Support UM News on World Press Freedom Day: Give to help sustain and expand the storytelling capacity of UM News. Your donation today will transform information into inspiration and ensure we can continue sharing stories of God’s work in the world through The UMC. Help us reach our $10,000 goal and keep this vital ministry fair, faithful, trusted and free for all!

Rule Change Saves Time

Gere Reist, secretary of the General Conference, estimates that a rule change enacted on the first night of General Conference will save six hours of plenary time.

All preceding sessions of the legislative body have followed Robert’s Rules of Order in dealing with substitute motions. The body must first perfect the substitute motion, then the assembly must perfect the main motion. That process frequently involved amendments and amendments to the amendments on both the main motion and the substitute. In preceding conferences, only after all amendments were acted upon could the body receive a motion to move the substitute to the main motion.

The Rules Committee proposed and the assembly agreed to no longer follow Mr. Roberts. Instead, delegates will immediately debate whether to accept the substitute motion. If the motion is passed, the substitute becomes the main motion and it can be amended before final approval. If the motion is defeated, the original motion remains on the floor for consideration.

In pre-General Conference news briefings, Gere has compared the church’s past process to the act of getting up in the morning, brewing both a cup of coffee and a cup of tea, and then tasting each before deciding which one to drink.


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
Social Concerns
Bishop Julius C. Trimble. Photo by Tessa Tillett for the Indiana Conference.

Love demands compassionate response, prophetic witness

United Methodists have a long history of advocating for the needs of others. Today, that call continues.
Theology and Education
Cliff White. Photo courtesy of the author.

Why our church is in trouble

United Methodist leaders should stop pursuing ideological goals and instead focus on making disciples of Jesus Christ, says a longtime church member.
Church Leadership
Anna Riddle. Photo by Heather Gaydeski Photography.

Carrie Parrish's legacy holds lessons for today

A trailblazer for women clergy in The United Methodist Church, Parrish championed equality and fought to tear down barriers in her day.

United Methodist Communications is an agency of The United Methodist Church

©2025 United Methodist Communications. All Rights Reserved