Ask The UMC Short Subject: Does The United Methodist Church require stating one's preferred pronouns?

The answer is no.

This question was raised by some observing that many delegates at the 2020/2024 General Conference in Charlotte stated their preferred pronouns when addressing the plenary session. This was not a requirement. It was simply an option for those who wished to do so.

A General Conference includes delegates from all around the world with all kinds of names and clothing styles that may be unfamiliar to the bishop presiding at the time. Some addressing the plenary during a plenary session are often at a distance that does not make it obvious from appearance alone what their preferred pronouns might be. And some people may prefer pronouns that are other than what their appearance or name may suggest. Hence, it was suggested as a means to facilitate better communication that those who wished to state their preferred pronouns would be welcome to do so. Some did. Others did not. The choice was always left with the individual. 


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