“Because all people are of sacred worth and certain basic human rights are due to everyone, we are committed to supporting the equal rights, liberties, and protections of all people, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.” — New statement in the Social Principles adopted by General Conference delegates.
NEWS AND FEATURES
Church broadens defense of human rights
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (UM News) — In the first batch of revised Social Principles approved by General Conference, The United Methodist Church commits to supporting human rights for all people, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. It was part of a group of Social Principles dealing with government responsibilities and basic human rights. Heather Hahn reports.
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Bishop: Stop quarreling, count your blessings
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (UM News) — Zimbabwean Bishop Eben K. Nhiwatiwa declared United Methodists have argued enough, should unite and start rejoicing because they have a lot of achievements to celebrate. In his sermon during April 27 morning worship at General Conference, he told delegates, “Wherever you are, my friend, bring more people to Christ. It’s not about destroying one denomination to build another.” Eveline Chikwanah reports.
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Ukrainian delegate glad to be United Methodist
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (UM News) — The Rev. Yulia Starodubets is representing the Ukraine-Moldova Provisional Conference at General Conference. She has felt the denomination’s support as she and colleagues carry on with mission work in the midst of war. Sam Hodges reports.
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UM News: United Methodist ministry with Ukraine
Worship band singer also is delegate
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (UM News) – At General Conference, the Rev. Matt Rawle is both a Louisiana Conference delegate and a singer in the main band performing during morning worship. Rawle, pastor of Asbury United Methodist Church in Bossier City, Louisiana, often sings during his sermons. That was how he came to the attention of Raymond Trapp, who oversees music for General Conference. "Phenomenal" is how Trapp sums up Rawle's singing. Sam Hodges reports.
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April 27 GC wrap-up: What happened on Day 5
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (UM News) — The first week of General Conference wrapped up with the passage of the first of several proposed revisions to the United Methodist Social Principles. Delegates planned to work late to complete their legislative committee work, which must be finished today in order to begin voting next week. Sunday brings a much-needed day of Sabbath to refresh spiritually, mentally and physically. Joey Butler reports on the day’s happenings.
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West Virginia Conference
Rural chaplains at center of General Conference resolutions
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Rural Chaplains Association grew out of the 1980s U.S. farm crisis, an initiative centered on ministry to rural communities. Two rural chaplains from the West Virginia Conference are serving as General Conference delegates and helped work on three resolutions dealing with a commitment to cooperative ministry and the continuing role of church and community workers and rural chaplains. John Langenstein spoke with one of the chaplains about her legislative committee work.
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RESOURCES
United Methodist Communications
Stay informed with daily video wrap-ups
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Each day of General Conference, United Methodist Communications is sharing video summaries that capture the key moments and insights from the worldwide gathering of The United Methodist Church. These daily updates help United Methodists to stay informed and engaged with legislation, worship, events and all that occurs throughout the day.
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Follow General Conference in photos
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (UM News) — UM News has a team of photographers covering all of the happenings at General Conference, from morning worship to committee meetings, plenary action, special celebrations and more. Thousands of high-resolution photos capturing the events will be posted on Flickr with a separate album for each day of the conference.
See photos
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