Annual conferences are finding enormous interest among rank-and-file United Methodists about ther 2020 General Conference. Two examples from South Carolina and Northern Illinois attest to widespread concern about the future of The United Methodist Church.
From South Carolina, Jessica Brodie writes in the conference publication The Advocate:
General Conference 2020 Logo
The logo for General Conference 2020.
“Nearly 200 United Methodists headed to Indian Field UMC Jan. 5 for the first of several “listening sessions” being held across the state, addressing these questions and more. Another session was held Jan. 26 as the Advocate was going to press, and the next sessions are Feb. 9 in Florence and Feb. 16 in Mauldin.
“Jackie Jenkins, chair of the South Carolina delegation, said this first session was a “pacesetter” for all future sessions that will follow.
“We were ecstatic to see the crowded room and pleased at the amiable reception and eagerness to learn and share observed from both laity and clergy attending the first gathering,” Jenkins said, noting attendees’ feedback emphasized trust and hope. “Of equal note and appreciation were everyone’s eminently observed interest in our church’s future. We were indeed fortunate to witness the congenial manner in which business was conducted.”
Northern Illinois Annual Conference interest in General Conference 2020 that the conference has added two more information sessions at the end of February. High on the topic list is a recent release from the North Central Jurisdiction College of Bishops and Committee on Episcopacy recommending that only one bishop be elected this summer. This reflects the recent assessment that the number of North Central Bishops be reduced by one office because membership has declined. The Book of Discipline allows one bishop for every 300,000 members, and the jurisdiction has experienced that level of decline over the past four years.
Six conversations will be held across Northern Illinois with delegates, Cabinet members and the “Exploration Team,” a study group assigned to consider the conference’s future. (Please click here to review the Identity and Covenant statements presented by the Exploration Team at the Nov. 16 Special Session.) Bishop Sally Dyck will speak on the recommendation to reduce the jurisdiction by one bishop. The conference newsletter also suggests that participants get more information from the Advance Daily Christian Advocate (ADCA), now available online.
Survey informs Central Conference delegates orientation
Organizers are using results of a survey of Central Conference delegates to fine-tune a pre-conference orientation session in Minneapolis before General Conference 2020 starts.
According to a press release from United Methodist Communications, “three topics generated the most interest among survey respondents:
- “Conversation opportunities with delegates from other delegations and areas of the Central Conferences (80% of those responding)
- “Educational materials, such as the ADCA, to equip delegates in making informed decisions (73% of those responding)
- “Restructuring proposals affecting the organization and makeup of the denomination (73% of those responding)”
The orientation will occur in a series of sessions over the three days of the pre-conference orientation, beginning Friday, May 1, 2020, the day that delegates arrive. The media release continues:
“As envisioned, the Friday session will focus on opportunities for delegates to meet and get to know one another. The Saturday session, May 2, after opening worship, will include a welcome from Kim Simpson, Chair of the Commission on the General Conference, and Rev. Gary Graves, Secretary of the Commission, and a discussion of the theme for General Conference 2020, “…and KNOW that I am GOD.” The Central Conference bishops who are members of the steering committee also will address the group.”
The nine-member steering committee is comprised of Kim Simpson, Joseph Mulongo and Juliet Spencer representing the Commission on the General Conference; Bishop Harald Rückert, Bishop Pedro Torio and Bishop John Yambasu, representing the Council of Bishops; and Erin Hawkins of the General Commission on Religion and Race; Dawn Wiggins Hare of the General Commission on Status and Role of Women; and Thomas Kemper of the General Board of Global Ministries, representing United Methodist church-wide agencies.
Media Mentions as of Jan. 31, 2020
Petaluma Methodists divided as national church splits – Petaluma Argus Courier
Machen's miracles, Methodists' morality – WORLD News Group
Your Dose of news: A religious divide on LGBTQ issues and how a Botox business will help people ... – The Tennessean
Conservatives meet, discuss Methodist plan for possible split – al.com
Cynthia B. Astle serves as Editor of United Methodist Insight, which she founded in 2011.