General Conference
Member Delegate: Carmen Vianese
Members of United Women in Faith put love into action every day to inspire, influence, and impact their churches and communities. Many of our members live out their faith by serving as leaders in The United Methodist Church. Meet Carmen, another United Women in Faith member serving as General Conference delegate.
Carmen FS Vianese is the president of the Upper New York Conference United Women in Faith and a member of Nunda United Methodist Church. She was the first elected delegate and she serves as the head of the conference’s General Conference and Jurisdictional Conference delegation. In her free time she also serves as treasurer and member of the board of directors for the General Board of Global Ministries, as member of the Northeastern Jurisdiction Committee on Episcopacy, and as a board member for Wesleyan Impact Partners. She was a member of the United Women in Faith board of directors for eight years.
How long have you been a member of United Women in Faith?
Since I was 18 years old—so I have been a member for the past 39 years.
What called you to be a General Conference delegate?
My desire to be a part of the process that will help The United Methodist Church become fully welcoming, affirming, and in ministry with all people is what called me to this role. As I stated in my nominee writeup prior to the last election, I am hopeful that with the right voices at the table we’ll have a chance to be The United Methodist Church we have the potential of becoming! A church whose doctrine and discipline truly supports its motto of open hearts and open doors for all of God’s people.
In a story for the United Methodists of Upper New York, Carmen shares how another woman of faith, her Grandma Ruffo, showed her what it means to put love into action. You can read Carmen’s tribute on the Upper New York website.
How has being a part of United Women in Faith helped in your role as delegate?
Through my opportunities of learning and leading within United Women in Faith over the past several decades, I have grown bold in my faith, my convictions, and my call to the justice work around us while knowing that the sisterhood will be there to support me, encourage me, and walk with me.
What are your hopes for the church?
I pray that we will find our way through the pressures and the stresses, beyond the naysayers and the closed-minded. I continue to hope for the possibilities of a church that will completely fulfill the Good News of Jesus, in all places, at all times and with all people!