Bishop Holston: General Conference postponement will “ensure full, equitable participation”

Bishop Holston

As we continue to navigate the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, there have been announcements today from the Commission on the General Conference and the Council of Bishops.

The 2020 General Conference has been further postponed, with new dates set for August 29 through September 6, 2022. In light of this, the Council of Bishops is calling a special one-day virtual session of General Conference on Saturday, May 8, 2021.

The special General Conference session will take up only the essential business that would enable The United Methodist Church to continue effectively in our mission during this extended quadrennium. This will be similar to how we conducted the 2020 South Carolina Annual Conference with an agenda limited only to those items that require action.

I know there are many who are waiting to see how the General Conference will address matters beyond the scope of this called session. As a global church, it is important that delegates address any legislation that would affect the future of our denomination only when it is safe and possible for all delegates to convene in person – thus ensuring full and equitable participation.

God has called us together as United Methodists to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. My friends, this is the work of our church. As we continue to focus on our mission and ministry, may we fervently seek God’s guidance so we can do what we need to do here and now.

Let us be the leaders that our brothers and sisters in Christ, our neighbors in each of our communities, need to make a difference for the sake of Christ.

Let us commit to growing as disciples and engaging with our communities, looking for God to show us the way.

Let us take the next faithful step to courageously answer the call to follow where God leads.

Grace and peace,

L. Jonathan Holston
Resident Bishop