General Conference Shortened Amid Financial Pressures
The organizers of the 2028 United Methodist General Conference have decided to shorten the event to eight days and maintain Minneapolis as the primary venue. These changes are partly driven by the denomination’s financial challenges. Additionally, efforts are being made to safeguard representatives amidst increasingly strict immigration measures.
On April 18, the General Conference organizers voted to reduce the duration of the gathering by two days, with the international meeting now scheduled for May 8-16, 2028. Concurrently, a committee assessed the ongoing suitability of Minneapolis as the host city while considering the addition of a second venue in Canada to accommodate delegates facing visa challenges to enter the United States.
In light of heightened federal immigration enforcement in Minnesota, the committee is evaluating strategies to ensure the safety of all participants during the conference. “We want all United Methodists to know that we are actively working to ensure that the General Conference experience supports the physical and mental health of participants in the work of the Church,” stated Rev. Alayse Fulbright, the General Conference secretary, in a recent press release.
Safety Concerns from Diverse Communities
The regular meeting occurred just a month after the denomination’s Interethnic Strategic Development Group expressed serious concerns regarding the Minneapolis location, following a federal immigration crackdown. This group consists of leaders representing five ethnic caucuses, including Asian Americans, Blacks, Hispanics, Native Americans, and Pacific Islander United Methodists. Their letter urges collaboration with church leaders to formulate a comprehensive safety plan.
Rev. Andy Cole, chairman of the commission, reassured the attendees of the organization’s commitment to ongoing dialogue about these recommendations. During the meeting, the Rev. Brittany Radford, director of racial equity and justice for the Minnesota Conference, shared how United Methodists in Minnesota have united to support their immigrant neighbors. Radford herself was among approximately 100 clergy arrested earlier this year in a civil disobedience act aimed at blocking Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations at the airport.
Financial Constraints Drive Key Decisions
The decisions to truncate the General Assembly and retain the Minneapolis venue are significantly influenced by financial considerations. The committee is working within a $10 million budget, a reduction from the typical $12-$14 million needed for such events. Additionally, organizers are addressing a budget deficit of $1.8 million inherited from past general meetings.
This stay in Minneapolis also allows the commission to leverage credits from the city after the displacement of the 2020 General Assembly due to the pandemic, which originally shifted focus to Charlotte, North Carolina. If the venue were to change, the commission would incur a $2.3 million fee to fulfill contractual obligations. By adopting a shorter schedule, the team can also reduce hotel expenses without incurring penalties.
Streamlined Schedule and Legislative Preparations
Traditionally lasting ten days, the General Assembly will now feature an eight-day schedule, the framework for which has been established, while detailed programming decisions will be confirmed later. Opening worship is set for 3:00 p.m. CT on May 8, with adoption of rules following. The next three days will consist of orientation sessions for delegates from various regions, including Africa, Europe, and the Philippines, as well as meetings for the Standing Committee on Regional Conference Matters Outside the United States and the new U.S. Legislative Committee.
Plenary sessions and other legislative discussions will commence on May 12, with a designated day of worship and rest on May 14. The General Assembly will conclude its business on May 16 at 6:30 p.m. This expedited timeline necessitates thorough preparation by participants, prompting the committee to collaborate with United Methodist Communications to create a preparatory webinar.
Visa Challenges and Additional Venues
The committee aims to send invitations to delegates within 30 days of their certification from annual conference secretaries. This invitation will facilitate the visa application process, and updates regarding the number of letters submitted will be available on the 2028 General Conference website. Discussions are underway regarding extending the General Conference beyond Minneapolis to potential venues in Winnipeg, Calgary, or Toronto for those struggling with U.S. visa acquisition.
This strategic choice aims to synchronize time zones to enhance participation equity. The committee is also monitoring U.S. travel bans, high travel costs, and increased visa restrictions globally. “It is difficult to predict what will happen in the current situation,” stated Cole, “but we remain vigilant and focused on our priorities of safety and access.”
Rev. Cole emphasized the importance of preparedness, urging representatives to engage in necessary preliminary work ahead of the conference. The organizers are committed to fostering connections and dialogue among attendees, hoping to build a collaborative atmosphere leading up to the 2028 General Conference.
