It's hard to believe that the final day of this historic General Conference is upon us. Yesterday, Thursday, delegates had extensive debate and worked through only a few measures. This poses an interesting quandary for today: There are about 16 pieces of legislation — including the denomination's budget — that have to be worked through, by a rule in the Book of Discipline, before the close of session today. For perspective, the voting body moved through four measures on Thursday. The highlights of those measures are below.

Revised Social Principles Pass

After 12 years of work and conversations with thousands of United Methodists from around the world, the final pieces of the revised Social Principles passed on Thursday. The Social Principles represent the denomination’s public stance on issues of the day and are not church law. Most notably, delegates adopted an amended statement on marriage. Read more from United Methodist News →

Deacons Granted Sacramental Authority in Their Appointments

Thanks to legislation passed on Thursday, deacons can now offer communion and conduct baptisms in their appointments without needing explicit permission from their bishop. Read the full story from United Methodist News →

Read the full Thursday wrap-up at umnews.org.