The Rising Global Middle Class: How Will It Affect The United Methodist Church?

by UMC Conversations May 16, 2012

United Methodists are part of a new middle class emerging in Africa and other parts of the world. Larry Hollon looks at this trend, how it affected General Conference and what it means for the future of the church. http://www.larryhollon.com/blog/2012/05/11/the-rising-global-middle-class-how-will-it-affect-the-united-methodist-church/

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General Church

Bishop Tracy S. Malone surveys the results of a delegate vote in favor of a worldwide regionalization plan as she presides over a legislative session of the 2024 United Methodist General Conference in Charlotte, N.C., on April 25, 2024. The Council of Bishops announced Nov. 5 that annual conference lay and clergy voters have ratified regionalization. File photo by Paul Jeffrey, UM News.

New United Methodist Church structure ratified

United Methodist voters around the globe have ratified worldwide regionalization — a package of constitutional amendments aiming to put the denomination’s different geographical regions on equal footing.

General Church

West Ohio delegates raise their arms in praise during morning worship at the 2024 United Methodist General Conference in Charlotte, N.C. From right are the Revs. April Casperson and Dee Stickley-Miner and Tracy Chambers. On Nov. 5, the Council of Bishops announced annual conference voters ratified four ballots of constitutional amendments passed at General Conference. In addition to regionalization, the ratified amendments deal with inclusion in church membership, racial justice and educational requirements for clergy. Casperson helped lead the task force that championed the passage of the amendment on inclusiveness. File photo by Mike DuBose, UM News.

Church strengthens stands on inclusion, racism

In addition to regionalization, United Methodist voters ratified three other amendments to the denomination’s constitution including changes that make clear the church’s belief that God’s love is for all people.

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