UMC General Conference postponed till 2024; bishops to explore various pathways WASHINGTON, D.C. The Commission on the General Conference today announced the further postponement of the postponed 2020 General Conference of The United Methodist Church. UMC Bishops ask church court for clarification on 2024 Conference WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Council of Bishops (COB) of The United Methodist Church is petitioning the denominations top court for clarification on its recent decision regarding the General Conference that will be held in 2024. The next General Conference will be in 2024. Kalema Tambwe, a clergy delegate from Eastern Congo, said holding General Conference this year ran the risk of seeing many delegates absent because they had difficulties related to vaccinations and obtaining visas. In response to the decision, Council of Bishops President Bishop Cynthia Fierro Full participation of delegates in Christian conferencing as a means of grace was not seen as possible under these circumstances. Commission members remain hopeful and pray that the worlds circumstances improve to help make the next General Conference not only possible, but a reminder of the witness of The United Methodist Church as a global representation of the body of Christ.. The United Methodist Church This could lead to many more proposals coming before the next General Conference. What is Lent and why does it last forty days? United Methodists reacted to General Conferences third postponement this time to 2024 with strong emotions ranging from outrage to relief. Signed letter about Special Session of GC. An announcement about the location will be forthcoming as soon as the required logistical planning is complete. Perhaps some members of the Judicial Council will not even be members of the UMC in 2024. We continue to follow the lead of the Holy Spirit, seeking creative ways to be in mission and ministry as ambassadors of Gods unconditional love.. (A surge of centrist and progressive U.S. delegates was elected for the 2020 conclave after a 2019 special General Conference at which the UMCs bans against homosexuality were tightened.) We want to recognize the efforts of everyone who has worked so hard over several years to provide a welcoming experience. However, those departures represent a fraction of the denominations more than 30,500 U.S. congregations. Full participation of delegates in Christian conferencing as a means of grace was not seen as possible under these circumstances. The Resist Harm movement encourages resistance to those church bans. General Conferences further delay is now the fifth major change since the event was originally scheduled for May 2020. General Conference 2024 | Postponed from 2020 The Commission on the General Conference has announced that the 2024 United Methodist General Conference will be held April 23 May 3, 2024, at the Charlotte Convention Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. The hope was that The United Methodist Churchs top lawmaking body would resolve the denominations longtime debate over LGBTQ inclusion and avoid costly litigation by adopting a formal separation plan. What is Lent and why does it last forty days? While the COB appreciates the clarity and guidance on that issue, the bishops feel that the decision has generated a number of other questions that arise from the language of the decision, and the COB therefore was petitioning the Judicial Council for clarification of the decision on four limited questions. Phone: (608) 837-7328 or (888) 240-7328, Tuesday, April 23, 2024 to Friday, May 3, 2024. MARCH 3, 2022 WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Commission on the General Conference today announced the further postponement of the postponed 2020 General Conference of The United Methodist Church. We look forward to ways that we will honor the efforts of the Dakotas-Minnesota Local Host Committee when we finally meet together., The Commission appreciates that many people are disappointed about the circumstances of the 2020 General Conference and shares in the disappointment that it has not been able to be held, said Simpson. Dr. Maidstone What happened is that the 2020 General Conference has been postponed to 2024. With so much at stake, the commission received conflicting calls on whether General Conference should move forward. With the 2020 General Conference now delayed to when the next one was supposed to take place, it remains unclear whether new delegates will need to be elected. Contact her at (615) 742-5470 or [emailprotected]. I hope this letter will be the beginning of renewed dialogue and prayer for We continue our steadfast scenario planning, seeking security and certainty for our customers first and foremost, said Andy Hendren, Wespaths top executive, and also working with stakeholders from all viewpoints, in a neutral, bridge-building, and non-anxious way, to serve the church as it changes even as its future is still in flux.. More Who We Are General Conference Official Site Find information, news and resources for our next General Conference, April 23 May 3, 2024, at Charlotte Convention Center in Charlotte, North General Conference is the top policy-making body of The United Methodist Church. Rev. The Commission selected Charlotte as the site that best met our varied needs. After the commission's announcement, Council of Bishops President Cynthia Fierro Harvey said in a statement that she and her fellow bishops would begin "to explore various pathways for sustaining the worldwide mission and witness of The United Methodist Church, given the announcement of this further and understandable delay.". Our request for clarification is to simply ask for specific clarification so that our work, both in the Annual Conferences and the General Church, can function with uniformity and alignment. While the COB appreciates the clarity and guidance on that issue, the bishops feel that the decision has generated a number of other In addition, commission members described an increasingly complex interview process in some areas requiring two or three interviews, which also creates a roadblock that would preclude participation by many delegates outside the United States of America. Read Full Story, The Wisconsin Conference of The UMC We are honored to host the 2024 General Conference of The United Methodist Church, said Bishop Kenneth H. Carter, Jr. of the Western North Carolina Conference. With the 2020 General Conference now delayed to when the next one was supposed to take place, it remains unclear whether new delegates will need to be elected. The commission named a technology study team to explore virtual options for the assembly. With the commissions decision now made, many United Methodists are moving forward with plans for the future. More Who We Are General Conference Official Site Find information, news and resources for our next General Conference, April 23 May 3, 2024, at Charlotte Convention Center in Charlotte, North For the Minnesota Conferences Bishop David Bard and his cabinet, that means affirming the gifts of LGBTQ clergy. WebThe Commission on the General Conference announced on March 3, 2022 that the 2022 General Conference session, postponed from 2020, would be further postponed until 2024. The churchs court, known as the Judicial Council, ruled last month in Judicial Council Decision 1451 that the General Conference session to be held in 2024 is the postponed 2020 General Conference. This backlog has led to wait times up to 800+ days for scheduling an initial interview. Consistent with that guidance, the Commission determined that the physical attendance of as many delegates as possible at the General Conference is critically necessary. WebThe Commission on the General Conference announced on March 3, 2022 that the 2022 General Conference session, postponed from 2020, would be further postponed until 2024. The United Methodist Judicial Council released nine rulings dealing with such matters as the eligibility of some churches to exit and the role of conference trustees in setting the terms for disaffiliation. Our work in these specific areas needs to be conducted in a manner that is consistent across the church, said COB President Bishop Thomas J. Bickerton of New York Area. However, some churches already have decided to leave. The United Methodist Church and its predecessor bodies typically have held a General Conference at least every four years since 1792. The churchs court, known as the Judicial Council, ruled last month inJudicial Council Decision 1451that the General Conference session to be held in 2024 is the postponed 2020 General Conference. General Conferences further delay is now the fifth major change since the event was originally scheduled for May 2020. General Conference always had the ability to amend or vote down the protocol. Rich Jones, Northwest Texas Conference delegate and lead pastor of Wolfforth United Methodist Church. WebThe Commission on the General Conference announced today that the 2024 United Methodist General Conference will be held April 23 May 3, 2024, at Charlotte Convention Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. Mission and ministry will continue in our church.. Your support of The General Administration Fund apportionment implements trustworthy administrative oversight like the General Conference sessions. Your support ensures the latest denominational news, dynamic stories and informative articles will continue to connect our global community. UM News. WebGeneral Conference, which was scheduled to meet in August 2022, has been re-scheduled to 2024. General Conferences further delay is now the fifth major change since the event was originally scheduled for May 2020. The Book of Discipline says that in the spirit of openness and accountability, almost all church meetings should be open. Even amid uncertainties, ministry continues. Advocacy groups across the theological spectrum responded to the third postponement of General Conference. International call to prayer marks anniversary of Ukraine invasion, Church brings Christ to villagers doorsteps, Group plans for budget cuts, regionalization, Bishop: Time to move from rancor to revival, Church court addresses disaffiliation questions. However, the new denominations Transitional Leadership Team announced plans to move the launch date up to May 1. Hotchkiss added, We appreciate the patience and understanding of the Local Host Committee as we have gone back to the drawing board on multiple occasions. We will fulfill our baptismal vows by being a church with a bias toward the vulnerable and the marginalized, and those who have been hurt, excluded, or judged by the Church, as we fulfill our baptismal vows, the Western North Carolina delegation said in its joint statement. MARCH 3, 2022 WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Commission on the General Conference today announced the further postponement of the postponed 2020 General Conference of The United Methodist Church. The United Methodist Church and its predecessor bodies typically have held a General Conference at least every four years since 1792. The last General Conference was set to happen in Minneapolis, Minnesota, until the pandemic made it necessary to postpone the quadrennial legislative event until 2024. This is the place to get answers. May 10, 2022. Do you have a question about The United Methodist Church? This backlog has led to wait times up to 800+ days for scheduling an initial interview. A technology study team appointed by the Commission reported in February 2021 that it wasnt feasible to create a virtual alternative of the General Conference that would safeguard the integrity of the voting and credentialing process, meet legal requirements, and support the complexity of the legislative committees required by 507.11 including but not limited to interpretation in multiple languages, and meaningful participation across multiple time zones. Thomas Lambrecht of Good News. UM News. The Global Methodist Church has launched, and traditionalist United Methodist churches and clergy are publicly announcing their intention to disaffiliate from the United Methodist Church to join the new traditionalist Methodist denomination. 615.742.5406 (o) 615.483.1765 (c), Rev. ( Read more) Council of Bishops However, she said she respects that some members feel they have to leave for their own survival. He went on to say that he hopes to help congregations live into their conscience. Ultimately our decision reflects the hope that 2024 will afford greater opportunity for global travel and a higher degree of protection for the health and safety of delegates and attendees.". The coming General Conference was to have 862 voting delegates 55.9% from the U.S., 32% from Africa, 6% from the Philippines, 4.6% from Europe and the remainder from concordat churches that have close ties to The United Methodist Church. The visa issue is a reality that is simply outside our control as we seek to achieve a reasonable threshold of delegate presence and participation. According to Sara Hotchkiss, Business Manager of the General Conference, moving the legislative gathering to 2023 was an option that was discussed, but was not found to be feasible due to a number of reasons, including but not necessarily limited to the logistical challenges of planning, the remaining backlog of visa applications and interviews, and the proximity to the 2024 General Conference. UMC General Conference postponed till 2024; bishops to explore various pathways WASHINGTON, D.C. The Commission on the General Conference today announced the further postponement of the postponed 2020 General Conference of The United Methodist Church. Chelsea Morse, Associate Pastor. The Rev. Ultimately our decision reflects the hope that 2024 will afford greater opportunity for global travel and a higher degree of protection for the health and safety of delegates and attendees.. An announcement about the location will be forthcoming as soon as the required logistical planning is complete. The decision by the Commission on General Conference to postpone the 2020 General Conference The restrictive language is painful and harmful, and I remain committed to its removal from our Book of Discipline but the delay in getting it changed does not impact our ability to love all people of God, she said. Support the ministry of UM News! Annual conferences have approvedthe disaffiliation of about 130 U.S. churches in the past two years. We believe now is the time for annual conferences and local churches to move forward into a new reality, free of the burdens of conflict and liberated to focus solely on the ministry of the Gospel of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world through the Holy Spirit, wrote the Rev. The next General Conference will be in 2024. Kent Millard, president of United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio, said his enrollment staff have heard from prospective students who feel a call to United Methodist ministry but are reluctant to begin formal studies. The Pacific Northwest Conference of The United Methodist Church is called to be a community, diverse and united in Gods saving love, sent out in vital life-giving ministry for Rev. Diane Degnan [emailprotected] Our work in these specific areas needs to be conducted in a manner that is consistent across the church, said COB President Bishop Thomas J. Bickerton of New York Area. UMC General Conference postponed till 2024; bishops to explore various pathways WASHINGTON, D.C. The Commission on the General Conference today announced the further postponement of the postponed 2020 General Conference of The United Methodist Church. This is significant language in that the General Commission on General Conference did not cancel the conference, they postponed it. The United Methodist Church and its predecessor bodies typically have held a General Conference at least every four years since 1792. United Methodists reacted to General Conferences third postponement this time to 2024 with strong emotions ranging from outrage to relief. A technology study team appointed by the Commission reported in February 2021 that it wasnt feasible to create a virtual alternative of the General Conference that would safeguard the integrity of the voting and credentialing process, meet legal requirements, and support the complexity of the legislative committees required by 507.11 including but not limited to interpretation in multiple languages, and meaningful participation across multiple time zones. The commission is made up of 25 members who are elected quadrennially by the General Conference body. It also approves plans and budgets for church-wide programs for the next four years. At present, a disaffiliating church must pay a share of its conferences unfunded clergy pension liability. The delay gives the denomination an opportunity to slow down, sit back and re-evaluate what we are being called to do and be.. The most endorsed of these proposals, the Protocol of Reconciliation and Grace Through Separation, would allow theologically conservative churches and annual conferences church regional bodies to leave with property and $25 million in United Methodist funds to form a new denomination. It is about to get eased from COVID-19, and we have time to breathe to focus on mission and ministry because of the postponement of the General Conference.. This is the place to get answers. The Commission on the General Conference announced today that the 2024 United Methodist General Conference will be held April 23 May 3, 2024, at Charlotte Convention Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. However, it remains to be seen what has happened to the legislations support. Technically, delegates elected to the 2020 General Conference are still eligible to serve at the 2024 session. The Rev. Find the official General Conference 2020 official page. Find the official General Conference 2020 official page. In Paragraph 722, the Discipline does allow closed sessions for negotiations, when general knowledge could be harmful to the negotiation process and negotiations involving confidential third-party information. The commission cited the negotiation exceptions when it went into closed session. The delay is difficult for the denominations progressives too. General Conference draws delegates from four continents. United Methodist Church bringing 2024 General Conference to Charlotte amidst schism Delegates are likely to discuss a proposal to splinter one of the world's largest Christian denominations. May 10, 2022. The Commission will meet again on March 28 to continue the work of preparing for the postponed 2020 General Conference and looking ahead for possible solutions that may help avoid delays in future meetings should unforeseen circumstances occur or persist. The commission did not cite vaccines as an issue, but visas. I believe the commissions decision to postpone General Conference until 2024 is exactly the wrong decision, said the Rev. I both understand the reasoning behind it, and at the same time lament the further harm the delay will inevitably produce, said Bryan, chair of the Missouri Conference delegation and lead pastor of Manchester United Methodist Church in Missouri. ( Read more) More Who We Are General Conference Official Site Find information, news and resources for our next General Conference, April 23 May 3, 2024, at Charlotte Convention Center in Charlotte, North The most endorsed of these is the Protocol of Reconciliation & Grace Through Separation, which if adopted, would allow churches and conferences that support bans on gay weddings and ordination to leave with church property and $25 million in United Methodist funds to form a new traditionalist denomination. UMC Bishops ask church court for clarification on 2024 Conference WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Council of Bishops (COB) of The United Methodist Church is petitioning the denominations top court for clarification on its recent decision regarding the General Conference that will be held in 2024. In the meantime, both the Western North Carolina Conference delegation and the Minnesota Conference leadership announced how they hope to live into a hopeful and inclusive future. Is the local church administration allowed to replace their delegate? The United Methodist Church and its predecessors have long maintained a policy that all congregations hold property in trust for the benefit of the entire denomination. General Conference is the top policy-making body of The United Methodist Church. The Commission selected Charlotte as the site that best met our varied needs. Ultimately our decision reflects the hope that 2024 will afford greater opportunity for global travel and a higher degree of protection for the health and safety of delegates and attendees., Bishops do not have a vote on the commission. One can empathize with the desire of these delegates to serve in 2024, but the most important question for the United Methodist Church in relation to GC 2024 is this: What arrangement for GC 2024 will best represent the United Methodist Church of 2024? I believe that the answer is clear. MARCH 3, 2022 WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Commission on the General Conference today announced the further postponement of the postponed 2020 General Conference of The United Methodist Church. It also approves plans and budgets for church-wide programs for the next four years. The Pacific Northwest Conference of The United Methodist Church is called to be a community, diverse and united in Gods saving love, sent out in vital life-giving ministry for What is Lent and why does it last forty days? Consistent with that guidance, the Commission determined that the physical attendance of as many delegates as possible at the General Conference is critically necessary. Good News, a like-minded advocacy group, offered its support for the move in an email accidentally released before the General Conference commissions announcement. In 2020, delegates to the global UMCs General Conference were expected to consider a proposal to split the denomination, but the meeting was subsequently delayed three times due to the pandemic. A significant advantage of further postponing the 2020 General Conference to 2024 is that the Commission has already secured a venue for what would have been the regularly scheduled quadrennial event. However, after last years General Conference delay, the bishops scheduled the five U.S. jurisdictional conferences for Nov. 2-4 this year, with central conference elections in Europe, Africa and the Philippines to follow. We engaged in a fair, thorough, integrity-filled discussion of the alternatives," said Kim Simpson, chairperson of the Commission on the General Conference, ina press statement. The mission of the church is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. ResourceUMC.org/GiveUMCom. It also approves plans and budgets for church-wide programs for the next four years. COVID-19 has tested the collective patience, understanding, compassion, resolve, and even faith of the world. The commission appreciates that many people are disappointed about the circumstances of the 2020 General Conference and shares in the disappointment that it has not been able to be held, she said in the press statement. In response to the decision, Council of Bishops President Bishop Cynthia Fierro Earlier Event: June 1. Media contact: Questions, anger follow General Conference delay. Bishops preside at sessions but do not have a vote. The Rev. The United Methodist Churchs highest court ruled that new delegate elections are not required for the long-delayed and potentially pivotal 2020 General Conference, now set for 2024. Its also a call to the whole church, reminding us of our responsibility to welcome all people into full belonging in our churches, honoring how they have always, already been welcomed by the grace of Jesus Christ.. ResourceUMC.org/GiveUMCom. While many churches and organizations have adapted technology for events that are based heavily on presenter/observer situations, that is not the type of gathering that embodies a General Conference. Commission chairperson Kim Simpson said the decision to postpone once again was an exceedingly difficult one, with many factors to consider -- including visas and passports, the health and safety of delegates, volunteers and other attendees, vaccination rates, and the need for provisions for quarantine or medical care should any delegates contract COVID-19. The most endorsed of these is theProtocol of Reconciliation & Grace Through Separation, which if adopted, would allow churches and conferences to leave with church property and $25 million in United Methodist funds to form a new traditionalist denomination. Many of us may have strong feelings about this development, but this is the new reality for Methodism in the world. The mission of the church is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. The commissions responsibility is not to ensure that the postponed General Conference would be held as scheduled this summer but to take necessary measures to assure full participation of all General Conference delegates, she told United Methodist News. Mulenga, Director of Communications In a nonbinding vote last year, the Northwest Texas Annual Conference signaled its plans to join the Global Methodist Church under the protocol. That means that everyone who was elected in 2020 is on the delegation for 2024. What happened is that the 2020 General Conference has been postponed to 2024. The bishops made the decision to seek clarification during a special session of the COB meeting held via Zoom on Friday, January 6, 2023. Signed letter about Special Session of GC. At present, some big legislative changes submitted by Wespath are on hold. The decision to postpone again was not an easy one, said Simpson, the commission chair. It is true that the 2020 General Conference delegation has already put in significant time and service in relation to the postponed 2020 General Conference, and they should be commended for their service in a difficult time for the church and the world. COVID-19 has tested the collective patience, understanding, compassion, resolve, and even faith of the world. In 2020, delegates to the global UMCs General Conference were expected to consider a proposal to split the denomination, but the meeting was subsequently delayed three times due to the pandemic. Question for Clarification No. That share can mean a hefty price tag. With the 2020 General Conference now delayed to when the next one was supposed to take place, it remains unclear whether new delegates will need to be elected. WebThe 2024 United Methodist General Conference will be held April 23 May 3, 2024, at Charlotte Convention Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. In an essay for the theologically conservative advocacy group Wesleyan Covenant Association, the Rev. Similarly, the Minnesota Conference leadership committed to live into the vision conference voters approved in 2019. A decision about the 2024 General Conference delegation seems to be currently in the hands of the Judicial Council of the United Methodist Church. UMC Bishops ask church court for clarification on 2024 Conference. Gary Graves, General Conference secretary, said the commission would look to the Judicial Council, the denominations top court, for clarity for what needs to be done should this be seen as a postponed General Conference instead of a new assembly. We are grateful to James Haun for his leadership as Local Host Committee Chair and his service on the Commission on the General Conference, said Simpson. Technically, delegates elected to the 2020 General Conference are still eligible to serve at the 2024 session. Simpson expressed appreciation to all of those in the Dakotas-Minnesota Area who were involved in planning for hosting and providing volunteers for the Minneapolis event. The Commission selected Charlotte as the site that best met our varied needs. Commission members, including DiPaolo, voted to deliberate in closed session Feb. 24. The Judicial Council elected in 2012 and 2016 and the United Methodist delegates elected in 2019 for the postponed 2020 General Conference (now scheduled for 2024) represent a significantly different United Methodist Church than the one that will exist during the 2024 General Conference. But thats changed with the May 1 launch date. What is the Church's position on homosexuality? The Commission on the General Conference announced today that the 2024 United Methodist General Conference will be held April 23 May 3, 2024, atCharlotte Convention Centerin Charlotte, North Carolina. Furthermore, conference delegates foresee that the process by which they worked across jurisdictional lines portends more grassroots activism ahead of the 2024 General Conference, the UMCs worldwide legislative assembly now slated to take place April 23May 4, 2024, in Charlotte, N.C. The Rev. the Protocol of Reconciliation and Grace Through Separation, both the postponement and the planned new denominations launch, bringing questions related to such a possibility to the Judicial Council, related to the disaffiliations of individual congregations, Love Your Neighbor Coalition, which represents 12 advocacy groups and ethnic caucuses, the Northwest Texas Annual Conference signaled its plans to join the Global Methodist Church under the protocol, In an essay for the theologically conservative advocacy group Wesleyan Covenant Association, some big legislative changes submitted by Wespath, which played host to the WCAs global gathering in 2019, its plans to disaffiliate from The United Methodist Church and possibly join the Global Methodist Church, a March 9 webinar on General Conference and disaffiliation, in a video following the announcement of General Conferences postponement, the Western North Carolina delegation said in its joint statement, to live into the vision conference voters approved in 2019, Does United Methodist church law allow for annual conferences to leave now without General Conferences adoption of the protocol?