On the 200th anniversary of the first Methodist episcopal address, our New England Conference Bishop Peter Weaver took the stage this morning to deliver a powerful and inspiring address at General Conference 2012. He reminded us that we serve a living Christ who started a “Resurrection Revolution” and that as disciples we are called to join in that revolution through a devoted focus on the work of Making Disciples for the Transformation of the World (also the General Conference theme this year). “Love's redeeming work is done, but God's transforming work has just begun,” he said.

 

Recognizing that the General Conference, which sets the set policy and direction for the church, can be seen primarily as having a legislative and “business” function, Bishop Weaver challenged the delegates to not lose sight of our mission. "Can we focus the Discipline on discipling?" he asked. He acknowledged the wide range of differences in our United Methodist connection in matters of polity, policy, and social issues, but declared that as we addressed the work that is before us in these General Conference sessions, our emphasis and spirit must first be grounded in our unity in Christ and the mission of our church, setting a definitive and positive tone for the next 10 days of Holy Conferencing.  “The connection among United Methodists comes directly from being ‘one in Christ,’ not from agreeing on every issue that will be presented on the legislative agenda.” He quoted Bishop McKendree who gave the very first Methodist episcopal address, "…do everything as in the immediate presence of God."

 

READ MORE about this news, or you can view Bishop Weaver’s episcopal address in the Video Highlights section, or click here to view on YouTube.