General Conference Begins Today
General Conference, the once-every-four-years meeting, begins today, May 10, in Portland, Oregon. It is the top legislative assembly and the only body speaks officially as The United Methodist Church. 864 delegates elected by their annual conferences will consider 1044 petitions. Half the delegates are clergy and half are laity. Bishops lead the sessions, but have neither voice nor vote. This United Methodist meeting gathers brothers and sisters in Christ from Africa, Asia, Europe, and North America. In addition to the legislation and times of worship, there will be many celebrations, including what we have accomplished through Imagine No Malaria. More than 1 million mosquito bed nets have been distributed and more than 250,000 people have been diagnosed and treated. Many lives have been saved! During the 11-day session, there will be many issues discussed and voted upon as our church continues to be shaped. There are several proposals to restructure the ministries of the gene...