General Conference News
The United Methodist Church, with members from across the world, gathered April 23 - May 3 in Charlotte, North Carolina, for General Conference. Together, they engaged in holy conferencing to set the laws, organizational structure, priorities, and budget that govern the denomination. The General Conference is the only body that can set official policy and speak for The United Methodist Church.
September 5 Press Release:
In Conclusion:
- Bright Hope for Tomorrow: Bishops' message after General Conference
- Discover Key Outcomes of the Historic 2024 General Conference
- Talk to your congregation about the mission and ministry of The UMC
Postcards Home Photos from GC2020
As General Conference drew to a close, Bishop Easterling offers a video of her reflections and a prayer at the close of the two-week session. The video below can be shared in worship or other settings.
May 3:
- 'You will see God's glory:' Thoughts on General Conference from Rev. Chet Jechura
- GC delegates pass budget, reduce US bishops
- May 3 wrap-up: Historic conference comes to a close
May 2:
- Deacons can now preside at sacraments in their appointments
- Church defines itself in new Social Principles
- May 2 wrap-up: Delegates declare homosexuality no longer ‘incompatible’
May 1:
- BWC delegates react to historic vote
- Disaffiliation ends, regionalization moves forward
- May 1 wrap-up: Gay clergy ban lifted, new retirement plan approved
April 30:
- General Conference reduces requested giving
- LGBTQ bans slowly being eliminated
- April 30 wrap-up: Some LGBTQ bans lifted, Episcopal communion approved
April 29:
- Message from Bishop Easterling: Celebrating a brand-new day
- LYNC is 'the church we hope to become'
- April 29 wrap-up: African bishops added; prayers after Charlotte shooting
April 28:
April 27:
- Church broadens defense of human rights
- April 27 wrap-up: First revised Social Principles pass, committee work ends
April 26:
April 25:
- Bishop Easterling preaches a message to end violence against women
- General Conference gives regionalization green light
- April 25 wrap-up: Regionalization gets go-ahead, Eurasia leaves
April 24:
- Delegates urged to ‘restart’ church with less
- Young people share fears, hopes for future church
- Bishop Holston: Become ‘who God needs us to be’
- Sacred Tenderness: A Commentary from Ginger Gaines-Cirelli
April 23:
- Bishop urges ‘spirit of hope’ as General Conference begins
- April 23 wrap-up: After years of delay, General Conference begins
April 22:
Helpful Links:
- Official site of the General Conference
- General Conference Infographic
- The official General Conference Guide
- How to talk about General Conference, before, during and after
- What to know about General Conference proposals
- Prayer Guide for General Conference
- Ask the UMC
- Love Your Neighbor Coalition - a partnership of 15 United Methodist Church-related caucus groups working for a just, inclusive, and grace-filled denomination.
- More General Conference Resources and Information
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