More on the conference agenda

This morning at the meeting of the Committee on Agenda and Calendar a plan developed between members of the committee and appropriate legislative committee chairs was shared which would group human sexuality related calendar items in a single block for consideration in the morning session. Discussion of these items, according the Frank Beard, chairperson of the committee, would be limited to the morning session. Should any items be not considered, Beard shared, they would not rollover into the afternoon session, which was to focus on the clergy pension plan and other calendar items. There was no provision for dealing with unfinished sexuality issues.

This afternoon the afternoon session began as planned, with the pension report. Rev. Beard (a clergy member of the Indiana Annual (regional) Conference) stated that the plan was still in effect, and that sexuality related items would be considered by the Agenda committee at their next meeting. If their current plan holds, it is unlikely that sexuality petitions will be considered again today.


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