My first response is one of deep vulnerability. I have been at a place of lament for quite some time as my spirit tries to navigate and process all that is before us, including this recent announcement around General Conference.
Bishops ask for postponement of General Conference due to Coronavirus Pandemic
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Executive Committee of the Council of Bishops of The United Methodist Church has asked for the postponement of the 2020 General Conference, set to begin in six weeks, because of the new Coronavirus COVID-19 Pandemic. Read the whole post and letter at unitedmethodistbishops.org.
Protocol of Reconciliation & Grace Through Separation
Dear United Methodist friends, Grace and peace to you in this new year. I write to encourage your gracious and prayerful attention to the proposal for the future of the United Methodist Church released today by a diverse group of United Methodist leaders. The proposal is the outcome of a skillfully mediated process in which… Continue Reading→
UMC Bishops Agree to Ask Judicial Council to Review Special Session Votes
For Immediate ReleaseFriday, August 16, 2019 UMC Bishops agree to ask Judicial Council to review Special Session votes WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Council of Bishops, in response to a request from the Commission on General Conference, has voted to ask the Judicial Council to rule on the implications of the invalid votes discovered during the… Continue Reading→
Improper Voting at GC2019 Voids Key Vote
General Conference organizers have determined enough improper voting likely took place at the 2019 special session to nullify a key vote on how congregations can leave The United Methodist Church. The Commission on General Conference — meeting behind closed doors during its Aug. 7-9 meeting — reviewed an investigation that found “credible objective evidence” of… Continue Reading→
UMC Bishops Pose Five Questions to Judicial Council on Traditional Plan
For Immediate ReleaseJune 27, 2019 WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Council of Bishops of The United Methodist Church (COB) has asked the Judicial Council for a declaratory decision as to the constitutionality, meaning, application and effect of certain petitions adopted as the Traditional Plan by the 2019 General Conference held in St. Louis, Missouri, in February…. Continue Reading→
Bishops respond to Judicial Council Ruling on the Special Session
The Council of Bishops expresses its deep gratitude to the Judicial Council for its careful review of the actions of the 2019 General Conference. The Judicial Council’s decisions are clear and sound, and they give helpful guidance to the Church. Read the full letter on UMC.org.
Bishops Call for Prayers for Judicial Council as it Meets This Week
For Immediate Release April 23, 2019 The Council of Bishops is inviting the people of The United Methodist Church to be in prayer for the Judicial Council, which is in session this week. The Judicial Council will be discussing the constitutionality of matters related to the Special Session of the General Conference held in February…. Continue Reading→
President of UMC Bishops issues pastoral letter following General Conference
WASHINGTON, D. C. – Bishop Kenneth H. Carter, president of the Council of Bishops, has issued a pastoral letter based on James 5:13-16 following the conclusion of the Special Session of the General Conference. “James does not call us to identify the sins of one another. He calls us to confess our sins to one… Continue Reading→