General Conference 2008
About the United Methodist Church
Live From Fort Worth: The Call in Texas
Saturday, May 3, 2008
Conclusion:
The General Conference rejects petitions aimed at ineffective clergy, and other final stories from the 10-day meeting.
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Friday, May 2, 2008
12:30 a.m. (CST):
As General Conference draws to a close, here's how to assess the accomplishments. Find out more
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Thursday, May 1, 2008
7:30 p.m. (CST): 
Bishop James Swanson was one of 16 bishops joining in "holy conversations" with persons participating in today's demonstration. 102-year-old Louise Short, wife of the late Bishop Roy Short, addressed the assembly this morning. Find out more
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3:15 p.m. (CST): 
After a protest by United Methodists opposing yesterday's votes to retain homosexuality-related language in the Book of Discipline, the General Conference shared a unifying moment when the Holston delegation announced a $20,000 gift to Nothing But Nets. Find out more
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12:45 a.m. (CST): 
At day's end, the General Conference rejected legislation that would change the denomination's stance on homosexuality. The assembly also let stand language regarding pastoral authority over church membership.
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Wednesday, April 30, 2008
8:15 p.m. (CST): 
The Rev. Eddie Fox, head of the Holston delegation, presented a report that was adopted by a majority vote. The action retained the Book of Discipline statement, "The United Methodist Church does not condone the practice of homosexuality ..." Find out more
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1:15 p.m. (CST): 
Before lunch,there were several passionate speeches on the floor related to Petition 80845, "Opposition to Homophobia and Heterosexism." The petition was approved.
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12:05 a.m. (CST): 
It was one of those days in which amendments, seconds, referrals, motions, speeches for and against, and all such head-spinning legalese seemed to stall every vote and decision for hours on end. Delegates seemed frustrated. Find out more
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Tuesday, April 29, 2008
4:45 p.m. (CST): 
Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, president of the Republic of Liberia, is speaking right now. Security is high; the auditorium doors are locked until the conclusion of her address.
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Noon (CST): 
Delegates spent the morning considering (and disagreeing on) proposed legislation that would reduce the number of bishops in the denomination. The Call caught up with Bishop James Swanson and Rev. Kim Goddard during the morning break. Find out more
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1:45 a.m. (CST): 
Jay Garrison was elected first alternate to the Judicial Council on Monday morning. Garrison is Holston Conference chancellor and an attorney in Knoxville, Tenn. Find out more
