Dr. Allen Norris, a North Carolina Conference delegate to previous General Conferences and retired conference treasurer, shares his observations from the visitor;s perspective. His wife, Beth, is a delegate to the 2004 General Conference.

Journal Remarks

UMC General Conference – Pittsburgh 2004

Allen Norris

Tuesday, April 27 – As usual, the opening worship was meaningful, especially with its varied worship styles and emphasis on diversity. The Episcopal Address by Bishop Kenneth Carder was well-conceived and well-delivered. We were both affirmed as the Church and challenged in new directions. Good to see and interact with so many friends and colleagues! How fortunate I feel to have developed these connectional relationships through the years!

Wednesday, April 28 – The day began with worship (as each day will), and my friend of many years, Bishop Bruce Blake of Oklahoma, delivered the best stewardship sermon I have ever heard, as he talked about “giving until it heals” rather than “giving until it hurts.” The report from the GCOM was long and arduous, and I sensed that it failed to stimulate most delegates in terms of future programs and structure. The General Administration legislative committee will have a lot to discuss and might not propose the structure as visioned by GCOM. Excellent Laity Address today!

Thursday, April 29 – Good address by Sandra Lackore, GCFA General Secretary, on the financial state of the Church. I note that many delegates seem to want to hold the line on budget increases, and this will become a more interesting situation to watch as the time moves along. In the evening, the Higher Education Banquet was a highlight, especially the massed student choir. I was pleased to host one of the tables as President Emeritus of Louisburg College. It was good to see so many friends of long-standing, especially current and former presidents.

Friday, April 30 – Bishop Charlene Kammerer (W.N.C.) delivered an excellent sermon stressing the ecumenical nature of the Church and appreciation for African-American Methodists who remained in the Church. Our history can and should be so important to us! Committee work continues in earnest, with most legislative committees still having much of their work yet to complete. There appears to be much more discussion on petitions than I have seen in previous General Conferences.

Saturday, May 1 – A normal, busy day rather than a partial day off! Most committees completed their work on petitions by 11:30 p.m. I have noted a more seriousness of purpose in committees observed, and also a general desire to hear and consider diverse viewpoints. There seems to be more openness. How this attitude will prevail in plenary sessions is yet to be seen!

Sunday, May 2 – Essentially a day off from the rigors of work. Beth and I attended Sunday School and worship services at First UMC of Pittsburgh. In the afternoon (rainy and cold) several of us rode around parts of the city and took the Incline cable car ride to the top the tallest hill in the area to get a good panoramic view of the city and the three rivers. In the evening we attended the Area Night program in beautiful Heinz Hall – excellent brass band and vocal performance.

Monday, May 3 – The lengthy plenary sessions to consider all the calendar items coming from the committees began today and will continue almost non-stop for the remainder of the week! There seems to be more widespread desire by delegates to amend and amend yet again, creating problems for some of the presiding bishops. Would having an established Parliamentarian be a good thing? I believe it would be of great benefit.

Tuesday, May 4 – Conference business all day – consideration of all calendar items dealing with homosexuality. Bishop Bruce Blake did a masterful job presiding. The plenary conducted itself quite orderly, as the General Conference essentially maintained the current language of the Discipline. There was a fairly close vote, however, on adding language in the Social Principles to the effect that “we all do not agree.” About 100 votes separated the prevailing vote to keep the current language. It is possible that the statement on disagreement might be included dour years from now.

Wednesday, May 5 – All day on calendar items --- a slow process. In the evening we hosted a meal for all the NC Conference people present with Bishop and Mrs. Edwards. It was a delightful occasion as we celebrated The Edwards’ time with us in our conference. Attendance was 57, an indication of how important our presence at General Conference has been!

Today was one of the most difficult days I have experienced at any General Conference. The protest march by Soulforce and others concerning the Church’s stance on homosexuality was an emotional time for many on the floor of the Conference. The event itself was peacefully carried out and peacefully received. The Church showed both respect and patience. Later in the day, word of a possible planned schism in the Church surfaced , but only the General Conference can speak for the Church. Many individuals, however, were saddened by these rumors – could not believe that disagreements had come to this point.

Friday, May 7 – An extraordinary morning session, as the General Conference acknowledged that the rumors of schism were just that – rumors that originated within certain special caucus groups. A Resolution was passed overwhelmingly that affirmed the unity of the United Methodist Church, and the entire body sang “Blest Be the Tie That Binds,” with most people obviously wiping away tears. What a moment! I can return home now with the assurance that we continue as a Church with our mission to make disciples for Jesus Christ!

       BACK TO GENERAL CONFERENCE PAGE           NCCUMC HOME