1. During the virtual annual conference session, we will follow Paragraph 207 from the Standing Rules regarding Debate and Discussion of Conference Matters:

Par. 207. Debate and Discussion of Conference Matters.

1. When a motion is made and seconded, it shall be stated by the presiding bishop before being debated. The Annual Conference shall determine how to recognize those members wishing to speak in debate.
2. The member upon whose motion a subject is brought before the Annual Conference, or the member reporting a measure from a committee, is first entitled to the floor to speak for the motion. The next speech shall be against the pending motion. The speeches shall then alternate between those for and those against the motion.
3. All speeches shall be limited to three minutes per speech.
4. No member can speak a second time to a question until every member choosing to speak has spoken.
5. The member who made the motion is entitled to close the debate. If the previous question is ordered, the presiding bishop shall at once assign that member the floor to close the debate.
6. As long as there are members wishing to speak, a motion to call the previous question may not be made until there have been two speeches for and two speeches against the pending motion.
7. Debate on any issue shall be limited to three speeches for and three against the pending motion. Then the vote shall be taken unless the rule is suspended.
8. Where these rules are silent, Robert’s Rules of Order (Newly Revised, 11th Edition) shall control.

2. All of the essential voting items come from a committee or are a resolution properly before us according to our rules.  As such, they do not need to be seconded.  If a motion is made that needs to be seconded, members of the annual conference can do so by writing in the Q and A their Name, whether they are Lay/Clergy, the name of their local Church and the words “I second the motion.”
3. Requests to speak by a voting member of the annual conference (lay or clergy) must write in the Q and A: “Request to Speak – Make Motion” or “Request to Speak – Amend Motion”.  Once called upon by the Bishop, the zoom participant will be unmuted so the person can speak. 
4. Any motion or amendment must be made in writing. 
5. All motions made during the annual conference business session will be read by the Presiding Officer before any action or vote can be taken by the members of the conference.