He is the Executive Director of the Leadership, Education, and Development (LEaD) Hub North America of the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry of the United Methodist Church. General Conference This is the place to get answers. 3: In regard to delegates who were elected from two previous annual conferences for the postponed 2020 General Conference that have since merged, (a) which delegates previously elected are eligible to serve at the postponed 2020 General Conference; and (b) if the merged annual conference is entitled to fewer delegates, what is the process under the Discipline for determining who among those previously elected is eligible to serve, including the date for determination of the delegates? At the upcoming conference, the Commission will follow appropriate protocols related to COVID-19 to safeguard attendees health. General Conference 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. Kim Simpson, the General Conference commission chair, said that moving the General Conference was the commissions decision by majority vote. The Conference is currently faced with the critical task of deciding how best to re-organize the church as a result of unresolvable disagreements around issues such as the performance of same-sex marriages, the ordination of self-avowed gay and lesbian 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. The delegates duly elected to the 2020 General Conference for the 2020-2024 Quadrennium stand as submitted and certified by the General Conference 2024 January 9, 2023 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. General Conference is the top policy-making body of The United Methodist Church. Read the Commissions announcement. Our people are hospitable and welcoming, and we trust that the delegates who gather for what promises to be an historic gathering will be blessed by the city of Charlotte and the state of North Carolina and its warmth and beauty., We bathe this gathering in deep prayer while also praying for each delegate who will seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit as we spend time in Holy Conferencing. The assembly typically meets at the beginning of each quadrennium to consider revisions to church law, as well as adopt resolutions on current moral, social, public policy and economic issues. The Conference is currently faced with the critical task of deciding how best to re-organize the church as a result of unresolvable disagreements around issues such as the performance of same-sex marriages, the ordination of self-avowed gay and lesbian However, there is one church, First United Methodist Church in Columbia, that has elected to stay the course and stay a part of the UMC, at least until the annual conference of 2024 is completed. In a relatively closely divided vote last month, a predominantly American faction of the Commission on General Conference chose to block the United Methodist Churchs General Conference meeting before 2024. 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. A decision about the 2024 General Conference delegation seems to be currently in the hands of the Judicial Council of the United Methodist Church. The COVID-19 menace first led the Minneapolis venue to cancel events in 2020 and then led the commission to delay again until August this year. Earlier Event: June 1. 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. Mission and ministry will continue in our church.. 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. We engaged in a fair, thorough, integrity-filled discussion of the alternatives," said Kim Simpson, chairperson of the Commission on the General Conference, in a press statement. What should United Methodist congregations know about disaffiliation? I value all of our churches, and I dont want any church to disaffiliate, he said. WebThe 2024 United Methodist General Conference will be held April 23 May 3, 2024, at Charlotte Convention Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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 mission of the church is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. Secretary of the General Conference, Gary Graves, said the further postponement raises a number of additional questions not specifically addressed in The Book of Discipline 2016. UMC The assembly meets at the beginning of each quadrennium to consider revisions to church law, as well as adopt resolutions on current moral, social, public policy and economic issues. 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. Dr. Maidstone Mulenga serves as communications director for the Council of Bishops. United Methodists reacted to General Conferences third postponement this time to 2024 with strong emotions ranging from outrage to relief. 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. 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. 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. 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. That measure allows churches with conference approval to join another evangelical denomination.. General Conference UMC General Conference 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. The United Methodist Church, United Methodists to Meet in Charlotte for Worldwide Conference. This is significant language in that the General Commission on General Conference did not cancel the conference, they postponed it. 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. That new denomination, the Global Methodist Church, had plans to launch in conjunction with General Conference later this year. 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 General Conference The United Methodist Church and its predecessor bodies typically have held a General Conference at least every four years since 1792. The Commission also voted to hold the 2028 conference in Harare, Zimbabwe. Earlier Event: June 1. UMC General Conference 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. However, some churches already have decided to leave. He said the pastors of his church are on record as wanting to remain United Methodist and work toward inclusion. May 10, 2022. Our emails go out on Tuesdays each week. However, those departures represent a fraction of the denominations more than 30,500 U.S. congregations. General Conference 2024 An announcement about the location will be forthcoming as soon as the required logistical planning is complete. UMC General Conference The 2024 United Methodist General Conference Delegation. Nashville, Tenn.: As the pandemic continues and the wait time for visas stretches to over two years in some countries, the Commission on the General Conference announced today that the 2020 General Conference cannot be held in 2022 due to COVID-related and governmental policies/constraints. 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. Read Full Story, The Wisconsin Conference of The UMC What is Lent and why does it last forty days? 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. Here are the four questions on which the bishops are seeking clarification: The bishops are asking for an expedited hearing in the matter. Dr. Davies serves on the United Methodist University Senate, which is an elected body of professionals in higher education created by the General Conference to determine which schools, colleges, universities, and theological schools meet the criteria for listing as institutions affiliated with The United Methodist Church.. The Rev. Like what you're reading? Dr. Maidstone Mulenga Full participation of delegates in Christian conferencing as a means of grace was not seen as possible under these circumstances. Nashville, Tenn.: 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. That includes legislation to move United Methodist clergy to a new retirement plan as well as a proposal to give more flexibility to disaffiliating churches in handling pension liabilities. 615.742.5406. General Conference Find the official General Conference 2020 official page. General Conference Consistent with that guidance, the Commission determined that the physical attendance of as many delegates as possible at the General Conference is critically necessary. The assembly typically meets at the beginning of each quadrennium to consider revisions to church law, as well as adopt resolutions on current moral, social, public policy and economic issues. The Book of Discipline 2016 requires the Commission to take necessary measures to assure full participation of all General Conference delegates. Question for Clarification No. 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. 2024 It also approves plans and budgets for church-wide programs for the next four years. The commission is made up of 25 members who are elected quadrennially by the General Conference body. UMC Bishops Ask Church Court for Clarification on 2024 Conference. We previously would have had a General Conference focused almost exclusively on separation and departure; this may just be Gods way of gifting us with a General Conference where we can instead focus on resurrection through the process of renewing and rebuilding the new UMC.. 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. 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.. 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 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. Keith Boyette in an email. Alka Lyall, chair of the Northern Illinois Conference delegation, is the senior pastor of Chicagos Broadway United Methodist Church a congregation that has long welcomed and advocated for its LGBTQ members. 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 Wisconsin Delegation has scheduled informational sessions throughout the Wisconsin Annual Conference in the coming months. 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. United Methodists reacted to General Conferences third postponement this time to 2024 with strong emotions ranging from outrage to relief. 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. For Immediate Release General Conference 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. It is such an honor to be able to host the 2024 General Conference of The United Methodist Church, said Mike Butts, Executive Director of Visit Charlotte. 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. Other Protestant denominations in the U.S. first led the Minneapolis venue to cancel events in 2020, then led the commission to delay again until August this year, to explore virtual options for the assembly, for a one-day virtual General Conference last year, the rapidly spreading virus variants and resulting travel restrictions, negotiated by professional mediator Kenneth Feinberg with a theologically diverse group of United Methodists, the disaffiliation of about 130 U.S. churches in the past two years, conflicting calls on whether General Conference should move forward, urged that General Conference be delayed until 2024, have urged the commission not to postpone General Conference any further, resets the submission deadlines for proposed legislation, has left other bishops to take on expanded assignments, after the 2020 passing of Bishop John Yambasu, subscribe to the free Daily or Friday Digests. At the end of the day, I think we are all becoming weary and drained from waiting for the inevitable in perpetuity, said Jessica Vittorio, a General Conference delegate from the North Texas Conference. At present, some big legislative changes submitted by Wespath are on hold. Questions, anger follow General Conference delay. The bishops made the decision to seek clarification during a special session of the COB meeting held via Zoom on Friday, January 6, 2023. 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 Good News, a like-minded advocacy group, offered its support for the move in an email accidentally released before the General Conference commissions announcement. After decades of intensifying debate and defiance the coming General Conference faces multiple proposals for denominational separation. General Conference 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 Book of Discipline says that in the spirit of openness and accountability, almost all church meetings should be open. During a March 9 webinar on General Conference and disaffiliation, Oklahoma Conference Bishop Jimmy Nunn said two Oklahoma churches have entered the disaffiliation process. ResourceUMC.org/GiveUMCom. 1: If an annual conference has vacancies in its General Conference delegation due to death, resignation, or otherwise, does JCD 1451 allow an annual conference to hold elections to fill the vacancies that have not already been filled by its reserve delegates? The members of the church have been sick and tired of COVID-19 for the last two years, she said. However, the Book of Discipline already offers procedures for churches to disaffiliate with property under limited conditions. 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. General Conference Traditionalists exit speeds up as official decisions on United General Conference Make a tax-deductible donation at As the postponed 2020 General Conference now enters the typical cycle of preparation for a General Conference that would have been held in 2024, we will need to look to the Judicial Council for clarity regarding which preparations and processes are based on the postponed 2020 General Conference and which would need to be enacted should this be seen as a new 2024 General Conference., The Judicial Council recently ruled that, the deadlines for petitions submission in 507 are based on the date of the postponed General Conference and reset with each postponement.. The next General Conference will be in 2024. NWTX CONFERENCE | 1401 Avenue M, Lubbock, TX 79401 | 806.762.0201, NWTX Conference of the UMC 2023, all rights reserved | Private Policy. General Conference further postponed to 2024. General Conference He said he would not comment on individual congregations. Also unknown is how many churches will depart before General Conference meets. The South Georgia Conference also plans to have a special session on Aug. 20 to address matters related to church disaffiliations. 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 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. Protocol of Reconciliation & Grace Through Separation, wrote the Rev. Hahn is assistant news editor for UM News. ( Read more) Charlotte, known as the Queen City, is the 16th most populous city in the U.S. and a major airline hub for American Airlines. The Rev. Manila, Philippines was chosen as the site for the 2024 General Conference. 2023 Annual Conference Session. What is the Church's position on homosexuality? The Rev. 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. The legislative assembly sets the denominations budget and thus the number of bishops. Question for Clarification No. The Commission selected Charlotte as the site that best met our varied needs. Like what you're reading? 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. 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 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. Commission members received a report based on conversations with multiple officials of the U. S. Department of State outlining the massive backlog of visa applications in some areas. 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. The Commission selected Charlotte as the site that best met our varied needs. Technically, delegates elected to the 2020 General Conference are still eligible to serve at the 2024 session. UM News. Nashville, Tenn.: 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. The decision by the Commission on General Conference to postpone the 2020 General Conference This backlog has led to wait times up to 800+ days for scheduling an initial interview. 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. At this point, the United Methodist Church needs to conduct new elections of delegates for the 2024 General Conference. Many of us may have strong feelings about this development, but this is the new reality for Methodism in the world. Hahn is assistant news editor for UM News. General Conference draws delegates from four continents. UMC While the COB appreciates the clarity and guidance on that issue, the bishops feel that the decision has generated a number of other UMC Bishops ask church court for clarification on 2024 Conference UMC The next General Conference will be in 2024. Nashville, Tenn.: As the pandemic continues and the wait time for visas stretches to over two years in some countries, the Commission on the General Conference announced today that the 2020 General Conference cannot be held in 2022 due to COVID-related and governmental policies/constraints. 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. The additional delay of General Conference brings additional complications. 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. COVID-19 has tested the collective patience, understanding, compassion, resolve, and even faith of the world. For Manchester, the delay will mean a few more years in the wilderness, he said. Even amid uncertainties, ministry continues. UM News staff Sam Hodges, Jim Patterson, the Rev. The assembly typically meets at the beginning of each quadrennium to consider revisions to church law, as well as adopt resolutions on current moral, social, public policy and economic issues. The commission is made up of 25 members who are elected quadrennially by the General Conference body. United Methodist Church Read the Commissions announcement. In another matter, the COB voted last month during the December 21, 2022 meeting to request a declaratory decision regarding Paragraph 413 of the 2016 Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church. About General Conference (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.) 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. The mission of the church is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. Annual conferences have approvedthe disaffiliation of about 130 U.S. churches in the past two years. It is not their fault that we have experienced so many delays owing to a global pandemic. Perhaps some members of the Judicial Council will not even be members of the UMC in 2024. In making the selection, Simpson said that the Commission looked at the suitability and capacity of meeting facilities, availability of adequate space, the proximity of hotel rooms, accessibility and convenience of travel and costs of meeting space, lodging, meals and airfare. 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. 2024 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. Bishops preside at sessions but do not have a vote. Read the Commissions announcement. The next General Conference will be in 2024. 2024 They have been more than gracious., According to Graves, It is always a monumental task to host the General Conference, but to prepare several times and still not be able to put those plans into action seems even more difficult.