2020 General Conference
Abundance of Future Plans Share Variations on a Theme
A welter of "plans" for somehow dividing The United Methodist Church along lines of LGBTQ+ acceptance now face the denomination. Read more
Plans for 2020 General Conference Nearing Completion
Final arrangements for the 2020 General Conference include changes in its official journal, the Daily Christian Advocate, and some 13,000-plus purple "hospitality" scarves for delegates, guests, bishops and other dignitaries. Read more
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American Money and the Future of Global United Methodism
Dr. David W. Scott looks at two possible scenarios: What would happen if all U.S. subsidies were to stop through complete separation from the current denominational system, and what would happen if U.S. subsidies were to decline by a third. Read more
Photo by Mike DuBose, UMNS
Central Conferences Finances, Take Two
Dr. David W. Scott offers some additional reflections on how much money the central conferences collect and how that compares to the amount of U.S. financial support for central conference ministry. Read more
Can We Live Together in the U.S. Church?
Mainstream UMC's latest survey installment finds that Progressives and Centrists can live together in one church, but not as the UMC is currently organized. Read more
The GC2020 Puzzle: Finding a Starting Point
GC2020 lay delegate Frank Holbrook from Memphis Conference tries to find a starting point on the UMC's impasse. Read more
Searching for a Wider Theological Middle Ground
Like many United Methodists, the Rev. Ben Gosden feels he has a foot in both theological camps and isn't totally happy in either one. Read more
Splinter or Schism Ahead?
Will the denomination act toward schism or splinter? The Rev. John E. Harnish says it’s still too soon to tell what might happen. He urges careful consideration of consequences. Read more
Mike DuBose Mike DuBose, UM News
2 Bishops Offer Plan for Denomination’s Future
Bishop David Alan Bard of Michigan and Bishop Scott J. Jones of Texas think they've come up with a plan that would preserve connectional ministries but allow more freedom of theology and practice. Read more
General Conference 2020 Petition Submission Process Opens
Any United Methodist individual or organization may submit petitions to change the Book of Discipline through Sept. 18, 2019. Read more
A Letter to Centrists
The Rev. Darren Cushman Wood wants those who see themselves as "centrist" United Methodist to understand the full scope of progressives' concerns and actions. Read more
Mainstream UMC Holding Survey on UMC's Future
Mainstream UMC's executive director says the organization will share its survey results with all unofficial groups and church units working on the UMC's future. Read more
U.S. Elections See Shift in GC2020 Delegates
Leaders in different parts of The United Methodist Church differ over what impact this year's delegate elections will have in overturning the Traditional Plan or splitting the denomination. Read more
Uniting Methodists Group Outlines New Strategy for UMC Unity
Uniting Methodists has invited clergy and laity to think about and propose ways to reorganize the denomination. Read more
June 20 Marks Four Significant Elections
Centrist and progressive candidates sweep General Conference delegate elections in four annual conferences on one day. Read more
20 Ways to Practice Active Resistance and Intentional Welcoming in Your Local Church
The Rev. Jeremy Smith shares guidelines developed by the Pacific Northwest Annual Conference on how to actively resist the Traditional Plan. Read more
Exiting Congregations Face Hefty Price Tag
Churches that want to leave the United Methodist denomination face large payouts for clergy pensions and other church-wide financial obligations, reports Heather Hahn. Read more
Centrist-Progressive U.S. Delegate Wave Hits 73 Percent
Latest tallies on General Conference elections; one LGBTQ leader departs and another "rides the circuit." Read more
Coalition Sweeps Indiana Clergy Delegate Elections
The Room for All Coalition prepared a slate of candidates with centrist and progressive stances toward full inclusion of LGBTQ people in the UMC. Read more