The United Methodist General Conference in Charlotte, NC, wrapped up on Friday afternoon, May 3. It was an eventful 2 weeks of worship, legislation, and conferencing for our diverse denomination. Here are some of the most notable
highlights:
Full Communion with the Episcopal Church, USA: After decades of
anticipation, the United Methodist Church has officially recognized "full communion" with the Episcopal Church (USA), with the Episcopal Church set to vote on this historic decision at its General Convention in 2027.
Regionalization: Significant legislative changes have reshaped our global church landscape by allowing each geographic region to enjoy equal autonomy. "Regionalization" aims to foster equity by allowing each region to do the work of Christ in a way that meets the needs of their own context, still in the spirit and umbrella of the UMC. Because regionalization requires a constitutional amendment,
it must be ratified by 2/3 of our UMC annual conferences by a 2/3 vote.
Disaffiliation/Reaffiliation: The General Conference eliminated paragraph 2553 concerning disaffiliation and introduced channels for pastors and churches to reaffiliate (return) with the UMC, as long as returning churches agree to the UMC Trust Clause governing church property.
Finances: General Conference discussions have centered on a new general church budget, expected to be substantially reduced, and the adoption of a new clergy retirement plan ("Compass") to ensure greater financial sustainability.
Human Sexuality: General Conference voted overwhelmingly to update the UMC Book of Discipline to return decision-making regarding sexual orientation and marriage to the local church. Prohibitions on openly gay clergy and punitive measures related to same-sex weddings were removed, granting autonomy to pastors and churches to navigate these matters according to
their conscience. Local church governing bodies are tasked with making any policy changes for the congregation. Related changes were also made to the UMC Social Principles, which were updated for the first time in decades.
We are committed to being a community where all are welcome, and because of this commitment we recognize that these changes might be received with celebration by some and uncertainty by others, and that’s ok! The UMC has always been a “big tent” community, making space for differing opinions and viewpoints on many matters. This is not a scenario where the tent poles are being
moved; rather, the tent has just gotten a little bigger. We will commit to being patient and gracious with each other as we navigate the road ahead.
Our main goal at Central UMC is to proclaim God's love with simplicity and clarity: “Jesus loves you! It’s not complicated.” That is the compelling good news a culture as divided as ours needs to hear.
We are grateful to be a part of this amazing church. God is doing a new thing, and it looks good on you!
