Organization

Delegates attend opening worship at the 2019 United Methodist General Conference in St. Louis in February. Given escalating conflict in the denomination over LGBTQ inclusion, two bishops are pushing a plan to create two or three self-governing church groups, with The United Methodist Church remaining as an umbrella organization. File photo by Kathleen Barry, UM News.

2 bishops offer plan for denomination’s future

To deal with schism-threatening conflict over homosexuality, Bishops Bard and Jones favor making The United Methodist Church an umbrella for self-governing church groups.

General Church

Judi Kenaston, Northeastern Jurisdiction, talks with Michelle Hettman, Southeastern Jurisdiction, during the meeting of the Connectional Table held at United Methodist Discipleship Ministries in Nashville, Tenn., April 2. Photo by Kathleen Barry, UMNS

Leaders pursue plan for new US structure

Despite concerns the homosexuality debate will engulf the plan, the Connectional Table is submitting legislation to create a decision-making body on U.S. matters.

General Church

The Revs. Mike Slaughter (front) and Adam Hamilton speak in favor of legislation during the denomination's 2012 General Conference in Tampa, Fla. The two are part of Uniting Methodists, which is urging delegates at 2019 General Conference to delay until 2020 passing an exit plan for churches. Photo by Mike DuBose, UMNS.

Group urges GC2019 to defer exit plans

The Uniting Methodists, an unofficial advocacy group, is urging delegates to refer all exit plan petitions to the 2020 General Conference.

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