Holston Conference of the United Methodist Church

Live From Fort Worth: Noon (CST)

April 29, 2008

Delegates spent the morning considering (and disagreeing on) proposed legislation that would reduce the number of bishops in the denomination. Results of that decision will be posted later. [See "Fewer U.S. Bishops" in this UMNS report.] In the meantime, United Methodists are anticipating today's address by Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, president of the Republic of Liberia, at 4 p.m. Delegates are also anxious about various controversial legislation concerning homosexuality, expected to be considered tomorrow.

Holston-connected people in the news: Yesterday at noon, delegates from the Southeastern Jurisdiction gathered to meet the Rev. Jerry Russell and other episcopal candidates, who will run for election this July at Lake Junaluska, N.C. Russell is senior pastor at Fairview UMC, Maryville District, and an elected delegate representing Holston Conference. Last Wednesday, former Holston Bishop Ray Chamberlain was a speaker at a Parents Press Conference for the Reconciling Ministries Network at First Christian Church.

During a morning break, The Call spotted Bishop James Swanson, who was making a call to the conference office, and Rev. Kim Goddard, a Holston delegate who was toting, not one, but two cups of coffee back to her chair. (See photos below.)

For complete coverage and lots of media options, visit gc2008.umc.org. You will find The Call's reports for the entire week available here. I'll be back later today.

--Reported by Annette Spence (e-mail me)