Neill Caldwell

May 3, 2024 | umnews.org | Neill Caldwell |Sam Hodges

Key points: General Conference delegates passed in bulk much of the legislation supported by United Methodist climate justice activists. An effort to require United Methodist institutions to divest of fossil fuel company stocks did not succeed. The Rev.

May 3, 2024 | umnews.org | Neill Caldwell |Sam Hodges

Key points: General Conference approved a resolution calling on United Methodist institutions not to invest in the government bonds of Israel, Turkey and Morocco, given that those nations have engaged in long-term military occupations. Wespath, the church’s pensions and investment agency, said it will carefully consider the non-binding measure.

May 1, 2024 | umnews.org | Neill Caldwell

Key points: General Conference normally holds staggered elections for the church court’s lay and clergy membership, but the pandemic has thrown off that schedule and required a reset. Half of those approved were elected to eight-year terms, while the rest were elected to four-year terms, parameters set by General Conference on April 30. Only two current Judicial Council members were re-elected, but two others are familiar faces on the court.

Apr 30, 2024 | umnews.org | Neill Caldwell

Key Points: Donning red aprons, United Methodists answer questions, direct traffic and keep things running like a well-oiled machine. More than 1,000 volunteers hail from many annual conferences. Organizers created an online “Volunteer Hub,” where those interested in volunteering could create a profile and select the specific days and times they wanted to work.

Apr 26, 2024 | umnews.org | Neill Caldwell

Key points: Sponsored by United Methodist Kairos Response, the rally brought together more than 100 United Methodist delegates and observers — along with at least six bishops — to hear from a variety of speakers and sing hymns in solidarity.