Thousands of United Methodists from across the globe have gathered in Charlotte, North Carolina, for their denomination’s much-anticipated, 11-day General Conference, which was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The gathering, held typically every four years, commenced on April 23 and will conclude on May 3. Among the attendees are hundreds of voting delegates, representing regional church bodies worldwide.
Delegates, composed equally of clergy and lay Methodists, hold the decision-making power at the General Conference. This body exclusively possesses the authority to speak for the entire denomination, set policy, approve budgets, and amend the United Methodist Book of Discipline, encompassing church law and non-binding Social Principles declarations on social and ethical issues.
The conference also incorporates worship and fellowship. Notably, this General Conference marks the first since the departure of over 7,600 predominantly conservative congregations from the United Methodist Church between 2019 and 2023, prompted by the denomination’s decision to effectively cease enforcing its bans on same-sex marriage and the ordination of openly gay clergy and bishops.
Delegates are expected to vote on eliminating these bans. Although similar efforts have failed in the past, supporters are optimistic given the increasing number of progressive delegates and the departure of many conservatives. Key topics under consideration include:
* Disaffiliations: Proposals regarding the rules that allowed U.S. congregations to leave the denomination between 2019 and 2023, taking their properties with them under favorable legal terms. Some seek similar arrangements for international churches and U.S. churches that missed the 2023 deadline.
* Regionalization: A plan to restructure the denomination into regional conferences worldwide, clearly defining their roles and establishing a separate regional body for American congregations. This proposal would grant regions the ability to adapt church policies to their local contexts, including those pertaining to marriage and ordination.
* Budgets: The conference will vote on a reduced budget proposal for the coming years due to the disaffiliations that have reduced the denomination’s membership.
As of last week, only about three-quarters of international delegates had confirmed their attendance, with the remaining quarter facing visa or passport issues, other obstacles, or unconfirmed status. African groups have criticized denominational officials for delays in providing necessary paperwork and information, raising concerns about the acceptance of voting results by African conferences.
United Methodists, part of a global family of Methodists inspired by 18th-century British Protestant revivalist John Wesley, hold beliefs shared by many other Christians, along with some distinct doctrines. Traditionally ranging from liberal to conservative, United Methodists were recently the third largest and most widespread U.S. denomination, with a significant presence in Africa, Asia, and Europe. As of 2022, there were approximately 5.4 million United Methodists in the United States and 4.6 million in Africa, Asia, and Europe, though these numbers are expected to decline due to recent disaffiliations.
