“We are committed to trust in God that our members will support the church with their prayers, presence, gifts, service and witness. … This isn’t about funding and financial support. This is about ministry and mission.” — The Rev. Moses Kumar, top executive of the General Council on Finance and Administration.
TODAY’S HEADLINES
GC delegates pass budget, reduce US bishops
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (UM News) — General Conference delegates passed a general budget with a bottom line that could change depending on how high collections are over the next two years. But no matter what happens, the total budget will be significantly smaller than what General Conference approved in 2016. The body also approved the distribution of 32 U.S. bishops. Heather Hahn reports.
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General Conference reduces requested giving
Formula for calculating number of bishops eliminated
Church removes ban on same-sex weddings
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (UM News) — Delegates to The United Methodist Church approved four changes to church law that together both end remaining bans related to LGBTQ ministry and protect the rights of pastors to choose which weddings to perform or not to perform. Heather Hahn reports.
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Church ends 52-year-old anti-gay stance
Marriage decision sparks protest, celebration
Bishops react to LGBTQ inclusion votes
40-year ban on gay clergy struck down
Removal of ban comes too late for some
Denomination apologizes for sexual misconduct
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (UM News) — General Conference has issued a heartfelt apology to all who experienced sexual misconduct in The United Methodist Church. Part of a resolution passed in the last hour of the legislative assembly, the apology is to be offered in the spirit of offering healing for all affected. Jessica Brodie has the story.
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Apology OK’d for church role in Hawaiian history
Panelists look beyond General Conference
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (UM News) — Five United Methodist clergy, including three bishops, celebrated and discussed historic decisions made by the United Methodist General Conference to remove harmful and restrictive language around homosexuality. The church leaders said they see a denomination where everyone can belong, but they also acknowledge the hard work ahead. Kathy L. Gilbert has the story.
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Climate justice legislation fares well overall
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (UM News) — The majority of legislation supported by climate justice activists within The United Methodist Church was passed by General Conference on the consent calendar in the early part of its second week. But they were unable to get the body to require that United Methodist institutions, including Wespath — the denomination’s pension and benefits agency — divest from fossil fuel company stocks. Neill Caldwell and Sam Hodges report.
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‘Get out of God’s way,’ bishop urges
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (UM News) — During the final morning worship at General Conference, Council of Bishops President Tracy S. Malone said the work that has been done by the delegates of General Conference the past 10 days is important but not as important as what the church will do next. Rick Wolcott has the story.
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Delegates keep church court busy at assembly’s end
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (UM News) — The Judicial Council released five decisions and a memorandum on May 3 in response to a flurry of requests for declaratory decisions — basically rulings on questions about the meaning, application and effect of church law. Heather Hahn reports.
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Resolution opposes investment in Israeli bonds
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (UM News) — General Conference has approved a resolution asking that United Methodist institutions not buy government bonds from Israel and two other nations that have engaged in long-term military occupations. Wespath, the church’s pensions and investment agency, said it will carefully consider the non-binding measure. Neill Caldwell and Sam Hodges report.
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Conference attendees power through mobility challenges
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (UM News) — Wheeled into the auditorium for the General Conference opening worship service, Sara Martin carried the Council of Bishops banner. The message was clear: The United Methodist Church’s global gathering is open and accessible to all. This year, assisted by crutches, wheelchairs, walkers and motorized scooters, dozens of attendees traversed the Charlotte Convention Center. Eveline Chikwanah has the story.
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Translators bridge language gaps at assembly
Seeing red — Volunteers make conference run smoothly
General Conference marks Washington building centennial
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (UM News) — During the hurly-burly of General Conference, delegates paused to mark an important 100th birthday: that of The United Methodist Building in Washington. The building, near the offices of the Supreme Court and the U.S. Capitol, was completed in 1923, so it has been there for 101 years. But with General Conference delayed nearly a decade by COVID-19, this year was the first chance to recognize it in that forum. Jim Patterson has the story.
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May 3 wrap-up: What happened on Day 10
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (UM News) — With the 2020/2024 General Conference officially over, it could be argued that this was the most consequential one since the 1968 assembly that created The United Methodist Church. The church going forward from here is different from it was just a few weeks ago, but leaders are already looking at how members can remain in connection despite having different views. 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 has been sharing video summaries that capture the key moments and insights from the worldwide gathering of The United Methodist Church. These daily updates have been helping 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 had 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 posted on Flickr with a separate album for each day of the conference.
See photos
TOP STORIES FROM THE WEEK
Deacons can now preside at sacraments in their appointments
Korean United Methodists commit to support missionaries
General Conference elects commission members, others
Disaffiliation ends, regionalization moves forward
New clergy retirement plan approved
Elections held for all 9 Judicial Council spots
Full communion with Episcopalians gets closer
Absent delegates in spotlight at General Conference
Church in Africa gets 2 more bishops, new map
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