They will also hear reports on the church's mission and ministry ranging from new congregations in Russia to the development of an African university in Zimbabwe. Guest speakers at the conference, held every four years, will include the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Rev. George Carey, and Millard Fuller, staff executive for Habitat for Humanity. During an Act of Repentance for Reconciliation the church will formally apologize for racism and historical acts of indignation that prompted African Americans to leave the denomination to create separate Methodist denominations. The service will also repent for a racially segregated unit that existed in the church from 1939 to 1968. Bishops of the church do not vote at the conference.
Individual bishops preach at morning daily worship services and preside over business sessions.
A traditional episcopal address, representing more than 100 bishops in the church, will be given by Bishop Emerito P. Nacpil of the Philippines, on the opening night of the conference. Music director will be Rev. Cynthia Wilson of Atlanta. Bishop William B. Oden of the North Texas Conference is president designate of the Council of Bishops and will be installed as president of the council during General Conference. As president of the council, Bishop Oden will serve as celebrant for Holy Communion at the opening session of General Conference and deliver the closing address for the Council of Bishops at the conference, as well as take his turn at presiding over a business session. Each delegate is assigned to one of 10 legislative committees which will process a total of 1,939 petitions or pieces of legislation during the early days of the conference.