Dear Virginia Conference:
The Commission on the General Conference announced yesterday that the postponed 2022 General Conference would be further postponed until 2024 due to COVID-related and governmental policies/constraints. You can view the announcement here.
I thank the Commission for their work and believe they were diligent and thoughtful in considering the many complexities surrounding a global meeting, though I know this decision will be met with disappointment as General Conference is delayed once again.
Virginia Conference, do not let your hearts grow weary because the work ahead of us remains clear. As United Methodists, we believe and commit ourselves to making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.
Today, your presence and witness is a necessity in your local communities and in our world. I pray strength upon our clergy and the laity of this conference for the ways you will continue to be in ministry now and through 2024.
May the Spirit of the Living God who strengthens and sustains us be present in and among us as we continue together as The United Methodist Church.
Peace and Blessings,
Bishop Sharma D. Lewis
UMC Bishops to explore various pathways as General Conference is postponed until 2024
Statement from the Council of Bishops
Statement from the Commission on General Conference
As the pandemic continues and the wait time for visas stretches to over two years in some countries, the Commission on the General Conference announced March 3that the 2020 General Conference cannot be held in 2022 due to COVID-related and governmental policies/constraints.