Plenary sessions of the 2016 General Conference got underway Monday, after a week of mostly legislative committee meetings, major addresses, worship services and several celebrations. While worship and celebrations continue, delegates now have elected new leaders and are casting final votes on significant petitions referred to the full body for action.
The Rev. Joe DiPaolo (left) is secretary of the Higher Education and Ministry Legislative Committee.
Among the elections, Eastern PA Conference delegate the Rev. Joseph DiPaolo is now a member of the Commission on the General Conference, representing the Northeastern Jurisdiction. DiPaolo, who will help the commission plan and administer upcoming General Conferences (in Minneapolis, Minn., in 2020 and the Philippines in 2024), also served as secretary of the Higher Education and Ministry Legislative Committee.
Also introduced this week were several surprise protest actions, with, reportedly, more to come. They brought critical concerns of the church and society to the forefront of the worldwide assembly’s attention.
Advocates of the LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bi-Sexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning) cause, with their mouths taped shut, surrounded the legislative arena where delegates sat, in a quiet protest for long-sought changes in the Discipline and their full inclusion in the ministry and rites of the church.
But later, advocates for the Black Lives Matter movement, including many LGBTQ supporters and members of the Reconciling Ministries caucus, launched a loud, boisterous protest march right into the center of the legislative arena, carrying a large banner and shouting slogans. Their cause was to seek the church’s recognition of the value and constant threats to the lives of black Americans, many of whom have been victims of police shootings, racial discrimination and mass incarceration for non-violent crimes.
The Council of Bishops–who preside over the General Conference but do not participate in the actual debates and votes–have addressed in speeches and sermons the cause of denominational unity in the face of rumors and expectations that attempts will be made to divide and disunite the church. The crucial issue that threatens unity is whether to maintain or alter church doctrine and laws regarding homosexuality.
Other controversies have included efforts to increase the number of bishops in the fast-growing Africa Central Conference and proposals regarding ordination and guaranteed appointment of clergy.
Below are annotated links to recent UM News Service articles about General Conference actions.
May 16 wrap-up: Week Two begins with elections, celebrations, protests
PORTLAND, Ore. (UMNS) — Before tackling the pile of petitions before them, delegates to General Conference 2016 voted to fill vacancies in key positions on the Judicial Council, University Senate and the Commission on General Conference. In other news, United Methodist Women celebrates its 150th and more than 1,500 clergy signed a letter of support for LGBTQ rights.
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GC2016 pauses for Black Lives Matter demonstration
PORTLAND, Ore. (UMNS) — Chanting “Black Lives Matter! Black Lives Matter,” close to 150 United Methodists swarmed the plenary floor at General Conference on May 16 to voice concern for the oppressed and marginalized. Jessica Brodie has the story. Read story and post a comment
Clergy offer support to LGBTQ pastors
PORTLAND, Ore. (UMNS) — More than 1,500 United Methodist clergy have signed a letter stating they would refuse to fill the pulpit of a LGBTQ pastor who was removed for “God’s given sexual orientation or gender identity.” Marching around the Oregon Convention Center, a group of LGBTQ supporters sang and shouted, “Tear the Walls Down Now” in reference to the Bible story of Jericho, and asked an openly gay pastor to be a bishop candidate. Kathy L. Gilbert reports. Read story and post a comment
Five elected to Judicial Council
PORTLAND, Ore. (UMNS) — United Methodists from Norway and Mozambique are among the new members of the denomination’s Judicial Council. Delegates to General Conference 2016 filled open positions for two clergy and three lay members on the nine-member council. Linda Bloom reports. Read story and post a comment
More bishops for Africa, but not right away
PORTLAND, Ore. (UMNS) — General Conference 2016 delegates approved adding five more bishops in Africa, but not until 2020, when a comprehensive plan is to be in place for the continent’s central conference and episcopal area boundaries. Some African delegates wanted to add two bishops right away, arguing that the church’s growth in Africa demands it. Sam Hodges has the story. Read story and post a comment
Guaranteed appointment survives
PORTLAND, Ore. (UMNS) — Some clergy-related petitions have passed at General Conference 2016, and others are likely to be adopted, having made it onto the consent calendar. But a petition for “early ordination” and another that would have removed the constitutional bar to ending guaranteed appointment for ordained elders failed in committee. Sam Hodges reports. Read story and post a comment
Bishops vow to work toward unity, accountability
PORTLAND, Ore. (UMNS) – United Methodist bishops have adopted a “Covenant of Accountability,” in which they pledge to work for church unity and remain in community with each other despite differences in Christian conscience. Heather Hahn has the story. Read story and post a comment
GC2016 celebrates Africa University
PORTLAND, Ore. (UMNS) — As Africa University approaches its 25th anniversary, delegates to the 2016 General Conference took a few moments Monday afternoon to celebrate one of the denomination’s high points. “You and The UMC have answered a call to witness through this transforming ministry,” Munashe Furusa, vice chancellor of Africa University, told delegates. Erik Alsgaard reports. Read story and post a comment
Lack of youth delegates leaves General Conference Commission slot unfilled
PORTLAND, Ore. (UMNS) – The lack of youth delegates among the 864 delegates to General Conference 2016 means that for the second time in a row, the commission that runs the denomination’s top legislative assembly will not have a youth delegate. Charmaine Robledo, director of communications for the Mountain Sky Area, has the story. Read story
May 16 wrap-up: Week Two begins with elections, celebrations, protests
PORTLAND, Ore. (UMNS) — Before tackling the pile of petitions before them, delegates to General Conference 2016 voted to fill vacancies in key positions on the Judicial Council, University Senate and the Commission on General Conference. In other news, United Methodist Women celebrates its 150th and more than 1,500 clergy signed a letter of support for LGBTQ rights. Joey Butler reports. Read story and post a comment