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In an emotional morning, General Conference has eliminated the ban on “self-avowed practicing” gay clergy. Following the vote at break, delegates and observers sang hymns in joy.
There was a slight strain of sadness among the jubilant United Methodists celebrating in a courtyard of the Charlotte Convention Center after the ban on gay clergy was lifted. Those whose potential contributions to the church are forever lost were also remembered.
General Conference delegates have supported the request by Wespath, The United Methodist Church’s pension and benefits agency, to move to a defined contribution retirement plan for U.S. clergy.
When Diane Boggess needed a second kidney transplant, her church family at Grove United Methodist Church came to the rescue. After hearing a sermon on sacrificial friendship, church member Susan Parno decided to step up as a donor.
Leaders from the United Methodist general agencies talk about each agency’s role in the church and legislation they’ve submitted to be considered by General Conference delegates.
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The General Board of Higher Education and Ministry wants to improve access for local pastors, and the Alabama-West Florida Conference wants to center the process of clergy formation in each annual conference.
Commentaries
Courageous Conversations at General Conference
Revised Social Principles offer new start
Transformative unmasking paves a way forward
Please spare Ministerial Education Fund
Central conferences already have exit paths
Traditionalist caucus president speaks to criticism
Say ‘no’ to disaffiliation petitions
African regionalization support hardly unanimous