Update From the 2023 Meeting of the Western North Carolina Annual Conference

The laity and clergy delegates of the Western North Carolina Annual Conference met last Friday through Sunday to transact the normal business of the United Methodist Church in western North Carolina. This year those gathered:

• Celebrated the licensing of 10 Local Pastors, the Commissioning of 10 ministers for the Orders of Deacon or Elder, the ordination of 2 Deacons, one of whom is our own Emily (Rivers) Miles, and the ordination of 7 Elders.

• Remembered the lives of 36 ministers who passed away in the previous year.

• Gave thanks for the ministry of 53 clergy who retired.

• Voted to support petitions on the docket for the 2024 General Conference creating a US Regional Conference, removing the restrictive language regarding human sexuality, and supporting persons in the LGBTQIA+ community.

• Approved petitions ratifying the membership on the Boards of Directors for various conference agencies and organizations.

• Approved a 2024 operating budget of $14,536,172 which will allow the conference to operate and to engage in ministries which support vital/ sustainable congregations, dismantle racism, increase the wellbeing of clergy and spiritual leaders, and live into the vision for the continuing United Methodist Church.

There was a spirit of hope and excitement for the future of our denomination and the work of the Western North Carolina Conference as we continue to be in ministry in a post-pandemic, post-disaffiliation season.