Leaders of The United Methodist Church’s top legislative body have come from four continents to meet at the Oregon Convention Center, the largest convention center in the Pacific Northwest, from May 10-20.
General Conference is the top policy-making body of The United Methodist Church, which convenes once every four years. It comprises 864 delegates elected by their annual conferences—half of them clergy and half laity. Together they can revise church law, as well as adopt resolutions on current moral, social, public policy and economic issues. The richly diverse body also approves plans and budgets for church-wide programs.
They will consider more than 1,000 petitions that will order the work of our churches, pastors, and agencies, and set official positions on a variety of subjects. Conferencing is part of our culture and history as United Methodists. Learn more. Also, WATCH THE LIVE STREAM
Eight elected delegates—four clergy, four laity—are there to represent the Eastern PA Conference delegation. Each has been assigned to serve on a legislative committee to consider and recommend resolutions for action by the plenary assembly. See the separate document identifying our delegation’s legislative committee assignments and describing how legislative committees work. Here are 12 General Conference Legislative Committees and and their assigned topic areas
Judy Ehninger, Sabrina Daluisio, and The Rev. Dawn Taylor-Storm
“Our delegation has been blessed by the prayer support from across the conference,” wrote delegation leader the Rev. Dawn Taylor-Storm. “We recognize our task is a momentous one, but we know we are surrounded in prayer. Please keep praying for us and for all the delegates from across our world-wide church.”
“When I am overwhelmed with feelings of being unworthy and unprepared for this,” said delegation co-leader Judy Ehninger, “I quickly correct myself by remembering the months of reading, meeting and praying; and then I feel somewhat better prepared to begin the work of General Conference.
“The first week is labor intensive,” she explained, “as delegates in their assigned legislative committees work through submitted resolutions, deciding which of them will actually be considered either on the consent calendar or the plenary floor. The second week includes rich worship and ministry celebrations before and after very serious legislative considerations.
“This year there we have seen an especially meaningful and coordinated prayer support for the delegation,” Ehninger continued. “Each day I receive a message telling me my name is being lifted in prayer as a delegate. That is a most affirming action. I am also affirmed by the cooperation and cohesiveness of the EPAC delegation. Under of Dawn’s very capable leadership, we have developed into a caring faith community, with prayer partners and supportive bonds. So I am excited, anxious and expectant. Sunday, May 15, is Pentecost, and what a celebration that should be.
Amid all the work, there will be celebration and fellowship, including the Philadelphia Episcopal Area Dinner on Monday, May 16, at 7 PM at the Hotel Eastlund. Bishop Peggy Johnson, Bishop Sandra Steiner-Ball, Bishop John Schol, Bishop Felton May and Bishop Violent Fisher–all who have been leaders at different levels in the lives of the Eastern PA and/or Peninsula-Delaware conferences—will attend, along with the Eastern PA and Pen-Del delegations and other persons in the Philadelphia Area serving in other capacities.
Meanwhile, there’s plenty of stories and key documents to read, photos to see and video coverage to view to help you get virtually the full experience of General Conference—well, almost. Here is a list of learning opportunities provided by our friends at UM Communications, all accessible from the denomination’s official Website, www.umc.org.
May 10 wrap-up: Opening worship, rules debate General Conference 2016 gets underway with opening worship, a rules debate and a Judicial Council ruling. Read More
GC2016 adopts most rules but defers Rule 44 General Conference delegates adopt most rules, defer vote on Rule 44. Read More
General Conference 2016 officially begins Bishop Warner H. Brown Jr. challenges delegates truly to “listen to one another” and “build each other up.” Read More
More articles and resources:
General Conference 2016: Daily Christian Advocate The Daily Christian Advocate (DCA) serves as the record of those who have been elected to serve as delegate, the legislation submitted, and the decisions made by the General Conference. Read More
2016 General Conference Legislation Tracking Search for legislation submitted by petition number, keyword or submitter. Once General Conference begins, the information will be updated regarding the actions taken on each piece of legislation. Read More
General Conference 2016: The Process of Rule 44 The proposal, nicknamed Rule 44 because it follows General Conference’s Rule 43, could be used with legislation on human sexuality if the rule is adopted. View
GC2016: General Conference Guide An important resource for delegates, church members and journalists, this guide contains information about the conference schedule, the legislative process and historical background. The guide is available in several translations. Read More
Why United Methodist General Conference? History and highlights General Conferences are part of our culture as United Methodists. They have shaped us in the past and will lead us into the future. Read More
What Christian conferencing is and isn’t Christian conferencing encourages listening and learning from one another, with a focus on mutual understanding. There were no winners nor losers — only those who desired to discern God’s will. Read More
PLUS: Check out The General Conference Blog