Bishop's Letter: Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi emailed a letter to clergy and church lay leaders Wednesday night outlining what happened at the Special Called Session of the General Conference. The letter is designed to be shared with congregations this weekend. Read letter.
After GC2019: Most Western PA delegates and volunteers returned home from the special called session of General Conference in St. Louis tonight. In the coming weeks, some will join Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi and A Way Forward Task Force members at GC2019 debriefing sessions scheduled in each of the 10 districts. See schedule
What Happened at GC2019? After four days filled with prayers, speeches, and protests, General Conference delegates voted to affirm the UMC's traditional stance on the role of practicing homosexuals in the life of the church. But much is still unclear about the decisions and what happens next. Learn more
Conflict: From Westboro Baptist-style protestors outside to hymn-singing and chanting demonstrators inside America's Center, the General Conference called to find unity revealed ongoing conflict. Read about it.
Take a Breath! After GC2019, the desire to move ahead is alluring. Those happy with the decisions are ready for implementation. Those grieving the results are tempted to react rashly. Scripture encourages us to pause, listen and actively wait for the Spirit’s leading. Read a reflection
Useful Links: Updated information and useful links to video, photos and news from General Conference 2019 are available on UMC.org.
WPAUMC at GC2019: See photos of Western PA delegates and volunteers in our WPAUMC at GC Flickr album.
GC in Pictures: UM News Service has photo albums that tell the story of the General Conference in pictures. See albums on Flickr.
GC in the News: Television and print news media in Western PA and beyond reported on the proceedings of the General Conference in St. Louis and the response of pastors, denominational leaders and others. Reports surfaced in papers such as the Wall Street Journal, USA Today, the New York Times, Washington Post and many others used the Associated Press story. USA Today had a reporter at GC who talked with Amy Wagner and mentioned Nancy Denardo in one story. See USA Today wrap-up.
See KDKA-TV Report by Jon Delano
Watch WTAE-TV report by Sheldon Ingraham
Peter Smith, the religion writer for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette followed the General Conference, interviewed Bishop Moore-Koikoi and wrote both pre-GC and post-GC reports: Read Feb. 22 article
See Feb. 26 report
New Places/New People Grants: March 8 is the deadline to apply for the next round of grants for the New Places for New People. The grants fund both ongoing ministries, and new projects. Applications should be mailed or emailed by that date. Contact Rev. David Ewing at 412-818-0889 with questions. To find both the renewal and the new grant application forms, scroll down the webpage at wpaumc.org/forms.