February 26, 2021

To the Laity and Clergy of the Dakotas Annual Conference: 

Grace and peace in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I am writing to let you know that the Commission on the General Conference has made the difficult decision to further postpone the 2020 General Conference because of safety issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic and challenges in traveling from different areas of the world. Our Book of Discipline is clear that the Commission is obligated to “take necessary measures to assure full participation of all General Conference delegates.” The Commission has rescheduled the currently scheduled 2021 General Conference from August 29-September 7, 2021 to August 29-September 6, 2022 in Minneapolis.   

This decision was not made lightly. COVID cases continue to rise in different parts of the world, and over 500,000 people have died so far in the United States alone. In addition, vaccines will not be widely available across the entire globe for some time. It is also a high priority to ensure that all delegates will have adequate technology and security of voting accessible to them if we are not able to meet in person.    

We had hoped that after the postponement of the 2020 General Conference, we might be able to meet this September. There are many important matters in which we need to engage in holy conferencing together. However, there are also circumstances over which we have no control, and our first priority is the safety of all participants. 

A Technology Study Team is considering the use of a more traditional method of mail ballots in order to vote on emergency actions that are critical to address more urgent matters in this interim time before the 2022 General Conference. These “Emergency Interim Actions” would enable General Conference delegates to vote “yes” or “no” on each item.   

In addition, a special called session of a virtual General Conference will take place on May 8, 2021 in order to act on several items that are needed to authorize administrative functions for the continuation of the mission and ministry of the Church during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

I trust that many United Methodists throughout the Dakotas Conference have heard the recommendation from the Council of Bishops that no new bishops be elected for 2021-2024. While there is much we will not know until the recommendation is discussed by the Jurisdictional Task Force for the General Church and the North Central Jurisdiction, what we do know is that I will remain as the resident bishop of the Iowa Conference and the interim bishop of the Dakotas Conference for now. Friends, I am committed to serving you with the love of Christ and am deeply appreciative of the ministry I share with you and Conference leadership. 

Going forward, I believe that God is inviting us to continue in the work of the Dakotas Conference by keeping our focus on making disciples of Jesus for the transformation of the world wherever we might be. I would also ask you to be in prayer for those who are leading us and those whose ministries depend on actions of the General Conference. You can read the official postponement notice here. 

Thank you for your commitment to our beloved United Methodist Church in these difficult times. May we continue to make a difference in our local churches, communities, states, and the world, as we share Christ’s love for each one of God’s precious children.

Blessings,
Bishop Laurie