General Conference
In April, there is a very important event that we all should be concerned with and pray for. It is the “General Conference of the United Methodist Church.” The General Conference is the only body of UMC that can set our official policy and speak for us as the international denomination. It is the denomination’s highest legislative body having the authority to make revisions to the Book of Discipline which is the denomination’s governing document that contains its doctrine, constitution, church law, rules of organization and procedures. Also, the General Conference approves the four-year budget allocating apportionments for denomination-wide ministries around the world. In addition, the assembly of General Conference approves theological statements on subjects such as baptism and communion. This coming General Conference will consider adopting a theological statement of the United Methodist understanding of church titled “Sent in Love.” The General Conference also elects members of the Judicial Council, of the commission, and of other denominational leadership bodies.
So, United Methodists will gather for General Conference to plan the future of our denomination in Charlotte, North Carolina, from April 23 to May 3, with the theme, “Know that I am God (Psalm 46).” In this assembly, the lay and clergy delegates will deal with more than 1,000 legislative petitions including a Regionalization Plan, Revised Social Principles, Acts of Repentance, Amendments for Equality, Budget, Sent in Love and, etc. They are all very important issues that can affect our church because we are a necessary part of the connectional body of UMC. This is the reason why we need to be concerned and to pray for it. I hope there will be God’s love and grace, and God’s justice and peace in all sessions of General Conference. Also, I hope there will be outcomes that realize God’s loving willingness for all the people of God. Amen.
First & Wesley United Methodist Church
Pastor Jinha Choi
P.S. If you want to see more information for General Conference, you can visit these links:
General Conference Q&A
Proposals