JUSTice Highlights - April 27, 2024
But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength;
they will fly up on wings like eagles; they will run and not be tired;
they will walk and not be weary.
(Isaiah 40:31)
Today at the General Conference there are two ways of seeing things. For delegates, who are in legislative committees or sub-committees, they are intensely focused on the items before them. But, they may not have time to be aware of other issues happening at the Conference.
For those who are not delegates, including those at home, it’s a time of hope and waiting to see what the outcome of legislative action will be. It’s a time of hope and waiting. But for those working for LGBTQ inclusion, there has been hope at previous General Conference sessions, only to have that hope dashed as restrictive language has increased at every General Conference since 1972. Will this be the year?
Friday and Saturday of the conference are mostly dedicated to legislative committees. All legislation must be dealt with by Saturday evening. Anything not dealt with by a committee does not move forward.
We rejoice that many of the issues important to LYNC coalition members are moving forward with supportive votes in legislative committee; in particular the motion for an apology to the nation of Hawaii and removal of LGBTQIA exclusions in paragraph 304.3 of the Book of Discipline. Most of the voting on these items will be held next week. Items must be published for at least 24 hours before action by the plenary.
We have a status report on Regionalization in our news section. Today is the last day for legislative committees, and they may go as late as 9:00 p.m.
And we have a wrap-up article about the Earth Day Vigil on April 22. Rev. Richenda Fairhurst of the United Methodist Creation Justice Movement helps us keep these important values before us.
LAST REMINDER!
And if you are in Charlotte, don’t forget about the LYNC Multicultural Celebration BBQ on Sunday, April 28, at First United Methodist Church. Read more and RSVP on the events page.
PROBABLY NOT THE LAST REMINDER!
You can shop at the World Wide Craft Market to support ministries around the globe. Read more.
Good Morning!
Each morning a group of LYNC volunteers are at the doors to the Charlotte Convention Center offering a warm word of welcome and a gift. Some days it is an informational flyer about an upcoming event, and other days it is a warm shawl to protect delegates and guests from the cool air-conditioning of the convention center. The shawls were made and donated by the knitters of the Virginia Annual Conference.
International guests are particularly happy to get the warm wrap since they are often used to a warmer climate and find the convention center temperature to be very cold. (Joscie Cutchins photos)
LYNC will be hosting a series of lunchtime speakers
These will be from noon-1:30 p.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn, Dogwood Room C. Bring lunch with you on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday. A light lunch will be provided on Tuesday. Come and hear what they have to share on these justice topics:
Monday, April 29: Deaconess Joy Prim will share about her work with Filipino women in the Philippines and Hong Kong. Her work covers broad human rights areas and supports United Methodist policies and resolutions.
Tuesday, April 30: Rev. Won-Seok Yuh and Rev. Amy Wake will share about the petition for Acts of Repentance and the UMC’s need to repent for its responsibility for the armed overthrow of the independent nation of Hawaii in 1893 and the illegal annexation in 1898.
Wednesday, May 1: Rev. T.C. Morrow will share about witnessing in public spaces, particularly government places of power, and her work with the National Religious Campaign Against Torture, including efforts to end long-term solitary confinement in prisons, jails, and detention centers.
NEW ADDITION! Thursday, May 2: Pieter Friedrich is a US-based independent journalist and author of four books. He will talk with us about the rise of persecution of Christians in India, the source and ideology driving it, the direness of the situation, and how it simultaneously impacts other religious minorities.
Craft Market Supports Mission
Don’t miss your chance to purchase one-of-a-kind crafts from international delegates. They have brought items to sell from around the world to support ministries in their home countries and villages. Be part of the connection by shopping for that unique gift for cousin Susie! At the Hilton Garden Inn, Every Day (except Sunday) from 10:30 - to 8:00. Read more on the lYNC Website about this special project.
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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