May 3- Action To Date The deliberations continue, and over the last 2 days the following actions were taken: Delegates added a preamble to the Social Principles, acknowledging our differences while stating “We stand united in declaring our faith that God’s grace is available to all- that nothing can separate us from the love of God in Jesus Christ “. There was a strong vote to make United methodist Women an autonomous agency; it has been a Division of the Board of Global Ministries. A new structure, this version called Plan UMC, was approved for the church - it was presented as a modest proposal, realigning some agencies and authority. The general commissions on the Status and Role of Women and Religion and Race will be combined as a Committee on Inclusiveness.  A Judicial Review was requested, as well as an analysis of the fiscal impact from the General Council on Finance and Administration. It will come up for final vote tomorrow. A proposal to include “gender” in the list of  member characteristics that can’t be excluded constitutionally was referred to the Commission on the Status and Role of Women for further study. The assembly reaffirmed a resolution opposing Israeli settlements on Palestinian land and added a clause affirming the church’s committment to non-violence and a willingness to listen to all those harmed by the conflict. The issue of divestiture was introduced and defeated. If you were watching the live streaming this morning, you know that the assembly did not support a petition  brought by the Young Peoples Convocation  on human sexuality adding language to the Discipline acknowledging our differences of view, and asking us  to refrain from judgement until the Spirit leads us to new insight. We just passed the new clergy pension plan, petition #20432. Todays session opened with a prayer delivered by the father of the  presiding Bishop.  It was a sweet and spirit-filled moment. Much of the morning, however, had moments of conflict and pain, and we ended up being released from session early to address the concerns. Please continue to keep us in your prayers.  It has been a tough day, and we still have lots to do….