Top Issues to the UMC Quadrennial Conference

Homosexuality, finances and church growth dominate concerns

A survey of the delegates to the United Methodist Church’s upcoming quadrennial General Conference revealed that homosexuality, church growth and finances were the top three issues in mind. More than half of the 1000 delegates responded to the survey, which was conducted by the denomination’s Office of Research and Planning last October and released this week.

Homosexuality has been a top issue at the general conferences for several decades. However, with the controversial acquittal of a lesbian pastor last month, the debates will likely be much more heated than in the past. Following the acquittal, several renewal pastors and leaders have expressed indignant disdain and vowed to make sure the issue will be emphasized at the upcoming Pittsburgh conference.

The survey, conducted by the denomination’s Office of Research & Planning, General Council on Ministries, also listed war and violence, racism, poverty and “engaging a changing world” among the top five issues facing society.

The UMC also released “A Hitchhiker’s Guide to U.S. Delegates at the 2004 General Conference” to provide a description of the delegates. According to the guide, which can be downloaded at http://www.gcom-umc.org/pdfs/methodistics/2004_report_2.pdf, 90 percent of the delegates reported an intense involvement in their local congregations, which meant that they attend worship each week, assume leadership roles and regularly give 5 percent or more of their income to church.

“A common perception is that General Conference delegates are nothing more than politicians,” the report stated. “General Conference delegates, by the very nature of their work, are called to be political — to debate, to caucus, to vote — but they bring to General Conference the qualities of individuals who are well-equipped to discern the will of God for the United Methodist Church.”

More than three-fourths of the respondents — 79 percent — are white. Blacks and African-Americans represented 14 percent; Asians and Pacific Islanders, 3 percent; Hispanics and Latinos, 2 percent; and Native Americans, 1 percent.

“As a denomination, the United Methodist Church tends to reflect (the demographics) of other mainline denominations in terms of race and ethnicity,” the report said.

The 2004 conference is scheduled for April 27 – May 7 in Pittsburgh.

    Most Popular
  • Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Faith-based films often receive mixed reactions, and The Last Supper is no exception. The movie attempts to bring a fresh perspective to one of the most iconic moments in Christian history, but does it succeed? Some reviews from critics and audiences provide insight into its strengths and shortcomings.

  • ‘The Chosen’ Season 5: The darkest season yet—What to know before watching

    The wait is over—The Chosen is back with its fifth season, and this time, things are getting intense. The new episodes dive straight into the final days of Jesus’ life, covering some of the most emotional and dramatic moments in the Bible. If you’ve been following the series, you already know that The Chosen isn’t just about retelling familiar stories—it’s about bringing them to life in a way that feels real.

  • Massacres in Syria: Over 1,000 dead, including Christians and Alawites

    Syria’s coastal regions have been devastated by a series of massacres, with reports indicating that over 1,000 people—many from Christian and Alawite communities—have been killed in brutal attacks. Entire families have been wiped out, and survivors are fleeing in search of safety as sectarian violence escalates.

  • Kim Sae-ron and Wheesung: The tragic irony of Korean society and the principles of happiness

    Not long ago, the media was in an uproar over actress Kim Sae-ron’s passing. Just months before, the same people who had relentlessly criticized her for her DUI incident were now expressing sympathy, saying, "The world was too harsh on her." The irony is impossible to ignore.

  • Newsboys move forward as a quartet after Michael Tait’s departure

    After more than a decade as the lead singer of the Newsboys, Michael Tait has officially parted ways with the band, marking a significant shift in the Christian rock group’s lineup. The remaining members—Jeff Frankenstein, Jody Davis, Duncan Phillips, and Adam Agee—have assured fans that they will continue forward, embracing a new season of music and ministry.