Day 7 of the UMC General Conference 2020(4) began with worship led by Bishop Karen Oliveto, who delivered a powerful message. She reminded us that religious leaders sometimes focus on law instead of love and regulations instead of relationships. Bishop Oliveto challenged us to see the image of God in every person, not just those who look, believe, and act like us. She posed thought-provoking questions: Are we willing to make Jesus visible in all we do? Are we willing to meet and serve Jesus in all the people we see?
The day continued with presentations from various organizations and ministries affiliated with the United Methodist Church. United Women in Faith, an autonomous organization since 2012, gave a presentation that left me with mixed feelings about their relationship with the UMC and the preferential treatment they seem to seek at the General Conference.
A significant topic of discussion was the Comprehensive Plan for New Episcopal Areas and Bishops in Africa. While the UMC is growing and effective in many African countries, the denomination’s financial capacity has contracted since the 2016 General Conference authorized an increase in the number of Bishops in Africa. The current proposal is to increase the number from thirteen to fifteen at this General Conference. It passed.
Reports from Africa University, Higher Education and Ministry, Wespath, Global Ministries Abundant Health Initiative, and United Methodist Men showcased these entities’ work. However, I struggled with the time allocated to these reports, as it limited the time available for other important work that needed to be accomplished at the General Conference. This tension between celebrating the work of various ministries and the need to address pressing matters is something I also experience at our own annual conference, though to a lesser degree.
Living in this tension and many others is part of what it means to be a global denomination. As we navigate these challenges, it is essential to remember that we are called to see the image of God in every person and to make Jesus visible in all that we do.
Rev. Andrew Conard 