“It’s been 40 years of work for me and others to remove the incompatibility clause from our Social Principles and really live in through our belief that all people are sacred.” — Randall Miller, chair of the Social Principles Task Force that led the development of the revisions General Conference has approved.
NEWS AND FEATURES
Church ends 52-year-old anti-gay stance
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (UM News) — General Conference delegates supported a revision of the Social Principles that deletes the phrase “the practice of homosexuality… is incompatible with Christian teaching.” The 1972 General Conference added the phrase to The United Methodist Church’s Social Principles, and it has been a source of conflict in the decades since. Heather Hahn reports.
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Marriage decision sparks protest, celebration
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (UM News) — General Conference’s revision of the denomination’s position on marriage sparked protests from African delegates and celebration by supporters of same-sex marriage. Sam Hodges and Jim Patterson report.
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Deacons may preside at sacraments in their appointments
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (UM News) — In what presiding Bishop David Graves called a “historic moment,” General Conference passed new legislation granting authority to deacons to preside at the sacraments in their ministry settings. This means deacons can now offer communion and conduct baptisms where they have been appointed to serve, whether that is a church, outreach ministry or mission. After the vote’s passage, many hugged and wept tears of joy. Jessica Brodie has the story.
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Bishops react to LGBTQ inclusion votes
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (UM News) — United Methodist bishops famously have neither voice nor vote in General Conference decision-making, but they have had plenty to say since delegates moved this week to change the church’s official policies on homosexuality. Their tone and points of emphasis have varied, with some clearly feeling exultant and others acknowledging that the decisions will have a mixed reaction in the churches they oversee. Sam Hodges reports.
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Korean United Methodists commit to support missionaries
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (UM News) — The Korean Association of The United Methodist Church announced a bold commitment to adopt and support 140 global missionaries through the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries, including the 16 newly commissioned during the May 2 General Conference. The association proposes financial support of at least $100 per month, per missionary, for at least three years — financial gifts totaling more than $500,000. The Rev. Thomas E. Kim reports.
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Church court voids change to bishop expenses
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (UM News) — The United Methodist Church’s top court released two decisions related to bishops. One struck down a petition that General Conference passed earlier this week on retired bishops’ travel expenses. The other ruling dealt with the retirement of central conference bishops. Heather Hahn reports.
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Translators bridge language gaps at assembly
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (UM News) — Delegates from around the world have access to 10 languages as they decide the future of The United Methodist Church. More than 180 translators have been working to ensure delegates have access to a language in which they are conversant during committee meetings and plenary sessions. Eveline Chikwanah has the story.
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General Conference elects commission members, others
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (UM News) — General Conference has elected more than 175 people to a variety of commissions and councils, including the Commission on the General Conference, which had been the topic of heavy dialogue earlier in the week regarding youth representation. Church members were elected to the University Senate, Standing Committee on Central Conference Matters, general boards and agencies and to the board of trustees for the historic John Street United Methodist Church in New York. Jessica Brodie has the story.
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Get out of silos and break down walls, bishop says
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (UM News) — Bishop Ruby-Nell M. Estrella, Manila Episcopal Area, preached during May 2 morning worship at the United Methodist General Conference. She urged the delegates and observers to continue to move The United Methodist Church forward and transform the world. The service also marked the commissioning of 16 Global Ministries missionaries. Gladys P. Mangiduyos has the story.
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May 2 wrap-up: What happened on Day 9
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (UM News) — On another historic day at General Conference, delegates voted to remove the denominational stance that declares homosexuality to be “incompatible with Christian teaching” — language that has been in place since 1972. That same vote also revised the church’s position on marriage, leading to protests and celebration. A decision to allow deacons to offer Holy Communion and conduct baptisms in their ministry settings also was met with emotion. 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 posted on Flickr with a separate album for each day of the conference.
See photos
RECENT HEADLINES
40-year ban on gay clergy struck down
Removal of LGBTQ ban comes too late for some
Disaffiliation ends, regionalization moves forward
New clergy retirement plan approved
Formula for calculating number of bishops eliminated
Elections held for all 9 Judicial Council spots
Bishop encourages delegates to inspire next generations
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