Bishop Ruby-Nell M. Estrella of the Philippines preaches during morning worship at the 2024 United Methodist General Conference in Charlotte, N.C. Photo by Mike DuBose, UM News.

During the afternoon plenary session on Thursday, May 2, delegates at the 2024 General Conference passed the final section of the Revised Social Principles. This document reflects The United Methodist Church’s response to today’s most pressing social issues. On the same afternoon, deacons were granted authority to administer the sacraments.

Revised Social Principles: By a vote of 523 to 161delegateshave adopted the entire slate of revised Social Principles submitted by the United Methodist Board of Church and Society, the denomination’s social witness agency. The Social Principles represent the denomination’s public stands on issues of the day and are not church law. Read the Revised Social Principles.  Read more

Sacramental authority granted to deacons: By a vote of 448-240, General Conference delegates voted to grant sacramental authority to deacons. Deacons can now administer baptism and Holy Communion without having to obtain special permission to do so. This decision was met with joy and happy tears. Kara Heagel, Dakotas Conference lay delegate and shares her ministry journey and the struggle she has faced to decide her ministry path. 

Read more about day nine

Dakotas Conference connections

Beata Ferris and Rev. Sara Nelson continue their work with the Interjurisdictional Episcopacy Committee.  The group is working to make recommendations about the number of bishops that will be allocated to each of five jurisdictions in the United States.

Bishop Deb Kiesey has connected with the Dakotas Conference delegation and communication team at various times throughout the General Conference. 

Today's schedule*
*EDT—Eastern Daylight Time
View entire agenda here.  Watch the livestream.
8:00 – 9:30 A.M. – Worship
    Commissioning of Missionaries
9:30 – 10:00 A.M. – Plenary Session
     Monitoring Report
     Administrative Committee Reports
     GCFA Report
     Calendar Items & Conference Business
10:20 A.M. – 12:00 P.M. – Plenary Session
     Calendar Items & Conference Business
1:30 – 3:40 P.M. – Plenary Session
     Recognition of General Conference Staff and Local Host Committee
     Calendar Items & Conference Business
4:00 – 6:00 P.M. – Plenary Session
     Calendar Items & Conference Business
6:00 – 6:30 P.M. – Plenary Session

General Conference Resources:
Dakotas Conference articles
Dakotas Conference videos
Dakotas Conference wrap-up videos: April 23, April 24, April 25, April 26, April 29, April 30, May 1, May 2
Dakotas Conference photos
United Methodist News Service photos
Livestream archive
United Methodist Communications wrap-up videos: April 23, April 24, April 25, April 26, April 27 & 28, April 29, April 30, May 1
General Conference website