“When things are happening all around us, God uses the church to make a difference. The church was never built for our pleasure. The church is built for God’s purpose.” — Bishop L. Jonathan Holston, delivering the Episcopal Address at General Conference.
NEWS AND FEATURES
Bishop Holston: Become ‘who God needs us to be’
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (UM News) — Bishop L. Jonathan Holston of the South Carolina Conference encouraged delegates to the United Methodist General Conference to keep their focus on what is important and tune out the noise. Delivering the 2024 Episcopal Address on behalf of the Council of Bishops on Day 2 of the legislative assembly, he reminded the body that the church must keep one thing clear: “It is about this and only this: How do we become who God needs us to be?” Jessica Brodie reports.
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Delegates urged to ‘restart church’ with less
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (UM News) — On the first full day of General Conference, denominational leaders presented a sober picture of United Methodist finances, including the need to reduce bishops. At the same time, delegates heard hope for the denomination to pivot from disaffiliation to revitalization. Heather Hahn reports.
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Young people share fears, hopes for future church
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (UM News) — Speaking during the United Methodist General Conference, young delegates affirmed that amid the turmoil there is hope for reconciliation and growth. Alejandra Salemi of the Florida Conference told delegates that the younger generation is feeling the weight of the emotional, mental and spiritual trauma that comes with separation and disaffiliations. Eveline Chikwanah reports on the Young People’s Address.
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Ensuring women have voice, vote at General Conference
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (UM News) — Female delegates to the long-awaited 2020 General Conference were assured of the freedom to participate in deliberations without fear of harassment or prejudice. The United Methodist commissions on the Status and Role of Women and Religion and Race appointed two monitors to sit in each legislative committee meeting to ensure women and ethnic minorities can express themselves freely as they help decide the future of The United Methodist Church. Eveline Chikwanah has the story.
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April 24 GC wrap-up: What happened on Day 2
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (UM News) — The second day of General Conference shifted from the celebratory opening worship to doing the business of the church, as delegates began working in their legislative committees and electing their chairs. Joey Butler reports on the day’s happenings.
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New Federation of Asian American United Methodists
Asian American caucus decries yoga symbol on stage
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A yoga symbol featured on the General Conference platform was removed after an Asian American caucus stated that it was offensive. The New Federation of Asian American United Methodists penned an open letter to Bishop Thomas J. Bickerton, outgoing president of the Council of Bishops, expressing frustration at the inclusion of the symbol, which is also utilized by the Hindu Nationalist government to persecute religious minorities in India. The group asked for a “deep understanding of the rise of forces that are offensive to fellow Christians in other parts of the world.”
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Ask The UMC
Have questions about General Conference? Ask The UMC
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Have questions about what’s happening at the General Conference, or how things work, or who was at the microphone when, or what specific actions mean? Ask The UMC is on site at the legislative assembly, ready to reply by email or live chat. Non-General Conference questions are welcome, too, as always.
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Follow along 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.
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Filipino deaconess receives peace award
CABANATUAN CITY, Philippines (UM News) — Norma P. Dollaga’s efforts to establish safe havens for those targeted by extrajudicial killings in the Philippines have earned her the World Methodist Council’s prestigious 2024 World Methodist Peace Award. She was honored for her four decades of service as a United Methodist deaconess dedicated to peace and justice. Gladys P. Mangiduyos has the story.
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RECENT HEADLINES
Bishop urges ‘spirit of hope’ as General Conference begins
Church court's elections up to General Conference
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Monday, April 29-Monday, May 13
Online course: Leading Missional Small Groups
Monday, May 6-Friday, May 10
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