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UMNS Photo by Paul Jeffrey
Round Tables
For the first time in recent history, General Conference delegates are seated at round tables instead of at long rows of rectangular tables. Organizers say the change is intended to foster "holy conversations" about the controversial issues coming before The United Methodist Church.
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UMNS Photo by Paul Jeffrey
Holy Conversations
Delegates to the 2012 United Methodist General Conference engage in "holy conferencing," a series of structured conversations on controversial issues that the global legislative gathering is addressing. Participants include Rudolph Merab (center) from Liberia.
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UMNS Photo by Mike DuBose
Moses Kumar
Moses Kumar, top executive of the United Methodist General Council on Finance and Administration, gives a report on church finances during the 2012 United Methodist General Conference April 25. Many delegates praised Kumar's presentation for its positive outlook on how well the church is using its resources for ministry.
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UMNS Photo by Mike DuBose.
Adam Hamilton
The Rev. Adam Hamilton discusses proposals for possible church restructuring during the April 25 evening session of the 2012 United Methodist General Conference in Tampa, Fla. Hamilton, senior pastor of United Methodist Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, Kans., is a delegate from the Kansas East Annual (regional) Conference.
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UMNS photo by Kathleen Barry
Genesis Dancer
A dancer from Creation Dance Production, a ministry of Genesis United Methodist Church in San Jose, Calif., performs in the lobby of the Tampa Convention Center on April 25 during the 2012 United Methodist General Conference.
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UMNS Photo by John C. Goodwin
Group Volunteers
John Grenfell III (at left) offers handouts from the conservative Good News caucus while John S. Lewis distributes the "Love Your Neighbor" newspaper at the 2012 United Methodist General Conference in Tampa, Fla., on April 26.
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UMNS Photo by Mike DuBose
Young Clergy
Young United Methodist clergy listen to the Rev. Adam Hamilton in a session where they expressed their deep concerns about the proposed restructuring of The United Methodist Church.