2022 News from around the Connection
General Conference Postponement
Due to the on-going pandemic, the Commission on General Conference postponed the 2020 General Conference again to 2024. Details about that decision have been referred to the Judicial Council for a ruling which could affect legislation pending before and delegates to the General Conference. The Judicial Council is expected to rule on this matter sometime during the summer of 2022. For more information, read further here and here.
The Launch of the Global Methodist Church
On May 1, 2022, the Global Methodist Church officially launched as its own denomination. There are many differences between the GMC and The United Methodist Church including its method of clergy appointment and the role of the Episcopacy. The GMC is explicitly not affirming of LGBTQ+ people and will deny them full inclusion in the life of the church.
While the GMC has launched, the Wesleyan Covenant Association has committed to remaining in The United Methodist Church to advocate against matters of inclusion.
Annual Conference Disaffiliation Ruled Unconstitutional
The Judicial Council recently issued ruling number 1444 which states that it is unconstitutional for an Annual Conference to withdraw from The United Methodist Church. While Annual Conferences do have a right to vote on matters such as this, the General Conference has not established a process for withdrawing. Consequently, any such motions that may happen during Annual Conferences should be ruled out of order or overturned.
Jurisdictional Conference
The Southeast Jurisdiction (SEJ) will meet from November 2-4, 2022. More information will be posted on the SEJ webpage. Following a March 15, 2022, request for a declaratory decision by the Council of Bishops (COB), the Judicial Council issued decision number 1445 which clarified that the COB “is authorized to set the date of regular jurisdictional conferences for the election and assignment of new bishops.” A subsequent decision clarified the timeline for the transition of new bishops which you can read about here. The delegates for the 2022 SEJ Conference will be those elected by the Virginia Annual Conference in 2019.