United Methodist News Service

A giant step toward full communion with The Episcopal Church was celebrated during ecumenical day at the United Methodist General Conference.

Chair of credentials committee reports the latest numbers but without specificity as to the underrepresentation of African delegates.

“Africa University is deeply rooted and thriving because of the faithful engagement of The United Methodist Church,” said the Rev. Peter Mageto, the school’s vice chancellor.

Quietly, General Conference is making historic changes to The United Methodist Church’s policies related to LGBTQ people.

Continuing a tradition, AU graduates assume leadership roles as delegates, translators and interpreters at the worldwide gathering.

Donning crimson aprons, United Methodists answer questions, guide delegates and visitors, and keep things running like a well-oiled machine.

After resting on Sunday, General Conference delegates hit the ground running in the legislative assembly’s second week.

General Conference approved a plan to add two more bishops to where the church is growing. But a number of delegates expressed frustration that the number wasn’t five.

General Conference paused legislative work after learning that multiple law enforcement officers were shot, three fatally, a few miles from the Charlotte Convention Center.

The United Methodist Church’s top court ruled on a question about youth membership on the commission that plans General Conference.

An app to collect stories about United Methodism was introduced during General Conference. The United Methodist Stories app has been tested at some recent events, and plans call for it soon to be open to all.

Through a combination of speeches and performance, United Women in Faith leaders displayed their ongoing efforts to drive societal change through focused, faith-driven initiatives.

General Conference delegates approved a petition for a formal United Methodist apology for the denomination’s part in the 1893 overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy.

Twenty-six deaconesses and home missioners were consecrated following Bishop Karen Oliveto’s sermon urging listeners to make God’s love visible in all they do.

Filipino delegates say a regional system is a way to keep traditionalists and progressives connected, and relieves central conferences from having to decide on primarily U.S. concerns.

As the action moved out of committee meetings and into a week of floor debate, participants at General Conference were feeling positive about the progress of the April 23-May 3 legislative assembly.

During the morning plenary, delegates approved a statement expanding defense of human rights as part of the first batch of revised Social Principles to come before the body.

Church members should bring more people to Christ, not remove people from the denomination, said Zimbabwe resident Bishop Eben K. Nhiwatiwa during April 27 morning worship.

The Rev. Yulia Starodubets has felt the denomination’s support as she and colleagues do mission work in the midst of war.

In the first batch of revised Social Principles approved by General Conference, The United Methodist Church commits to supporting the human rights for all people, regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity.