Reporter on the beat: Kathy Gilbert on guaranteed appointment

Kathy Gilbert covered this morning’s vote on the elimination of guaranteed appointment for elders in good standing in the United Methodist Church. The way the vote happened – as part of adopting the consent calendar in the morning – took some delegates by surprise. A motion to reconsider the ministry study failed later in the morning, by a vote of 564 to 373. Kathy talked with me briefly this morning.


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General Conference
The Rev. Aleze M. Fulbright (center) celebrates the growth of The United Methodist Church in Africa as the Commission on the General Conference meets in Minneapolis on Nov. 11. Indiana Conference Bishop Tracy S. Malone announced Jan. 16 that Fulbright is leaving her role as General Conference secretary to become executive secretary to the bishop, starting in July. Photo by Heather Hahn, UM News.

General Conference secretary steps away

The Rev. Aleze Fulbright said she feels called back to the local ministry context and plans on June 30 to conclude her role overseeing the organization of The United Methodist Church’s top lawmaking assembly.
Social Concerns
The Rev. Dr. Jefferson M. Furtado. Photo courtesy of the author.

Martin Luther King Jr. and the work we haven’t finished

We must resist the temptation to remember King as a “safe” figure, but instead respond to his urgent call to action, writes United Methodist pastor.
Human Rights
The Rev. John Wagner. Photo courtesy of the author.

A plea for ‘costly solidarity’ in Middle East

How is God calling us to respond to the ongoing violence in the Middle East? A pastor shares insights from the West Bank.

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