General Conference reopening update

Alert: Bishop Scott Jones, presiding officer, in consultation with the chairperson of the Commission on General Conference and episcopal colleagues, has decided that the May 3 afternoon session will be open to all in accordance with Rule 3.3. The delegates will return from recess at 2 p.m.

His decision came after General Conference was adjourned for an early lunch recess. A demonstration had started during the morning break, and demonstrators had refused to leave the plenary hall after the morning session had resumed. The demonstrators were protesting The United Methodist Church’s stand on sexuality-related issues.

A full story will follow.


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!

Subscribe Now
Mission and Ministry
The Rev. Steve Horswill-Johnston. Photo courtesy of the author.

When the doors were not yet open

It’s been 25 years since the rollout of The United Methodist Church’s brand promise of “Open Hearts. Open Minds. Open Doors.” Despite controversy, it remains relevant today.
Human Sexuality
Jan Lawrence addresses Reconciling Ministries Network’s convocation held July 24-27, 2025, at First United Methodist Church in downtown Madison, Wis. Lawrence is retiring after serving as Reconciling Ministries Network’s executive director for nearly a decade. Many United Methodists credit her with helping to lead the denomination to a new day. File photo by Joscie Cutchens, UM News.

LGBTQ leader retires after pivotal changes

Jan Lawrence kept United Methodist advocates organized after the denomination strengthened bans against LGBTQ people and helped lead the way toward the longtime bans’ repeal.
Social Concerns
The Rev. Stephanie Vader. Photo courtesy of the author.

Pastor urges halt to troops’ presence in DC

The Rev. Stephanie Vader, a United Methodist pastor in Washington, D.C., raises alarms about the increasing number of National Guard troops in the nation’s capital.

United Methodist Communications is an agency of The United Methodist Church

©2026 United Methodist Communications. All Rights Reserved