DETROIT ANNUAL CONFERENCE: Two standing votes were taken, both involved matters of sexual orientation and both passed with a 3-vote margin. The first action regarded five questions for candidates running for state office. The five questions were affirmed dealt with 1) gun violence; 2) comprehensive immigration reform; 3) free and fair elections; 4) funding for public schools; and 5) equal rights for all and stance on marriage equality. The second standing vote approved a resolution calling for grace and love available to all persons. On the following day a motion was passed that asked Bishop Kiesey to rule whether the action taken is in accordance with the Discipline. This is to be done within 30 days and her decision will then be reviewed by Judicial Council. Bishop Kiesey's response has been issued here. 

BALTIMORE-WASHINGTON ANNUAL CONFERENCE:

EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA ANNUAL CONFERENCE:

GREATER NEW JERSEY ANNUAL CONFERENCE:  Annual Conference participated in an Act of Repentance for Native Americans in our conference. Native American elements were woven into the programming throughout the conference and included a Native American celebration during opening worship, a smudging ceremony on the beach, and the distribution of prayer bundles. This is part of a commitment that all Annual Conferences participate in an Act of Repentance for actions against native Americans between now and 2015.  

UPPER NEW YORK ANNUAL CONFERENCE: Resolutions approved included a pair of resolutions offered by the Rev. Steven Clunn, Coalition Coordinator for the Love Your Neighbor Coalition. The first seeks a declaratory decision from the Judicial Council on the constitutionality and validity of ¶101 of the 2012 Book of Discipline, and the second seeks clarification from the denomination's General Council on Finance and Administration, the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries and the United Methodist Board of Church and Society on "the ambiguity of ¶806.9 and whether United Methodists working with LGBT asylum seekers would be considered a violation of this paragraph."These resolutions will require a response from the bishop. There were also two resolutions submitted by young adult lay member, Stephanie Henry. The first asked that hydraulic fracking be studied before ever being allowed on conference land. The second asked that there be an individual responsible for looking at environmental sustainability at annual conference on the Sessions committee. Both passed.  

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