Here you can read the latest stories about and from General Conference.
We will also feature news and perspectives from West Ohio delegates, attendees and participants attending General Conference. Click here to become familiar with the termonology associated with General Conference.
At the Side of those Presiding
Maurice S. Henderson is a longtime professional parliamentarian and an advisor to bishops who are presiding at the United Methodist General Conference. #UMCGC Click here to read
General Conference Gives Regionalization Green Light
General Conference has now passed much of the legislation that aims to give The United Methodist Church’s different geographic regions equal standing in decision-making. Click here to read
Young people share fears, hopes for future church
Young people have likened the current happenings in The United Methodist Church to a divorce with devastating effects on the children, but they asserted there is hope for a bright future. Click here to read more
Bishop Holston: Become ‘who God needs us to be’
Jonathan Holston of the South Carolina Conference, who was selected by the Council of Bishops to deliver the address on their behalf, encouraged delegates to keep their focus on what is important and tune out the noise. Click here to read.
April 23 wrap-up: After years of delay, General Conference begins
Council of Bishops President Thomas J. Bickerton opened the legislative assembly on April 23 with a bold question: “Do you want to be in this room?”He was speaking to delegates from Africa, Europe, Asia and the U.S. who are gathering to consider major proposals that could dramatically change the denomination. Click here to read. To watch day 1 video recap and worship, click here.
Bishop's Urged to Prepare for Seismic Shift
United Methodist Council of Bishops President Thomas J. Bickerton sees potential for big changes coming out of General Conference — including a possible end to the denomination’s longtime bans related to LGBTQ people. Bishops, he said, will have a role to play in what comes next after the April 23-May 3 lawmaking assembly. Click here to read
General Conference: How to talk to your church before, during and after
United Methodists’ understanding of General Conference can range from complete unawareness to deep appreciation to frustrated confusion. Help your congregation better grasp what General Conference is, its purpose and its impact with the help of the tips and resources listed below. Share them in upcoming meetings, gatherings, newsletters and social media posts to ensure everyone feels informed and connected. Click here to read
Bishop Palmer's Virtual Town Hall Meetings ahead of the Upcoming General Conference
Bishop Palmer held two virtual Town Hall meetings to address questions ahead of the upcoming General Conference. To see and hear these sessions, click below.
Native American United Methodist Share Their Art and Faith withthe 2024 General Conference
More than 6,000 beaded pins poured in from United Methodist artists like LaRocque and Native American partners from all over the country in the leadup to the scheduled 2020 gathering. Every box that arrived to the United Women in Faith National Office is chockful of beautiful beadwork. The pins serve as a reminder of the big-heartedness and deep worth of Native Americans to the larger United Methodist family. Click here to read
US Delegates Name General Conference Goals
A month before General Conference opens, an ad hoc group of more than 270 U.S. delegates is giving public notice of their three legislative priorities for The United Methodist Church’s top lawmaking assembly. Those priorities are what many delegates have taken to calling “the three R’s” — regionalization, the Revised Social Principles and the removal of exclusionary language against LGBTQ people. Click here to read
What's New for GC 2024?
Ask The UMC presents a series of new Advance Daily Christian Advocate (ADCA) items for the General Conference. Volume 3, Section 1, includes fresh petitions and reports for delegates' review ahead of the rescheduled April 2024 conference in Charlotte. Click here to read
General Conference Survival Guide
Step into the world of General Conference like never before with our ultimate survival guide! Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned attendee, our carefully curated checklist ensures you're ready for every moment. From navigating the bustling venue to seizing networking opportunities, we've covered it all. Elevate your General Conference journey today! Click here to read
Amid church losses, proposed budget slashed
The United Methodist Church’s financial leaders met to finalize the proposed denominational budget heading to General Conference. Their work included making more cuts while shoring up financial support for the bishops. Click here to read
GC worship leader blends diversity and ministry
Serving as worship leader at The United Methodist Church’s General Conference is a feat that Raymond Trapp is embracing by offering music that both showcases the diversity of the church and also meets people at their point of need. Trapp shares insights into his musical strategy, his selfcare routine for the 11-day event. Click here to listen.