired their faith while considering how decisions today can inspire United Methodists far into the future. Wilson, who leads the Great Plains Conference, preached during morning worship on May 1. Todd Seifert has the story.
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Delegates decry hate crimes against Asian Americans
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (UM News) — The United Methodist Church has approved a resolution condemning racial-ethnic discrimination and gender-based violence against Asian Americans. The denomination’s top lawmaking assembly approved the resolution, submitted by the New Federation of Asian American United Methodists, in a plenary session May 1. Gladys P. Mangiduyos reports.
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Trailer brings power in disasters and coffee at conference
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (UM News) — General Conference attendees sipped solar-powered coffee this week while learning about a new eco-friendly alternate electricity source. The Mobile Solar Power Station, a new ministry of the North Georgia Conference, can provide renewable energy while response teams are helping people after disasters. Jessica Brodie has the story.
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May 1 wrap-up: What happened on Day 8
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (UM News) — During a historic May 1 morning plenary session, delegates voted to remove the church’s 40-year ban on gay clergy, continuing the elimination of much of the denomination’s language on homosexuality that has been a source of dispute for decades. Joey Butler reports on the day’s happenings.
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Missouri Conference
Conferences connect over dinner
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The conferences of Missouri and Mozambique have had a covenant relationship for more than 30 years, so members of each took the opportunity to get together for a family dinner after General Conference business on April 30. The Mozambique delegation presented Missouri Bishop Bob Farr with a wooden sculpture of two clasped hands. They explained that hands holding each other symbolize love, and love is what has made the partnership between the conferences strong. Fred Koenig has the story.
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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
RECENT HEADLINES
LGBTQ bans slowly being eliminated
Full communion with Episcopalians gets closer
General Conference reduces requested giving
Absent delegates in spotlight at General Conference
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Time put aside at General Conference to lament abuse
AU graduates serve at General Conference
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