New York Annual Conference

The Rev. Gary Graves addresses the 2020 pre-General Conference Briefing in Nashville, Tenn. Graves was part of a meeting that discussed plans for late-arriving legislation and difficulties with delegates receiving needed visas. Photo by Mike DuBose, UM News.

Plans for late-arriving GC2020 legislation

The group that organizes General Conference also received an update on challenges that U.S. actions are presenting in getting visas for delegates.

Social Concerns

Newly ordained deacons lead the benediction at the end of the ordination service during the New York Annual Conference meeting at Hofstra University in Hempstead, N.Y. From left are the Revs. Arletha (Lisa) Miles Boyce, Lea A. Matthews and Janet L. Cox. Matthews says she sees her ministry as a helping hand to marginalized people in the world, including LGBTQ people like herself and her wife. Photo by Stephanie Parsons, NYAC.

LGBTQ deacon ordained by New York Conference

The Rev. Lea Matthews says her ordination was a day of joy, but not without difficulty. She is the latest LGBTQ person to be ordained in The United Methodist Church.

General Church

The Rev. Heather Sinclair anoints Bishop Thomas J. Bickerton at the beginning of a time of healing prayer and anointing at the close of a special session of the New York Annual Conference at Purchase College, State University of New York. Photo by Stephanie Parsons.

New York, New Jersey conferences confer on GC2019

Inaugural conference special sessions address concerns over pain, distrust caused by denomination-wide vote.

General Church

The singing of "This Little Light of Mine" opens a Feb. 22 gathering on the eve of the 2019 General Conference that featured openly gay delegates and others supporting full inclusion of LGBTQ people in The United Methodist Church. The Rev. Jay Williams (center) led the singing and also moderated a panel discussion. Photo by Kathleen Barry, UMNS.

LGBTQ voices heard at pre-GC event

Forum features openly gay delegates assessing One Church Plan and other legislative options.

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