Updated May 8, 2024
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The Latest
PINNED: GMC Links has the latest news and developments in the Global Methodist Church.
Post by Adam Hamilton via Facebook. Tuesday Vespers video includes some reflections on General Conference, including Hamilton’s discomfort with how people were asked to introduce themselves at plenary sessions, and GMC critiques. Defends change in chargeable offenses, saying he himself “may have made it to second base” when he was sixteen. (Added 5-8-2024)
“General Conference Debrief Information” via The Kentucky UM Conference. Summary document of legislative enactments of the General Conference, along with comments by Bishop Fairley. (Added 5-8-2024)
“The Powerless Church” by Cal Thomas [no paywall on this one] via Townhall. “Marriage between a man and a woman IS compatible with Christian teaching. The majority of delegates should read and obey the Scriptures that John Wesley, the founder of their denomination, preached without compromise.” (Added 5-8-2024)
“Filipino Provisional Annual Conferences Flourishing in the Global Methodist Church” by Walter Fenton via GMC. “Like all regions beyond the U.S., United Methodist local churches in the Philippines were not allowed to exercise a UM Church provision to disaffiliate from the denomination. Nevertheless, the Mega-Manila conference has eighteen local churches, ten mission churches, and it is currently reviewing the applications for three more. The largest church, St. John Methodist Church in Quezon City, averages over 150 in worship, while smaller congregations in outlying villages average around 40. The local churches in Qatar and the United Arab Emirates face some governmental restrictions when it comes to building churches; they tend to meet in homes or rent venues for church activities.” (Added 5-8-2024)
“Investigative reporter says UMC’s sin-affirming road was paved with left-wing money” by Parrish Alford & Billy Davis via American Family News. “According to its own words, another target for the Arcus Foundation is the continent of Africa and African nations. The press release mentions Africa four times. Groups such as Reconciling Ministries Network, mentioned above, is also trying to “win over” religious leaders in Liberia. A group called Fellowship Global is working in Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.” (Added 5-8-2024)
“Progressive Ideology and the Downfall of Mainline Denominations” by Riley Case via Juicy Ecumenism. “Today it can be argued that Machen’s perspective was correct and his critics were wrong. It is not that “fundamentalism” (conservative Christianity) was dying and modernism was the wave of the future. It is rather that the Christianity represented by the modernist leaders of the mainline churches is dying and that evangelical and traditionalist Christianity, so spurned by the modernists of 100 years ago, is the best hope for the future of the faith.” (Added 5-8-2024)
Overheard: The new Par. 425.1 of the UMC Book of Discipline reads: “¶ 425.1. Responsibility—1. Clergy shall be appointed by the bishop, who is empowered to make and fix all appointments in the episcopal area of which the annual conference is a part. Appointments are to be made with consideration of the gifts and evidence of God’s grace of those appointed, to the needs, characteristics, and opportunities of congregations and institutions, and with faithfulness to the commitment to an open itineracy. Open itineracy means appointments are made without regard to race, ethnicity origin, gender, color, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or age, except for the provisions of mandatory retirement. Annual conferences shall, in their training of staff-parish relations committees, emphasize the open nature of itineracy and prepare congregations to receive the gifts and graces of appointed clergy without regard to race, ethnicity origin, gender, color, disability, marital status, economic condition, sexual orientation, or age. The concept of itineracy is important, and sensitive attention should be given in appointing clergy with physical challenges to responsibilities and duties that meet their gifts and graces. Through appointment-making, the connectional nature of the United Methodist system is made visible.” Per Petition 20315-HS-¶425.1-G (Added 5-8-2024)
“United Methodism: How Conservative Won the Debate, but Lost the Denomination” by Jack Johnson via First Things. “First, the UMC is fast lurching to the left. Second, progressives didn’t take over the denomination by presenting a compelling vision so much as by simply ignoring the denomination’s democratic form of church law to such a degree that the denomination itself became ungovernable, leading to a mass exit of conservatives. Third, this “new” direction for the UMC came about not through “the work of God,” as many progressives argue, but rather because the pandemic allowed the UMC bureaucracy to strike a final blow against the democratic majority. Finally, Methodist/Wesleyan denominations around the world remain remarkably unified in defending traditional Christian teaching on human sexuality. Only the British Methodist Church (one of the few Wesleyan denominations declining more quickly than the UMC) has also significantly altered its church law regarding human sexuality.” (Added 5-8-2024)
“Upholding Faith and Unity: The Case for Remaining United Methodist Amidst General Conference Decision to Amend the Book of Discipline” by Jefferson Knight via UM Insight. “Here in Africa, where cultural norms and legal frameworks often prohibit same-gender marriage, the approval of the ordination of gay pastors within the United Methodist Church poses a challenge to traditional beliefs and values. However, the passage of the regionalization petition offers a path forward that allows African United Methodists to maintain our faith and continue our ministry in accordance with biblical principles, cultural context, and national laws.” (Added 5-8-2024)
“Episode 998: Methodists Change their Pronouns to was/were” via Relatable Podcast with Allie Beth. “Today, we discuss the United Methodist Church’s recent decision to allow the ordination of self-proclaimed homosexuals as well as same-sex “marriage.” The United Methodist Church has struggled with this issue for the past few years and even strengthened its position on traditional marriage in 2019. So, what changed?” (Added 5-8-2024)
“‘The Storm is Passing Over’” by Andi Woodworth via Georgia Voice. “There will be more storms ahead. The United Methodist Church still has work to do to deconstruct our embedded racism and structural colonialism. We have much to repent of and to repair in our relationships with the LGBTQ community. If I am any example, squalls may come up, and tears will be shed as joy and grief pop up as we mark this moment. However, for United Methodists, it seems like something major has shifted. The storm of exclusion is passing over. Hallelujah!” (Added 5-8-2024)
“Homosexuality neither sin nor heresy: UMC” by Choi Si-young via Korea Herald. ““The Bible says homosexuality is a sin and consecrating gay clergy amounts to heresy,” President Jung Seo-young of the Christian Council of Korea said in a statement Saturday, made in response to the UMC decision to lift its 40-year-old ban on ordaining gay clergy Wednesday…. “The UMC has never taught that homosexuality is a sin. Some individual United Methodists may have believed this, and that would be their right, but the denomination has never taught this,” the Rev. Taylor W Burton Edwards, a United Methodist Communications director, told The Korea Herald.” (Added 5-8-2024)
“Uniting the United Methodist Church” by Barry Yeoman via The Assembly. “The church’s General Conference, which concluded last week in Charlotte, was the first test of whether the remaining members can forge a new path on same-sex marriage, lesbian and gay clergy, and international accord.” (Added 5-8-2024)
“Next Generation Institutional Hope – A Conversation with Mark Tooley” by Jeffrey Rickman via PlainSpoken (YouTube). “In this conversation, Mark and I talk Wesleyan political theory and try to share an understanding of how contemporary institutions work. Mark explains his political framework of choice, Whiggery, alongside other models of more reactionary conservatism (which I generally adopt). It is a robust discourse, in which a final hope for the Global Methodist Church is offered. I hope this conversation is a blessing to you in the way that it was to me.” (Added 5-8-2024)
“A Response to the Primates Meeting in Rome” via Gafcon (Anglican Communion). “The truth is that most of those who refused to attend are leaders of Gafcon and the Global South, and our absence was not accidental, but intentional. Though we do pray for the unity and health of the Anglican Communion, we chose not to attend because, as last year’s Kigali Statement made clear, the current divisions within the Anglican Communion are neither minimal nor new. These divisions have arisen from more than 25 years of “repeated departures from the authority of God’s Word” that, despite the persistent warnings given by the majority of Anglican Primates, have continued unabated.” (Added 5-7-2024)
“Friends, we are not where we were!” by Bishop Frank Beard via Illinois Great Rivers UM Conference. “The dust has not settled, but it is clear and obvious that the United Methodist Church has changed. Some would argue that it has changed for the better, and others that it has changed for the worse. Your local church can and will make the decision on how the action of the General Conference affects your congregation….The IGRC will offer an opportunity for churches to enter a process for exercising a gracious exit. This process will be shared at the Annual Conference session in June 2024.” (Added 5-7-2024)
Overheard (Updated): Local reaction stories abound: See Dallas News, WBOY, The Chronicle, and Beaumont Enterprise, KEVN, Journal & Topics (Chicago Area), Oak Ridger. WCTV (FL). (Added 5-7-2024)
“God breaking down walls: UMC ends ban on gay clergy, same-sex marriages” by Crystal Graham via Augusta Free Press. “The climate in the United Methodist Church is very different than the climate in 1972, the year I was born. Incidentally, that was the same year I was declared to be incompatible with Christian teaching,” she said. “This declaration was made one month before I was born.” Fretwell is what she calls “neuro-queer;” she grew up in New Hope, a small town in ruby-red Augusta County, a place that gay people often find unforgiving and cruel. (Added 5-7-2024)
“After Vote to Repeal LGBTQ Bans, Many Gay Methodists Are Now Fully Out” by Yonat Shimron via Word & Way (RNS). “But for Daly, a 42-year-old gay man, the actions of his denomination carried personal symbolism, too. As the first same-sex married minister in the North Carolina Conference or region, he was freed of the heavy burden of having to negotiate his identity in a denomination that until last week officially sanctioned and censured people like him.” (Added 5-7-2024)
“UMC Bishops To Promote Ratification of Regionalization Legislation” via UMC Council of Bishops. “The Council of Bishops has unanimously agreed to dedicate time, effort, and encouragement to promoting ratification across the connection and providing leadership to every annual conference. Constitutional amendments must be passed by two-thirds of the aggregate/combined votes of all annual conferences.” (Added 5-7-2024)
Tweet by Mark Tooley: “Good piece but conservatives “lost” denomination by 1920s. They continued as subculture until denomination no longer mattered & was in fact an albatross, prompting their recent largely successful exit.” (Added 5-7-2024)
Information Sheet: “What Happened at the General Conference of the UMC?: Version 2.2” by Chris Ritter via PeopleNeedJesus (Four-page PDF). This version provides additional detail about the new category of “sexual orientation” added eleven times as a diversity category for the general boards, judicial council, the Connectional Table, and conference leadership bodies. (Added 5-7-2024)
Tweet Thread by Liam Adam: A religion reporter working for The Tennessean wraps up his coverage of the UMC General Conference. (Added 5-7-2024)
“Methodists Gone Wide” by Gene Veith via Patheos. [paywall] “The United Methodists were willing to break their church for the cause of homosexuality…” (Added 5-7-2024)
“Presbyterians’ Latest Sexuality Showdown Follows Methodists’ Historic Shift” by Richard Ostling via Religion Unplugged. “While that drama develops, the sexuality spotlight shifts to America’s Presbyterian Church (USA), which has already approved gay clergy and marriage but is heading into a different sexuality fuss that carries some risk of another church split…No doubt the hottest issue there will be proposed amendments to the Book of Order that affect remaining Presbyterians who oppose the new sexuality. The proposal comes from Olympia Presbytery in Washington State, with concurrences filed by regional presbyteries in six other states. One amendment would add “gender identity” and “sexual orientation” to the categories in which discrimination has “no place in the life of the Church.” (Added 5-7-2024)
“‘Our Views on Marriage Remain Unchanged’: Methodist Church in Singapore Responds to Vote by America’s United Methodist Church” via Salt & Light. “MCS has been autonomous from the UMC since 1968. MCS has its own Book of Discipline which embodies and preserves its core Methodist beliefs, order and rules as exemplified by John Wesley, the founder of Methodism.” (Added 5-7-2024)
“Forty Years” by Cynthia Astle via Baptist News Global. “Greg Neal, my former pastor who’d been run out of the North Texas Conference because he dared marry his husband, Kade, drew me into a giant bear hug. We wept almost uncontrollably on one another’s shoulders, scarcely daring to believe that the words “self-avowed practicing homosexual” were no longer a bar to ordination.” (Added 5-7-2024)
Tweet by Chris Ritter: “Just to review: A ‘doctrine’ is something a church teaches. A ‘doctrinal standard’ is a measure to which those doctrines are to conform. Have a great day.” [UMC doctrine has changed. UMC doctrinal standards are nearly impossible to change.] (Added 5-7-2024)
Tweet by Jeremy Smith: “I’m grateful to serve a church where no one has sent me an angry email saying they are leaving The UMC because it has removed harmful anti-LGBTQ language from our polity. Not. A. Single. One. I realize my privilege 😢 My heart goes out to those with different responses.” (Added 5-7-2024)
“Pastoral Response to UMC General Conference” by Daniel Humbert via Trietsch UMC. Pastor of a large church in Flower Mound Texas says church doctrine has not change and highlights local decision-making. (Added 5-7-2024)
“UMC Makes Historic Shift: Reverses Gay Policies and Embarks on Worldwide Restructuring” by Ginny Baxter via BeliefNet. A round-up of General Conference actions, focusing on regionalization. (Added 5-7-2024)
“Eight Reasons the Church Should Not Embrace LGBTQ-Affirming Theology” by Gary Stidham. “Last week, the UMC embraced a view of sexuality that is rejected by virtually all “majority-world” Christians in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. It’s rejected by the persecuted church around the world and, actually, every church in history – from the time of the Apostles until fifty years ago after the Sexual Revolution. But the UMC’s new view of sexuality IS embraced by Hollywood, mainstream media, elite universities, and most major corporations. The UMC isn’t becoming more authentically Christian; it has become more worldly.” (Added 5-7-2024)
“The United Methodist Church: A Celebration of Global Unity” commentary via Dallas News. [paywall] “With 11 million members in 60 countries representing our unity and diversity, the mission of the United Methodist Church transcends borders…” (Added 5-7-2024)
“Churches React to UMC Homosexuality Position” via The Herald (Zimbabwe). The Council of Churches Founder thanks the Zimbabwean delegation for resisting.Bishop Moyo: “Whether I am paid, I would not accept that.” See also coverage here as ecumenical bodies in Zimbabwe reject the actions of the UMC General Conference. (Added 5-7-2024)
“The United Methodist Church is No More” by Scott Field via WCA. “Last Friday (May 3), nearly two weeks after it began, the General Conference came to an end. So did the United Methodist Church itself…at least the UMC as we have known it. Some rejoice at a birth to be celebrated. Others grieve a death to be mourned. How about you?” (Added 5-7-2024)
“The UMC General Conference: What Happened?” by Mark Tooley via Firebrand Magazine. “Progressives swept the table at General Conference, opposed only by Africans and a smattering of remaining U.S. traditionalists, with perhaps a few Filipinos and Europeans. One third of the delegate seats were supposed to have been African. But visa problems kept 25-30% of African delegates from attending.” (Added 5-7-2024)
“United Methodist Church Formally Abandons Biblical Standards for Human Sexuality” via West Virginia WCA. Reprint of PNJ Summary, and links to two other summaries. (Added 5-6-2024)
“Discussing The UMC General Conference & Plans Forward | With @plainspokenpod” via Method Ministries (YouTube). Interview with Jeffrey Rickman about the UMC General Conference. (Added 5-6-2024)
“Requiem” by James Gibson. “The discipline of holiness of heart and life willfully cast aside for indulgence in homosexual hedonism. The preaching of Christ crucified callously rejected for “social justice” virtue signaling. A rich heritage of Christian hymnody gleefully trampled upon while dancing to the music of the O’Jays.” (Added 5-6-2024)
“Full interview: Bishop Karen Oliveto” via Next9News (YouTube). “One of the largest Christian denominations in the country made history today led by United Methodists here in Colorado and the West. United Methodist Church delegates overwhelmingly voted to repeal the church’s ban on LGBTQ clergy.” (Added 5-6-2024)
“Pastor looks to future after United Methodist Church revised its LGBTQ policies” by KSHB (Kansas) (YouTube). LGBTQ pastor interviewed. Lay leader, “This doesn’t mean we are happy about more people leaving the church.” (Added 5-6-2024)
“African Methodists take a stand for biblical marriage after United Methodist Church adopts pro-LGBT measures” by Chris Enloe via The Blaze. “A group of African Methodists released a statement last week, taking a stand for orthodox Christian teaching on sexual ethics. The United Methodist Church joined ranks with other progressive American denominations last week when, at its general conference, the church reversed prohibitions on LGBT clergy, same-sex weddings, and rules against LGBT-practicing members.” (Added 5-6-2024)
“Letter from America: We love the Methodists; Zimbabwe’s Bishop tells US General Conference!” By Ken Mufuka via News Day (Zimbabwe). “Methodist Bishops are funded from the General Episcopal Fund decided upon by the General Conference. Whereas African bishops receive each an emolument of US$88,888 each, their US counterparts receive US$180,900 each. Further African educational institutions are generously funded from the General Conference. The US saints, though now a minority in the Global United Methodist Church, bear by far over half the costs of the church. Oliveto’s heresies go beyond same sex marriage. If Oliveto and her cohorts have their way, in addition to same sex marriages.” (Added 5-6-2024)
“Supporting LGBTQ+ Friends and Family as an Ally: Areas for active support of queer people in 2024, from religion to healthcare” by Nancy Freeborne via Psychology Today. “The United Methodist Church recently made a bold move that will likely break their larger organization into smaller units. In one group will be those who support LGBTQ+ church members and clergy, and in the other, those who actively oppose active gay people in the church or who subtly dismiss them. This large mainline Protestant church leadership voted to reverse a ban on practicing gay clergy, a welcome change for many who worship in the Methodist tradition.” (Added 5-6-2024)
“Defiant rainbow warriors in UMC jubilant over a ‘fictional’ Jesus” by Parrish Alford via American Family News. “There were some holdouts still within the denomination but that, of course, is an overwhelming super-majority of people to abandon the biblical position on the issue,” Joseph Backholm told the Washington Watch program last Friday. (Added 5-6-2024)
“Opinion: The Powerless Church” by Cal Thomas via The News Herald. On the UMC: A powerless church tells us what we want to hear rather than what we need to hear. (Added 5-6-20204)
“Alumni Testimonials from Historic 2024 UMC General Conference” vis Boston University School of Theology. “As a historical United Methodist seminary, Boston University School of Theology has a strong contingent of alums — including Bishop LaTrelle Easterling (STH ‘04), Bishop Sally Dyck (STH ‘78, CAS 76), and Bishop Deborah Kiesey (STH ‘76) — who attend and participate in the General Conference, in addition to sending a group of students to the Conference on a travel seminar.” (Added 5-6-2024)
“A New Home for Many Methodists” by Matthew White via The Stand (AFA). “Though initially opposed to it, Tooley now sees the GMC as a necessary and worthwhile endeavor.” (Added 5-6-2024)
“Methodists remove anti-LGBTQ policies” by Brian Bromberger via Bay Area News (San Francisco). “Delegates also adopted a revised broader definition of marriage ‘as a sacred, lifelong covenant that brings two people of faith (adult man and adult woman of consenting age or two adult persons of consenting age) into a union of one another and into deeper relationship with God and the religious community.'” (Added 5-6-2024)
“United Methodist Church Repeals Biblical Rules on Homosexuality: A former lesbian’s perspective” by Janet Boynes via The Stream. “Unfortunately, the United Methodist Church as a whole has chosen to align with the deceptive theology that Jesus died so we can feel good about ourselves as we continue to live in sin.” (Added 5-6-2024)
“Historic Changes at General Conference Lead to Emotional Service at Lafayette’s First United Methodist Church” by Todd Rossnagel via Louisiana UM Conference. Rev. Katrena King expressed dual sentiments: celebration of progress and lament of past pains. “We felt it was important for us to come together and worship, to pray and give thanks, to both celebrate the changes in our denomination and also lament the pain that preceded this change,” Rev. King stated. (Added 5-6-2024)
“An expert lays out the United Methodist Church’s journey to end its LGBTQ ban” by Diego Lopez and Arun Rath via All Things Considered (NPR). “GBH’s All Things Considered host Arun Rath spoke about this shift with Graham Kelder, who teaches religion, politics and law at Suffolk University, and who is a member of the Methodist Church himself.” (Added 5-6-2024)
“Global Methodist speaker: More United Methodist churches will leave over LGBTQ ‘debacle’” by Greg Garrison via AL.com. “Gene Floore, lay leader for the Alabama Emerald Coast Conference of the Global Methodist Church, predicted that the General Conference’s official change in policy would lead to a new wave of United Methodists leaving to join the Global Methodist Church, which has staked out a more conservative position on social issues.” (Added 5-6-2024)
“United Methodist Church” via Wikipedia. Article on the UMC updated to include outcomes from General Conference. (Added 5-6-2024)
“4 ‘woke’ moments from UMC General Conference” via Christian Post. “From pronouns to diversity monitors, the following pages highlight four occurrences at the UMC General Conference that raised the eyebrows of critics, including the popular Twitter account Woke Preacher Clips. ” (Added 5-6-2024)
Overheard: Regarding the National Center for Life and Liberty litigation involving 38 local congregations against the Baltimore-Washington Conference (BWC) of the UMC, NCLL has filed a motion for disqualification in regards to the Honorable (Judge) Michael Malone who has been assigned the case. Per the motion, on April 23, 2024 during a Conference Status meeting, Judge Malone disclosed that he and family members are parishioners of a local UMC congregation within the BWC. (Added 5-6-2024)
Post by Mary John Dye via Facebook. Decries misinformation in a UMC/GMC comparison chart. (Added 5-6-2024)
“United Methodists took historic steps toward inclusion but ‘big tent’ work has just begun” by Liam Adams via USA Today (Yahoo! News). “It may take some time,” Texas pastor the Rev. John Stephens, a general conference delegate, said at a Thursday news conference, accompanied by a fellow delegate and three bishops. “I think the church is going to have to earn some trust.” (Added 5-6-2024)
“Zim United Methodist clerics lose fight to block gay rights” via ZimNow (Zimbabwe). Forbes Matonga: ““This is for us a betrayal of The Gospel of Jesus Christ in favour of Western secular culture. The United Methodist Church is a Connectional Church, meaning one church found on four Continents. “So, what happens to one part of the body affects all. Our children are at risk of being introduced and being dragged into this heathen culture as they go and get educated in the United Methodist Universities and Colleges in the USA,” he said. (Added 5-6-2024)
“African Church Elder Stands Firm Against Denomination’s Rewrite of Marriage, Holds Bible High and Declares ‘This Is the Word of God’” by Jack Davis via Western Journal. “Liberian delegate Rev. Jerry Kulah of the Africa Initiative said, Methodists are ‘willing to lose Africans and Africa to fulfill this progressive agenda.'” (Added 5-6-2024)
“In lopsided vote, what remains of UMC hits bottom of slippery slope” by Steve Jordahl via AFA News. Sidebar: “UMC delegates lectured about rules of progressivism” (Added 5-6-2024)
“United Methodist Church Votes to Embrace LGBTQ Clergy and Same Sex Marriages in Historic Shift” by Sarah Johnson via Hoodline. “Fueling the long-awaited reform, approximately 25% of conservative UMC congregations broke away from the fold between 2019 and 2023—a move that significantly tilted the scales toward the inclusion of LGBTQ individuals in church operations. Jeff Koperski, a religious studies professor at SVSU, explained to ABC12, “This is going to be something that opens up the opportunity for gay weddings, gay clergy, and a whole bunch of other things.” (Added 5-6-2024)
“United Methodist Church’s change on same-sex marriage triggers discordant voices from Africa” by Obed Minchakpu via Christian Daily Africa. “The Mainstream UMC is responsible for pushing this satanic agenda in the United Methodist Church. Rev. Ande’s shift in position shows he cannot be trusted to remain faithful to the ethics and doctrines of the Christian faith. We should not be deceived, gay marriages will not be restricted in America alone, but will affect the global UMC congregations,” Absalom said. (Added 5-6-2024)
Tweet by Mark Tooley: “Always amazing when USA progressives insist African Christians don’t have their own strong views but are just manipulated by USA traditionalists.” [link to Mark Wingfield article] (Added 5-6-2024)
“And also with the UMC: Where doctrine ends and culture begins” by Mark Wingfield via Baptist News Global. “This is not an African issue; it is an American issue. It is the same battle every Protestant denomination in America has fought in recent years. And it is a battle for strict orthodoxy to a certain way of reading the Bible often touted as biblical inerrancy. It allows no collaboration or compromise.” (Added 5-6-2024)
“What the UMC Really Just Did” by James Emery White. “So in capitulating to culture, the UMC has not saved it’s future, but instead ensured its lack of one.” (Added 5-6-2024)
“A Critique of General Conference Actions” via PDF. A thorough critique of the actions of the recent General Conference of the UMC from a traditionalist source. This includes links to legislation and offers detailed analysis on several points. (Added 5-6-2024)
PNJ Info Sheet: “What Happened at the United Methodist General Conference? Version 2.0” by Chris Ritter (PDF). This version corrects a statement that the funding ban (Pars. 806.9, 613.19) was not only eliminated, but reversed. Although the petition called for it to be reversed, the legislative committee removed this feature. I apologize for the error. The revised summary reads: “Annual conference and general church monies are no longer prohibited from being used to promote the acceptance of homosexuality. The General Commission on Archives and History has already announced the formation of a new “Center for LGBTQ+ United Methodist Heritage” using apportionment dollars.” (Added 5-6-2024)
“United Methodists accept LGBTQ clergy a year after fallout at historic Shreveport church” by Brendan Heffernan via Shreveport Bossier City Advocate. “Downtown Shreveport’s First Methodist Church voted overwhelmingly to disaffiliate with the United Methodists last year and has since become one of a few dozen Ark-La-Tex churches to affiliate with the Global Methodists, according to the Trinity Provisional Annual Conference, the Global Methodist governing body over East Texas, Louisiana and Arkansas.” (Added 5-5-2024)
“Methodists end anti-gay bans, closing 50 years of battles over sexuality for mainline Protestants” by Peter Smith via AP. “The reversals can be seen as marking the end of a half-century of epic battles and schisms over LGBTQ involvement — not only in the United Methodist Church but in U.S. mainline Protestant denominations overall. Those are the tall-steeple churches in myriad town squares and rural crossroads, traditionally “big-tent” and culturally mainstream congregations — some predating America’s independence.” (Added 5-6-2024)
“Blessing for Queer Siblings and Allies – Lea Matthews” via St. Paul and St. Andrew (YouTube). “All harmful language against queer persons like the incompatibility clause or the reductive and hurtful definitions of queer identity as “self-avowed” or “practicing” have been removed from the Discipline. All oppressive or restrictive structures of exclusion directed towards queer persons like marriage bans, ordination bans, immorality charges, and wedding bans on church property, have been lifted from the Discipline. Hooray! Hallelujah! It was thrilling to be there, to witness justice being built back, one small piece at a time.” (Added 5-5-2024)
“A Tale of a New Church” by Thomas Lambrecht via Good News. A summary of UMC General Conference actions. (Added 5-5-2024)
“What Did You Expect?” by Lynn Malone. “I’m not one to say, “I told you so,” so I won’t tell you that what I expected to happen, happened. What happened? The United Methodist Church changed this week.” (Added 5-5-2024)
PNJ Info Sheet: “What Happened at the United Methodist General Conference? Version 1.7” by Chris Ritter (PDF). This version clarifies that divestment from Israel by church agencies is urged, not mandated. This version adds changes to Par. 304.2 (ordination standards) that leave room for single clergy to have consenting, monogamous sex. (Added 5-5-2024)
Overheard: Late in General Conference, ordination Standards were changed to allow sex outside of marriage. In 20173-FO-¶304.2-G, Ordination standards were changed as follows: “fidelity in marriage and celibacy in singleness, social responsibility, and growth in grace and in the knowledge and love of God social responsibility, and faithful sexual intimacy expressed through fidelity, monogamy, commitment, mutual affection and respect, careful and honest communication, mutual consent, and growth in grace and in the knowledge and love of God.” Monogamous sex outside of marriage is no longer expressly prohibited for single UMC clergy. The original petition recommended replacing “celibacy” with “chastity.” (Added 5-5-2024)
“A Biblical-Theological Reflection on the Journey to Full-Inclusion in the UMC” by John Alexander Wright via Facebook. “Why has it been so hard for our disaffiliating siblings to see that they placed their trust in and loyalty to an outdated code, instead of “faith working through love”? That they confused loyalty to a previous era’s sexual ethic with loyalty to Christ (to quote H. Richard Niebuhr)?” (Added 5-5-2024)
“A UMC Enroute to the New UMC” by Steve Harper via Facebook. “Doing this, being the Unreviling Methodist Church, we will indeed be enroute to becoming the United Methodist Church that was so courageously and joyfully envisioned and enacted the past two weeks.” (Added 5-5-2024)
“UMCGC: What just happened? The 3Rs Legislative Summary” via Reconciling Ministries Network. A six-page General Conference legislative summary from RMN. (Added 5-5-2024)
“The United Methodist Church is Finally Repenting of Its LGBTQ Discrimination” by John Pavlovitz. “As someone who served in the UMC for 17 years, nearly a decade of those in one of the 100 largest churches in the country—it’s about damn time!” (Added 5-5-2024)
“Wrap-up Video: General Conference 2020” via Resource UMC. A 10-minute summary video. (Added 5-5-2024)
“UMC Africa: Unity Statement: We Have Confidence in the UMC” by Ande Immanuel via Facebook. The head of Africa Voices for Unity argues that a statement put forth by Jerry Kulah does not reflect most Africans. (Added 5-5-2024)
“The Regionalization of the Bible?” by Robert Hunt. “It would be interesting to know exactly where the idea of “regionalization of the Bible” came from, but a good guess is that it came from Good News Movement propaganda based on recent writings by Rob Renfroe and others.” (Added 5-5-2024)
“What now?” by John Meunier. “Those of us who feel more loss than gain in the changes the UMC is undergoing will need to navigate our way a bit like aliens and exiles in a foreign land.” Find some friends. Figure out your theology. Follow Jesus Christ. (Added 5-5-2024)
“Methodists-Uncertain Future” via North Virginia Daily (Associated Press). “When the United Methodist Church removed anti-LGBTQ language from its official rules in recent days, it marked the end of a half-century of debates over LGBTQ inclusion in mainline Protestant denominations. The moves sparked joy from progressive delegates, but the UMC faces many of the same challenges as Lutheran, Presbyterian and Episcopal denominations that took similar routes, from schisms to friction with international churches to the long-term aging and shrinking of their memberships.” (Added 5-5-2024)
“A milestone reached in mainline Protestant churches’ decades-old disputes over LGBTQ inclusion” by The Associated Press. This timeline highlights key milestones and flashpoints within the UMC, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), Episcopal Church, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, United Church of Christ, as well as in civic life. (Added 5-5-2024)
“‘A better church is possible:’ Methodists celebrate as the church embraces the LGBTQ” by Chelsea Bailey via CNN. “I’m trans and that means if I’m going to be honest with myself and authentic in how I show up in the world, I’m going to have to wade into not just my own congregation, but into my denomination,” Woodworth said. “I was really not sure how that would go.” (Added 5-5-2024)
“Day 11: Final Day. We Did it!” by Mark Holland via Mainstream UMC. “So, take Bishop Sharma Lewis of Mississippi for example. She has refused to follow the abeyance and has continued to file charges against LGBTQ clergy and their allies in her conference. She was actually the presiding bishop on Wednesday when we approved the consent calendar ending chargeable offenses for clergy. (The irony was not lost on many.) She has drawn the ire of her own jurisdiction for her actions; there is no way she would be welcome in the much more progressive Western or Northeastern Jurisdictions. So, even bishops who could move might be hard to move.” (Added 5-4-2024)
“Controversy erupts as United Methodist Church embraces homosexuality, Zimbabwean delegation fumes” by Cynthia Goba via My Zimbabwe News. “However, the Zimbabwean delegation, which was in the minority, said Western culture was eroding traditional church values and posed a risk to younger generations. Speaking from the US, one of the delegates Reverend Forbes Matonga said the decision passed was a betrayal to all Africans and the church at large.” (Added 5-5-2024)
Updated: “What Happened at the United Methodist General Conference?” by Chris Ritter via Team Caffeine (PDF). A summary of legislative actions by the General Conference of the United Methodist Church meeting in Charlotte. [This version includes the detail that the funding ban was not only removed, but reversed.] (Added 5-4-2024)
Overheard: The ban on UMC funds from being used to promote homosexuality was not just eliminated, but reversed. According to UMNS, the provision now says GCFA “should ensure that church funds do not go to anything that rejects LGBTQ people.” (Added 5-4-2024)
“Methodists split and now made BIG changes this week (The Whole Story)” by Ready to Harvest (YouTube). Twenty-minute feature: “What happened in the 2024 General Conference of the United Methodist Church and what is coming?” (Added 5-4-2024)
“What Happened at the United Methodist General Conference?” by Chris Ritter via Team Caffeine (PDF). A summary of legislative actions by the General Conference of the United Methodist Church meeting in Charlotte. (Added 5-4-2024)
“GCAH announces new center for LGBTQ+ United Methodist Heritage” via Resource UMC. “Agency set to begin preserving Queer Methodist history” (Added 5-4-2024)
“Duces, Charlotte!” by Amy Lippoldt via Substack. “The JC has a few more rulings to issue, including one decision requested by GP’s own David Livingston challenging the constitutionality of an amendment made by GPs Mark Holland allowing Jurisdictions to adapt the BOD. I have my money on David on this one, though I applaud Mark’s effort to make a safety net if the last step for regionalization fails.” (Added 5-4-2024)
“Disaffiliation Resolution” via Holston Conference (UMC). “The Holston Conference Board of Trustees is honoring its commitment to seek a pathway to provide a fair and graceful means of disassociation for local churches within the parameters of what is permitted in the United Methodist Book of Discipline.” (Added 5-4-2024)
Overheard: The new Judicial Council Decision 1503 states that a local church Board of Trustees may approve policies “prohibiting the conduct of worship services that include same-sex marriage ceremonies.” The decision, however, is vague on the question of whether pastors are required to honor such policies. (Added 5-4-2024)
“‘A step back in time’: America’s Catholic Church sees an immense shift toward the old ways” by Tim Sullivan via The Independent. “Across the U.S., the Catholic Church is undergoing an immense shift. Generations of Catholics who embraced the modernizing tide sparked in the 1960s by Vatican II are increasingly giving way to religious conservatives who believe the church has been twisted by change, with the promise of salvation replaced by casual indifference to doctrine.” (Added 5-4-2024)
“Commentary: The Word is Love” by Cynthia Astle via UM Insight. Greg Neal, my former pastor who’d been run out of the North Texas Conference because he dared marry his husband, Kade, drew me into a giant bear hug. We wept almost uncontrollably on one another’s shoulders, scarcely daring to believe that the words “self-avowed practicing homosexual” were no longer a bar to ordination. (Added 5-4-2024)
“With a final flourish, United Methodist conference eliminates all anti-LGBTQ policies” by Yonat Shimron via RNS. “They also eliminated provisions that would have charged clergy with immorality if they were not “faithful in a heterosexual marriage” or “celibate in singleness.” Instead, delegates supported adding a requirement of integrity in all personal relationships.” (Added 5-4-2024)
“Who Really Speaks for African United Methodists – ‘R’hetoric” by Stan Copeland via UM Insight. “I first question whether these men truly speak “for the majority of African delegates,” and I doubt that they speak for the majority of United Methodists even in their five annual conferences, especially when their sisters and brothers back home come to know the truth about what has actually happened at the General Conference for the greater good for all.” (Added 5-4-2024)
“African delegates denounce UMC votes to allow LGBT marriage, ordination: ‘We are devastated’” by Michael Gryboski via The Christian Post. “The United Methodist Church has changed the definition of marriage. It now defines marriage differently from what God created it to be in the beginning. It has changed the definition of marriage from how Jesus described it in Matthew 19 as one man and one woman.” (Added 5-4-2024)
“African United Methodist Church disowns General Conference decision to recognise homosexuality” via The Zimbabwe Mail. “However, the Zimbabwean delegation, which was in the minority, said Western culture was eroding traditional church values and posed a risk to younger generations.” (Added 5-4-2024)
“The feared split in the UMC did not occur. Instead, the delegates experienced a new willingness to unite in diversity.” by Klaus Ulrich Ruof via UMC in Germany. “The best General Conference ever.” (Added 5-4-2024)
Post via GMC Philippines. “To Our Remaining Traditionalist Friends in the UMC…” (Added 5-4-2024)
“General Conference Legislative Recap” via Resource UMC. A five-page PDF-style document summarizing legislation passed at General Conference. (Added 5-4-2024)
Tweet by Ryan Burge: [chart showing 60% of UM’s voted republican in 2020] “I’ve only been watching clips here and there from the United Methodist meeting.I do watch the SBC’s annual a bit, as well. I’m always struck by how the people at those gatherings don’t reflect the laity that much…” (Added 5-4-2024)
Overheard: Bishop John Wesley Yohanna of Nigeria joined in a protest against the UMC’s change in the definition of marriage. UMNS: “He said after the protest that he is nearing the end of his episcopal term and wants to stay long enough to help bring reconciliation among United Methodist factions in Nigeria. He said he was still weighing whether he would eventually join another denomination. Yohanna predicted that the new language on marriage will come at a cost to United Methodism. “I’m very sure this will affect the membership of the church in Africa,” he said. (Added 5-4-2024)
“Climate justice legislation fares well overall” by Sam Hodges and Neill Caldwell via UMNS. “General Conference delegates passed in bulk much of the legislation supported by United Methodist climate justice activists. An effort to require United Methodist institutions to divest of fossil fuel company stocks did not succeed.” (Added 5-4-2024)
“GC delegates pass budget, reduce US bishops” by Heather Hahn via UMNS. “General Conference delegates passed a denominational budget that represents a 38% to 41% cut to the budget the 2016 General Conference passed. The ultimate bottom line is contingent on giving rates in 2025 and 2026.
Delegates also approved a plan for distributing 32 bishops across the U.S. — which represents a reduction from the 39 active bishops currently serving.” (Added 5-4-2024)
“Is Separation Warranted? Wesley’s Catholic Spirit and the Question of Sexuality” by Matt O’Reilly via Theology Project. “I’m looking forward to participating in the Pro Ecclesia Conference coming up June 10-12 here in Birmingham.” (Added 5-4-2024)
“The United Methodist Church is Destroying My Career – One Pastor’s Story” by Jason E.B. Smith via Substack. “Despite its insistence on progress, the denomination is mired in the binary thinking of the past and leaving destruction in its wake.” (Added 5-4-2024)
Tweet via @UMC_CommonSense: “As powerful as this week at #UMCGC has been, #Sunday is going to hurt for many #UMC congregations. Some will never come back to your #church. Some will be angry. You will lose members and support. Prepare yourself. Pray. Know that doing the right thing is never easy.” (Added 5-4-2024)
“Wesley Biblical Seminary Statement on the UMC General Conference” via Facebook. “We are grieved, if not surprised, by the UMC General Conference’s decision to officially abandon the unchanging standards of the Bible for human sexuality. The denomination has turned its back on the historic teaching of Jesus and the Church, which is for the created goodness of male-female marriage and against all harmful practices of sexual immorality, including homosexuality.” (Added 5-4-2024)
“Oklahomans waiting decades for change celebrate United Methodist vote on same-sex marriage” by Carla Hinton via The Oklahoman. “The United Methodist Church removed anti-LGBTQ+ language from the denomination’s Social Principles guide on Thursday and affirmed same-sex marriage with historic votes applauded by Oklahomans who have been waiting for such change for decades.” (Added 5-4-2024)
“Panelists look beyond General Conference” by Kathy Gilbert via UMNS. “After historic decisions reversing The United Methodist Church’s longtime restrictions against LGBTQ members, church leaders see a denomination where everyone can belong, but they also acknowledge the hard work ahead.” (Added 5-4-2024)
“Ep. 353: United Methodist Church Approves LGBTQ Clergy, Wayne Grudem Retires, Metaxas and Feucht Hit Manhattan” via Ministry Watch Podcast. See also “With Conservatives Gone, United Methodists Vote to Overturn Restrictions on LGBTQ Clergy” by Yonat Shimron (RNS). (Added 5-4-2024)
“May 3 wrap-up: Historic conference comes to a close” by Joey Butler via UMNS. “It could be argued that this was the most consequential General Conference since the 1968 assembly that created The United Methodist Church.” (Added 5-3-2024)
Post by Stan Crosby via Facebook. “My church left me and the historic orthodoxy of John Wesley’s Methodism. They are the schismatics. They are the separatists, and I can no longer be a part of them and keep my vows before God. So today, I sadly begin the process of my official withdrawal from the UNITED METHODIST CHURCH. To God be the glory. Fidelis ad Mortem.” (Added 5-4-2024)
“United Methodist Church delegates make changes in favor of more LGBTQ acceptance” via WCNC News. Interview at Two Rivers UMC in Rock Island, Illinois. (Added 5-3-2024)
“Bishops react to LGBTQ inclusion votes” by Sam Hodges via UMNS. “Some have celebrated the decisions. Others have stressed to their conferences the limits of the decisions, including that they don’t require clergy to officiate at same-sex weddings.” (Added 5-3-2024)
“Conservative Methodists, Unite” by James Antle via Christianity Today. [PDF Here] “After this week’s UMC votes on LGBTQ issues, African Methodists should join American conservatives in the new Global Methodist denomination.” (Added 5-3-2024)
“The United Methodist Church could emerge stronger after its vote to repeal a ban on LGBTQ+ clergy | PennLive Editorial” via Pennsylvania Patriot News. “But something even better could emerge from this turmoil. The new UMC could become a stronger body of believers united in their determination to reach more people with their message of Christianity’s universal love.” (Added 5-3-2024)
Judicial Council Decision 1503: “Nothing in ¶ 2533 of the 2016 Book of Discipline prevents the Board of Trustees of a local church from adopting policies prohibiting the conduct of worship services that include same-sex marriage ceremonies.” (Added 5-3-2024)
“Delegates keep church court busy at assembly’s end” by Heather Hahn via UMNS. “In a General Conference that saw big changes regarding the church’s policies on LGBTQ people, the Judicial Council said church boards of trustees still could set policies prohibiting their church from hosting same-sex weddings.” (Added 5-3-2024)
“Let’s Do More History” by Amy Lippoldt via Substack. “There was plenty of tension around the idea of allowing deacons to baptize and preside at communion. After a pretty short debate, the GC voted overwhelmingly in favor. The biggest argument I heard against it was a fear that young people who don’t want to itinerate (going where the bishop sends) will choose deacon over elder.” (Added 5-3-2024)
“United Methodist General Conference Reflections with Rob Renfroe and Tom Lambrecht” by Andy Miller III via More to the Story Podcast (YouTube). “Here is my conversation with Rob Renfroe and Tom Lambrecht where we reflect on the 2024 UMC General Conference.” (Added 5-3-2024)
Tweet by Jeremy Smith: “Okay, final petition clarified the readmission process for LGBTQ+ former clergy or clergy who officiated same-sex weddings and were exited. It passes 72%.” (Added 5-3-2024)
“African Voices are Not Monolithic” by Ande Emmanuel via Mainstream UMC. “Within the context of Worldwide Regionalization as adopted by the General Conference, Africa will hold its definition of marriage as a union between a man and a woman. Therefore, it is a great distortion of fact to give the impression that the United Methodist Church is enforcing every region of the church to accept same sex marriages. In fact, it was an African who suggested the language on marriage we adopted.” (Added 5-3-2024)
“Callously Breaking Covenant: Reflections on UMC General Conference” by Sarah Stewart via Juicy Ecumenism. “It has been heartbreaking to be a United Methodist this week. Among the reasons for traditional Methodists to be angry at what has taken place at General Conference is the overturning of doctrine central to Methodist social witness.” (Added 5-3-2024)
“The General Conference of the United Methodist Church – Mark Tooley, 5/2/24” via Issues Etc. Podcast. Interview about General Conference. (Added 5-3-2024)
Tweet by Jeremy Smith: “Friends. Followers. The progressive and centrist coalition has achieved 100% of their Three R’s Goals: ☑️ Remove Harmful anti-LGBTQ+ language. ☑️ Regionalize our worldwide church ☑️ Revise the Social Principles. Congratulations to the groundwork of a new and vital #UMC.” (Added 5-3-2024)
Tweet by Mark Tooley: [image] “United Methodism deletes clergy adultery as specific chargeable offense by 69% to 31%. #UMCGC” (Added 5-3-2024)
Tweet by UMNS. “General Conference has approved a resolution asking that United Methodist institutions not buy government bonds from Israel and two other nations that have engaged in long-term military occupations. https://buff.ly/4blvAjY #UMCGC” (Added 5-3-2024)
Tweet by Liam Adams: “BREAKING: The UMC General Conference lifted a 28-year-old prohibition on United Methodist clergy and churches blessing same-sex unions, the last major decision by the assembly to remove longstanding anti-LGBTQ+ restrictions. #UMC #UMCGC” (Added 5-3-2024)
“United Methodists Vote to Drop Gay Clergy Ban by Wide Margin: With exodus of conservatives from UMC, liberal agenda advances” via Decision Magazine. “Observers of a decades-long liberal drift in the UMC said they were not surprised by the overwhelming vote. Since 2019, there has been an exodus of nearly 8,000 congregations, most of which were theologically conservative and at odds with the denomination’s changing views on human sexuality.” (Added 5-3-2024)
“Update #4 from the WCA from the General Conference – UMC General Conference: The African Message” via WCA. “Today (Friday, May 3) the UMC General Conference concludes. The dramatic shift signaled by decisions made here will take time to unpack. We’ll start some unpacking ourselves in next Tuesday’s WCA Outlook and in the upcoming WCA ALL CALL Zoom on May 23. United Methodist News Service has a series of daily summaries for the past two weeks for those who are interested.” (Added 5-3-2024)
Tweet by Reconciling Ministries Network. “Petition 20364 has passed! This strikes performing a same-sex wedding and being a “self-avowed and practicing homosexual” from the list of chargeable offenses. It goes into effect at the end of the conference this evening.” [image] (Added 5-3-2024)
“A New UMC Has Begun” via UM Insight. “Grace upon grace, the like of which hasn’t been seen at a United Methodist General Conference since 1968, fell upon the Charlotte Convention Center as delegates created a new United Methodist Church during their April 23-May 3 assembly.” (Added 5-3-2024)
Tweet by Jeremy Smith: Expressing frustration through sarcasm that the Western Jurisdiction will receive two existing bishops from other jurisdictions instead of being able to elect their own. (Added 5-3-2024)
Message by Bishop Frank Beard via Facebook (video). Appeal not to make any drastic decisions in light of General Conference actions. “The mission has not changed.” (Added 5-3-2024)
“United Methodists end anti-LGBTQ policies” by Michelle Boorstein via Washington Post. “The United Methodist Church, one of the largest organized Christian groups in America, ended a slew of anti-LGBT policies this week, including a ban on gay clergy and on penalties for clergy who conduct same-sex marriages.” (Added 5-3-2024)
“UMC removes rule that homosexuality is ‘incompatible with Christian teaching’” by Michael Gryboski via Christian Post. “South Carolina Conference Bishop L. Jonathan Holston said that the vote will have a mixed reaction from the denomination, which has already experienced schism over the LGBT debate.” (Added 5-3-2024)
“Marriage Decision Sparks Protest, Celebration” by Sam Hodges and Jim Patterson via UMNS. (Added 5-3-2024)
Overheard: Jeffrey Rickman’s livestream commentary videos have been removed from YouTube due to complaints filed. Through an attorney, the UMC has requested he not provide this live commentary. He will stream today on Facebook and Twitter. Here: “However, I woke up to see that the denomination has filed copyright claims against my content for the last week. I have written someone named Amy at Everhart Law Firm, who I guess the denomination used to file the claim.” See also: “Final Day of General Conference Proceedings“
(Added 5-2-2024)
“Day 10: Human Sexuality Still Front & Center” by Mark Holland via Mainstream UMC. “Regionalization hinges on agreeing not to agree. If this is the true ethos of the church, then regionalization has a real chance of being ratified. If this is not who we are, we are likely headed for a major divorce, like we recently witnessed in the United States. Those who call themselves “traditional” in the US needed to create distance to demonstrate their position. Africa may not feel the same.” (Added 5-3-2024)
“General Conference 2024: Removal of Paragraph 304.3 from the Book of Discipline” by Bishop Ken Carter via Western NC Conference (YouTube). “It is important to note that this action does not compel any clergyperson or church to act against their conscience or understanding of their calling. United Methodist churches and clergy – progressive, moderate, and traditional – will have the freedom to respond to God’s call to ministry in the ways that are best for their contextual and missional communities.” (Added 5-3-2024)
“Summary of UMCGC Plenary for May 2, 2024” by Jeffrey Rickman via Plainspoken (YouTube). (Added 5-3-2024)
Post via Good News Magazine (Facebook). Photo and text of African delegate statement on May 2, 2024). (Added 5-3-2024)
“Agenda for Friday, May 3” via DCA (PDF). Agenda for the final day of GC. (Added 5-3-2024)
“General Conference Daily Wrap-Up: May 2, 2024” via UM Videos (YouTube). A daily wrap-up video produced by the UMC. (Added 5-3-2024)
“Late Morning Plenary: May 2 – General Conference 2020” via UM Videos (YouTube). See also Early Morning Plenary, Early Afternoon Plenary, and Late Afternoon Plenary. (Added 5-3-2024)
Post by Forbes Matonga via Facebook. Key Zimbabwe delegate: “THE GENERAL CONFERENCE OF THE UMC ENDS TODAY. ITS DOCTRINE AND PRACTICE HAS BEEN CHANGED. THE WORLD AWAIT TO SEE AFRICAN UNITED METHODISTS’ NEXT MOVE! I REMIND THEM OF JOSHUA 24;15, ” …..BUT AS FOR ME AND MY HOUSEHOLD I WILL WORSHIP YAWEH”. (Added 5-3-2024)
“Local bishop says United Methodist vote to lift ban on LGBTQ clergy will help church heal” by Samantha Wildow via Dayton Daily News. “Many of the departing churches are joining the conservative Global Methodist Church, created last year. Other congregations have chosen to remain independent or join different denominations. Global Methodist Church doctrine states that human sexuality “is a gift of God” and should be exercised as “a loving and monogamous marriage between one man and one woman.” (Added 5-2-2024)
“Global Methodist Church reacts to UMC votes to allow LGBT clergy, same-sex weddings” by Michael Gryboski via Christian Post. Launched in 2022 as a conservative alternative to the UMC at a time when many churches were planning to leave the mainline Protestant denomination, the GMC issued a statement Wednesday stating that it “do[es] not have any affiliation with their decisions, nor do we wish to comment or provide commentary on the actions of other religious organizations.” (Added 5-3-2024)
Post by Andy Miller III via Facebook. Advertises a Facebook Live “Post General Conference Reflections” interview with Tom Lambrecht and Rob Renfroe on Friday, May 3 at 1:30 pm CT. (Added 5-3-2024)
Tweet via Shane Raynor: “Sad to see what laughingstock #UMCGC has turned into. They’ve rejected a traditional definition of marriage, endorsed gay & lesbian clergy, & declared that homosexuality is no longer incompatible with Christian teaching. Plus some anti-Semitism to boot.” [compilation video] (Added 5-2-2024)
Video by Tim Beardsley via Facebook. Video of Jerry Kulah reading a statement by African delegates. (Added 5-2-2024)
“United Methodist Church officially affirms gay marriage… what should we do?” via Redeemed Zoomer (YouTube). “The Traditionalists totally could have won.” (Added 5-2-2024)
“Professor Calls Reconciling Ministries Network UMC’s Most Valuable Player” by Rebekah Miles via UM Insight. “Soon after I officiated at the wedding of our eldest, Anna, and our daughter-in-law, Abby in May 2022, I began what turned out to be a brutal just resolution and judicial process. When I realized that the process was not going well and was advised to get legal help, I called RMN. When my bishop kept changing the terms of the agreement, and, then, insisted he would sign our agreement only if I gave up my vote at Jurisdictional Conference, I texted my friends at RMN.” (Added 5-2-2024)
“Get out of silos and break down walls, bishop says” by Gladys Mangiduyos via UMNS. “Quoting Luke 4:18-19, Estrella noted that the missionary movement continues in United Methodist churches around the world, amid controversies, conflicts, schisms and disaffiliations.” (Added 5-2-2024)
“United Methodist Church Drops LGBTQ Clergy Ban” by James Lasher via Charisma News. “This was not the only measure passed that was accepting of non-biblical sexuality at the conference. On Tuesday, the delegates removed the ability of regional superintendents to punish officiation or hosting of same-sex weddings. Clergy cannot be punished for refusing to to perform or host such events either, but let’s just see how long that remains in the denomination.” (Added 5-2-2024)
“United Methodists Vote to Allow Gay Clergy as Thousands of Congregations Leave Church” by Zach Kessel via National Review. “While the United Methodist Church had been the third-largest Christian denomination in the U.S., the consistent decline in its membership may accelerate after Wednesday’s votes.” (Added 5-2-2024)
“United Methodists, winnowed by conservative exodus, embrace LGBTQ inclusivity” via Washington Times. “In a statement, the African leaders said, ‘We do not accept a change in the definition of marriage, and we will never accept marriage as anything other than one man and one woman. … We are devastated now to be part of a denomination that officially contradicts the Bible’s teaching on marriage and sexual morality.'” (Added 5-2-2024)
“Korean United Methodists commit to support missionaries” by Thomas Kim via UMNS. “We don’t know what difficulties will come to Korean churches after this General Conference,” said the Rev. Chongho James Kim, pastor of Flushing First United Methodist Church in New York. (Added 5-2-2024)
“New Sprout. New Life.” by Erik Alsgaard via UM Insight. “Bishop Karen Oliveto, episcopal leader of the Mountain Sky Conference, preached during a morning worship service, becoming the first openly gay bishop to preach at a worship service during General Conference. New sprout. New life.” (Added 5-2-2024)
Tweet by Liam Adams: “WOW — today’s business ends which means tomorrow is going to be WILD. In addition to all the budget-related decisions, there are 25 outstanding calendar items, 16 of which require action. That includes those two LGBTQ+ inclusion-related petitions. #UMC #UMCGC” (Added 5-2-2024)
Statement by African Delegations via Twitter. A statement from a majority of African delegates states they will not accept the new definition of marriage. “We return to African with important decisions to make.” See on Facebook here. (Added 5-2-2024)
Tweet by UMNS. “Odell Horne, @ConnectNGUMC, requests a declaratory decision from the Judicial Council to determine constitutionality of Paragraph 543.7 as amended by Petition #21040. Chair calls for adoption of motion (1/5 required to affirm). Vote result: 238 (39.73%) YES | 361 NO – motion passes #UMCGC” (Added 5-2-2024)
Letter by Bishop Graves Regarding the Removal of Restrictive Language via Alabama-West Florida Conference (UMC). I am aware that a monumental decision such as today’s will bring much discussion. Because of this we moved previously scheduled meetings over the course of May to a Zoom on May 7th. More information may be found here. Please make plans to attend where we can discuss this and other General Conference matters in further detail. (Added 5-2-2024)
“Thursday, May 2 UMC General Conference Afternoon Plenary (Commentary)” by Jeffrey Rickman via Plainspoken (YouTube). live watch of GC2020 of the UMC with traditionalist commentary. (Added 5-2-2024)
Tweet Thread by Liam Adams: “Following major legislative defeats this week, I sat down with leaders of traditionalist groups — Rob Renfroe, Tom Lambrecht and Scott Field — for breakfast to ask about their view on the shift in #UMC politics that we’re seeing. #UMCGC” (Added 5-2-2024)
Tweet by UMNS: Nimia Peralta, Northwest Philippines Conference, says that the Bible cannot be regionalized. (Added 5-2-2024)
Tweet via UMNS: [Video] Jerry Kulah’s floor speech against an amendment that would provide two alternative definitions of marriage. (Added 5-2-2024)
Overheard: The Revised Social Principles have been adopted by GC2020(UMC) removing the language that that practice of homosexuality is incompatible with Christian teaching. (Added 5-2-2024)
“WCA Outlook General Conference Update # 3: MainstreamUMC signals imminent shutdown.” by Scott Field via WCA. “It is widely reported that the UMC General Conference is removing all restrictions related to homosexuality, approving a broad LGBTQIA+ agenda, and moving far beyond the provisions in the original One Church Plan that attempted to make room for progressives and traditionalists coexisting in one denomination. The legislation being approved during the current General Conference makes it abundantly clear that, as Bishop Bickerton said in his opening address, traditionalists that can’t get with the NewUMC agenda should leave.” (Added 5-2-2024)
“United Methodist Church delegates vote to end anti-LGBTQ policies after decades” by Jeff Chamer via Charlotte Observer. (Added 5-2-2024)
“Day 9: Mainstream UMC Agenda (almost) Complete” by Mark Holland via Mainstream UMC. “It is difficult to describe the spirit here. It is a remarkable mix of joy, exhaustion, and disbelief. “Can you believe it?” has been uttered during every tearful hug. It reminds me of when the Berlin Wall fell when I was in college. There was not a big war, or a final attack, the whole premise of separation just collapsed on top of itself.” (Added 5-2-2024)
“Well, that didn’t take long: The United Methodists quickly abandon Biblical Christianity” by Albert Mohler via World. “By a vote of 692 to 51, and without a word of formal debate, the United Methodist General Conference voted to overturn the church’s historic discipline and doctrine on homosexuality. Yesterday’s vote took place in Charlotte, N.C., but the impact will be felt worldwide.” (Added 5-2-2024)
“GCORR Equity Monitoring Report No. 9” via DCA: “This is one of the ideas in cognitive dissonance. The other is our desire is to maintain a vibrant and genuine relationship among regions worldwide. The 93% affirmation is clear and required votes from all across the worldwide conferences present. Yet, we do not know yet how the decision to remove the language will be received in some Central Conferences and Annual Conferences when delegates and bishops return home.” (Added 5-2-2024)
“United Methodists Strike Ban on LGBTQ Clergy” by Yonat Shimron via Christianity Today. A RNS repost by CT. (Added 5-2-2024)
“United Methodist Church votes to divest bonds of Israel and other occupier governments” via Kairos Response. In the first such divestment action by a major Christian denomination, the church has called on all its investment managers to avoid “the governmental debt of each such country until the time when each government ends their military occupation.” (Added 5-2-2024)
Tweet by Jeremy Smith: “The General Commission on Archives and History (@UMCHistory) just announced they are seeking to create a Center for LGBTQ+ United Methodist Heritage to collect Queer Methodist history and stories. This is made possible thanks to the lifting of the funding ban. (Added 5-2-2024)
“Daily Briefing: Thursday, May 2, 2024” by Albert Mohler. Southern Baptist Leader: “A Denominational Surrender: United Methodist Church Reverses LGBTQ Doctrine and Policy” Women pastors are a slippery slope. (Added 5-2-2024)
Tweet via UMNS. Liberian delegate: “A question has been raised from the floor regarding the purpose of using pronouns [and other identifiers] when people introduce themselves. Dawn Wiggins-Hare responds. #UMCGC” (Added 5-2-2024)
Overheard: Following a decision Tuesday to remove the so-called funding ban, the UMC General Commission on Archives and History will open a new center for LGBTQ+ United Methodist history and heritage. Source (Added 6-2-2024)
“UMC live updates: United Methodists face votes on social principles, same-sex unions” by Liam Adams via The Tennessean. “If the two key petitions before the delegates on Thursday succeed, it solidifies a shift from traditionalist-dominated legislative action at the UMC General Conference to a more influential progressive-and-centrist coalition.” (Added 5-2-2024)
“May 1 wrap-up: Gay clergy ban lifted, new retirement plan approved” by Joey Butler via UMNS. “Additional petitions were passed that overturned other longstanding rules prohibiting clergy from officiating same-sex weddings or churches from hosting them. Another vote ended the policy thousands of churches had used to leave the denomination, but created a pathway for churches wishing to return.” (Added 5-2-2024)
“Delegates applaud language change, regionalization” by David Burke via Great Plains Conference. “It’s really exciting that we’ve got the pieces in place for a more inclusive church, and we can recognize the gifts of all of our clergy,” said Hodgkinson, associate conference lay leader. “I hope we can finish the work and get to an inclusive church.” (Added 5-2-2024)
Tweet via @RedeemedZoomer: Project Reconquista Head: “Welp the United Methodists officially sealed their liberal fate. This only happened because the COWARDLY GLOBAL METHODIST CONSERVATIVES RAN AWAY!!! THIS COULD HAVE BEEN PREVENTED! SHAME! SHAME! SHAME!” (Added 5-2-2024)
“United Methodists overwhelmingly vote to repeal longstanding ban on LGBTQ clergy” via CBS News. “Past General Conferences of the United Methodist Church had steadily reinforced the ban and related penalties amid debate and protests, but many of the conservatives who had previously upheld the ban have left the denomination in recent years, and this General Conference has moved in a solidly progressive direction.” (Added 5-2-2024)
“Daily Christian Advocate – May 2, 2024” via Resource UMC. Daily publication for delegates with legislation, etc. (Added 5-2-2024)
“LIVE: Thursday, May 2 UM General Conference Morning Plenary (Coverage & Commentary)” by Jeffrey Rickman via Plainspoken (YouTube). Live watch of General Conference with a traditionalist commentary. (Added 5-2-2024)
“Disaffiliation ends, regionalization moves forward” by Heather Hahn via UMNS. “General Conference delegates voted to delete the church disaffiliation policy from the Book of Discipline. They required annual conferences to set a reaffiliation policy for churches that want to return. They also passed the last of the regionalization petitions.” (Added 5-2-2024)
Tweet by Sojourners: “BREAKING NEWS: The United Methodist Church has adopted new language to its social principles, affirming the “right to legal abortion” and denouncing state bans.” [Article] (Added 5-2-2024)
“Removal of LGBTQ ban comes too late for some” by Jim Patterson via UMNS. “I’m deeply troubled, because the church has deviated from the faith,” said the Rev. Jerry Kulah, a Liberia Conference delegate and coordinator of the traditionalist Africa Initiative, in an interview away from the courtyard celebration. “I’m going to deeply reflect and determine how long I can bear with this.” (Added 5-2-2024)
Tweet by Taylor Burton Edwards. “I do not deny this puts many US UMC pastors in difficult places. But how should #UMCGC represent UM congregations vs. UM people given the distribution discrepancy (90% of US UMs do not attend small churches!) #AskTheUMC” (Added 5-2-2024)
“North Texans react to United Methodist Church vote lifting ban on LGBTQ clergy” via Dallas Morning News. ““Several of the queer clergy were sitting together, and when we saw the [vote] got passed, most of us just burst out crying,” she said. “We’ve been waiting our entire careers for this to happen.” (Added 5-1-2024)
“Formula for calculating number of bishops eliminated” by Jessica Brodie via UMNS. “Established that if a jurisdiction wants more than five bishops, the jurisdiction, not the denomination, will pay for those additional bishop costs…” (Added 5-1-2024)
Post by Adam Hamilton via Facebook. Video update celebrating the removal of prohibitions on LGBTQIA+ clergy. (Added 5-1-2024)
“UMC drops decades-old ban on ordaining LGBT clergy without debate” by Michael Gryboski via Christian Post. “Although efforts to change the rules at the General Conference have failed in past years, many theological liberal leaders within the UMC have ignored the rules and allowed individuals who were in same-sex relationships to be ordained or even promoted to bishop.” (Added 5-1-2024)
“Message from Bishop Wallace-Padgett: General Conference (Day 9)” via North Alabama Conference. “Pastors will have the right to choose what weddings to perform. Local church Boards of Trustees will have the right to determine which weddings to host. Persons are not prohibited from ordination due to being in a same-gender relationship. The Conference Board of Ordained Ministries and District Committees on Ministry will continue to have authority to recruit, examine, confirm the calling of and discern the qualifications of those to be credentialed into licensed and ordained ministry. The Bishop and Cabinet will continue to use careful and prayerful consultation in the appointment process, with the goal of clergy/church matches that result in effective ministry.” (Added 5-1-2024)
“United Methodist General Conference repeals bans on same-sex marriage, ordaining openly LGBTQ clergy” by Greg Garrison via AL.com. “In previous General Conferences since 1972, African United Methodist churches had repeatedly joined U.S. conservatives to keep the bans on same-sex marriage and gay clergy ordinations, but liberal U.S. conferences have largely ignored those rules since the 2016 election of Bishop Karen Oliveto as the first openly lesbian bishop in the denomination.” (Added 5-1-2024)
Letter by Bishop David Wilson via Great Plains Conference. “These votes offer us a tremendous opportunity as the church to live up to our standards for social justice. I, for one, am excited about the possibilities for ministry that we can do together as we focus on making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.” (Added 5-1-2024)
Post via Global Methodist Church (Facebook). Clarifying the GMC is not affiliated with the UMC and committing to be in ministry in the name of Jesus Christ. (Added 5-1-2024)
Updated: “Not a One Church Plan” by Chris Ritter via Team Caffeine (People Need Jesus). The emerging legislation from General Conference is absent the protections offered to traditionalists under the most famous unity proposal. [Correction: One modest protection did pass today: “Add to ¶340.2(a)(3)(a) No clergy at any time may be required to provide for or compelled to perform, or prohibited from performing any marriage, union or blessing . All clergy have the right to exercise and preserve their conscience when requested to perform any marriage, union, or blessing.” (Added 5-1-2024)
“New clergy retirement plan approved” by Sam Hodges via UMNS. “Leaders of Wespath, the denomination’s pension and benefits agency, said a change was necessary due to financial challenges facing a denomination that has steadily shrunk for decades.” (Added 5-1-2024)
Update: “Critique of Week One of the Postponed 2020 General Conference of the UMC” via PDF. Updated and expanded from an earlier version: An anonymous critique of the actions of the legislative committees at General Conference, from a traditionalist perspective. (Added 5-1-2024)
“United Methodist conference begins to drop contentious rules restricting LGBTQ clergy” via Yonat Shimron via RNS. “Among the items that fell away Tuesday were a ban on bishops ordaining LGBTQ candidates for ministry, and a series of mandatory minimum penalties for clergy who officiate same-sex weddings. Both items were adopted by the General Conference in 2019 under the so-called Traditional Plan that solidified restrictive policies on homosexuality. Another ban, on funding for LGBTQ affinity groups or ministries, is much older. It too was eliminated.” (Added 5-1-2024)
“United Methodist Church Reverses Ban on Gay Clergy” via New York Times. (Added 5-1-2024)
“A Pastor’s Letter to a Church Member Who is Tempted by Abortion” by Paul Stallsworth via Human Life Review. “Rev. Stallsworth is an elder in the North Carolina Conference of The United Methodist Church. Retired from pastoral ministry, he leads the Taskforce of United Methodists on Abortion and Sexuality and edits its newsletter Lifewatch (which concerns Christ and His Church, life and abortion, and marriage and sexuality).” (Added 5-1-2024)
“Why United Methodists’ historic vote means so much to gay Christians like me” Commentary by Guthrie Graves-Fitzsimmons via MSNBC. “This monumental embrace of the dignity of LGBTQ people will be the most impactful move by any Christian denomination to change its policies in recent years. The United Methodist Church is the largest mainline Protestant denomination in the country, with 5,424,043 members and 29,746 active churches as of 2022.” (Added 5-1-2024)
“Money Talks” by Amy Lippoldt via SubStack. “I’ve been collecting General-Conference-isms, things I’ve overheard that could only be said here and in some way encapsulate the weirdness of this meeting.” (Added 5-1-2024)
Tweet by Jeremy Smith: “Celebration of the removal of harmful language from our book of polity in The United Methodist Church. Hymns, Prayers, Testimonies in small groups, benediction. “We have more work to do. Legislation doesn’t equal change in behavior.” (Added 5-1-2024)
Tweet by Bishop Karen Oliveto: “We who were nurtured in United Methodism’s theology of God’s generous grace can now bring our full selves as we respond to the Holy Spirit’s call into ordained ministry. May we be judged on the fruits of our ministry, not on our sexual orientation or gender identity. #UMCGC” (Added 5-1-2024)
“United Methodists repeal longstanding ban on LGBTQ clergy” by Perter Smith via Associated Press. “Delegates voted 692-51 at their General Conference — the first such legislative gathering in five years. That overwhelming margin contrasts sharply with the decades of controversy around the issue. Past General Conferences of the United Methodist Church had steadily reinforced the ban and related penalties amid debate and protests, but many of the conservatives who had previously upheld the ban have left the denomination in recent years, and this General Conference has moved in a solidly progressive direction.” (Added 5-1-2024)
Tweet by Liam Adams: “Right now in the convention hall, an emotional celebration for the LGBTQ+ inclusion-related petitions approved this morning. Delegates and observers tearing up as the group sings, drawing a growing crowd to watch and join in. #UMC #UMCGC” (Added 5-1-2024)
“40-year ban on gay clergy struck down” by Heather Hahn via UMNS. “In an emotional morning, General Conference eliminated the ban on “self-avowed practicing” gay clergy. Following the vote at break, delegates and observers sang hymns in joy. General Conferences continues to quietly reverse some of The United Methodist Church’s longtime restrictions against LGBTQ members. More potential changes are to come.” (Added 5-1-2024)
“UPDATED: The Fifty-Year Fight over Scripture & Sexuality in the #UMC (1972-2022)” by Chris Ritter via PeopleNeedJesus.net. Repost of a primer on the long fight over human sexuality that is currently flipping in the UMC. (Added 5-1-2024)
“Day 8: The Elephant in the Room” by Mark Holland via Mainstream UMC. “Today we ended the LGBTQ funding ban! Finally. It was on the consent calendar and passed without a peep… At General Conference 2016 in Portland, there was a petition encouraging the UMC to take steps to stop suicide among LGBTQ youth. These youth have a suicide rate as much as 5 times higher than other youth. The petition failed in committee because we could not fund the mythical “gay agenda.” That defeat rocked that conference. Honestly, if our church is not preventing teen suicide, what the hell are we here for?” (Added 5-1-2024)
“LIVE: Wednesday, May 1 UM General Conference Morning Plenary (Coverage & Commentary)” by Jeffrey Rickman via Plainspoken (YouTube). Traditionalist live watch of the UMC General Conference. (Added 5-1-2024)
“Methodists move to undo LGBTQ restrictions, embrace liberalized views on sexual practices” by Mark Kellner via Washington Times. “The financial, clerical, and marriage restrictions were enhanced at a special legislative meeting held in 2019. The vote on how funds are used relative to LGBTQ issues is a first step toward overturning those policies.” (Added 5-1-2024)
Overheard: The key legislation for LGBTQIA+ acceptance will come before the plenary in Consent Calendar A05. This piece of the Simple Plan omits the following long-contended language: ¶ 304.3. While persons set apart by the Church for ordained ministry are subject to all the frailties of the human condition and the pressures of society, they are required to maintain the highest standards of holy living in the world. The practice of homosexuality is incompatible with Christian teaching. Therefore self-avowed practicing homosexuals are not to be certified as candidates, ordained as ministers, or appointed to serve in The United Methodist Church. It also Amends the footnote 1 to ¶ 304.3 as follows:1.“Self-avowed practicing homosexual” is understood to mean that a person openly acknowledges to a bishop, district superintendent, district committee of ordained ministry, Board of Ordained Ministry, or clergy session that the person is a practicing homosexual; or is living in a same-sex marriage, domestic partnership or civil union, or is a person who publicly states she or he is a practicing homosexual. See Judicial Council Decisions 702, 708, 722, 725, 764, 844, 984, 1020, 1341. This change goes into effect immediately at the close of General Conference 2020. (Added 5-1-2024)
“Agenda for May 1, 2024” via DCA, Resource UMC (PDF). (Added 5-1-2024)
“A new day arrives: Witnessing the work of the Holy Spirit at General Conference” by Woojae Im via Minnesota Conference. “The postponed 2020 General Conference in 2024 finally paves a way forward towards contextualized ministry, unity in diversity, removal of harmful language towards the LGBTQI community, and the revision of our Social Principles.” (Added 5-1-2024)
“UMC General Conference removes much of LGBTQ restrictions in consensus vote” by Cynthia Astle via Baptist News Global. Meredith said the removal of LGBTQ restrictions works in tandem with the approval of worldwide regionalization to become “a generous acceptance.” (Added 5-1-2024)
“UMC live updates: United Methodists face contentious LGBTQ+ rights, disaffiliation debates” by Liam Adams via The Tennessean. “The most high-profile of those proposals facing the UMC General Conference in Charlotte deal with LGBTQ+ rights and likely an expired policy allowing United Methodist churches to leave the denomination, also known as disaffiliation.” (Added 5-1-2024)
“May 1 Daily Christian Advocate (English)” via PDF. Daily publication for delegates of the UMC General Conference with legislation, reports, etc. (Added 5-1-2024)
Repost: Livestream Link for the UMC General Conference. (Added 5-1-2024)
Video by Adam Hamilton via Facebook. A Tuesday Vespers update from General Conference in Charlotte. (Added 5-1-2024)
“Tears of Sadness Amidst the Good News of General Conference” by Kathryn Johnson via UM Insight. “I grieve to think of the huge amount of creativity and energy that went into fighting this battle. As the injustices of poverty, hunger, and racism begged for our time and energy. As an epidemic of loneliness and a gospel of greed overtook our society.” (Added 4-30-2024)
“General Conference Removes Many LGBTQ Restrictions in Consensus Vote” by Cynthia Astle via UM Insight. “The battle isn’t over yet because the source of the conflict – a section of the Social Principles holding “the practice of homosexuality is incompatible with Christian teaching” – remains to be succeeded by the Revised Social Principles. Five of the six petitions have been adopted through today, all on other consent calendars. The remaining petition on the Social Community has been assigned to the calendar and may be voted on as early as Wednesday, according to John Hill, interim top executive of the General Board of Church and Society.” (Added 4-30-2024)
“April 30 wrap-up: Some LGBTQ bans lifted, Episcopal communion approved” by Joey Butler via UMNS. Wrap-up of April 30 business, which included roll-back of LGBTQ clergy prohibitions, approval of most of the Revised Social Principles, a trimmed budget, and full communions with The Episcopal Church. (Added 4-30-2024)
Plenary Session Videos via UMC Videos (YouTube): “Early Afternoon Plenary: April 30 – General Conference 2020,” “Early Morning Plenary: April 30 – General Conference 2020” “Jurisdictional Study Committee Report: April 30 – General Conference 2020” (Added 4-30-2024)
“Tuesday, April 30 UMC General Conference Afternoon Plenary (Commentary)” by Jeffrey Rickman via Plainspoken (YouTube). Traditionalist live watch of the April 30 afternoon plenary. (Added 4-30-2024)
Tweet by Jeremy Smith: “So, an unpublished substitute nullified 4 years of work of Jurisdictional Study, moved decisions about bishops away from jurisdictions & towards an unaccountable committee with handpicked reps. Awesome. Thanks Alex Shanks from @FLUMC, the bishops/GCFA are pleased with you. #UMCGC” (Added 4-30-2024)
“United Methodists remove LGBTQ+ funding ban in step toward more inclusive church” by Liam Adams via Knoxville News Sentinel. “The United Methodist Church reversed a 48-year-old policy prohibiting the use of church funds to “promote the acceptance of homosexuality,” the first of several key efforts to make the denomination more LGBTQ+ inclusive.” (Added 4-30-2024)
“General Conference reduces requested giving” by Jessica Brodie via UMNS. “As a result, conferences will shift from their current base rate of 3.29% to a base rate of 2.6% for 2025 and 2026. Then, if the apportionment collection rate is 90% or higher in those years, the base rate will jump to 2.9% for 2027 and 2028.” (Added 4-30-2024)
“United Methodist General Conference reduces funding demand from local churches in massive budget cut” by Greg Garrison via AL.com. “In 2004, churches were required to send 4.137 percent of their income to support the denomination, House said. Decreasing the amount asked should increase the percentage of compliance, he said.” (Added 4-30-2024)
“United Methodist Church one step closer to lifting ban on same-sex marriage” by Jaleesa Irizarry via 9News (Colorado). “The move would have a massive ripple effect on the United Methodist churches across the world including some here in Colorado.” (Added 4-30-2024)
“United Methodists begin to reverse longstanding anti-LGBTQ policies” by Peter Smith via Associated Press. “Such actions could also prompt departures of some international churches, particularly in Africa, where more conservative sexual values prevail and where same-sex activity is criminalized in some countries.” (Added 4-30-2024)
“LGBTQ bans slowly being eliminated” by Heather Hahn via UMNS. “Quietly, General Conference is making historic changes to The United Methodist Church’s policies related to LGBTQ people. Some of the items passed during the morning plenary eliminate parts of the Traditional Plan passed at the 2019 General Conference. That package aimed at strengthening the denomination’s longtime restrictions.
This is just the beginning of possible changes to the Book of Discipline, the denomination’s policy book.” (Added 4-30-2024)
“Absent delegates in spotlight at General Conference” by Sam Hodges via UMNS. “…That means 97 of allocated delegates were missing from the Charlotte gathering, as of April 29.” (Added 4-30-2024)
“Full communion with Episcopalians gets closer” by Jim Patterson via UMNS. “Communion would also mean that Methodists and Episcopalians would recognize the authenticity of each other’s baptism and Eucharist; extend sacramental hospitality to one another’s members; recognize ordination of each other’s priests, elders and deacons; report regularly to one another; formulate joint educational materials and encourage continuing education opportunities for lay and clergy leaders regarding full communion; and agree to cultivate and maintain active partnership and consultation with each other.” (Added 4-30-2024)
“Daily Christian Advocate – April 30, 2024” via Resource UMC. Contains legislation coming to the plenary floor for debate, etc. (Added 4-30-2024)
“Daily Christian Advocate – April 29, 2024” via Resource UMC. Contains legislation coming to the plenary floor for debate, etc. (Added 4-30-2024)
Tweet via KY Conference UMC: “Calendar Item 236 was passed with over 85% support to create a transitional team for the US to come online with a new Worldwide Regional Structure. Five other petitions, along with a constitutional amendment for this plan, are now approved out of 8 total. #UMCGC #Regionalization” (Added 4-30-2024)
Tweet by GCFA: “There is a lot of discussion about the base rate proposal which funds the general #UMC budget. Here’s some important information from GCFA. GCFA seeks to balance the budget at all levels of the church – local churches, annual conferences, our general church agencies, and the leadership provided by our Council of Bishops.” (Added 4-30-2024)
Post via Methodist Federation for Social Action (Facebook): Here is a updated list of where we are with LGBTQ restrictive language removal…” (Added 4-30-2024)
“UMC live updates: United Methodists take first steps toward removing LGBTQ+ restrictions” by Liam Adams via The Tennessean. Updated post on General Conference. See also this Tweet. (Added 4-30-2024)
“The Disconnection of the UM Church” by Thomas Lambrecht via Good News. “Several times in that opening sermon, Bickerton gave the impression that if one did not agree with the new direction to be taken by the UM Church, one was not welcome in the room, contributing to the deliberations and decisions to be made. One got the impression that the new direction of the church is set in stone and anyone who disagrees is to stay out of the way or get run over.” (Added 4-30-2024)
Overheard: Approved today “¶ 304.5. In all votes regarding license, ordination, or conference membership, the requirements set forth herein are minimum requirements. Each person voting is expected to vote prayerfully based on personal judgment of the applicant’s gifts, evidence of God’s grace, and promise of future usefulness for the mission of the church. The district committee on ordained ministry and the Board of Ordained Ministry shall not approve or recommend any person for candidacy, licensing, commissioning, or ordination who does not meet the qualifications of ¶ 304.1-3, based on the full examination and thorough inquiry into the person’s fitness by the committee and board (see Judicial Council Decisions 1343 and 1344). The bishop presiding in the clergy session shall rule any such unqualified candidate out of order and not eligible to be acted upon.” (Added 4-30-2024)
Tweet by Taylor Burton Edwards. “The two that passed are removal of restrictive language from the ¶304.5– with immediate effect– and the removal of mandatory minimum penalties for being found guilty through the complaint process of having presided at a same sex marriage/union #UMCGC #AskTheUMC” (Added 4-30-2024)
Tweet by Joshua Blakely: Tweet thread on proposed changes to the role of deacons. (Added 4-30-2024)
Tweet by Liam Adams: “A celebration and news conference outside the convention center for the passage of the first petition seeking to remove anti-LGBTQ+ petitions. More details to come in our blog. #UMC #UMCGC” (Added 4-30-2024)
“The Plenary Show has begun” by Amy Lippoldt via Substack. Delegate summary at the end of April 29. (Added 4-30-2024)
Tweet via @TransPreacher: “I am no longer illegal. Thank you @umjeremy and @umcgc #umcgc” (Added 4-30-2024)
Tweet by Jeremy Smith: “The hated funding ban in the BoD, that banned church funds going to gay caucus groups and to any promotion of the acceptance of queer people, is now GONE. The 1980s ban slowed down the UMC’s response to AIDS and kept us from saving lives ever since. Get out, awful polity. #UMCGC” (Added 4-30-2024)
Overheard: Full Communion with the Episcopal Church was approved in one of the consent calendars approved on the morning of April 30. (Added 4-30-2024)
Tweet by GCFA: “Funds not restricted by donors and available for use by our general agencies and Africa University have increased by 274% since 2016 – an increase of $374M. The total unrestricted net assets sit at $510M.” (Added 4-30-2024)
Post by Lonnie Brooks via Facebook: “Sometimes we strain out the gnats and allow the elephant to get through the screen. Why do you suppose it would be that the two folks who lead the inclusiveness ministry of the Church and provide a report each morning to the General Conference about equity in participation would never mention the fact that 33% of the delegation from Africa has been excluded from the entire process?” (Added 4-30-2024)
“LIVE: Tuesday, April 30 UM General Conference Morning Plenary (Coverage & Commentary)” by Jeffrey Rickman via Plainspoken. Traditionalists watch of GC 2020 morning plenary. (Added 4-30-2024)
Updated & Corrected: “Notable Actions of Legislative Committees at the Postponed 2020 General Conference of the UMC” (PDF). This update deletes a section on Petition 21027 that was re-written by the committee. (Added 4-30-2024)
Tweet by Lonnie Chafin: @RitterChris Chris, a list of GC actions I saw on your website mistakenly reports on the committee’s actions on re-affiliation. You’ve reported what was in the original petition, but was completely rewritten by the committee. Please use the “committee action” tab on DCA” [Editor’s note: that new language in Petition 21027 is: “With a spirit of grace, we welcome those churches which have disaffiliated or withdrawn to rejoin The United Methodist Church. Where applicable, every annual conferences shall have a policy of reaffiliation for the churches seeking to return to the connection.”] (Added 4-30-2024)
Repost: Livestream Link for General Conference. (April 30, 2024)
“The Methodist sexual revolution” by Mark Tooley via World. “So far, in legislative committees, later to be ratified in plenary, delegates by wide margins are disconnecting sex from marriage or even monogamy. Until now, the United Methodist Church officially taught that ‘sexual relations are affirmed only with the covenant of monogamous, heterosexual marriage.'” (Added 4-30-2024)
“April 29 GC Update” by Bishop Tom Berlin via Florida Conference Facebook (Video). “Friends — here’s an update on what happened during General Conference today including the life-changing work United Methodists across the world are doing to create disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.” (Added 4-30-2024)
“General Conference Recap from WJ Communications – Day 5” via Western Jurisdiction Communications. “This recap of the fifth day of General Conference of The UMC covers a few items you may have missed last week including the Breaking Barriers AIDS Conference and an interview with Elizabeth Schindler (PNW), and hopes for this week from Allison Mark (Cal-Pac), Jessica Rooks (Mtn Sky), Paul Gomez (Desert SW), JoJo Nabua (Alaska), and Mary Klaehn (Desert SW). The prayer for the day is offered by Aileen Delgado (Mtn Sky).” (Added 4-30-2024)
“April 29 wrap-up: African bishops added; prayers after Charlotte shooting” by Joey Butler via UMNS. “In the April 29 morning session, delegates approved a wide-ranging consent calendar containing more than 100 petitions related to the United Methodist Book of Resolutions. Some petitions included amendments, while others were to simply retain or readopt existing resolutions. Because of the four-year delay of General Conference, the entire Book of Resolutions needs to be readopted, and any resolution not acted upon at this General Conference will expire.” (Added 4-30-2024)
“General Conference First Week Roundup: Louisiana Delegation Reflects Hope and Unity” by Todd Rossnagel via Louisiana Conference (UMC). “I’m hopeful that we might get the Discipline to a place where it’s neutral on same-gender relationships,” said Rev. Brady Whitton, chair of the Louisiana delegation. This sentiment resonates with many at General Conference, reflecting a shift towards inclusivity. (Added 4-30-2024)
“UMC live updates: United Methodist debate over LGBTQ+ rights looms during final week” by Liam Adams via The Tennessean. “On Tuesday, the conference is expected to take up the remaining proposals, called petitions, to finalize the highly anticipated “regionalization” legislation to restructure the church’s system of regional oversight. Also, key petitions that aim to remove anti-LGBTQ restrictions may come before the delegates. The debate over those petitions might draw on potentially longer than Monday’s debate.” (Added 4-30-2024)
“Bill McKibben addresses the General Conference of The United Methodist Church” via YouTube. An appeal for the UMC to divest from fossil fuels. (Added 4-30-2024)
“Day 7: GMC Called Out & Bad Math” by Mark Holland via Mainstream UMC. Slower that likes legislative progress. Members of traditionalist caucuses targeted for complaint and shamed from the pulpit. “Reports that 1/3 of Africa delegates are missing.” (Added 4-30-2024)
“Update # 2 from the WCA from the General Conference – What Do You Make of the UM General Conference So Far?” by Scott Field via WCA. “The grating irony, of course, is that the bishops, administrative leaders, and progressive activists who abandoned the regular order and democratic decision-making processes of the UMC for a strategy to disrupt, dissent, and disobey are the ones now controlling the processes of the General Conference and the governance of the UMC overall. Those who unleashed the disorder now enforce compliance.” (Added 4-29-2024)
“Agenda for Tuesday, April 30” via Daily Christian Advocate (PDF). Schedule for the day. (Added 4-30-2024)
“Monday, April 29 Afternoon Session UMCGC (2nd Attempt) Commentary” by Jeffrey Rickman via PlainSpoken (YouTube). See also First attempt. (Added 4-29-2024)
“Lesbian UMC bishop laments denomination’s ban on ‘queer clergy’” by Michael Gryboski via Christian Post. “Although efforts to amend the Book of Discipline to remove the standards at the General Conference has always been voted down, many progressives within the UMC have resisted the rules. Oliveto is a case in point, as she was elected bishop in 2016, even though she was in a same-sex marriage, which violates the rules of the Book of Discipline.” (Added 4-29-2024)
“African Church Issues Dominate General Conference’s Sixth Day” by Cynthia Astle via UM Insight. “By the end of April 29, delegates completed voting on two calendar items from the Standing Committee on Central Conference Matters. The first, increasing the number of bishops for the continent, drew the most contention while the second, adding another central (regional) conference passed with no objections.” (Added 4-29-2024)
“Addition of African Bishops” via Great Plains Conference (Vimeo). Interview with Kalaba Chali along with video floor speech about African corruption related to bishops. (Added 4-29-2024)
“Church in Africa gets 2 more bishops, new map” by Heather Hahn via UMNS. “General Conference approved a plan to add two more bishops in Africa, increasing the number from 13 to 15 on the continent where the church is growing. But a number of delegates expressed frustration that the number was below the five initially sought by the 2016 General Conference.” (Added 4-29-2024)
“What’s United Methodist General Conference Impact?” by Mark Tooley via Juicy Ecumenism. “Those legislative wins did not change the overwhelmingly progressive bent of the United Methodist leadership, including among bishops, church agencies, seminaries, and most clergy. So after the 2019 General Conference victory, traditionalists realized their best option was to take advantage of a temporary policy allowing them to leave the church after a two-thirds congregational vote and an often-hefty exit fee.” (Added 4-29-2024)
Tweet by Jeremy Smith: “Credentials Report (semi-final on delegate attendance): 765 delegates have been seated (88% of the designated #), 487 – USA Jurisdictions; 278 – Central Conferences, 60 – Empty Seats (16% of the central conference delegate seats are not filled). So that’s who we are! #UMCGC” (Added 4-29-2024)
“Church court: A youth must be elected to GC commission” by Heather Hahn via UMNS. ““If there is no youth representation among the members of the Commission on the General Conference, the General Conference is required to identify, nominate, and elect at least one youth who meets the qualifications set forth,” the Judicial Council ruled in Decision 1497.” (Added 4-29-2024)
“UM Regionalization – Is it Fair?” by Robert Hunt via UM Insight. “Renfroe doesn’t tell us exactly who these friends are, the basic idea here is that by allowing regional decisions on same sex marriage and ordination of LGBTQ persons the UMC is saying that sexual ethics are a matter of cultural context rather than universal divine mandate. And this gets to the core of the Good News and WCA critique of the UMC.” (Added 4-29-2024)
“What’s Ahead for The United Methodist Church?” by Cynthia Astle via UM Insight. “There’s a fragile spirit of hope abroad among delegates and observers alike. It’s almost as if we can’t quite believe that people are actually collaborating with one another to build a new expression of United Methodism.” (Added 4-29-2024)
“UMC gives first approval to restructuring plan” by Mark Wingfield via Baptist News Global. “The amendment is intended to relieve some of the pressure that has thrown the UMC into schism over the past two years causing about one-fourth of UMC-affiliated churches in the United States to disaffiliate. A primary driver of this conflict is differing views on LGBTQ inclusion — an issue much more hotly debated in the U.S. than in other regions of the world.” (Added 4-29-2024)
“Regionalization passage a ‘kairos moment’ for Filipinos” by Gladys P. Mangiduyos via UMNS. “This will address the predicament of many churches who were into disaffiliation from The UMC, since most of our congregations are very conservative. I belong to that group who is very traditional, especially in the issue of human sexuality. (Added 4-29-2024)
“UMC live updates: United Methodist conference faces key decisions on LGBTQ+ rights, budget” by Liam Adams via The Tennessean. “But it’s just the start of a series of high-profile decisions facing the UMC General Conference at its two-week worldwide gathering in Charlotte, North Carolina. The 700-plus delegates from around the world are expected to vote on other proposals seeking to remove anti-LGBTQ+ restrictions and a drastically reduced proposed budget.” (Added 4-29-2024)
“United Methodists prepare for votes on lifting LGBTQ bans and other issues at General Conference” via AP. “United Methodist delegates are heading into the homestretch of their first legislative gathering in five years — one that appears on track to make historic changes in lifting their church’s longstanding bans on same-sex marriage and the ordination of LGBTQ clergy.” (Added 4-29-2024)
Updated Repost: “Notable Actions by Legislative Committees at the Postponed 2020 General Conference of the UMC” via PDF. A traditionalist critique of actions of the legislative committees coming this week to the plenary floor of General Conference 2020(2024). (Added 4-29-2024)
Tweet by UMNS: Floor speech by Jerry Kulah in which he argues that African is ready to support their own bishops. (Added 4-29-2024)
Tweet by UMNS. floor speech by Kalaba Chali addressing financial corruption in Africa he argues is exacerbated by the current funding models. (Added 4-29-2024)
“Upbeat mood at General Conference’s halfway point” by Jim Patterson via UMNS. “Other lesser publicized efforts at General Conference include apologies for sexual abuse involving the denomination and the overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom in 1893 with help from Methodists, including President William McKinley.” (Added 4-29-2024)
Overheard: A report by the ethics committee investigated a complaint against an unnamed delegate associated with the Global Methodist Church. No rules were violated, but a general shaming for unethical behavior was issued before the plenary body. See Jeremy Smith’s tweet here. (Added 4-29-2024)
“General Conference Livestream Watch” by Jeffrey Rickman via PlainSpoken (YouTube). Running traditionalist commentary on the UMC General Conference plenary session on the morning of April 29. (Added 4-29-2024)
Post by Lonnie Brooks via Facebook: “…That means that by 3:00pm today items that appear in the DCA on the list of petitions rejected by legislative committees may be presented to the plenary by the procedure specified in this rule. I appreciate Mark Holland’s having pointed this out in a recent newsletter he distributed.” (Added 4-29-2024)
Post by Jennie Edwards Bertrand via IGRC for Unity Facebook Group: “In the IGRC, we’re going to need to be especially aware that our LGBTQ+ Siblings called to ordained ministry discover space to explore that call and can receive ordination. As other categories of called individuals have discovered that are less “palatable” by the local church, education and slowly (or quickly) changing the culture is powerful for living out the kingdom of God!” (Added 4-29-2024)
“Day 6: A Day of Rest & Clarifications” by Mark Holland via Mainstream UMC. On the budget: “Some say we need to invest in our local churches by asking for a lower percentage. This is a similar argument we see in secular government. Do you cut taxes during an economic downturn? Some say it hurts the economy. Some say it stimulates the economy. Mercy.” (Added 4-29-2024)
Tweet by E Julu Swen. “’We belong to this church, no one should tell us when to be in and when to go out.’ -Rev. Forbes Matonga” (Added 4-29-2024)
Tweet by Katelin Hansen: On Bishop Oliveto’s morning sermon to the plenary body: “LGBTQIA+, transgender, queer clergy….so much named from a Bishop preaching at General Conference, probably for the first time ever. Thank you Bishop! #UMCGC” (Added 4-29-2024)
Repost: UMC General Conference Livestream Link. (Added 4-29-2024)
Updated: “Notable Actions by Legislative Committees at the Postponed 2020 General Conference of the UMC” via PDF. A traditionalist critique of actions of the legislative committees coming this week to the plenary floor of General Conference 2020(2024). (Added 4-29-2024)
“Daily Christian Advocate – April 29, 2024” via Resource UMC. The daily publication for General Conference delegates with agenda, reports, etc. See also April 27, April 26, April 25, April 24, April 23. (Added 4-29-2024)
Tweet by Tom Lambrecht: “Lopsided votes in favor of progressive agenda due to loss of traditionalist delegates through disaffiliation and lack of visas for African delegates. The #UMC is a different church now.” (Added 4-28-2024)
“April 27 wrap-up: First revised Social Principles pass, committee work ends” by Joey Butler via UMNS. “The Love Your Neighbor Coalition sent a note of thanks to Bishop Thomas Bickerton after a yoga symbol considered offensive by a caucus of United Methodist Asian Americans was removed from the General Conference stage. The New Federation of Asian American United Methodists published an open letter to Bickerton on April 24 explaining that the symbol is offensive because it is used by the Hindu Nationalist government to persecute religious minorities such as Christians, Muslims and Sikhs.” (Added 4-28-2024)
Overheard: All petitions aimed at giving licensed local pastors voting rights at General Conference were rejected. Legislative extending sacramental rights to deacons advances. (Added 4-28-2024)
Tweet by Thom Kohl: “Interested to know the status of the legislation for the “Protocol of Reconciliation and Grace through Separation.” I have always felt this was the UMC’s best opportunity to demonstrate to the world how to gracefully split our denomination. #umcgc” (Added 4-28-2024)
Tweet by Balt-Wash Creation Care: “Delegates at #UMCGC should know one of the groups supporting the Fossil Free UMC divestment petition is @uwomenfaith. No Faith in Fossil Fuels.” (Added 4-28-2024)
Tweet by Shane Raynor: “After the UMC General Conference ends next week, the reality of the progressive overreach is going to set in. There will be many UMs who vote with their feet. I hope they consider joining a GMC, Free Methodist, or Wesleyan congregation. Or organize a group and plant one in your town. #UMCGC” (Added 4-28-2024)
“What Might Come of the United Methodist Church’s General Conference?” by Mark Tooley via The Dispatch. “With many, if not most, U.S. conservatives gone, the present United Methodism’s governing international General Conference will likely shift the church sharply to the left. Teachings and policies affirming traditional Christian teaching on marriage and sex will easily fall. A legislative committee has even removed adultery as a chargeable offense for clergy.” (Added 4-28-2024)
“Judicial Council Nominations” via ADA (PDF). Laity and clergy nominated by the bishops and nominated from the floor of General Conference. (Added 4-28-2024)
“Two bishops enter a legislative committee and…” by Amy Lippoldt via Substack. “After the plenary mess, we went back to legislative communities to finish processing all our petitions. The deadline for voting on each petition assigned was 9:30 tonight. One committee finished Friday, another had a stack still to process after dinner on Saturday. The workload among various committees always ends up a little lopsided.” (Added 4-28-2024)
“Day Five: Committee Work Ends” by Mark Holland via Mainstream UMC. “Several people have asked about our strategy. Our coalition has a goal of only removing harmful language and taking the Discipline back to neutral. We are concerned that adding affirmative language for our LGBTQ siblings to the global Discipline could harm the vote on regionalization, which in a worst-case scenario, could mean all the language is re-inserted in four years when the voting percentages flip. In short, we could see happen to us what happened to the “Traditionalists” in 2019 where they won the vote and lost the church. We need to stop the harm now and let the regions make their decisions in the future. This is a tough ask for those who have been harmed for so long. No one has a right to ask anyone to vote against affirmation. We are inviting everyone to vote their conscience. So far, the goal is being upheld even by some who disagree with it.” (Added 4-28-2024)
Tweet by Nate Nims: “Higher Ed and superintendency has voted to support full communion relationship with the Episcopal Church in the US #umcgc” [photo showing 92% support] (Added 4-27-2024)
Tweet by Matt Miofsky: “FA [Finance and Administration Committee at the UMC General Conference] just passed an amendment to raise the apportionment base rate effectively raising the general church budget $40.6 million dollars. I was against it and don’t think this arbitrary raising of the budget is a good idea. #umcgc” (Added 4-27-2024)
Overheard: “Large ecclesial legislative gatherings should have ‘common sense monitors’ who give a daily report on how the group is wasting time on unfruitful matters that having little to do with the stated mission of the organization.” (Added 4-27-2024)
Post by Lonnie Brooks via Facebook. “…It’s really easy to major in minors, and boy did we do that this morning…” (Added 4-27-2024)
“Bishops, delegates join rally for Palestine” by Neill Caldwell via UMNS. “Retired Bishop Grant Hagiya and Héctor A. Burgos-Núñez were among the episcopal leaders who attended the rally. Both men said the church must speak out when people are suffering.” (Added 4-27-2024)
Tweet by Mark Calhoun: “Sub-committee of Faith and Order taking up a petition (20960) to recognize the #GMC as a recognized denomination… Sub-committee will recommend referral to full committee…” (Added 4-27-2024)
Tweet by Jonathan Priebe: “Petition to remove ban on performing same-sex weddings recommended to plenary by Ordained Ministry legislative committee. Pastors to retain discretionary authority to perform or deny marriages. Would take effect 5/4/2024. Vote: 34-27. Likely goes to plenary mid-next week.” [photo] (Added 4-27-2024)
Tweet by Jonathan Priebe: “Ordained Ministry legislative committee recommends removal of restrictive language in candidacy paragraph 310. Will go to plenary mid-week. Vote 41-20” [photo] (Added 4-27-2024)
Tweet by Eric Huffman: “As someone who isn’t UMC or GMC, I’m thrilled to have no dog in this hunt. But the pearl-clutching from UMs on this platform re:comments made by former UMs strikes me as oddly defensive/insecure. If y’all are truly happy w/the “progress” at #umcgc, why not welcome the spotlight?” (Added 4-27-2024)
“Church broadens defense of human rights” by Heather Hahn via UMNS. “General Conference delegates approved the first batch of Revised Social Principles, including an affirmation of the basic rights of all people regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. More Social Principles are coming up for a vote next week by the full General Conference plenary.” (Added 4-27-2024)
Tweet by Mark Tooley: “United Methodist General Conference committee by wide margin deletes as chargeable offense for clergy “immorality including but not limited to, not being celibate in singleness or not faithful in a heterosexual marriage.” #UMCGC” (Added 4-27-2024)
Tweet via @transpreacher: Transgender UMC Pastor: “When we center historically marginalized voices, we hear the voice of God. @UMCGC @umc #UMCGC” (Added 4-27-2024)
“Worship: April 27 – General Conference 2020” via UMC Videos (YouTube). Morning sermon by Bishop Eben Nhiwatiwa of the Zimbabwe Episcopal Area took on the topic of UMC division, citing the projects of the UMC in Africa. (Added 4-27-2024)
“The Split Peace Lily And The Split UMC” by Christy Thomas via Patheos. “The cleansing, i.e., the split, was necessary. At first, some of the babies, those parts that walked away and formed their organizations (and there that word again!), will look like they’re doing better than the remnant, the Mother, the UMC. But in time, that remnant will indeed take up the space. It will indeed become vibrantly alive and ready to birth more babies.” (Added 4-27-2024)
Post by Bishop Sharma Lewis via Facebook. The bishop announces her engagement with a photo during General Conference. (Added 4-27-2024)
Tweet by Adam Hamilton: “Wow!!! Just WOW! Bishop Nhiwatiwa of Zimbabwe just preached a powerful and moving message at General Conference as we begin day 5 of GC – a significant rebuke of those in the GMC and WCA who seek to lead African UMC’s to leave. He noted the joy of this GC. And powerful choir!” (Added 4-27-2024)
“Saturday, April 27 UMC General Conference Plenary Commentary” by Jeffrey Rickman via Plainspoken. Live watch of the morning plenary with conservative commentary. (Added 4-27-2024)
Tweet by Matt Miofsky: “Jerry Kulah (Liberian delegate, leader of Africa Initiative and aligned with WCA) rose to challenge a rule about points of privilege. Bishop Berlin answered and then firmly and directly asked him to sit down. #UMCGC” (Added 4-27-2024)
Tweet by Reconciling Ministries Network: “By an incredible 92% margin. According to one observer, “Where I’m sitting, there was a stunned and tearful silence, followed by whispers of ‘Oh my God’ and ‘praise God.'” [image summarized protections for gender identity and sexual orientation.] (Added 4-27-2024)
“almost responsibility, responsibility, irresponsibility” by Amy Lippoldt via Substack. “A few decisions were difficult, most especially a petition that wanted to include “sexual orientation and gender identity” in the constitution as a protected class. It passed in sub-committee but failed in the whole committee. There were tears by some delegates, rightly so. The goal of most moderates and progressives at the conference is to get the Book of Discipline to “neutral” on sexual orientation because that is what we can agree to as a worldwide church. That’s good political strategy. But it comes at a cost for our queer friends who don’t need neutral after decades of harm.” (Added 4-27-2024)
“UMC moves closer to allowing regions pick own stance on LGBT marriage, ordination” by Michael Gryboski via Christian Post. “If regionalization is ratified, it could effectively pave the way for American churches to have their own Book of Discipline apart from African churches and thus amend it to allow for same-sex marriage and noncelibate homosexual clergy.” (Added 4-27-2024)
“Day 4: It’s Happening!” by Mark Holland via Mainstream UMC. “Day 4: It’s actually happening. The harmful language that has targeted our LGBTQ siblings for the past 52 years is being voted out in committee after committee. And the margins are astonishing. None of us in our coalition imagined the kinds of votes we are seeing right now.” (Added 4-27-2024)
Judicial Council Nominations via DCA (PDF): Those nominated by the Council of Bishops to serve on the high court. (Added 4-27-2024)
Repost: UMC General Conference Livestream Link. (Added 4-27-2024)
Tweet via UMNS. “Susan Brumbaugh, Coordinator of the Calendar, presents Consent Calendar A02 for adoption by the #UMCGC. A request to remove one item was submitted, but was received after the deadline. Vote result: 671 YES (92.17%) | 57 NO – motion passes.” [image showing legislative items adopted] (Added 4-27-2024)
“Committee on Reference Report, April 26, 2024” via DCA. Records legislation shifted to another committee and deleted because the authors are no longer in the UMC. (Added 4-27-2024)
“Agenda for April 27, 2024” via DCA. Saturday agenda calls for plenary work in the morning and committees in the afternoon. (Added 4-27-2024)
“Friday, April 26 UMC General Conference Evening Processing” by Jeffrey Rickman via PlainSpoken (YouTube). “This is a time to catch up on updates from the proceedings of the General Conference transpiring in Charlotte, SC. The last couple of nights, we have had about 200-300 people join in on the conversation. Join us!” (Added 4-27-2024)
Tweet by Daniel Crusius: “A harmful language removal petition passed committee! 🌈#UMCGC” [image] (Added 4-27-2024)
“A Different Atmosphere” via Great Plains Conference (Vimeo). “The atmosphere at General Conference is considerably different in 2024 than in previous years. Three Great Plains delegates — Randall Hodgkinson, Rev. Stephanie Ahlschwede and Oliver Green — share their reflections in this short video.” (Added 4-27-2024)
Tweet by Jonathan Priebe: [image] “A petition for the removal of the restrictive language on homosexuality passed legislative committee today. Goes to plenary Monday, possibly on consent given the threshold.” (Added 4-27-2024)
Tweet by Nate Nims: [image of chargeable offenses proposed deletions] “Removing LGBTQ Chargeable offenses was approved by legislative committee and will go to the floor #umcgc” (Added 4-27-2024)
Tweet via @umccircuitrider: “I really don’t know who thought striking “infidelity in heterosexual marriage” was a good idea but all that did was give WCA/GMC/IRD what they want. Not a good move. #UMCGC” (Added 4-27-2024)
See Also: January-April 2024, September-December 2023, June-August 2023, March-May 2023, Nov 2022-Feb 2023, Aug-Oct 2022, May-July 2022, Jan-April 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, or earlier.
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