United Methodists Gather for General Conference Amid Debate Over LGBTQ+ Church Inclusion

As thousands of United Methodists gather in Charlotte, North Carolina, for the General Conference, the anticipation is high. The 11-day conference, originally scheduled for 2020 but delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, is set to run from April 23 to May 3. The voting delegates, comprising clergy and lay Methodists from around the world, are key decision-makers at this highly anticipated gathering.

What is the General Conference?

The General Conference serves as a crucial meeting where delegates come together to set policy, pass budgets, and address church-wide matters. This assembly is the only entity that can speak for the entire denomination and holds the authority to amend the United Methodist Book of Discipline, which includes church law. Additionally, it encompasses non-binding declarations on social and ethical issues known as Social Principles. The event also features worship and fellowship, enhancing the sense of community among attendees.

Key Issues and Decisions

The upcoming conference is poised to address several critical matters, including:

• Disaffiliations: A discussion on extending friendlier legal terms to international churches and U.S. congregations that missed the 2023 deadline for disaffiliation.
• Regionalization: A proposal to restructure the denomination into regional conferences around the world, potentially allowing regions to adapt church policies to local contexts, including those related to marriage and ordination.
• Budgets: Voting on a significantly reduced budget proposal due to the wave of disaffiliations that occurred between 2019 and 2023.

"Committed to Rebuilding the Church"

New York Area Bishop Thomas Bickerton, president of the Council of Bishops, acknowledged the recent schism during the opening worship. In a passionate address, he emphasized the importance of rebuilding the church and fostering a culture marked by compassion, courage, and companionship. Bishop Bickerton reaffirmed the denomination's commitment to its core beliefs and urged attendees to work together towards revitalizing the United Methodist Church.

Of the 862 official voting delegates, a majority are from the U.S., with significant representation from Africa, the Philippines, Europe, and affiliated churches. However, the confirmed attendance of international delegates stands at three-quarters, with concerns raised about delays in providing necessary paperwork and uncertainties regarding voting results from African conferences.

Preparing for the Conference

Preparations among congregations vary, with a strong focus on the movement to repeal LGBTQ bans. First United Methodist Church in Pittsburgh held a commissioning service for three members attending the conference, reflecting the personal significance of their participation in the upcoming decisions. United Methodists, part of the larger worldwide family of Methodists, emphasize evangelism, holy living, and social service in line with the tradition of 18th-century British Protestant revivalist John Wesley.

Global Reach of the Denomination

United Methodists, traditionally ranging from liberal to conservative, were until recently the third largest and most widespread U.S. denomination. Despite the recent disaffiliations, the denomination's influence extends globally, with churches on four continents remaining part of the United Methodist Church. While numbers have declined in the U.S., there are still significant populations in Africa, Asia, and Europe.