Meeting of the United Methodist Church General Conference, April 22 - May 2, 2008, Fort Worth, Texas
Joe Williams is third from the left. Nashville Area news photo
by Cathy Farmer
by Tennessee Conference lay delegate Joe Williams
Introduction
The General Conference of The United Methodist Church United Methodist is the denomination's top legislative body for all matters affecting the United Methodist connection. By definition, it has no administrative or executive power.
The Book of Disciple and constituion of The United Methodist Church define the composition of the General Conference as no less than 600 and no more 1,000 delegates, half
laity and half clergy. These delegates are elected by the Annual Conferences Annual Conferences and several other specialized bodies within the structure of The United Methodist Church.
The General Conference meets on a "quadrennial" basis, that is, once every four years. Special sessions may be called by the Council of Bishops.
Delegates sought to serve with four areas of focus with seven vision pathways, following the three simple rules of John Wesley, as follows:
Four areas of focus
1. Developing principled Christian leaders for the church and the world.
2. Creating new places for new people by starting new congregations and renewing existing ones.
3. Engaging in ministry with the poor.
4. Stamping out killer diseases by improving health globally.
Seven Vision Pathways
1. Teach the Wesleyan way of reaching and making disciples of Jesus Christ.
2. Strengthen clergy and lay leadership.
3. Transform existing congregations.
4. Develop new congregations.
5. End racism as we authentically expand racial/ethnic ministry.
6. Eliminate poverty in community with the poor.
7. Reach and Transform the lives of the new generation of children.
Three Simple Rules (of John Wesley)
1. Do no harm
2. Do good
3. Stay in love with God
Significant Happenings During the Conference
Constitutional amendments
All constitutional amendments approved by a two-thirds vote of General Conference must be ratified by a two-thirds affirmative vote of the aggregate number of voting Annual Conference members.
The assembly passed 23 constitutional amendments proposed by the Task Force on the Global Nature of the Church. The amendments will allow for the creation of a regional conference for the United States and change the words “central conference” to “regional conference.” The legislation does not create a U.S. regional conference but makes it possible for General Conference to do so at a later time. The assembly created a task force to examine possibilities.
Another constitutional amendment would permit local pastors, associate members and provisional members to join ordained ministerial members in full connection in voting for delegates to General and jurisdictional conferences. To be eligible to vote, local pastors must have completed the Course of Study or master of divinity degree and have served under appointment for two consecutive years immediately preceding an election. Only ordained members in full connection with an annual conference may serve as delegates.
Number of Bishops
General Conference established a new formula that will cause four of the five jurisdictions to lose a bishop at the 2012 jurisdictional conferences.
Social Creed
On the 100th anniversary of the Social Creed, delegates decided that a proposed new creed would serve the church better as a “companion litany” as well as arranged with music.
Abortion
Adopted a statement on abortion that adds language offering “ministries to reduce unintended pregnancies” and to assist the ministry of crisis pregnancy and support centers that help women “find feasible alternatives to abortion.”
The Social Principles of The United Methodist Church first dealt with abortion in 1972. The church does not approve of abortion but “respects the sacredness of the life and well-being of the mother and the unborn child.”
Found in the Book of Discipline, the Social Principles are a "prayerful and thoughtful effort on the part of the General Conference to speak to the human issues in the contemporary world from a sound biblical and theological foundation as historically demonstrated in United Methodist traditions." The General Conference amended the 1972 statement on abortion in 1976, 1980, 1984, 1988, 1992, 1996 and 2000.
Stem-cell research
The 2008 conference passed a new resolution on stem-cell research calling for the denomination’s Board of Church and Society to identify and publish on its Web site educational resources on stem-cell research.
“We encourage each pastor to use the resources to become informed concerning the debate regarding the use of embryonic stem cells for medical research and to offer these resources for study in her or his local church,” the resolution said.
Saying “some believe this century will be the ‘Century of Biology,’” the 2008 General Conference voted to join with other faith communities to support and dialogue with the medical and scientific communities concerning the ethic standards for its use.
Human Sexuality (Homosexuality) – April 30
The key Discipline paragraph, from which other United Methodist positions are based, is Para. 161G in the Social Principles, which states, "we do not condone the practice of homosexuality and consider this practice incompatible with Christian teaching."
The debate lasted three wrenching hours. The debate included points of order, minority reports, and impassioned speeches. The African delegates spoke frequently. What was finally accepted was a re-writing of Para. 161G which states clearly that sexual relations are affirmed only within the covenant of monogamous, heterosexual marriage, and the phrase, "we do not condone the practice of homosexuality and consider this practice incompatible with Christian teaching." The vote was 501-417 (55%- 45%).
Once the crucial motion retaining the words "We do not condone.." was approved other homosexual-related petitions followed suit.
1. The statement that ministers are not to perform same-sex marriages was retained.
2. The statement that self-avowed practicing homosexuals shall not be ordained or appointed was retained by a vote of 579-338.
3. The statement that apportionment funds will not be used to promote the cause of homosexuality also was retained.
It was evident that the vote of the African conferences was crucial. One African delegate was heard to remark, "Today we saved the church." Another said, "This is why we are here."
Church Membership
Another very important vote dealt with Para 304.3 on church memberships. The issue was whether the pastor has authority in determining readiness for church membership or whether the "pastor is to faithfully receive all persons willing to take the membership vows" (suggesting the final authority is the person taking the vows). Does the pastor have discretion in matters of membership, or not? Behind the argument is the matter that a Virginia pastor who denied membership to a practicing homosexual was relieved of his pulpit and the case went all the way to the Judicial Council. The evangelical argument is that this matter is not about practicing homosexuals but about standards in general.
A minority report prepared by evangelicals and moderates giving clear pastoral authority was rejected 384-515 (43%-57%). Then in an unusual move, the conference rejected also the majority report 436-448 (49%-51%) which stated that persons determine their own readiness. Thus the present statement in the Discipline remains. And with Judicial Council backing.
Soul Force – May 1
There was a demonstration by Soul Force and other homosexual advocacy groups on the floor of the conference which was in response to the conference's voting to retain the stance on homosexuality the day before. The demonstration was officially clocked at 15 minutes (but timed by others more like 20-25 minutes) and consisted of a number of marchers (one estimate was 250) who sang and circled the floor of the conference. The presiding bishop called this period of time a “recess.”
Other Highlights
Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, President of Liberia, addressed the GC.
Bill Gates, Sr. – Background: In January 2007, the Gates Foundation provided a challenge grant to the Nothing But Nets malaria prevention campaign to match contributions up to $5 million—a goal that was reached by the United Methodist Church in August due in part to a groundswell of support from UMCs across the U.S. According to the organization’s website, the foundation has committed more than $6 billion in global health grants. Mr. Gates, Sr. addressed the General Conference and matched $80,000.00 more for Nothing But Nets while he was there!
Celebration: 100th anniversary of United Methodist Men.
United Methodist Women: Status remains as is. (Petition asking for it to be subject to local church authority was not passed.)
Bishops’ Retirement Age: Upped from 66 to 68.
Hymnal: A Hymnal Revision Committee was created. It will report back to General Conference in 2012.
Fair Representation: A favorable Judicial Council decision to an appeal by SEJ Nominating Committee regarding membership in General Boards and Agencies was received. Accordingly, ¶¶705-706 in Discipline were revised to reflect the decision.
Worship Services: The special music and congregational singing were fantastic! The preaching was good, but (in my opinion) not as outstanding as in 1996, 2000, and 2004. The overall worship experience, nevertheless, deserves high ratings!
Introduction
The General Conference of The United Methodist Church United Methodist is the denomination's top legislative body for all matters affecting the United Methodist connection. By definition, it has no administrative or executive power.
The Book of Disciple and constituion of The United Methodist Church define the composition of the General Conference as no less than 600 and no more 1,000 delegates, half
laity and half clergy. These delegates are elected by the Annual Conferences Annual Conferences and several other specialized bodies within the structure of The United Methodist Church.
The General Conference meets on a "quadrennial" basis, that is, once every four years. Special sessions may be called by the Council of Bishops.
Delegates sought to serve with four areas of focus with seven vision pathways, following the three simple rules of John Wesley, as follows:
Four areas of focus
1. Developing principled Christian leaders for the church and the world.
2. Creating new places for new people by starting new congregations and renewing existing ones.
3. Engaging in ministry with the poor.
4. Stamping out killer diseases by improving health globally.
Seven Vision Pathways
1. Teach the Wesleyan way of reaching and making disciples of Jesus Christ.
2. Strengthen clergy and lay leadership.
3. Transform existing congregations.
4. Develop new congregations.
5. End racism as we authentically expand racial/ethnic ministry.
6. Eliminate poverty in community with the poor.
7. Reach and Transform the lives of the new generation of children.
Three Simple Rules (of John Wesley)
1. Do no harm
2. Do good
3. Stay in love with God
Significant Happenings During the Conference
Constitutional amendments
All constitutional amendments approved by a two-thirds vote of General Conference must be ratified by a two-thirds affirmative vote of the aggregate number of voting Annual Conference members.
The assembly passed 23 constitutional amendments proposed by the Task Force on the Global Nature of the Church. The amendments will allow for the creation of a regional conference for the United States and change the words “central conference” to “regional conference.” The legislation does not create a U.S. regional conference but makes it possible for General Conference to do so at a later time. The assembly created a task force to examine possibilities.
Another constitutional amendment would permit local pastors, associate members and provisional members to join ordained ministerial members in full connection in voting for delegates to General and jurisdictional conferences. To be eligible to vote, local pastors must have completed the Course of Study or master of divinity degree and have served under appointment for two consecutive years immediately preceding an election. Only ordained members in full connection with an annual conference may serve as delegates.
Number of Bishops
General Conference established a new formula that will cause four of the five jurisdictions to lose a bishop at the 2012 jurisdictional conferences.
Social Creed
On the 100th anniversary of the Social Creed, delegates decided that a proposed new creed would serve the church better as a “companion litany” as well as arranged with music.
Abortion
Adopted a statement on abortion that adds language offering “ministries to reduce unintended pregnancies” and to assist the ministry of crisis pregnancy and support centers that help women “find feasible alternatives to abortion.”
The Social Principles of The United Methodist Church first dealt with abortion in 1972. The church does not approve of abortion but “respects the sacredness of the life and well-being of the mother and the unborn child.”
Found in the Book of Discipline, the Social Principles are a "prayerful and thoughtful effort on the part of the General Conference to speak to the human issues in the contemporary world from a sound biblical and theological foundation as historically demonstrated in United Methodist traditions." The General Conference amended the 1972 statement on abortion in 1976, 1980, 1984, 1988, 1992, 1996 and 2000.
Stem-cell research
The 2008 conference passed a new resolution on stem-cell research calling for the denomination’s Board of Church and Society to identify and publish on its Web site educational resources on stem-cell research.
“We encourage each pastor to use the resources to become informed concerning the debate regarding the use of embryonic stem cells for medical research and to offer these resources for study in her or his local church,” the resolution said.
Saying “some believe this century will be the ‘Century of Biology,’” the 2008 General Conference voted to join with other faith communities to support and dialogue with the medical and scientific communities concerning the ethic standards for its use.
Human Sexuality (Homosexuality) – April 30
The key Discipline paragraph, from which other United Methodist positions are based, is Para. 161G in the Social Principles, which states, "we do not condone the practice of homosexuality and consider this practice incompatible with Christian teaching."
The debate lasted three wrenching hours. The debate included points of order, minority reports, and impassioned speeches. The African delegates spoke frequently. What was finally accepted was a re-writing of Para. 161G which states clearly that sexual relations are affirmed only within the covenant of monogamous, heterosexual marriage, and the phrase, "we do not condone the practice of homosexuality and consider this practice incompatible with Christian teaching." The vote was 501-417 (55%- 45%).
Once the crucial motion retaining the words "We do not condone.." was approved other homosexual-related petitions followed suit.
1. The statement that ministers are not to perform same-sex marriages was retained.
2. The statement that self-avowed practicing homosexuals shall not be ordained or appointed was retained by a vote of 579-338.
3. The statement that apportionment funds will not be used to promote the cause of homosexuality also was retained.
It was evident that the vote of the African conferences was crucial. One African delegate was heard to remark, "Today we saved the church." Another said, "This is why we are here."
Church Membership
Another very important vote dealt with Para 304.3 on church memberships. The issue was whether the pastor has authority in determining readiness for church membership or whether the "pastor is to faithfully receive all persons willing to take the membership vows" (suggesting the final authority is the person taking the vows). Does the pastor have discretion in matters of membership, or not? Behind the argument is the matter that a Virginia pastor who denied membership to a practicing homosexual was relieved of his pulpit and the case went all the way to the Judicial Council. The evangelical argument is that this matter is not about practicing homosexuals but about standards in general.
A minority report prepared by evangelicals and moderates giving clear pastoral authority was rejected 384-515 (43%-57%). Then in an unusual move, the conference rejected also the majority report 436-448 (49%-51%) which stated that persons determine their own readiness. Thus the present statement in the Discipline remains. And with Judicial Council backing.
Soul Force – May 1
There was a demonstration by Soul Force and other homosexual advocacy groups on the floor of the conference which was in response to the conference's voting to retain the stance on homosexuality the day before. The demonstration was officially clocked at 15 minutes (but timed by others more like 20-25 minutes) and consisted of a number of marchers (one estimate was 250) who sang and circled the floor of the conference. The presiding bishop called this period of time a “recess.”
Other Highlights
Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, President of Liberia, addressed the GC.
Bill Gates, Sr. – Background: In January 2007, the Gates Foundation provided a challenge grant to the Nothing But Nets malaria prevention campaign to match contributions up to $5 million—a goal that was reached by the United Methodist Church in August due in part to a groundswell of support from UMCs across the U.S. According to the organization’s website, the foundation has committed more than $6 billion in global health grants. Mr. Gates, Sr. addressed the General Conference and matched $80,000.00 more for Nothing But Nets while he was there!
Celebration: 100th anniversary of United Methodist Men.
United Methodist Women: Status remains as is. (Petition asking for it to be subject to local church authority was not passed.)
Bishops’ Retirement Age: Upped from 66 to 68.
Hymnal: A Hymnal Revision Committee was created. It will report back to General Conference in 2012.
Fair Representation: A favorable Judicial Council decision to an appeal by SEJ Nominating Committee regarding membership in General Boards and Agencies was received. Accordingly, ¶¶705-706 in Discipline were revised to reflect the decision.
Worship Services: The special music and congregational singing were fantastic! The preaching was good, but (in my opinion) not as outstanding as in 1996, 2000, and 2004. The overall worship experience, nevertheless, deserves high ratings!
Mission Statement: “for the transformation of the world” was added to the existing mission statement of the UMC, “The mission of the church is to make disciples for Jesus Christ.” The addition is intended to give missional direction.
Budget: A $642 million budget for 2009-2012 was approved.
Membership Vow: The word “witness” was added to the existing membership vow to make it ask “Will you be loyal to The United Methodist Church and uphold it by your prayers, your presence, your gifts, your service, and your witness ?”
Cute expression heard: “Kicking a dead horse doesn’t make it run any faster.”
Budget: A $642 million budget for 2009-2012 was approved.
Membership Vow: The word “witness” was added to the existing membership vow to make it ask “Will you be loyal to The United Methodist Church and uphold it by your prayers, your presence, your gifts, your service, and your witness ?”
Cute expression heard: “Kicking a dead horse doesn’t make it run any faster.”
posted by TN Conference UMC @ 8:41 AM
<< Home