United Methodist News Service
The Korean Association of The United Methodist Church announced a bold commitment to adopt and financially support 140 United Methodist global missionaries.
Bishops react to LGBTQ inclusion votes
Some have celebrated the decisions, while others have stressed to their conferences the limits of the decisions, including that they don’t require clergy to officiate at same-sex weddings.
General Conference elects commission members, others
Delegates added a host of fresh faces to the groups that make important decisions for The United Methodist Church.
Church ends 52-year-old anti-gay stance
General Conference delegates supported a revision of the Social Principles that deletes the phrase “the practice of homosexuality… is incompatible with Christian teaching.” That phrase has been part of church teachings since 1972.
Translators bridge language gaps at General Conference
Delegates have access to 10 languages as they decide the future of The United Methodist Church.
Resumé ya 1er Mai: Kuondolewa kwa Interdiction ya wa clergé homosexuels, mwisho ya njia ya désaffiliation
A source of heated, often painful, division at General Conference for the past 40 years was removed without debate: The denomination’s ban on ordaining “self-avowed practicing homosexuals” has been lifted.
May 1 wrap-up: Gay clergy ban lifted, new retirement plan approved
A source of heated, often painful, division at General Conference for the past 40 years was removed without debate: The denomination’s ban on ordaining “self-avowed practicing homosexuals” has been lifted.
Disaffiliation ends, regionalization moves forward
General Conference delegates deleted the church disaffiliation policy, passed the last of the regionalization petitions and required annual conferences to set a reaffiliation plan for churches that want to return.
Elections held for all 9 Judicial Council spots
General Conference normally holds staggered elections for the church court’s lay and clergy membership, but the pandemic has thrown off that schedule and required a reset.
Removal of LGBTQ ban comes too late for some
There was a slight strain of sadness among the jubilant United Methodists celebrating in a courtyard of the Charlotte Convention Center after the ban on gay clergy was lifted. Those whose potential contributions to the church are forever lost were also remembered.
New clergy retirement plan approved
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.
Delegates decry hate crimes against Asian Americans
Resolution addresses racial-ethnic discrimination and gender-based violence in the Asian American context.
Bishop encourages delegates to inspire next 7 generations
Recalling the people who nurtured and encouraged his faith, United Methodism’s first Native American bishop said, “My friends, we have much more in common than not.”
Formula for calculating number of bishops eliminated
Newly passed legislation guarantees at least five bishops per jurisdiction.
Solar trailer brings power in disasters — and coffee at conference
The Mobile Solar Power Station, a solar-powered, self-sustaining trailer, launched in October 2023 as a new ministry of the North Georgia Conference.
40-year ban on gay clergy struck down
In an emotional morning, General Conference has eliminated the ban on “self-avowed practicing” gay clergy. Following the vote at break, delegates and observers sang hymns in joy.
Resumé ya 30 Avril: Interdictions ya wa LGBTQ imeondolewa, communion na Église Épiscopale imechikwa
Katika siku ya pili ya Conférence Générale, wajumbe walitumika kwa haraka kupitia calendrier ya consentement.
April 30 wrap-up: Some LGBTQ bans lifted, Episcopal communion approved
On the second full day of General Conference voting, delegates fast-tracked a large number of items via consent calendar.
General Conference reduces requested giving
After vigorous debate, delegates voted to reduce the base rate — a key component used in calculating requested annual-conference apportionments.
Time put aside at General Conference to lament abuse
After 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.
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