United Methodist Church
General Conference 2004

Pittsburgh, April 27–May 7

The Book of Discipline

Any individual, church, annual conference or agency of the United Methodist Church may submit a petition to General Conference seeking to change the procedures, policies or practices of the church as outlined in the “Discipline”. Petitions must be postmarked no later than 150 days prior to the opening of the General Conference. That date for this General Conference was Nov. 29, 2003 and by mid-November over 1000 petitions were received by the Petition Secretary. All delegates receive printed copies of the petitions several weeks prior to going to General Conference so they may study and discuss them in their own conference delegation meetings.

The petitions are divided by subject and related subjects. Then they are assigned to a General Conference section. Each delegate is assigned to a section where they study, discuss and refine a petition so it may be presented to the entire body of delegates for a vote. Legislation adopted shall become effective Jan. 1 following the General Conference. The Social Principles have been revised by each General Conference since 1976. The laws of the United Methodist Church are found in “The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church” and a new one is printed following each General Conference.

At General Conference, delegates meet in morning, afternoon and evening sessions. A different bishop presides at each session with all other bishops seated on the stage behind the presiding officer. The Daily Christian Advocate is the official journal of General Conference and it will print the activities and actions taken at each session. Interpreters are available for the delegates from outside the United States representing the Central Conferences.

In addition to business sessions, there are inspiring worship services with outstanding preachers and wonderful music. Included will be a service to acknowledge the work of the laity with a lay speaker.

If you plan to visit General Conference in Pittsburgh, I suggest you go during the last 3 or 4 days so you may observe the discussions and votes by the entire group of delegates. Everyone can watch the newspapers and the internet for reports.

Verla Boyle