“With the approvals and acceptance of the things today by the General Conference, we’re beginning to see the unwinding, unraveling, dismantling of the heterosexism, the homophobia, the hurt and the harm of The United Methodist Church.” — The Rev. David Meredith, board chair of the advocacy group Reconciling Ministries Network.
NEWS AND FEATURES
LGBTQ bans slowly being eliminated
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (UM News) — Quietly, General Conference is making historic changes to The United Methodist Church’s policies related to LGBTQ people. Some of the items approved during the morning plenary eliminate parts of the Traditional Plan passed at the 2019 General Conference. More changes could be coming. Heather Hahn reports.
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Full communion with Episcopalians gets closer
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (UM News) — The United Methodist Church approved full communion with the Episcopal Church on April 30. The agreement needs the approval of the Episcopalians before taking effect. The vote came as General Conference celebrated Ecumenical Day, with the Rev. Jerry Pillay, general secretary of the World Council of Churches, delivering a sermon centered on Christian unity. Jim Patterson has the story.
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General Conference reduces requested giving
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (UM News) — After vigorous debate, delegates voted to reduce the base rate for The United Methodist Church’s apportionment formula — a key component used in calculating requested annual conference apportionments. Ultimately, delegates voted to reduce the base to 2.6% for 2025 and 2026. Jessica Brodie reports.
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Absent delegates in spotlight at General Conference
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (UM News) — With General Conference well into its second and final week, the topic of missing delegates — particularly from Africa — keeps surfacing. The chair of the credentials committee provided updated numbers and emphasized the challenges the Commission on General Conference staff faced in identifying properly elected delegates. Sam Hodges reports.
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Seeing red: Volunteers make conference run smoothly
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (UM News) — If you happened to walk through the Charlotte Convention Center wearing a red apron you brought from home, you’d quickly be put to work. More than 1,000 volunteers have donned the distinctive apron during the two weeks of the United Methodist General Conference, which continues through May 3. It’s safe to say they’ve kept the event running like a well-oiled machine. Neill Caldwell has the story.
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Time put aside at General Conference to lament abuse
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (UM News) — After General Conference business came to a close on April 29, delegates, church officials and observers gathered outdoors on a terrace of the Charlotte Convention Center to lament the damage done by sexual abusers associated with the church and the institution’s complicity. Jim Patterson has the story.
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Delegates celebrate success, growth of Africa University
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (UM News) — General Conference delegates, church leaders and alumni celebrated the impact of Africa University and the support from United Methodists across the connection who have helped provide quality education to thousands of students. “Africa University is deeply rooted and thriving because of the faithful engagement of The United Methodist Church,” noted the Rev. Peter Mageto, the school’s vice chancellor. Eveline Chikwanah reports.
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AU graduates serve at General Conference
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (UM News) — Continuing a long tradition, Africa University graduates assume leadership roles as delegates, translators and interpreters at the worldwide gathering. Orlando da Cruz and João Filimone Sambo have the story.
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April 30 GC wrap-up: What happened on Day 7
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (UM News) — On the second full day of General Conference voting, delegates fast-tracked a large number of items via consent calendar. Items passed include petitions eliminating some of the language regarding the LGBTQ community, approving full communion with the Episcopal Church and revising large sections of the United Methodist Social Principles. 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 are being posted on Flickr with a separate album for each day of the conference.
See photos
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