Day Eight: May 2, 2012

May 2 Wrap: Delegates Approve New Structure

Tampa, FLA. (UMNS) - After several false starts to create a new structure, the May 2 session of the 2012 General Conference approved a modest realignment of the 13 general agencies that serve the 13 million-member United Methodist Church. Full story here.

'Plan UMC' Gets Tentative Approval

Tampa, FLA. (UMNS) - By a vote of 567 to 384, the 2012 United Methodist General Conference gave tentative approval to a slightly amended version of "Plan UMC" to reconfigure general agencies and downsize their boards. It will be up to the lawmaking assembly to give final approval after the General Council on Finance and Administration, the denomination"s finance agency, reports on the plan"s financial implications. The May 2 vote follows days of ups and downs when at one point, it looked like General Conference might conclude without proposing any restructuring proposal. Full story here.

Plan UMC Representation as Amended

Tampa, FLA. (UMNS) - During the debate on the Plan UMC proposal, an amendment was offered to increase representation on the general boards and agencies from the Central Conferences. The amendment, which was the only amendment adopted on the plan, created some confusion among delegates in trying to make sense of the new representation on boards and agencies. Click here for more.

Adam Hamilton on Trust Issues in the UMC

Tampa, FLA. (UMNS) - After today"s decision on the restructuring of the United Methodist Church, we were able to have a short conversation with the Reverend Adam Hamilton, pastor of the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection and a member of the Interim Operations Team on his thoughts. Here are his comments on the dealing with the lack of trust in the United Methodist Church.

Technology: How Did We Ever Live Without It?

Tampa, FLA. (UMNS) - In an age of technology, the General Conference has incorporated more and more technology to assist the conference. As four years pass between each General Conference, new technologies become available. What worked at the last General Conference may now be outdated and in need of new resources. More here.

GC2012 Radio: May 2, 2012

Tampa, FLA. (UMNS) - We talk with the Rev. David Alan Grady, a pastor, delegate, and social media user from the North Georgia Conference. He says that Twitter affected his Conference"s delegation elections last summer. And, UMNS reporter Heather Hahn talks about the adoption of Plan UMC this morning during the morning plenary. Click here for broadcast.

Daily Christian Advocate Copies Available Online

A first for General Conference, the Daily Christian Advocate editions are available each morning online in addition to printed copies. As you follow the live stream, click here to follow along or use as a reference. The link is also available on the AWF Web site here.

Photo of the Day

Dr. Larry Bryars, Episcopal nominee from the Alabama-West Florida delegation, participates in a Southeastern Jurisdiction lunch forum. Fourteen nominees talked to participants over the span of two days during the midday recess. The Southeastern Jurisdiction Conference will be held in July at Lake Junaluska.

A Word from an AWF Delegate

"I have been greatly impressed by the Central Conference delegates, especially those from Africa. They have intentions of making a real contribution to the United Methodist Church. I am impressed by their knowledge of the discipline and how the church operates. In legislative committees, they were very helpful in getting legislation passed and I applaud their participation in our ministry.

The plan we passed this morning, Plan UMC, is a plan that can really move us forward, save money and be useful in ministry. It will ultimately help us move towards our goal to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world."

-Robert Powell, Dothan, AL

Tomorrow's Highlights

-Reports from Administrative Committees

-Calendar Items & Conference Business

-Plenary Session to include Retiring Judicial Council Members and Introduction of New Judicial Council Members

-Evening Worship

Stay Connected During General Conference

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Live Stream: Click here

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Video Archives: Click here

Legislation Tracking: Click here

*E-news updates will either be sent at the conclusion of the day or at the beginning of the next as a recap.