DAVID’S HARP . . .
General Conference 2012
Make Disciples of Jesus Christ to Transform the World
Historic legislation followed by an historic Judicial Council ruling marked the 2012 General Conference of the United Methodist Church. While uncertainty reigns, this much is clear: the reverberations from these proceedings will continue for years to come.
As the 988 delegates from around the world gathered in Tampa, Florida, on April 24 they concurred that the major issue facing them was restructuring. Little did they know that their efforts would be turned upside down less than an hour before the final gavel was to fall on May 4.
The Connectional Table/Interim Operations Team (IOT) had massive change in mind when putting together their plan. Rev. Adam Hamilton, pastor of our denomination’s largest church, became their spokesperson with a sobering presentation during the first week. It was countered by two different proposals, one called “Plan B” and one from the Methodist Federation for Social Action (MFSA). Without getting into excessive detail, the IOT proposal was the most far-reaching in its restructuring of general boards and agencies.
None of these plans cleared legislative committee and it appeared nothing would be brought to the floor for a vote when a compromise plan labeled simply “Plan UMC” emerged after a late night session of negotiations. This plan would be debated over the next two days and passed… only to be declared unconstitutional on the last day of the conference. It was as if a bomb had been detonated in the Tampa Convention Center when this decision was announced by the conference secretary. Another session was added for the evening but no comprehensive plan emerged.
In these and all proceedings, Missouri was well represented. We had 14 voting delegates, four reserves, and several visitors present. Two of our delegates led legislative sub-committees and a couple others spoke on the floor during plenary sessions. Rev. Cody Collier and conference lay leader Brian Hammons provided excellent leadership for our delegation and brought a uniting presence to what is often a divisive atmosphere.
This conference will also be remembered for an unprecedented worship service called “An Act of Repentance” toward indigenous peoples. While it focused on abuses toward American Indians, the intent was to express repentance for the many ways indigenous peoples around the world have been oppressed, too often by the church itself.
