Creation Care

Mission and Ministry
On the eve of the 2024 United Methodist General Conference in Charlotte, N.C., climate activists hold a candlelight Vigil for Creation to mark Earth Day and to call the denomination to greater stewardship of creation. Participants included Mary Frances Gaston (left) Emily McGinn, students at the Candler School of Theology in Atlanta. The service took place at the First United Methodist Church of Charlotte. Photo by Mike DuBose, UM News.

The year in photos

2024 was a year of great change for The United Methodist Church and the world. General Conference brought big changes for the denomination, while wars and severe weather left millions of people displaced. The contentious U.S. presidential election fueled concerns over immigration, reproductive rights and other issues. But in a world filled with uncertainty, United Methodists continued to live out their faith. UM News documents a year in the life of United Methodism worldwide.
General Conference
Musa Dube, the distinguished professor of New Testament at the Candler School of Theology in Atlanta, preaches during a Vigil for Creation on April 22 to mark Earth Day. The gathering took place at First United Methodist Church of Charlotte on the day before the United Methodist General Conference began its work nearby. Photo by Paul Jeffrey, UM News.

Climate justice legislation fares well overall

General Conference delegates passed much of the legislation supported by United Methodist climate justice activists, but divestment from fossil fuel company stocks proved elusive.
General Conference
The Rev. Jenny Phillips (right) shows a Mobile Solar Power Station to Bishop Robin Dease outside the United Methodist General Conference in Charlotte, N.C. Phillips is the director of environmental sustainability with the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries. Photo by Mike DuBose, UM News.

Solar trailer brings power in disasters — and coffee at conference

The Mobile Solar Power Station, a solar-powered, self-sustaining trailer, launched in October 2023 as a new ministry of the North Georgia Conference.
General Conference
The Rev. Mark Holland (left) briefs on regionalization legislation during an April 25 morning meeting of Mainstream UMC at the Charlotte Convention Center. Mainstream UMC is among various groups seeking to influence legislation and advocate on behalf of causes during the United Methodist General Conference in Charlotte, N.C. Photo by Sam Hodges, UM News.

Groups busy advocating at General Conference

Caucuses and other groups make their points in various ways outside the plenary and legislative committees of the United Methodist General Conference.

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