Meeting Minutes List

Describe the item or answer the question so that site visitors who are interested get more information. You can emphasiConferences Commission
Meeting Minutes
February 5, 2026
Members Present: Clark Atkins, Lori Smith, Bishop Scott Jones, Bishop Leah Gregory, Mickey Wheeler, Teresa Marcus, Wilton Odongo, Elizabeth Sullivan, Kathryn Chittenden, Kevin Ryoo, Alban Gonda, Stephanie Maolone, Virgilio Olonan, Walter Khalonyere, Bradley DeHaven
Loving
I. Joys & Concerns
a. The Commission members shared recent weather conditions experiences, church financial blessings, and needs for healing.
II. Opening Prayer
a. Stephanie Malone opened the meeting with prayer at 7:03 am
Learning
I. Discussion Around Cuba and Next Steps [Bishop Gregory]
a. Bishop Leah Gregory explained that the Methodist Church of Cuba is not interested in a formal covenant relationship but desires an informal partnership. The Connectional Council has approved the creation of a Latin America and Caribbean emerging area, and bishops have requested consideration of adding Cuba to this list. Clark Atkins requested written documentation to forward to the Connectional Council if action is taken, and questions were addressed about maintaining relationships and guidance for local churches interested in involvement with Cuba.
Leading
I. Approve Minutes from 15 January 2026 Meeting
a. Mickey Wheeler made a motion to approve the minutes from January 15, 2026, meeting. Kathryn Chittenden seconded. Approved.
II. Reports
a. Global Inquiry Team [Mickey]
i. No report.
III. Old Business
a. Recommendation RE: Latin America Emerging Area Referred Back to Conferences [Bishops Scott Jones & Leah Gregory]
b. Recommendations for Approval of Clergy Applications
1. Afrika Mashariki
2. Angola
3. Ethiopia Nazrawiyan
4. Nile Valley
5. The Commission discussed and approved the transfer of 111 clergy and 196 churches from various conferences, with 40 clergy and 7 churches being held for further discussion. The Commission agreed to hold off on the highlighted individuals and requested that further conversations be held to resolve the issues.
a. Bradley DeHaven made a motion to approve the pastors. Kathryn
Chittenden seconded. Approved.
c. Recommendations for Approval of Church Applications
1. Afrika Mashariki
2. Angola
3. Ethiopia Nazrawiyan
4. Nile Valley
5. See the discussion above at III.b.5.
a. Kathryn Chittenden made a motion to approve the churches.
Bradley DeHaven seconded the motion. Approved.
IV. New Business
a. Request to Transfer Washington, D.C. from the Northeast AC to the Virginia AC i. Lori Smith made a motion to accept this transfer. Kathryn Chittenden seconded the motion. Approved.
b. Angola Annual Conference Application
i. Angola is presenting their budget. The search for a conference partner will continue.
ii. Mickey Wheeler made a motion to approve the Angola Annual Conference Application. Wilton Odongo seconded the motion. Approved.
c. Request to Assist in Vietnam TCAT Training Expense
i. The Vietnam TCAT requested $5000, for training funds, travel and training expenses.
ii. Mickey Wheeler made a motion to give $5000 to the Vietnam TCAT. Kathryn Chittenden seconded the motion. Approved.
d. Proposed 2026 Meeting Schedule
1. Thursday, March 19, 2026
2. Thursday, April 16, 2026
3. Thursday, May 21, 2026
4. Thursday, June 18, 2026
5. Thursday, July 16, 2026
6. Thursday, August 20, 2026 (TENTATIVE)
7. Thursday, September 17, 2026 (TENTATIVE)
8. Thursday, October 15, 2026 (TENTATIVE)
V. Upcoming Dates:
a. Afrika Mashariki AC Convening Conf. February 23-25, 2026
b. Ethiopian Nazrawiyan AC Convening February 27-March 4, 2026
c. Peru AC Convening Conference March 2026
VI. NEXT MEETING March 19, 2026 at 7:00 AM Central Daylight Time (1:00 PM Central African Republic Time; 3:00 PM Kenya Time; 8:00 PM Philippines Time) VII. Closing Prayer/Adjournmentze this text with bullets, italics or bold, and add links.