Screen Capture from UMC.org
Global Nature Video
In an introductory video, Judi Kenaston (left), chair of the General Commission on the General Conference, and Minnesota Area Bishop Bruce Ough explain the goals of the new UMC website on the church's global nature
The Connectional Table and the General Commission on the General Conference have set up a new website for discussion about the worldwide nature of The United Methodist Church in advance of the 2016 General Conference.
The website opens with a 12-minute introduction by Minnesota Area Bishop Bruce Ough, chair of the Connectional Table, and Judi Kenaston of West Virginia Annual Conference, chair of the General Commission on the General Conference. The site is a branch of the official church website operated by United Methodist Communications. Its URL is http://www.umc.org/who-we-are/worldwide-nature-of-the-church
In the video introduction, Mrs. Kenaston explains that the 2012 General Conference entrusted the two commissions with three tasks: recommend legislation on the denomination's worldwide nature, decrease costs, and improve the value of General Conference, United Methodism's global legislative assembly that is the only body that can speak for the entire denomination.
Although the conversation is aimed primarily at General Conference delegates who will be voting on legislation pertaining to the church's worldwide nature, a survey is open to anyone. According to the site's introduction:
"Our desire is that you will join your delegation members in a joint conversation that will lead you to share your collective wisdom with the Connectional Table and the Commission on General Conference. You can send your responses by filling out our online survey, or emailing us at worldwideUMC@umc.org."
The deadline for feedback is August 31, 2014.