North Georgia United Methodists may have glimpsed Bishop Robin Dease on the General Conference live stream, in a photo from worship, or in our delegation's group shot.

Having attended General Conference as a delegate since 2012, she is experiencing General Conference 2024 in a new way. 

"This has been a wonderful General Conference, a real Holy Spirit moment in the life of our church," said Bishop Dease. "There has been a spirit of collegiality and compassion."

While the General Conference is two weeks long for delegates, bishops arrived a full week beforehand for a Council of Bishops meeting. The bishops received presider training from parliamentarian Maurice S. Henderson, received a report from the Council of Bishops Chancellor, reviewed legislation, and were assigned to convene legislative committees. 

Bishop Dease serves on the Council of Bishops' Anti-Racism Leadership Team. 

"We meet every month virtually," she said. "We planned the first session of this spring meeting."

She also took part in planning one of the worship services for the Council. 

Now that General Conference is underway, bishops preside at and attend plenary sessions. They do not have voice or vote, however. This means they cannot make motions or advocate for positions from the floor. 

"Even though we aren't voting, we are offering support," said Bishop Dease. "Every bishop will serve communion. The bishops are steadily available to provide pastoral care when it's needed."

While the delegates were in legislative committees last week, the bishops met for educational sessions. One session focused on how people of faith can work to stop political violence and the rise of authoritarianism.

This week, week two of General Conference, ecumenical bishops will be in Charlotte and members of the Council of Bishops will be their hosts. 

After General Conference adjourns, the bishops will continue to meet for a few more days. 

The Council of Bishops is made up of all active and retired bishops of The United Methodist Church. About 95 bishops are here in Charlotte.