The special session of General Conference has concluded in St. Louis. Our coverage will continue in coming days as rulings are made by the Judicial Council related to the Traditional Plan.
Stories and videos from the conference appear below.
Delegates spent the day Tuesday considering a minority report in favor of the One Church Plan and amendments associated to the Traditional Plan, Wespath petitions and other legislation..
Video
Bishop Ruben Saenz Jr. encourages people of the Great Plains to stay focused on our mission as the ramifications of the special session of General Conference take shape.
Shayla Jordan, a lay delegate, provided a speech on behalf of young adults.
From United Methodist News Service
Delegates spent the day Monday as a legislative committee considering the 24 petitions or bundles of petitions that had been prioritized Sunday. The Traditional Plan was passed to the plenary session scheduled for Tuesday. More legislation is still being considered throughout the afternoon.
Video
Bishop Ruben Saenz Jr. describes the third day of the special session of General Conference and shares some praise for the work of the Great Plains Conference delegation.
The Rev. Adam Hamilton talks with David Burke about the continuing effort to ensure everyone feels welcome in the church.
The Rev. Mark Holland talks with David Burke about what is next for Mainstream UMC, a group he helped found.
Dixie Brewster, a lay delegate, talks with David Burke about the emotions that people on both sides felt after a difficult day of committee work.
The Rev. Cheryl Jefferson Bell talks with David Burke about her passionate floor speech. Watch Cheryl's speech.
Shayla Jordan, a lay delegate, talks with David Burke about the possible impact of the General Conference on young adults.
Great Plains delegation down after One Church Plan loses vote: The defeat of the One Church Plan by a margin of 53-47 percent on Monday left the Great Plains delegation -- many of whom had been involved nationally in support of a more centrist movement -- deflated but looking ahead to 2020.
KU Wesley students intently watching special session: Among the many people in St. Louis to observe the special session of General Conference are members of the KU Wesley campus ministry. The group arrived Friday morning and prayed over every chair on the floor, as well as the bishop’s seats, the altar and communion table.
Resurrection staffer on center stage with special session praise band: Rev. Ashley Morgan Kirk joined an established praise team from Brooklyn for worship in the special session of General Conference. Read about how she ended up on stage for a unique experience.
In Layman's Terms: Some poignant moments on a difficult day: In his blog, Todd Seifert, communications director, reflects on what was an emotional day, the chances for a resurrection of the One Church Plan, and poignant moments from the Great Plains delegation.
From United Methodist News Service
Delegates started the day hearing a sermon from Bishop Ken Carter (link below) and heard a full report from the Commission on a Way Forward. The delegates then voted on 24 petitions or packages of petitions, which resulted in Wespath pension legislation and the Traditional Plan landing in the top two spots. The body addressed Wespath's legislation and will take up the Traditional Plan as part of their committee work on Monday morning.
Video
Bishop Ruben Saenz Jr. talks about the second day of the special session of General Conference. He explains the Traditional Plan finishing atop the other plans in terms of prioritization of legislation and provides a brief pastoral message leading into the final few days of General Conference.
Great Plains clergy, laity make their way to General Conference in St. Louis: Some of those who trekked from the Great Plains Conference to St. Louis are there to support clergy and laity. Others want to be in the room where and when history might happen for United Methodists. Dozens of pastors, including district superintendents and conference staff members, are in The Dome at America’s Center. A Great Plains coalition, including alternate delegates, takes up much of one section of the arena.
In Layman's Terms: Quick change of atmosphere: In his blog, Todd Seifert, communications director, shares some thoughts about the vote that showed the Traditional Plan had a higher priority for delegates than the One Church Plan.
From United Methodist News Service
The special session of General Conference opened with a day of prayer, praise and communion. The day featured music from various areas of the world with a United Methodist presence and provided an opportunity for delegates to interact with others while offering prayers leading to the legislative and plenary sessions of the special conference, which was called to hear and act on the report from the Commission on a Way Forward.
Video
Bishop Ruben Saenz Jr. provides a brief recap of the opening day of the special session of General Conference with this brief video.
From United Methodist News Service
Listen to audio stories recorded from the special session of General Conference.
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