Daily Wrap-up: Delegates hear judicial ruling, approve youth emphasis

Translate Page

The March acquittal of a lesbian pastor will be re-examined by the highest court of the United Methodist Church.

A majority of delegates to General Conference requested the ruling following the reading of another Judicial Council ruling on homosexuality.

On April 29, the Judicial Council ruled that the practice of homosexuality is a chargeable offense for clergy. By a 6-3 margin, the court ruled that the statement “the practice of homosexuality is incompatible with Christian teaching” (Paragraph 304.3 of the 2000 Book of Discipline) is indeed a declaration of the General Conference, the only body that can speak for the 10 million-member denomination.

After a reading of that ruling, the Rev. Maxie Dunnam, Kentucky Annual (regional) Conference, moved that Judicial Council be asked to rule on the “meaning, application and effect” of the April 29 decision on the outcome of the trial of the Rev. Karen Dammann. The self-avowed homosexual clergy member of the Pacific Northwest Annual (regional) Conference was found innocent of the charge of engaging in practices “incompatible with Christian teaching.” Dunnam also asked the council to determine if a United Methodist bishop can legally appoint a self-avowed, practicing homosexual.

Delegate Frank Dorsey, Kansas East Conference, opposed the motion, saying that it was “striking at our heart with a knife to ... destroy our church,” but Dunnam’s motion was approved by a vote of 551-345.

In other business, the delegates took actions that will expand the church’s ministries with young people and in rural communities.

By a 780-109 vote, the General Conference approved the creation of a Division on Ministries with Young People; 11 delegates abstained from voting. The budget of $6.6 million, which included $1.8 million off the general church budget, was approved by a 749-140 vote, with 7 abstentions.

“This is an historic moment,” said Jeffrey Greenway, Western Pennsylvania delegate and chair of the legislative committee on discipleship. “The young people have shown us a model where the old things pass away and new things come into being.”

As part of the proposal, the United Methodist Youth Organization and the Forum for Adult Workers in Youth Ministry will disband. The Shared Mission Focus on Young People will be folded into the new division.

In an effort to support rural ministries, the General Conference adopted a $425,000 budget earmarked for strengthening rural congregations. By doing so, the assembly gave permission to the denomination’s National Comprehensive Plan for Town & Country Ministries to develop and support ministries in rural cultures and contexts for the next four years.

The plan will also assist in developing effective leadership for town and country ministries. Town & Country Ministries is a program of the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries.

*Bloom is a United Methodist News Service news writer.

News media contact: (412) 325-6080 during General Conference, April 27-May 7. After May 10: (615) 742-5470.


Like what you're reading? Support the ministry of UM News! Your support ensures the latest denominational news, dynamic stories and informative articles will continue to connect our global community. Make a tax-deductible donation at ResourceUMC.org/GiveUMCom.

Sign up for our newsletter!

UMNEWS-SUBSCRIPTION
Central Conferences
Bishop Ruby-Nell M. Estrella of the Manila Area speaks during the Philippines Central Conference’s Board of Laity forum Sept. 2 at Knox United Methodist Church in Manila. Estrella, who spoke on behalf of the incumbent bishops, expressed their commitment to preserving the unity of the church. Photo by the Rev. Edgardo L. Quinsayas.

Filipino lay leaders call for autonomy

The Board of the Laity in the Philippines held a forum to seek clarity on compounding church issues and called for autonomy, but the three newly elected bishops in the country emphasized their commitment to preserving the unity of the church.
General Conference
The next General Conference is scheduled April 23-May 3, 2024, in Charlotte, N.C. The United Methodist Church’s top lawmaking body, long delayed by COVID, will see multiple options for the church’s future when it meets next year. But preparing all the legislation for delegates’ review takes months. Image courtesy of charlottesgotalot.com.

What comes after General Conference deadline?

The United Methodist Church’s top lawmaking body, long delayed by COVID-19, will see multiple options for the church’s future when it meets next year. Preparing all the legislation for delegates’ review takes months.
General Conference
A key leadership body has given unanimous approval to submitting a proposal to General Conference that aims to give Africa, Europe, the Philippines and the U.S. equal standing in church decision-making. The approval by the Standing Committee on Central Conference Matters puts the legislation on a likely trajectory of making it onto the General Conference floor for consideration by all delegates. Globe by OpenClipart-Vectors, courtesy of Pixabay; graphic by Laurens Glass, UM News.

Regionalization plan heads to General Conference

A key United Methodist leadership body has given unanimous approval to moving forward a proposal that aims to give the Africa, Europe, the Philippines and the U.S. equal standing in church decision-making.

United Methodist Communications is an agency of The United Methodist Church

©2023 United Methodist Communications. All Rights Reserved