Livestreamed orientation to help prepare General Conference delegates
NASHVILLE—Delegates to the upcoming General Conference will have the opportunity to prepare through a livestreamed orientation and briefing Feb. 29 and March 1.
In preparation for the postponed 2020 General Conference of The United Methodist Church, United Methodist Communications and the Secretary of the General Conference will co-host the orientation, which takes place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Eastern both days.
The times were chosen to make the event accessible to the largest number of delegates possible.
The United Methodist News team will lead the two-day online event, which aims to help prepare General Conference delegates for the meeting of The United Methodist Church’s legislative body April 23 to May 3 at Charlotte Convention Center in Charlotte.
The webcast will be available in English, French, Portuguese and American Sign Language, with translation of additional segments posted following the event.
Viewers will be able to submit questions to presenters throughout the event.
“This event aims to be a resource to inform delegates about what to expect at the global legislative gathering by bringing together presenters who are well-versed on a wide range of topics,” said Tim Tanton, United Methodist Communications’ chief news officer. “Delegations or groups of delegates might want to gather in a central location to watch, and perhaps plan additional time together before or after the programs.”
Topics to be covered during the orientation include an overview of the General Conference, encompassing the basics of the legislative process, voting and parliamentary procedure; information about the Charlotte area; resources for engaging in positive dialogue; tips for first-time delegates; information on issues, proposals and action items that will be considered by the legislative body and more.
“We look forward to sharing updates with delegates and our media partners as we prepare to gather in Charlotte,” said Rev. Gary W. Graves, secretary of the General Conference.
An on-demand recording will be made available for viewing after the completion of the event to accommodate delegates unable to tune in live because of time zones or schedule conflicts.
More specific details about the orientation will be shared directly with delegates via email. Delegates with questions can email [email protected] or [email protected].
General Conference is the top policy-making body of The United Methodist Church, which typically meets once every four years. The conference can revise church law, as well as adopt resolutions on current moral, social, public policy and economic issues. It also approves plans and budgets for church-wide programs. For more information on General Conference, visit https://www.resourceumc.org/en/churchwide/general-conference-2020.