All in on "Global" - Day 3 of the Convening General Conference

An early commitment of those who yearned for a new Methodist expression was a truly global connection. At the least, many of us perceived our previous connection to struggle to include and fully enfranchise the non-US church. Some perceived that connection to be insincere in the desire to include participation from all areas of the denomination. Those looking from the outside at our new Methodist expression have been skeptical that we are serious about the value of global inclusion implied in our name. Even some within, at times, have had doubts about our commitment or ability to be a global church. The Convening General Conference has been our first major opportunity to test our integrity to this value, and I believe we have showed ourselves to be all in on “global.”

               Our worship has been an organic combination of the various styles and languages represented in our church. From my perspective, we have not been highlighting any particular culture at any one time, but have made room for everyone to participate in the way that is authentic to them. That means devotions have been given in different languages. During worship, multiple languages have been sung at the same time. We have lifted up our voices in prayer all together in our native tongues. The chalices used for communion in our Sunday worship came from the variety of countries that compose our church. These past few days have been the truest glimpse of the gathered nations in Revelation that I have experienced in my life. “Global” is not something to be achieved but is a beautiful core characteristic our church is growing into.

               In addition to worship, the motivation for holding the Convening General Conference outside the United States was not only symbolic, although the optics are welcome, but the choice of Costa Rica was intended to make the visa process for non-US delegates easier than traveling to the US. Unfortunately, all of the delegates were still not able to participate due to visa complications and the limited time to resolve them. Some of our African delegates were still not able to join us in person. However, those planning the CGC didn’t give up on them.

               The delegates who were not able to navigate the visa process in time were provided with the ability to join virtually in both legislative committees and plenary sessions. Some delegations gathered together in a remote site to participate while others joined from their own homes. These delegates are showing extraordinary dedication as they continue to participate fully while being at least 8 hours ahead of Costa Rica.

               Finally, we received a report from the group who is already planning the next General Conference in 2026 which will address the paragraphs of the Doctrine and Discipline that were not open at this conference. The committee has requested that a plan to hold the 2026 GC in Africa (country yet to be disclosed) be approved later in the week. The delegates received the request with applause and celebration, and I have no doubt the request will be affirmed later in the week.

               We still have room to grow into being truly global. Creating a global connection will be an ongoing process. Some of the most difficult work in petitions has been to be sensitive to the diverse needs and sensitivities for the church around the world. This work will continue. We will continue to build teams and committees that are global in their representation. Whatever doubts there were at the beginning, I now have no doubt that the Global Methodist Church will live up to its name.