The Florida Conference is dedicated to bringing you news stories about United Methodists here and beyond. Whether the news is about the global church or the church on the corner, look for it here. You’ll also find thought-provoking commentaries and opportunities for education and fellowship. Have a story to share? Email webadmin@flumc.org or click here to use our convenient “Submit a story” form.
Two jurisdictions tackle racism in bishop elections
Rev. Dr. Sharon Austin of the Florida Conference challenged the Southeastern Jurisdiction to "be the church we say we want to be" when it comes to race.
Bishop Kenneth Carter moves from the Florida Conference
Newly confirmed Bishop Tom Berlin assumes the post of Resident Bishop of the Florida United Methodist Church.
SEJ delegates select Dr. Connie Shelton as a bishop
SEJ convention delegates have chosen two bishops, with one more to be named before the gathering concludes.
SEJ Thursday morning brings strong message but no election
The morning session of Day 2 at SEJ also included a service of remembrance
SEJ elects first bishop of session
We have an election.” With those words from Bishop David Graves, the Southeastern Jurisdictional Conference welcomed its first episcopal election of the 2022 session, announcing Tom Berlin as the ...
Preparing for the 2022 Southeastern Jurisdictional Conference
This short letter is meant to help prepare you for the upcoming 2022 Southeastern Jurisdictional (SEJ) Conference that will take place November 2-4 at Lake Junaluska in North Carolina.
Threat to withhold apportionments violates John Wesley's "Do No Harm" rule
The threat by churches in the Wesley Covenant Association to withhold apportionments to the Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church could endanger outreach programs like the Warren Willis Camp
A Letter from Bishop Carter on the recent Judicial Council ruling
The Judicial Council of the UMC recently ruled that Paragraph 2553 of the Book of Discipline is the process to follow for churches wishing to disaffiliate due to their beliefs over LGBTQ issues.
UMC portion of Boy Scouts' bankruptcy ruling approved
The United Methodist settlement includes a $30 million contribution to the $2.6 billion survivor settlement.
106 Florida churches sue to exit denomination
The lawsuit asks the court to rule the trust clause “invalid on its face” or enable the congregations to revoke the trust so the churches can withdraw with their buildings.
Florida Conference Response to Disaffiliation Lawsuits
Dear Clergy and Laity of the Florida Conference: Today, we became aware that a lawsuit has been filed against The Florida Conference of The United Methodist Church, demanding the immediate separation...
United Methodists urged to relaunch their church
The new Council of Bishops president shared his hopes for a renewed United Methodist Church while lamenting the imminent departure of some to a breakaway denomination.
Delegates urge hope for denomination's future
More than 275 General Conference delegates and other church leaders have signed an open letter sharing their commitments to strengthening The United Methodist Church.
A Pastoral Letter from Bishop Carter
Dear Friends, I write to you as we lament the violence and loss of life in the Ukraine. We pray for peace, and we lift up United Methodist churches in this area and all people living in harm’s way. ...
Bishop Carter's Pastoral Response to the General Conference Announcement
We learned today of the postponement of the General Conference of The United Methodist Church until 2024. The decision was made with deliberation by the Commission on the General Conference, which is ...
The time to "Turn It Up" is fast approaching
Registration is under way for Turn It Up, the 2022 United Methodist Women Assembly at the Orlando Convention Center on May 20-22.
Baseball icon Jackie Robinson's Methodist faith
When dealing with the difficulties of being the first Black player in Major League Baseball, Jackie Robinson had a little-known ally helping him stay stoic and perform well through the ordeal. He had faith.
Bishops cancel General Conference scheduled for May 8
For now, planning for when delegates can meet to deliberate on the denomination’s future remains a work in progress.
Clergy care a priority in pandemic year
After COVID-19 took hold, the Florida Conference formed a clergy care team, recognizing that doing ministry during a pandemic would be a nerve-wracking challenge.
Planned new denomination gets name
A group of traditionalists committed to leaving The United Methodist Church has chosen "Global Methodist Church" as the name for the denomination they are planning to form.
Council of Bishops focuses on “justice, reconciliation, and healing.”
Semi-annual meeting includes a renewed commitment to relationships, which are at the heart of Jesus’ prayer for unity with his disciples.
UMW retreat celebrates 150-year legacy
UMW members had to overcome the rules of society and the limits imposed by their own national and racial identities to assume vital leadership roles.
Bishops call for new ways of embodying unity through mission, relationships
The bishops of The United Methodist Church will seek to strengthen annual conferences in 2019 through the ministries of sending and missional strategy, Bishop Kenneth Carter, president of the Council of Bishops, has said.
Cuban Methodist church sees massive growth
In the past 16 years alone, Methodist church membership has increased by 306 percent in Cuba, the Communist island nation located 90 miles from Florida’s nearest shore.
United Methodist Women: 150 years in mission
In celebration of Women's History Month, information and resources about the 150th anniversary and legacy of United Methodist Women is available on its website, and United Methodist Communications released a new video about Mary McLeod Bethune's legacy this March.
Bishop Carter to host webinar on GC 2019 results March 1
Bishop Carter and delegation leaders will host a discussion on the results of the Called General Conference session in St. Louis.
Role of Bishops in the Called General Conference 2019
Tuesday, February 12, 2019 To my fellow United Methodists: Greetings in the blessed name of our savior and Lord Jesus Christ. In less than two weeks, 864 fellow Methodists will gather in St. ...
UM connection aids Hurricane Michael recovery
Members of Lynn Haven United Methodist Church await a new 4,000-square-foot tent they’ll use for worship. The Hurricane Michael-ravaged congregation and many United Methodists in the area are struggling to return to normalcy. Jim Patterson has an update on the denomination’s efforts to provide relief in the Alabama-West Florida, Florida and South Georgia conferences.
Way Forward report released in all four official languages of General Conference
The Commission on a Way Forward’s final report has been translated in all four official languages of the General Conference of The United Methodist Church.
Bishop Ken Carter responds to Judicial Council decision
Bishop Ken Carter's statement expresses gratitude for the Judicial Council’s work and our continuing commitment to serve and lead our church, as well as providing clarity around the Council of Bishops' motivation for requesting a Declaratory Decision.
A Way Forward: general directions from the most recent meetings of the Commission on a Way Forward and the Council of Bishops
Bishop Ken Carter provides a sketch of general directions from the most recent meeting of the Commission on a Way Forward and the Council of Bishops.
Bishop Carter elected as President of Council of Bishops
Florida Area Bishop Kenneth H. Carter today was officially elected as the next president of the Council of Bishops of The United Methodist Church in Lake Junaluska.
UMC provides Giving Tuesday resources
The denomination provides Giving Tuesday resources in five languages.
Six ways the Reformation affects our world
When Martin Luther posted his 95 Theses on Oct. 31, 1517, he hoped to spark a theological conversation about repentance. Five hundred years later, Christians — and not only Protestants — are still living with the changes wrought by the Reformation he started.
UMCOR on Harvey: prayer, donations, relief kits needed first; volunteers later
UMCOR is currently working with disaster coordinators and early response teams in Louisiana and Texas to provide relief to the many people whose lives have been impacted by hurricane/tropical storm Harvey. They will continue to update this page and UMCOR social media as they receive new information.
Council of Bishops president denounces Charlottesville violence
"Let there be no excuses or political justification for the evil that was on full display in Charlottesville last Saturday. Nor, let us forget that many such displays of white supremacy, racism and hatred go un-reported or under-reported in many places. White supremacist and neo-Nazi ideologies are abhorrent and entirely inconsistent with the Christian faith."
Dr. Lovett Weems transitions to new role
Wesley Theological Seminary proved the ideal environment for a teacher who loves to learn. “I am always looking for a new way of looking at things, which has helped me move through different phases of my ministry,” Weems said. He is the former director of the Lewis Center for Church Leadership.
Bishop Carter and the Council of Bishops respond to Judicial Council ruling
In its decision, the Judicial Council ruled on Karen Oliveto’s election and consecration as Bishop.
Bishop Ough calls for unity as church approaches Judicial Council hearing on Bishop Karen Oliveto
I am in daily prayer for all United Methodists as we are being called upon in this critical moment to tenderly hold the unity and mission of the church in our hearts and hands. --Bishop Bruce R. Ough
Recent meeting optimistic about future, delves into tough task
The multinational commission held its third meeting April 6-8 at the United Methodist Building in Washington.
Way Forward group looking to get feedback
The commission, which held its second meeting Feb. 27-March 2 in Atlanta, must develop proposals aimed at keeping the multinational denomination together despite deep differences around homosexuality.
Florida 'Praying Our Way Forward' the week of Feb. 26
The Florida Annual Conference’s week of leading “Praying Our Way Forward” is Sunday, February 26, through Saturday, March 4. Resources to assist churches participating next week include a prayer by Bishop Carter and a litany for Ash Wednesday, as well as a video introducing our Florida prayer effort.
February Update from the Moderators of a Commission on a Way Forward
In our next meeting, to be held in just a few days, we will be studying the first three chapters of Paul’s letter to the Galatians. Three commission members, from three different jurisdictions and two different continents, will lead our Bible study. We invite you to read these chapters with us, and to reflect on the challenges and assets in your own communities and congregations.
For Methodists in Cuba, 'These are good times'
Hard work and good relations—with fellow Cubans, United Methodists and others—help shape today’s church. All photos courtesy Mike DuBose, UMNS. This is part of a series of features on the church in Cuba.
Cuban worship: Music, prayer and passion
United Methodist News Service provides a four-part series that examines the state of the Methodist Church in Cuba. The articles, which were scheduled to be published January 31, February 2, 7, and 9, take a widespread look at how Methodism is growing throughout urban as well as rural regions of the nation. Linda Bloom, assistant news editor for UMNS, and Mike DuBose, veteran United Methodist Communications photographer, spent one week traveling throughout Cuba.They took advantage of a recent loosening of travel embargoes for Americans to the Caribbean Island to meet with pastors, members and missionaries.
Commission on a Way Forward holds organizational meeting in Atlanta
Conversations ranged from reflection on challenges, hopes and concerns to the current state of what’s happening in the church to the meaning of unity to practical questions about how the Commission will go about its work and the processes and strategies that will be used to structure that work and meet the target dates.