JUSTice Highlights - May 3, 2024
For I know what I have planned for you,’ says the Lord.
‘I have plans to prosper you, not to harm you. I have plans to give you a future filled with hope.
(Jeremiah 29:10-12 NET)
Today, after a powerful sermon by Bishop Tracy Smith Malone, the floor of the General Conference turned into a party and love revival as the delegates danced and moved to repeated choruses of “Soul Train.“
An update on where we are in the LYNC focus of the Three R’s: Regionalization, Revised Social Principles, and Removing harmful language for LGBTQIA people in the church. Much of today’s agenda is dedicated to financial items.
At the start of today, there are 26 items of remaining business. The adjournment is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. ET.
As of the start of today’s business:
Regionalization petitions have passed. However, implementation requires an aggregate vote of all annual conference members around the globe to approve constitutional amendments.
The Revised Social Principles have been approved. An amendment from the floor revised the definition of marriage to provide two definitions. One is for “two persons” and the other is for “a man and a woman.” These options will provide flexibility for each region (in the new regionalization plan) to focus on one definition or another. The phrase “incompatible with Christian teaching” will no longer be in the Discipline.
Most of the “harmful language” has been removed, with some petitions still to be reviewed, including the ban on same-sex weddings in UMC church buildings.
Financial items will be the major focus of the day as the sections of GCFA reports and budget are debated and perfected.
A Love Letter to the Church
Dr. Randal Miller, one of the editors of the Revised Social Principles, sat down with LYNC’s Joelle Henneman to share a couple of thoughts about what this means going forward.
The General Board of Church and Society is already in the process of creating study materials to help the church move forward into a deeper understanding of the Social Principles.
Deacon’s receive sacramental authority
Legislation passed at the General Conference offers new sacramental authority to Deacons in The United Methodist Church. Hear from two deacons about what that means for their ministry in an article by LYNC’s Katharine Henry.
Number of Bishops to be Reduced:
The Interjurisdictional Committee on Episcopacy has recommended, and the General Conference has approved, that the number of bishops for the 2024-2028 quadrennium be 32. Currently, there are 39. They are to be distributed to the jurisdictions as follows:
Southeast Jurisdiction: 9
Northeast Jurisdiction: 6
North Central Jurisdiction: 6
South Central Jurisdiction: 6
Western Jurisdiction: 5
After considering pending retirements, three bishops will be transferred from one conference to another. Two bishops will need to transfer to the Western Jurisdiction, and one will need to transfer to the Northeast Jurisdiction. Southeast, South Central, and North Central jurisdictions would have an “extra” bishop to release.
A bishop must consent to a transfer. The committee will begin a consultation process to determine transfer recommendations.
Some Images of the Day
Over 100 people gathered at First UMC Charlotte for a “Liturgy of Queer Lament and Celebration.” This service marked a 52-year journey of freeing the church from its burden of labeling people as “incompatible” because of their sexual orientation. Worship included a litany of lament, recognizing the pain and sacrifices made, and a call to continue the work of justice in all forms. You can watch the entire service on First UMC of Charlotte’s Facebook page.
LYNC Lunchtime Speaker
Our final speaker in the speaker series is Rev. Johnathan Campbell. He will discuss the healing work of Jesus in its historical context and how to proclaim the justice and reconciliation work that is at the heart of the healing narratives. He will also explain the insights of Disability Theology for welcoming and empowering people with disabilities in our congregations.
The talk will be from 12:30-1:30 p.m. in the Hilton Garden Inn, Dogwood Room. Bring lunch with you. Come and hear what they have to share about justice and disabilities.
Stay Connected via WhatsApp Chat
Get periodic updates about the General Conference, by joining the GC Progressive Lens community chat. The chat team will offer updates on what is happening on the floor and behind the scenes.
Chaplain Hotline at General Conference: 424-467-9462
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