Statement from Bishop John L. Hopkins on postponement of General Conference

I want to express appreciation to the Commission on General Conference that is made up of elected delegates. They were entrusted to represent General Conference and have consistently upheld the principle of having everyone at the table.

If we believe in a church with a strong democratic foundation, we need to support the decision to meet in 2024 whether we agree with it or not. God does not stop working when we cannot gather at a General Conference and neither should we.

There are many questions about a General Conference in 2024 that we cannot answer at this time. Between now and our annual conference, we will know more about the possibility of electing bishops, changing representatives on church agencies, resetting the general church budget, and how a prolonged 2020 conference and a 2024 conference can be held at the same time.

Do not let the news of General Conference being postponed take your attention away from the suffering of our United Methodist churches in Ukraine. I have gathered, sung, and prayed with our United Methodists brothers and sisters in Kyiv and in Moscow who are both led by Bishop Eduard Khegay. Support them with your prayers, offerings, and actions. Your gifts can be received through your local church and designated for Ukrainian assistance.

In the meantime, keep thinking globally and acting locally to serve Jesus and his Church. Use this Lenten Season to focus on what is most important and pray for peace.

Read Commission on General Conference statement
Read Council of Bishops statement