General Conference News Update
May 11, 2016
What happened today:
The first full day of General Conference is more about organizing than actually deciding anything.
Bishop Gregory Palmer gave the episcopal address on behalf of the Council of Bishops, The body of the conference passed a few procedural motions, and then attempted to pass Rule 44, the proposal to create a process for discussion of some issues in a way different from the legislative committees governed by Robert's Rules of Order.
Rather than accept the report of the rules committee, several amendments to the report were suggested. Those, based on current rules, were then referred back to the committee for consideration. Tomorrow (Thursday) the report will be returned to the floor.
Results from the offering taken at the opening worship were announced. $15,765.49 was donated and will be divided between the United Methodist Global AIDS fund and the Oregon-Idaho Creation Vacation program.
The afternoon was taken up with two sessions spent in legislative committee groups. First was a discussion of the World Wide Nature of the Church and the second was the organization of the committees where they elected officers for their work over the next several days.
And here's a link to the UMNS wrap-up for May 11.
Greg Nelson, Director of Communications
Palmer: Trust God’s promise and go forth
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Bishop Gregory V. Palmer laid out a path for the 2016 United Methodist General Conference: humility, humility, humility.
“Everyone here is a child of God. Any behavior to the contrary of that truth undermines the gospel and is a choice to live beneath our privilege,” Palmer, who serves the West Ohio Episcopal Area, said in the episcopal address on May 11.
The Council of Bishops chose Palmer to deliver this speech, which he said was an opportunity to try to set the tone for the gathering.
Many issues before the denomination’s top legislative assembly will require delegates to vote on difficult subjects such as human sexuality, divestment and the denomination’s budget.
“Our capacity to turn on each other is destroying the soul of this church and underserving the mission,” he said.
Read the rest of this United Methodist News Service story.
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Leaders hope Christian conferencing will set tone
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General Conference delegates spent two hours on May 11 on Christian conferencing, the practice of engaging in respectful and honest conversations. Leaders expressed hope that the session will set the tone as legislative committees begin meeting.
“The purpose of Christian conferencing is to grow together in holiness and seek to discern God’s voice through conversations with one another,” said Bishop Patrick Streiff, leader of the Central and Southern Europe Episcopal Area.
On the eve of legislative committee meetings, the 864 delegates met with their respective committees to share details about themselves, their ministry settings and their own ideas about living out the mission of The United Methodist Church. In groups of 12 sitting around round tables, the discussions among some of the groups evolved into relaxed, respectful conversations over the two-hour period. Read the rest of this United Methodist News Service story.
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Portland area churches welcome guests
Portland area churches have prepared to welcome the world. Many are hosting special speakers from General Conference. And most have special help to transport people from the convention center or MAX stations near the churches.
See the list of churches
KGW-TV spends time at General Conference - update
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Correction: Yesterday's update reported that KGW-TV did not share the story about volunteers in Portland. Apparently that part of the story was used Wednesday morning. The newscast on KGW, from Tuesday evening is available online.
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Archives:
Did you miss Update #1? Read it here.
Did you miss Update #2? Read it here.
Looking for Update #3? Read it here.
And update #4. Read it here.
May 10 update.
