General Conference 2020 Legislation

	A	B	C	D	E	F
1	Category of legislation	What Petition changes	Calendar Item	Quick summary	Plenary vote	When takes effect
2	Worldwide regionalization	Constitution	22	Constitutional amendments to change U.S. and central conferences into regional conferences	586 to 164	Needs ratification by annual conference voters
3	Worldwide regionalization	Discipline	8	Changes to Discipline to add references to regional conferences in U.S.	646 to 73	Takes effect only if regionalization ratified
4	Worldwide regionalization	Discipline	9	Updates standing committee to be Standing Committee on Regional Conference Matters outside U.S.	646 to 73	Takes effect only if regionalization ratified
5	Worldwide regionalization	NonDisciplinary	14	Enables changing “central conference” to “regional conference” throughout Discipline	618 to 99	Takes effect only if regionalization ratified
6	Worldwide regionalization	NonDisciplinary	15	Creates study committee to update regional conference structure, look at U.S. jurisdictions	618 to 99	Takes effect only if regionalization ratified
7	Worldwide regionalization	NonDisciplinary	196	Enabling legislation to create an interim U.S. Legislative Committee at General Conference	663 to 55	In effect now
8	Worldwide regionalization	Discipline	253	Creates U.S. General Conference legislative committee that ends if regionalization is ratified	593 to 139	In effect now
9	Worldwide regionalization	NonDisciplinary	236	Creates plan of organization for a U.S. Regional Conference	639 to 85	Takes effect only if regionalization ratified
10
11	Constitutional amendments	Constitution	240	Adds to the constitution that neither “gender” or “ability" are bars to church membership	607 to 67	Needs ratification by annual conference voters
12	Constitutional amendments	Constitution	550	Stands against racism, racial inequity, colonialism, white privilege and white supremacy	621 to 59	Needs ratification by annual conference voters
13	Constitutional amendments	Constitution	555	Edits educational requirements that allow local pastors to vote for General Conference clergy delegates	547 to 99	Needs ratification by annual conference voters
14
15	Revised Social Principles	Discipline/Resolutions	34	Revised Social Principles Preface	663 to 60	Jan. 1/Not adaptable
16	Revised Social Principles	Discipline/Resolutions	248	Revised Social Principles Preamble	667 to 54	Jan. 1/Not adaptable
17	Revised Social Principles	Discipline/Resolutions	249	Revised Social Principles on Community of All Creation, dealing with creation care	667 to 54	Jan. 1/Not adaptable
18	Revised Social Principles	Discipline/Resolutions	535	Revised Social Principles on Social Community, removes anti-gay stance; broadens marriage description	523 to 161	Jan. 1/Not adaptable
19	Revised Social Principles	Discipline/Resolutions	250	Revised Social Principles on the Economic Community, including economic justice	667 to 54	Jan. 1/Not adaptable
20	Revised Social Principles	Discipline/Resolutions	23	Revised Social Principles on the Political Community, including basic rights and freedoms	671 to 57	Jan. 1/Not adaptable
21
22	Ending LGBTQ restrictions	Discipline	474	Eliminates ban on "self-avowed practicing" gay clergy, which dates to 1984	692 to 51	In effect now
23	Ending LGBTQ restrictions	Discipline	466	Removes ban on clergy officiating and churches hosting “homosexual unions," which dates to 1996	447 to 233	In effect now
24	Ending LGBTQ restrictions	Discipline	458	Officiating at same-sex weddings or being "self-avowed practicing" gay clergy no longer chargeable offenses	474 to 206	In effect now
25	Ending LGBTQ restrictions	Discipline	454	Details sexual ethics for ordination candidates, including fidelity, monogamy, mutual affection and consent	490 to 164	Jan. 1 in U.S./Later in central conferences
26	Ending LGBTQ restrictions	Discipline	62	Global Ministries offers training to resist white supremacy, colonialism, sexism, heterosexism, other prejudices	663 to 60	Jan. 1 in U.S./Later in central conferences
27	Ending LGBTQ restrictions	Discipline	63	UMCOR carries out relief work without regard for people's sexual orientation, disability, economic condition	663 to 60	Jan. 1 in U.S./Later in central conferences
28	Ending LGBTQ restrictions	Discipline	67	Diversity encouraged in who serves on board of denomination's Commission on Religion and Race	663 to 60	Jan. 1 in U.S./Later in central conferences
29	Ending LGBTQ restrictions	Discipline	247	Establishes process to reinstate clergy defrocked by the LGBTQ-related bans	474 to 178	In effect now
30	Ending LGBTQ restrictions	Discipline	265	Removes funding ban on annual conferences and agencies related to homosexuality	667 to 54	Jan. 1 in U.S./Later in central conferences
31	Ending LGBTQ restrictions	Discipline	275	Removes requirement that the General Council on Finance and Administration enforce the funding ban	667 to 54	In effect now
32	Ending LGBTQ restrictions	Discipline	284	Strikes out ban on even considering ministry candidates without determining whether they are gay	667 to 54	In effect now
33	Ending LGBTQ restrictions	Discipline	289	Denominational boards should be inclusive of LGBTQ people and people of varied economic status	667 to 54	Jan. 1 in U.S./Later in central conferences
34	Ending LGBTQ restrictions	Discipline	293	Removes Traditional Plan provision that banned bishops from ordaining "self-avowed practicing" gay clergy	667 to 54	Jan. 1 in U.S./Later in central conferences
35	Ending LGBTQ restrictions	Discipline	299	Removes a Traditional Plan provision related to complaints against bishops	667 to 54	Jan. 1 in U.S./Later in central conferences
36	Ending LGBTQ restrictions	Discipline	302	Allows gay clergy in good standing to be appointed across annual conference lines	667 to 54	Jan. 1 in U.S./Later in central conferences
37	Ending LGBTQ restrictions	Discipline	310	Deletes mandatory penalty for clergy found guilty of performing same-sex weddings or unions	667 to 54	Jan. 1 in U.S./Later in central conferences
38	Ending LGBTQ restrictions	Discipline	312, 320 & 324	Deletes Traditional Plan provision aimed at empowering people filing complaints under church law	667 to 54	Jan. 1 in U.S./Later in central conferences
39	Ending LGBTQ restrictions	Discipline	321 and 322	Sets a moratorium on judicial proceedings against “self-avowed practicing” gay clergy & same-sex weddings	667 to 54	In effect now
40	Ending LGBTQ restrictions	Discipline	327	Removes a Traditional Plan provision related to the appeals process	667 to 54	Jan. 1 in U.S./Later in central conferences
41	Ending LGBTQ restrictions	Resolutions	371	New resolution calls church to speak up for the outcast and marginalized, including LGBTQ people	686 to 36	Jan. 1 in U.S./Later in central conferences
42	Ending LGBTQ restrictions	Discipline	445	Encourages inclusion on conference councils on youth ministry	606 to 91	Jan. 1 in U.S./Later in central conferences
43	Ending LGBTQ restrictions	Discipline	446	Encourages inclusion on conference councils on young adult ministry	606 to 91	Jan. 1 in U.S./Later in central conferences
44	Ending LGBTQ restrictions	Discipline	447	Encourages inclusion on conference councils on older adult ministries	606 to 91	Jan. 1 in U.S./Later in central conferences
45	Ending LGBTQ restrictions	Discipline	448	Encourages inclusion on district council on youth ministry	606 to 91	Jan. 1 in U.S./Later in central conferences
46	Ending LGBTQ restrictions	Discipline	449	Encourages inclusion on district council on the denomination's Committee on Older Adult Ministry	606 to 91	Jan. 1 in U.S./Later in central conferences
47	Ending LGBTQ restrictions	Discipline	464	Deletes references to homosexuality in examining candidates for ministry	606 to 91	Jan. 1 in U.S./Later in central conferences
48	Ending LGBTQ restrictions	Discipline	477	Encourages inclusion in the representatives that the Council of Bishops names to ecumenical bodies	692 to 51	Jan. 1 in U.S./Later in central conferences
49	Ending LGBTQ restrictions	Discipline	549	Conferences shall train churches to receive clergy no matter their economic condition or sexual orientation	606 to 91	Jan. 1 in U.S./Later in central conferences
50
51	Protections of conscience	Discipline	6	Central conferences have authority to set policy for ordination, the solemnization of marriage	646 to 73	Jan. 1 in U.S./Later in central conferences
52	Protections of conscience	Discipline	465	No clergy required to provide for or compelled to perform any wedding, union or blessing	479 to 203	Jan. 1 in U.S./Later in central conferences
53	Protections of conscience	Discipline	548	Bishops shall not penalize clergy or churches for holding — or refraining from holding — same-sex weddings	606 to 91	Jan. 1 in U.S./Later in central conferences
54	Protections of conscience	Discipline	476	District superintendents shall not penalize clergy and churches for holding or not holding same-sex weddings	692 to 51	Jan. 1 in U.S./Later in central conferences
55	Protections of conscience	Resolutions	234	Hispanic/Latino clergy and leaders respected regardless of conservative or progressive theology	606 to 91	Jan. 1 in U.S./Later in central conferences
56	Protections of conscience	Resolutions	376	New resolution seeks to further connection, commits to seeking unity and compassion in the midst of diversity	686 to 36	Jan. 1 in U.S./Later in central conferences
57
58	General Book of Discipline	Discipline	283	Extends mandate for work on drafting a General Book of Discipline, specifying what is and is not adaptable	552 to 92	Jan. 1/Not adaptable
59	General Book of Discipline	NonDisciplinary	13	Seeks feedback on draft developed so far of what would not be adaptable in a General Book of Discipline	618 to 99	Jan. 1 in U.S./Later in central conferences
60
61	Ecumenical relations	Resolutions	423	Approves full-communion agreement with The Episcopal Church; Episcopalians must also approve	667 to 54	Episcopal Church's vote expected in 2027
62	Ecumenical relations	Discipline	65	Renames Office on Christian Unity as Advisory Committee on Ecumenical and Interreligious Relationships	663 to 60	Jan. 1 in U.S./Later in central conferences
63	Ecumenical relations	Resolutions	137	Readopts resolution urging interpretation of doctrines with a view toward Christian unity	663 to 55	Jan. 1 in U.S./Later in central conferences
64	Ecumenical relations	NonDisciplinary	199	Directs Committee on Faith and Order to study COVID's effects on sacramental theology	663 to 55	Jan. 1 in U.S./Later in central conferences
65	Ecumenical relations	NonDisciplinary	200	Directs the Committee on Faith and Order to write theological statement on inter-church relationships	663 to 55	Jan. 1 in U.S./Later in central conferences
66	Ecumenical relations	Discipline	295	Requires district superintendents to provide leadership in developing ecumenical and interreligious ministries	667 to 54	Jan. 1 in U.S./Later in central conferences
67	Ecumenical relations	Discipline	300	Amends provision to reflect a fuller range of The UMC's full-communion partnerships	667 to 54	Jan. 1 in U.S./Later in central conferences
68	Ecumenical relations	NonDisciplinary	406	Renews Holistic Strategy on Latin America and the Caribbean Special Program to foster mission partnership	686 to 36	Jan. 1 in U.S./Later in central conferences
69	Ecumenical relations	Discipline	475	Requires bishops to model a spirit of ecumenical and interreligious cooperation	692 to 51	Jan. 1 in U.S./Later in central conferences
70
71	Disaffiliation/Reaffiliation	Discipline	442	Deletes Paragraph 2553, which provided a limited right for churches to disaffiliate with property	519 to 203	Jan. 1 in U.S./Later in central conferences
72	Disaffiliation/Reaffiliation	Discipline	237	Churches welcomed to rejoin UMC; when applicable, annual conferences should have reaffiliation policies	629 to 96	Jan. 1 in U.S./Later in central conferences
73	Disaffiliation/Reaffiliation	Discipline	5	Deletes wording that 2019 GC legislation not take effect in central conferences until after the 2020 GC	646 to 73	Jan. 1 in U.S./Later in central conferences
74	Disaffiliation/Reaffiliation	Discipline	425	Amends and readopts resolution urging use of "United Methodist," not just Methodist in referring to The UMC	686 to 36	Jan. 1 in U.S./Later in central conferences
75
76	Departure of Eurasia	NonDisciplinary	16	Four annual conferences in Eurasia get approval to form autonomous Christian Methodist Episcopal Church	672 to 67	April next year
77
78	Number of bishops	NonDisciplinary	18	Two more African bishops to be elected, 1 each at the Africa and Congo central conferences	672 to 38	When the central conferences take place
79	Number of bishops	Discipline	Report	Approve interjurisdictional committee's recommended reduction of U.S. bishops to 32	631 to 65	Sept. 1, 2024
80	Number of bishops	Discipline	469	The Jurisdictional Committee on Episcopacy is responsible for requesting any additional bishops	692 to 51	Jan. 1 in U.S./Later in central conferences
81	Number of bishops	Discipline	473	Establishes a process for jurisdictions to request any additional bishops beyond the minimum 5	692 to 51	Jan. 1 in U.S./Later in central conferences
82	Number of bishops	NonDisciplinary	530	Recommended keeping U.S. bishop numbers the same as in 2016 but recognized that might not be possible	643 to 88	In effect now
83	Number of bishops	Discipline	546	Interjurisdictional Committee on Episcopacy recommends number and distribution of U.S. bishops	557 to 119	In effect now
84	Number of bishops	Discipline	547	Eliminates formula for calculating U.S. bishops; jurisdiction's annual conferences pay for more than 5 bishops	666 to 43	Jan. 1 in U.S./Later in central conferences
85
86	Denominational budget	NonDisciplinary	542	Reduces apportionments — that is, requested shares of giving — from annual conferences	640 to 94	Jan. 1, not adaptable
87	Denominational budget	NonDisciplinary	513 to 518; 543	Allocates budget that represents a 38% to 41% cut to the budget passed in 2016, depending on giving rates	647 to 31	Jan. 1, not adaptable
88	Denominational budget	NonDisciplinary	519 to 529	Approves various reports from the denomination's General Council on Finance and Administration	643 to 88	Jan. 1, not adaptable
89	Denominational budget	Discipline	54	Updates policies for Interdenominational Cooperation Fund to include interreligious work	663 to 60	Jan. 1 in U.S./Later in central conferences
90
91	Denominational structures	NonDisciplinary	19	Adjust central conference boundaries so the number of African central conferences increases from 3 to 4	692 to 43	Within a year following General Conference
92	Denominational structures	Discipline	7	Sets up process that could discontinue a provisional annual conference if it makes no progress in 3 quadrennia	646 to 73	Jan. 1 in U.S./Later in central conferences
93	Denominational structures	Discipline	10	Establishes that a provisional conference is in missional development and should lead to an annual conference	646 to 73	Jan. 1 in U.S./Later in central conferences
94	Denominational structures	Discipline	11	Establishes that a provisional conference has same membership rules as an annual conference	646 to 73	Jan. 1 in U.S./Later in central conferences
95	Denominational structures	Discipline	12	Establishes that a provisional conference session should be organized the same way as an annual conference	646 to 73	Jan. 1 in U.S./Later in central conferences
96	Denominational structures	Discipline	48	Requires formation of committee to deal with pension obligated whenever conferences divide or merge	646 to 73	Jan. 1 in U.S./Later in central conferences
97	Denominational structures	Discipline	471	Adjusts membership of General Conference commission to accommodate added African central conference	692 to 51	Jan. 1 in U.S./Later in central conferences
98
99	Clergy rights/requirements	Discipline	554	Deacons can offer communion and conduct baptisms where contextually appropriate	448 to 240	Jan. 1 in U.S./Later in central conferences
100	Clergy rights/requirements	Discipline	487	Deacons in full connection do not need license to administer sacraments	692 to 51	Jan. 1 in U.S./Later in central conferences