General Conference wrapped up its business late Friday night after approving a more than 60 petitions and resolutions in less than a day. Over 1300 decisions were made on various legislation items during the 2008 GC session. Closing worship was led by Bishop Palmer.

Friday morning, the General Conference legislative statistician shared that 98.6% of all petitions approved by the legislative committees were eventually approved by the entire General Conference. That fact indicates how influential legislative committees are in shaping the United Methodist Church. I also discovered the power at the hands of legislative committee chairpersons. They do more than properly guide the committees through the process; they also set the agenda as to what legislation is brought to the floor of the entire General Conference and when it is presented. I realized that when I observed how the items regarding the Worldwide Nature of the Church were guided through the committee meetings and then the plenary sessions. Most clergy and laypersons do not read the Book of Resolutions or the Discipline, but UMs should realize these decisions shape the policies by which the General Church operates, makes public statements AND spend apportionment money. Looking back I realized that most delegates were harmless as doves, but not very wise as serpents in dealing with these important matters. Others came prepared to control the legislative process, and they did. If we want to have a greater influence upon the UMC regardless of our positions on matters, we need to be more politically astute….not mean-spirited, but clever and prepared.

The budget for the General Church (for 2009-2012) was set at $642 million. That represents a 4.8% increase, or 1.2% per year. I was impressed with the financial analysis presented in determining how this figure is realistic, especially in light of an anticipated 8% loss of membership in the next 4 years.

One of the most inspiring experiences of General Conference was the response to Bishop Bickerton’s offer to “auction” off the basketball he used to illustrate the “Nothing But Nets” effort to provide mosquito nets for beds in areas affected by malaria. The nets cost $10/net, and at last report, Bishop Bickerton had raised over $428,000 in gifts and pledges from the delegations. I am sure that will be over $500,000 by the time he leaves Ft. Worth.

Here are a few other decisions made by the General Conference as we concluded business at midnight on Friday:
· The UMC will continue its relationship with the Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice.
· A vote to re-define marriage to include same-sex relationships was defeated 70-30 %.
· Deacons were given sacramental privileges as defined in their ministry settings.
· A strong statement opposing the death penalty in Texas was approved.
· The official mission statement of the church is now “Making Disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.” (I have trouble with the restrictive prepositional phrase as the purpose of making disciples).

Final thoughts
In many ways, this GC demonstrated how the UMC is trying to keep a delicate balance between an anxious, progressive constituency and a concerned, conservative membership. On one hand, there are those who are influenced by a liberation theology that believes that the UMC is US-centric and too exclusive re its policies on homosexuality and decision-making. Their hope is for the authority of the church to become more localized (regional) and the structure to be more flexible. On the other hand are those who hold traditional values re sexuality, marriage and the structure/authority of the church. They hope the UMC will maintain the historic positions that set clear, definite standards for church membership, ordination and the Social Principles. We have lived in this tension for 40 years during which time we have lost almost 25% of our membership, i.e., there are fewer members numerically and percentage-wise in the USA today than in 1968.

Frankly, I do not know how the UMC can live with this tension indefinitely. The amendments re the “Worldwide Nature of the Church” must be approved by the annual conferences (aggregate 2/3 vote required by the 2012 GC). Following that vote, I have no doubt that there will be Regional Conferences in place by 2013. When (not if) the USA becomes a regional conference, the traditional values in the US UMC will be replaced by the progressive agenda shortly thereafter. The result of that will be . . . whatever.

I have enjoyed offering these reports, thoughts and comments with you for the past two weeks. Thanks to all for logging on and especially to those who offered comments as well. Let us continue to trust God and pray for our Church and particularly for each other as the Lord shapes, leads and guides us into His future. Stay tuned!