A History of (Un)Fair Representation in the UMC - A Conversation with Robert Sparkman

As delegates prepare to gather in San Jose for the Convening Conference of the Global Methodist Church, some are reflecting on where we came from. In order not to reproduce the sins of the past, Rev. Robert Sparkman and I look back on the reality of western monied interests perpetually maintaining power through representation in the general boards and agencies of The United Methodist Church.

Rev. Sparkman was involved in general conference and jurisdictional conference-level activity aimed at reworking how his former denomination cut up the pie for representative groups inside and outside of the US. His history is replete with many examples of dirty politics. Many details and developments are lost to time, but Sparkman does an excellent job reconstructing much of the disappointing history that led to eventual split and splintering.

Take some time to learn where we came from so that we can resolve to do better with this new iteration of the Methodist movement.