Approximately 550 clergy and lay members gathered Nov. 16 in the gymnasium at Kishwaukee College for the Annual Conference Special Session to vote on a budget, apportionment formula changes, and to hear from the Exploration Team. After a presentation from the Conference Council on Finance and Administration (CCFA), the Annual Conference passed a $4,574,255 budget for 2020, down 5% from 2019.
Read MoreAs we gather for this special annual conference session, I want to take the opportunity to express a few thoughts about where we are as the UMC in light of the Traditional Plan which is to go into effect January 1, 2020. To say that many clergy—LBGTQ and straight as well as concerned and allied laity—are very anxious is to understate the situation.
Read MoreGeneral and jurisdictional delegates from the North Central Jurisdiction released a statement acknowledging and apologizing for harm to LGBTQ individuals in the past and for potential harm that could begin Jan. 1, 2020, when the Traditional Plan goes into effect.
Read MoreAfter a revote, United Methodists around the globe have amended the denomination’s constitution to proclaim “men and women are of equal value in the eyes of God.”
Read MoreBishop Sally Dyck was elected the Ecumenical Officer of the Council of Bishops during the bishops’ meeting at Lake Junaluska Assembly.
Read MoreApportionments are a key to the witness of the United Methodist Church. As a connectional structure, we have touched almost every corner of the world as we honor John Wesley’s words. The Methodist witness can be seen in the development of hospitals, schools, programs to combat poverty, promote peace, address immigration, addiction, disaster, discrimination and (fill in the blank with many other works of faith).
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