The deadline to register for the Business Meeting is the 15th of May. Please use the link below to register to ensure you are able to participate. Only those who register will be sent the meeting link.
Don’t miss out on the Business Meeting!
Overview of the Business Meeting Process
There is no one time that is convenient for all time zones. May we be gracious and understanding as we do our business in new ways, allowing for the fullest global voice possible. Remember, all delegates will already have had the opportunity to give input to the bylaw proposals and motions through the Discussion Circles and the Business Forum.
In order to give as many people as possible a chance to contribute to the discussion before the Business Meeting, the business process will be in four stages. More details will be provided with the business packet, which will come out just after Easter. Here is a brief overview:
Stage 1. Discussion Circles – mid-February thru 1st March 2025 – various times and languages.
The Discussion Circles are the MAIN way for you to give your input into the decision making process. If you feel strongly about an issue or have some constructive feedback, please make sure to attend at least one Discussion Circle. UFMCC Business Meeting Information #1, sent 14th November 2024, p 3 of 4 These facilitated online discussions will take place at varying times and in different languages.
Anyone can participate, particularly lay and clergy delegates, in any of the Discussion Circles to discuss items on the business agenda. Notes of suggestions, concerns and questions about motions and bylaw proposals will be taken at each Discussion Circle and given to the authors of motions and bylaw proposals. They will also be posted on the conference website, so all delegates can see what others have raised.
Stage 2. Business Forum – Saturday 31st May 2025
The Governing Board, Moderator, and Commissions will be available to answer questions related to their reports and receive feedback. There will be an opportunity to ask questions of the Governing Board and Moderator candidates. Motions and bylaw proposals will be presented with any changes from the original versions highlighted (as a result of the input from the Discussion Circles).
Stage 3. Business Meeting – Saturday 7th June 2025
This will be our official Business Meeting. Reports will be received and any previously submitted motions will be formally made. Voting will happen in stage four. We will hear a limited number of delegates speak for or against a motion. Most of the discussion will have occurred in stages 1 and 2.
There will be no further amendments to motions and no new motions from delegates at this stage. This is to ensure that the business content is all translated, culturally comprehensible and accessible to our global delegates.
Stage 4. Virtual Voting
Most votes will take place in a 24 hour period after the Business Meeting and results are then announced online. If additional rounds are needed, they will occur 48 hours after the prior round as announced in emails to voting members/delegates and posted on our General Conference website.