Commission on the General Conference
For Immediate Release
April 18, 2026
Commission offers update on travel and safety precautions for GC 2028
Nashville, Tenn. – The Commission on the General Conference of The United Methodist Church continues to work to ensure the safe and accessible participation of all delegates and attendees at the 2028 General Conference, scheduled for May 2028 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
In the face of rapidly shifting international travel conditions and unease from immigration enforcement actions, Commission leaders stressed that the safety and inclusion of every participant possible have remained top priorities throughout the planning process. Since its meeting in May 2025, Commission members have been in active discussion about potential political, racial, equity, and travel issues that could impact the 2028 quadrennial event.
“These matters are something that the office of the General Conference thinks about and/or has discussions every day in collaboration with consultants and others across the Connection,” said the Secretary of the General Conference, Rev. Dr. Aleze Fulbright. “As we’ve conveyed since our first meeting, this Commission is committed to transparency. We want every United Methodist to know that we are actively working to ensure that the General Conference experience will support the mental and physical wellbeing of participants to do the work of the Church.”
Minneapolis as host city
When the Commission originally voted to host the 2028 quadrennial event in Minneapolis in November 2024, it recognized that it is a racially diverse city that, while still healing from past discrimination, has experienced positive change since 2020. Unfortunately, since then, the unrest stemming from immigration enforcement has thrust the city back into the news as it has endured more hardship.
“While it’s been through difficult times, Minneapolis is no more problematic than other U.S. cities. In fact, its experiences allow the city to be very equipped to respond should new issues emerge,” added Rev. Andy Call, Commission chair. “This General Conference offers the opportunity to see how God can use The UMC at this moment to stand with the people of Minneapolis as a witness to the transforming power of love. We can come alongside them to bring about continued healing and share Christ’s love to the host city and beyond.”
He shared that “as is the practice to ensure a smooth event no matter the location, we are already in talks with the state and city officials, local law enforcement, and the convention center’s security team. Trained rapid response teams will also be on site to assist as needed.”
Financial Considerations
“While financial considerations are not the primary driver of our decisions, as stewards of the funds provided to the Church, we must consider financial matters as a part of the planning,” noted Rev. Dr. Fulbright. “By hosting in Minneapolis, we were able to realize credits held in the city after the 2020/2024 event’s postponement and subsequent venue change. If we were to change our location, we would have to pay $2.3 million to fulfill our contractual responsibilities in Minneapolis. That would add considerable strain to an already severely restricted budget.”
As shared on the first day of its spring 2026 meeting, the Commission is working within a $10 million reduced budget for an event that typically costs between $12 million and $14 million.
“Under the current financial constraints, any expenses that extend beyond the approved budget could end up being passed on to delegates and annual conferences,” said Rev. Dr. Fulbright. “We are fervently working to minimize that potential.”
Travel concerns
Since the selection of Minneapolis, news of travel bans, weighty visa bond payments, increased travel costs, and other travel woes have continued to mount.
“We find ourselves in a unique time in event planning with ever-evolving obstacles around which to navigate,” shared Rev. Call. “In addition to the concerns surrounding United Methodists traveling to the United States, we are also concerned that vulnerable U.S. citizens who travel outside the United States may face restrictions reentering the country.”
“While it appears that U.S. travel may remain volatile for some time, we know that there are also visa restrictions that are continuing to be added in other countries across the world,” added Rev. Call. “It is difficult to anticipate what to expect in this current climate, but we remain vigilant and dedicated to our priorities of safety and access.”
Two-site strategy
An Alternative Task Team was created after the May 2025 Commission meeting to explore potential ways to ensure participation of delegates who may be restricted in access to visas to enter the United States. The team met throughout the fall and considered several different modalities, including expansion to a two-site conference.
“In November 2025, the full Commission had a lengthy conversation to reaffirm a commitment to Minneapolis. After receiving the report of the Alternative Task Team, they also decided to formally explore the possibility of a site beyond Minneapolis and continue the team’s efforts to ensure fuller participation,” noted Rev. Call.
The Alternative Task Team also explored the possibility of holding a fully virtual conference. “Unfortunately, technological restraints and uneven internet access remain the reality in many areas in which our churches and conferences do ministry. We concluded that at this time, an online, virtual 2028 General Conference is not possible due to these restrictions,” inserted Rev. Dr. Fulbright.
The Commission continues to develop and refine plans for a site beyond Minneapolis located, outside the U.S. This would potentially accommodate up to 150 delegates who may be affected by visa issues, so that they can engage in the work of General Conference via a secure direct link. Work is also underway to appropriately scale Minneapolis operations to a site beyond Minneapolis. A decision will be made in October 2026 regarding a site that will extend the bar of the General Conference.
In addition to the 2028 considerations, the Commission has restated its commitment to host the 2032 wholly outside of the U.S.
Proactive updates
The Commission continues to strive to keep the Church informed of its concerns and ongoing efforts to ensure safe and accessible participation at the 2028 General Conference. Members are encouraged to review official press releases and updates on the event website at www.umcgc.org. Members can follow the Commission on Facebook for updates or email [email protected] with questions. For quick reference, a running highlights listing is also available on the website. The visa information section will begin updating soon.
“We have a team that is committed to being as transparent as possible, a team that works tirelessly behind the scenes,” said Rev. Call. “We know that trust must be earned, and we continue to work every day to earn that trust. We will continue to share as much information as we can on our website in as timely a manner as possible. This will be one of the most complex General Conferences in the Church’s history, but with God’s help we will meet the challenge.”
“We hear from members and constituents across the connection who mirror our concerns about these matters. The dedication and passion that United Methodists have for the ministry and work of The United Methodist Church is inspiring,” shared Rev. Call.
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About General Conference
General Conference is the top policy-making body of The United Methodist Church, which meets once every four years. The conference can revise church law, as well as adopt resolutions on current moral, social, public policy, and economic issues. It also approves plans and budgets for church-wide programs. Get resources and updates at umcgc.org.
About The United Methodist Church
The United Methodist Church is a worldwide connection of close to 10 million members in over 100 countries, with a presence in Africa, Asia, Europe, and the United States. United Methodists are people of God who share a common mission and values. The church and its members are called to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. We reach out to a hurting world through a dedicated focus on mission and ministry. Our tagline “Open hearts. Open minds. Open doors.” reflects who we are and how we seek to put our faith into action. Learn more at umc.org.
Media Contact:
Brenda Smotherman
[email protected]
4/18/26, 4:50pm Revision – The press release has been edited to no longer include Rev. Brittany Radford.