UMC Adopts Connectional Table, Approves TV-Ad Funds

By Pauline J. Chang

The May 5th agenda of the United Methodist General Conference ended with votes over the organizational structure and budgets of mission programs in the denomination. The delegates also amended a passage in the Book of Discipline to clarify language on a list of offenses that could result in a church trial.

The new paragraph listed several chargeable offenses:

a) immorality, including, but not limited to, not being celibate in singleness or not being faithful in a heterosexual marriage;

b) practices declared by the United Methodist Church to be incompatible with Christian teachings, including, but not limited to, being a self-avowed practicing homosexual, or conducting ceremonies that celebrate homosexual unions, or performing same-sex wedding ceremonies.

The delegates also adopted a new organizational model, dubbed, “The Connectional Table.” This new structure, developed by the General Administration legislative committee, was similar to the one proposed by the General Council on Ministries last week, but was “less costly and smaller than that offered by the council.” The new Table will begin operating Jan. 1, and will replace the current Council on Ministries.

The denomination also voted to expand its media efforts by means of TV advertising. The delegates ambitiously called for 18 additional airings of the advertisement – “Open Minds. Open Doors,” – but cut the proposed funding by a third. While the general ad campaign funds were cut from $33.5 million to $22 million, the youth proposal increased to $5.4 million. Earlier in the week, delegates approved another $2.3 million for a plan submitted by United Methodist Communications to improve communications for church members in countries outside the United States.

According to the UMC news service, the General Conference delegates also conducted many other votes. The following is the list of events that occurred May 5 as released by the UMNS:

· Approved a special United Methodist Global AIDS Fund, with $3 million to be raised through apportionments and an additional $5 million to be raised through the Advance giving program.

· Agreed to continue the Korean American National Plan, the Asian American Language Ministry Study and the National Plan for Hispanic/Latino Ministry. Funds for the plans are included in the budget of the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries.

· Endorsed two special mission programs, “Holistic Strategy on Africa” and “Holistic Strategy on Latin America and the Caribbean,” to be funded and coordinated through the Board of Global Ministries. Delegates also agreed to mandate a study on the relationship between the United Methodist Church and autonomous Methodist churches in Latin America and the Caribbean.

· Voted to continue the denomination’s initiative on “Strengthening the Black Church for the 21st Century.”

· Established an office of service for laymen, called “home missioners,” that parallels the historic office of deaconess for lay women.

· Adopted a resolution on “charitable choice,” or the use of public funds for church-related social services and community development programs, which encourages separate nonprofit incorporation for those groups receiving the funds.

    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.

Top Stories