FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 6, 2016
CHICAGO: The Connectional Table is launching the newest topic in the #CTTalks online forum, which is a series of videos and social media conversations around key topics related to General Conference 2016.
January features a month-long series on the worldwide nature of The United Methodist Church. This topic will have two parts, with the first part focusing on the work of the Standing Committee on Central Conference Matters and the Committee on Faith and Order.
A new video will be posted each week that examines our ecclesiology, our theology, and our missiology in a worldwide context. Bishops David Yemba (Central Congo Area), Patrick Streiff (Central and Southern Europe Area) and Rodolfo Alfonso Juan (Manila Area) will share the vision for a General Book of Discipline in 2020 and the work that is needed as we move towards living as a more authentic worldwide connection.
“To be worldwide at this time in history is a result of our commitment to mission” said Bishop David Yemba, chairperson of the Committee on Faith and Order. “When we put emphasis in our mission, the result is that we are making disciples of Jesus Christ across the world. So it is normal that we move to this understanding of the church as being global or worldwide.”
#CTTalks is intended to provide a way of engaging audiences with information about General Conference. The #CTTalks conversation is designed to be used by delegations and annual conferences as they study and discuss issues that will be addressed at General Conference 2016. Weekly video posts will include interviews with United Methodist bishops, Connectional Table members, and other leaders from across the denomination. Delegates were invited to ask questions of the interviewees in advance via Twitter using the hashtag #CTTalks. This is a resource that can be used by individual delegates and with entire delegations as they prepare for General Conference.
An accompanying one-page conversation starter is available for delegates to use to continue the dialogue. The videos and the handout will be available on the Connectional Table website at www.umc.org/cttalks-worldwide-nature-theology.
General Conference will be held May 10-20, 2016, in Portland, Oregon.
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About the Connectional Table
The Connectional Table oversees the coordination of mission, ministries and resources across the denomination. Created at the 2004 General Conference, The Connectional Table was formed to serve as both the visioning body of the church and the steward of resources to carry out the vision of the denomination worldwide.
Media Contact:
Meredith Hoxie Schol
EMAIL: Connectionaltable@umc.org
PHONE: (773) 714-1517