An estimated 3,000 people in the Cleveland Convention Center expressed their enthusiasm with prolonged applause. The banners and dancers shared the procession with about 100 of the church's bishops from the United States, Africa, Europe and the Philippines. The Scripture was read in four languages. Dancers from the Edna duffy Liturgical Dance Company in Shaker Heights, Ohio, and the Leaven Dance Company in Kent, Ohio, help celebrate the opening worship service. Delegate Arnold Rhodes from the Western Pennsylvania Annual Conference prays during the opening worship service.
Celebrants prepare to offer communion to delegates and visitors during the opening worship service.
Sharon Cade of the Baltimore-Washington Conference raises her arms in praise during the opening worship. When the worship was over, the delegates took a brief break before beginning the business that will occupy them for the next 10 days. In another tradition of General Conference, the delegates found homemade cookies awaiting them outside the main arena. After taking care of legislative formalities, delegates gathered in 10 legislative committees. For the remainder of the week, the committees will work their way through almost 2,000 petitions filed by more than 12,000 groups and individuals.