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UMNS Photo by Mike DuBose
Ecumenical Guests
Ecumenical guests are welcomed to the 2012 United Methodist General Conference by Bishop Sharon Zimmerman Rader (on video screen). Rader is ecumenical officer for the denomination's Council of Bishops.
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UMNS Photo by Kathleen Barry
Translators Receive Instructions
Translators receive daily instructions at the 2012 General Conference. An issue with translation arose April 27 when a delegate who spoke Swahili was pressed into service as an uncertified translator during a legislative committee meeting.
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UMNS photo by Paul Jeffrey
Hurt by Process
Mark Miller stands at the microphone, surrounded by supporters, to protest the church's lack of inclusiveness in its process of Holy Conversation April 26 at the 2012 United Methodist General Conference.
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UMNS Photo by Paul Jeffrey
Exclusion Protest
Delegates walk past silent demonstrators before the April 27 morning plenary at the 2012 General Conference. The protest was organized after delegate Mark Miller spoke of LGBT delegates feeling bullied by the April 26 "holy conversation" on human sexuality.
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UMNS photo by Paul Jeffrey.
In Chains
Outside the plenary session of the 2012 United Methodist General Conference in Tampa, Florida, the Rev. Amy DeLong holds chains in her hand as she and others who support the full inclusion of gays and lesbians in the life of the church hold a silent vigil April 26.
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UMNS Photo by Mike DuBose
Love Heals
Bishop Robert T. Hoshibata preaches on the healing power of love at the April 26 evening service at the 2012 General Conference.
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UMNS photo by Mike DuBose
Praying for One Another
The Rev. Dan Dick (left) and Lisa King, delegates from the Wisconsin Annual Conference, pray together during evening worship at the 2012 United Methodist General Conference in Tampa, Fla.
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UMNS photo by Mike DuBose
A Bishop's Prayer
Retired Bishop Melvin Talbert (right) prays with a delegate during April 26 evening worship at General Conference. The bishop's rainbow-colored scarf signifies his longtime support for the full inclusion of LGBT people in the work and life of The United Methodist Church.