The BOOK of DISCIPLINE OF THE IN NORTHERN EUROPE

2001

1 The BOOK of DISCIPLINE OF THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH IN NORTHERN EUROPE 2001

Name of the original edition: Edited by the Northern Europe Central Con- “The Book of Discipline of The United Meth- ference, odist Church 2000” Metodistkirkens biskopskontor, Postboks 2689 St. Hanshaugen, Copyright © 2000 by N-0131 OSLO Norway The United Methodist Publishing House Copyright © 2003 by The United Methodist Adapted by the 2001 Central Conference in Chruch in Northern Europe Karis, Finland All rights reserved.

ISBN 82-8100-001-5 — The book of discipline of the UMC in Northern Europe , CD-rom.

The Northern Europe Central Conference has two Episcopal Areas, the Nordic and Baltic Area (, Finland Finnish, Finland Swedish, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, and ) : Øystein Olsen, and the Euro-Asian Area (Kazakhstan, Moldavia, Russia, and Ukraine) Bishop: Rüdiger Minor.

Bishop Øystein Olsen Bishop Rüdiger Minor Metodistkirkens biskopskontor, Global Ministries, Postboks 2689 St. Hanshaugen, c/o POST INTERNATIONAL, INC N-0131 OSLO Norway Box 257, 2 Gales Gardens Birkbeck St, LONDON E2 0EJ Telephone +47- 23 20 10 60, Fax +47-23 20 14 10. e-mail: [email protected] Telephone +7 095 915 1832 Fax + 7 095 915 1838 e-mail: [email protected]

2 Contents

EPISCOPAL GREETINGS ...... 7 LIST OF ...... 9 HISTORICAL STATEMENT...... 17 IN NORTHERN EUROPE ...... 24

Part I — THE CONSTITUTION...... 31 PREAMBLE ...... 31 DIVISION ONE—GENERAL ...... 31 DIVISION TWO — ORGANIZATION ...... 33 Section I. Conferences ...... 33 Section II. General Conference ...... 33 Section III. Restrictive Rules ...... 35 Section IV. Jurisdictional Conferences ...... 35 Section V. Central Conferences ...... 36 Section VI. Annual Conferences ...... 36 Section VII. Boundaries...... 38 Section VIII. District Conferences ...... 39 Section IX. Charge Conferences ...... 39 DIVISION THREE—EPISCOPAL SUPERVISION ...... 39 DIVISION FOUR—THE JUDICIARY ...... 41 DIVISION FIVE—AMENDMENTS ...... 42

Part II — DOCTRINAL STANDARDS AND OUR THEOLOGICAL TASK ... 43 ¶ 101. SECTION 1—OUR DOCTRINAL HERITAGE ...... 43 ¶ 102. SECTION 2—OUR DOCTRINAL HISTORY ...... 48 ¶ 103. SECTION 3—OUR DOCTRINAL STANDARDS AND GENERAL RULES ...... 54 The Articles of of the Methodist Church ...... 54 The Confessionof Faith of the Evangelical United Brethren Church ...... 58 The Nature, Design, and General Rules of Our United Societies ...... 61 ¶ 104. SECTION 4—OUR THEOLOGICAL TASK ...... 63

Part II — THE MINISTRY OF ALL CHRISTIANS ...... 71 THE MISSION AND MINISTRY OF THE CHURCH ...... 71 Section I. The Churches ...... 71 Section II. The Ministry of All Christians ...... 72 Section III. Servant Ministry and Servant Leadership...... 73 Section IV. Servant Ministry ...... 74 Section V. Servant Leadership ...... 74 Section VI. Called to Inclusiveness ...... 75 Section VII. The Fulfillment of Ministry Through The UMC...... 75

Part IV — SOCIAL PRINCIPLES ...... 77 PREFACE ...... 77 PREAMBLE ...... 77 ¶ 160. I. THE NATURAL WORLD ...... 77 ¶ 161. II. THE NURTURING COMMUNITY...... 79 ¶ 162. III. THE SOCIAL COMMUNITY ...... 83 ¶ 163. IV. THE ECONOMIC COMMUNITY ...... 89 ¶ 164. V. THE POLITICAL COMMUNITY ...... 91 ¶ 165. VI. THE WORLD COMMUNITY ...... 93 ¶ 166. VII. OUR SOCIAL CREED ...... 95

3 ORGANIZATION AND ADMINISTRATION — Chapter One THE LOCAL CHURCH ...... 97 Section I. The Church and Pastoral Charge ...... 97 Section II. Cooperative Parish ...... 98 Section III. Ecumenical Shared Ministries ...... 99 Section IV. Churches in Transitional Communities ...... 100 Section V. Church Membership ...... 101 The Meaning of Membership ...... 101 Admission into the Church...... 103 Affiliate and Associate Membership ...... 105 Care of Members ...... 105 Membership Records and Reports ...... 107 Changes in Church Membership or Local Church Membership ...... 108 Section VI. Organization and Administration ...... 109 The Charge Conference ...... 110 The Church Council ...... 115 Specialized Ministries ...... 116 Administrative Committees ...... 120 Section VII. The Method of Organizing a New Local Church ...... 124 Section VIII. Transfer of a Local Church ...... 126 Section IX. Protection of Rights of Congregations ...... 126 Section X. Special Sundays ...... 126 Section XI. lay speaker Ministries ...... 126

Chapter Two — THE MINISTRY OF THE ORDAINED ...... 129 Section I. The Meaning of and Conference Membership ...... 129 Section II. Candidacy for Licensed and Ordained Ministry ...... 131 Section III. Clergy Orders in The United Methodist Church ...... 134 Section IV. The Commissioned Minister as Probationary Member ...... 135 Section V. The Ordained Deacon in Full Connection ...... 139 Section VI. The Ordained Elder in Full Connection ...... 144 Admission and Continuance of Full Membership in the Annual Conf....144 Section VII. Appointments to Various Ministries ...... 148 Section VIII. Appointments to Extension Ministries ...... 152 Section IX. Clergy from Other Annual Conferences, Other Methodist and Christian Denominations ...... 155 Section X. License for Pastoral Ministry...... 158 Section XI. Mentoring and Mentors ...... 161 Section XII. Evaluation for Continuing Formation for Full Members and Local ...... 162 Section XIII. Changes of Conference Relationship ...... 163 Section XIV. Complaints ...... 171 Section XV. Readmission to Conference Relationship ...... 174 Section XVI. General Provisions ...... 176

Appendix Educational Standards in the Northern Europe Centr. Conf. ....179 1. Lay Speaker (Certified Lay Speaker or Local Preacher) ...... 179 2. Ordained Elder ...... 180 3. Ordained Deacon ...... 180 4. Local Pastors ...... 181 UMC Theological Seminaries in Northern Europe ...... 183

Chapter Three — THE SUPERINTENDENCY...... 185 Section I. The nature of Superintendency ...... 185 Section II. Offices of Bishop and District Superintendent ...... 186 Section III. Election, Assignment, and Termination of Bishops ...... 186

4 Section IV. Specific Responsibilities of Bishops ...... 192 Section V. Selection, Assignment, and Term of District Superintendents . 193 Section VI. Specific Responsibilities of District Superintendents ...... 194 Section VII. Expressions of Superintendency ...... 196 Section VIII. Appointment-Making ...... 198

Chapter Four — THE CONFERENCES ...... 201 Section I. The General Conference ...... 201 Section II. The Jurisdictional Conference ...... 204 Section III. Central Conferences ...... 204 Section IV. Provisional Central Conferences ...... 213 Section V. Autonomous Methodist Churches, Affiliated Autonomous Methodist Churches, Affiliated United Churches, Covenanting Churches, Concordat Churches ...... 214 Becoming an Affiliated Autonomous Methodist or United Church ...... 215 Becoming a Covenanting Church ...... 215 Becoming an Autonomous Methodist or United Church...... 216 Becoming Part of The United Methodist Church ...... 217 Section VI. Provisional Annual Conferences ...... 218 Section VII. The Conference ...... 219 Section VIII. Mission ...... 221 Section IX. The Annual Conference ...... 222 Conference agencies ...... 229 The Conference Council ...... 230 Other Conference agencies ...... 235 Section X. The District Conferences ...... 263

Chapter Five — ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER ...... 267 Section I. General Provisions ...... 267 Section II. General Council on Finance and Administration ...... 279 General Funds...... 289 The Episcopal Fund ...... 298 Section III. General Council on Ministries ...... 300 Section IV. General Board of Church and Society ...... 307 Section V. General Board of Discipleship ...... 309 Section VI. United Methodist Youth Organization ...... 325 Section VII. General Board of Global Ministries ...... 328 Mission Program Areas ...... 334 Office of Deaconess...... 337 Women’s Division ...... 339 Health and Relief ...... 341 Section VIII. General Board of Higher Education and Ministry ...... 343 Division of Higher Education...... 347 University Senate...... 351 United Methodist Higher Education Foundation ...... 353 Council of Presidents of the Black Colleges...... 353 Division of Ordained Ministry ...... 354 Section of Chaplains and Related Ministries...... 355 Section of Deacons and Diaconal Ministries ...... 356 Section of Elders and Local Pastors ...... 358 Schools of Theology of The United Methodist Church ...... 359 Section IX. General Board of Pension and Health Benefits ...... 361 Section X. The United Methodist Publishing House ...... 361 Section XI. General Commission on Archives and History ...... 366 General Commission on Archives and History ...... 369 General Commission on Archives and History ...... 371 Section XII. General Commission on Communication ...... 372

5 General Commission on Communication ...... 375 Section XIII. General Commission on Christian Unity and Interreligious Concerns ...... 376 Section XIV. General Commission on Religion and Race ...... 379 Section XV. General Commission on the Status and Role of Women ...... 381 Section XVI. Commission on Central Conference Affairs ...... 384 Section XVII. General Commission on United Methodist Men ...... 385 Section XVIII. Ecumenical Organizations ...... 387 Ecumenical Organizations ...... 389

Chapter Six — CHURCH PROPERTY ...... 391 Section I. All Titles—In Trust ...... 391 Section II. Compliance with Law ...... 393 Section III. Audits and Bonding of Church Officers...... 394 Section IV. Annual Conference Property3 ...... 394 Section V. District Property ...... 397 Section VI. Local Church Property ...... 399 Section VII. Requirements—Trustees of Church Institutions ...... 414

Chapter Seven — JUDICIAL ADMINISTRATION ...... 415 Section I. The Judicial Council ...... 415 Section II. Investigations, Trials, and Appeals ...... 419 Procedures for Referral and Investigation of a Judicial Complaint ...... 421 Trials ...... 426 Appeals ...... 433

INDEX ...... 437 A ...... 437 B ...... 439 C ...... 440 D ...... 444 E ...... 445 F ...... 446 G ...... 448 H ...... 448 I ...... 449 J ...... 449 L ...... 449 M ...... 451 O ...... 452 P ...... 453 Q ...... 454 R ...... 454 S ...... 455 T ...... 456 U ...... 457 V ...... 457 W...... 457 Y ...... 458

6 EPISCOPAL GREETINGS

he Lord is the Spirit, and where the “This book of covenant sets forth the theo- Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. logical grounding of The United Methodist T(2Cor.3:17, NRSV) Church in biblical faith, and affirms that we go To all people and pastors in the Northern forward as ‘loyal heirs to all that [is] best in the Europe Central Conference of the United Christian past.’ It makes clear that The United Methodist Church. Methodist Church is an inclusive society with- Dear sisters and brothers, your bishops out regard to ethnic origin, economic condi- greet you and commend to you the Book of tion, gender, age, or the disabilities of its con- Discipline of the Northern Europe Central stituents. It asserts that all who are baptized Conference of The United Methodist Church. and confirmed are ministers of Christ. It It has been adapted by the 2001 Central Con- affirms the conciliar principle and ference in Karis, Finland to meet the special connectionalism as distinctive marks of needs and circumstances of the churches in the United Methodist ecclesiology, makes clear Nordic and Baltic as well as the Euro-Asian the global character of the Church’s mission, Episcopal Areas. and declares interdependence with other The Book of Discipline should first of all not Christian bodies both in spirit and coopera- be seen as a book of law (though it contains a tion. It affirms with that solitary lot of rules and regulations) but as our com- religion is invalid and that Christ lays claim mon “Mission Manual.” It is challenging us to upon the whole life of those who accept him as go forward “to serve the present age” in our Lord and Savior.” (From the foreword to the ministry and service. Its many facets are best Book of Discipline 2000) summed up with ’s hymn: “A As we are placing this Book of Discipline charge to keep I have, a God to glorify, a never into your hands, we would like to thank those, dying soul to save, and fit it for the sky.” This is who in diligent work compared, translated and the spirit of this book, for this goal we are fol- edited the text to produce an authentic tool for lowing its advice in free agreement. the leadership in our churches, the Northern The Book of Discipline is also the tie that Europe Central Conference Committee on the binds us together with other United Method- Discipline: Björn Elfving (chair), Lilli Uth, ists, reminding us of a common history, and Øyvind Helliesen, William Lovelace, Tapani theology, laying out our common principles to- Rajamaa, Priit Tamm and Leif Tullhage. Leif wards society, and guiding our ministry in lo- Tullhage has borne the major load of this work. cal churches, Conferences and agencies. “Now to him who by the power at work

7 EPISCOPAL GREETINGS within us is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” (Eph.3:20-21, NRSV)

Your bishops,

Ruediger Minor Oystein Olsen Moscow Oslo Euro-Asian Nordic and Baltic Episcopal Area Episcopal Area

8 LIST OF BISHOPS LIST OF BISHOPS

Thomas Coke 1784 1852 1784 Osman Cleander Baker 1852 1800 Edward Raymond Ames 1852 Phillip William Otterbein 1800 Lewis Davis 1853 1800 1854 1807 John Early 1854 William MíKendree 1808 Hubbard Hinde Kavanaugh 1854 Christian Newcomer 1813 1858 Enoch George 1816 William W. Orwig 1859 Robert Richford Roberts 1816 Jacob Markwood 1861 Andrew Zeller 1817 Daniel Shuck 1861 Joseph Hoffman 1821 John Jacob Esher 1863 Joshua Soule 1824 Davis Wasgatt Clark 1864 Elijah Hedding 1824 Edward Thomson 1864 Henry Kumler Sr. 1825 1864 John Emory 1832 Jonathan Weaver 1865 James Osgood Andrew 1832 William May Wightman 1866 Samuel Heistand 1833 Enoch Mather Marvin 1866 William Brown 1833 David Seth Doggett 1866 1836 Holland Nimmons McTyeire 1866 Thomas Asbury Morris 1836 John Wright Roberts 1866 Jacob Erb 1837 John Dickson 1869 1839 John Christian Keener 1870 Henry Kumler Jr. 1841 Reuben Yeakel 1871 John Coons 1841 Thomas Bowman 1872 Joseph Long 1843 William Logan Harris 1872 Leonidas Lent Hamline 1844 1872 Edmund Storer Janes 1844 Isaac William Wiley 1872 John Russel 1845 Stephen Mason Merrill 1872 Jacob John Glossbrenner 1845 Edward Gayer Andrews 1872 William Hanby 1845 Gilbert Haven 1872 William Capers 1846 Jesse Truesdell Peck 1872 Robert Paine 1846 Rudolph Dubs 1875 David Edwards 1849 Thomas Bowman 1875 Henry Bidleman Bascom 1850 Milton Wright 1877 Levi Scott 1852 Nicholas Castle 1877

9 LIST OF BISHOPS

Henry White Warren 1880 William Franklin Heil 1902 Cyrus David Foss 1880 Joseph Flintoft Berry 1904 1880 Henry Spellmeyer 1904 Erastus Otis Haven 1880 William Fraser McDowell 1904 Ezekiel Boring Kephart 1881 James Whitford Bashford 1904 Alpheus Waters Wilson 1882 William Burt 1904 Linus Parker 1882 Luther Barton Wilson 1904 John Cowper Granbery 1882 Thomas Benjamin Neely 1904 Robert Kennon Hargrove 1882 Isaiah Benjamin Scott 1904 William Xavier Ninde 1884 William Fitzjames Oldham 1904 John Morgan Walden 1884 John Edward Robinson 1904 Willard Francis Mallalieu 1884 Merriman Colbert Harris 1904 1884 William Marion Weekley 1905 1884 William Melvin Bell 1905 Daniel Kumler Flickinger 1885 Carter 1905 William Wallace Duncan 1886 John James Tigert III 1906 Charles Betts Galloway 1886 Seth Ward 1906 Eugene Russell Hendrix 1886 James Atkins 1906 Joseph Stanton Key 1886 Samuel P. Spreng 1907 John Heyl Vincent 1888 William Franklin Anderson 1908 James Newbury FitzGerald 1888 John Louis Nuelsen 1908 Isaac Wilson Joyce 1888 William Alfred Quayle 1908 Newman 1888 Charles William Smith 1908 Daniel Ayres Goodsell 1888 Wilson Seeley Lewis 1908 1888 Edwin Holt Hughes 1908 James W. Hott 1889 Robert McIntyre 1908 1890 Frank Milton Bristol 1908 Oscar Penn Fitzgerald 1890 Collins Denny 1910 Wesley Matthias Stanford 1891 John Carlisle Kilgo 1910 Christian S. Haman 1891 William Belton Murrah 1910 Sylvanus C. Breyfogel 1891 Walter Russell Lambuth 1910 William Horn 1891 Richard Green Waterhouse 1910 Job S. Mills 1893 Edwin DuBose Mouzon 1910 Charles Cardwell McCabe 1896 James Henry McCoy 1910 1896 William Hargrave Fouke 1910 1896 Uriah Frantz Swengel 1910 1898 Homer Clyde Stuntz 1912 Henry Clay Morrison 1898 William Orville Shepard 1912 1900 Theodore SommersHenderson 1912 1900 Naphtali Luccock 1912 Edwin Wallace Parker 1900 Francis John McConnell 1912 Francis Wesley Warne 1900 Frederick DeLand Leete 1912 George Martin Mathews 1902 Richard Joseph Cooke 1912 Alexander Coke Smith 1902 Wilbur Patterson Thirkield 1912 Elijah Embree Hoss 1902 John Wesley Robinson 1912 Henry Burns Hartzler 1902 William Perry Eveland 1912

10 LIST OF BISHOPS

Henry Harness Fout 1913 Wallace Elias Brown 1924 Cyrus Jeffries Kephart 1913 Arthur Biggs Statton 1925 Alfred Taylor Howard 1913 John S. Stamm 1926 Gottlieb Heinmiller 1915 Samuel J. Umbreit 1926 Lawrence Hoover Seager 1915 Raymond J. Wade 1928 Herbert Welch 1916 James Chamberlain Baker 1928 Thomas Nicholson 1916 Edwin Ferdinand Lee 1928 Adna Wright Leonard 1916 Grant D. Batdorf 1929 Matthew Simpson Hughes 1916 Ira David Warner 1929 Charles Bayard Mitchell 1916 John W. Gowdy 1930 Franklin Elmer EllsworthHamilton 1916 Chih Ping Wang 1930 Alexander Priestly Camphor 1916 Arthur James Moore 1930 Eben Samuel Johnson 1916 Paul Bentley Kern 1930 William H. Washinger 1917 Angie Frank Smith 1930 John Monroe Moore 1918 George Edward Epp 1930 William Fletcher McMurry . 1918 Joshwant Rao Chitamber 1930 Urban Valentine WilliamsDarlington 1918 Juan Ermete Gattinoni 1932 Horace Mellard DuBose 1918 Junius Ralph Magee 1932 William Newman Ainsworth 1918 Ralph Spaulding Cushman 1932 James Cannon, Jr. 1918 Elmer Wesley Praetorius 1934 Matthew T. Maze 1918 Charles H. Stauffacher 1934 Lauress John Birney 1920 Jarrell Waskom Pickett 1935 Frederick Bohn Fisher 1920 Roberto Valenzuela Elphick 1936 Charles Edward Locke 1920 Wilbur Emery Hammaker 1936 Ernest Lynn Waldorf 1920 Charles Wesley Flint 1936 Edgar Blake 1920 Garfield Bromley Oxnam 1936 Ernest Gladstone Richardson 1920 Alexander Preston Shaw 1936 Charles Wesley Burns 1920 John McKendree Springer 1936 Harry Lester Smith 1920 F. H. Otto Melle 1936 George Harvey Bickley 1920 Ralph Ansel Ward 1937 Frederick Thomas Keeney 1920 Victor Otterbein Weidler 1938 Charles Larew Mead 1920 Ivan Lee Holt 1938 Anton Bast 1920 William Walter Peele 1938 Robert Elijah Jones 1920 Clare Purcell 1938 Matthew Wesley Clair 1920 Charles Claude Selecman 1938 Arthur R. Clippinger 1921 John Lloyd Decell 1938 William Benjamin Beauchamp 1922 William Clyde Martin 1938 James Edward Dickey 1922 William Turner Watkins 1938 Samuel Ross Hay 1922 James Henry Straughn 1939 Hoyt McWhorter Dobbs 1922 John Calvin Broomfield 1939 Hiram Abiff Boaz 1922 William Alfred Carroll Hughes 1940 John Francis Dunlap 1922 Lorenzo King 1940 George Amos Miller 1924 Bruce Richard Baxter 1940 Titus Lowe 1924 Shot Kumar Mondol 1940 George Richmond Grose 1924 Clement Daniel Rockey 1941 Brenton Thoburn Badley 1924 Enrique Carlos Balloch 1941

11 LIST OF BISHOPS

Z. T. Kaung 1941 Edwin Edgar Voigt 1952 Wen Yuan Chen 1941 Francis Gerald Ensley 1952 George Carleton Lacy 1941 Alsie Raymond Grant 1952 Fred L. Dennis 1941 Julio Manuel Sabanes 1952 Dionisio Deista Alejandro 1944 Friedrich Wunderlich 1953 Fred Pierce Corson 1944 Odd Arthur Hagen 1953 Walter Earl Ledden 1944 Ferdinand Sigg 1954 Lewis Oliver Hartman 1944 Reuben Herbert Mueller 1954 Newell Snow Booth 1944 Harold Rickel Heininger 1954 Willis Jefferson King 1944 Lyle Lynden Baughman 1954 Robert Nathaniel Brooks 1944 Prince Albert Taylor Jr. 1956 Edward Wendall Kelly 1944 Eugene Maxwell Frank 1956 William Angie Smith 1944 Nolan Bailey Harmon 1956 Paul Elliott Martin 1944 Bachman Gladstone Hodge 1956 Costen Jordan Harrell 1944 Hobart Baumann Amstutz 1956 Paul Neff Garber 1944 Ralph Edward Dodge 1956 Charles Wesley Brashares 1944 Mangal Singh 1956 Schuyler Edward Garth 1944 Gabriel Sundaram 1956 Arthur Frederick Wesley 1944 Paul E. V. Shannon 1957 John Abdus Subhan 1945 John Gordon Howard 1957 John Balmer Showers 1945 Hermann Walter Kaebnick 1958 August Theodor Arvidson 1946 W. Maynard Sparks 1958 Johann Wilhelm ErnstSommer 1946 Paul Murray Herrick 1958 John Wesley Edward Bowen 1948 Bowman Foster Stockwell 1960 Lloyd Christ Wicke 1948 Fred Garrigus Holloway 1960 John Wesley Lord 1948 William Vernon Middleton 1960 Dana Dawson 1948 William Ralph Ward Jr. 1960 Marvin Augustus Franklin 1948 James Kenneth Mathews 1960 Roy Hunter Short 1948 Oliver Eugene Slater 1960 Richard Campbell Raines 1948 William Kenneth Pope 1960 Marshall Russell Reed 1948 Paul Vernon Galloway 1960 Harry Clifford Northcott 1948 Aubrey Grey Walton 1960 Hazen Graff Werner 1948 Kenneth Wilford Copeland 1960 Glenn Randall Phillips 1948 Everett Walter Palmer 1960 Gerald Hamilton Kennedy 1948 Ralph Taylor Alton 1960 Donald Harvey Tippett 1948 Edwin Ronald Garrison 1960 Jose Labarrete Valencia 1948 Torney Otto Nall Jr. 1960 Sante Uberto Barbieri 1949 Charles Franklin Golden 1960 Raymond Leroy Archer 1950 Noah Watson Moore Jr. 1960 David Thomas Gregory 1950 Marquis LaFayette Harris 1960 Frederick Buckley Newell 1952 James Walton Henley 1960 Edgar Amos Love 1952 Walter Clark Gum 1960 Matthew Wesley Clair Jr. 1952 Paul Hardin Jr. 1960 John Warren Branscomb 1952 John Owen Smith 1960 Henry Bascom Watts 1952 Paul William Milhouse 1960 D. Stanley Coors 1952 Pedro Ricardo Zottele 1962

12 LIST OF BISHOPS

James Samuel Thomas 1964 Edward Gonzalez Carroll 1972 William McFerrin Stowe 1964 Jesse Robert DeWitt 1972 Walter Kenneth Goodson 1964 James Mase Ault 1972 Dwight Ellsworth Loder 1964 John B. Warman 1972 Robert Marvin Stuart 1964 Mack B. Stokes 1972 Edward JulianPendergrass Jr. 1964 Jack Marvin Tuell 1972 Thomas Marion Pryor 1964 Melvin E. Wheatley Jr. 1972 Homer Ellis Finger Jr. 1964 Edward Lewis Tullis 1972 Earl Gladstone Hunt Jr. 1964 Frank Lewis Robertson 1972 Francis Enmer Kearns 1964 Wilbur Wong Yan Choy 1972 Lance Webb 1964 Robert McGrady Blackburn 1972 Escrivao Anglaze Zunguze 1964 Emilio J. M. de Carvalho 1972 Robert Fielden Lundy 1964 Fama Onema 1972 Harry Peter Andreassen 1964 Mamidi Elia Peter 1972 John Wesley Shungu 1964 Bennie de Quency Warner 1973 Alfred Jacob Shaw 1965 J. Kenneth Shamblin 1976 Prabhakar ChristopherBenjamin Balaram Alonzo Monk Bryan 1976 1965 Kenneth William Hicks 1976 Stephen Trowen Nagbe 1965 James Chess Lovern 1976 Franz Werner Schäfer 1966 Leroy Charles Hodapp 1976 Benjamin I. Guansing 1967 Edsel Albert Ammons 1976 Lineunt Scott Allen 1967 C. Dale White 1976 Paul Arthur Washburn 1968 Ngoy Kimba Wakadilo 1976 Carl Ernst Sommer 1968 Almeida Penicela 1976 David Frederick Wertz 1968 LaVerne D. Mercado 1976 Alsie Henry Carleton 1968 Hermann Ludwig Sticher 1977 Roy Calvin Nichols 1968 Shantu Kumar A. Parmar 1979 Arthur James Armstrong 1968 Thomas Syla Bangura 1979 William Ragsdale Cannon 1968 John Alfred Ndoricimpa 1980 Abel Tendekayi Muzorewa 1968 William Talbot Handy Jr. 1980 Cornelio M. Ferrer 1968 John Wesley Hardt 1980 Paul Locke A. Granadosin 1968 Benjamin Ray Oliphint 1980 Joseph R. Lance 1968 Louis WesleySchowengerdt 1980 Ram Dutt Joshi 1968 Melvin George Talbert 1980 Eric Algernon Mitchell 1969 Paul Andrews Duffey 1980 Federico Jose Pagura 1969 Edwin Charles Boulton 1980 Armin E. Härtel 1970 John William Russell 1980 Ole Edvard Borgen 1970 Fitz Herbert Skeete 1980 Finis AlonzoCrutchfield Jr. 1972 George Willis Bashore 1980 Joseph Hughes Yeakel 1972 Roy Clyde Clark 1980 Robert E. Goodrich Jr. 1972 William Boyd Grove 1980 Carl Julian Sanders 1972 Emerson Stephen Colaw 1980 Ernest T. Dixon Jr. 1972 Marjorie Swank Matthews 1980 Don Wendell Holter 1972 Carlton Printess Minnick Jr 1980 Wayne K. Clymer 1972 Calvin Dale McConnell 1980 Joel Duncan McDavid 1972 Kainda Katembo 1980

13 LIST OF BISHOPS

Emerito P. Nacpil 1980 Amelia Ann B. Sherer 1992 Arthur Flumo Kulah 1980 Albert Frederick Mutti 1992 Felton Edwin May 1984 Raymond Harold Owen 1992 Ernest A. Fitzgerald 1984 Joel Neftali Martinez 1992 R. Kern Eutsler 1984 Donald Arthur Ott 1992 J. Woodrow Hearn 1984 Kenneth Lee Carder 1992 Walter L. Underwood 1984 Hae Jong Kim 1992 Richard B. Wilke 1984 William Wesley Morris 1992 J. Lloyd Knox 1984 Marshall Leroy Meadors Jr. 1992 Neil L. Irons 1984 Charles Wesley Jordan 1992 Roy Isao Sano 1984 Sharon Zimmerman Rader 1992 Lewis Bevel Jones III 1984 S. Clifton Ives 1992 Forrest C. Stith 1984 Mary Ann Swenson 1992 Ernest W. Newman 1984 Done Peter Dabale 1992 Woodie W. White 1984 Joseph Humper 1992 Robert Crawley Morgan 1984 Christopher Jokomo 1992 David J. Lawson 1984 Daniel C. Arichea Jr. 1994 Elias Gabriel Galvan 1984 G. Lindsey Davis 1996 Rueben Philip Job 1984 Joseph E. Pennel Jr. 1996 Leontine T. Kelly 1984 Charlene Payne Kammerer 1996 Judith Craig 1984 Alfred Johnson 1996 Rüdiger Rainer Minor 1986 Cornelius L. Henderson 1996 Jose Castro Gamboa Jr. 1986 Susan Wolfe Hassinger 1996 Thomas Barber Stockton 1988 J. Lawrence McCleskey 1996 Harold HasbrouckHughes Jr. 1988 Ernest S. Lyght 1996 Richard Carl Looney 1988 Janice Riggle Huie 1996 Robert Hitchcock Spain 1988 Marion M. Edwards 1996 Susan Murch Morrison 1988 C. Joseph Sprague 1996 R. Sheldon Duecker 1988 Peter E. Weaver 1996 Joseph Benjamin Bethea 1988 Jonathan D. Keaton 1996 William B. Oden 1988 Ray Chamberlain 1996 Bruce P. Blake 1988 John L. Hopkins 1996 Charles WilbourneHancock 1988 Michael J. Coyner 1996 Clay Foster Lee Jr. 1988 Edward W. Paup 1996 Sharon A. BrownChristopher 1988 Ntambo Nkulu Ntanda 1996 Dan E. Solomon 1988 Larry M. Goodpaster 2000 William B. Lewis 1988 Rhymes H. Moncure Jr. 2000 William W. Dew Jr. 1988 Beverly J. Shamana 2000 Moises Domingos Fernandes 1988 Violet L. Fisher 2000 Joao Somane Machado 1988 Gregory V. Palmer 2000 Walter Klaiber 1989 William W. Hutchinson 2000 Heinrich Bolleter 1989 B. Michael Watson 2000 Hans Växby 1989 D. Max Whitfield 2000 Alfred Lloyd Norris 1992 Benjamin Roy Chamness 2000 Joe Allen Wilson 1992 Linda Lee 2000 Robert Eugene Fannin 1992 James R. King 2000

14 LIST OF BISHOPS

Bruce R. Ough 2000 Warner H. Brown Jr. 2000 JosÈ Quipungo 2000 Gaspar Joao Domingos 2000 Leo Soriano 2001 Timothy Whitaker 2001 Benjamin Justo 2001 Øystein Olsen 2001 Solito Toquero 2001

15 LIST OF BISHOPS

16 HISTORICAL STATEMENT

n April 23, 1968, The United Method were to the ist Church was created when Bishop colony of , arriving in March 1736. It OReuben H. Mueller, representing The was their only occasion to visit America. Their Evangelical United Brethren Church, and mission was far from an unqualified success, Bishop Lloyd C. Wicke of The Methodist and both returned to England disillusioned Church joined hands at the constituting Gen- and discouraged, Charles in December 1736, eral Conference in Dallas, . With the and John in February 1738. words, ”Lord of the Church, we are united in Both of the Wesley brothers had transform- Thee, in Thy Church and now in The United ing religious experiences in May 1738. In the Methodist Church,” the new denomination years following, the Wesleys succeeded in was given birth by two churches that had dis- leading a lively renewal movement in the tinguished histories and influential ministries Church of England. As the Methodist move- in various parts of the world. ment grew, it became apparent that their min- Theological traditions steeped in the Prot- istry would spread to the American colonies as estant Reformation and Wesleyanism, similar some Methodists made the exhausting and ecclesiastical structures, and relationships hazardous Atlantic voyage to the New World. that dated back almost two hundred years fa- Organized Methodism in America began as cilitated the union. In the Evangelical United a lay movement. Among its earliest leaders Brethren heritage, for example, Philip William were Robert Strawbridge, an immigrant Otterbein, the principal founder of the United farmer who organized work about 1760 in Brethren in Christ, assisted in the ordination and , Philip Embury and his of Francis Asbury to the superintendency of cousin, Barbara Heck, who began work in New American Methodist work. Jacob Albright, York in 1766, and Captain Thomas Webb, through whose religious experience and lead- whose labors were instrumental in Methodist ership the was begun, beginnings in in 1767. was nurtured in a Methodist class meeting fol- To strengthen the Methodist work in the lowing his conversion. colonies, John Wesley sent two of his lay preachers, Richard Boardman and Joseph Pilmore, to America in 1769. Two years later Roots, 1736-1816 Richard Wright and Francis Asbury were also The United Methodist Church shares a com- dispatched by Wesley to undergird the grow- mon history and heritage with other Method- ing American Methodist societies. Francis ist and Wesleyan bodies. The lives and minis- Asbury became the most important figure in tries of John Wesley (1703-1791) and of his early American Methodism. His energetic de- brother, Charles (1707-1788), mark the origin votion to the principles of , of their common roots. Both John and Charles ministry, and organization shaped Methodism

17 HISTORICAL STATEMENT in America in a way unmatched by any other course of the movement in America. Most of individual. In addition to the preachers sent the American preachers attended, probably by Wesley, some Methodists in the colonies including two African Americans, Harry Ho- also answered the call to become lay preachers sier and . It was at this gathering in the movement. that the movement became organized as The The first conference of Methodist preach- Methodist Episcopal Church in America. ers in the colonies was held in Philadelphia in In the years following the Christmas Con- 1773. The ten who attended took several im- ference, The Methodist Episcopal Church portant actions. They pledged allegiance to published its first Discipline (1785), adopted a Wesley’s leadership and agreed that they quadrennial General Conference, the first of would not administer the sacraments because which was held in 1792, drafted a Constitution they were laypersons. Their people were to re- in 1808, refined its structure, established a ceive the sacraments of and the publishing house, and became an ardent pro- Lord’s Supper at the local Anglican parish ponent of revivalism and the . church. They emphasized strong discipline As The Methodist Episcopal Church was in among the societies and preachers. A system its infancy, two other churches were being of regular conferences of the preachers was in- formed. In their earliest years they were com- augurated similar to those Wesley had insti- posed almost entirely of German-speaking tuted in England to conduct the business of people. The first was founded by Philip the Methodist movement. William Otterbein (1726-1813) and Martin The American Revolution had a profound Boehm (1725-1812). Otterbein, a German Re- impact on Methodism. John Wesley’s Toryism formed , and Boehm, a Mennonite, and his writings against the revolutionary preached an evangelical message and experi- cause did not enhance the image of ence similar to the Methodists. In 1800 their Methodism among many who supported inde- followers formally organized the Church of the pendence. Furthermore, a number of Method- United Brethren in Christ. A second church, ist preachers refused to bear arms to aid the The Evangelical Association, was begun by patriots. Jacob Albright (1759-1808), a Lutheran When independence from England had farmer and tilemaker in eastern been won, Wesley recognized that changes who had been converted and nurtured under were necessary in American Methodism. He Methodist teaching. The Evangelical Associa- sent Thomas Coke to America to superintend tion was officially organized in 1803. These the work with Asbury. Coke brought with him two churches were to unite with each other in a book titled The Sunday Service of the 1946 and with The Methodist Church in 1968 Methodists in North America, prepared by to form The United Methodist Church. Wesley and incorporating his revision of the By the time of Asbury’s death in March Church of England’s Thirty-Nine Articles of 1816, Otterbein, Boehm, and Albright had also Religion. Two other preachers, Richard died. The churches they nurtured had survived Whatcoat and Thomas Vasey, whom Wesley the difficulties of early life and were beginning had ordained, accompanied Coke. Wesley’s to expand numerically and geographically. set a precedent that ultimately permitted Methodists in America to become an independent church. The Churches Grow, 1817-1843 In December 1784, the famous Christmas The Second Great Awakening was the domi- Conference of preachers was held in nant religious development among Protes- at Lovely Lane Chapel to chart the future tants in America in the first half of the nine-

18 THE CHURCHES GROW, 1817-1843 teenth century. Through revivals and camp a few women and men were gathered under meetings sinners were brought to an experi- the direction of a class leader and were visited ence of conversion. Circuit riding preachers regularly by the circuit preacher, one who had and lay pastors knit them into a connection. a circuit of preaching placed under his care. This style of Christian faith and discipline was This system effectively served the needs of very agreeable to Methodists, United Breth- city, town, village, or frontier outpost. The ren, and Evangelicals, who favored its empha- churches were able to go to the people wher- sis on the experiential. The memberships of ever they settled. these churches increased dramatically during The earlier years of the nineteenth century this period. The number of preachers serving were also marked by the spread of the Sunday them also multiplied significantly. school movement in America. By 1835 Sunday Lay members and preachers were expected schools were encouraged in every place where to be seriously committed to the faith. Preach- they could be started and maintained. The ers were not only to possess a sound conver- Sunday school became a principal source of sion and divine calling but were also to dem- prospective members for the church. onstrate the gifts and skills requisite for an ef- The churches’ interest in education was fective ministry. Their work was urgent and also evident in their establishment of second- demanding. The financial benefits were ary schools and colleges. By 1845 Methodists, meager. But, as they often reminded one an- Evangelicals, and United Brethren had also in- other, there was no more important work than stituted courses of study for their preachers to theirs. ensure that they had a basic knowledge of the The deep commitment of the general mem- Bible, theology, and pastoral ministry. bership was exhibited in their willingness to To supply their members, preachers, and adhere to the spiritual disciplines and stand- Sunday schools with Christian literature, the ards of conduct outlined by their churches. churches established publishing operations. Methodists, for example, were to be strictly The Methodist Book Concern, organized in guided by a set of General Rules adopted at the 1789, was the first church publishing house in Christmas Conference of 1784 and still printed America. The Evangelical Association and in United Methodism’s Book of Discipline. United Brethren also authorized the forma- They were urged to avoid evil, to do good, and tion of publishing agencies in the early nine- to use the means of grace supplied by God. teenth century. From the presses of their Membership in the church was serious busi- printing plants came a succession of hymnals, ness. There was no place for those whom Disciplines, newspapers, magazines, Sunday Wesley called the ”almost Christians.” school materials, and other literature to nur- The structure of the Methodist, United ture their memberships. Profits were usually Brethren, and Evangelical Association designated for the support and welfare of re- churches allowed them to function in ways to tired and indigent preachers and their fami- support, consolidate, and expand their minis- lies. tries. General Conferences, meeting quadren- The churches were also increasingly com- nially, proved sufficient to set the main course mitted to missionary work. By 1841 each of for the church. Annual Conferences under them had started denominational missionary episcopal leadership provided the mechanism societies to develop strategies and provide for admitting and ordaining clergy, appointing funds for work in the and itinerant preachers to their churches, and sup- abroad. John Stewart’s mission to the plying them with mutual support. Local Wyandots marked a beginning of the impor- churches and classes could spring up wherever tant presence of Native Americans in

19 HISTORICAL STATEMENT

Methodism. suspend Bishop Andrew from the exercise of The founding period was not without seri- his episcopal office so long as he could not, or ous problems, especially for the Methodists. would not, free his slaves. A few days later dis- Richard Allen (1760-1831), an emancipated sidents drafted a Plan of Separation, which slave and Methodist preacher who had been permitted the annual conferences in mistreated because of his race, left the church slaveholding states to separate from The and in 1816 organized The African Methodist Methodist Episcopal Church in order to or- Episcopal Church. For similar reasons, The ganize their own ecclesiastical structure. The African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church was Plan of Separation was adopted, and the begun in 1821. In 1830 another rupture oc- groundwork was prepared for the creation of curred in The Methodist Episcopal Church. The Methodist Episcopal Church, South. About 5,000 preachers and laypeople left the Delegates from the southern states met in denomination because it would not grant rep- Louisville, , in May 1845, to organize resentation to the laity or permit the election their new church. Their first General Confer- of presiding elders (district superintendents). ence was held the following year in The new body was called The Methodist Prot- Petersburg, Virginia, where a Discipline and estant Church. It remained a strong church hymnbook were adopted. Bitterness between until 1939, when it united with The Methodist northern and southern Methodists intensified Episcopal Church and The Methodist Episco- in the years leading to ’s elec- pal Church, South, to become The Methodist tion in 1860 and then through the carnage of Church. the Civil War. Each church claimed divine sanction for its region and prayed fervently for God’s will to be accomplished in victory for its The Slavery Question and Civil War, side. 1844-1865 John Wesley was an ardent opponent of slav- ery. Many of the leaders of early American Reconstruction, Prosperity, and New Methodism shared his hatred for this form of Issues, 1866-1913 human bondage. As the nineteenth century The Civil War dealt an especially harsh blow to progressed, it became apparent that tensions The Methodist Episcopal Church, South. Its were deepening in Methodism over the slavery membership fell to two-thirds its pre-war question. In this matter, as in so many others, strength. Many of its churches lay in ruins or Methodism reflected a national ethos because were seriously damaged. A number of its it was a church with a membership that was clergy had been killed or wounded in the con- not limited to a region, class, or race. Conten- flict. Its educational, publishing, and mission- tion over slavery would ultimately split ary programs had been disrupted. Yet new vi- Methodism into separate northern and south- tality stirred among southern Methodists, and ern churches. over the next fifty years its membership grew The slavery issue was generally put aside by fourfold to more than two million. The Methodist Episcopal Church until its Gen- The African American membership of The eral Conference in 1844, when the pro-slavery Methodist Episcopal Church, South, had de- and anti-slavery factions clashed. Their most clined significantly during and after the war. serious conflict concerned one of the church’s In 1870 its General Conference voted to trans- five bishops, James O. Andrew, who had ac- fer all of its remaining African American con- quired slaves through . After acrimo- stituency to a new church. The Colored Meth- nious debate the General Conference voted to odist Episcopal Church (now called The Chris-

20 RECONSTRUCTION, PROSPERITY, AND NEW ISSUES, 1866-1913 tian Methodist Episcopal Church) was the Two critical issues that caused substantial product of this decision. debate in the churches during this period were It was during this period that Alejo lay representation and the role of women. Hernandez became the first ordained His- First, should laity be given a voice in the Gen- panic preacher in Methodism, although eral Conference and the annual conference? Benigno Cardenas had preached the Method- The Methodist Protestants had granted the la- ist message in Spanish in Santa Fe, New ity representation from the time they organ- Mexico, as early as 1853. ized in 1830. The clergy in The Methodist The Methodist Episcopal Church did not Episcopal Church, The Methodist Episcopal suffer as harshly as southern Methodism did Church, South, The Evangelical Association, during the war. By the late 1860s it was on the and the Church of the United Brethren in verge of major gains in membership and new Christ were much slower in permitting the la- vigor in its program. Between 1865 and 1913 ity an official voice in their affairs. It was not its membership also registered a 400 percent until 1932 that the last of these churches increase to about four million. Methodist granted laity these rights. Even more conten- Protestants, United Brethren, and tious was the question of women’s right to or- Evangelicals experienced similar growth. dination and eligibility for lay offices and rep- Church property values soared, and affluence resentation in the church. The United Breth- reflected generally prosperous times for the ren General Conference of 1889 approved or- churches. Sunday schools remained strong dination for women, but The Methodist Epis- and active. Publishing houses maintained am- copal Church and The Methodist Episcopal bitious programs to furnish their member- Church, South, did not grant full clergy rights ships with literature. Higher educational until well after their reunion in 1939. The standards for the clergy were cultivated, and Evangelical Association never ordained theological seminaries were founded. women. Laity rights for women were also re- Mission work, both home and overseas, sisted. Women were not admitted as delegates was high on the agendas of the churches. to the General Conferences of The Methodist Home mission programs sought to Christian- Protestant Church until 1892, the United ize the city as well as the Native American. Brethren until 1893, The Methodist Episcopal Missionaries established schools for former Church until 1904, and The Methodist Episco- slaves and their children. Missions overseas pal Church, South, until 1922. were effective in Asia, Europe, , and The period between the Civil War and Latin America. Women formed missionaries World War I also was marked by other theo- societies that educated, recruited, and raised logical developments and controversies. The funds for these endeavors. Missionaries like , the rise of liberal theol- Isabella Thoburn, Susan Bauernfeind, and ogy, and the Social movement were Harriett Brittan, and administrators like Bell sources of considerable theological debate. Harris Bennett and Lucy Rider Meyer, moti- The Methodist Episcopal Church demon- vated thousands of church women to support strated its regard for social issues by adopting home and foreign missions. a Social Creed at its 1908 General Conference. Significant Methodist ministries among Social problems were also a spur in the move- Asian Americans were instituted during this ment toward and interchurch co- period, especially among Chinese and Japa- operation. Each of the denominations now in- nese immigrants. A Japanese layman, Kanichi cluded in The United Methodist Church be- Miyama, was ordained and given full clergy came active in the Federal Council of rights in California in 1887. Churches, the first major ecumenical venture

21 HISTORICAL STATEMENT among American Protestants. The era closed lier in their own histories. For example, a divi- with the world on the threshold of a great and sion that had occurred in The Evangelical As- horrible war. sociation in 1894 was repaired in 1922, when two factions united as The Evangelical Church. A more important union, at least by World War and More Change, statistical measurement, took place among 1914-1939 three Methodist bodies—The Methodist Epis- In the years immediately prior to World War I, copal Church, The Methodist Protestant there was much sympathy in the churches for Church, and The Methodist Episcopal Church, negotiation and arbitration as visible alterna- South. Representatives of these churches be- tives to international armed conflict. Many gan meeting in 1916 to forge a plan of union. church members and clergy openly professed By the 1930s their proposal included parti- pacifism. However, when the United States of- tioning the united church into six administra- ficially entered the war in 1917, pacifism faded. tive units called jurisdictions. Five of these The antecedent churches of United were geographical; the sixth, the Central Ju- Methodism were not unlike other American risdiction, was racial. It included African denominations in expressing their national American churches and annual conferences loyalties. wherever they were geographically located in When the war ended, the churches were the United States. African American Method- again free to expend their energies in other di- ists and some others were troubled by this rections. One of their perennial concerns was prospect and opposed the plan of a racially temperance, and they were quick to recognize segregated jurisdiction. it among their highest priorities. They pub- The majority of Methodist Protestants lished and distributed large amounts of tem- favored the union, although it meant accept- perance literature. Members were asked to ing episcopal government, which they had not pledge that they would abstain from alcoholic had since their church was organized in 1830. beverages. The United Methodist Church still Following overwhelming approvals at the encourages such abstinence. General Conferences and annual conferences There was significant theological ferment of the three churches, they were united in during this period. Liberal Protestant theol- April 1939, into The Methodist Church. At the ogy, an important school of thought in the late time of its formation the new church included nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, was 7.7 million members. questioned. It was attacked by a militant fun- damentalism and later by neo-orthodoxy, which accused it of undermining the very es- Movement Toward Union, 1940-1967 sence of the Christian message. Since all three Although Methodists, Evangelicals, and of these theological parties—liberal, funda- United Brethren each had published strong mentalist, and neo-orthodox—were well rep- statements condemning war and advocating resented in the forerunners of United peaceful reconciliation among the nations, the Methodism, it is not surprising that heated strength of their positions was largely lost with doctrinal disputes were present in these American involvement in the hostilities of churches. World War II. Nevertheless, throughout the Despite the internal theological differences war many churches continued to express their that the churches experienced, they continued disdain for violence and their support for con- to cooperate with other denominations and scientious objection. acted to heal schisms that had taken place ear- As the war ended, the churches actively

22 DEVELOPMENTS AND CHANGES SINCE 1968 worked to secure world peace and order. Many to 1966. Finally, plans to abolish the Central laypeople, pastors, bishops, and church agen- Jurisdiction were agreed upon with the con- cies supported the establishment of a world templated union with the Evangelical United organization to serve as a forum for the resolu- Brethren in 1968, although a few African tion of international social, economic, and po- American annual conferences continued for a litical problems. In April 1945, their labors short time thereafter. contributed to the founding of the United Na- Third, clergy rights for women were de- tions. bated by the churches. The issue was espe- During this era, 1940-1967, there were at cially critical in the creation of The Evangelical least three other important matters that occu- United Brethren Church. The Evangelical pied the attention of the churches that now Church had never ordained women. The compose United Methodism. First, they main- United Brethren had ordained them since tained their concern for ecumenicity and 1889. In order to facilitate the union of these church union. On November 16, 1946, in two churches, the United Brethren accepted Johnstown, Pennsylvania, The Evangelical the Evangelical practice, and women lost their Church and The United Brethren Church were right to ordination. Methodists debated the is- united into The Evangelical United Brethren sue for several years after their unification in Church, after twenty years of negotiation. At 1939. Full clergy rights for women were finally the time of union, the new church included granted in 1956, but it took a decade more be- about 700,000 members. The Methodist fore the number of women in seminaries and Church was also interested in closer ties with began to grow significantly. When other Methodist and Wesleyan bodies. In 1951 Methodists and the Evangelical United Breth- it participated in the formation of the World ren united in 1968, the right of women to full Methodist Council, successor to the Ecumeni- clergy status was included in the plan of union. cal Methodist Conferences that were begun in As this period ended, negotiations between 1881. As expressions of their wider ecumenical The Methodist Church and The Evangelical commitment, Methodists and the Evangelical United Brethren Church were proceeding to- United Brethren became active members of ward their anticipated union into The United the World Council of Churches, founded in Methodist Church. 1948, and the National Council of Churches, founded in 1950. These assemblies provided a means for their members to engage in coop- Developments and Changes Since 1968 erative mission and other ministries. The two When The United Methodist Church was cre- churches also cooperated with seven other ated in 1968, it had approximately 11 million Protestant denominations in forming the Con- members, making it one of the largest Protes- sultation on Church Union in 1960. tant churches in the world. Second, the churches demonstrated grow- Since its birth, United Methodism has ex- ing uneasiness with the problem of racism in perienced a number of changes in its life and both the nation and the church. Many Meth- structure. It has become increasingly aware of odists were especially disturbed by the man- itself as a world church with members and ner in which racial segregation was built into conferences in Africa, Asia, Europe, and the the fabric of their denominational structure. United States. While its membership in Eu- The Central Jurisdiction was a constant re- rope and the United States has declined no- minder of racial discrimination. Proposals to ticeably since 1968, membership in Africa and eliminate the Central Jurisdiction were intro- Asia has grown significantly. duced at the General Conferences from 1956 An increasing number of women have been

23 HISTORICAL STATEMENT admitted to the ordained ministry, appointed to the district superintendency, elected to po- METHODISM IN sitions of denominational leadership, and con- secrated as bishops. In 1980 Marjorie NORTHERN EUROPE Matthews was the first woman elected to the Church’s episcopacy. The Church has endeavored to become a community in which all persons, regardless of racial or ethnic background, can participate in he first work of the Methodist Church every level of its connectional life and minis- in Scandinavia took place in Stockholm try. Tas an outreach of British Methodism. United Methodism has struggled with a In 1830-42 Scottish Methodist pastor George number of critical issues. It has created and re- Scott ran a rather comprehensive operation, fined theological and mission statements. It which had a decided influence upon what be- has discussed and acted on matters of social came to be the Free Church life in Sweden. importance such as nuclear power and world George Scott’s activities broke down due to peace, human sexuality, the environment, opposition of a dramatic nature. abortion, AIDS, , and world mis- There were strife and great changes in the sion. Northern European Countries. The increased The Church has been concerned with the population could no longer be supported agri- faithfulness and vitality of its worship. It pub- culturally or incorporated into the new indus- lished a hymnal in 1989, which included a new tries of the growing cities. Health and welfare Psalter and revised liturgies for baptism, the standards were low, and social needs were Lord’s Supper, weddings, and funerals. Its great. Radical changes in society created a 1992 General Conference authorized a new longing for the better living conditions to be Book of Worship. A Spanish language hymnal, found in America. Likewise, many became oc- Mil Voces Para Celebrar, was published in cupied with the search for help in spiritual val- 1996. ues. The United Methodist Church represents The church’s arrival to Northern Europe the confluence of three streams of tradition: was linked to immigration across the Atlantic, Methodism, the Church of the United Breth- particularly to seamen who sailed to America. ren in Christ, and The Evangelical Association. In the 1830’s and the decades to follow, all With other churches that are also members of Protestant denominations in North America the body of Christ, it humbly and gratefully of- were influenced by the Second Great Awaken- fers up its praise to God through Jesus Christ ing. Concurrently, immigration from the and the Holy Spirit for creating and sustaining countries of Northern Europe to America be- grace. It seeks further grace as its ministers to gan, growing at a massive rate up to the turn of the world. the century. In the 1830’s and 40’s the first Scandinavian-speaking Methodist Churches were established in the U.S., and conferences were eventually organized, utilizing the Scandinavian languages in worship services, newsletters, books and all matters of adminis- tration.

24 METHODISM IN NORTHERN EUROPE

Bethel Ship John Wesley. tially enough to receive status as an Annual At the initiative of a Swedish sailor, a seaman’s Conference. At the time there were 53 pastors, church was established in in 1832 in 27 congregations, 127 preaching stations and order to serve the harbor’s sailors and to bring 3,634 members. the gospel to the many emigrants there. The floating church - “Bethel Ship John Wesley” - became a significant instrument in bringing Sweden Methodism to the Nordic residents. Olaf Various Methodist preachers operated in Swe- Gustaf Hedström, of Sweden, led the mission den in the 1850’s. This led to the establish- in New York harbor for over 30 years, begin- ment of the Methodist Church in Sweden in ning in 1845. Many seamen and emigrants 1868. The work grew rapidly, and in 1876, the who had experienced conversion carried the church was able to form as an independent Methodist revival with them to other parts of Annual Conference with 55 pastors, 97 con- the U.S., as well as to their home countries in gregations, 249 preaching stations and 4,123 Northern Europe. members. During the same year, the church received official approval by the state as an in- dependent church. Sweden had its own super- Norway intendent, Victor Witting. In Norway, the story of Methodism began with seaman Ole Peter Petersen’s preaching in 1849 and the years ahead. In 1851, O.P. Finland and Russia Petersen established the Norwegian-Danish On the Finnish side of the Bay of Bothnia, Methodist Church in America. In 1856, Dan- Methodist preaching began to be heard by ish-American Christian Willerup was sent to 1859 and the years to follow. Gustaf Lervik, a Scandinavia as a superintendent in order to coxswain who had returned to his homeland, lead the church, which had emerged sponta- began to preach in his home country after be- neously. The first Methodist church was ing converted aboard the Bethel Ship in New founded during the same year, thereby mak- York. Later, the Bärlund brothers joined in as ing the establishment of the Methodist Church preachers. In the 1880’s, impulses from Swe- in Norway a reality. In 1876 the church in Nor- den led to a new start for Methodism in Fin- way received status as an Annual Conference. land, and the first congregation was estab- There were 29 pastors, 19 congregations and lished in 1881. Methodism in Finland fell in 2,798 members, in addition to the confer- under the Sweden Annual Conference and had ence’s own superintendent, Martin Hansen. status as a district under the leadership of su- perintendent B.A. Carlsen. In 1887 the first Finnish-speaking congregations arose, and Denmark two years later B.A. Carlsen established a mis- During a family visit to Copenhagen, Christian sion to Russia, with meetings held in St. Willerup commenced meetings. In 1856, when Petersburg, leading shortly thereafter to con- he was sent to Scandinavia as a superintend- gregational development. The Czar, who at the ent, the work took shape and was launched. time ruled both Russia and Finland, gave offi- The first congregation was established in cial approval in 1892 to the Methodist Church 1859, and in 1865 the church received official in both states. In light of the situation, the approval by the state, according to The Royal Sweden Annual Conference organized ”The Constitution. It was first in 1911 that mission in Finland and St. Petersburg” during Methodism in Denmark had grown substan- the same year. In 1907, German-American Dr.

25 HISTORICAL STATEMENT

George A. Simons (originally from Sylt, in ready preached in Kaunas, and during his stay Schleswig) was appointed as superintendent discovered that a group in Kaunas, over sev- in St. Petersburg. The link to Sweden weak- eral years, had been in contact with the Meth- ened, and under his leadership the work de- odist Publishing House in Bremen. In 1911, the veloped rapidly with ramifications for Russia first church building was built in Kaunas, and Estonia. The Bolshevik Revolution in 1917 which was the first Methodist edifice built in put a stop to all possibilities for church the Baltics. The Evangelical Association from growth, yet, in spite of opposition, the work the Königsberg District started evangelistic continued into the 1920’s. The Methodist work in Riga, the capital of Latvia, in 1908, Church in Finland gathered for the first time with the establishment of the first church in as an independent Annual Conference in 1911. 1912. >From this point, the work developed The church had 1,568 members. In keeping into the formation of congregations in Kuldiga with the development in Finland after its inde- and Liepaja. German Methodism started work pendence, the work was separated in one in Riga with the appointment of George R. Swedish-speaking and one Finnish-speaking Durdis in 1910. This led to the establishment conference in 1923. Finnish-speaking of the first Methodist church in Riga in 1912. Methodism suffered greatly during World War In 1911, the Methodists came into contact with II, since 60% of its members lived in regions the Moravian Brethren missionary Alfred that were incorporated into the Soviet Union. Freiberg, who had founded the congregation in Liepaja, which in turn became a Methodist church. After the three Baltic Countries at- The Baltic Countries tained independence after the First World Methodism in the Baltic Countries can be War, the work developed rapidly, with Ameri- traced back to the beginning of the 1900’s. can support, and Riga became the center for From the north, Methodism traveled from St. Methodism in the Baltics with the establish- Petersburg to Saaremaa (Ösel) and the Esto- ment of a theological seminary and residence nian mainland. From the south, the inspira- for superintendent Dr. George A. Simons. In tion came from German Methodism, partly 1924, there were 47 Methodist pastors in the from the Methodist Church and partly from Baltics: 24 in Estonia, 15 in Latvia and 8 in the Evangelical Association and The Christian Lithuania. The Baltic Annual Conference was Brethren Church. At the time of the Second organized in 1929, and each of the 3 countries World War the Evangelical Association and received status as districts. The operations in Brethren Church in Lithuania and Latvia were the Baltics grew, so that by 1939 there were connected with Germany via the Königsberg around 3,000 registered members. During the District, while the Methodist Church’s ties same year, 13 Methodist pastors were regis- were with the Nordic Countries. In Estonia, tered, serving 15 congregations in Estonia, 17 Methodist preaching began early enough Methodist pastors serving 19 congregations in (1907) so that the first congregation could be Latvia, and 7 Methodist pastors serving 7 con- established in 1908. Vassili Täht and Karl gregations Lithuania. At that time, the Evan- Kuum, who were sent by the Methodists in St. gelical Association had 3 pastors and 3 congre- Petersburg, were integral in starting up the gations in Latvia, as well as 7 pastors and 7 Methodist congregation in Kuressaare, in congregations in Lithuania. The Evangelical Saaremaa. The Northwest German Confer- Association tallied around 1,000 members in ence appointed the first Methodist minister to Latvia and Lithuania. The incorporation of the service in Kaunas, Lithuania in 1905. In 1900, Baltic Countries into the Soviet Union after Pastor Heinrich Ramke of Königsberg had al- World War II was catastrophic for the Meth-

26 METHODISM IN NORTHERN EUROPE odist Church. Systematic persecution of pas- pean Countries was tied together historically, tors and congregations, as well as confiscation the new structure meant that the Church in of buildings destroyed a great deal of the work. that region, to an even greater extent, sought Only Estonia was successful in maintaining together and formed a fellowship in order to the work of the church, due to notable national handle their new and greater independence. leaders such as Martin Prikask and Alexander In 1924, the North Europe Episcopal Area or- Kuum, until the Baltic Countries reestablished ganized as a Central Conference, and the Bal- their independence in 1991. In Latvia, a small tic-Slavic Annual Conference became inte- group of earlier Methodists remained, and in grated. In 1924, pastoral education for 1991 these contacts led to the resurrection of Scandinavian language candidates, which un- the United Methodist Church of Latvia, while til that time took place in their respective An- the district was formally reestablished in 1992 nual Conferences, became consolidated at the with three congregations. In 1995, the Meth- Nordic Theological Seminary, Överås, in odist Church of Lithuania resumed in Kaunas Gothenberg. This cooperation continued until and a year later in Siaulaiai. The United Meth- 1971, when a theological seminary was estab- odist Church in Lithuania was formally lished in Bergen for Norwegian candidates. reestablished in 1996. The work in all three Pastoral education for the Baltic Area was Baltic Countries has been characterized by reestablished in 1994, with the opening of the growth. New congregations are being Baltic Methodist Theological Seminary in founded, and the operations have spread from Tallinn. the indigenous languages and peoples to the Russian-speaking population. In Tallinn there was already a Russian-language outreach in Europe the 1950’s, and in the 1980’s, the Russian-lan- The Depression during the 1930’s caused fur- guage outreach likewise commenced in vari- ther weakening of the ties to the church in ous places. The Church in Estonia is an Annual America. Methodism in Northern Europe be- Conference. In Latvia and Lithuania, longed to the Methodist Episcopal Church, Methodism has status as District Conferences under the auspices of the General Board of within the Estonia Annual Conference, yet Missions, but the Unity Conference of 1939 function by way of their registration as de- gave Methodism in Northern Europe an al- nominations within their respective countries tered affiliation to the Mother Church. Until and as annual conferences in praxis. that time, the work in the Northern European Countries had been a branch of the Methodist Episcopal Church, similar to the work in other The Northern Europe Central Central European countries. After World War Conference I, the Methodist Episcopal Church, South had The First World War weakened the connection established extensive missions organizations between Europe and America, thus a substan- in predominantly Roman Catholic countries, tial disengagement of Continental European such as and several Slavic states. In Methodism from the Mother Church in the addition to the two American Methodist U.S. became necessary. In 1920, the General Churches, British Methodism, also called Conference decided to divide Europe into sev- Wesleyan Methodism, had made inroads on eral episcopal areas. The Northern Europe the European continent with outreaches in Episcopal Area, including Methodism in the French, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese and Ger- Nordic Countries, was established and put un- man speaking areas. Wesleyan Methodism der the supervisions of Danish Bishop, Anton was organized as part of the British Annual Bast. Though Methodism in the North Euro-

27 HISTORICAL STATEMENT

Conference. Furthermore, the Methodist Uniting Church Women - Europe, and The Church tradition was represented in force by World several small churches, which were all related Federation of Methodist and Uniting to the United Brethren in Christ and The Women - Britain and Ireland. Evangelical Association. A series of Church Since the Second World War, the Northern unions led to the uniting in church structure of Europe Central Conference has been led by the entire Methodist Church family on the Eu- their elected bishops: Theodor Arvidsson of ropean continent, which organically is part of Sweden (elected in 1946); Odd Hagen of Nor- the larger United Methodist Church. The way (1953); Ole E. Borgen of Norway (1970); United Methodist Church is, by way of her Hans Växby of the Finland Swedish Confer- membership in the Methodist Church’s World ence (1989); Rüdiger Minor of the East Ger- Council, part of the massive cooperation be- many Central Conference (1993); and Øystein tween churches in the Methodist and Olsen of Norway (2001). Wesleyan traditions. By the end of the Second World War, the European continent had two Central Confer- Russia ences: The German and the Northern Euro- After the dismantling of the Soviet Union, The pean. In addition, there were ten Annual Con- General Board of Global Ministries initiated ferences and two Missions Conferences, which an extensive outreach, leading to the forma- fused together in the so-called Geneva Circle, tion of congregations in several areas within and organized under the Southeast Jurisdic- Russia and The Ukraine. The first newly estab- tion in the U.S. lished congregations were established in 1990, After the War, there was an attempt to form in Jekateringburg and Moscow. The Method- a single European Central Conference. The at- ist Church organization was formally tempt failed, and in 1954, a Central Confer- reestablished in that part of the world in 1992 ence for Central and Southern Europe was by The United Methodist Mission in The Com- formed out of the Northern Europe Central monwealth of Independent States, 100 years Conference. In 1966, the European Council for after the original establishment of the Meth- Central Conferences of the Methodist Church odist church in Russia, which took place in St. was founded, in lieu of discussions by the Petersburg in 1892. In 1991, Rüdiger Minor of World Methodist Conference in Oslo. In 1980, the former East Germany was already ap- the name was changed to the European Coun- pointed as episcopal coordinator. The General cil of the United Methodist Church. Plenary Conference decided in 1992 to make Eurasia sessions with the British and Irish Methodist an independent Episcopal Area. The General Churches led to the 1993 formation a new Eu- Conference authorized the Northern Europe ropean Methodist Council, where all Method- Central Conference, which had oversight for ist traditions in Europe were united for the the Methodist organization during the former first time within the same organization. Affili- Soviet era, to elect a bishop to carry out the ates of the European Methodist Council in- work in the new area. With delegates present cluded: from the Russian United Methodist churches, 1. The Consultative Conference of the Euro- the Central Conference of 1993 elected and in- pean Methodist Churches, which commenced augurated Rüdiger Minor as Bishop of Eura- in 1957 sia, with residence in Moscow. Methodism in 2. The European Methodist Youth Council, Eurasia was organized 1996 as a provisional and Annual Conference under the name, ”Russia 3. The World Federation of Methodist and United Methodist Church”, which was con-

28 METHODISM IN NORTHERN EUROPE firmed by the Central Conference in Pärnu in 1997. In 1997, pastoral education was estab- lished in Moscow. By the year 2000, the Rus- sian Conference consisted of 87 congrega- tions.

One Central Conference - Two Episcopal Areas United Methodism in the Nordic and Baltic Countries, as well as Eurasia is organized within one Central Conference, which is called The Northern Europe Central Conference. The Methodist Church within the Central Confer- ence includes two Episcopal Areas: 1. The United Methodist Church, Nordic and Baltic Area 2. The United Methodist Church, Eurasia Area.

29 HISTORICAL STATEMENT

30 Part I

THE CONSTITUTION 1

PREAMBLE DIVISION ONE—GENERAL

The church is a community of all true believers ¶1.Article I. Declaration of Union—The under the Lordship of Christ. It is the re- Evangelical United Brethren Church and The deemed and redeeming fellowship in which Methodist Church have been united into one the Word of God is preached by persons di- Church. The United Methodist Church, as vinely called, and the sacraments are duly ad- thus constituted, is, and shall be, the successor ministered according to Christ’s own appoint- of the two united churches. ment. Under the discipline of the Holy Spirit ¶2.Article II. Name—The name of the the church seeks to provide for the mainte- Church shall be The United Methodist Church. nance of worship, the edification of believers, The name of the Church may be translated and the redemption of the world. freely into languages other than English as the The church of Jesus Christ exists in and for General Conference may determine. (In the the world, and its very dividedness is a hin- Northern European Central Conference the drance to its mission in that world. name “Metodistkirken” is preserved cf. the The and intentions of The United Central Conference decision, 1968) Methodist Church and its predecessors, The ¶3.Article III. Articles of Religion and Methodist Church and The Evangelical Breth- the Confession of Faith—The Articles of Reli- ren Church, have been and are for obedience gion and the Confession of Faith of The United to the will of our Lord that his people be one, Methodist Church are those held by The Meth- in humility for the present brokenness of the odist Church and The Evangelical United Church and in gratitude that opportunities for Brethren Church, respectively, at the time of reunion have been given. their uniting. Therefore, The United Methodist Church ¶ 4. Article IV. Inclusiveness of the has adopted and amended the following Con- Church—The United Methodist Church is a stitution. part of the church universal, which is one Body in Christ. The United Methodist Church ac- knowledges that all persons are of sacred worth. All persons without regard to race, 1 The General Conference of The United Methodist color, national origin, status, or economic con- Church held in Cleveland, in May 2000, made dition, shall be eligible to attend its worship Constitutional Amendments, wich was presented to the Annual Conferences for vote. services, participate in its programs, receive After they been voted and so declared by the Council of the sacraments, upon baptism be admitted as Bishops the Constitution will now read as follows.

31 ¶ 5 THE CONSTITUTION baptized members, and upon taking vows de- the former The Evangelical United Brethren claring the Christian faith, become professing Church or the former The Methodist Church members in any local church in the connec- to alienate or in any way change the title to tion. In The United Methodist Church no con- property contained in its deed or deeds at the ference or other organizational unit of the time of union and lapse of time. Church shall be structured so as to exclude any member or any constituent body of the Church because of race, color, national origin, status or economic condition. ¶5.Article V. Racial Justice—The United Methodist Church proclaims the value of each person as a unique child of God and commits itself to the healing and wholeness of all persons. The United Methodist Church rec- ognizes that the sin of racism has been de- structive to its unity throughout its history. Racism continues to cause painful division and marginalization. The United Methodist Church shall confront and seek to eliminate racism, whether in organizations or in indi- viduals, in every facet of its life and in society at large. The United Methodist Church shall work collaboratively with others to address concerns that threaten the cause of racial jus- tice at all times and in all places. ¶6.Artivle VI. Ecumenical Relations— As part of the church universal, The United Methodist Church believes that the Lord of the church is calling Christians everywhere to strive toward unity; and therefore it will seek, and work for, unity at all levels of church life: through world relationships with other Meth- odist churches and united churches related to The Methodist Church or The Evangelical United Brethren Church, through councils of churches, and through plans of union and cov- enantal relationships with churches of Meth- odist or other denominational traditions. ¶7.Article VII. Title to Properties—Ti- tles to properties formerly held by The Evan- gelical United Brethren Church and The Meth- odist Church shall be held and administered in accordance with the Book of Discipline. Noth- ing in the Plan of Union at any time after the union is to be construed so as to require any local church or any other property owner of

32 DIVISION TWO — ORGANIZATION ¶ 14

bers, to be elected by the annual conferences. DIVISION TWO — The missionary conferences shall be consid- ered as annual conferences for the purpose of ORGANIZATION this article. 2. Delegates shall be elected by the annual conferences except that delegates may be elected by other autonomous Methodist churches if and when the General Conference shall approve concordats with such other au- Section I. Conferences tonomous Methodist churches for the mutual election and seating of delegates in each oth- ¶8.Article I.—There shall be a General er’s highest legislative conferences. Conference for the entire Church with such 3. In the case of The Methodist Church in powers, duties, and privileges as are hereinaf- Great Britain, mother church of Methodism, ter set forth. provision shall be made for The United Meth- ¶9.Article II.—There shall be jurisdic- odist Church to send two delegates annually to tional conferences for the Church in the the British Methodist Conference, and The United States of America, with such powers, Methodist Church in Great Britain to send duties, and privileges as are hereinafter set four delegates quadrennially to The United forth; provided that in The United Methodist Methodist General Conference, the delegates Church there shall be no jurisdictional or cen- of both conferences having vote and being tral conference based on any ground other evenly divided between clergy and laity. than geographical and regional division. ¶ 14. Article II.—The General Confer- ¶ 10. Article III.—There shall be central ence shall meet in the month of April or May conferences for the church outside the United once in four years at such time and in such States of America and, if necessary, provi- place as shall be determined by the General sional central conferences, all with such pow- Conference or by its duly authorized commit- ers, duties, and privileges as are hereinafter tees. set forth. A special session of the General Confer- ¶ 11. Article IV.—There shall be annual ence, possessing the authority and exercising conferences as the fundamental bodies of the all the powers of the General Conference, may Church and, if necessary, provisional annual be called by the Council of Bishops, or in such conferences, with such powers, duties, and other manner as the General Conference may privileges as are hereinafter set forth. from time to time prescribe, to meet at such ¶ 12. Article V.—There shall be a charge time and in such place as may be stated in the conference for each church or charge with call. Such special session of the General Con- such powers, duties, and privileges as are ference shall be composed of the delegates to hereinafter set forth. the preceding General Conference or their lawful successors, except that when a particu- lar annual conference or missionary confer- Section II. General Conference ence shall prefer to have a new election it may do so. The purpose of such special session ¶ 13. Article I.—1. The General Confer- shall be stated in the call, and only such busi- ence shall be composed of not less than 600 ness shall be transacted as is in harmony with nor more than 1,000 delegates, one half of the purpose stated in such call unless the Gen- whom shall be clergy and one half lay mem- eral Conference by a two-thirds vote shall de-

33 ¶ 15 THE CONSTITUTION termine that other business may be trans- ritual of the Church and to regulate all matters acted. relating to the form and mode of worship, sub- ¶ 15. Article III.—The General Confer- ject to the limitations of the first and second ence shall fix the ratio of representation in the Restrictive Rules. General, jurisdictional, and central confer- 7. To provide a judicial system and a ences from the annual conferences, mission- method of judicial procedure for the Church, ary conferences, and the provisional annual except as herein otherwise prescribed. conferences, computed on a two-factor basis: 8. To initiate and to direct all connectional (1) the number of clergy members of the an- enterprises of the Church and to provide nual conference and the missionary confer- boards for their promotion and administra- ence, and (2) the number of professing mem- tion. bers in the annual conference and the mission- 9. To determine and provide for raising and ary conference; provided that each annual distributing funds necessary to carry on the conference, missionary conference, or provi- work of the Church. sional annual conference shall be entitled to at 10. To fix a uniform basis upon which bish- least one clergy and one lay delegate in the ops shall be elected by the jurisdictional con- General Conference and also in the jurisdic- ferences and to determine the number of bish- tional or central conference. ops that may be elected by central confer- ¶ 16. Article IV.—The General Confer- ences. ence shall have full legislative power over all 11. To select its presiding officers from the matters distinctively connectional, and in the bishops, through a committee; provided that exercise of this power shall have authority as the bishops shall select from their own follows: number the presiding officer of the opening 1. To define and fix the conditions, privi- session. leges, and duties of Church membership, 12. To change the number and the bounda- which shall in every case be without reference ries of jurisdictional conferences upon the to race or status. consent of a majority of the annual confer- 2. To define and fix the powers and duties ences in each jurisdictional conference in- of elders, deacons, supply preachers, local volved. preachers, exhorters, and deaconesses. 13. To establish such commissions for the 3. To define and fix the powers and duties general work of the Church as may be deemed of annual conferences, provisional annual advisable. conferences, missionary conferences and mis- 14. To secure the rights and privileges of sions, and of central conferences, district con- membership in all agencies, programs, and in- ferences, charge conferences, and congrega- stitutions in The United Methodist Church re- tional meetings. gardless of race or status. 4. To provide for the organization, promo- 15. To allow the annual conferences to uti- tion, and administration of the work of the lize structures unique to their mission, other Church outside the United States of America. mandated structures notwithstanding. 5. To define and fix the powers, duties, and 16. To enact such other legislation as may privileges of the episcopacy, to adopt a plan for be necessary, subject to the limitations and re- the support of the bishops, to provide a uni- strictions of the Constitution of the Church. form rule for their retirement, and to provide for the discontinuance of a bishop because of inefficiency or unacceptability. 6. To provide and revise the hymnal and

34 DIVISION TWO — ORGANIZATION ¶ 26

Section III. Restrictive Rules ferences shall have the same status and the same privileges of action within the limits ¶ 17. Article I.—The General Conference fixed by the Constitution. The ratio of repre- shall not revoke, alter, or change our Articles sentation of the annual conferences and mis- of Religion or establish any new standards or sionary conferences in the General Conference rules of doctrine contrary to our present exist- shall be the same for all jurisdictional confer- ing and established standards of doctrine. ences. Article II.—The General Conference shall ¶ 24. Article III.—The General Confer- not revoke, alter, or change our Confession of ences shall fix the basis of representation in Faith. the jurisdictional conferences; provided that ¶ 18. Article III.—The General Confer- the jurisdictional conferences shall be com- ence shall not change or alter any part or rule posed of an equal number of clergy and lay of our government so as to do away with epis- delegates to be elected by the annual confer- copacy or destroy the plan of our itinerant ences, the missionary conferences, and the general superintendency. provisional annual conferences. ¶ 19. Article IV.—The General Confer- ¶ 25. Article IV.—Each jurisdictional ence shall not do away with the privileges of conference shall meet at the time determined our clergy of right to trial by a committee and by the Council of Bishops or its delegated com- of an appeal; neither shall it do away with the mittee, each jurisdictional conference conven- privileges of our members of right to trial be- ing on the same date as the others and at a fore the church, or by a committee, and of an place selected by the jurisdictional committee appeal. on entertainment, appointed by its College of ¶ 20. Article V.—The General Confer- Bishops unless such a committee has been ap- ence shall not revoke or change the General pointed by the preceding jurisdictional confer- Rules of Our United Societies. ence. ¶ 21. Article VI.—The General Confer- ¶ 26. Article V.—The jurisdictional con- ence shall not appropriate the net income of ferences shall have the following powers and the publishing houses, the book concerns, or duties and such others as may be conferred by the Chartered Fund to any purpose other than the General Conferences: for the benefit of retired or disabled preachers, 1. To promote the evangelistic, educational, their spouses, widows, or widowers, and chil- missionary, and benevolent interests of the dren or other beneficiaries of the ministerial Church and to provide for interests and insti- pension systems. tutions within their boundaries. 2. To elect bishops and to cooperate in car- rying out such plans for their support as may Section IV. Jurisdictional Conferences be determined by the General Conference. 3. To establish and constitute jurisdictional ¶ 22. Article I.—The jurisdictional con- conference boards as auxiliary to the general ferences shall be composed of as many repre- boards of the Church as the need may appear sentatives from the annual conferences and and to choose their representatives on the missionary conferences as shall be determined general boards in such manner as the General by a uniform basis established by the General Conference may determine. Conference. The missionary conferences shall 4. To determine the boundaries of their an- be considered as annual conferences for the nual conferences; provided that there shall be purpose of this article. no annual conference with a membership of ¶ 23. Article II.—All jurisdictional con- fewer than fifty clergy in full connection, ex-

35 ¶ 27 THE CONSTITUTION cept by the consent of the General Conference; ¶ 30. Article IV.—The central confer- and provided further that this provision shall ences shall have the following powers and du- not apply to annual conferences of the former ties and such others as may be conferred by Evangelical United Brethren Church during the General Conference: the first three quadrenniums after union. 1. To promote the evangelistic, educational, 5. To make rules and regulations for the missionary, social-concern, and benevolent administration of the work of the Church interests and institutions of the Church within within the jurisdiction, subject to such powers their own boundaries. as have been or shall be vested in the General 2. To elect the bishops for the respective Conference. central conferences in number as may be de- 6. To appoint a committee on appeals to termined from time to time, upon a basis fixed hear and determine the appeal of a traveling by the General Conference, and to cooperate preacher of that jurisdiction from the decision in carrying out such plans for the support of of a trial committee. their bishops as may be determined by the General Conference. 3. To establish and constitute such central Section V. Central Conferences conference boards as may be required and to elect their administrative officers. ¶ 27. Article I.—There shall be central 4. To determine the boundaries of the an- conferences for the work of the Church outside nual conferences within their respective areas. the United States of America with such duties, 5. To make such rules and regulations for powers, and privileges as are hereinafter set the administration of the work within their forth. The number and boundaries of the cen- boundaries including such changes and adap- tral conferences shall be determined by the tations of the General Discipline as the condi- Uniting Conference. Subsequently the General tions in the respective areas may require, sub- Conference shall have authority to change the ject to the powers that have been or shall be number and boundaries of central confer- vested in the General Conference. ences. The central conferences shall have the 6. To appoint a judicial court to determine duties, powers, and privileges hereinafter set legal questions arising on the rules, regula- forth. tions, and such revised, adapted, or new sec- ¶ 28. Article II.—The central confer- tions of the central conference Discipline en- ences shall be composed of as many delegates acted by the central conference. as shall be determined by a basis established 7. To appoint a committee on appeals to by the General Conference. The delegates shall hear and determine the appeal of a traveling be clergy and lay in equal numbers. preacher of that central conference from the ¶ 29. Article III.—The central confer- decision of a committee on trial. ences shall meet within the year succeeding the meeting of the General Conference at such times and places as shall have been deter- Section VI. Annual Conferences mined by the preceding respective central con- ferences or by commissions appointed by ¶ 31. Article I.—The annual conference them or by the General Conference. The date shall be composed of clergy members as de- and place of the first meeting succeeding the fined by the General Conference, together with Uniting Conference shall be fixed by the bish- professing lay members elected by each ops of the respective central conferences, or in charge, the diaconal ministers, the active dea- such manner as shall be determined by the conesses under episcopal appointment within General Conference.

36 DIVISION TWO — ORGANIZATION ¶ 34 the bounds of the annual conference, the con- ference under the Constitution, with the ex- ference president of United Methodist ception that the lay members may not vote on Women, the conference president of United matters of ordination, character, and confer- Methodist Men, the conference lay leader, dis- ence relations of clergy except that the lay trict lay leaders, the president or equivalent members of the conference board of ordained officer of the conference young adult organiza- ministry may vote on matters of ordination, tion, the president of the conference youth or- character, and conference relations of clergy, ganization, the chair of the annual conference with the further exception that lay members of college student organization, and one young the district committee on ordained ministry be person between the ages of twelve (12) and full participating members of the district com- seventeen (17) and one young person between mittee on ordained ministry with vote. It shall the ages of eighteen (18) and thirty (30) from discharge such duties and exercise such pow- each district to be selected in such a manner as ers as the General Conference under the Con- may be determined by the annual conference. stitution may determine. In the annual conferences of the central con- ¶ 33. Article III.—The annual confer- ferences, the four-year participation and the ence shall elect clergy and lay delegates to the two-year membership requirements may be General Conference and to its jurisdictional or waived by the annual conference for young central conference in the manner provided in persons under thirty (30) years of age. Such this section, Articles IV and V. The persons persons must be professing members of The first elected up to the number determined by United Methodist Church and active partici- the ratio for representation in the General pants at the time of election. Each charge Conference shall be representatives in that served by more than one clergy shall be enti- body. Additional delegates shall be elected to tled to as many lay members as there are complete the number determined by the ratio clergy members. The lay members shall have for representation in the jurisdictional or cen- been for the two years next preceding their tral conference, who, together with those first election members of The United Methodist elected as above, shall be delegates in the ju- Church and shall have been active participants risdictional or central conference. The addi- in The United Methodist Church for at least tional delegates to the jurisdictional or central four years next preceding their election. conference shall in the order of their election If the lay membership should number less be the reserve delegates to the General Confer- than the clergy members of the annual confer- ence. The annual conference shall also elect ence, the annual conference shall, by its own reserve clergy and lay delegates to the jurisdic- formula, provide for the election of additional tional or central conference as it may deem lay members to equalize lay and clergy mem- desirable. These reserve clergy and lay del- bership on the annual conference. egates to the jurisdictional or central confer- ¶ 32. Article II.—The annual conference ences may act as reserve delegates to the Gen- is the basic body in the Church and as such eral Conference when it is evident that not shall have reserved to it the right to vote on all enough reserve delegates are in attendance at constitutional amendments, on the election of the General Conference. clergy and lay delegates to the General and the ¶ 34. Article IV.—The ordained ministe- jurisdictional or central conferences, on all rial delegates to the General Conference and to matters relating to the character and confer- the jurisdictional or central conference shall ence relations of its clergy members, and on be elected by and from the ministerial mem- the ordination of clergy and such other rights bers in full connection with the annual confer- as have not been delegated to the General Con- ence or provisional annual conference.

37 ¶ 35 THE CONSTITUTION

¶ 35. Article V.—The lay delegates to the ference having authority subsequently to make General and jurisdictional or central confer- changes in the number and boundaries. ences shall be elected by the lay members of ¶ 38. Article III.—Changes in the the annual conference or provisional annual number, names, and boundaries of the juris- conference without regard to age; provided dictional conferences may be effected by the such delegates shall have been professing General Conference upon the consent of a ma- members of The United Methodist Church for jority of the annual conferences of each of the at least two years next preceding their elec- jurisdictional conferences involved. tion, and shall have been participants in The ¶ 39. Article IV.—Changes in the United Methodist Church for at least four number, names, and boundaries of the annual years next preceding their election, and are conferences and episcopal areas may be ef- members thereof within the annual confer- fected by the jurisdictional conferences in the ence electing them at the time of holding the United States of America and by the central General and jurisdictional or central confer- conferences outside the United States of ences. America according to the provisions under the respective powers and pursuant to the respec- tive structures of the jurisdictional and the Section VII. Boundaries central conferences. ¶ 40. Article V. Transfer of Local ¶ 36. Article I.—The United Methodist Churches—1. A local church may be trans- Church shall have jurisdictional conferences ferred from one annual conference to another made up as follows: in which it is geographically located upon ap- Northeastern—, Delaware, proval by a two-thirds vote of those present District of Columbia, , Maryland, Mas- and voting in each of the following: sachusetts, , New Jersey, New a) the charge conference; York, Pennsylvania, , , b) the congregational meeting of the local the Virgin Islands, West Virginia. church; Southeastern—Alabama, Florida, Georgia, c) each of the two annual conferences in- Kentucky, , , South volved. Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia. The vote shall be certified by the secretaries North Central—, , , of the specified conferences or meetings to the Michigan, , North Dakota, Ohio, bishops having supervision of the annual con- South Dakota, Wisconsin. ferences involved, and upon their announce- South Central—, , Louisi- ment of the required majorities the transfer ana, , Nebraska, New Mexico, Okla- shall immediately be effective. homa, Texas. 2. The vote on approval of transfer shall be Western—Alaska, Arizona, California, taken by each annual conference at its first , Hawaii and the territory of the session after the matter is submitted to it. United States in the Pacific region, Idaho, 3. Transfers under the provisions of this ar- Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, ticle shall not be governed or restricted by Wyoming. other provisions of this Constitution relating ¶ 37. Article II.—The work of the Church to changes of boundaries of conferences. outside the United States of America may be formed into central conferences, the number and boundaries of which shall be determined by the Uniting Conference, the General Con-

38 DIVISION THREE—EPISCOPAL SUPERVISION ¶ 47 Section VIII. District Conferences DIVISION THREE— ¶ 41. Article I.—There may be organized EPISCOPAL SUPERVISION in an annual conference, district conferences composed of such persons and invested with such powers as the General Conference may determine. ¶ 44. Article I.—There shall be a con- tinuance of an episcopacy in The United Meth- Section IX. Charge Conferences odist Church of like plan, powers, privileges, and duties as now exist in The Methodist ¶ 42. Article I.—There shall be organized Church and in The Evangelical United Breth- in each charge a charge conference composed ren Church in all those matters in which they of such persons and invested with such powers agree and may be considered identical; and as the General Conference shall provide. the differences between these historic episco- ¶ 43. Article II. Election of Church Offic- pacies are deemed to be reconciled and har- ers—Unless the General Conference shall or- monized by and in this Plan of Union and Con- der otherwise, the officers of the church or stitution of The United Methodist Church and churches constituting a charge shall be elected actions taken pursuant thereto so that a uni- by the charge conference or by the professing fied superintendency and episcopacy is hereby members of said church or churches at a meet- created and established of, in, and by those ing called for that purpose, as may be arranged who now are and shall be bishops of The by the charge conference, unless the election is United Methodist Church; and the said epis- otherwise required by local church charters or copacy shall further have such powers, privi- state or provincial law. leges, and duties as are herein set forth. ¶ 45. Article II.—The bishops shall be elected by the respective jurisdictional and central conferences and consecrated in the historic manner at such time and place as may be fixed by the General Conference for those elected by the jurisdictions and by each central conference for those elected by such central conference. ¶ 46. Article III.—There shall be a Coun- cil of Bishops composed of all the bishops of The United Methodist Church. The council shall meet at least once a year and plan for the general oversight and promotion of the tem- poral and spiritual interests of the entire Church and for carrying into effect the rules, regulations, and responsibilities prescribed and enjoined by the General Conference and in accord with the provisions set forth in this Plan of Union. ¶ 47. Article IV.—The bishops of each ju- risdictional and central conference shall con- stitute a College of Bishops, and such College

39 ¶ 48 THE CONSTITUTION of Bishops shall arrange the plan of episcopal Council of Bishops may assign a bishop from supervision of the annual conferences, mis- another jurisdiction or central conference to sionary conferences, and missions within their the work of the said jurisdiction or central respective territories. conference, with the consent of a majority of ¶ 48. Article V.—The bishops shall have the bishops of that jurisdiction or central con- residential and presidential supervision in the ference. jurisdictional or central conferences in which ¶ 49. Article VI.—The bishops, both ac- they are elected or to which they are trans- tive and retired, of The Evangelical United ferred. Bishops may be transferred from one Brethren Church and of The Methodist jurisdiction to another jurisdiction for presi- Church at the time union is consummated dential and residential supervision under the shall be bishops of The United Methodist following conditions: (1) The transfer of bish- Church. ops may be on either of two bases: (a) a juris- The bishops of The Methodist Church diction that receives a bishop by transfer from elected by the jurisdictions, the active bishops another jurisdiction may transfer to that juris- of The Evangelical United Brethren Church at diction or to a third jurisdiction one of its own the time of union, and bishops elected by the bishops eligible for transfer, so that the jurisdictions of The United Methodist Church number transferred in by each jurisdiction shall have life tenure. Each bishop elected by a shall be balanced by the number transferred central conference of The Methodist Church out; or (b) a jurisdiction may receive a bishop shall have such tenure as the central confer- from another jurisdiction and not transfer out ence electing him shall have determined. a member of its own College of Bishops. (2) No The jurisdictional conference shall elect a bishop shall be transferred unless that bishop standing committee on episcopacy to consist shall have specifically consented. (3) No of one clergy and one lay delegate from each bishop shall be eligible for transfer unless the annual conference, on nomination of the an- bishop shall have served one quadrennium in nual conference delegation. The committee the jurisdiction that elected the bishop to the shall review the work of the bishops, pass on episcopacy. (4) All such transfers shall require their character and official administration, the approval by a majority vote of the mem- and report to the jurisdictional conference its bers present and voting of the jurisdictional findings for such action as the conference may committees on episcopacy of the jurisdictions deem appropriate within its constitutional that are involved. After the above procedures warrant of power. The committee shall recom- have been followed, the transferring bishop mend the assignments of the bishops to their shall become a member of the receiving Col- respective residences for final action by the ju- lege of Bishops and shall be subject to residen- risdictional conference. tial assignment by that jurisdictional confer- ¶ 50. Article VII.—A bishop presiding ence. over an annual, central, or jurisdictional con- A bishop may be assigned by the Council of ference shall decide all questions of law com- Bishops for presidential service or other tem- ing before the bishop in the regular business of porary service in another jurisdiction than a session; provided that such questions be pre- that which elected the bishop; provided that sented in writing and that the decisions be re- the request is made by a majority of the bish- corded in the journal of the conference. ops in the jurisdiction of the proposed service. Such an episcopal decision shall not be au- In the case of an emergency in any jurisdic- thoritative except for the pending case until it tion or central conference through the death shall have been passed upon by the Judicial or disability of a bishop or other cause, the Council. All decisions of law made by each

40 DIVISION FOUR—THE JUDICIARY ¶ 56 bishop shall be reported in writing annually, with a syllabus of the same, to the Judicial DIVISION FOUR—THE Council, which shall affirm, modify, or reverse them. JUDICIARY ¶ 51. Article VIII.—The bishops of the several jurisdictional and central conferences shall preside in the sessions of their respective conferences. ¶ 54. Article I.—There shall be a Judicial ¶ 52. Article IX.—In each annual confer- Council. The General Conference shall deter- ence there shall be one or more district super- mine the number and qualifications of its intendents who shall assist the bishop in the members, their terms of office, and the administration of the annual conference and method of election and the filling of vacancies. shall have such responsibilities and term of of- ¶ 55. Article II.—The Judicial Council fice as the General Conference may determine. shall have authority: ¶ 53. Article X.—The bishops shall ap- 1. To determine the constitutionality of any point, after consultation with the district su- act of the General Conference upon an appeal perintendents, ministers to the charges; and of a majority of the Council of Bishops or one- they shall have such responsibilities and au- fifth of the members of the General Confer- thorities as the General Conference shall pre- ence and to determine the constitutionality of scribe. any act of a jurisdictional or central confer- ence upon an appeal of a majority of the bish- ops of that jurisdictional or central conference or upon the appeal of one-fifth of the members of that jurisdictional or central conference. 2. To hear and determine any appeal from a bishop’s decision on a question of law made in the annual conference when said appeal has been made by one-fifth of that conference present and voting. 3. To pass upon decisions of law made by bishops in annual conferences. 4. To hear and determine the legality of any action taken therein by any General Confer- ence board or jurisdictional or central confer- ence board or body, upon appeal by one-third of the members thereof, or upon request of the Council of Bishops or a majority of the bishops of a jurisdictional or a central conference. 5. To have such other duties and powers as may be conferred upon it by the General Con- ference. 6. To provide its own methods of organiza- tion and procedure. ¶ 56. Article III.—All decisions of the Ju- dicial Council shall be final. When the Judicial Council shall declare unconstitutional any act of the General Conference then in session, that

41 ¶ 57 THE CONSTITUTION decision shall be reported back to that General Conference immediately. ¶ 57. Article IV.—The General Confer- ence shall establish for the Church a judicial system that shall guarantee to our clergy a right to trial by a committee and an appeal, and to our members a right to trial before the Church, or by a committee, and an appeal.

DIVISION FIVE— AMENDMENTS

¶ 58. Article I.—Amendments to the Constitution shall be made upon a two-thirds majority of the General Conference present and voting and a two-thirds affirmative vote of the aggregate number of members of the sev- eral annual conferences present and voting, except in the case of the first and second Re- strictive Rules, which shall require a three- fourths majority of all the members of the an- nual conferences present and voting. The vote, after being completed, shall be canvassed by the Council of Bishops, and the amendment voted upon shall become effective upon their announcement of its having received the re- quired majority. ¶ 59. Article II.—Amendments to the Constitution may originate in either the Gen- eral Conference or the annual conferences. ¶ 60. Article III.—A jurisdictional or central conference may by a majority vote pro- pose changes in the Constitution of the Church, and such proposed changes shall be submitted to the next General Conference. If the General Conference adopts the measure by a two-thirds vote, it shall be submitted to the annual conferences according to the provision for amendments.

42 Part II

DOCTRINAL STANDARDS AND OUR THEOLOGICAL TASK

¶ 101. SECTION 1—OUR DOCTRINAL teaching. HERITAGE Faced with diverse interpretations of the apostolic message, leaders of the early church sought to specify the core of Christian belief in United Methodists profess the historic Chris- order to ensure the soundness of Christian tian faith in God, incarnate in Jesus Christ for teaching. our salvation and ever at work in human his- The determination of the canon of Chris- tory in the Holy Spirit. Living in a covenant of tian Scripture and the adoption of ecumenical grace under the Lordship of Jesus Christ, we creeds such as the formulations of Nicaea and participate in the first fruits of God’s coming Chalcedon were of central importance to this reign and pray in hope for its full realization consensual process. Such creeds helped pre- on earth as in heaven. serve the integrity of the church’s witness, set Our heritage in doctrine and our present boundaries for acceptable Christian doctrine, theological task focus upon a renewed grasp of and proclaimed the basic elements of the en- the sovereignty of God and of God’s love in during Christian message. These statements Christ amid the continuing crises of human of faith, along with the Apostles’ Creed, con- existence. tain the most prominent features of our ecu- Our forebears in the faith reaffirmed the menical heritage. ancient Christian message as found in the ap- The Protestant reformers of the sixteenth ostolic witness even as they applied it anew in and seventeenth centuries devised new con- their own circumstances. fessional statements that reiterated classical Their preaching and teaching were Christian teaching in an attempt to recover the grounded in Scripture, informed by Christian authentic biblical witness. These documents tradition, enlivened in experience, and tested affirmed the primacy of Scripture and pro- by reason. vided formal doctrinal standards through Their labors inspire and inform our at- their statements of essential beliefs on matters tempts to convey the saving gospel to our such as the way of salvation, the Christian life, world with its needs and aspirations. and the nature of the church. Many distinctively Protestant teachings were transmitted into United Methodist Our Common Heritage as Christians understandings through doctrinal formula- United Methodists share a common heritage tions such as the Articles of Religion of the with Christians of every age and nation. This Church of England and the Heidelberg Cat- heritage is grounded in the apostolic witness echism of the Reformed tradition. to Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, which is Various doctrinal statements in the form of the source and measure of all valid Christian creeds, confessions of belief, and articles of

43 ¶ 101 DOCTRINAL STANDARDS AND OUR THEOLOGICAL TASK faith were officially adopted by churches as ing love of God in Jesus’ life and teachings, his standards of Christian teaching. Notwith- atoning death, his resurrection, his sovereign standing their importance, these formal doc- presence in history, his triumph over the pow- trinal standards by no means exhausted au- ers of evil and death, and his promised return. thoritative Christian teaching. Because God truly loves us in spite of our The standards themselves initially willful sin, God judges us, summons us to re- emerged from a much wider body of Christian pentance, pardons us, receives us by that grace thought and practice, and their fuller signifi- given to us in Jesus Christ, and gives us hope cance unfolded in the writings of the church’s of life eternal. teachers. Some writings have proved simply to We share the Christian belief that God’s re- be dated benchmarks in the story of the demptive love is realized in human life by the church’s continuing maturation. activity of the Holy Spirit, both in personal ex- By contrast, some sermons, treatises, litur- perience and in the community of believers. gies, and hymns have gained considerable This community is the church, which the practical authority in the life and thought of Spirit has brought into existence for the heal- the church by virtue of their wide and continu- ing of the nations. ing acceptance as faithful expositions of Chris- Through faith in Jesus Christ we are for- tian teaching. Nonetheless, the basic measure given, reconciled to God, and transformed as of authenticity in doctrinal standards, whether people of the new covenant. formally established or received by tradition, ”Life in the Spirit” involves diligent use of has been their fidelity to the apostolic faith the means of grace such as praying, fasting, at- grounded in Scripture and evidenced in the tending upon the sacraments, and inward life of the church through the centuries. searching in solitude. It also encompasses the communal life of the church in worship, mis- sion, evangelism, service, and social witness. Basic Christian Affirmations We understand ourselves to be part of With Christians of other communions we con- Christ’s universal church when by adoration, fess belief in the triune God—Father, Son, and proclamation, and service we become con- Holy Spirit. This confession embraces the bib- formed to Christ. We are initiated and incor- lical witness to God’s activity in creation, en- porated into this community of faith by Bap- compasses God’s gracious self-involvement in tism, receiving the promise of the Spirit that the dramas of history, and anticipates the con- re-creates and transforms us. Through the summation of God’s reign. regular celebration of Holy Communion, we The created order is designed for the well- participate in the risen presence of Jesus being of all creatures and as the place of hu- Christ and are thereby nourished for faithful man dwelling in covenant with God. As sinful discipleship. creatures, however, we have broken that cov- We pray and work for the coming of God’s enant, become estranged from God, wounded realm and reign to the world and rejoice in the ourselves and one another, and wreaked havoc promise of everlasting life that overcomes throughout the natural order. We stand in death and the forces of evil. need of redemption. With other Christians we recognize that the We hold in common with all Christians a reign of God is both a present and future real- faith in the mystery of salvation in and ity. The church is called to be that place where through Jesus Christ. At the heart of the gos- the first signs of the reign of God are identified pel of salvation is God’s incarnation in Jesus of and acknowledged in the world. Wherever Nazareth. Scripture witnesses to the redeem- persons are being made new creatures in

44 SECTION 1—OUR DOCTRINAL HERITAGE ¶ 101

Christ, wherever the insights and resources of Our Distinctive Heritage as United the gospel are brought to bear on the life of the Methodists world, God’s reign is already effective in its The underlying energy of the Wesleyan theo- healing and renewing power. logical heritage stems from an emphasis upon We also look to the end time in which God’s practical divinity, the implementation of work will be fulfilled. This prospect gives us genuine in the lives of believers. hope in our present actions as individuals and Methodism did not arise in response to a as the Church. This expectation saves us from specific doctrinal dispute, though there was no resignation and motivates our continuing wit- lack of theological controversy. Early Method- ness and service. ists claimed to preach the scriptural doctrines We share with many Christian commun- of the Church of England as contained in the ions a recognition of the authority of Scripture Articles of Religion, the Homilies, and the in matters of faith, the confession that our jus- Book of Common Prayer. tification as sinners is by grace through faith, Their task was not to reformulate doctrine. and the sober realization that the church is in Their tasks were to summon people to experi- need of continual reformation and renewal. ence the justifying and sanctifying grace of We affirm the general ministry of all bap- God and encourage people to grow in the tized Christians who share responsibility for knowledge and love of God through the per- building up the church and reaching out in sonal and corporate disciplines of the Chris- mission and service to the world. tian life. With other Christians, we declare the es- The thrust of the Wesleyan movement and sential oneness of the church in Christ Jesus. of the United Brethren and Evangelical Asso- This rich heritage of shared Christian belief ciation was ”to reform the nation, particularly finds expression in our hymnody and liturgies. the Church, and to spread scriptural holiness Our unity is affirmed in the historic creeds as over the land.” we confess one holy, catholic, and apostolic Wesley’s orientation toward the practical is church. It is also experienced in joint ventures evident in his focus upon the ”scripture way of of ministry and in various forms of ecumenical salvation.” He considered doctrinal matters cooperation. primarily in terms of their significance for Nourished by common roots of this shared Christian discipleship. Christian heritage, the branches of Christ’s The Wesleyan emphasis upon the Christian church have developed diverse traditions that life—faith and love put into practice—has been enlarge our store of shared understandings. the hallmark of those traditions now incorpo- Our avowed ecumenical commitment as rated into The United Methodist Church. The United Methodists is to gather our own doctri- distinctive shape of the Wesleyan theological nal emphases into the larger Christian unity, heritage can be seen in a constellation of doc- there to be made more meaningful in a richer trinal emphases that display the creating, re- whole. deeming, and sanctifying activity of God. If we are to offer our best gifts to the com- mon Christian treasury, we must make a delib- erate effort as a church to strive for critical Distinctive Wesleyan Emphases self-understanding. It is as Christians in- Although Wesley shared with many other volved in ecumenical partnership that we em- Christians a belief in grace, justification, as- brace and examine our distinctive heritage. surance, and , he combined them in a powerful manner to create distinc- tive emphases for living the full Christian life.

45 ¶ 101 DOCTRINAL STANDARDS AND OUR THEOLOGICAL TASK The Evangelical United Brethren tradition, ing love. Wesleyan theology stresses that a de- particularly as expressed by Phillip William cisive change in the human heart can and does Otterbein from a Reformed background, gave occur under the prompting of grace and the similar distinctive emphases. guidance of the Holy Spirit. Grace pervades our understanding of In justification we are, through faith, for- Christian faith and life. By grace we mean the given our sin and restored to God’s favor. This undeserved, unmerited, and loving action of righting of relationships by God through God in human existence through the ever- Christ calls forth our faith and trust as we ex- present Holy Spirit. While the grace of God is perience regeneration, by which we are made undivided, it precedes salvation as ”preven- new creatures in Christ. ient grace,” continues in ”justifying grace,” This process of justification and new birth and is brought to fruition in ”sanctifying is often referred to as conversion. Such a grace.” change may be sudden and dramatic, or We assert that God’s grace is manifest in all gradual and cumulative. It marks a new begin- creation even though suffering, violence, and ning, yet it is part of an ongoing process. evil are everywhere present. The goodness of Christian experience as personal transforma- creation is fulfilled in human beings, who are tion always expresses itself as faith working by called to covenant partnership with God. God love. has endowed us with dignity and freedom and Our Wesleyan theology also embraces the has summoned us to responsibility for our scriptural promise that we can expect to re- lives and the life of the world. ceive of our present salvation as the In God’s self-revelation, Jesus Christ, we Spirit ”bears witness with our spirit that we see the splendor of our true humanity. Even are children of God.” our sin, with its destructive consequences for Sanctification and Perfection—We all creation, does not alter God’s intention for hold that the wonder of God’s acceptance and us—holiness and happiness of heart. Nor does pardon does not end God’s saving work, which it diminish our accountability for the way we continues to nurture our growth in grace. live. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, we are Despite our brokenness, we remain crea- enabled to increase in the knowledge and love tures brought into being by a just and merciful of God and in love for our neighbor. God. The restoration of God’s image in our New birth is the first step in this process of lives requires divine grace to renew our fallen sanctification. Sanctifying grace draws us to- nature. ward the gift of , which Prevenient Grace—We acknowledge Wesley described as a heart ”habitually filled God’s prevenient grace, the divine love that with the love of God and neighbor” and as surrounds all humanity and precedes any and ”having the mind of Christ and walking as he all of our conscious impulses. This grace walked.” prompts our first wish to please God, our first This gracious gift of God’s power and love, glimmer of understanding concerning God’s the hope and expectation of the faithful, is nei- will, and our ”first slight transient conviction” ther warranted by our efforts nor limited by of having sinned against God. our frailties. God’s grace also awakens in us an earnest Faith and Good Works—We see God’s longing for deliverance from sin and death and grace and human activity working together in moves us toward repentance and faith. the relationship of faith and good works. God’s Justification and Assurance—We be- grace calls forth human response and disci- lieve God reaches out to the repentant believer pline. in justifying grace with accepting and pardon-

46 SECTION 1—OUR DOCTRINAL HERITAGE ¶ 101

Faith is the only response essential for sal- active in love and intensifying our desire for vation. However, the General Rules remind us peace and justice in the world. that salvation evidences itself in good works. Doctrine and Discipline in the Chris- For Wesley, even repentance should be ac- tian Life—No motif in the Wesleyan tradition companied by ”fruits meet for repentance,” or has been more constant than the link between and mercy. Christian doctrine and Christian living. Meth- Both faith and good works belong within an odists have always been strictly enjoined to all-encompassing theology of grace, since they maintain the unity of faith and good works stem from God’s gracious love ”shed abroad in through the means of grace, as seen in John our hearts by the Holy Spirit.” Wesley’s Nature, Design, and General Rules of Mission and Service—We insist that the United Societies (1743). The coherence of personal salvation always involves Christian faith with ministries of love forms the disci- mission and service to the world. By joining pline of Wesleyan spirituality and Christian heart and hand, we assert that personal reli- discipleship. gion, evangelical witness, and Christian social The General Rules were originally designed action are reciprocal and mutually reinforcing. for members of Methodist societies who par- Scriptural holiness entails more than per- ticipated in the sacramental life of the Church sonal piety; love of God is always linked with of England. The terms of membership in these love of neighbor, a passion for justice and re- societies were simple: ”a desire to flee from the newal in the life of the world. wrath to come and to be saved from their The General Rules represent one tradi- sins.” tional expression of the intrinsic relationship Wesley insisted, however, that evangelical between Christian life and thought as under- faith should manifest itself in evangelical liv- stood within the Wesleyan tradition. Theology ing. He spelled out this expectation in the is the servant of piety, which in turn is the three-part formula of the Rules: ground of social conscience and the impetus ”It is therefore expected of all who continue for social action and , always therein that they should continue to evidence in the empowering context of the reign of God. their desire of salvation, Nurture and Mission of the Church— ”First: By doing no harm, by avoiding evil Finally, we emphasize the nurturing and serv- of every kind…; ing function of Christian fellowship in the ”Secondly: By…doing good of every possi- Church. The personal experience of faith is ble sort, and, as far as possible, to all…; nourished by the worshiping community. ”Thirdly: By attending upon all the ordi- For Wesley there is no religion but social nances of God” (see ¶ 103). religion, no holiness but social holiness. The Wesley’s illustrative cases under each of communal forms of faith in the Wesleyan tra- these three rules show how the Christian con- dition not only promote personal growth; they science might move from general principles to also equip and mobilize us for mission and specific actions. Their explicit combination service to the world. highlights the spiritual spring of moral action. The outreach of the church springs from Wesley rejected undue reliance upon these the working of the Spirit. As United Method- rules. Discipline was not church law; it was a ists, we respond to that working through a way of discipleship. Wesley insisted that true connectional polity based upon mutual re- religion is ”the knowledge of God in Christ Je- sponsiveness and accountability. Connec- sus,” ”the life which is hid with Christ in God,” tional ties bind us together in faith and service and ”the righteousness that [the true believer] in our global witness, enabling faith to become thirsts after.”

47 ¶ 101 DOCTRINAL STANDARDS AND OUR THEOLOGICAL TASK

General Rules and Social Principles Conclusion Upon such evangelical premises, Methodists These distinctive emphases of United Method- in every age have sought to exercise their re- ists provide the basis for ”practical divinity,” sponsibility for the moral and spiritual quality the experiential realization of the gospel of Je- of society. In asserting the connection between sus Christ in the lives of Christian people. doctrine and ethics, the General Rules provide These emphases have been preserved not so an early signal of Methodist social conscious- much through formal doctrinal declarations ness. as through the vital movement of faith and The Social Principles (¶¶ 160-166) provide practice as seen in converted lives and within our most recent official summary of stated the disciplined life of the Church. convictions that seek to apply the Christian vi- Devising formal definitions of doctrine has sion of righteousness to social, economic, and been less pressing for United Methodists than political issues. Our historic opposition to summoning people to faith and nurturing evils such as smuggling, inhumane prison con- them in the knowledge and love of God. The ditions, slavery, drunkenness, and child labor core of Wesleyan doctrine that informed our was founded upon a vivid sense of God’s wrath past rightly belongs to our common heritage against human injustice and wastage. as Christians and remains a prime component Our struggles for human dignity and social within our continuing theological task. reform have been a response to God’s demand for love, mercy, and justice in the light of the Kingdom. We proclaim no personal gospel ¶ 102. SECTION 2—OUR DOCTRINAL that fails to express itself in relevant social HISTORY concerns; we proclaim no social gospel that does not include the personal transformation The pioneers in the traditions that flowed to- of sinners. gether into The United Methodist Church un- It is our conviction that the good news of derstood themselves as standing in the central the Kingdom must judge, redeem, and reform stream of Christian spirituality and doctrine, the sinful social structures of our time. loyal heirs of the authentic Christian tradition. The Book of Discipline and the General In John Wesley’s words, theirs was ”the old re- Rules convey the expectation of discipline ligion, the religion of the Bible, the religion . . within the experience of individuals and the .of the whole church in the purest ages.” Their life of the Church. Such discipline assumes ac- gospel was grounded in the biblical message of countability to the community of faith by God’s self-giving love revealed in Jesus Christ. those who claim that community’s support. Wesley’s portrayal of the spiritual pilgrim- Support without accountability promotes age in terms of ”the scripture way of salvation” moral weakness; accountability without sup- provided their model for experiential Christi- port is a form of cruelty. anity. They assumed and insisted upon the in- A church that rushes to punishment is not tegrity of basic Christian truth and empha- open to God’s mercy, but a church lacking the sized its practical application in the lives of be- courage to act decisively on personal and so- lievers. cial issues loses its claim to moral authority. This perspective is apparent in the The church exercises its discipline as a com- Wesleyan understanding of ”catholic spirit.” munity through which God continues to ”rec- While it is true that United Methodists are oncile the world to himself.” fixed upon certain religious affirmations, grounded in the gospel and confirmed in their experience, they also recognize the right of

48 SECTION 2—OUR DOCTRINAL HISTORY ¶ 102 Christians to disagree on matters such as The Wesleyan ”Standards” in Great forms of worship, structures of church govern- Britain ment, modes of Baptism, or theological explo- In this spirit, the British Methodists under the rations. They believe such differences do not Wesleys never reduced their theology to a con- break the bond of fellowship that ties Chris- fessional formula as a doctrinal test. tians together in Jesus Christ. Wesley’s famil- Methodism was a movement within the iar dictum was, ”As to all opinions which do Church of England, and John Wesley con- not strike at the root of Christianity, we think stantly maintained that he taught the scrip- and let think.” tural doctrines contained in the Thirty-Nine But, even as they were fully committed to Articles, the Homilies, and the Book of Com- the principles of religious toleration and theo- mon Prayer of his national church. The Bible, logical diversity, they were equally confident of course, constituted for him the final author- that there is a ”marrow” of Christian truth that ity in all doctrinal matters. can be identified and that must be conserved. As the movement grew, Wesley provided This living core, as they believed, stands re- his people with published sermons and a Bible vealed in Scripture, illumined by tradition, commentary for their doctrinal instruction. vivified in personal and corporate experience, His Sermons on Several Occasions (1746-60) and confirmed by reason. They were very set forth those doctrines which, he said, ”I em- much aware, of course, that God’s eternal brace and teach as the essentials of true reli- Word never has been, nor can be, exhaustively gion.” In 1755, he published Explanatory expressed in any single form of words. Notes Upon the New Testament as a guide for They were also prepared, as a matter of Methodist biblical exegesis and doctrinal in- course, to reaffirm the ancient creeds and con- terpretation. fessions as valid summaries of Christian truth. As occasional controversies arose, the need But they were careful not to set them apart as for a standard measure of Methodist preach- absolute standards for doctrinal truth and er- ing became evident. In 1763, Wesley produced ror. a ”Model Deed” for Methodist properties, Beyond the essentials of vital religion, which stipulated that the trustees for each United Methodists respect the diversity of preaching house were responsible for ensur- opinions held by conscientious persons of ing that the preachers in their pulpits ”preach faith. Wesley followed a time-tested approach: no other doctrine than is contained in Mr. ”In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; Wesley’s Notes Upon the New Testament and and in all things, charity.” four volumes of Sermons.” The spirit of charity takes into considera- These writings, then, contained the stand- tion the limits of human understanding. ”To ard exposition of Methodist teaching. They be ignorant of many things and to be mistaken provide a model and measure for adequate in some,” Wesley observed, ”is the necessary preaching in the Wesleyan tradition. The pri- condition of humanity.” The crucial matter in mary norm for Wesley’s writings was Scrip- religion is steadfast love for God and neighbor, ture, as illumined by historic traditions and vi- empowered by the redeeming and sanctifying tal faith. Wesley put forth no summary of bib- work of the Holy Spirit. lical revelation for the British Methodists be- cause the Thirty-Nine Articles of the Church of England were already available. The Wesley brothers also composed hymns that were rich in doctrinal and experiential content. The hymns, especially those of

49 ¶ 102 DOCTRINAL STANDARDS AND OUR THEOLOGICAL TASK

Charles Wesley, not only are among the best- as part of their actions in forming the new loved within Methodism but also are major re- Methodist Episcopal Church. This ”Christmas sources for doctrinal instruction. Conference” also accepted a hymnbook that Furthermore, John Wesley specified vari- Wesley had prepared (1784) and adopted a ous disciplines and rules, such as the General slightly modified version of the General Rules Rules, to implement in personal and commu- as a statement of the Church’s nature and dis- nal life the practical divinity he proclaimed. cipline. The conference spent most of its time In addition to these writings, Wesley estab- adapting the British ”Large Minutes” to lished the conference to instruct and supervise American conditions. Subsequent editions of the Methodist preachers. He produced Min- this document came to be known as the Doc- utes to ensure their fidelity to the doctrines trines and Discipline of the Methodist Episco- and disciplines of the Methodist movement. pal Church (the Book of Discipline). These writings and structures filled out the The shift from ”movement” to ”church” had Wesleyan understanding of the church and the changed the function of doctrinal norms Christian life. within American Methodism. Rather than prescribing doctrinal emphases for preaching within a movement, the Articles outlined basic Doctrinal Standards in American norms for Christian belief within a church, fol- Methodism lowing the traditional Anglican fashion. As long as the American colonies were prima- The preface to the first separate publication rily under British control, the Methodists of the Articles states, ”These are the doctrines could continue as part of the sacramental taught among the people called Methodists. community of the Church of England. The Nor is there any doctrine whatever, generally early conferences, under the leadership of received among that people, contrary to the British preachers, declared their allegiance to articles now before you.” the Wesleyan principles of organization and American Methodists were not required to doctrine. They stipulated that the Minutes of subscribe to the Articles after the Anglican the British and American conferences, along manner, but they were accountable (under with the Sermons and Notes of Wesley, con- threat of trial) for keeping their proclamation tained their basic doctrine and discipline. of the gospel within the boundaries outlined After the formal recognition of American therein. For generations, the Doctrines and independence in 1783, Wesley realized that Discipline cited only the Articles as the basis the Methodists in America were free of Eng- for testing correct doctrine in the newly lish control, religious as well as civil, and formed church: The charge of doctrinal irregu- should become an independent Methodist larity against preachers or members was for church. Wesley then furnished the American ”disseminating doctrines contrary to our Arti- Methodists with a liturgy (The Sunday Service cles of Religion.” In this manner, the church of the Methodists in North America) and a protected its doctrinal integrity against the doctrinal statement (The Articles of Religion). heresies that were prevalent at the time— The Sunday Service was Wesley’s abridgment Socinianism, Arianism, and Pelagianism (see of the Book of Common Prayer; the Articles of Articles I, II, and IX). Religion were his revision of the Thirty-Nine The Articles of Religion, however, did not Articles. guarantee adequate Methodist preaching; The American Methodist preachers, gath- they lacked several Wesleyan emphases, such ered at Baltimore in December 1784, adopted as assurance and Christian perfection. the Sunday Service and the Articles of Religion Wesley’s Sermons and Notes, therefore, con-

50 SECTION 2—OUR DOCTRINAL HISTORY ¶ 102 tinued to function as the traditional standard served in practice as the most important single exposition of distinctive Methodist teaching. means of communicating and preserving the The General Conference of 1808, which doctrinal substance of the gospel. provided the first Constitution of The Method- By the end of the nineteenth century, Meth- ist Episcopal Church, established the Articles odist theology in America had become decid- of Religion as the Church’s explicit doctrinal edly eclectic, with less specific attention paid standards. The first Restrictive Rule of the to its Wesleyan sources. Constitution prohibited any change, altera- The force of the Articles of Religion under- tion, or addition to the Articles themselves, went several shifts. For a time, the first Re- and it stipulated that no new standards or strictive Rule was exempted from the process rules of doctrine could be adopted that were of constitutional amendment, thus allowing contrary to the ”present existing and estab- no consideration of change in doctrinal stand- lished standards of doctrine.” ards. Mention of the Articles of Religion was Within the Wesleyan tradition, then as included in the membership vows of The now, the Sermons and Notes furnished models Methodist Episcopal Church, South. of doctrinal exposition. Other documents have At the beginning of the twentieth century, also served American Methodism as vital ex- however, the waning force of doctrinal disci- pressions of Methodist teaching and preach- pline and the decreasing influence of the ing. Lists of recommended doctrinal resources Wesleyan theological heritage among the vary from generation to generation but gener- American Methodists, along with minor but ally acknowledge the importance of the significant changes in the wording of the Book hymnbook, the ecumenical creeds, and the of Discipline regarding doctrinal standards, General Rules. Lists of such writings in the led to a steady dilution of the force of the Arti- early nineteenth century usually included cles of Religion as the Church’s constitutional John Fletcher’s Checks Against standards of doctrine. Antinomianism and Richard Watson’s Theo- During this same period, theologians and logical Institutes. church leaders began to explore ways of ex- The doctrinal emphases of these state- pressing the gospel that were in keeping with ments were carried forward by the weight of developing intellectual currents. These lead- tradition rather than the force of law. They be- ers also began to rethink the historical social came part of the heritage of American compassion of the Wesleyan tradition in the Methodism to the degree that they remained midst of the emerging industrial, urban civili- useful to continuing generations. zation. They deepened our awareness of the During the great frontier revivals of the systemic nature of evil and the urgency to pro- nineteenth century, the influence of European claim the gospel promise of social redemption. theological traditions waned in America. Consequently, theologies supportive of the so- Preaching focused on ”Christian experience,” cial gospel found fertile soil within the Meth- understood chiefly as ”saving faith in Christ.” odist traditions. Among the Methodists there was a consistent These years were times of theological and stress on free will, infant baptism, and infor- ethical controversy within Methodism as new mal worship, which led to protracted contro- patterns of thought clashed with the more fa- versies with the Presbyterians, Baptists, and miliar themes and styles of the previous two Episcopalians, respectively. centuries. Methodist interest in formal doctrinal In recent decades there has been a strong standards remained secondary to evangelism, recovery of interest in Wesley and in the more nurture, and mission. The Wesleyan hymnody classic traditions of Christian thought. This re-

51 ¶ 102 DOCTRINAL STANDARDS AND OUR THEOLOGICAL TASK covery has been part of a broad resurgence of America, Albright and Otterbein considered Reformation theology and practice in Europe evangelism more important than theological and America, renewing the historical legacy of speculation. Although they were not doctri- in the context of the modern nally indifferent, they stressed conversion, world. These trends have been reinforced in ”justification by faith confirmed by a sensible North America by the reaffirmation of evan- assurance thereof,” Christian nurture, the gelical piety. priesthood of all believers in a shared ministry The ecumenical movement has brought of Christian witness and service, and entire new appreciation for the unity as well as the sanctification as the goal of Christian life. richness and diversity of the church catholic. As with Wesley, their primary source and Currents of theology have developed out of norm for Christian teaching was Scripture. Black people’s struggle for freedom, the move- Otterbein enjoined his followers ”to be careful ment for the full equality of women in church to preach no other doctrine than what is and society, and the quest for liberation and plainly laid down in the Bible.” Each new for indigenous forms of Christian existence in member was asked ”to confess that he re- churches around the world. ceived the Bible as the Word of God.” The challenge to United Methodists is to Ordinands were required to affirm without re- discern the various strands of these vital serve the plenary authority of Scripture. movements of faith that are coherent, faithful Matched with these affirmations was the understandings of the gospel and the Chris- conviction that converted Christians are ena- tian mission for our times. bled by the Holy Spirit to read Scripture with a The task of defining the scope of our special Christian consciousness. They prized Wesleyan tradition in the context of the con- this principle as the supreme guide in biblical temporary world includes much more than interpretation. formally reaffirming or redefining standards Jacob Albright was directed by the confer- of doctrine, although these tasks may also be ence of 1807 to prepare a list of Articles of Re- involved. The heart of our task is to reclaim ligion. He died before he could attempt the and renew the distinctive United Methodist task. doctrinal heritage, which rightly belongs to George Miller then assumed the responsi- our common heritage as Christians, for the life bility. He recommended to the conference of and mission of the whole church today. 1809 the adoption of the German translation of the Methodist Articles of Religion, with the addition of a new one, ”Of the Last Judgment.” Doctrinal Traditions in The The recommendation was adopted. This ac- Evangelical Church and The United tion affirms a conscious choice of the Method- Brethren Church ist Articles as normative. The added article The unfolding of doctrinal concerns among was from the Augsburg Confession, on a Jacob Albright’s Evangelical Association and theme omitted in the Anglican Articles. Phillip William Otterbein’s United Brethren in In 1816, the original twenty-six Articles Christ roughly parallels Methodist develop- were reduced to twenty-one by omitting five ments. Differences emerged largely from dif- polemical articles aimed at Roman Catholics, fering ecclesiastical traditions brought from Anabaptists, and sixteenth-century sectaries. Germany and Holland, together with the This act of deletion reflected a conciliatory modified of the Heidelberg Cat- spirit in a time of bitter controversy. echism. In 1839, a few slight changes were made in In the German-speaking communities of the text of 1816. It was then stipulated that

52 SECTION 2—OUR DOCTRINAL HISTORY ¶ 102

”the Articles of Faith…should be constitution- in United Brethren history, and was then ally unchangeable among us.” placed before the General Conference of 1889. In the 1870s, a proposal to revise the Arti- Both the general membership and the confer- cles touched off a flurry of debate, but the con- ence approved the Confession by preponder- ference of 1875 decisively rejected the pro- ant majorities. It was thereupon enacted by posal. episcopal ”proclamation.” However, this ac- In later action the twenty-one Articles were tion was protested by a minority as a violation reduced to nineteen by combining several, but of the Restrictive Rule of 1841 and became a without omitting any of their original content. basic cause for a consequent schism, resulting These nineteen were brought intact into in the formation of The United Brethren the Evangelical United Brethren union of Church (Old Constitution). 1946. The Confession of Faith of 1889 was more Among the United Brethren in Christ, a comprehensive than any of its antecedents, summary of normative teaching was formu- with articles on depravity, justification, regen- lated in 1813 by Christian Newcomer and eration and adoption, sanctification, the Christopher Grosch, colleagues of Otterbein. Christian Sabbath, and the future state. The Its first three paragraphs follow the order of article on sanctification, though brief, is sig- the Apostles’ Creed. Paragraphs four and five nificant in its reflection of the doctrine of holi- affirm the primacy of Scripture and the uni- ness of the Heidelberg Catechism. The 1889 versal proclamation of ”the biblical Confession was brought by the United Breth- doctrine…of man’s fall in Adam and his deliv- ren into the union with the Evangelicals in erance through Jesus Christ.” An added sec- 1946. tion commends ”the ordinances of baptism and the remembrance of the Lord” and ap- proves foot washing as optional. The Evangelical United Brethren The first General Conference of the United Confession of Faith Brethren in Christ (1815) adopted a slight revi- The Discipline of the new Evangelical United sion of this earlier statement as the denomina- Brethren Church (1946) contained both the tion’s Confession of Faith. A further revision Evangelical Articles and the United Brethren was made in 1841, with the stipulation that Confession. Twelve years later the General there be no further changes: ”No rule or ordi- Conference of the united church authorized its nance shall at any time be passed to change or board of bishops to prepare a new Confession do away with the Confession of Faith as it now of Faith. stands.” Even so, agitation for change contin- A new Confession, with sixteen articles, of a ued. somewhat more modern character than any of In 1885, a church commission was ap- its antecedents, was presented to the General pointed to ”prepare such a form of belief and Conference of 1962 and adopted without such amended fundamental rules for the gov- amendment. The Evangelical article, ”Entire ernment of this church in the future as will, in Sanctification and Christian Perfection,” is re- their judgment, be best adapted to secure its flected in this confession as a distinctive em- growth and efficiency in the work of evangeliz- phasis. The Confession of Faith replaced both ing the world.” former Articles and Confession and was The resulting proposal for a new Confes- brought over intact into the Discipline of The sion of Faith and Constitution was submitted United Methodist Church (1968). to the general membership of the Church, the first such referendum on a Confession of Faith

53 ¶ 102 DOCTRINAL STANDARDS AND OUR THEOLOGICAL TASK

Doctrinal Standards in The United ¶ 103. SECTION 3—OUR DOCTRINAL Methodist Church STANDARDS AND GENERAL RULES In the Plan of Union for The United Methodist Church, the preface to the Methodist Articles of Religion and the Evangelical United Breth- ren Confession of Faith explains that both The Articles of Religion were accepted as doctrinal standards for the new church. Additionally, it stated that al- of the Methodist Church though the language of the first Restrictive Rule never has been formally defined, Wesley’s Sermons and Notes were understood specifically to be included in our present exist- [Bibliographical Note: The Articles of Religion ing and established standards of doctrine. It are here reprinted from the Discipline of 1808 also stated that the Articles, the Confession, (when the first Restrictive Rule took effect), and the Wesleyan ”standards” were ”thus collated against Wesley’s original text in The deemed congruent if not identical in their doc- Sunday Service of the Methodists (1784). To trinal perspectives and not in conflict.” This these are added two Articles: ”Of Sanctifica- declaration was accepted by subsequent rul- tion” and ”Of the Duty of Christians to the ings of the Judicial Council. Civil Authority,” which are legislative The Constitution of The United Methodist enactments and not integral parts of the docu- Church, in its Restrictive Rules (see ¶¶ 16-20), ment as protected by the Constitution (see Ju- protects both the Articles of Religion and the dicial Council Decisions 41, 176).] Confession of Faith as doctrinal standards that Article I—Of Faith in the Holy Trinity shall not be revoked, altered, or changed. The There is but one living and true God, ever- process of creating new ”standards or rules of lasting, without body or parts, of infinite doctrine” thus continues to be restricted, re- power, wisdom, and goodness; the maker and quiring either that they be declared ”not con- preserver of all things, both visible and invis- trary to” the present standards or that they go ible. And in unity of this Godhead there are through the difficult process of constitutional three persons, of one substance, power, and amendment. eternity—the Father, the Son, and the Holy The United Methodist Church stands con- Ghost. tinually in need of doctrinal reinvigoration for Article II—Of the Word, or Son of God, the sake of authentic renewal, fruitful evange- Who Was Made Very Man lism, and ecumenical dialogue. In this light, The Son, who is the Word of the Father, the the recovery and updating of our distinctive very and eternal God, of one substance with doctrinal heritage—catholic, evangelical, and the Father, took man’s nature in the womb of reformed—is essential. the blessed Virgin; so that two whole and per- This task calls for the repossession of our fect natures, that is to say, the Godhead and traditions as well as the promotion of theologi- Manhood, were joined together in one person, cal inquiry both within the denomination and never to be divided; whereof is one Christ, very in our ecumenical efforts. All are invited to God and very Man, who truly suffered, was share in this endeavor to stimulate an active crucified, dead, and buried, to reconcile his interest in doctrinal understanding in order to Father to us, and to be a sacrifice, not only for claim our legacy and to shape that legacy for original guilt, but also for actual sins of men. the Church we aspire to be. Article III—Of the Resurrection of Christ Christ did truly rise again from the dead,

54 SECTION 3—OUR DOCTRINAL STANDARDS AND GENERAL RULES ¶ 103 and took again his body, with all things apper- touching ceremonies and rites doth not bind taining to the perfection of man’s nature, Christians, nor ought the civil precepts thereof wherewith he ascended into heaven, and there of necessity be received in any common- sitteth until he return to judge all men at the wealth; yet notwithstanding, no Christian last day. whatsoever is free from the obedience of the Article IV—Of the Holy Ghost commandments which are called moral. The Holy Ghost, proceeding from the Fa- Article VII—Of Original or Birth Sin ther and the Son, is of one substance, majesty, Original sin standeth not in the following of and glory with the Father and the Son, very Adam (as the Pelagians do vainly talk), but it is and eternal God. the corruption of the nature of every man, that Article V—Of the Sufficiency of the Holy naturally is engendered of the offspring of Scriptures for Salvation Adam, whereby man is very far gone from The Holy Scripture containeth all things original righteousness, and of his own nature necessary to salvation; so that whatsoever is inclined to evil, and that continually. not read therein, nor may be proved thereby, Article VIII—Of Free Will is not to be required of any man that it should The condition of man after the fall of Adam be believed as an article of faith, or be thought is such that he cannot turn and prepare him- requisite or necessary to salvation. In the self, by his own natural strength and works, to name of the Holy Scripture we do understand faith, and calling upon God; wherefore we those canonical books of the Old and New Tes- have no power to do good works, pleasant and tament of whose authority was never any acceptable to God, without the grace of God by doubt in the church. The names of the canoni- Christ preventing us, that we may have a good cal books are: will, and working with us, when we have that Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deu- good will. teronomy, Joshua, Judges, Ruth, The First Article IX—Of the Justification of Man Book of Samuel, The Second Book of Samuel, We are accounted righteous before God The First Book of Kings, The Second Book of only for the merit of our Lord and Saviour Je- Kings, The First Book of Chronicles, The Sec- sus Christ, by faith, and not for our own works ond Book of Chronicles, The Book of Ezra, The or deservings. Wherefore, that we are justified Book of Nehemiah, The Book of Esther, The by faith, only, is a most wholesome doctrine, Book of Job, The Psalms, The Proverbs, and very full of comfort. Ecclesiastes or the Preacher, Cantica or Songs Article X—Of Good Works of Solomon, Four Prophets the Greater, Although good works, which are the fruits Twelve Prophets the Less. of faith, and follow after justification, cannot All the books of the New Testament, as they put away our sins, and endure the severity of are commonly received, we do receive and ac- God’s judgment; yet are they pleasing and ac- count canonical. ceptable to God in Christ, and spring out of a Article VI—Of the Old Testament true and lively faith, insomuch that by them a The Old Testament is not contrary to the lively faith may be as evidently known as a tree New; for both in the Old and New Testament is discerned by its fruit. everlasting life is offered to mankind by Article XI—Of Works of Supererogation Christ, who is the only Mediator between God Voluntary works—besides, over and above and man, being both God and Man. Wherefore God’s commandments—which they call works they are not to be heard who feign that the old of supererogation, cannot be taught without fathers did look only for transitory promises. arrogancy and impiety. For by them men do Although the law given from God by Moses as declare that they do not only render unto God

55 ¶ 103 DOCTRINAL STANDARDS AND OUR THEOLOGICAL TASK as much as they are bound to do, but that they faith in him. do more for his sake than of bounden duty is There are two Sacraments ordained of required; whereas Christ saith plainly: When Christ our Lord in the Gospel; that is to say, you have done all that is commanded you, say, Baptism and the Supper of the Lord. We are unprofitable servants. Those five commonly called sacraments, Article XII—Of Sin After Justification that is to say, confirmation, penance, orders, Not every sin willingly committed after jus- matrimony, and extreme unction, are not to be tification is the sin against the Holy Ghost, and counted for Sacraments of the Gospel; being unpardonable. Wherefore, the grant of repent- such as have partly grown out of the corrupt ance is not to be denied to such as fall into sin following of the apostles, and partly are states after justification. After we have received the of life allowed in the Scriptures, but yet have Holy Ghost, we may depart from grace given, not the like nature of Baptism and the Lord’s and fall into sin, and, by the grace of God, rise Supper, because they have not any visible sign again and amend our lives. And therefore they or ceremony ordained of God. are to be condemned who say they can no The Sacraments were not ordained of more sin as long as they live here; or deny the Christ to be gazed upon, or to be carried about; place of forgiveness to such as truly repent. but that we should duly use them. And in such Article XIII—Of the Church only as worthily receive the same, they have a The visible church of Christ is a congrega- wholesome effect or operation; but they that tion of faithful men in which the pure Word of receive them unworthily, purchase to them- God is preached, and the Sacraments duly ad- selves condemnation, as St. Paul saith. ministered according to Christ’s ordinance, in Article XVII—Of Baptism all those things that of necessity are requisite Baptism is not only a sign of profession and to the same. mark of difference whereby Christians are dis- Article XIV—Of Purgatory tinguished from others that are not baptized; The Romish doctrine concerning purga- but it is also a sign of regeneration or the new tory, pardon, worshiping, and adoration, as birth. The Baptism of young children is to be well of images as of relics, and also invocation retained in the Church. of saints, is a fond thing, vainly invented, and Article XVIII—Of the Lord’s Supper grounded upon no warrant of Scripture, but The Supper of the Lord is not only a sign of repugnant to the Word of God. the love that Christians ought to have among Article XV—Of Speaking in the Congre- themselves one to another, but rather is a sac- gation in Such a Tongue as the People Under- rament of our redemption by Christ’s death; stand insomuch that, to such as rightly, worthily, It is a thing plainly repugnant to the Word and with faith receive the same, the bread of God, and the custom of the primitive which we break is a partaking of the body of church, to have public prayer in the church, or Christ; and likewise the cup of blessing is a to minister the Sacraments, in a tongue not partaking of the blood of Christ. understood by the people. Transubstantiation, or the change of the Article XVI—Of the Sacraments substance of bread and wine in the Supper of Sacraments ordained of Christ are not only our Lord, cannot be proved by Holy Writ, but badges or tokens of Christian men’s profes- is repugnant to the plain words of Scripture, sion, but rather they are certain signs of grace, overthroweth the nature of a sacrament, and and God’s good will toward us, by which he hath given occasion to many superstitions. doth work invisibly in us, and doth not only The body of Christ is given, taken, and quicken, but also strengthen and confirm, our eaten in the Supper, only after a heavenly and

56 SECTION 3—OUR DOCTRINAL STANDARDS AND GENERAL RULES ¶ 103 spiritual manner. And the mean whereby the openly, that others may fear to do the like, as body of Christ is received and eaten in the Sup- one that offendeth against the common order per is faith. of the church, and woundeth the consciences The Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper was of weak brethren. not by Christ’s ordinance reserved, carried Every particular church may ordain, about, lifted up, or worshiped. change, or abolish rites and ceremonies, so Article XIX—Of Both Kinds that all things may be done to edification. The cup of the Lord is not to be denied to Article XXIII—Of the Rulers of the the lay people; for both the parts of the Lord’s United States of America Supper, by Christ’s ordinance and command- The President, the Congress, the general ment, ought to be administered to all Chris- assemblies, the governors, and the councils of tians alike. state, as the delegates of the people, are the Article XX—Of the One Oblation of rulers of the United States of America, accord- Christ, Finished upon the Cross ing to the division of power made to them by The offering of Christ, once made, is that the Constitution of the United States and by perfect redemption, propitiation, and satisfac- the constitutions of their respective states. tion for all the sins of the whole world, both And the said states are a sovereign and inde- original and actual; and there is none other pendent nation, and ought not to be subject to satisfaction for sin but that alone. Wherefore any foreign jurisdiction. the sacrifice of masses, in the which it is com- Article XXIV—Of Christian Men’s Goods monly said that the doth offer Christ for The riches and goods of Christians are not the quick and the dead, to have remission of common as touching the right, title, and pos- pain or guilt, is a blasphemous fable and dan- session of the same, as some do falsely boast. gerous deceit. Notwithstanding, every man ought, of such Article XXI—Of the Marriage of Minis- things as he possesseth, liberally to give alms ters to the poor, according to his ability. The ministers of Christ are not commanded Article XXV—Of a Christian Man’s Oath by God’s law either to vow the estate of single As we confess that vain and rash swearing life, or to abstain from marriage; therefore it is is forbidden Christian men by our Lord Jesus lawful for them, as for all other Christians, to Christ and James his apostle, so we judge that marry at their own discretion, as they shall the Christian religion doth not prohibit, but judge the same to serve best to godliness. that a man may swear when the magistrate Article XXII—Of the Rites and Ceremo- requireth, in a cause of faith and charity, so it nies of Churches be done according to the prophet’s teaching, in It is not necessary that rites and ceremo- justice, judgment, and truth. nies should in all places be the same, or exactly alike; for they have been always different, and [The following Article from the Methodist may be changed according to the diversity of Protestant Discipline is placed here by the countries, times, and men’s manners, so that Uniting Conference (1939). It was not one of nothing be ordained against God’s Word. the Articles of Religion voted upon by the Whosoever, through his private judgment, three churches.] willingly and purposely doth openly break the rites and ceremonies of the church to which he Of Sanctification belongs, which are not repugnant to the Word Sanctification is that renewal of our fallen na- of God, and are ordained and approved by ture by the Holy Ghost, received through faith common authority, ought to be rebuked in Jesus Christ, whose blood of atonement

57 ¶ 103 DOCTRINAL STANDARDS AND OUR THEOLOGICAL TASK cleanseth from all sin; whereby we are not only delivered from the guilt of sin, but are washed The Confessionof Faith of from its pollution, saved from its power, and are enabled, through grace, to love God with the Evangelical United all our hearts and to walk in his holy com- mandments blameless. Brethren Church

[The following provision was adopted by the Uniting Conference (1939). This statement seeks to interpret to our churches in foreign [Bibliographical Note: The text of the Con- lands Article XXIII of the Articles of Religion. fession of Faith is identical to that of its origi- It is a legislative enactment but is not a part of nal in The Discipline of The Evangelical the Constitution. (See Judicial Council Deci- United Brethren Church (1963).] sions 41, 176, and Decision 6, Interim Judicial Council.)] Article I—God We believe in the one true, holy and living Of the Duty of Christians to the Civil God, Eternal Spirit, who is Creator, Sovereign Authority and Preserver of all things visible and invis- It is the duty of all Christians, and espe- ible. He is infinite in power, wisdom, justice, cially of all Christian ministers, to observe and goodness and love, and rules with gracious re- obey the laws and commands of the governing gard for the well-being and salvation of men, or supreme authority of the country of which to the glory of his name. We believe the one they are citizens or subjects or in which they God reveals himself as the Trinity: Father, Son reside, and to use all laudable means to en- and Holy Spirit, distinct but inseparable, eter- courage and enjoin obedience to the powers nally one in essence and power. that be. Article II—Jesus Christ We believe in Jesus Christ, truly God and truly man, in whom the divine and human na- tures are perfectly and inseparably united. He is the eternal Word made flesh, the only begot- ten Son of the Father, born of the Virgin Mary by the power of the Holy Spirit. As ministering Servant he lived, suffered and died on the cross. He was buried, rose from the dead and ascended into heaven to be with the Father, from whence he shall return. He is eternal Savior and Mediator, who intercedes for us, and by him all men will be judged. Article III—The Holy Spirit We believe in the Holy Spirit who proceeds from and is one in being with the Father and the Son. He convinces the world of sin, of righteousness and of judgment. He leads men through faithful response to the gospel into the fellowship of the Church. He comforts, sustains and empowers the faithful and guides them into all truth.

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Article IV—The Holy Bible love and union which Christians have with We believe the Holy Bible, Old and New Christ and with one another. Those who Testaments, reveals the Word of God so far as rightly, worthily and in faith eat the broken it is necessary for our salvation. It is to be re- bread and drink the blessed cup partake of the ceived through the Holy Spirit as the true rule body and blood of Christ in a spiritual manner and guide for faith and practice. Whatever is until he comes. not revealed in or established by the Holy Article VII—Sin and Free Will Scriptures is not to be made an article of faith We believe man is fallen from righteous- nor is it to be taught as essential to salvation. ness and, apart from the grace of our Lord Je- Article V—The Church sus Christ, is destitute of holiness and inclined We believe the Christian Church is the to evil. Except a man be , he cannot community of all true believers under the see the Kingdom of God. In his own strength, Lordship of Christ. We believe it is one, holy, without divine grace, man cannot do good apostolic and catholic. It is the redemptive fel- works pleasing and acceptable to God. We be- lowship in which the Word of God is preached lieve, however, man influenced and empow- by men divinely called, and the sacraments are ered by the Holy Spirit is responsible in free- duly administered according to Christ’s own dom to exercise his will for good. appointment. Under the discipline of the Holy Article VIII—Reconciliation Through Spirit the Church exists for the maintenance of Christ worship, the edification of believers and the We believe God was in Christ reconciling redemption of the world. the world to himself. The offering Christ freely Article VI—The Sacraments made on the cross is the perfect and sufficient We believe the Sacraments, ordained by sacrifice for the sins of the whole world, re- Christ, are symbols and pledges of the Chris- deeming man from all sin, so that no other sat- tian’s profession and of God’s love toward us. isfaction is required. They are means of grace by which God works Article IX—Justification and Regenera- invisibly in us, quickening, strengthening and tion confirming our faith in him. Two Sacraments We believe we are never accounted right- are ordained by Christ our Lord, namely Bap- eous before God through our works or merit, tism and the Lord’s Supper. but that penitent sinners are justified or ac- We believe Baptism signifies entrance into counted righteous before God only by faith in the household of faith, and is a symbol of re- our Lord Jesus Christ. pentance and inner cleansing from sin, a rep- We believe regeneration is the renewal of resentation of the new birth in Christ Jesus man in righteousness through Jesus Christ, by and a mark of Christian discipleship. the power of the Holy Spirit, whereby we are We believe children are under the atone- made partakers of the divine nature and expe- ment of Christ and as heirs of the Kingdom of rience newness of life. By this new birth the God are acceptable subjects for Christian Bap- believer becomes reconciled to God and is tism. Children of believing parents through enabled to serve him with the will and the af- Baptism become the special responsibility of fections. the Church. They should be nurtured and led We believe, although we have experienced to personal acceptance of Christ, and by pro- regeneration, it is possible to depart from fession of faith confirm their Baptism. grace and fall into sin; and we may even then, We believe the Lord’s Supper is a represen- by the grace of God, be renewed in righteous- tation of our redemption, a memorial of the ness. sufferings and death of Christ, and a token of

59 ¶ 103¶ 103 DOCTRINAL STANDARDS AND OUR THEOLOGICAL TASK

Article X—Good Works Article XIII—Public Worship We believe good works are the necessary We believe divine worship is the duty and fruits of faith and follow regeneration but they privilege of man who, in the presence of God, do not have the virtue to remove our sins or to bows in adoration, humility and dedication. avert divine judgment. We believe good works, We believe divine worship is essential to the pleasing and acceptable to God in Christ, life of the Church, and that the assembling of spring from a true and living faith, for through the people of God for such worship is neces- and by them faith is made evident. sary to Christian fellowship and spiritual Article XI—Sanctification and Christian growth. Perfection We believe the order of public worship We believe sanctification is the work of need not be the same in all places but may be God’s grace through the Word and the Spirit, modified by the church according to circum- by which those who have been born again are stances and the needs of men. It should be in a cleansed from sin in their thoughts, words and language and form understood by the people, acts, and are enabled to live in accordance consistent with the Holy Scriptures to the edi- with God’s will, and to strive for holiness with- fication of all, and in accordance with the or- out which no one will see the Lord. der and Discipline of the Church. Entire sanctification is a state of perfect Article XIV—The Lord’s Day love, righteousness and true holiness which We believe the Lord’s Day is divinely or- every regenerate believer may obtain by being dained for private and public worship, for rest delivered from the power of sin, by loving God from unnecessary work, and should be de- with all the heart, soul, mind and strength, voted to spiritual improvement, Christian fel- and by loving one’s neighbor as one’s self. lowship and service. It is commemorative of Through faith in Jesus Christ this gracious gift our Lord’s resurrection and is an emblem of may be received in this life both gradually and our eternal rest. It is essential to the perma- instantaneously, and should be sought ear- nence and growth of the Christian Church, and nestly by every child of God. important to the welfare of the civil commu- We believe this experience does not deliver nity. us from the infirmities, ignorance, and mis- Article XV—The Christian and Property takes common to man, nor from the possibili- We believe God is the owner of all things ties of further sin. The Christian must con- and that the individual holding of property is tinue on guard against spiritual pride and seek lawful and is a sacred trust under God. Private to gain victory over every temptation to sin. He property is to be used for the manifestation of must respond wholly to the will of God so that Christian love and liberality, and to support sin will lose its power over him; and the world, the Church’s mission in the world. All forms of the flesh, and the devil are put under his feet. property, whether private, corporate or public, Thus he rules over these enemies with watch- are to be held in solemn trust and used respon- fulness through the power of the Holy Spirit. sibly for human good under the sovereignty of Article XII—The Judgment and the Fu- God. ture State Article XVI—Civil Government We believe all men stand under the right- We believe civil government derives its just eous judgment of Jesus Christ, both now and powers from the sovereign God. As Christians in the last day. We believe in the resurrection we recognize the governments under whose of the dead; the righteous to life eternal and protection we reside and believe such govern- the wicked to endless condemnation. ments should be based on, and be responsible for, the recognition of human rights under

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God. We believe war and bloodshed are con- trary to the gospel and spirit of Christ. We be- The Nature, Design, and lieve it is the duty of Christian citizens to give moral strength and purpose to their respective General Rules of Our governments through sober, righteous and godly living. United Societies

THE STANDARD SERMONS OF WESLEY In the latter end of the year 1739 eight or [Bibliographical Note: The Wesleyan ”stand- ten persons came to Mr. Wesley, in London, ards” have been reprinted frequently. The who appeared to be deeply convinced of sin, critical edition of Wesley’s Sermons is in- and earnestly groaning for redemption. They cluded in The Works of John Wesley, vols. 1-4 desired, as did two or three more the next day, (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1984-87).] that he would spend some time with them in prayer, and advise them how to flee from the wrath to come, which they saw continually THE EXPLANATORY NOTES hanging over their heads. That he might have UPON THE NEW TESTAMENT more time for this great work, he appointed a [Bibliographical Note: The Explanatory Notes day when they might all come together, which Upon the New Testament (1755) is currently in from thenceforward they did every week, print (Schmul Publishing Company’s 1975 edi- namely, on Thursday in the evening. To these, tion) and is forthcoming as vols. 5-6 of The and as many more as desired to join with them Works of John Wesley.] (for their number increased daily), he gave those advices from time to time which he judged most needful for them, and they always THE GENERAL RULES OF concluded their meeting with prayer suited to THE METHODIST CHURCH their several necessities. [Bibliographical Note: The General Rules are This was the rise of the United Society, first printed here in the text of 1808 (when the fifth in Europe, and then in America. Such a society Restrictive Rule took effect), as subsequently is no other than ”a company of men having the amended by constitutional actions in 1848 form and seeking the power of godliness, and 1868.] united in order to pray together, to receive the word of exhortation, and to watch over one an- other in love, that they may help each other to work out their salvation.” That it may the more easily be discerned whether they are indeed working out their own salvation, each society is divided into smaller companies, called classes, according to their respective places of abode. There are about twelve persons in a class, one of whom is styled the leader. It is his duty: 1. To see each person in his class once a week at least, in order: (1) to inquire how their souls prosper; (2) to advise, reprove, comfort

61 ¶ 103 DOCTRINAL STANDARDS AND OUR THEOLOGICAL TASK or exhort, as occasion may require; (3) to re- The taking such diversions as cannot be ceive what they are willing to give toward the used in the name of the Lord Jesus. relief of the preachers, church, and poor. The singing those songs, or reading those 2. To meet the ministers and the stewards books, which do not tend to the knowledge or of the society once a week, in order: (1) to in- love of God. form the minister of any that are sick, or of any Softness and needless self-indulgence. that walk disorderly and will not be reproved; Laying up treasure upon earth. (2) to pay the stewards what they have re- Borrowing without a probability of paying; ceived of their several classes in the week pre- or taking up goods without a probability of ceding. paying for them. There is only one condition previously re- It is expected of all who continue in these quired of those who desire admission into societies that they should continue to evidence these societies: ”a desire to flee from the wrath their desire of salvation, to come, and to be saved from their sins.” But Secondly: By doing good; by being in wherever this is really fixed in the soul it will every kind merciful after their power; as they be shown by its fruits. have opportunity, doing good of every possible It is therefore expected of all who continue sort, and, as far as possible, to all men: therein that they should continue to evidence To their bodies, of the ability which God their desire of salvation, giveth, by giving food to the hungry, by cloth- First: By doing no harm, by avoiding evil ing the naked, by visiting or helping them that of every kind, especially that which is most are sick or in prison. generally practiced, such as: To their souls, by instructing, reproving, or The taking of the name of God in vain. exhorting all we have any intercourse with; The profaning the day of the Lord, either by trampling under foot that enthusiastic doc- doing ordinary work therein or by buying or trine that ”we are not to do good unless our selling. hearts be free to it.” Drunkenness: buying or selling spirituous By doing good, especially to them that are liquors, or drinking them, unless in cases of of the household of faith or groaning so to be; extreme necessity. employing them preferably to others; buying Slaveholding; buying or selling slaves. one of another, helping each other in business, Fighting, quarreling, brawling, brother go- and so much the more because the world will ing to law with brother; returning evil for evil, love its own and them only. or railing for railing; the using many words in By all possible diligence and frugality, that buying or selling. the gospel be not blamed. The buying or selling goods that have not By running with patience the race which is paid the duty. set before them, denying themselves, and tak- The giving or taking things on usury—i.e., ing up their cross daily; submitting to bear the unlawful interest. reproach of Christ, to be as the filth and Uncharitable or unprofitable conversation; offscouring of the world; and looking that men particularly speaking evil of magistrates or of should say all manner of evil of them falsely, ministers. for the Lord’s sake. Doing to others as we would not they It is expected of all who desire to continue should do unto us. in these societies that they should continue to Doing what we know is not for the glory of evidence their desire of salvation, God, as: Thirdly: By attending upon all the ordi- The putting on of gold and costly apparel. nances of God; such are:

62 SECTION 4—OUR THEOLOGICAL TASK ¶ 104

The public worship of God. ness over these lands.” The ministry of the Word, either read or ex- While the Church considers its doctrinal pounded. affirmations a central feature of its identity The Supper of the Lord. and restricts official changes to a constitu- Family and private prayer. tional process, the Church encourages serious Searching the Scriptures. reflection across the theological spectrum. Fasting or abstinence. As United Methodists, we are called to These are the General Rules of our socie- identify the needs both of individuals and of ties; all of which we are taught of God to ob- society and to address those needs out of the serve, even in his written Word, which is the resources of Christian faith in a way that is only rule, and the sufficient rule, both of our clear, convincing, and effective. Theology faith and practice. And all these we know his serves the Church by interpreting the world’s Spirit writes on truly awakened hearts. If there needs and challenges to the Church and by in- be any among us who observe them not, who terpreting the gospel to the world. habitually break any of them, let it be known unto them who watch over that soul as they who must give an account. We will admonish The Nature of Our Theological Task him of the error of his ways. We will bear with Our theological task is both critical and con- him for a season. But then, if he repent not, he structive. It is critical in that we test various hath no more place among us. We have deliv- expressions of faith by asking: Are they true? ered our own souls. Appropriate? Clear? Cogent? Credible? Are they based on love? Do they provide the Church and its members with a witness that is ¶ 104. SECTION 4—OUR faithful to the gospel as reflected in our living THEOLOGICAL TASK heritage and that is authentic and convincing in the light of human experience and the Theology is our effort to reflect upon God’s present state of human knowledge? gracious action in our lives. In response to the Our theological task is constructive in that love of Christ, we desire to be drawn into a every generation must appropriate creatively deeper relationship with the ”author and per- the wisdom of the past and seek God in their fecter of our faith.” Our theological explora- midst in order to think afresh about God, rev- tions seek to give expression to the mysterious elation, sin, redemption, worship, the church, reality of God’s presence, peace, and power in freedom, justice, moral responsibility, and the world. By so doing, we attempt to articu- other significant theological concerns. Our late more clearly our understanding of the di- summons is to understand and receive the vine-human encounter and are thereby more gospel promises in our troubled and uncertain fully prepared to participate in God’s work in times. the world. Our theological task is both individual and The theological task, though related to the communal. It is a feature in the ministry of in- Church’s doctrinal expressions, serves a dif- dividual Christians. It requires the participa- ferent function. Our doctrinal affirmations as- tion of all who are in our Church, lay and or- sist us in the discernment of Christian truth in dained, because the mission of the Church is ever-changing contexts. Our theological task to be carried out by everyone who is called to includes the testing, renewal, elaboration, and discipleship. To be persons of faith is to hun- application of our doctrinal perspective in car- ger to understand the truth given to us in Je- rying out our calling ”to spread scriptural holi- sus Christ.

63 ¶ 104¶ 104 DOCTRINAL STANDARDS AND OUR THEOLOGICAL TASK

Theological inquiry is by no means a casual to pay attention to the world around us. undertaking. It requires sustained disciplines Realities of intense human suffering, of study, reflection, and prayer. threats to the survival of life, and challenges to Yet the discernment of ”plain truth for human dignity confront us afresh with funda- plain people” is not limited to theological spe- mental theological issues: the nature and pur- cialists. Scholars have their role to play in as- poses of God, the relations of human beings to sisting the people of God to fulfill this calling, one another, the nature of human freedom but all Christians are called to theological re- and responsibility, and the care and proper flection. use of all creation. Our theological task is communal. It un- folds in conversations open to the experiences, Theological Guidelines: insights, and traditions of all constituencies Sources and Criteria that make up United Methodism. As United Methodists, we have an obligation This dialogue belongs to the life of every to bear a faithful Christian witness to Jesus congregation. It is fostered by laity and clergy, Christ, the living reality at the center of the by the bishops, by the boards, agencies, and Church’s life and witness. To fulfill this obliga- theological schools of the Church. tion, we reflect critically on our biblical and Conferences speak and act for United theological inheritance, striving to express Methodists in their official decisions at appro- faithfully the witness we make in our own priate levels. Our conciliar and representative time. forms of decision-making do not release Two considerations are central to this United Methodists as individuals from the re- endeavor: the sources from which we derive sponsibility to develop sound theological judg- our theological affirmations and the criteria by ment. which we assess the adequacy of our under- Our theological task is contextual and standing and witness. incarnational. It is grounded upon God’s su- Wesley believed that the living core of the preme mode of self-revelation—the incarna- Christian faith was revealed in Scripture, tion in Jesus Christ. God’s eternal Word comes illumined by tradition, vivified in personal ex- to us in flesh and blood in a given time and perience, and confirmed by reason. place, and in full identification with humanity. Scripture is primary, revealing the Word of Therefore, theological reflection is energized God ”so far as it is necessary for our salvation.” by our incarnational involvement in the daily Therefore, our theological task, in both its life of the Church and the world, as we partici- critical and constructive aspects, focuses on pate in God’s liberating and saving action. disciplined study of the Bible. Our theological task is essentially practical. To aid his study of the Bible and deepen his It informs the individual’s daily decisions and understanding of faith, Wesley drew on Chris- serves the Church’s life and work. While tian tradition, in particular the Patristic writ- highly theoretical constructions of Christian ings, the ecumenical creeds, the teachings of thought make important contributions to the Reformers, and the literature of contem- theological understanding, we finally measure porary spirituality. the truth of such statements in relation to their Thus, tradition provides both a source and practical significance. Our interest is to incor- a measure of authentic Christian witness, porate the promises and demands of the gos- though its authority derives from its faithful- pel into our daily lives. ness to the biblical message. Theological inquiry can clarify our thinking The Christian witness, even when about what we are to say and do. It presses us grounded in Scripture and mediated by tradi-

64 SECTION 4—OUR THEOLOGICAL TASK ¶ 104 tion, is ineffectual unless understood and ap- of Israel, and in the Holy Spirit’s ongoing ac- propriated by the individual. To become our tivity in human history. witness, it must make sense in terms of our As we open our minds and hearts to the own reason and experience. Word of God through the words of human be- For Wesley, a cogent account of the Chris- ings inspired by the Holy Spirit, faith is born tian faith required the use of reason, both to and nourished, our understanding is deep- understand Scripture and to relate the biblical ened, and the possibilities for transforming message to wider fields of knowledge. He the world become apparent to us. looked for confirmations of the biblical wit- The Bible is sacred canon for Christian peo- ness in human experience, especially the expe- ple, formally acknowledged as such by historic riences of regeneration and sanctification, but ecumenical councils of the Church. Our doctri- also in the ”common sense” knowledge of eve- nal standards identify as canonical thirty-nine ryday experience. books of the Old Testament and the twenty- The interaction of these sources and crite- seven books of the New Testament. ria in Wesley’s own theology furnishes a guide Our standards affirm the Bible as the for our continuing theological task as United source of all that is ”necessary” and ”suffi- Methodists. In that task Scripture, as the con- cient” unto salvation (Articles of Religion) and stitutive witness to the wellsprings of our ”is to be received through the Holy Spirit as faith, occupies a place of primary authority the true rule and guide for faith and practice” among these theological sources. (Confession of Faith). In practice, theological reflection may also We properly read Scripture within the be- find its point of departure in tradition, experi- lieving community, informed by the tradition ence, or rational analysis. What matters most of that community. We interpret individual is that all four guidelines be brought to bear in texts in light of their place in the Bible as a faithful, serious, theological consideration. whole. Insights arising from serious study of the We are aided by scholarly inquiry and per- Scriptures and tradition enrich contemporary sonal insight, under the guidance of the Holy experience. Imaginative and critical thought Spirit. As we work with each text, we take into enables us to understand better the Bible and account what we have been able to learn about our common Christian history. the original context and intention of that text. In this understanding we draw upon the care- Scripture ful historical, literary, and textual studies of United Methodists share with other Christians recent years, which have enriched our under- the conviction that Scripture is the primary standing of the Bible. source and criterion for Christian doctrine. Through this faithful reading of Scripture, Through Scripture the living Christ meets us we may come to know the truth of the biblical in the experience of redeeming grace. We are message in its bearing on our own lives and convinced that Jesus Christ is the living Word the life of the world. Thus, the Bible serves of God in our midst whom we trust in life and both as a source of our faith and as the basic death. criterion by which the truth and fidelity of any The biblical authors, illumined by the Holy interpretation of faith is measured. Spirit, bear witness that in Christ the world is While we acknowledge the primacy of reconciled to God. The Bible bears authentic Scripture in theological reflection, our at- testimony to God’s self-disclosure in the life, tempts to grasp its meaning always involve death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ as well tradition, experience, and reason. Like Scrip- as in God’s work of creation, in the pilgrimage ture, these may become creative vehicles of the

65 ¶ 104¶ 104 DOCTRINAL STANDARDS AND OUR THEOLOGICAL TASK

Holy Spirit as they function within the Church. ence of earlier Christian communities. They quicken our faith, open our eyes to the These traditions are found in many cul- wonder of God’s love, and clarify our under- tures around the globe. But the history of standing. Christianity includes a mixture of ignorance, The Wesleyan heritage, reflecting its ori- misguided zeal, and sin. Scripture remains the gins in the catholic and reformed ethos of Eng- norm by which all traditions are judged. lish Christianity, directs us to a self-conscious The story of the church reflects the most use of these three sources in interpreting basic sense of tradition, the continuing activity Scripture and in formulating faith statements of God’s Spirit transforming human life. Tra- based on the biblical witness. These sources dition is the history of that continuing envi- are, along with Scripture, indispensable to our ronment of grace in and by which all Chris- theological task. tians live, God’s self-giving love in Jesus The close relationship of tradition, experi- Christ. As such, tradition transcends the story ence, and reason appears in the Bible itself. of particular traditions. Scripture witnesses to a variety of diverse tra- In this deeper sense of tradition, all Chris- ditions, some of which reflect tensions in in- tians share a common history. Within that his- terpretation within the early Judeo-Christian tory, Christian tradition precedes Scripture, heritage. However, these traditions are woven and yet Scripture comes to be the focal expres- together in the Bible in a manner that ex- sion of the tradition. As United Methodists, we presses the fundamental unity of God’s revela- pursue our theological task in openness to the tion as received and experienced by people in richness of both the form and power of tradi- the diversity of their own lives. tion. The developing communities of faith The multiplicity of traditions furnishes a judged them, therefore, to be an authoritative richly varied source for theological reflection witness to that revelation. In recognizing the and construction. For United Methodists, cer- interrelationship and inseparability of the four tain strands of tradition have special impor- basic resources for theological understanding, tance as the historic foundation of our doctri- we are following a model that is present in the nal heritage and the distinctive expressions of biblical text itself. our communal existence. We are now challenged by traditions from Tradition around the world that accent dimensions of The theological task does not start anew in Christian understanding that grow out of the each age or each person. Christianity does not sufferings and victories of the downtrodden. leap from New Testament times to the present These traditions help us rediscover the biblical as though nothing were to be learned from witness to God’s special commitment to the that great cloud of witnesses in between. For poor, the disabled, the imprisoned, the op- centuries Christians have sought to interpret pressed, the outcast. In these persons we en- the truth of the gospel for their time. counter the living presence of Jesus Christ. In these attempts, tradition, understood These traditions underscore the equality of both in terms of process and form, has played all persons in Jesus Christ. They display the an important role. The passing on and receiv- capacity of the gospel to free us to embrace the ing of the gospel among persons, regions, and diversity of human cultures and appreciate generations constitutes a dynamic element of their values. They reinforce our traditional un- Christian history. The formulations and prac- derstanding of the inseparability of personal tices that grew out of specific circumstances salvation and social justice. They deepen our constitute the legacy of the corporate experi- commitment to global peace.

66 SECTION 4—OUR THEOLOGICAL TASK ¶ 104

A critical appreciation of these traditions at God’s hand. Such assurance is God’s gra- can compel us to think about God in new ways, cious gift through the witness of the Holy enlarge our vision of shalom, and enhance our Spirit. confidence in God’s provident love. This ”new life in Christ” is what we as Tradition acts as a measure of validity and United Methodists mean when we speak of propriety for a community’s faith insofar as it ”Christian experience.” Christian experience represents a consensus of faith. The various gives us new eyes to see the living truth in traditions that presently make claims upon us Scripture. It confirms the biblical message for may contain conflicting images and insights of our present. It illumines our understanding of truth and validity. We examine such conflicts God and creation and motivates us to make in light of Scripture, reflecting critically upon sensitive moral judgments. the doctrinal stance of our Church. Although profoundly personal, Christian It is by the discerning use of our standards experience is also corporate; our theological and in openness to emerging forms of Chris- task is informed by the experience of the tian identity that we attempt to maintain fidel- church and by the common experiences of all ity to the apostolic faith. humanity. In our attempts to understand the At the same time, we continue to draw on biblical message, we recognize that God’s gift the broader Christian tradition as an expres- of liberating love embraces the whole of crea- sion of the history of divine grace within which tion. Christians are able to recognize and welcome Some facets of human experience tax our one another in love. theological understanding. Many of God’s people live in terror, hunger, loneliness, and degradation. Everyday experiences of birth Experience and death, of growth and life in the created In our theological task, we follow Wesley’s world, and an awareness of wider social rela- practice of examining experience, both indi- tions also belong to serious theological reflec- vidual and corporate, for confirmations of the tion. realities of God’s grace attested in Scripture. A new awareness of such experiences can Our experience interacts with Scripture. inform our appropriation of scriptural truths We read Scripture in light of the conditions and sharpen our appreciation of the good and events that help shape who we are, and we news of the kingdom of God. interpret our experience in terms of Scripture. As a source for theological reflection, expe- All religious experience affects all human rience, like tradition, is richly varied, challeng- experience; all human experience affects our ing our efforts to put into words the totality of understanding of religious experience. the promises of the gospel. We interpret expe- On the personal level, experience is to the rience in the light of scriptural norms, just as individual as tradition is to the church: It is the our experience informs our reading of the bib- personal appropriation of God’s forgiving and lical message. In this respect, Scripture re- empowering grace. Experience authenticates mains central in our efforts to be faithful in in our own lives the truths revealed in Scrip- making our Christian witness. ture and illumined in tradition, enabling us to claim the Christian witness as our own. Reason Wesley described faith and its assurance as Although we recognize that God’s revelation ”a sure trust and confidence” in the mercy of and our experiences of God’s grace continually God through our Lord Jesus Christ, and a surpass the scope of human language and rea- steadfast hope of all good things to be received son, we also believe that any disciplined theo-

67 ¶ 104 DOCTRINAL STANDARDS AND OUR THEOLOGICAL TASK logical work calls for the careful use of reason. tinually arise that summon us to fresh theo- By reason we read and interpret Scripture. logical inquiry. Daily we are presented with an By reason we determine whether our Chris- array of concerns that challenge our proclama- tian witness is clear. tion of God’s reign over all of human existence. By reason we ask questions of faith and Of crucial importance are concerns gener- seek to understand God’s action and will. ated by great human struggles for dignity, lib- By reason we organize the understandings eration, and fulfillment—aspirations that are that compose our witness and render them in- inherent elements in God’s design for crea- ternally coherent. tion. These concerns are borne by theologies By reason we test the congruence of our that express the heart cries of the downtrod- witness to the biblical testimony and to the den and the aroused indignation of the com- traditions that mediate that testimony to us. passionate. By reason we relate our witness to the full The perils of nuclear destruction, terror- range of human knowledge, experience, and ism, war, poverty, violence, and injustice con- service. front us. Injustices linked to race, gender, Since all truth is from God, efforts to dis- class, and age are widespread in our times. cern the connections between revelation and Misuse of natural resources and disregard for reason, faith and science, grace and nature, the fragile balances in our environment con- are useful endeavors in developing credible tradict our calling to care for God’s creation. and communicable doctrine. We seek nothing Secularism pervades high-technology civiliza- less than a total view of reality that is deci- tions, hindering human awareness of the spir- sively informed by the promises and impera- itual depths of existence. tives of the Christian gospel, though we know We seek an authentic Christian response to well that such an attempt will always be these realities that the healing and redeeming marred by the limits and distortions charac- work of God might be present in our words teristic of human knowledge. and deeds. Too often, theology is used to sup- Nevertheless, by our quest for reasoned port practices that are unjust. We look for an- understandings of Christian faith we seek to swers that are in harmony with the gospel and grasp, express, and live out the gospel in a way do not claim exemption from critical assess- that will commend itself to thoughtful persons ment. who are seeking to know and follow God’s A rich quality of our Church, especially as it ways. has developed in the last century, is its global In theological reflection, the resources of character. We are a Church with a distinctive tradition, experience, and reason are integral theological heritage, but that heritage is lived to our study of Scripture without displacing out in a global community, resulting in Scripture’s primacy for faith and practice. understandings of our faith enriched by indig- These four sources—each making distinctive enous experiences and manners of expression. contributions, yet all finally working to- We affirm the contributions that United gether—guide our quest as United Methodists Methodists of varying ethnic, language, cul- for a vital and appropriate Christian witness. tural, and national groups make to one an- other and to our Church as a whole. We cel- ebrate our shared commitment to clear theo- The Present Challenge to Theology in logical understanding and vital missional ex- the Church pression. In addition to historic tensions and conflicts United Methodists as a diverse people con- that still require resolution, new issues con- tinue to strive for consensus in understanding

68 SECTION 4—OUR THEOLOGICAL TASK ¶ 104 the gospel. In our diversity, we are held to- the unity among us more visible. gether by a shared inheritance and a common Concurrently, we have entered into serious desire to participate in the creative and re- interfaith encounters and explorations be- demptive activity of God. tween Christians and adherents of other living Our task is to articulate our vision in a way faiths of the world. Scripture calls us to be that will draw us together as a people in mis- both neighbors and witnesses to all peoples. sion. Such encounters require us to reflect anew on In the name of Jesus Christ we are called to our faith and to seek guidance for our witness work within our diversity while exercising pa- among neighbors of other faiths. We then re- tience and forbearance with one another. Such discover that the God who has acted in Jesus patience stems neither from indifference to- Christ for the salvation of the whole world is ward truth nor from an indulgent tolerance of also the Creator of all humankind, the One error but from an awareness that we know who is ”above all and through all and in all” only in part and that none of us is able to (Ephesians 4:6). search the mysteries of God except by the As people bound together on one planet, we Spirit of God. We proceed with our theological see the need for a self-critical view of our own task, trusting that the Spirit will grant us wis- tradition and accurate appreciation of other dom to continue our journey with the whole traditions. In these encounters, our aim is not people of God. to reduce doctrinal differences to some lowest common denominator of religious agreement, Ecumenical Commitment but to raise all such relationships to the high- Christian unity is founded on the theological est possible level of human fellowship and un- understanding that through faith in Jesus derstanding. Christ we are made members-in-common of We labor together with the help of God to- the one body of Christ. Christian unity is not ward the salvation, health, and peace of all an option; it is a gift to be received and ex- people. In respectful conversations and in pressed. practical cooperation, we confess our Chris- United Methodists respond to the theologi- tian faith and strive to display the manner in cal, biblical, and practical mandates for Chris- which Jesus Christ is the life and hope of the tian unity by firmly committing ourselves to world. the cause of Christian unity at local, national, and world levels. We invest ourselves in many Conclusion ways by which mutual recognition of Doctrine arises out of the life of the Church— churches, of members, and of ministries may its faith, its worship, its discipline, its con- lead us to sharing in Holy Communion with all flicts, its challenges from the world it would of God’s people. serve. Knowing that denominational loyalty is al- Evangelism, nurture, and mission require a ways subsumed in our life in the church of Je- constant effort to integrate authentic experi- sus Christ, we welcome and celebrate the rich ence, rational thought, and purposeful action experience of United Methodist leadership in with theological integrity. church councils and consultations, in multi- A convincing witness to our Lord and lateral and bilateral dialogues, as well as in Savior Jesus Christ can contribute to the re- other forms of ecumenical convergence that newal of our faith, bring persons to that faith, have led to the healing of churches and na- and strengthen the Church as an agent of heal- tions. ing and reconciliation. We see the Holy Spirit at work in making This witness, however, cannot fully de-

69 ¶ 104 DOCTRINAL STANDARDS AND OUR THEOLOGICAL TASK scribe or encompass the mystery of God. Though we experience the wonder of God’s grace at work with us and among us, and though we know the joy of the present signs of God’s kingdom, each new step makes us more aware of the ultimate mystery of God, from which arises a heart of wonder and an attitude of humility. Yet we trust that we can know more fully what is essential for our participa- tion in God’s saving work in the world, and we are confident in the ultimate unfolding of God’s justice and mercy. In this spirit we take up our theological task. We endeavor through the power of the Holy Spirit to understand the love of God given in Jesus Christ. We seek to spread this love abroad. As we see more clearly who we have been, as we understand more fully the needs of the world, as we draw more effec- tively upon our theological heritage, we will become better equipped to fulfill our calling as the people of God. Now to God who by the power at work within us is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, to God be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, for ever and ever. Amen. —Ephesians 3:20-21 (based on RSV)

70 THE MISSION AND MINISTRY OF THE CHURCH Part III

THE MINISTRY OF ALL CHRISTIANS

THE MISSION AND MINISTRY OF THE CHURCH

Section I. The Churches times, carrying out this purpose as revealed in the Bible. It is expressed in God's covenant ¶ 120. The Mission-The mission of the with Abraham and Sarah, in the Exodus of Is- Church is to make disciples of Jesus Christ. rael from Egypt, and in the ministry of the Local churches provide the most significant prophets. It is fully embodied in the life, death, arena through which disciple-making occurs. and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is experi- ¶ 121. Rationale for Our Mission-The mis- enced in the ongoing creation of a new people sion of the Church is to make disciples of Jesus by the Holy Spirit. Christ by proclaiming the good news of God's John Wesley, Phillip Otterbein, Jacob grace and thus seeking the fulfillment of God's Albright, and our other spiritual forebears un- reign and realm in the world. The fulfillment derstood this mission in this way. Whenever of God's reign and realm in the world is the vi- United Methodism has had a clear sense of sion Scripture holds before us. The United mission, God has used our Church to save per- Methodist Church affirms that Jesus Christ is sons, heal relationships, transform social the Son of God, the Savior of the world, and structures, and spread scriptural holiness, the Lord of all. We respect persons of all reli- thereby changing the world. In order to be gious faiths and we defend religious freedom truly alive, we embrace Jesus´ mandate to for all persons. Jesus´ words in Matthew make disciples of all peoples. 28:19-20 provide the Church with our mis- ¶ 122. The Process for Carrying Out Our sion: “Go therefore and make disciples of all Mission-We make disciples as we: nations, baptizing them in the name of the Fa- • proclaim the gospel, seek, welcome and ther and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and gather persons into the body of Christ; teaching them to obey everything that I have • lead persons to commit their lives to God commanded you.” through baptism and profession of faith in Je- This mission is our grace-filled response to sus Christ; the Reign of God in the world announced by • nurture persons in Christian living Jesus. God's grace is active everywhere, at all through worship, the sacraments, spiritual

71 ¶ 123 THE MINISTRY OF ALL CHRISTIANS disciplines, and other means of grace, such as Section II. The Ministry of All Wesley’s Christian conferencing; Christians • send persons into the world to live lov- ingly and justly as servants of Christ by healing ¶ 125. The Heart of Christian Ministry- the sick, feeding the hungry, caring for the The heart of Christian ministry is Christ’s min- stranger, freeing the oppressed, and working istry of outreaching love. Christian ministry is to develop social structures that are consistent the expression of the mind and mission of with the gospel; and Christ by a community of Christians that dem- • continue the mission of seeking, welcom- onstrates a common life of gratitude and devo- ing and gathering persons into the community tion, witness and service, celebration and dis- of the body of Christ. cipleship. All Christians are called through ¶ 123. The Global nature of Our Mission- their baptism to this ministry of servanthood The Church seeks to fulfill its global mission in the world to the glory of God and for human through the Spirit-given servant ministries of fulfillment. The forms of this ministry are di- all Christians, both lay and clergy. Faithful- verse in locale, in interest, and in denomina- ness and effectiveness demand that all minis- tional accent, yet always catholic in spirit and tries in the Church be shaped by the mission of outreach. making disciples of Jesus Christ. ¶ 126. The Ministry of the Community- ¶ 124. Our Mission in the World-God’s The church as the community of the new cov- self-revelation in the life, death, and resurrec- enant has participated in Christ’s ministry of tion of Jesus Christ summons the church to grace across the years and around the world. It ministry in the world through witness by word stretches out to human needs wherever love and deed in light of the church’s mission. The and service may convey God's love and ours. visible church of Christ as a faithful commu- The outreach of such ministries knows no lim- nity of persons affirms the worth of all human- its. Beyond the diverse forms of ministry is ity and the value of interrelationship in all of this ultimate concern: that all persons will be God's creation. brought into a saving relationship with God In the midst of a sinful world, through the through Jesus Christ and be renewed after the grace of God, we are brought to repentance image of their creator (Colossians 3:10). This and faith in Jesus Christ. We become aware of means that all Christians are called to minister the presence and life-giving power of God's wherever Christ would have them serve and Holy Spirit. We live in confident expectation of witness in deeds and words that heal and free. the ultimate fulfillment of God's purpose. ¶ 127. Ministry as Gift and Task-This min- We are called together for worship and fel- istry of all Christians in Christ’s name and lowship and for the upbuilding of the Chris- spirit is both a gift and a task. The gift is God's tian community. We advocate and work for unmerited grace; the task is unstinting serv- the unity of the Christian church. We call all ice. Entrance into the church is acknowledged persons into discipleship under the Lordship in baptism and may include persons of all of Jesus Christ. ages. In this sacrament the church claims As servants of Christ we are sent into the God's promise, the seal of the Spirit world to engage in the struggle for justice and (Ephesians 1:13). Baptism is followed by nur- reconciliation. We seek to reveal the love of ture and the consequent awareness by the God for men, women, and children of all eth- baptized of the claim to ministry in Christ nic, racial, cultural, and national backgrounds placed upon their lives by the church. Such a and to demonstrate the healing power of the ministry is ratified in confirmation, where the gospel with those who suffer. pledges of baptism are accepted and renewed

72 THE MISSION AND MINISTRY OF THE CHURCH ¶ 132 for life and mission. Entrance into and accept- Section III. Servant Ministry and ance of ministry begin in a local church, but Servant Leadership the impulse to minister always moves one be- yond the congregation toward the whole hu- ¶ 131. Mission as Active Expectancy-The man community. God's gifts are richly diverse ministry of all Christians consists of service for for a variety of services; yet all have dignity the mission of God in the world. The mission and worth. of God is best expressed in the prayer that Je- ¶ 128. Faithful Ministry-The people of sus taught his first disciples: Thy kingdom God, who are the church made visible in the come; thy will be done, on earth as in heaven. world, must convince the world of the reality All Christians, therefore, are to live in active of the gospel or leave it unconvinced. There expectancy: faithful in service of God and their can be no evasion or delegation of this respon- neighbor; faithful in waiting for the fulfillment sibility; the church is either faithful as a wit- of God's universal love, justice, and peace on nessing and serving community, or it loses its earth as in heaven. vitality and its impact on an unbelieving Pending this time of fulfillment, the minis- world. try of all Christians is shaped by the teachings ¶ 129. The Unity of Ministry in Christ- of Jesus. The handing on of these teachings is There is but one ministry in Christ, but there entrusted to leaders who are gifted and called are diverse gifts and evidences of God's grace by God to appointed offices in the church: in the body of Christ (Ephesians 4:4-16). The some apostles, some prophets, some evange- ministry of all Christians is complementary. lists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the No ministry is subservient to another. All saints for the work of ministry, for building up United Methodists are summoned and sent by the body of Christ (Ephesians 4:11-12). For Christ to live and work together in mutual in- these persons to lead the church effectively, terdependence and to be guided by the Spirit they must embody the teachings of Jesus in into the truth that frees and the love that rec- servant ministries and servant leadership. onciles. Through these ministries and leadership, con- ¶ 130. The Journey of a Connectional Peo- gregations of the church are faithfully engaged ple-Connectionalism in the United Methodist in the forming of Christian disciples and vi- tradition is multi-leveled, global in scope, and tally involved in the mission of God in the local in thrust. Our connectionalism is not world. merely a linking of one charge conference to ¶ 132. Calling and Gifts of Leadership-The another. It is rather a vital web of interactive United Methodist Church has traditionally relationships. recognized these gifts and callings in the or- We are connected by sharing a common dained offices of elder and deacon. The United tradition of faith, including our Doctrinal Methodist tradition has recognized that Standards and General Rules (¶ 103); by shar- laypersons as well as ordained persons are ing together a constitutional polity, including gifted and called by God to lead the Church. a leadership of general superintendency; by The servant leadership of these persons is es- sharing a common mission, which we seek to sential to the mission and ministry of congre- carry out by working together in and through gations. They help to form Christian disciples conferences that reflect the inclusive and in covenant community within the local con- missional character of our fellowship; by shar- gregation through spiritual formation and ing a common ethos that characterizes our dis- guidance for Christian living in the world. tinctive way of doing things.

73 ¶ 133 THE MINISTRY OF ALL CHRISTIANS

Section IV. Servant Ministry ership, lay and ordained. Such callings are evi- denced by special gifts, evidence of God's ¶ 133. Christian Discipleship-The ministry grace, and promise of usefulness. God's call to of all Christians consists of privilege and obli- servant leadership is inward as it comes to the gation. The privilege is a relationship with God individual and outward through the discern- that is deeply spiritual. The obligation is to re- ment and validation of the Church. The privi- spond to God's call to holy living in the world. lege of servant leadership in the Church is the In the United Methodist tradition these two call to share in the preparation of congrega- dimensions of Christian discipleship are tions and the whole Church for the mission of wholly interdependent. God in the world. The obligation of servant ¶ 134. Our Relationship with God: Privi- leadership is the forming of Christian disciples lege-Christians experience growth and transi- in the covenant community of the congrega- tion in their spiritual life just as in their physi- tion. This involves discerning and nurturing cal and emotional lives. While this growth is the spiritual relationship with God that is the always a work of grace, it does not occur uni- privilege of all servant ministers. It also in- formly. Spiritual growth in Christ is a dynamic volves instructing and guiding Christian disci- process marked by awakening, birth, growth, ples in their witness to Jesus Christ in the and maturation. This process requires careful world through acts of worship, devotion, com- and intentional nurture for the disciple to passion, and justice under the guidance of the reach perfection in the Christian life. There are Holy Spirit. John Wesley described this as stages of spiritual growth and transition: “watching over one another in love.” Christian beginnings; Christian birth; Chris- ¶ 137. Ordained Ministry-Ordained minis- tian growth; and Christian maturity. These re- ters are called by God to a lifetime of servant quire careful and intentional nurture for the leadership in specialized ministries among the disciple to come to maturity in the Christian people of God. Ordained ministers are called life and to engage fully in the ministry of all to interpret to the Church the needs, concerns, Christians. and hopes of the world and the promise of God ¶ 135. Our Relationship with Christ in the for creation. Within these specialized minis- World: Obligation-The ministry of all Chris- tries, deacons are called to ministries of Word tians in the United Methodist tradition has al- and Service, and elders are called to ministries ways been energized by deep religious experi- of Service, Word, Sacrament, and Order (¶ ence, with emphasis on how ministry relates 323). Through these distinctive functions or- to our obligation to Jesus Christ. The early dained ministers devote themselves wholly to Methodists developed a way of life that fos- the work of the Church and to the upbuilding tered reliability, and their methodical disciple- of the ministry of all Christians. They do this ship is best expressed in the General Rules through the careful study of Scripture and its that John Wesley first published in 1743, faithful interpretation; through effective proc- which remain in the United Methodist Book of lamation of the gospel and responsible admin- Discipline, pages 71-74. istration of the sacraments; through diligent pastoral leadership of their congregations for fruitful discipleship; and by following the Section V. Servant Leadership guidance of the Holy Spirit in witnessing be- yond the congregation in the local community ¶ 136. Leadership Privileges and Respon- and to the ends of the earth. The ordained sibilities-Within The United Methodist ministry is defined by its faithful commitment Church, there are those called to servant lead- to servant leadership following the example of

74 THE MISSION AND MINISTRY OF THE CHURCH ¶ 141

Jesus Christ, by its passion for the hallowing of Section VII. The Fulfillment of life, and by its concern to link all local minis- Ministry Through The United tries with the widest boundaries of the Chris- Methodist Church tian community. ¶ 139. The Church-Affirming the spiritual dimensions of the ministry of all Christians, as Section VI. Called to Inclusiveness proclaimed in ¶¶ 120-141 of this Book of Disci- pline, it is recognized that this ministry exists ¶ 138. We recognize that God made all in the secular world and that civil authorities creation and saw that it was good. As a diverse may seek legal definition predicated on the na- people of God who bring special gifts and evi- ture of The United Methodist Church in seek- dences of God's grace to the unity of the ing fulfillment of this ministry. Accordingly, it Church and to society, we are called to be is appropriate that the meaning of “The faithful to the example of Jesus´ ministry to all United Methodist Church,” “the general persons. Church,” “the entire Church,” and “the Inclusiveness means openness, accept- Church” as used in the Book of Discipline ance, and support that enables all persons to should now be stated consistently with the tra- participate in the life of the Church, the com- ditional self-understanding of United Method- munity, and the world. Thus, inclusiveness de- ists as to the meaning of these words. nies every semblance of discrimination. These terms refer to the overall denomina- The mark of an inclusive society is one in tion and connectional relation and identity of which all persons are open, welcoming, fully its many local churches, the various confer- accepting, and supporting of all other persons, ences and their respective councils, boards, enabling them to participate fully in the life of and agencies, and other Church units, which the church, the community, and the world. A collectively constitute the religious system further mark of inclusiveness is the setting of known as United Methodism. Under the Con- church activities in facilities accessible to per- stitution and disciplinary procedures set forth sons with disabilities. in this Book of Discipline, “The United Meth- In The United Methodist Church odist Church” as a denominational whole is inclusiveness means the freedom for the total not an entity, nor does it possess legal capaci- involvement of all persons who meet the re- ties and attributes. It does not and cannot hold quirements of The United Methodist Book of title to property, nor does it have any officer, Discipline in the membership and leadership agent, employee, office, or location. Confer- of the Church at any level and in every place. ences, councils, boards, agencies, local In the spirit of this declaration, United Meth- churches, and other units bearing the name odist seminaries will make all efforts to meet “United Methodist” are, for the most part, le- Americans with Disabilities (ADA) accessibil- gal entities capable of suing and being sued ity standards by the year 2011. Exemptions for and possessed of legal capacities. historical or existing buildings are not allowed ¶ 140. Definition of Clergy-Clergy in The under this requirement. United Methodist Church are individuals who serve as commissioned ministers, deacons, elders, and local pastors under appointment of a bishop (full- and part-time), who hold mem- bership in an annual conference, and who are commissioned, ordained, or licensed. ¶ 141. Employment Status of Clergy-Min- istry in the Christian church is derived from

75 ¶ 141 THE MINISTRY OF ALL CHRISTIANS the ministry of Christ (¶ 301). Jesus makes it clear to us that he is a shepherd and not a hire- ling (John 10:11-15). Similarly, United Meth- odist clergy appointed to local churches are not employees of the local church or the an- nual conference. It is recognized that for cer- tain limited purposes such as taxation, ben- efits, and insurance, governments and other entities may classify clergy as employees. Such classifications are not to be construed as af- fecting or defining United Methodist polity, including the historic covenants that bind an- nual conferences, clergy, and congregations, episcopal appointive powers and procedures, or other principles set forth in the Constitu- tion or the Book of Discipline (see e.g., ¶¶ 301; 319-320; 324-325; 329; 331). In addition, any such classifications should be accepted, if at all, only for limited purposes, as set forth above, and with the full recognition and ac- knowledgment that it is the responsibility of the clergy to be God's servants.

76 Part IV

SOCIAL PRINCIPLES

PREFACE PREAMBLE

The United Methodist Church has a long his- We, the people called United Methodists, tory of concern for social justice. Its members affirm our faith in God our Creator and Father, have often taken forthright positions on con- in Jesus Christ our Savior, and in the Holy troversial issues involving Christian princi- Spirit, our Guide and Guard. ples. Early Methodists expressed their opposi- We acknowledge our complete dependence tion to the slave trade, to smuggling, and to the upon God in birth, in life, in death, and in life cruel treatment of prisoners. eternal. Secure in God’s love, we affirm the A social creed was adopted by The Method- goodness of life and confess our many sins ist Episcopal Church (North) in 1908. Within against God’s will for us as we find it in Jesus the next decade similar statements were Christ. We have not always been faithful stew- adopted by The Methodist Episcopal Church, ards of all that has been committed to us by South, and by The Methodist Protestant God the Creator. We have been reluctant fol- Church. The Evangelical United Brethren lowers of Jesus Christ in his mission to bring Church adopted a statement of social princi- all persons into a community of love. Though ples in 1946 at the time of the uniting of the called by the Holy Spirit to become new crea- United Brethren and The Evangelical Church. tures in Christ, we have resisted the further In 1972, four years after the uniting in 1968 of call to become the people of God in our deal- The Methodist Church and The Evangelical ings with each other and the earth on which we United Brethren Church, the General Confer- live. ence of The United Methodist Church adopted Grateful for God’s forgiving love, in which a new statement of Social Principles, which we live and by which we are judged, and af- was revised in 1976 (and by each successive firming our belief in the inestimable worth of General Conference). each individual, we renew our commitment to The Social Principles are a prayerful and become faithful witnesses to the gospel, not thoughtful effort on the part of the General alone to the ends of earth, but also to the Conference to speak to the human issues in the depths of our common life and work. contemporary world from a sound biblical and theological foundation as historically demon- strated in United Methodist traditions. They ¶ 160. I. THE NATURAL WORLD are intended to be instructive and persuasive in the best of the prophetic spirit. The Social All creation is the Lord’s, and we are responsi- Principles are a call to all members of The ble for the ways in which we use and abuse it. United Methodist Church to a prayerful, stud- Water, air, soil, minerals, energy resources, ied dialogue of faith and practice. (See ¶ 509.) plants, animal life, and space are to be valued

77 ¶ 160 SOCIAL PRINCIPLES and conserved because they are God’s creation B) Energy Resources Utilization and not solely because they are useful to hu- Affirming the inherent value of nonhuman man beings. God has granted us stewardship creation, we support and encourage social of creation. We should meet these stewardship policies that are directed toward rational and duties through acts of loving care and respect. restrained transformation of parts of the Economic, political, social, and technological nonhuman world into energy for human usage developments have increased our human and that de-emphasize or eliminate energy- numbers, and lengthened and enriched our producing technologies that endanger the lives. However, these developments have led health, the safety, and even the existence of to regional defoliation, dramatic extinction of the present and future human and nonhuman species, massive human suffering, overpopu- creation. Further, we urge wholehearted sup- lation, and misuse and overconsumption of port of the conservation of energy and respon- natural and nonrenewable resources, particu- sible development of all energy resources, larly by industrialized societies. This contin- with special concern for the development of ued course of action jeopardizes the natural renewable energy sources, that the goodness heritage that God has entrusted to all genera- of the earth may be affirmed. tions. Therefore, let us recognize the responsi- C) Animal Life bility of the church and its members to place a We support regulations that protect the life high priority on changes in economic, politi- and health of animals, including those ensur- cal, social, and technological lifestyles to sup- ing the humane treatment of pets and other port a more ecologically equitable and sustain- domestic animals, animals used in research, able world leading to a higher quality of life for and the painless slaughtering of meat animals, all of God’s creation. fish, and fowl. We encourage the preservation A) Water, Air, Soil, Minerals, Plants of all animal species including those threat- We support and encourage social policies ened with extinction. that serve to reduce and control the creation of D) Space industrial byproducts and waste; facilitate the The universe, known and unknown, is the safe processing and disposal of toxic and nu- creation of God and is due the respect we are clear waste and move toward the elimination called to give the earth. of both; encourage reduction of municipal E) Science and Technology waste; provide for appropriate recycling and We recognize science as a legitimate inter- disposal of municipal waste; and assist the pretation of God’s natural world. We affirm cleanup of polluted air, water, and soil. We call the validity of the claims of science in describ- for the preservation of old-growth forests and ing the natural world, although we preclude other irreplaceable natural treasures, as well science from making authoritative claims as preservation of endangered plant species. about theological issues. We recognize tech- We support measures designed to maintain nology as a legitimate use of God’s natural and restore natural ecosystems. We support world when such use enhances human life and policies that develop alternatives to chemicals enables all of God’s children to develop their used for growing, processing, and preserving God-given creative potential without violating food, and we strongly urge adequate research our ethical convictions about the relationship into their effects upon God’s creation prior to of humanity to the natural world. utilization. We urge development of interna- In acknowledging the important roles of tional agreements concerning equitable utili- science and technology, however, we also be- zation of the world’s resources for human ben- lieve that theological understandings of hu- efit so long as the integrity of the earth is man experience are crucial to a full under- maintained.

78 II. THE NURTURING COMMUNITY ¶ 161 standing of the place of humanity in the uni- are human beings created by God and loved verse. Science and theology are complemen- through and by Jesus Christ and not because tary rather than mutually incompatible. We they have merited significance. We therefore therefore encourage dialogue between the sci- support social climates in which human com- entific and theological communities and seek munities are maintained and strengthened for the kind of participation that will enable hu- the sake of all persons and their growth. We manity to sustain life on earth and, by God’s also encourage all individuals to be sensitive grace, increase the quality of our common to others by using appropriate language when lives together. referring to all persons. Language of a deroga- F) Food Safety tory nature (with regard to race, nationality, We support policies that protect the food ethnic background, gender, sexuality, and supply and that ensure the public’s right to physical differences) does not reflect value for know the content of the foods they are eating. one another and contradicts the gospel of Je- We call for rigorous inspections and controls sus Christ. on the biological safety of all foodstuffs in- A) The Family tended for human consumption. We urge in- We believe the family to be the basic hu- dependent testing for chemical residues in man community through which persons are food, and the removal from the market of nurtured and sustained in mutual love, re- foods contaminated with potentially hazard- sponsibility, respect, and fidelity. We under- ous levels of pesticides, herbicides, or stand the family as encompassing a wider fungicides; drug residues from animal antibi- range of options than that of the two- otics, steroids, or hormones; contaminants generational unit of parents and children (the due to pollution that are carried by air, soil, or nuclear family), including the extended fam- water from incinerator plants or other indus- ily, families with adopted children, single par- trial operations. We will not accept that our ents, stepfamilies, and couples without chil- food is genetically manipulated.1 We call for dren. We affirm shared responsibility for clear labeling of all processed or altered foods, parenting by men and women and encourage with premarket safety testing required. We social, economic, and religious efforts to oppose weakening the standards for organic maintain and strengthen relationships within foods. We call for policies that encourage and families in order that every member may be support a gradual transition to sustainable assisted toward complete personhood. and organic agriculture. B) Other Christian Communities We further recognize the movement to find new patterns of Christian nurturing commu- ¶ 161. II. THE NURTURING nities such as Koinonia Farms, certain monas- COMMUNITY tic and other religious orders, and some types of corporate church life. We urge the Church The community provides the potential for nur- to seek ways of understanding the needs and turing human beings into the fullness of their concerns of such Christian groups and to find humanity. We believe we have a responsibility ways of ministering to them and through to innovate, sponsor, and evaluate new forms them. of community that will encourage develop- C) Marriage ment of the fullest potential in individuals. We affirm the sanctity of the marriage cov- Primary for us is the gospel understanding enant that is expressed in love, mutual sup- that all persons are important—because they port, personal commitment, and shared fidel- 1 This line is added by the Central Conference 2001 see ity between a man and a woman. We believe par. 39

79 ¶ 161 SOCIAL PRINCIPLES that God’s blessing rests upon such marriage, pense of another. We especially reject the idea whether or not there are children of the union. that God made individuals as incomplete frag- We reject social norms that assume different ments, made whole only in union with an- standards for women than for men in mar- other. We call upon women and men alike to riage. share power and control, to learn to give freely D) Divorce and to receive freely, to be complete and to re- When a married couple is estranged be- spect the wholeness of others. We seek for yond reconciliation, even after thoughtful con- every individual opportunities and freedom to sideration and counsel, divorce is a regrettable love and be loved, to seek and receive justice, alternative in the midst of brokenness. It is and to practice ethical self-determination. We recommended that methods of mediation be understand our gender diversity to be a gift used to minimize the adversarial nature and from God, intended to add to the rich variety fault-finding that are often part of our current of human experience and perspective; and we judicial processes. guard against attitudes and traditions that Although divorce publicly declares that a would use this good gift to leave members of marriage no longer exists, other covenantal re- one sex more vulnerable in relationships than lationships resulting from the marriage re- members of another. main, such as the nurture and support of chil- G) Human Sexuality dren and extended family ties. We urge re- We recognize that sexuality is God’s good spectful negotiations in deciding the custody gift to all persons. We believe persons may be of minor children and support the considera- fully human only when that gift is acknowl- tion of either or both parents for this responsi- edged and affirmed by themselves, the church, bility in that custody not be reduced to finan- and society. We call all persons to the disci- cial support, control, or manipulation and re- plined, responsible fulfillment of themselves, taliation. The welfare of each child is the most others, and society in the stewardship of this important consideration. gift. We also recognize our limited under- Divorce does not preclude a new marriage. standing of this complex gift and encourage We encourage an intentional commitment of the medical, theological, and social science the Church and society to minister compas- disciplines to combine in a determined effort sionately to those in the process of divorce, as to understand human sexuality more com- well as members of divorced and remarried pletely. We call the Church to take the leader- families, in a community of faith where God’s ship role in bringing together these disciplines grace is shared by all. to address this most complex issue. Further, E) Single Persons within the context of our understanding of this We affirm the integrity of single persons, gift of God, we recognize that God challenges and we reject all social practices that discrimi- us to find responsible, committed, and loving nate or social attitudes that are prejudicial forms of expression. against persons because they are single. Although all persons are sexual beings F) Women and Men whether or not they are married, sexual rela- We affirm with Scripture the common hu- tions are only clearly affirmed in the marriage manity of male and female, both having equal bond. Sex may become exploitative within as worth in the eyes of God. We reject the errone- well as outside marriage. We reject all sexual ous notion that one gender is superior to an- expressions that damage or destroy the hu- other, that one gender must strive against an- manity God has given us as birthright, and we other, and that members of one gender may affirm only that sexual expression that en- receive love, power, and esteem only at the ex- hances that same humanity. We believe that

80 II. THE NURTURING COMMUNITY ¶ 161 sexual relations where one or both partners age the Church to provide a safe environment, are exploitative, abusive, or promiscuous are counsel, and support for the victim. While we beyond the parameters of acceptable Christian deplore the actions of the abuser, we affirm behavior and are ultimately destructive to in- that person to be in need of God’s redeeming dividuals, families, and the social order. love. We deplore all forms of the commercializa- I) Sexual Harassment tion and exploitation of sex, with their conse- We believe human sexuality is God’s good quent cheapening and degradation of human gift. One abuse of this good gift is sexual har- personality. We call for strict global enforce- assment. We define sexual harassment as any ment of laws prohibiting the sexual exploita- unwanted sexual comment, advance or de- tion or use of children by adults and encourage mand, either verbal or physical, that is reason- efforts to hold perpetrators legally and finan- ably perceived by the recipient as demeaning, cially responsible. We call for the establish- intimidating, or coercive. Sexual harassment ment of adequate protective services, guid- must be understood as an exploitation of a ance, and counseling opportunities for chil- power relationship rather than as an exclu- dren thus abused. We insist that all persons, sively sexual issue. Sexual harassment in- regardless of age, gender, marital status, or cludes, but is not limited to, the creation of a sexual orientation, are entitled to have their hostile or abusive working environment re- human and civil rights ensured. sulting from discrimination on the basis of We recognize the continuing need for full, gender. positive, age-appropriate and factual sex edu- Contrary to the nurturing community, cation opportunities for children, young peo- sexual harassment creates improper, coercive, ple, and adults. The Church offers a unique and abusive conditions wherever it occurs in opportunity to give quality guidance and edu- society. Sexual harassment undermines the cation in this area. social goal of equal opportunity and the cli- Homosexual persons no less than hetero- mate of mutual respect between men and sexual persons are individuals of sacred women. Unwanted sexual attention is wrong worth. All persons need the ministry and guid- and discriminatory. Sexual harassment inter- ance of the church in their struggles for human feres with the moral mission of the Church. fulfillment, as well as the spiritual and emo- J) Abortion tional care of a fellowship that enables recon- The beginning of life and the ending of life ciling relationships with God, with others, and are the God-given boundaries of human exist- with self. Although we do not condone the ence. While individuals have always had some practice of homosexuality and consider this degree of control over when they would die, practice incompatible with Christian teaching, they now have the awesome power to deter- we affirm that God’s grace is available to all. mine when and even whether new individuals We implore families and churches not to reject will be born. Our belief in the sanctity of un- or condemn their lesbian and gay members born human life makes us reluctant to approve and friends. We commit ourselves to be in abortion. But we are equally bound to respect ministry for and with all persons.2 the sacredness of the life and well-being of the H) Family Violence and Abuse mother, for whom devastating damage may We recognize that family violence and result from an unacceptable pregnancy. In abuse in all its forms—verbal, psychological, continuity with past Christian teaching, we physical, sexual—is detrimental to the cov- recognize tragic conflicts of life with life that enant of the human community. We encour- may justify abortion, and in such cases we sup- port the legal option of abortion under proper 2 See Judicial Council Decision 702.

81 ¶ 161 SOCIAL PRINCIPLES medical procedures. We cannot affirm abor- human beings. At the same time, care for the tion as an acceptable means of birth control, dying is part of our stewardship of the divine and we unconditionally reject it as a means of gift of life. The use of medical technologies to gender selection. We oppose the use of late- prolong terminal illnesses requires responsi- term abortion known as dilation and extrac- ble judgment about when life-sustaining treat- tion (partial-birth abortion) and call for the ments truly support the goals of life, and when end of this practice except when the physical they have reached their limits. There is no life of the mother is in danger and no other moral or religious obligation to use these when medical procedure is available, or in the case they impose undue burdens or only extend the of severe fetal anomalies incompatible with process of dying. Dying persons and their life. We call all Christians to a searching and families thus have the hard task to decide to prayerful inquiry into the sorts of conditions discontinue treatments when they cease to be that may warrant abortion. We commit our of benefit to the patient.3 Church to continue to provide nurturing min- We recognize the agonizing personal and istries to those who terminate a pregnancy, to moral decisions faced by the dying, their phy- those in the midst of a crisis pregnancy, and to sicians, their families, and their friends. We those who give birth. Governmental laws and urge that decisions faced by the dying be made regulations do not provide all the guidance re- with thoughtful and prayerful consideration quired by the informed Christian conscience. by the parties involved, with medical, pastoral, Therefore, a decision concerning abortion and other appropriate counsel. Even when one should be made only after thoughtful and ceases to resist death, the church and society prayerful consideration by the parties in- must continue to provide faithful care, includ- volved, with medical, pastoral, and other ap- ing pain relief, companionship, support, and propriate counsel. spiritual nurture for the dying person in the K) Adoption hard work of preparing for death. Children are a gift from God to be wel- M) Suicide comed and received. We recognize that some We believe that suicide is not the way a hu- circumstances of birth make the rearing of a man life should end. The church has an obliga- child difficult. We affirm and support the birth tion to see that all persons have access to parent(s) whose choice it is to allow the child needed pastoral and medical care and therapy to be adopted. We recognize the agony, in those circumstances that lead to loss of self- strength, and courage of the birth parent(s) worth, suicidal despair, and/or the desire to who choose(s) in hope, love, and prayer to of- seek physician-assisted suicide. We encourage fer the child for adoption. In addition, we af- the church to provide education to address the firm the receiving parent(s) desiring an biblical, theological, social, and ethical issues adopted child. When circumstances warrant related to suicide, including United Methodist adoption, we support the use of proper legal theological seminary courses focusing on is- procedures. We commend the birth parent(s), sues of suicide. the receiving parent(s), and the child to the A Christian perspective on suicide begins care of the Church, that grief might be shared, with an affirmation of faith that nothing, in- joy might be celebrated, and the child might be cluding suicide, separates us from the love of nurtured in a community of Christian love. God (Romans 8:38-39). Therefore, we deplore L) Faithful Care of the Dying the condemnation of people who take their We applaud medical science for efforts to own lives, and we consider unjust the stigma prevent disease and illness and for advances in treatment that extend the meaningful life of 3 This line is changed by the Central Conference 2001, see par 39

82 III. THE SOCIAL COMMUNITY ¶ 162 that so often falls on surviving family and Christ, inasmuch as it is antithetical to the gos- friends. pel itself. White people are unfairly granted We encourage pastors to address this issue privileges and benefits that are denied to per- through preaching and teaching. We urge pas- sons of color. Therefore, we recognize racism tors to provide pastoral care to attempters, as sin and affirm the ultimate and temporal survivors, and their families, and to those worth of all persons. We rejoice in the gifts families who have lost loved ones to suicide, that particular ethnic histories and cultures seeking always to remove the oppressive bring to our total life. We commend and en- stigma around suicide. The Church does not courage the self-awareness of all racial and endorse the enlistment of medical providers, ethnic groups and oppressed people that leads who are charged to cure and to care, to assist them to demand their just and equal rights as people in taking their own lives. members of society. We assert the obligation of society and groups within the society to im- plement compensatory programs that redress ¶ 162. III. THE SOCIAL COMMUNITY long-standing, systemic social deprivation of racial and ethnic people. We further assert the The rights and privileges a society bestows right of members of racial and ethnic groups upon or withholds from those who comprise it to equal opportunities in employment and indicate the relative esteem in which that soci- promotion; to education and training of the ety holds particular persons and groups of per- highest quality; to nondiscrimination in vot- sons. We affirm all persons as equally valuable ing, in access to public accommodations, and in the sight of God. We therefore work toward in housing purchase or rental; to credit, finan- societies in which each person’s value is recog- cial loans, venture capital, and insurance poli- nized, maintained, and strengthened. We sup- cies; and to positions of leadership and power port the basic rights of all persons to equal ac- in all elements of our life together. We support cess to housing, education, employment, affirmative action as one method of address- medical care, legal redress for grievances, and ing the inequalities and discriminatory prac- physical protection. We deplore acts of hate or tices within our Church and society. violence against groups or persons based on B) Rights of Religious Minorities race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, re- Religious persecution has been common in ligious affiliation, or economic status. the history of civilization. We urge policies and A) Rights of Racial and Ethnic Per- practices that ensure the right of every reli- sons gious group to exercise its faith free from legal, Racism is the combination of the power to political, or economic restrictions. We con- dominate by one race over other races and a demn all overt and covert forms of religious value system that assumes that the dominant intolerance, being especially sensitive to their race is innately superior to the others. Racism expression in media stereotyping. We assert includes both personal and institutional rac- the right of all and their adherents to ism. Personal racism is manifested through freedom from legal, economic, and social dis- the individual expressions, attitudes, and/or crimination. behaviors that accept the assumptions of a C) Rights of Children racist value system and that maintain the ben- Once considered the property of their par- efits of this system. Institutional racism is the ents, children are now acknowledged to be full established social pattern that supports im- human beings in their own right, but beings to plicitly or explicitly the racist value system. whom adults and society in general have spe- Racism plagues and cripples our growth in cial obligations. Thus, we support the develop-

83 ¶ 162 SOCIAL PRINCIPLES ment of school systems and innovative meth- members of the human community. Further, ods of education designed to assist every child we urge increased consideration for adequate toward complete fulfillment as an individual pension systems by employers, with provi- person of worth. All children have the right to sions for the surviving spouse. quality education, including full sex education F) Rights of Women appropriate to their stage of development that We affirm women and men to be equal in utilizes the best educational techniques and every aspect of their common life. We there- insights. Christian parents and guardians and fore urge that every effort be made to elimi- the Church have the responsibility to ensure nate sex-role stereotypes in activity and por- that children receive sex education consistent trayal of family life and in all aspects of volun- with Christian morality, including faithfulness tary and compensatory participation in the in marriage and abstinence in singleness. Church and society. We affirm the right of Moreover, children have the rights to food, women to equal treatment in employment, re- shelter, clothing, health care, and emotional sponsibility, promotion, and compensation. well-being as do adults, and these rights we af- We affirm the importance of women in deci- firm as theirs regardless of actions or inactions sion-making positions at all levels of Church of their parents or guardians. In particular, life and urge such bodies to guarantee their children must be protected from economic, presence through policies of employment and physical, emotional, and sexual exploitation recruitment. We support affirmative action as and abuse. one method of addressing the inequalities and D) Rights of Young People discriminatory practices within our Church Our society is characterized by a large and society. We urge employers of persons in population of young people who frequently dual career families, both in the Church and find full participation in society difficult. society, to apply proper consideration of both Therefore, we urge development of policies parties when relocation is considered. that encourage inclusion of young people in G) Rights of Persons with Disabilities decision-making processes and that eliminate We recognize and affirm the full humanity discrimination and exploitation. Creative and and personhood of all individuals with dis- appropriate employment opportunities abilities as full members of the family of God. should be legally and socially available for We also affirm their rightful place in both the young people. church and society. We affirm the responsibil- E) Rights of the Aging ity of the Church and society to be in ministry In a society that places primary emphasis with children, youth, and adults with mental, upon youth, those growing old in years are fre- physical, developmental, and/or psychologi- quently isolated from the mainstream of social cal disabilities whose particular needs in the existence. We support social policies that inte- areas of mobility, communication, intellectual grate the aging into the life of the total com- comprehension, or personal relationships munity, including sufficient incomes, in- might make more challenging their participa- creased and nondiscriminatory employment tion or that of their families in the life of the opportunities, educational and service oppor- Church and the community. We urge the tunities, and adequate medical care and hous- Church and society to recognize and receive ing within existing communities. We urge so- the gifts of persons with disabilities to enable cial policies and programs, with emphasis on them to be full participants in the community the unique concerns of older women and eth- of faith. We call the Church and society to be nic persons, that ensure to the aging the re- sensitive to, and advocate for, programs of re- spect and dignity that is their right as senior habilitation, services, employment, education,

84 III. THE SOCIAL COMMUNITY ¶ 162 appropriate housing, and transportation. We stinence from alcohol as a faithful witness to call on the Church and society to protect the God’s liberating and redeeming love for per- civil rights of persons with disabilities. sons. We support abstinence from the use of H) Equal Rights Regardless of Sexual any illegal drugs. Since the use of alcohol and Orientation illegal drugs is a major factor in crime, disease, Certain basic human rights and civil liber- death, and family dysfunction, we support ties are due all persons. We are committed to educational programs encouraging abstinence supporting those rights and liberties for ho- from such use. The introduction of alcohol and mosexual persons. We see a clear issue of sim- drugs to younger people has our special atten- ple justice in protecting their rightful claims tion.4 where they have shared material resources, Millions of living human beings are testi- pensions, guardian relationships, mutual mony to the beneficial consequences of thera- powers of attorney, and other such lawful peutic drug use, and millions of others are tes- claims typically attendant to contractual rela- timony to the detrimental consequences of tionships that involve shared contributions, drug misuse. We encourage wise policies re- responsibilities, and liabilities, and equal pro- lating to the availability of potentially benefi- tection before the law. Moreover, we support cial or potentially damaging prescription and efforts to stop violence and other forms of co- over-the-counter drugs; we urge that complete ercion against gays and lesbians. We also com- information about their use and misuse be mit ourselves to social witness against the co- readily available to both doctor and patient. ercion and marginalization of former homo- We support the strict administration of laws sexuals. regulating the sale and distribution of all opi- I) Population ates. We support regulations that protect soci- Since the growing worldwide population is ety from users of drugs of any kind where it increasingly straining the world’s supply of can be shown that a clear and present social food, minerals, and water and sharpening in- danger exists. Drug-dependent persons and ternational tensions, the reduction of the rate their family members are individuals of infi- of consumption of resources by the affluent nite human worth deserving of treatment, re- and the reduction of current world population habilitation, and ongoing life-changing recov- growth rates have become imperative. People ery. Misuse should be viewed as a symptom of have the duty to consider the impact on the to- underlying disorders for which remedies tal world community of their decisions regard- should be sought. We commit ourselves to as- ing childbearing and should have access to in- sisting those who have become dependent, formation and appropriate means to limit and their families, in finding freedom through their fertility, including voluntary steriliza- Jesus Christ and in finding good opportunities tion. We affirm that programs to achieve a sta- for treatment, for ongoing counseling, and for bilized population should be placed in a con- reintegration into society. text of total economic and social development, K) Tobacco including an equitable use and control of re- We affirm our historic tradition of high sources; improvement in the status of women standards of personal discipline and social re- in all cultures; a human level of economic se- sponsibility. In light of the overwhelming evi- curity, health care, and literacy for all. We op- dence that tobacco smoking and the use of pose any policy of forced abortion or forced smokeless tobacco are hazardous to the health sterilization. of persons of all ages, we recommend total ab- J) Alcohol and Other Drugs stinence from the use of tobacco. We urge that

We affirm our long-standing support of ab- 4 This line is added by the Central Conference 2001, see par 39

85 ¶ 162 SOCIAL PRINCIPLES our educational and communication resources vidual or by his or her family, or unless the col- be utilized to support and encourage such ab- lection and use of genetic identification data is stinence. Further, we recognize the harmful supported by an appropriate court order. Be- effects of passive smoke and support the re- cause its long-term effects are uncertain, we striction of smoking in public areas and oppose genetic therapy that results in changes workplaces. that can be passed to offspring (germ-line L) Medical Experimentation therapy). Physical and mental health has been N) Rural Life greatly enhanced through discoveries by We support the right of persons and fami- medical science. It is imperative, however, lies to live and prosper as farmers, farm work- that governments and the medical profession ers, merchants, professionals, and others out- carefully enforce the requirements of the pre- side of the cities and metropolitan centers. We vailing medical research standard, maintain- believe our culture is impoverished and our ing rigid controls in testing new technologies people deprived of a meaningful way of life and drugs utilizing human beings. The stand- when rural and small-town living becomes dif- ard requires that those engaged in research ficult or impossible. We recognize that the im- shall use human beings as research subjects provement of this way of life may sometimes only after obtaining full, rational, and necessitate the use of some lands for uncoerced consent. nonagricultural purposes. We oppose the in- M) Genetic Technology discriminate diversion of agricultural land for The responsibility of humankind to God’s nonagricultural uses when nonagricultural creation challenges us to deal carefully with land is available. Further, we encourage the the possibilities of genetic research and tech- preservation of appropriate lands for agricul- nology. We welcome the use of genetic tech- ture and open space uses through thoughtful nology for meeting fundamental human needs land use programs. We support governmental for health, a safe environment, and an ad- and private programs designed to benefit the equate food supply. We oppose the cloning of resident farmer rather than the factory farm humans and the genetic manipulation of the and programs that encourage industry to lo- gender of an unborn child. cate in nonurban areas. Because of the effects of genetic technolo- We further recognize that increased mobil- gies on all life, we call for effective guidelines ity and technology have brought a mixture of and public accountability to safeguard against people, religions, and philosophies to rural any action that might lead to abuse of these communities that were once homogeneous. technologies, including political or military While often this is seen as a threat to or loss of ends. We recognize that cautious, well-in- community life, we understand it as an oppor- tended use of genetic technologies may some- tunity to uphold the biblical call to community times lead to unanticipated harmful conse- for all persons. Therefore, we encourage rural quences. communities and individuals to maintain a Human gene therapies that produce strong connection to the earth and to be open changes that cannot be passed to offspring to: offering mutual belonging, caring, healing, (somatic therapy) should be limited to the al- and growth; sharing and celebrating coopera- leviation of suffering caused by disease. Ge- tive leadership and diverse gifts; supporting netic therapies for eugenic choices or that pro- mutual trust; and affirming individuals as duce waste embryos are deplored. Genetic unique persons of worth, and thus to practice data of individuals and their families should shalom. be kept secret and held in strict confidence unless confidentiality is waived by the indi-

86 III. THE SOCIAL COMMUNITY ¶ 162

O) Sustainable Agriculture urban renewal, by the extent to which they A prerequisite for meeting the nutritional protect and enhance human values, permit needs of the world’s population is an agricul- personal and political involvement, and make tural system which uses sustainable methods, possible neighborhoods open to persons of all respects ecosystems, and promotes a liveli- races, ages, and income levels. We affirm the hood for people that work the land. efforts of all developers who place human val- We support a sustainable agricultural sys- ues at the heart of their planning. We must tem that will maintain and support the natural help shape urban-suburban development so fertility of agricultural soil, promote the diver- that it provides for the human need to identify sity of flora and fauna, and adapt to regional with and find meaning in smaller social com- conditions and structures—a system where ag- munities. At the same time, such smaller com- ricultural animals are treated humanely and munities must be encouraged to assume re- where their living conditions are as close to sponsibilities for the total urban-suburban natural systems as possible. We aspire to an community instead of isolating themselves effective agricultural system where plant, live- from it. stock, and poultry production maintains the Q) Media Violence natural ecological cycles, conserves energy, and Christian Values and reduces chemical input to a minimum. The unprecedented impact the media Sustainable agriculture requires a global (principally television and movies) are having evaluation of the impact of agriculture on food on Christian and human values within our so- and raw material production, the preservation ciety becomes more apparent each day. We ex- of animal breeds and plant varieties, and the press disdain at current media preoccupation preservation and development of the culti- with dehumanizing portrayals, sensational- vated landscape. ized through mass media ”entertainment” and World trade of agricultural products needs ”news.” These practices degrade humankind to be based on fair trade and prices, based on and violate the teachings of Christ and the Bi- the costs of sustainable production methods, ble. and must consider the real costs of ecological United Methodists, along with those of damage. The needed technological and bio- other faith groups, must be made aware that logical developments are those that support the mass media often undermine the truths of sustainability and consider ecological conse- Christianity by promoting permissive life- quences. styles and detailing acts of graphic violence. P) Urban-Suburban Life Instead of encouraging, motivating, and in- Urban-suburban living has become a domi- spiring its audiences to adopt lifestyles based nant style of life for more and more persons. on the sanctity of life, the entertainment in- For many it furnishes economic, educational, dustry often advocates the opposite, painting a social, and cultural opportunities. For others, cynical picture of violence, abuse, greed, pro- it has brought alienation, poverty, and deper- fanity, and a constant denigration of the fam- sonalization. We in the Church have an oppor- ily. The media must be held accountable for tunity and responsibility to help shape the fu- the part they play in the decline of values we ture of urban-suburban life. Massive pro- observe in society today. Many in the media grams of renewal and social planning are remain aloof to the issue, claiming to reflect needed to bring a greater degree of humaniza- rather than to influence society. For the sake tion into urban-suburban lifestyles. Christians of our human family, Christians must work to- must judge all programs, including economic gether to halt this erosion of moral and ethical and community development, new towns, and values in the world community by:

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1) encouraging local congregations to sup- ward the end of life. port and encourage parental responsibility to All individuals living with HIV and AIDS monitor their children’s viewing and listening should be treated with dignity and respect. habits on TV, movies, radio and the Internet, We affirm the responsibility of the Church 2) encouraging local congregations, par- to minister to and with these individuals and ents and individuals to express their opposi- their families regardless of how the disease tion to the gratuitous portrayal of violent and was contracted. We support their rights to em- sexually indecent shows by writing to the sta- ployment, appropriate medical care, full par- tions that air them and the companies that ticipation in public education, and full partici- sponsor them, pation in the Church. 3) encouraging individuals to express their We urge the Church to be actively involved opposition to the corporate sponsors of these in the prevention of the spread of AIDS by pro- shows by the selection and purchase of alter- viding educational opportunities to the con- nate products. gregation and the community. The Church R) The Internet should be available to provide counseling to Development of the Internet and other the affected individuals and their families. electronic means of communication is radi- T) Right to Health Care cally changing the way in which many people Health is a condition of physical, mental, communicate. The Internet provides some5 social, and spiritual well-being, and we view it creative opportunities for human advance- as a responsibility—public and private. Health ment drawing upon vast resources around the care is a basic human right. Psalm 146 speaks world. The positive consequences of the of the God ”who executes justice for the op- Internet continue to expand: adults and chil- pressed;/ who gives food to the hungry./ The dren can contact their peers anywhere, utilize Lord sets the prisoners free;/ the Lord opens the resources of the world to nurture their the eyes of the blind.” It is unjust to construct minds and spirits, and look for ways to attain or perpetuate barriers to physical wholeness their goals. Therefore, the church should pro- or full participation in community. mote positive uses of the Internet, and equal We encourage individuals to pursue a access to it. However, the Internet also ex- healthy lifestyle and affirm the importance of poses users to grave dangers. Therefore, the preventive health care, health education, envi- Internet must be managed responsibly, espe- ronmental and occupational safety, good nu- cially for children, in order to maximize its trition, and secure housing in achieving benefits, while minimizing the risk of expo- health. We also recognize the role of govern- sure to inappropriate and illegal materials. ments in ensuring that each individual has ac- Religious and civic groups should work to- cess to those elements necessary to good gether to make the Internet a safer place for health. all. U) Organ Transplantation S) Persons Living with HIV and AIDS and Donation Persons diagnosed as positive for Human We believe that organ transplantation and Immune Virus (HIV) and with Acquired Im- organ donation are acts of charity, agape love, mune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) often face and self-sacrifice. We recognize the life-giving rejection from their families and friends and benefits of organ and other tissue donation various communities in which they work and and encourage all people of faith to become interact. In addition, they are often faced with organ and tissue donors as a part of their love a lack of adequate health care, especially to- and ministry to others in need. We urge that it be done in an environment of respect for de- 5 This word is added by the Central Conference 2001 ceased and living donors and for the benefit of

88 IV. THE ECONOMIC COMMUNITY ¶ 163 the recipients, and following protocols that and domestic) employees and employers to or- carefully prevent abuse to donors and their ganize for collective bargaining into unions families. and other groups of their own choosing. Fur- ther, we support the right of both parties to protection in so doing and their responsibility ¶ 163. IV. THE ECONOMIC to bargain in good faith within the framework COMMUNITY of the public interest. In order that the rights of all members of the society may be main- We claim all economic systems to be under the tained and promoted, we support innovative judgment of God no less than other facets of bargaining procedures that include repre- the created order. Therefore, we recognize the sentatives of the public interest in negotiation responsibility of governments to develop and and settlement of labor-management con- implement sound fiscal and monetary policies tracts, including some that may lead to forms that provide for the economic life of individu- of judicial resolution of issues. We reject the als and corporate entities and that ensure full use of violence by either party during collec- employment and adequate incomes with a tive bargaining or any labor/management minimum of inflation. We believe private and disagreement. We likewise reject the perma- public economic enterprises are responsible nent replacement of a worker who engages in a for the social costs of doing business, such as lawful strike. employment and environmental pollution, C) Work and Leisure and that they should be held accountable for Every person has the right to a job at a liv- these costs. We support measures that would ing wage. Where the private sector cannot or reduce the concentration of wealth in the does not provide jobs for all who seek and hands of a few. We further support efforts to need them, it is the responsibility of govern- revise tax structures and to eliminate govern- ment and local community6 to provide for the mental support programs that now benefit the creation of such jobs. We support social meas- wealthy at the expense of other persons. ures that ensure the physical and mental A) Property safety of workers, that provide for the equita- We believe private ownership of property is ble division of products and services, and that a trusteeship under God, both in those socie- encourage an increasing freedom in the way ties where it is encouraged and where it is dis- individuals may use their leisure time. We rec- couraged, but is limited by the overriding ognize the opportunity leisure provides for needs of society. We believe that Christian creative contributions to society and encour- faith denies to any person or group of persons age methods that allow workers additional exclusive and arbitrary control of any other blocks of discretionary time. We support edu- part of the created universe. Socially and cul- cational, cultural, and recreational outlets that turally conditioned ownership of property is, enhance the use of such time. We believe that therefore, to be considered a responsibility to persons come before profits. We deplore the God. We believe, therefore, governments have selfish spirit that often pervades our economic the responsibility, in the pursuit of justice and life. We support policies that encourage the order under law, to provide procedures that sharing of ideas in the workplace, cooperative protect the rights of the whole society as well and collective work arrangements. We support as those of private ownership. rights of workers to refuse to work in situa- B) Collective Bargaining tions that endanger health and/or life without We support the right of public and private (including farm, government, institutional, 6 This two words is added by the Central Conference 2001, see par 39

89 ¶ 163 SOCIAL PRINCIPLES jeopardy to their jobs. We support policies that subsidies such as food stamps or welfare for would reverse the increasing concentration of their livelihood. business and industry into monopolies. F) Migrant Workers D) Consumption Migratory and other farm workers, who Consumers should exercise their economic have long been a special concern of the power to encourage the manufacture of goods Church’s ministry, are by the nature of their that are necessary and beneficial to humanity way of life excluded from many of the eco- while avoiding the desecration of the environ- nomic and social benefits enjoyed by other ment in either production or consumption, workers. Many of the migrant laborers’ situa- and avoid purchasing products made in condi- tions are aggravated because they are racial tions where workers are being exploited be- and ethnic minority persons who have been cause of their age, gender, or economic status. oppressed with numerous other inequities Consumers should evaluate their con- within the society. We advocate for the rights sumption of goods and services in the light of of all migrants and applaud their efforts to- the need for enhanced quality of life rather ward responsible self-organization and self- than unlimited production of material goods. determination. We call upon governments and We call upon consumers, including local con- all employers to ensure for migratory workers gregations and Church-related institutions, to the same economic, educational, and social organize to achieve these goals and to express benefits enjoyed by other citizens. We call dissatisfaction with harmful economic, social, upon our churches to seek to develop pro- or ecological practices through such appropri- grams of service to such migrant people who ate methods as boycott, letter writing, corpo- come within their parish and support their ef- rate resolution, and advertisement. For exam- forts to organize for collective bargaining. ple, these methods can be used to influence G) Gambling better television and radio programming. Gambling is a menace to society, deadly to E) Poverty the best interests of moral, social, economic, In spite of general affluence in the industri- and spiritual life, and destructive of good gov- alized nations, the majority of persons in the ernment. As an act of faith and concern, Chris- world live in poverty. In order to provide basic tians should abstain from gambling and needs such as food, clothing, shelter, educa- should strive to minister to those victimized by tion, health care, and other necessities, ways the practice. Where gambling has become ad- must be found to share more equitably the re- dictive, the Church will encourage such indi- sources of the world. Increasing technology, viduals to receive therapeutic assistance so when accompanied by exploitative economic that the individual’s energies may be redi- practices, impoverishes many persons and rected into positive and constructive ends. The makes poverty self-perpetuating. Therefore, Church should promote standards and per- we do not hold poor people morally responsi- sonal lifestyles that would make unnecessary ble for their economic state. To begin to allevi- and undesirable the resort to commercial ate poverty, we support such policies as: ad- gambling—including public lotteries—as a equate income maintenance, quality educa- recreation, as an escape, or as a means of pro- tion, decent housing, job training, meaningful ducing public revenue or funds for support of employment opportunities, adequate medical charities or government. and hospital care, and humanization and radi- H) Family Farms cal revisions of welfare programs. Since low The value of family farms has long been af- wages are often a cause of poverty, employers firmed as a significant foundation for free and should pay their employees a wage that does democratic societies. In recent years, the sur- not require them to depend upon government

90 V. THE POLITICAL COMMUNITY ¶ 164 vival of independent farmers worldwide has the following relative to governments: been threatened by various factors, including A) Basic Freedoms and Human the increasing concentration of all phases of Rights agriculture into the hands of a limited number We hold governments responsible for the of transnational corporations. The concentra- protection of the rights of the people to free tion of the food supply for the many into the and fair elections and to the freedoms of hands of the few raises global questions of jus- speech, religion, assembly, communications tice that cry out for vigilance and action. media, and petition for redress of grievances We call upon the agribusiness sector to without fear of reprisal; to the right to privacy; conduct itself with respect for human rights and to the guarantee of the rights to adequate primarily in the responsible stewardship of food, clothing, shelter, education, and health daily bread for the world, and secondarily in care. The form and the leaders of all govern- responsible corporate citizenship that re- ments should be determined by exercise of the spects the rights of all farmers, small and right to vote guaranteed to all adult citizens. large, to receive a fair return for honest labor. We also strongly reject domestic surveillance We advocate for the rights of people to possess and intimidation of political opponents by property and to earn a living by tilling the soil. governments in power and all other misuses of We call upon our churches to do all in their elective or appointive offices. The use of de- power to speak prophetically to the matters of tention and imprisonment for the harassment food supply and the people who grow the food and elimination of political opponents or for the world. other dissidents violates fundamental human I) Corporate Responsibility rights. Furthermore, the mistreatment or tor- Corporations are responsible not only to ture of persons by governments for any pur- their stockholders, but also to other pose violates Christian teaching and must be stakeholders: their workers, suppliers, ven- condemned and/or opposed by Christians and dors, customers, the communities in which churches wherever and whenever it occurs. they do business, and for the earth, which sup- For the same reason, we oppose capital pun- ports them. We support the public’s right to ishment and urge its elimination from all know what impact corporations have in these criminal codes. various arenas, so that people can make in- The Church regards the institution of slav- formed choices about which corporations to ery as an infamous evil. All forms of enslave- support. ment are totally prohibited and shall in no way We applaud corporations that voluntarily be tolerated by the Church. comply with standards that promote human B) Political Responsibility well-being and protect the environment. The strength of a political system depends upon the full and willing participation of its citizens. We believe that the state should not ¶ 164. V. THE POLITICAL attempt to control the church, nor should the COMMUNITY church seek to dominate the state. Separation of church and state means no organic union of While our allegiance to God takes precedence the two, but it does permit interaction. The over our allegiance to any state, we acknowl- church should continually exert a strong ethi- edge the vital function of government as a cal influence upon the state, supporting poli- principal vehicle for the ordering of society. cies and programs deemed to be just and op- Because we know ourselves to be responsible posing policies and programs that are unjust. to God for social and political life, we declare C) Freedom of Information

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Citizens of all countries should have access disobey laws that they deem to be unjust or to all essential information regarding their that are discriminately enforced. Even then, government and its policies. Illegal and un- respect for law should be shown by refraining conscionable activities directed against per- from violence and by being willing to accept sons or groups by their own governments the costs of disobedience. We do not encour- must not be justified or kept secret, even un- age or condone, under any circumstances, any der the guise of national security. form of violent protest or action against any- D) Education one involved in the abortion dilemma. We of- We believe responsibility for education of fer our prayers for those in rightful authority the young rests with the family, the church, who serve the public, and we support their ef- and the government. In our society, this func- forts to afford justice and equal opportunity tion can best be fulfilled through public poli- for all people. We assert the duty of churches cies that ensure access for all persons to free to support those who suffer because of their public elementary and secondary schools and stands of conscience represented by nonvio- to post-secondary schools of their choice. Per- lent beliefs or acts. We urge governments to sons in our society should not be precluded by ensure civil rights, as defined by the Interna- financial barriers from access to church-re- tional Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, lated and other independent institutions of to persons in legal jeopardy because of those higher education. We affirm the right of public nonviolent acts. and independent colleges and universities to F) Criminal and Restorative Justice exist, and we endorse public policies that en- To protect all persons from encroachment sure access and choice and that do not create upon their personal and property rights, gov- unconstitutional entanglements between ernments have established mechanisms of law church and state. The state should not use its enforcement and courts. A wide array of sen- authority to promote particular religious be- tencing options serves to express community liefs (including atheism), nor should it require outrage, incapacitate dangerous offenders, de- prayer or worship in the public schools, but it ter crime, and offer opportunities for rehabili- should leave students free to practice their tation. We support governmental measures own religious convictions. The state should designed to reduce and eliminate crime that not prohibit the free exercise of voluntary are consistent with respect for the basic free- prayer in public schools or at other public oc- dom of persons. casions. It is vital that we not misinterpret the We reject all misuse of these mechanisms, rightful separation of church and state as the including their use for the purpose of revenge abolition of all religious expression from pub- or for persecuting or intimidating those whose lic view. race, appearance, lifestyle, economic condi- E) Civil Obedience tion, or beliefs differ from those in authority. and Civil Disobedience We reject all careless, callous or discrimina- Governments and laws should be servants tory enforcement of law that withholds justice of God and of human beings. Citizens have a from all non-English speaking persons and duty to abide by laws duly adopted by orderly persons with disabilities. We further support and just process of government. But govern- measures designed to remove the social condi- ments, no less than individuals, are subject to tions that lead to crime, and we encourage the judgment of God. Therefore, we recognize continued positive interaction between law the right of individuals to dissent when acting enforcement officials and members of the under the constraint of conscience and, after community at large. having exhausted all legal recourse, to resist or 7 This line is added by the Central Conference 2001, see par 39

92 VI. THE WORLD COMMUNITY ¶ 165

We oppose capital punishment and urge its those who support the use of force, but only in elimination from all criminal codes.7 extreme situations and only when the need is In the love of Christ, who came to save clear beyond reasonable doubt, and through those who are lost and vulnerable, we urge the appropriate international organizations. We creation of a genuinely new system for the care urge the establishment of the rule of law in in- and restoration of victims, offenders, criminal ternational affairs as a means of elimination of justice officials, and the community as a war, violence, and coercion in these affairs. whole. Restorative justice grows out of biblical We reject national policies of enforced authority, which emphasizes a right relation- military service as incompatible with the gos- ship with God, self, and community. When pel. We acknowledge the agonizing tension such relationships are violated or broken created by the demand for military service by through crime, opportunities are created to national governments. We urge all young make things right. adults to seek the counsel of the Church as Most criminal justice systems around the they reach a conscientious decision concern- world are retributive. These retributive justice ing the nature of their responsibility as citi- systems profess to hold the offender account- zens. Pastors are called upon to be available able to the state and use punishment as the for counseling with all young adults who face equalizing tool for accountability. In contrast, conscription, including those who conscien- restorative justice seeks to hold the offender tiously refuse to cooperate with a system of accountable to the victimized person, and to conscription. the disrupted community. Through God’s We support and extend the ministry of the transforming power, restorative justice seeks Church to those persons who conscientiously to repair the damage, right the wrong, and oppose all war, or any particular war, and who bring healing to all involved, including the vic- therefore refuse to serve in the armed forces or tim, the offender, the families, and the com- to cooperate with systems of military con- munity. The Church is transformed when it re- scription. We also support and extend the sponds to the claims of discipleship by becom- Church’s ministry to those persons who con- ing an agent of healing and systemic change. scientiously choose to serve in the armed G) Military Service forces or to accept alternative service. We deplore war and urge the peaceful set- tlement of all disputes among nations. From the beginning, the Christian conscience has ¶ 165. VI. THE WORLD COMMUNITY struggled with the harsh realities of violence and war, for these evils clearly frustrate God’s God’s world is one world. The unity now being loving purposes for humankind. We yearn for thrust upon us by technological revolution has the day when there will be no more war and far outrun our moral and spiritual capacity to people will live together in peace and justice. achieve a stable world. The enforced unity of Some of us believe that war, and other acts of humanity, increasingly evident on all levels of violence, are never acceptable to Christians. life, presents the Church as well as all people We also acknowledge that most Christians re- with problems that will not wait for answer: gretfully realize that, when peaceful alterna- injustice, war, exploitation, privilege, popula- tives have failed, the force of arms may be tion, international ecological crisis, prolifera- preferable to unchecked aggression, tyranny tion of arsenals of nuclear weapons, develop- and genocide. We honor the witness of paci- ment of transnational business organizations fists who will not allow us to become compla- that operate beyond the effective control of cent about war and violence. We also respect any governmental structure, and the increase

93 ¶ 165 SOCIAL PRINCIPLES of tyranny in all its forms. This generation reject war as a usual instrument of national must find viable answers to these and related foreign policy and insist that the first moral questions if humanity is to continue on this duty of all nations is to resolve by peaceful earth. We commit ourselves as a Church to the means every dispute that arises between or achievement of a world community that is a among them; that human values must out- fellowship of persons who honestly love one weigh military claims as governments deter- another. We pledge ourselves to seek the mine their priorities; that the militarization of meaning of the gospel in all issues that divide society must be challenged and stopped; that people and threaten the growth of world com- the manufacture, sale, and deployment of ar- munity. maments must be reduced and controlled; and A) Nations and Cultures that the production, possession, or use of nu- As individuals are affirmed by God in their clear weapons be condemned. Consequently, diversity, so are nations and cultures. We rec- we endorse general and complete disarma- ognize that no nation or culture is absolutely ment under strict and effective international just and right in its treatment of its own peo- control. ple, nor is any nation totally without regard for D) Justice and Law the welfare of its citizens. The Church must re- Persons and groups must feel secure in gard nations as accountable for unjust treat- their life and right to live within a society if or- ment of their citizens and others living within der is to be achieved and maintained by law. their borders. While recognizing valid differ- We denounce as immoral an ordering of life ences in culture and political philosophy, we that perpetuates injustice. Nations, too, must stand for justice and peace in every nation. feel secure in the world if world community is B) National Power and Responsibil- to become a fact. ity Believing that international justice re- Some nations possess more military and quires the participation of all peoples, we en- economic power than do others. Upon the dorse the United Nations and its related bod- powerful rests responsibility to exercise their ies and the International Court of Justice as wealth and influence with restraint. We affirm the best instruments now in existence to the right and duty of people of all nations to achieve a world of justice and law. We com- determine their own destiny. We urge the ma- mend the efforts of all people in all countries jor political powers to use their nonviolent who pursue world peace through law. We en- power to maximize the political, social, and dorse international aid and cooperation on all economic self-determination of other nations matters of need and conflict. We urge accept- rather than to further their own special inter- ance for membership in the United Nations of ests. We applaud international efforts to de- all nations who wish such membership and velop a more just international economic or- who accept United Nations responsibility. We der in which the limited resources of the earth urge the United Nations to take a more aggres- will be used to the maximum benefit of all na- sive role in the development of international tions and peoples. We urge Christians in every arbitration of disputes and actual conflicts society to encourage the governments under among nations by developing binding third- which they live and the economic entities party arbitration. Bilateral or multilateral ef- within their societies to aid and work for the forts outside of the United Nations should development of more just economic orders. work in concert with, and not contrary to, its C) War and Peace purposes. We reaffirm our historic concern for We believe war is incompatible with the the world as our parish and seek for all per- teachings and example of Christ. We therefore sons and peoples full and equal membership in a truly world community.

94 VII. OUR SOCIAL CREED ¶ 166

¶ 166. VII. OUR SOCIAL CREED

We believe in God, Creator of the world; and in Jesus Christ, the Redeemer of creation. We believe in the Holy Spirit, through whom we acknowledge God’s gifts, and we repent of our sin in misusing these gifts to idolatrous ends. We affirm the natural world as God’s handiwork and dedicate ourselves to its pres- ervation, enhancement, and faithful use by humankind. We joyfully receive for ourselves and others the blessings of community, sexuality, mar- riage, and the family. We commit ourselves to the rights of men, women, children, youth, young adults, the ag- ing, and people with disabilities; to improve- ment of the quality of life; and to the rights and dignity of racial, ethnic, and religious minori- ties. We believe in the right and duty of persons to work for the glory of God and the good of themselves and others and in the protection of their welfare in so doing; in the rights to prop- erty as a trust from God, collective bargaining, and responsible consumption; and in the elimination of economic and social distress. We dedicate ourselves to peace throughout the world, to the rule of justice and law among nations, and to individual freedom for all peo- ple of the world. We believe in the present and final triumph of God’s Word in human affairs and gladly ac- cept our commission to manifest the life of the gospel in the world. Amen.

(It is recommended that this statement of Social Principles be continually available to United Methodist Christians and that it be emphasized regularly in every congregation. It is further recommended that ”Our Social Creed” be frequently used in Sunday wor- ship.)

95 SOCIAL PRINCIPLES

96 ORGANIZATION AND ADMINISTRATION Chapter One THE LOCAL CHURCH

Section I. The Church and Pastoral sons who have professed their faith in Christ, Charge have been baptized, have assumed the vows of membership in The United Methodist Church, ¶ 201. Definition of a Local Church—The and are associated in fellowship as a local local church provides the most significant United Methodist church in order that they arena through which disciple-making occurs. may hear the Word of God, receive the sacra- It is a community of true believers under the ments, praise and worship the triune God, and Lordship of Christ. It is the redemptive fellow- carry forward the work that Christ has com- ship in which the Word of God is preached by mitted to his church. Such a society of believ- persons divinely called and the sacraments are ers, being within The United Methodist duly administered according to Christ’s own Church and subject to its Discipline, is also an appointment. Under the discipline of the Holy inherent part of the church universal, which is Spirit, the church exists for the maintenance composed of all who accept Jesus Christ as of worship, the edification of believers, and the Lord and Savior, and which in the Apostles’ redemption of the world. Creed we declare to be the holy catholic ¶ 202. The Function of the Local Church— church. The church of Jesus Christ exists in and for the ¶ 204. Care of Members—Each local world. It is primarily at the level of the local church shall have a definite evangelistic, nur- church that the church encounters the world. ture, and witness responsibility for its mem- The local church is a strategic base from which bers and the surrounding area and a missional Christians move out to the structures of soci- outreach responsibility to the local and global ety. The function of the local church, under the community. It shall be responsible for minis- guidance of the Holy Spirit, is to help people to tering to all its members, wherever they live, know Jesus Christ personally and to live their and for persons who choose it as their church. daily lives in light of their relationship with ¶ 205. Definition of a Pastoral Charge—1. God. Therefore, the local church is to minister A pastoral charge shall consist of one or more to persons in the community where the church churches that are organized under and subject is located, to provide appropriate training and to the Discipline of The United Methodist nurture to all, to cooperate in ministry with Church, with a charge conference, and to other local churches, to defend God’s creation which an ordained or licensed minister is or and live as an ecologically responsible com- may be duly appointed or appointable as pas- munity, and to participate in the worldwide tor in charge or co-pastor. Where co-pastors mission of the church, as minimal expecta- are appointed, the bishop may designate for tions of an authentic church. administrative purposes one as pastor in ¶ 203. Relation to the Wider Church—The charge.1 local church is a connectional society of per- 1 See Judicial Council Decision 113, 319.

97 ¶ 206 THE LOCAL CHURCH

2. A pastoral charge of two or more the cabinet(s) in the implementation of these churches may be designated a circuit or a co- ministries in a conference or an area. In addi- operative parish. tion, district superintendents shall submit rec- 3. A pastoral charge may be designated by ommendations annually regarding those the bishop and cabinet as a ”teaching parish” churches in their districts that would benefit when either a local church with a pastor or a from being included in a cooperative ministry. cooperative parish with a director is available 3. Cooperative parish ministries may be ex- to serve as a counseling elder for a probation- pressed in forms such as the following: (a) ary, local, or student pastor appointed or as- Larger parish—a number of congregations signed to the teaching parish. A teaching par- working together using a parish-wide parish ish shall have a demonstrable commitment to council and other committees and work a cooperative or team ministry style and the groups as the parish may determine; provid- training of pastors. ing representation on boards and committees from all churches; guided by a constitution or covenant; and served by a staff appointed or Section II. Cooperative Parish assigned to the parish and involving a director. (b) Multiple charge parish—an intentionally ¶ 206. 1. Local churches, with the guid- organized group of two or more pastoral ance of the Holy Spirit, may enhance their wit- charges in which each church continues to re- ness to one another and to the world by show- late to its charge conference on the organiza- ing forth the love of Jesus Christ through tional level and also participates in a parish- forms of mutual cooperation. wide council. The pastors are appointed or as- 2. Annual conferences shall implement a signed to the charges and also to the parish, process of cooperative parish development and a director or coordinator is appointed or through which cooperative parish ministries assigned by the bishop.2 (c) Blended ministry are initiated and developed in both urban and parish—the merging of the organizations and town-and-country situations. Where coopera- memberships of churches spread throughout a tive parish ministries already exist in an an- defined geographical area into one church that nual conference, the conference shall direct intentionally develops two or more worship/ the appropriate conference boards and agen- program centers at agreed-upon locations, cies to develop strategies designed to make use and for which there is one charge conference of cooperative ministries as means of creating and one set of committees and other groups of greater effectiveness in the nurture, outreach, an organized local church, guided by a cov- and witness ministries of urban, suburban, enant and served by a staff and a director ap- and town-and-country situations; and the an- pointed or assigned to the parish. (d) Group nual conference shall prepare and adopt a for- ministry—a loosely organized group of two or mal written policy concerning cooperative more pastoral charges in which the pastors are parish ministries, including a plan for finan- appointed or assigned to charges. The pastors cial support. Parish development is an inten- and/or lay council, representing all churches, tional plan of enabling congregations, church- may designate a coordinator. (e) Enlarged related agencies, and pastors in a defined geo- charge—two or more congregations, usually graphic area to develop a relationship of trust on the same circuit and of relatively equal size, and mutuality that results in coordinated that work as a unit with the leadership of one church programs and ministry, supported by or more pastors. There may be a charge coun- appropriate organizational structures and cil and necessary committees. policy. A superintendent or director of parish development may be appointed to work with 2 See Judicial Council Decision 556.

98 ECUMENICAL SHARED MINISTRIES ¶ 208

(f) Extended or shared ministry—a larger tors and local church leaders as to the value of membership church sharing ministry with a cooperative ministries in moving toward ex- smaller membership church usually served by cellence in nurture, outreach, and witness one pastor. (g) Cluster groups—a group of ministries. They are to explore and develop churches located in the same geographic area meaningful ministries to persons in congrega- with a loosely knit organization that allows the tions, communities, and the global commu- participating congregations and pastoral nity. charges to engage in cooperative programs in 6. Cabinets shall give priority in the ap- varying degree. A district may be divided into pointment process to appointing directors and cluster groups for administrative purposes. clergy staff of cooperative ministries, espe- (h) Probe staff—composed of the pastors and cially cooperative parish ministries, who have other staff assigned to a geographic region to been trained in cooperative ministry concepts explore possibilities for cooperation and de- and who have demonstrated effective minis- veloping strategy for improved ministries to tries of nurture, outreach, and witness. The persons. (i) Cooperative ecumenical parish— cabinet shall develop and implement strate- formed by a local United Methodist church gies designed to enable and equip pastors and one or more local churches of other Chris- presently appointed to cooperative parish tian traditions. (j) Shared facilities—two or ministries to provide effective ministries of more United Methodist congregations sharing nurture, outreach, and witness. a building such as those performing ministries 7. Annual conferences and cabinets are in different languages and/or with different urged to assist in the development and racial and ethnic groups. The congregations strengthening of cooperative ministries by may enter into a covenant that ensures mutual pursuing funding assistance from general representation on such bodies as church coun- Church, annual conference, and other sources cil, board of trustees, and other committees for each cooperative ministry, including coop- and work groups. erative parish ministries. In order to support the covenant relation- ship and to ensure the autonomy of the local congregations, the congregations shall iden- Section III. Ecumenical Shared tify liaison persons who will represent the lo- Ministries cal congregations in their respective church council sessions. The congregations shall ne- ¶ 207. Local churches, with the guidance gotiate a covenant agreement about their use of the Holy Spirit, may respond to opportuni- of the facility to ensure mutual support as poli- ties for ecumenical resource sharing in their cies are formulated, programs are developed, communities by creating ecumenical shared and the facility is utilized. ministries, working with local congregations 4. Each general board and agency shall ar- of other Christian churches to enhance minis- range for its directors and staff to be trained in try, make wise stewardship of limited re- cooperative ministry concepts better to pro- sources, and live out the ecumenical spirit in vide support resources for annual conferences creative ways responsive to the needs of God’s and local churches. peoples as well as to opportunities for ex- 5. Bishops, district superintendents, con- panded mission and ministry. ference staff, and other leaders shall become ¶ 208. Definition—Ecumenical shared familiar through training with the benefits of ministries are ecumenical congregations cooperative ministries. They shall provide formed by a local United Methodist church leadership and training opportunities for pas- and one or more local congregations of other

99 ¶ 209 THE LOCAL CHURCH

Christian traditions. Forms of ecumenical exhibit a clear appreciation for a variety of de- shared ministries include: (a) a federated nominational expressions and polities. church, in which one congregation is related to two or more denominations, with persons Section IV. Churches in Transitional choosing to hold membership in one or the Communities other of the denominations; (b) a union church, in which a congregation with one uni- ¶ 212. Since many of the communities in fied membership roll is related to two denomi- which the local church is located are experi- nations; (c) a merged church, in which two or encing transition, special attention must be more congregations of different denomina- given to forms of ministry required in such tions form one congregation that relates to communities. The local church is required to only one of the constituent denominations; (d) respond to the changes that are occurring in a yoked parish, in which congregations of dif- its surrounding community and to organize its ferent denominations share a pastor. mission and ministry accordingly. ¶ 209. Covenanting—Congregations en- 1. When the communities where the church tering into an ecumenical shared ministry is located experience transition especially shall develop a clear covenant of mission, set identified as economic and/or ethnic, the local of bylaws, or articles of agreement that ad- church shall engage in deliberate analysis of dress financial and property matters, church the neighborhood change and alter its pro- membership, denominational askings and gram to meet the needs and cultural patterns apportionments, committee structure and of the new residents. The local church shall election procedures, terms and provisions of make every effort to remain in the the pastorate, reporting procedures, relation- neighborhood and develop effective ministries ship with the parent denominations, and mat- to those who are newcomers, whether of a cul- ters related to amending or dissolving the tural, economic, or ethnic group different agreement. In the formation of an ecumenical from the original or present members. shared ministry, ¶¶ 242 and 246.1-2 shall be 2. In communities in transition, the local followed in its organization. In an interde- church shall be regarded as a principal base of nominational local church merger, ¶¶ 2546 mission from which structures of society shall and 2547 shall be followed. In the case of fed- be confronted, evangelization shall occur, and erated and union churches, ¶ 2547 shall be fol- a principal witness to the changing commu- lowed. nity shall be realized. ¶ 210. Connectional Responsibilities— 3. It is recommended that decisions con- Cabinets, conference staff and other leaders cerning ministry in transitional communities shall be expected to work with ecumenical be made after thorough consultation has taken shared ministries at their inception as well as place between structures and agencies in the in maintaining avenues of vital relationship connection. and connection to The United Methodist 4. It is recommended that the commitment Church, while recognizing that such avenues of resources in terms of money and personnel must also be maintained with the denomina- to ministries in transitional communities be of tional partners in ministry. sufficient longevity to allow for experimenta- ¶ 211. Cabinet Priority—Cabinets shall be tion, evaluation, and mid-course corrections urged to give priority in the appointment proc- to ensure an adequate effort in ministry in ess to the providing of ecumenical shared min- those situations. Evaluations shall involve istries with pastoral leaders who have demon- those on the local level as well as those at the strated commitment to ecumenism and who funding level.

100 CHURCH MEMBERSHIP ¶ 216

5. The ministry of the local church in tran- location and building (¶ 2518). sitional areas may be enhanced by review and 3. The members of the local church shall possible development of some form of coop- consider the recommendations and adopt a erative ministry. response to them. The district superintendent ¶ 213. A Process for Assessment of Local shall report the results of the study and the Church Potential—In static, declining, or congregation’s response to the cabinet, with changing population areas, local churches recommendations for the allocation of confer- may take the opportunity to study their con- ence staff, resourcing, financial support, or gregation’s potential. Upon the request of the other resources needed to undergird the con- congregation the district superintendent shall gregation’s efforts to reach its recommended appoint a study task force to do an extensive potential. Such annual conference support study of the past, present, and potential minis- shall be committed no longer than three years. try of that local church. Alternatively, the dis- trict superintendent may appoint such a task force when the future viability of the congrega- Section V. Church Membership tion is in question or whenever he/she deems it necessary for other reasons. The task force ¶ 214. Eligibility—The United Methodist shall be composed of an equal number of lay Church is a part of the holy catholic (universal) and clergypersons and shall include persons church, as we confess in the Apostles’ Creed. from that congregation. In the church, Jesus Christ is proclaimed and 1. This study shall include, but not be lim- professed as Lord and Savior. All people may ited to: a) unique missional opportunities and attend its worship services, participate in its needs of the community; b) present ministries programs, receive the sacraments and become of the congregation; c) number of leaders and members in any local church in the connection style of leadership; d) growth potential of the (¶ 4). (In the case of persons whose disabilities surrounding community; e) fiscal and facili- prevent them from assuming the vows, their ties needs; f) distance from other United legal guardian[s], themselves members in full Methodist churches; g) number and size of covenant relationship with God and the churches of other denominations in the com- Church, the community of faith, may recite the munity; h) other items that may impact the appropriate vows on their behalf.) church’s ability to fulfill the mission of the ¶ 215. The Wider Church—A member of Church as stated in Chapter One, Section I. any local United Methodist church is a mem- 2. The findings shall be published and pre- ber of the denomination and the catholic (uni- sented to the congregation with recommenda- versal) church. tions as to how best to fulfill the local church’s call to ministry and to assist them in determin- ing how they shall serve the community with The Meaning of Membership nurture, outreach, and witness ministries as an organized church (¶¶ 201-204) or coopera- ¶ 216. When persons unite with a local tive parish ministries (¶ 206) or ecumenical United Methodist church, they, or, if unable to shared ministries (¶ 207); or give special at- answer for themselves, their parent(s), legal tention to redevelopment, relocation, or dis- guardian(s), sponsor(s) or godparent(s), pro- continuance. Those invited to the presentation fess their faith in God, the Father Almighty, shall include: the members of the congrega- maker of heaven and earth; in Jesus Christ his tion, the pastor(s), the district superintendent, only Son, and in the Holy Spirit. Thus, they and members of the district board of church make known their desire to live their daily

101 ¶ 217 THE LOCAL CHURCH lives as disciples of Jesus Christ. They cov- United Methodist Church is to be a servant of enant together with God and with the mem- Christ on mission in the local and worldwide bers of the local church to keep the vows which community. This servanthood is performed in are a part of the order of confirmation and re- family life, daily work, recreation and social ception into the Church: activities, responsible citizenship, the stew- 1. Do you here, in the presence of God and ardship of property and accumulated re- this congregation, confirm the New Covenant sources, the issues of corporate life, and all at- to which you already belong through your bap- titudes toward other persons. Participation in tism? disciplined groups is an expected part of per- 2. Do you confess Jesus Christ as your sonal mission involvement. Each member is Savior, and do you want to follow him, as he called upon to be a witness for Christ in the now calls you to serve him as your Lord? world, a light and leaven in society, and a rec- 3. Do you profess the Christian faith as con- onciler in a culture of conflict. Each member is tained in the Scriptures of the Old and New to identify with the agony and suffering of the Testaments? world and to radiate and exemplify the Christ 4. Will you, with God’s help live a Christian of hope. The standards of attitude and conduct life and always remain a faithful member of set forth in the Social Principles (Part IV) shall Christ’s holy Church? be considered as an essential resource for 5.Will you be loyal to The United Methodist guiding each member of the Church in being a Church and uphold it by your prayers, your servant of Christ on mission. presence, your gifts and your service? ¶ 220. Accountability—1. All members are ¶ 217. Growth in Faithful Discipleship— to be held accountable for their faithfulness to Faithful membership in the local church is es- their covenant and vows with God and the sential for personal growth and for developing other members of the Church. Should any a deeper commitment to the will and grace of member be accused of violating the covenant God. As members involve themselves in pri- and failing to keep the vows that the member vate and public prayer, worship, the sacra- entered into with God and the other members ments, study, Christian action, systematic giv- of the local church as stated in ¶ 216, then it ing, and holy discipline, they grow in their ap- shall be the responsibility of the local church, preciation of Christ, understanding of God at working through its pastor and its agencies, to work in history and the natural order, and an minister to that person in compliance with the understanding of themselves. provisions of ¶ 227 in an effort to enable the ¶ 218. Mutual Responsibility—Faithful member faithfully to perform the vows and discipleship includes the obligation to partici- covenant of membership. pate in the corporate life of the congregation 2. In the event that those efforts fail, then with fellow members of the body of Christ. A the lay member and the local church may member is bound in sacred covenant to shoul- agree to voluntary mediation in which the par- der the burdens, share the risks, and celebrate ties are assisted in reaching a settlement or the joys of fellow members. A Christian is agreement satisfactory to all parties by a called to speak the truth in love, always ready trained, neutral third-party mediator or me- to confront conflict in the spirit of forgiveness diation team. and reconciliation. 3. In the further event that those efforts fail ¶ 219. The Call to Ministry of All the Bap- to effect reconciliation and reaffirmation of tized—All members of Christ’s universal the vows and covenant of ¶ 216 by the lay church are called to share in the ministry member, then the members of the church may which is committed to the whole church of Je- pursue the procedures set forth in ¶¶ 2702.3, sus Christ. Therefore, each member of The 2706.5, and 2714.

102 CHURCH MEMBERSHIP ¶ 225

Admission into the Church be present to represent the congregation. Names of such persons shall be placed on the ¶ 221. Non-Local Church Settings—A duly church roll, and announcement of their recep- appointed minister of The United Methodist tion shall be made to the congregation. Church, while serving as chaplain of any or- ¶ 224. Transfer from Other Denomina- ganization, institution, or military unit, or as a tions—A member in good standing in any campus pastor, or while otherwise present who has been bap- where a local church is not available, may re- tized and who desires to unite with The United ceive a person into the membership of The Methodist Church may be received as a pro- United Methodist Church under the condi- fessing member by a proper certificate of tions of ¶ 216. Where possible, before the vows transfer from that person’s former church, or of membership have been administered such by a declaration of Christian faith, and upon appointed minister shall consult with the pas- affirming willingness to be loyal to The United tor of the local church on the choice of the per- Methodist Church (see ¶¶ 214-216). The pas- son concerned; and upon agreement by the tor will report to the sending church the date pastor, a statement verifying that such vows of reception of such a member. It is recom- were made shall be issued. The pastor thereof mended that instruction in the faith, work, on receiving such statement shall duly enroll and polity of the Church be provided for all that person as a member on the appropriate such persons. Persons received from churches roll. that do not issue certificates of transfer or let- ¶ 222. General Church Membership Roll— ters of recommendation shall be listed as ”Re- When a person is received and/or baptized ceived From Other Denominations.” into the Church by a chaplain endorsed by the ¶ 225. Care of Children and Youth—1. Be- Section of Chaplains and Related Ministries cause the redeeming love of God revealed in and has no local church to which the member- Jesus Christ extends to all persons, and be- ship and records may be sent, the chaplain cause Jesus explicitly included the children in shall send the name, address, and related facts his kingdom, the pastor of each charge shall to the General Board of Higher Education and earnestly exhort all Christian parents or Ministry for recording on the General Church guardians to present their children to the Lord Membership Roll. It is desirable that as soon in baptism at an early age. Before baptism is as possible such people be transferred from administered, the pastor shall diligently in- the General Church Membership Roll to the struct the parents or guardians regarding the appropriate roll of the local United Methodist meaning of this sacrament and the vows that church of their choice. The name of any person they assume. It is expected of parents or who has been on the General Church Member- guardians who present their children for bap- ship Roll for more than eight years and for tism that they shall use all diligence in bring- whom a current mailing address cannot be ob- ing them up in conformity to the Word of God tained shall be removed from the General and in the fellowship of the Church and to en- Church Membership Roll. courage them to participate in preparation for ¶ 223. Outside of Congregational Set- their profession of faith and confirmation at tings—Any candidate for church membership the appropriate time. At least one parent or who for good reason is unable to appear before guardian shall be a member of a Christian the congregation may, at the discretion of the church; or sponsor(s) or godparent(s) who are pastor, be received elsewhere in accordance members shall assume the baptismal vows. with the Ritual of The United Methodist They shall be admonished of this obligation Church. In any such case lay members should and be earnestly exhorted to faithfulness

103 ¶ 225 THE LOCAL CHURCH therein. At the time of baptism they shall be gation to provide training for the children of informed that the Church, with its Christian the Church throughout their childhood that education program, will aid them in the Chris- will lead to a personal commitment to Jesus tian nurture of their children. Christ as Lord and Savior, to an understanding 2. The pastor of the church shall, at the of the Christian faith, and to an appreciation of time of administering the Sacrament of Bap- the privileges and obligations of baptism and tism, furnish the parents or guardians of the membership. The pastor shall, building on the child who is baptized with a certificate of bap- preparation that youth have received through- tism, which shall also clearly state that the out their childhood, organize them into classes child is now enrolled as a preparatory member for membership and confirmation (par. 5). in The United Methodist Church. The pastor This instruction shall be based on materials shall also admonish members of the congrega- that the youth have already used and on other tion of their responsibility for the Christian resources produced by The United Methodist nurture of the child. The pastor shall be re- Church for the purpose of confirmation prepa- sponsible for seeing that the membership sec- ration. When youth so prepared shall give evi- retary adds the full name of the baptized child dence of their own Christian faith and pur- to the preparatory membership roll of the pose, and understanding of the privileges and church. When the baptized child lives in a obligations of membership, they may be re- community not served by the pastor who ad- ceived as full members. ministers the Sacrament of Baptism, the pas- 5. Youth who are members of the Church tor is responsible for reporting the baptism to have all rights and responsibilities of member- a pastor or district superintendent who serves ship within the baptismal covenant. (See ¶ in the area where the baptized child lives in 255.2.) It is strongly recommended that each order that the child’s name might be properly local church offer for all senior high youth who entered on the preparatory membership roll. are members of the Church an advanced class (See ¶ 223.) of instruction in the meaning of the Christian 3. The pastor shall keep and transmit to the life and discipleship. It is further recom- succeeding pastor an accurate register of the mended that this course, taught by or under names of all baptized children in the charge, the guidance of the pastor, diaconal minister, including both those who have been baptized certified Christian educator, youth worker, or there and those who have been baptized else- other staff, emphasize the doctrines of The where. This register of baptized children shall United Methodist Church and the nature and serve as the list of preparatory members for mission of the Church, leading to continued whom the congregation has ongoing responsi- growth in the knowledge, grace, and service of bility for nurture in the life of discipleship un- our Lord Jesus Christ. It shall be the responsi- til they become full members and accept God’s bility of the pastor to participate in the growth grace for themselves. It shall give the full name process through interaction and ministry with of the child, the date of birth, the date and youth. place of baptism, the names of the parent(s) or 6. All children shall continually be nur- guardian(s) and their place of residence and tured as they grow in ability to profess their phone number, and the names of the faith in God and Jesus Christ. sponsor(s) or godparent(s). 4. It shall be the duty of the pastor, the parent(s), guardian(s), sponsor(s), or god- parent(s), the officers and teachers of the church school, and all members of the congre-

104 CHURCH MEMBERSHIP ¶ 227

Affiliate and Associate Membership itual growth through individual and family worship and individual and group study to ¶ 226. A member of The United Methodist connect faith and daily living, and continually Church, of an affiliated autonomous Method- to aid the members to keep their vows to up- ist or united church, or of a Methodist church hold the Church by attendance, prayers, gifts, that has a concordat agreement with The and service. The Church has a moral and spir- United Methodist Church, who resides for an itual obligation to nurture its nonparticipating extended period in a city or community at a and indifferent members and to lead them distance from the member’s home church, into an active church relationship. may on request be enrolled as an affiliate 2. Care of Members—a) The pastor in co- member of a United Methodist church located operation with the church council may arrange in the vicinity of the temporary residence. The the membership in groups—with a leader for home pastor shall be notified of the affiliate each group—designed to involve the member- membership. Such membership shall entitle ship of the Church in its ministry to the com- the person to the fellowship of that church, to munity. These groups shall be of such size, its pastoral care and oversight, and to partici- usually not larger than eight or ten families, as pation in its activities, including the holding of to be convenient and effective for service. Such office; except such as would allow one to vote groups may be especially helpful in evangelis- in a United Methodist body other than the lo- tic outreach by contacting newcomers and cal church. However, that person shall be unreached persons, by visitation, by mobiliz- counted and reported only as a member of the ing neighbors to meet social issues in the com- home church. A member of another denomi- munity, by responding to personal and family nation may become an associate member un- crises, by holding prayer meetings in the der the same conditions, but may not become homes, by distributing Christian literature, a voting member of the church council.3 This and by other means. Nonresident members relationship may be terminated at the discre- should constitute a special group to be served tion of the United Methodist church in which by correspondence. The groups shall be the affiliate or associate membership is held formed and the leaders appointed by the whenever the affiliate or associate member church council upon recommendation of the shall move from the vicinity of the United pastor. Methodist church in which the affiliate or as- b) While primary responsibility and initia- sociate membership is held. tive rests with each member faithfully to per- form the vows of the baptismal covenant that have been solemnly assumed, if the member Care of Members should be neglectful of that responsibility, these procedures shall be followed: ¶ 227. 1. The local church shall endeavor to (1) If a member residing in the community enlist each member in activities for spiritual is negligent of the vows or is regularly absent growth and in participation in the services and from the worship of the church without valid ministries of the Church and its organizations. reason, the pastor and the membership secre- It shall be the duty of the pastor and of the tary shall report that member’s name to the members of the church council by regular visi- church council, which shall do all in its power tation, care, and spiritual oversight to provide to reenlist the member in the active fellowship necessary activities and opportunities for spir- of the church. It shall visit the member and make clear that, while the member’s name is on the roll of a particular local church, one is a 3 See Judicial Council Decision 372.

105 ¶ 227 THE LOCAL CHURCH member of The United Methodist Church as a recommendation of the pastor and the evan- whole, and that, since the member is not at- gelism ministry chairperson, each name being tending the church where enrolled, the mem- considered individually; provided that the ber is requested to do one of four things: (a) member’s name shall have been entered in the reaffirm the baptismal vows and return to liv- minutes of the annual charge conference for ing in the community of the baptismal cov- two consecutive years. On the roll there shall enant in the church where the member’s name be entered after the name: ”Removed by is recorded, (b) request transfer to another Charge Conference Action”; and if the action is United Methodist church where the member on the basis of par. (3), there shall be added: will return to living in the community of the ”Reason: Address Unknown.” The record shall baptismal covenant (see ¶ 238), (c) arrange be retained4 in order that upon reaffirmation transfer to a particular church of another de- of the baptismal covenant the person may be nomination (see ¶ 239), or (d) request with- restored as a member. Should a transfer of drawal. If the member does not comply with membership be requested, the pastor may, af- any of the available alternatives over a period ter consultation with the person, issue the cer- of two years, the member’s name may be re- tificate of transfer. moved. (See par. [4].) (5) Recognizing that the Church has a con- (2) If a member whose address is known is tinuing moral and spiritual obligation to nur- residing outside the community and is not ture all persons, even those whose names have participating in the worship or activity of the been removed from the roll of members, it is church, the directives to encourage a transfer recommended that a roll of persons thus re- of the member shall be followed each year un- moved shall be maintained. It shall then be- til that member joins another church or re- come the responsibility of the church council quests in writing that the name be removed to provide for the review of this roll at least from the roll of professing members; pro- once a year. (See also ¶ 233.) After the review vided, however, that if after two years the has been made, it is recommended that the council has not been able to relate that mem- pastor and/or the commission on evangelism ber to the church at the new place of residence, contact those whose names appear on this roll, the name may be removed from the roll of either in person or by other means, in the most members by the procedure of par. (4) below. effective and practical manner. The names (3) If the address of a member is no longer and addresses of those who have moved out- known to the pastor, the membership secre- side the local church’s area should be sent to tary and the evangelism ministry group chair- local churches in their new communities that person shall make every effort to locate the those churches may visit and minister to them. member, and circulate the list of names ¶ 228. Transfer from Discontinued Local throughout the parish. If the member can be Churches—If a local church is discontinued, located, the directives of either par. (1) or par. the district superintendent shall select an- (2) above shall be followed, but if after two other United Methodist church and transfer years of such efforts the address is still un- its members thereto, or to such other churches known, the member’s name may be removed as the members may select. (See ¶ 2548.2.) from the roll of members by the procedure of par. (4) below. (4) If the directives of par. (1), (2), or (3) above have been followed for the specified number of years without success, the mem- ber’s name may be removed from the roll of members by vote of the charge conference on 4 See Judicial Council Decision 207.

106 CHURCH MEMBERSHIP ¶ 233

Membership Records and Reports conference the names of persons received into the membership of the church or churches of ¶ 229. Membership Records—Each local the pastoral charge and the names of persons church shall accurately maintain the following removed since the last charge conference, in- membership rolls: dicating how each was received or removed. 1. Full Membership Roll (¶ 222). The church council shall appoint a committee 2. Preparatory Membership Roll (¶ 225.2), to audit the membership rolls, submitting the containing the names and pertinent informa- report annually to the charge conference. tion of baptized children and youth of the ¶ 232. * Permanent Records—The basic church eighteen years of age and under who membership records in each local church shall are not full members, and other persons who be kept in no less that two ways: a permanent have been enrolled in confirmation prepara- church book, and a membership register. tion. 1. The church book shall be a volume of du- 3. Members Removed by Charge Confer- rable material. The names shall be recorded ence Action (¶ 227.2b[4]). chronologically as each person is received into 4. Constituency Roll, containing the names the fellowship of that church and without ref- and addresses of such persons as are not erence to alphabetical order. The names shall members of the church concerned, including be numbered in regular numerical order, and unbaptized children, dedicated children, the number of each shall appear on the corre- church school members, preparatory mem- sponding card or page in the membership reg- bers who have reached the age of nineteen ister. who have not been received into full member- 2. The membership register shall be kept in ship, and other nonmembers for whom the lo- the form of card index, loose-leaf book, or cal church has pastoral responsibility. electronic system membership record. This 5. Affiliate Membership Roll (¶ 226). record of membership shall be filed in alpha- 6. Associate Membership Roll (¶ 226). betical order and shall show the number ap- 7. In the case of a union or federated church pearing opposite each name on the permanent with another denomination, the governing register. The pastor shall report annually to body of such a church may report an equal the annual conference the total membership share of the total membership to each judica- of the charge as shown on the membership tory, and such membership shall be published records. in the minutes of each church, with a note to 3. When an electronic information system the effect that the report is that of a union or is used for record keeping, printout copies of federated church, and with an indication of the membership records and backup elec- the total actual membership. tronic media shall be retained in a secure off- ¶ 230. Baptism Records—For purpose of site place (see ¶ 244). record, a permanent list of congregational ¶ 233. Membership Secretary—The with dates, birth dates, full names, charge conference shall name a membership addresses, full names of parents, godparents, secretary who, under the direction of the pas- or sponsors, and officiating minister shall be tor, shall keep accurate records of all member- kept by each local church. In the case of trans- ship rolls (see ¶ 229) and shall report regularly fer to another congregation, death, or with- to the church council. drawal, notation of this shall be made in the baptismal record. ¶ 231. Annual Membership Report and Audit—The pastor shall report to each charge

107 ¶ 234 THE LOCAL CHURCH

Changes in Church Membership or munity whose membership is in a church so far Local Church Membership removed from the place of residence that the member cannot participate regularly in its ¶ 234. Members in a local church may be re- worship and activity, it shall be the duty and moved from the roll by death, transfer, with- obligation of the pastor to give pastoral over- drawal, or actions of either the charge confer- sight to such person and to encourage transfer ence or trial court (see ¶ 2714). It shall be the of membership to a United Methodist church duty of the pastor of the charge or of the mem- in the community where the member resides. bership secretary to keep an accurate record of ¶ 238. Transfer to Other United Method- all removals of membership and to report to ist Churches—When a pastor receives a re- each charge conference the names of all per- quest for a transfer of membership from the sons whose membership has been removed pastor of another United Methodist church or since the conference preceding, in each in- a district superintendent, that pastor shall stance indicating the reason for such action. send the proper certificate directly to the pas- ¶ 235. Members Who Move—If a member tor of the United Methodist church to which of a United Methodist church shall move to the member is transferring, or if there is no another community so far removed from the pastor, to the district superintendent. On re- home church that the member cannot partici- ceipt of such a certificate of transfer, the pas- pate regularly in its worship and activity, this tor or district superintendent shall enroll the member shall be encouraged to transfer mem- name of the person so transferring after public bership to a United Methodist church in the reception in a regular service of worship, or if community of the newly established resi- circumstances demand, public announcement dence. As soon as the pastor is reliably in- in such a service. The pastor of the church is- formed of this change of residence, actual or suing the certificate shall then be notified, contemplated, it shall be the pastor’s duty and whereupon said pastor shall remove the mem- obligation to assist the member to become es- ber from the roll. tablished in the fellowship of a church in the Certificates of transfer shall be accompa- community of the future home and to send to a nied by two official forms. A ”Notice of Trans- United Methodist pastor in such community, fer of Membership” is to be sent to the mem- or to the district superintendent, a letter of no- ber by the pastor who transfers the member- tification, giving the latest known address of ship. An ”Acknowledgment of Transfer of the person or persons concerned and request- Membership” is to be sent to the former pastor ing local pastoral oversight. by the pastor who receives the transferred ¶ 236. Lay Missionaries in Non-United member. Methodist Churches—Laypersons in service In case the transfer is not made effective, outside the United States under the General the pastor shall return the certificate to the Board of Global Ministries and assigned to pastor of the sending church. churches other than United Methodist may ac- ¶ 239. Transfer to Other Denomina- cept all the rights and privileges, including as- tions—A pastor, upon receiving a request from sociate membership, offered them by a local a member to transfer to a church of another church in their place of residence without im- denomination, or upon receiving such request pairing their relationship to their home local from a pastor or duly authorized official of an- church. other denomination, shall (with the approval ¶ 237. Members Residing at a Distance— of the member) issue a certificate of transfer When a pastor discovers a member of The and, upon receiving confirmation of the mem- United Methodist Church residing in the com- ber’s reception into another congregation,

108 ORGANIZATION AND ADMINISTRATION ¶ 243 shall properly record the transfer of such per- joy all who will respond; encouraging people in son on the membership roll of the local their relationship with God and inviting them church; and the member’s name shall thereby to commitment to God’s love in Jesus Christ; be removed. For the transfer of a member of providing opportunities for them to seek The United Methodist Church to a church of strengthening and growth in spiritual forma- another denomination, an official ”Transfer of tion; and supporting them to live lovingly and Membership to Another Denomination” form justly in the power of the Holy Spirit as faithful shall be used. disciples. ¶ 240. Withdrawal Without Notice—If a In carrying out its primary task, it shall be pastor is informed that a member has without organized so that adequate provision is made notice united with a church of another de- for these basic responsibilities: (1) planning nomination, the pastor shall make diligent in- and implementing a program of nurture, quiry and, if the report is confirmed, shall en- outreach, and witness for persons and families ter ”Withdrawn” after the person’s name on within and without the congregation; (2) pro- the membership roll and shall report the same viding for effective pastoral and lay leader- to the next charge conference. ship; (3) providing for financial support, ¶ 241. Withdrawal of Membership—Per- physical facilities, and the legal obligations of sons may be removed from the roll of baptized the church; (4) utilizing the appropriate rela- members by death, transfer, withdrawal or re- tionships and resources of the district and an- moval for cause, with the understanding that nual conference; (5) providing for the proper withdrawal or removal for cause in no way ab- creation, maintenance, and disposition of rogates the baptismal covenant from God’s documentary record material of the local side. When a person returns to the church, he church; and (6) seeking inclusiveness in all as- or she affirms the baptismal vows and, with- pects of its life. out rebaptism, becomes a full member. ¶ 243. Organization—The basic organiza- If a member proposes to withdraw from tional plan for the local church shall include The United Methodist Church, that member provision for the following units: a charge con- shall communicate the purpose in writing to ference, a church council, a committee on pas- the pastor of the local church in which mem- tor-parish relations, a board of trustees, a bership is held. On receiving such notice of committee on finance, a committee on lay withdrawal, the pastor shall properly record leadership, and such other elected leaders, the fact of withdrawal on the membership roll. commissions, councils, committees, and task If requested, the pastor shall give a statement forces as the charge conference may deter- of withdrawal to such member. Such person, mine. Every local church shall develop a plan upon written request, may be restored to for organizing its administrative and pro- membership on recommendation of the pas- grammatic responsibilities. Each local congre- tor. gation shall provide a comprehensive program of nurture, outreach, and witness, along with leadership training, and the planning and ad- Section VI. Organization and ministration of the congregation’s organiza- Administration tional and temporal life, in accordance with the mission of The United Methodist Church ¶ 242. Primary Tasks—The local church (see ¶¶ 120-124). shall be organized so that it can pursue its pri- 1. The church council and all other adminis- mary task and mission in the context of its own trative and programmatic structures of the lo- community—reaching out and receiving with cal church shall be amenable to the charge

109 ¶ 244 THE LOCAL CHURCH conference (see ¶ 245). The church council youth members chosen according to the same shall function as the executive agency of the standards as adults. All shall be members of charge conference. the local church, except where central confer- 2. Alternative plans may be developed in ence legislation provides otherwise. The pas- accordance with the provisions of ¶ 246.2. tor shall be the administrative officer, and as Such alternatives include: nurture, outreach, such shall be an ex officio member of all con- and witness ministries; administrative coun- ferences, boards, councils, commissions, com- cil; or administrative board/council on minis- mittees, and task forces, unless restricted by tries. the Discipline. 3. Members of the church council or alter- ¶ 245. General Provisions—1. Within the native structure shall be persons of genuine pastoral charge the basic unit in the connec- Christian character who love the church, are tional system of The United Methodist Church morally disciplined, are committed to the is the charge conference. The charge confer- mandate of inclusiveness in the life of the ence shall therefore be organized from the church, are loyal to the ethical standards of church or churches in every pastoral charge as The United Methodist Church set forth in the set forth in the Constitution (¶ 41). It shall Social Principles, and are competent to admin- meet annually for the purposes set forth in ¶ ister its affairs. It shall include youth members 246. It may meet at other times as indicated in chosen according to the same standards as par. 7 below. adults. All shall be members of the local 2. The membership of the charge confer- church, except where central conference legis- ence shall be all members of the church council lation provides otherwise. The pastor shall be or other appropriate body, together with re- the administrative officer and, as such, shall be tired ordained ministers and retired diaconal an ex officio member of all conferences, ministers who elect to hold their membership boards, councils, commissions, committees, in said charge conference and any others as and task forces, unless otherwise restricted by may be designated in the Discipline. If more the Discipline.5 than one church is on the pastoral charge, all ¶ 244. Information Technology—Each lo- members of each church council shall be cal church, as it creates or maintains compu- members of the charge conference. terized information and data, is strongly en- 3. The charge conference may make provi- couraged to confer with its annual conference sion for recognition of the faithful service of for recommendations and guidelines as it re- members of the church council by electing lates to information technology. them honorary members. An honorary mem- ber shall be entitled to all the privileges of a member, except the right to vote. The Charge Conference 4. The district superintendent shall fix the time of meetings of the charge conference. The Members of the charge conference shall be charge conference shall determine the place of persons of genuine Christian character who meeting. love the Church, are morally disciplined, are 5. The district superintendent shall preside committed to the mandate of inclusiveness in at the meetings of the charge conference or the life of the Church, are loyal to the ethical may designate an elder to preside. standards of The United Methodist Church set 6. The members present and voting at any forth in the Social Principles, and are compe- duly announced meeting shall constitute a tent to administer its affairs. It shall include quorum. 7. Special sessions may be called by the dis- 5 See Judicial Council Decisions 469, 500. trict superintendent after consultation with

110 ORGANIZATION AND ADMINISTRATION ¶ 246 the pastor of the charge, or by the pastor with 4. The charge conference recording secre- the written consent of the district superin- tary shall keep an accurate record of the pro- tendent. The purpose of such special session ceedings and shall be the custodian of all shall be stated in the call, and only such busi- records and reports, and with the presiding of- ness shall be transacted as is in harmony with ficer, shall sign the minutes. A copy of the min- the purposes stated in the call. Any such spe- utes shall be provided for the district superin- cial session may be convened as a church con- tendent, and a permanent copy shall be re- ference in accordance with ¶ 247. tained for church files. When there is only one 8. Notice of time and place of a regular or local church on a charge, the secretary of the special session of the charge conference shall church council shall be the secretary of the be given at least ten days in advance by two or charge conference. When there is more than more of the following (except as local laws may one church on a charge, one of the secretaries otherwise provide): from the of the of the church councils shall be elected by the church, in its weekly bulletin, in a local church charge conference to serve as its secretary. publication, or by mail. 5. a) It is strongly recommended that the 9. A charge conference shall be conducted charge conference elect a church historian in in the language of the majority, with adequate order to preserve the history of each local provision being made for translation. church. The responsibilities of the historian 10. A joint charge conference for two or are to keep the historical records up to date; more pastoral charges may be held at the same serve as chairperson of the committee on time and place, as the district superintendent records and history, if any; cooperate with the may determine. annual conference commission on archives ¶ 246. Powers and Duties—1. The charge and history or comparable structure, if any; conference shall be the connecting link be- provide an annual report on the care of church tween the local church and the general Church records and historical materials to the charge and shall have general oversight of the church conference; and also provide, with the pastor council(s). and the committee on records and history, if 2. The charge conference, the district su- any, for the preservation of all local church perintendent, and the pastor shall organize records and historical materials no longer in and administer the pastoral charge and current use. Records and historical materials churches according to the policies and plans include all documents, minutes, journals, dia- herein set forth. When the membership size, ries, reports, letters, pamphlets, papers, program scope, mission resources, or other manuscripts, maps, photographs, books, circumstances so require, the charge confer- audiovisuals, sound recordings, magnetic or ence may, in consultation with and upon the other tapes, or any other documentary mate- approval of the district superintendent, rial, regardless of form or characteristics, modify the organizational plans; provided that made or received pursuant to any provisions the provisions of ¶ 242 are observed. of the Discipline in connection with the trans- 3. The primary responsibilities of the action of church business by any local church charge conference in the annual meeting shall of The United Methodist Church or any of its be to review and evaluate the total mission and constituent predecessors. The church histo- ministry of the church (¶¶ 120-124), receive rian may be a member of the church council. reports, and adopt objectives and goals recom- This person may also hold another elected po- mended by the church council that are in keep- sition on the council. ing with the objectives of The United Method- b) There may be a local church committee ist Church. on records and history, chaired by the church

111 ¶ 246 THE LOCAL CHURCH historian, to assist in fulfilling these responsi- 12. The charge conference shall in consulta- bilities. tion with the district superintendent set the 6. Each charge is encouraged to be inclu- budget, included the compensation of the pas- sive in the make-up of the council so that all tor and other staff appointed by the bishop.6 segments of the congregation are represented. 13. Information about such amounts to 7. The charge conference may establish a the common work within the church that the limit to the consecutive terms of office for any annual conference have decided to ask the lo- or all of the elected or appointed officers of the cal church for—As soon as practicable after local church, except where otherwise man- the session of annual conference, each district dated. It is recommended that no officer serve superintendent or designated agent shall no- more than three consecutive years in the same tify each local church in the district what office. amounts have been apportioned to it for gen- 8. The charge conference shall examine and eral Church, and annual conference funds. In recommend to the board on ordained minis- preparation for and at the charge conference, it try, faithfully adhering to the provisions of ¶ shall be the responsibility of the district super- 306.3b, candidates for the ordained ministry intendent, the pastor, and the lay member(s) who have been members in good standing of of the annual conference and/or the church lay the local church for at least two years; whose leader(s) to interpret to each charge confer- gifts, evidence of God’s grace, and call to the ence the importance of these apportioned ministry clearly establish them as candidates; funds, explaining the causes supported by each and who have met the educational require- of them and their place in the total program of ments. It is out of the faith and witness of the the Church. (¶ 812) congregation that men and women respond to The district superintendent shall also in- God’s call to ordained ministry. Every local form the charge conference about other eco- church should intentionally nurture candi- nomical obligations that it have been charged dates for ordained ministry and provide spir- with (¶ 619) itual and some financial support for their edu- 14. The charge conference shall receive and cation and formation as servant leaders for the act on the annual report from the pastor con- ministry of the whole people of God. cerning all membership rolls. (See ¶ 231.) 9. The charge conference shall examine and 15. In those instances where there are two recommend, faithfully adhering to the provi- or more churches on a pastoral charge, the sions of ¶ 307, renewal of candidacy of candi- charge conference may provide for a charge or dates for the ordained ministry. parish council, a chargewide or parish treas- 10. The charge conference shall examine urer, and such other officers, commissions, and recommend to the responsible Church committees, and task groups as necessary to agency any candidates for Church-related vo- carry on the work of the charge. cations. 16. In those instances where there are two 11. The charge conference shall inquire an- or more churches on a pastoral charge, the nually into the gifts, labors, and usefulness of charge conference may elect a chargewide or the lay speakers related to the charge and rec- parish committee on lay leadership, a ommend to the district and/or conference chargewide or parish committee on pastor- committee on local preaching those persons parish relations, a chargewide or parish com- who have met the standards set forth for a lo- mittee on finance, and a chargewide or parish cal church lay speaker and/or for certified lay board of trustees in such instances where speaker (¶¶ 266-269). property is held in common by two or more churches of the charge. All churches of the 6 See Judicial Council Decisions 213, 252, 461.

112 ORGANIZATION AND ADMINISTRATION ¶ 248 charge shall be represented on such to the pastor. Additional regulations govern- chargewide or parish committees or boards. ing the call and conduct of the charge confer- Chargewide or parish organization shall be ence as set forth in ¶¶ 245-246 shall apply also consistent with disciplinary provisions for the to the church conference. A joint church con- local church. ference for two or more churches may be held 17. In instances of multiple church charges, at the same time and place as the district su- the charge conference shall provide for an eq- perintendent may determine. A church con- uitable distribution of parsonage maintenance ference shall be conducted in the language of and upkeep expense or adequate housing al- the majority with adequate provision being lowance (if annual conference policy permits) made for translation. (For church local confer- among the several churches. ence see ¶ 2526.) 18. The charge conference shall promote ¶ 248. Election of Leaders—The charge awareness of and concurrence with Policies conference, or church conference authorized Relative to Socially Responsible Investments by the district superintendent, shall elect upon (¶ 716), the Social Principles (¶¶ 160-166), and recommendation by the committee on lay The Book of Resolutions of The United Meth- leadership of each local church on the pastoral odist Church. charge, or by nomination from the floor and by 19. If any charge conference initiates, joins, vote of each such local church, at least the fol- monitors, or terminates a boycott, the guide- lowing leaders for the four basic responsibili- lines in The Book of Resolutions, 2000, should ties (¶ 243): be followed. The General Conference is the 1. Chairperson of the church council. only body that can initiate, empower, or join a 2. The committee on lay leadership. boycott in the name of The United Methodist 3. The committee on pastor-parish rela- Church. tions and its chairperson. 20. When authorized by the district super- 4. A chairperson and additional members intendent and the district board of church lo- of the committee on finance; the financial sec- cation and building, the charge conference retary and the church treasurer(s) if not paid may provide for the sponsoring of satellite employees of the local church; and the trustees congregations. as provided in ¶¶ 2525-2527, unless otherwise 21. The charge conference shall have such required by state law. other duties and responsibilities as the gen- 5. The lay member(s) of the annual confer- eral, jurisdictional, or annual conference may ence and lay leader(s). duly commit to it. 6. A recording secretary (see ¶ 246.4). ¶ 247. The Church Conference—To en- 7. Special attention shall be given to the in- courage broader participation by members of clusion of women, men, youth, young adults, the church, the charge conference may be con- persons over sixty-five years of age, persons vened as the church conference, extending the with disabilities, and racial and ethnic per- vote to all local church members present at sons. such meetings. The church conference shall be 8. All local church offices and all chairs of authorized by the district superintendent. It organizations within the local church may be may be called at the discretion of the district shared between two persons, with the follow- superintendent or following a written request ing exceptions: trustee, officers of the board of to the district superintendent by one of the fol- trustees, treasurer, lay member of annual con- lowing: the pastor, the church council, or 10 ference, member and chairperson of the com- percent of the membership of the local church. mittee on staff or pastor-parish relations. In any case a copy of the request shall be given When two persons jointly hold a position that

113 ¶ 249 THE LOCAL CHURCH entails membership on the church council, where, along with the pastor, the lay leader both may be members of it. shall serve as an interpreter of the actions and ¶ 249. Removal of Officers and Filling of programs of the annual conference and the Vacancies—If a leader or officer who has been general Church (to be better equipped to com- elected by the charge conference is unable or ply with this responsibility, it is recommended unwilling to perform the duties reasonably ex- that a lay leader also serve as a lay member of pected of such a leader or officer, the district annual conference); superintendent may call a special session of d) continuing involvement in study and the charge conference in accordance with ¶ training opportunities to develop a growing 245.7. The purpose of such special session understanding of the Church’s reason for ex- shall be stated as ”Consideration for the re- istence and the types of ministry that will most moval of person(s) from office and the election effectively fulfill the Church’s mission; of person(s) to fill vacancy(ies).” The commit- e) assisting in advising the church council tee on lay leadership (¶¶ 258.1, 246.16) shall of opportunities available and the needs ex- meet as soon as possible after the special ses- pressed for a more effective ministry of the sion of the charge conference has been an- church through its laity in the community; nounced and shall propose person(s) who may f) informing the laity of training opportuni- be elected if vacancy(ies) occur at the charge ties provided by the annual conference. Where conference. If the charge conference votes to possible, the lay leader shall attend training remove a person or persons from office, the opportunities in order to strengthen his or her vacancy(ies) shall be filled in the manner pre- work. The lay leader is urged to become a cer- scribed for elections in accordance with ¶ 248. tified lay speaker. When a local church trustee is under consid- In instances where more than one church is eration for removal and the pastoral charge on a charge, the charge conference shall elect consists of two or more churches, a church lo- additional lay leaders so that there will be one cal conference shall be called instead of a lay leader in each church. Associate lay leaders charge conference, in accordance with ¶ 2525. may be elected to work with the lay leader in ¶ 250. Duties of Leaders and Members—1. any local church. Out of the general ministry of each local 2. The lay member(s) of the annual confer- church (¶ 126), there shall be elected by the ence and one or more alternates shall be charge conference a lay leader who shall func- elected annually or quadrennially as the an- tion as the primary lay representative of the la- nual conference directs. If the charge’s lay rep- ity in that local church and shall have the fol- resentative to the annual conference shall lowing responsibilities: cease to be a member of the charge or shall for a) fostering awareness of the role of laity any reason fail to serve, an alternate member both within the congregation and through in the order of election shall serve in place. their ministries in the home, workplace, com- Both the lay members and the alternates munity, and world, and finding ways within shall have been members in good standing of the community of faith to recognize all these The United Methodist Church for at least two ministries; years and shall have been active participants b) meeting regularly with the pastor to dis- for at least four yeas next preceding their elec- cuss the state of the church and the needs for tion (see ¶ 30), except in a newly organized ministry; church, which shall have the privilege of rep- c) membership in the charge conference resentation at the annual conference session.7 and the church council, the committee on fi- No local pastor shall be eligible as a lay mem- nance, and the committee on lay leadership, 7 See Judicial Council Decision 495.

114 ORGANIZATION AND ADMINISTRATION ¶ 251 ber or alternate.8 United Methodist churches gam of nurture, outreach, witness, and re- that become part of an ecumenical shared sources in the local church. It shall also pro- ministry shall not be deprived of their right of vide for the administration of its organization representation by a lay member in the annual and temporal life. It shall envision, plan, im- conference. The lay member(s) of the annual plement, and annually evaluate the mission conference, along with the pastor, shall serve and ministry of the church. The church council as an interpreter of the actions of the annual shall be amenable to and function as the ad- conference session. These persons shall report ministrative agency of the charge conference to the local church council on actions of the (¶ 243). annual conference as soon as possible, but not 2. Mission and Ministry—Nurture, later than three months after the close of the outreach, and witness ministries and their ac- conference. companying responsibilities include: 3. The church council chairperson shall be a) The nurturing ministries of the congre- elected by the charge conference annually and gation shall give attention to but not be limited shall have the following responsibilities: to education, worship, Christian formation, a) leading the council in fulfilling its re- membership care, small groups, and - sponsibilities (see ¶ 248); ship. Attention must be given to the needs of b) preparing and communicating the individuals and families of all ages. agenda of the council meetings in consultation b) The outreach ministries of the church with the pastor(s), lay leader, and other appro- shall give attention to local and larger commu- priate persons; nity ministries of comassion, justice, and advo- c) reviewing and assigning responsibility cacy. These ministries include church and so- for the implementation of actions taken by the ciety, global ministries, higher education council; and campus ministry, health and welfare, d) communicating with members of the Christian unity and interreligious concerns, council and others as appropriate to permit in- religion and race, and the statusand role of formed action at council meetings; women. e) coordinating the various activities of the c) The witness minstries of the church shall council; give attention to developing and strengthening f) providing the initiative and leadership evangelistic efforts of sharing of personal and for the council as it does the planning, estab- congregational stories of Christian experience, lishing of objectives and goals, and evaluating; faith, and service; communications; lay speak- g) participating in leadership training pro- ing ministries; and other means that give ex- grams as offered by the annual conference pressions of witness for Jesus Christ. and/or district. d) The leadership evelopment and The church council chairperson shall be en- resourcing ministries shall give attention to titled to attend meetings of all boards and the ongoing preparation and development of committees of the church unless specifically lay and clergy leaders for the ministry of the limited by the Book of Discipline. The chair- church (¶ 258.1). person is encouraged to attend annual confer- 3. Meetings—a) The council shall meet at ence. least quarterly. The chairperson or the pastor may call special meetings. The Church Council b) In order for the council to give adequate consideration to the missional purpose of the ¶ 251.—1. Purpose—The church council shall local church, it is recommended that the first provide for planning and implementing a pro- agenda item at each meeting be related to its 8 See Judicial Council Decisions 170, 305, 328, 342, 469.

115 ¶ 251 THE LOCAL CHURCH ministries of nurture, outreach, and witness. of the pastor-parish relations committee; The administrative and supportive responsi- d) the chairperson and/or a representative bilities of the church will then be given atten- of the committee on finance; tion. It is recommended that the council use a e) the chairperson and/or a representative consensus/discernment model of decision- of the board of trustees; making. f) the church treasurer; 4. Other Responsibilities—It will also be g) a lay member to annual conference; the responsibility of the church council to: h) the president and/or a representative of a) review the membership of the local the United Methodist Men; church; i) the president and/or a representative of b) fill interim vacancies occurring among the United Methodist Women; the lay officers of the church between sessions j) a representative of the United Methodist of the annual charge conference; Youth; c) establish the budget on recommendation k) the pastor(s). of the committee on finance and ensure ad- 6. Quorum—The members present and equate provision for the financial needs of the voting at any duly announced meeting shall church; constitute a quorum. d) recommend to the charge conference the salary and other remuneration of the pastor(s) and staff members after receiving recommen- Specialized Ministries dations from the committee on pastor-parish relations (staff-parish relations); ¶ 252. Age-Level, Family, and Specialized- e) review the recommendation of the com- Ministries Coordinators (see also ¶ 251)—Th mittee on pastor-parish relations regarding charge conference may elect anually a coordi- provision of adequate housing for the nator of children’s ministries, a coordinator of pastor(s), and report the same to the charge youth ministries, a coordinator of adult minis- conference for approval. Housing provisions tries, and a coordinator of family ministries. shall comply with the annual conference hous- Where young adult and specific age-level min- ing policy and parsonage standards. Housing istries would be enhanced, coordinators of shall not be considered as part of compensa- young adult and/or older adult ministries may tion or remuneration. be elected. Where there are civic youth-serv- 5. Membership—The charge conference ing agencies or scouting ministry units present will determine the size of the church council. there may be elected a Scouting coordinator. Members of the church council shall be in- Whre needs for specialized areas of ministry volved in the mission and ministry of the con- arise (for example, single adults or persons gregation as defined in ¶ 251.2. The member- with disabilities), coordinators of these areas ship of the council may consist of as few as of ministry may be elected. eleven persons or as many as the chage confer- ¶ 253. Other Ministry Group Coordina- ence deems appropriate. The council shall in- tors—In order to fulfill the mission of the local clude persons who represent the program min- church, the charge conference may elect annu- istries of the church as outlined in ¶ 242. The ally a coordinator or ministry group chairper- membership shall include but not be limited to son for any or all of these areas: Christian the following: unity and interreligious concerns, church and a) the chairperson of the church council; society, community volunteers, education, b) the lay leader; evangelism, higher education and campus c) the chairperson and/or a representative ministry, missions, prayer advocacy, religion

116 ORGANIZATION AND ADMINISTRATION ¶ 255 and race, status and role of women, earth ad- the church school, for supporting the forma- vocacy, stewardship, and worship. tion of Christian disciples focused on the Where desirable, the charge conference transformation of the world. These small may combine coordinators’ or ministry group groups may concentrate on teaching and chairpersons’ assignments. Each coordinator learning, fellowship, support, community or ministry group chairperson, if elected, shall ministries, and accountability. Members of work with the church council (or other appro- small groups will build their knowledge of the priate body), pastor(s), and other church lead- Bible, the Christian faith, The United Method- ers to address the needs and opportunities of ist Church, and the societal context in which the particular area, utilizing all appropriate re- the church finds itself. In addition, small sources and relationships of the district, an- groups, including the church school, shall pro- nual conference, and/or general church. vide people with opportunities for practicing ¶ 254. Church-School Superintendent and skills for faithful discipleship, including but Small-Group Coordinator—The charge con- not limited to worship, faith sharing, the crea- ference may elect: (1) a superintendent of the tion of new faith communities, spiritual dis- church school or Sunday school, and/or a co- cernment, Bible study, theological reflection, ordinator of small-group ministries, who shall prayer, community building, service with the be responsible for helping to organize and su- poor nd marginalized, and advocacy for peace pervise the total program for nurturing faith, and justice. Local churches or charges are en- building Christian community, and equipping couraged to develop a policy to provide for the people of all ages for ministry in daily life safety of the infants, children, and youth en- through small groups in the church; (2) a trusted to their care. health-and-welfare ministries coordinator, a) The Church School—The charge confer- who shall assist the local church and its people ence may organize a church school for the pur- in being involved in direct service to persons pose of accomplishing the church’s educa- in need; and (3) a communications coordina- tional ministry. tor, who shall assist the local church and its The church school is challenged to create members with communication tasks by mak- communities in which people of all ages expe- ing available ideas, resources, and skills. rience God’s active presence in their lives; fos- ¶ 255. Program Ministries—The minis- ter healthy, nonviolent relationships within tries of the local church are offered so that the congregation and community; testify to people encounter God’s redeeming love for the the reconciling love of God through Christ; world and respond by participating in God’s and live out their faith in the world as wit- action in theworld. To achieve this ministry, nesses to the coming reign of God. people need to be involved in a variety of b) Classes, Class Leaders, Class Meetings, small-group settings. Some will be formed by and Covenant Groups—A structure for the church council. Others will emerge with classes, class leaders, class meetings, and cov- the approval of this body. Another type is his- enant groups may be organized within the lo- torical, expressing itself in organizational cal congregation for the purpose of developing structures that are related to counterparts in mutual accountability for living a disciplined annual conferences and the general Church. Christian life. These are referred to as program ministries c) Mission and Ministry Groups—Chris- and are related to the church council. tian discipleship is patterned after the 1. The Church School and Small-Group servanthood of Jesus, who cared for the sick, Ministries—In each local church there shall be fed the hungry, and befriended the outcast. a variety of small-group ministries, including People may participate in small groups in or-

117 ¶ 255 THE LOCAL CHURCH der to serve the needs of the poor and United Methodist Women. The following is marginalized, advocate for social justice, and the authorized constitution: demonstrate their faith in all their relation- Article 1. Name—The name of tis organi- ships and whatever setting they find them- zation shall be United Methodist Women. selves in. Article 2. Relationships—The unit of d) Support Groups—Where needed, the lo- United Methodist Women in the local church cal church may organize small groups to sup- is directly related to the district and confer- port particular needs of congregation and ence organizations of United Methodist community members, including but not lim- Women and to the Women’s Division of the ited to care and prayer groups, divorce recov- General Board of Global Ministries of The ery, grief recovery, parenting groups, and sup- United Methodist Church. port for people who are suffering from chronic Article 3. Purpose—The organized unt of illness. United Methodist Women shall be a commu- 2. Local church children and youth work— nity of women whose purpose is to know God a) The children and youth work of a local and to experience freedom as whole persons church shall be organized in accordance with through Jesus Christ; to develop a creative, the constitution of the United Methodist supportive fellowship; and to expand concepts Youth Organization approved by the annual of mission through participation in the global conference. The work shall be lead by the local ministries of the Church. youth board accountable to the church coun- Article 4. Membership—Membership cil. The chairperson of the youth board shall shall be open to any woman who indicates her be elected by the charge conference, unless the desire to belong and to participate in the glo- constitution of the United Methodist Youth bal mission of the Church through United Organization stipulates something else. If so, Methodist Women. The pastor(s) shall be an the charge conference shall confirm the elec- ex officio member of the local unit and of its tion of the chairperson. The chairperson of the executive committee. youth board shall be a member in the local Article 5. Officers and Committees—The church and a full member of the church coun- local unit shall elect a president, a vice presi- cil. (see ¶ 225.2) dent, a secretary, a treasurer, and a committee b) Purpose—The youth board primarily on nominations. Additional officers and com- exists to coordinate the work among children mittees shall be elected or appointed as and youth with other local church ministries. needed, in accordance with the plans of the Sensitive to the abilities and needs of each age- Women’s Division as set forth in the bylaws group among children and youth the youth for the local unit of United Methodist Women. board shall secure that goals set forth for all Article 6. Funds—a) The organized unit ministries are reached as far as possible also in of United Methodist Women shall secure children and youth work. Youth who are mem- funds for the fulfillment of its purpose. bers of the Church have all rights and respon- b) All funds from whatever source secured sibilities of church membership. by the unit of United Methodist Women be- 3. Scouting ministries offer another setting long to the organization and shall be disbursed for ministry to children, youth, their leaders, only in accordance with its constitution and by and their families, and may be organized its order. within the United Methodist youth organiza- c) The total budget secured and adminis- tion. tered by the organized unit in the local church 4. United Methodist Women—In every lo- shall include: (1) pledges and other money for cal church there shall be an organized unit of the programs and responsibilities of the Wom-

118 ORGANIZATION AND ADMINISTRATION ¶ 256 en’s Division to be directed through regular the centrality of Christ in every man’s life. channels of finance of United Methodist Men’s ministry leads to the spiritual growth of Women; and (2) funds to be used in mission men and effective discipleship. This purpose is locally, which shall include amounts for ad- served as men are called to model the servant ministration and membership development. leadership of Jesus Christ. d) The organized unit in the local church 3. Individual and group strategies form the shall make an annual pledge to the total foundation of United Methodist Men ministry. budget of the district or conference organiza- a) Enhance Evangelism, Mission, and Spir- tion of United Methodist Women. itual Life (EMS), as men become servant lead- e) All undesignated funds, channeled to the ers. Women’s Division, shall be appropriated by b) Advocate programs that train men the division. within local churches to promote specific min- Article 7. Meetings—The organized unit istries including prayer, missions, steward- in the local church shall hold such meetings ship, and civic/youth serving ministries. for implementing the purpose and transacting c) Forge pastoral partnerships by men its business as the unit itself shall decide. committed to the effective support and service Article 8. Relationship in the Local of clergy and local congregations. Church—The organized unit of United Meth- d) Enhance organizational strength odist Women shall encourage all women to through effective leadership, resources, mem- participate in the total life and work of the bership growth, and financial accountability. Church and shall support them in assuming e) Assist men in their ever-changing rela- positions of responsibility and leadership. tionships, roles, and responsibilities in the Article 9. Amendments—Proposed family setting, workplace, and society. amendments to this constitution may be sent f) Understand the organization, doctrines, to the same address and before the same date and beliefs of The United Methodist Church. as announced for petititions to next regular g) Fulfill the membership vows through the session of the Northern Europe Central Con- commitment to prayer, presence, gifts, and ference. 9 service in congregational life. ¶ 256. United Methodist Men—Each h) Fulfill the Great Commission with and church or charge may have an organized unit through The United Methodist Church as one of United Methodist Men to provide and an- part of the Body of Christ. nually recertified through the General Com- 4. Men seeking membership in a local unit mission on United Methodist Men to provide a of United Methodist Men will be asked to sub- dedicated ministry for building men spiritu- scribe to the major strategies listed in par. 3 ally and involving men in the total ministry of above and to these personal objectives: the Church (¶ 2302). a) To engage daily in Bible study and 1. Local church resource material for sup- prayer. porting effective men’s ministries shall be pro- b) To bear witness to Christ’s way in daily vided by the annual conference organization work and in all personal contacts through of United Methodist Men and the General words and actions. Commission on United Methodist Men (¶ c) To engage in Christian service. 2302). 5. United Methodist Men may be organized 2. United Methodist Men exists to declare in one or more components within a local church as needed. Multiple local churches may 9 Note: For a description of the Women’s Division of also form a single unit of United Methodist the General Board of Global Ministries and its subsidi- Men according to their needs. ary organizations, see ¶¶ 1317-1325 in the Book of Discipline 2000.

119 ¶ 257 THE LOCAL CHURCH

6. Membership shall be open to any man garding the leadership (other thn employed who indicates his desire to belong and to par- staff) of the congregation so as to focus on mis- ticipate in the ministry of the church through sion and ministry as the context for service; United Methodist Men. guide the development and training of spir- 7. The appointed clergy of the local church itual leaders; recruit, nurture, and support or charge shall be ex officio member(s) of the spiritual leaders; and assist the church coun- unit and its executive committee cil, or alternative structure, in assessing the ¶ 257. Other Age-Level Councils—Where changing leadership needs. the size of the church and the extent of the pro- b) The committee shall recommend to the gram indicate the need, the work of the church charge conference, at its annual session, the council (or other appropriate body) may be fa- names of people to serve as officers and lead- cilitated by one or more age-level councils ers of designated ministries of the church and/or a family council, or such other means council, or alternative administrative body re- as fit the needs of the congregation. The mem- quired for the work of the church and as the bership of these councils shall be elected by law of the church requires or as the charge con- the church council (or other appropriate ference deems necessary to its work. body). c) This committee is to be composed of not more than nine persons, in addition to the pastor and the lay leader. At least one young Administrative Committees adult elected by the charge conference shall serve as a member of the committee One or ¶ 258. 1. There shall be elected annually, by more members elected by the charge confer- the charge conference in each local church, a ence may be youth. The pastor shall be the committee on lay leadership that is com- chairperson. A layperson elected by the com- posed of full members of the local church. The mittee on lay leadership shall serve as the vice charge of this committee is to identify, de- chairperson of the committee. velop, deploy, evaluate, and monitor Christian d) In order o secure experience and stabil- spiritual leadership for the local congregation. ity, the membership shall be divided into three Members of the committee shall engage in and classes, one of which shall be elected each year be attentive to developing and enhancing their for a three-year term. To begin the process of own Christian spiritual life in light of the mis- rotation where such has not been in place, in sion of the Church (Part V, Chapter One, Sec- the first year, one class shall be elected for one tion 1). year, one class for two years, and one class for In conducting its work, the committee shall thee years. Each year’s new class, and vacan- engage in biblical and theological reflections cies at the time of charge conference, shall be on the mission of the church, the primary task, elected from nominees, from the floor of the and ministries of the local church. It shall pro- charge conference and/or through the recom- vide a means of identifying the spiritual gifts mendation of the committee on lay leadership. and abilities of the membership. The commit- Retiring members of the comittee shall not tee shall work with the church council, or al- succeed themselves. Only one person from an ternative administrative bodies, to determine immediate family residing in the same house- the diverse inistry tasks of the congregation hold shall serve on the committee. When va- and the skills needed for leadership. cancies occur during the year, nominees shall a) The committee on lay leadership shall be elected by the church council, or alternative serve throughout the year to guide the church church structure, with the permission of the council, or alternative structure, on matters re- district superintendent.

120 ORGANIZATION AND ADMINISTRATION ¶ 258

e) In the identification and selection proc- classes, one of which shall be elected each year ess, care shall be given that the leadership of for a three-year term. The lay member of the ministries reflects inclusivity and diversity. annual conference and the lay leader are ex- 2. There shall be elected annually by the empt from the three-year term. To begin the charge conference in each local church a com- process of rotation where such a process has mittee on pastor-parish relations or not been in place, on the first year one class staff-parish relations who are full members of shall be elected for one year, one class for two the local church or charge or associate mem- years, and one class for three years. Retiring bers (¶ 226), except in cases where central members of the committee shall not succeed conference legislation or local law provides themselves. Whn vacancies occur during the otherwise. People serving on this committee year, nominees shall be elected at the church must be engaged in and attentive to their council (or alternative church structure). Christian spiritual development so as to give c) In those charges where there is more proper leadership in the responsibilities with than one church, the committee shall include which the committee is entrusted. at least one representative from each local In conducting its work, the committee shall church. The charge conference may appoint a identify and clarify its values for ministry. It local church pastoral advisory committee for shall engage in biblical and theological reflec- those churches desiring such a committee. tions on the mission of the church, the primary The advisory committee shall consist of three task, and ministries of the local church. persons placed in three classes with the chair- The committee shall reflect biblically and person serving as a member of the charge theologically on the role and work of the committee. The committee shall meet upon pastor(s) and staff as they carry out their lead- request of the pastor or of the chairperson, ership responsibilities. The committee shall and its duties shall be those outlined in par. assist the pastor(s) and staff in assessng their 2f(3) and (4). The committee shall meet only gifts and setting priorities for leadership and with the knowledge of the pastor. service. It is the responsibility of the commit- d) The committees on pastor-parish rela- tee to communicate with the committee on lay tions of charges that are in cooperative parish leadership and/or the church council when ministries shall meet together to consider the there is a need for other leaders or for em- professional leadership needs of the coopera- ployed staff to perform in areas where utiliza- tive parish ministry as a whole. Where tion of the gifts of the pastor(s) and staff churches are organized as a larger parish, the proves an inappropriate stewardship of time. committee on pastor-parish relations shall a) The committee shall be composed of not consist of at least one representative from fewer than five nor more than nine persons each church. Individual churches may form representative of the total charge. One of the pastoral advisory committees as needed. members shall be a young adult and one mem- e) The committee shall meet at least quar- ber may be a youth. In addition, the lay leader terly. It shall meet additionally at the request and a lay member of the annual conference of the bishop, the ditrict superintendent, the shall be members. No staff member or imme- pastor, any member of the professional staff, diate family member of a pastor or staff mem- or the chairperson of the committee. To fulfill ber may serve on the committee. Only one per- his or her obligation under ordination, his or son from an immediate family residing in the her connectional responsibility under ap- same household shall serve on the committee. pointment, and his or her duty as a pastor, the b) In order to secure experience and stabil- pastor should be present at each meeting of ity, the membership shall be divided into three the committee on pastor-parish relations ex-

121 ¶ 258 THE LOCAL CHURCH cept where he or she voluntarily excuses him- dained ministry, and the Ministerial Educa- self or herself. The committee shall meet only tion Fund. with the knowledge of the pastor and/or the (5) - district superintendent. It may meet with the (6) To consult with the pastor and staff district superintendent without the pastor be- concerning continuing education and spiritual ing present. However, the pastor or any mem- renewal, to arrange with the church council for ber of the staff under consideration shall be the necessary time and financial assistance for notified prior to such meeting at which a pas- the attendance of the pastor and/or staff at tor’s or clergy staff member’s continued ap- such continuing education and spiritual re- pointment or a lay staff member’s employ- newal events as may serve their professional ment is discussed and be brought into consul- and spiritual growth, and to encourage staff tation immediately thereafter. In the event members to seek professional certification in that only one congregation on a charge con- their fields of specialization. taining more than one church has concerns it (7) To enlist, interview, evaluate, review, wishes to share, its member(s) in the commit- and recommend annually to the charge confer- tee may meet separately with the pastor or any ence lay preachers and persons for candidacy member of the professional staff or the district for ordained ministry (see ¶¶ 246.8 and 305), superintendent, but only with the knowledge and to enlist and refer to the General Board of of the pastor and/or district superintendent. Global Ministries persons for candidacy for The committee may meet in closed session missionary service, recognizing that The upon recommendation of the pastor, any other United Methodist Church affirms the biblical person accountable to the committee, the and theological support of persons regardless chairperson of the committee, or the district of gender, race, ethnic origin, or disabilities for superintendent. these ministries. Neither the pastor nor any f) The duties of the committee shall include member of the committee on pastor-parish re- the following: lations shall be present during the considera- (1) To confer with and counsel the pastor(s) tion of a candidacy application or renewal for a and staff on the matters pertaining to the ef- member of their immediate family. The com- fectiveness of ministry; relationships with the mittee shall provide to the charge conference a congregation; conditions that may impede the list of students from the charge who are pre- effectiveness of ministry; and to interpret the paring for ordained ministry, diaconal minis- nature and function of the ministry. try, and/or missionary service, and shall main- (2) To confer with, consult, and counsel the tain contact with these students, supplying the pastor(s) and staff on matters pertaining to charge conference with a progress report on priorities in the use of gifts, skills, and time each student. and priorities for the demands and effective- (8) To interpret preparation for ordained ness of the mission and ministry of the congre- ministry and the Ministerial Education Fund gation. to the congregation. (3) To provide evaluation at least annually (9) To confer with the pastor and/or other for the use of the pastor(s) and staff in an on- appointed members of the staff if it should be- going effective ministry and for identifying come evident that the best interests of the continuing educational needs and plans. charge and pastor(s) will be served by a (4) To communicate and interpret to the change of pastor(s). The committee shall co- congregation the nature and function of min- operate with the pastor(s), the district super- istry in The United Methodist Church regard- intendent, and the bishop in securing clergy ing open itinerancy, the preparation for or- leadership. Its relationship to the district su-

122 ORGANIZATION AND ADMINISTRATION ¶ 258 perintendent and the bishop shall be advisory available for educational and training oppor- only.10 (See ¶¶ 430-433.) tunities provided by the conference, district, (10) To recommend to the church council, and/or other arenas that will enable them to after consultation with the pastor, the profes- be effective in their work. sional and other staff positions (whether em- 3. There shall be a board of trustees, ployee or contract) needed to carry out the whose membership and duties are detiled in ¶¶ work of the church or charge. The committee 2524-2551. and the pastor shall recommend to the church 4. There shall be a committee on fi- council a written statement of policy and pro- nance, elected annually by the charge confer- cedures regarding the process for hiring, con- ence upon recommendation by the committee tracting, evaluating, promoting, retiring, and on lay leadership or from the floor, composed dismissing staff personnel who are not subject of the chairperson; the pastor(s); a lay mem- to episcopal appointment as ordained clergy. ber of the annual conference; the chairperson Until such a policy has been adopted, the com- of the church council; the chairperson or rep- mittee and the pastor shall have the authority resentative of the committee on pastor-parish to hire, contract, evaluate, promote, retire, relations; a representative of the trustees to be and dismiss nonappointed personnel. When selected by the trustees; the chairperson of the persons are hired or contracted, consideration ministry group on stewardship; the lay leader; shall be given to the training qualifications the financial secretary; the treasurer; the and certification standards set forth by the church business administrator; and other general Church agency to which such posi- members to be added as the charge conference tions are related. The committee shall further may determine. It is recommended that the recommend to the church council a provision chairperson of the committee on finance shall for adequate health and life insurance, pen- be a member of the church council. The finan- sion benefits, and severance pay for all lay em- cial secretary, treasurer, and church business ployees. administrator, if paid employees, shall be (11) To recommend to the charge confer- members without vote. ence, when the size of the employed staff of the Where there is no stewardship ministry charge makes it desirable, the establishment area, stewardship shall be the responsibility of of a personnel committee. This committee shal a subgroup of the committee on finance or be composed of such members of the commit- shall be assigned to a task group that shall re- tee on pastor-parish relations as it may desig- port to the church council. nate and such additional members as the All financial askings to be included in the charge conference may determine. annual budget of the local church shall be sub- (12) To educate the church community on mitted to the committee on finance. The com- the value of diversity of selecton in clergy and mittee on finance shall compile annually a lay staff and develop a commitment to same. complete budget for the local church and sub- (13) Members of the committee on pastor- mit it to the church council for review and parish relations (or staff-parish relations) adoption. The committee on finance shall be shall keep themselves informed of personnel charged with responsibility for developing and matters in relationship to the Church’s policy, implementing plans that will raisesufficient professional standards, liability issues, and income to meet the budget adopted by the civil law. They are responsible for communi- church council. It shall administer the funds cating and interpreting such matters to staff. received according to instructions from the Committee members should make themselves church council. The committee shall carry out the church 10 See Judicial Council Decision 701.

123 ¶ 258 THE LOCAL CHURCH council’s directions in guiding the treasurer(s) funds that are separate from the current ex- and financial secretary. pense budget. a) The committee shall designate at least 5. The church council may appoint such two persons not of the immediate family resid- other committees as it deems advisable, in- ing in the same household to count the offer- cluding: committee on communications, com- ing. They shall work under the supervision of mittee on records and history, committee on the financial seretary. A record of all funds re- health and welfare, and committee on memo- ceived shall be given to the financial secretary rial gifts. and treasurer. Funds received shall be depos- ited promptly in accordance with the proce- dures established by the committee on finance. Section VII. The Method of Organizing The financial secretary shall keep records of a New Local Church the contributions and payments. b) The church treasurer(s) shll disburse all ¶ 259. 1. A new local hurch or mission con- money contributed to causes represented in gregation shall be established only with the the local church budget, and such other funds consent of the bishop in charge and the cabinet and contributions as the church council may and with due consideration of the conference determine. The treasurer(s) shall remit each entity assigned the responsibility for congrega- month to the conference treasurer all World tional development. The bishop shall desig- Service and confeence benevolence funds then nate the district within whose bounds he on hand. Contributions to benevolence shall church or mission congregation shall be or- not be used for any cause other than that to ganized. The district superintendent of that which they have been given. The church treas- district, or his or her designee, shall be the urer shall make regular and detailed repots on agent in charge of the project and shall recom- funds received and expended to the committee mend to the district board of church location on finance and the church council.11 he and building (¶ 2518) the method of organiza- treasurer(s) shall be adequately bonded. tion, and whether a specific site shall be se- c) The committee shall make provision for lected or an area of organization be desig- an annual audit of the records of the financial nated. The district superintendent shall avail officers of the local church and all its organiza- him/herself of existing emographic, lifestyle tions and shall report to the charge conference. and ethnographic information in the process d) The committee shall recommend to the of estblishing a new congregation and its loca- church council proper depositories for the tion, or shall recommend to the board of trus- church’s funds. Funds received shall be depos- tees of a elected local church that they share ited promptly in the name of the local church. their facility with the proposed congregation. e) Contributions designated for specific If there is a city or district missionary organi- causes and objects shall be promptly for- zation, or if funds for the project are antici- warded according to the intent of the donor pated from a conference organization, those and shall not be used for any other purpose. bodies shall also be asked to approve the f) After the budget of the local church has method of organization and location for a new been approved, additional appropriations or congregation. changes in the budget must be approved by 2. The bishop may appoint a pastor to the church council. launch a new local church, or with the bishop’s g) The committee shall prepare annually a approval the district superintendent may au- report o the church council of all designated thorize a local church or group of local churches to launch a new church by gathering 11 See Judicial Council Decisions 63, 320, 539.

124 THE METHOD OF ORGANIZING A NEW LOCAL CHURCH ¶ 259 interested people in small groups for Bible profess their faith and are confirmed, they will study, outreach, community building, and be received as members. When the district su- worship at a site in an area approved by the perintendent or designated elder is satisfied as district board of church location and building. to the genuineness of their faith and purpose, 3. A pastor of The United Methodist they shall be received into the membership of Church, while serving as the pastor of a new the church. Other baptized people are to be church prior to the convening of a constituting entered on the roll of those who are baptized. conference (¶ 259.7), may receive a person 7. A list shall be made of all the people re- into the membership of The United Methodist ceived into the membership of the proposed Church under the conditions of ¶ 216. When a church by transfer and on profession of faith. person is received and/or baptized into the Those people shall be members of the consti- church, the pastor shall send the name, ad- tuting church conference, and each shall be dress, and related facts to the annual confer- entitled to vote. ence secretary for recording on a general 8. The constituting church conference shall membership roll. These names shall be trans- then be called to order by the district superin- ferred as soon as possible to the roll of the new tendent or by an elder whom the superintend- church, when constituted, or to another ent designates (see ¶ 245.5). A committee on church upon the member’s request. If the new nominations, elected on nominations from the church is being sponsored by an existing floor as the conference may determine, shall church, membership may be recorded on the nominate members of the proposed church roll of that church. council. The chairperson of the committee on 4. Each annual conference or its equivalent nominations shall be the appointed pastor may determine the minimum number of (see ¶ 258.1). When the members have been members and other criteria required for the chosen, the district superintendent or the des- organization of a local United Methodist ignated elder shall declare the church properly church. constituted. 5. When the number of people interested in 9. The district superintendent or an elder being charter members of the new church whom the superintendent designates shall reaches the number necessary as set by the then adjourn the constituting church confer- conference to charter a new church, the dis- ence and call to order the charge conference of trict superintendent shall call the interested the pastoral charge. The membership of the people to meet at an appointed time for the charge conference shall be those newly purpose of organizing them into a chartered elected, and any others entitled to member- (organized) local church, or may by written ship. The charge conference shall then elect authorization designate an elder in the district such officers of the church as the Discipline to call such a meeting. The district superin- requires, including trustees of church prop- tendent or the designated elder shall preside erty, and shall organize its structure as pro- and shall appoint a secretary to keep a record vided in the Discipline. When such officers of the meeting. Following a time of worship, have been duly elected and such structure put opportunity shall be given to those in attend- in place, the church is duly organized, and ance to present themselves for membership. from this point its work shall proceed as de- 6. People desiring to become members on scribed in the Discipline, provided that when a profession of their faith in Christ shall also be newly organized church is attached to a cir- given opportunity to present themselves for cuit, the charge conference shall not be held membership. Any who have not been baptized until such time as representatives from all the shall receive the sacrament of baptism. If they churches of the charge can be properly assem-

125 ¶ 260 THE LOCAL CHURCH bled for that purpose. ing offerings to special programs. 10. The charge conference may take action, Six special churchwide Sundays provide for at its discretion, authorizing and directing the churchwide offerings to do deeds expressive of newly elected trustees to incorporate the our commitment: Human Relations Day, One newly organized church in accordance with lo- Great Hour of Sharing, World Communion cal laws and the provisions of the Discipline. Sunday, United Methodist Student Sunday, Peace with Justice Sunday, and Native American Ministries Sunday. Three special Section VIII. Transfer of a Local Sundays are without offering: Heritage Sun- Church day, Laity Sunday, and Organ and Tissue Do- nor Sunday. Four churchwide Sundays, ¶ 260. A local church may be transferred Christian Education, Golden Cross, Disability from one annual conference to another in Awareness, and Rural Life Sundays, provide which it is geographically located by a two- opportunities for annual conference offerings. thirds vote of the members who are present The special Sundays approved by General and voting in each of the following: (1) the Conference shall be the only Sundays of charge conference, (2) a congregational meet- churchwide emphasis. The program calendar ing of the local church, and (3) each of the two of the denomination shall include only the annual conferences involved. Upon announce- special Sundays approved by General Confer- ment of the required majorities by the bishop ence, special Sundays approved by ecumenical or bishops involved, the transfer shall imme- agencies to which The United Methodist diately be effective. The votes required may Church is officially related, and the days and originate in the local church or either of the seasons of the Christian Year. annual conferences involved and shall be ef- Because of the diversity of history and fective regardless of the order in which taken. heritages experienced by the central confer- In each case a two-thirds vote of those present ences, they shall not be required to observe all and voting shall remain effective unless and of the special days listed below. The central until rescinded prior to the completion of the conferences are authorized to observe other transfer by a vote of a majority of those special days appropriate to their unique his- present and voting. tory and heritages.

Section IX. Protection of Rights of (¶¶ 263-265 Not valid within The Congregations Northen Europe Central Conference)

¶ 261. is not valid within the Northern Eu- Section XI. lay speaker Ministries rope Central Conference.

12 Section X. Special Sundays ¶ 266. Lay speaker —1. A lay speaker is a member of a local church or charge who is ready and desirous to serve the Church and ¶ 262. The special Sundays in The United who is well informed on and committed to the Methodist Church are intended to be illustra- Scriptures and the doctrine, heritage, organi- tive of the nature and calling of the church and zation, and life of The United Methodist are celebrated annually. The special Sundays Church and who has received specific training are placed on the calendar to make clear the to develop skills in witnessing to the Christian calling of the church as the people of God, and to give persons the opportunity of contribut- 12 ”Lay speaker” is similar to ”Local preacher” (”Lokalpredikant”) in the scandinavian context.

126 LAY SPEAKER MINISTRIES ¶ 270 faith through spoken communication, church is held (see ¶ 246.11). The applicant must have and community leadership, and care-giving been an active member for at least one year. ministries. An applicant must be active in the b) Completed the basic course for lay support of the local church or charge. speaking. 13 2. Lay speakers are to serve the local church c) Meet with the district superintendent for or charge (or beyond the local church or a conversation about the application and the charge) in any way in which their witness or responsibilities and ministry of a lay speaker. leadership and service inspires the laity to 2. The districts superintendent shall issue a deeper commitment to Christ and more effec- certificate of lay speaking upon recognition. tive discipleship, including the interpretation 3. The local church lay speaker shall serve of the Scriptures, doctrine, organization, and the local church in which membership is held ministries of the church. as well as in other local churches in the confer- 3. Through continued study and training a ence by witness of the spoken word, vital lead- lay speaker should prepare to undertake one ership service, and care-giving ministry (see ¶ or more of the following functions, giving pri- 266.3). mary attention to service within the local ¶ 268. Continuation as a lay speaker— church or charge. Recognition as a certified lay speaker shall be a) To take initiative in giving leadership, renewed annually by the charge conference af- assistance, and support to the program em- ter the lay speaker has: phases of the church. a) Requested in writing the renewal of cer- b) To lead meetings for prayer, training, tification. study, and discussion when requested by the b) Submitted an annual report to the charge pastor, district superintendent, or committee conference, giving evidence of the satisfactory on lay speaking. performance of lay speaking service. c) To conduct, or assist in conducting, serv- c) Been recommended for renewal by the ices of worship, and present sermons and ad- pastor and the charge conference. dresses when requested by the pastor, or dis- d) Completed at least once in every three trict superintendent. years an advanced course for lay speakers. d) To relate to appropriate committees and ¶ 269. Transfer of Certification by Certi- ministry areas in providing leadership for con- fied Lay Speakers—A lay speaker who moves gregational and community life and fostering may transfer certification to the new charge care-giving ministries. conference upon receipt of a letter from the 4. Lay speaker training courses shall be previous pastor confirming current certifica- those approved by the Northern Europe Board tion and the date of completion of the most re- of Education. Such training should enable cent advanced course taken. Further renewal ministries with all language and cultural of certification is in accordance with ¶ 268. groups as appropriate. ¶ 270. Provisions for Lay Missioners—Lay 5. It is recommended that a service of com- missioners are committed laypersons, mostly mitment be held for persons recognized as lay volunteers, who are willing to be trained and speakers. work in a team with a pastor-mentor to de- ¶ 267. Recognition of a lay speaker—1. A velop faith communities, establish community candidate may be recognized as a lay speaker ministries, develop church school extension after the candidate has: programs, and engage in congregational de- a) Made application in writing to the dis- velopment. All lay missioners must follow the trict superintendent and has been recom- mended by the pastor and the charge confer- 13 See Appendix: “Educational Standards within the ence of the local church in which membership Northern Europe Central Conference”

127 ¶ 270 THE LOCAL CHURCH guidelines established by the Central Confer- ence Executive Committee in line with corre- sponding work by (US) National Committee on Hispanic Ministries of the National Plan for Hispanic Ministries and may be certified by their annual conference. If annual conferences choose to certify lay missioners, they must do so according to the guidelines. They are ac- countable to their pastor-mentor as members of the ministry team. The ministry team is ac- countable to the local congregation or spon- soring body that established the goals for the ministry and assigned the ministry team. The lay missioner is accountable to the policies and procedures of the annual conference where assigned. The concept of lay missioners is theologically based in the ministry of the la- ity. While lay missioners are engaged in a vari- ety of ministries, their purpose is to comple- ment, not replace, pastors.14

14 See Judicial Council Decision 693.

128 Chapter Two

THE MINISTRY OF THE ORDAINED

Section I. The Meaning of Ordination ministry of the whole people of God. Paul and Conference Membership states (Ephesians 4:1-12) that different gifts and ministries are given to all persons. ¶ 301. 1. Ministry in the Christian church is ¶ 303. Purpose of Ordination—1. Ordina- derived from the ministry of Christ, who calls tion to this ministry is a gift from God to the all persons to receive God’s gift of salvation church. In ordination, the church affirms and and follow in the way of love and service. The continues the apostolic ministry through per- whole church receives and accepts this call, sons empowered by the Holy Spirit. As such, and all Christians participate in this continu- those who are ordained make a commitment ing ministry (see ¶¶ 120-138). to conscious living of the whole gospel and to 2. Within the church community, there are the proclamation of that gospel to the end that persons whose gifts, evidence of God’s grace, the world may be saved. and promise of future usefulness are affirmed 2. Ordination is fulfilled in leadership of by the community, and who respond to God’s the people of God through ministries of Serv- call by offering themselves in leadership as or- ice, Word, Sacrament, and Order. The dained ministers (¶ 302). Church’s ministry of service is a primary rep- ¶ 302. Ordination and Apostolic Minis- resentation of God’s love. Those who respond try—The pattern for this response to the call is to God’s call to lead in service and to equip provided in the development of the early others for this ministry through teaching, church. The apostles led in prayer and preach- proclamation, and worship and who assist ing, ordered the spiritual and temporal life of elders in the administration of the sacraments the community, established leadership for the are ordained deacons. Those whose leadership ministry of service, and provided for the proc- in service includes preaching and teaching the lamation of the gospel to new persons and in Word of God, administration of the sacra- new places. The early church, through the lay- ments, ordering the Church for its mission and ing on of hands, set apart persons with respon- service, and administration of the Discipline sibility to preach, to teach, to administer the of the Church are ordained as elders. sacraments, to nurture, to heal, to gather the 3. Ordained persons exercise their ministry community in worship, and to send them forth in covenant with all Christians, especially with in witness. The church also set apart other per- those whom they lead and serve in ministry. sons to care for the physical needs of others, They also live in covenant of mutual care and reflecting the concerns for the people of the accountability with all those who share their world. In the New Testament (Acts 6), we see ordination, especially in The United Method- the apostles identifying and authorizing per- ist Church, with the ordained who are mem- sons to a ministry of service. These functions, bers of the same annual conference. The cov- though set apart, were never separate from the enant of ordained ministry is a lifetime com-

129 ¶ 304 THE MINISTRY OF THE ORDAINED mitment, and those who enter into it dedicate plines and patterns of holiness. their whole lives to the personal and spiritual c) Acknowledge a call by God to give them- disciplines it requires. selves completely to ordained ministry follow- 4. The effectiveness of the Church in mis- ing Jesus’ pattern of love and service. sion depends on these covenantal commit- d) Communicate persuasively the Christian ments to the ministry of all Christians and the faith in both oral and written form. ordained ministry of the Church. Through or- e) Make a commitment to lead the whole dination and through other offices of pastoral Church in loving service to humankind. leadership, the Church provides for the con- f) Give evidence of God’s gifts for ordained tinuation of Christ’s ministry, which has been ministry, evidence of God’s grace in their lives, committed to the church as a whole. Without and promise of future usefulness in the mis- creative use of the diverse gifts of the entire sion of the Church. body of Christ, the ministry of the church is g) Be persons in whom the community can less effective. Without responsible leadership, place trust and confidence. the focus, direction, and continuity of that h) Accept that Scripture contains all things ministry is diminished. It is out of the faith necessary for salvation through faith in God and witness of the congregation that men and through Jesus Christ; be competent in the dis- women respond to God’s call to ordained min- ciplines of Scripture, theology, church history, istry. Every local church should intentionally and Church polity; possess the skills essential nurture candidates for ordained ministry and to the practice of ordained ministry; and lead provide spiritual and financial support for in making disciples for Jesus Christ. their education, where practical, as servant i) Be accountable to The United Methodist leaders for the ministry of the whole people of Church, accept its Doctrinal Standards and God. Discipline and authority, accept the supervi- 5. In keeping with ancient Christian teach- sion of those appointed to this ministry, and ing and our Wesleyan tradition, we affirm that be prepared to live in the covenant of its or- ordination for the same, or equivalent order, is dained ministers. not repeatable. 2. For the sake of the mission of Jesus ¶ 304. Qualifications for Ordination—1. Christ in the world and the most effective wit- Those whom the Church ordains shall be con- ness to the Christian gospel, and in considera- scious of God’s call to ordained ministry, and tion of the influence of an ordained minister their call shall be acknowledged and authenti- on the lives of other persons both within and cated by the Church. God’s call has many outside the Church, the Church expects those manifestations, and the Church cannot struc- who seek ordination to make a complete dedi- ture a single test of authenticity. Nevertheless, cation of themselves to the highest ideals of the experience of the Church and the needs of the Christian life. To this end, they agree to its ministry require certain qualities of faith, exercise responsible self-control by personal life, and practice from those who seek ordina- habits conducive to bodily health, mental and tion as deacons and elders. In order that The emotional maturity, integrity in all personal United Methodist Church may be assured that relationships, fidelity in marriage and celibacy those persons who present themselves as can- in singleness, social responsibility, and growth didates for ordained ministry are truly called in grace and in the knowledge and love of God. of God, the Church expects persons seeking 3. While persons set apart by the Church ordination to: for ordained ministry are subject to all the a) Have a personal faith in Christ and be frailties of the human condition and the pres- committed to Christ as Savior and Lord. sures of society, they are required to maintain b) Nurture and cultivate spiritual disci- the highest standards of holy living in the

130 CANDIDACY FOR LICENSED AND ORDAINED MINISTRY ¶ 306 world. Since the practice of homosexuality is authenticity of their call by God to ordered incompatible with Christian teaching, self- ministry. avowed practicing homosexuals are not to be Wesley’s Questions for the Examiners—In accepted as candidates, ordained as ministers, order that The United Methodist Church may or appointed to serve in The United Methodist be assured that those persons who present Church.1 themselves as candidates for ministry are truly 4. The United Methodist Church entrusts called of God to this order, let those who con- those persons who are in the ordained minis- sider recommending such persons for candi- try with primary responsibility for maintain- dacy as ordained ministers in The United ing standards of education and preparation Methodist Church prayerfully and earnestly for ordination. Having been originally recom- ask themselves these questions: mended by a charge conference and by au- 1. Do they know God as pardoning God? thorization of the ordained members in full Have they the love of God abiding in them? Do connection with the annual conference, ac- they desire nothing but God? Are they holy in cording to the procedures set out in the Book all manner of conversation? of Discipline for the examination and approval 2. Have they gifts, as well as evidence of of candidates for ordination, persons are God’s grace, for the work? Have they a clear, elected to membership in the annual confer- sound understanding; a right judgment in the ence and ordained by the bishop. things of God; a just conception of salvation by 5. In all cases where the board on ordained faith? Do they speak justly, readily, clearly? ministry or ordained members in full connec- 3. Have they fruit? Have any been truly tion in clergy session vote on granting any sta- convinced of sin and converted to God, and are tus regarding license, ordination, or confer- believers edified by their service? ence membership, it is understood that the re- As long as these marks occur in them, we quirements set forth herein are minimum re- believe they are called of God to serve. These quirements only. Each person voting is ex- we receive as sufficient proof that they are pected to vote prayerfully based on personal moved by the Holy Spirit. judgment of the applicant’s gifts, evidence of ¶ 306. Candidacy for Licensed and Or- God’s grace, and promise of future usefulness dained Ministry—A person, upon hearing and for the mission of the Church. heeding the call to servant leadership through licensed or ordained ministry, shall contact the pastor of the local church, another or- Section II. Candidacy for Licensed and dained deacon or elder, or the district superin- Ordained Ministry tendent to begin the process as an inquiring candidate. ¶ 305. Entrance Procedures into Licensed The following is the process through which and Ordained Ministry—The ordained minis- a person moves toward licensing and/or ordi- try is recognized by The United Methodist nation and conference membership, and is to Church as a called-out and set-apart ministry. be resourced by the annual conference. All Therefore, it is appropriate that those persons persons entering into this process shall receive who present themselves as candidates for or- written communication about decisions made dained ministry be examined regarding the regarding the different stages of their candi- dacy. 1 “Self-avowed practicing homosexual” is understood to 1. The Inquiring Candidate shall contact mean that a person openly acknowledges to a bishop, district superintendent, district committee of ordained the pastor in the local church or another or- ministry, board of ordained ministry, or clergy session dained deacon or elder; obtain and read the that the person is a practicing homosexual. See Judicial Council Decisions 702, 708, 722, 725, 764, 844. book The Christian as Minister, or its equiva-

131 ¶ 306 THE MINISTRY OF THE ORDAINED lent, and discuss it with the pastor in the local garding the ability and qualifications of the church or another ordained deacon or elder. applicant and make plain the importance of 2. The Exploring Candidate—Those seek- such recommendation to the candidate for or- ing to explore candidacy for licensed or or- dination. To be valid such a recommendation dained ministry: shall be: i) voted by written ballot by two- a) shall have been a member in good stand- thirds of the charge conference present at this ing of The United Methodist Church for at meeting, provided that in the case of an affili- least two years immediately preceding the ap- ate member there has been a consultation with plication for candidacy, including a year of and approval by the charge conference of the service in some form of congregational leader- home church; ship, either in that local church or one agreed c) The recommendation is valid only if the to by the board on ordained ministry, pro- candidate has completed the basic course for vided that in the case of an affiliate member, local preachers. there has been a consultation with and ap- 4. The Certified Candidate—Candidates proval by the charge conference of the home who have completed the requirements of par. church. 2-3 and desire to be certified as candidates for b) shall apply to the district superintendent ordination shall: in writing for admission to the candidacy stud- a) appear before the board on ordained ies; and ministry, or its representative, for examina- c) shall be assigned as an exploring candi- tion; date to a candidacy mentor by the board on b) complete the psychological tests re- ordained ministry in consultation with the dis- quired; trict superintendent that will focus on the spir- c) submit a written response providing evi- itual discernment of the call, and start the ba- dence of understanding and expectation con- sic course for lay speakers according to the syl- cerning the following: i) the most formative labus made by the Northern Europe Board of experiences of your Christian life; ii) God’s call Education. to ordained ministry and the role of the church 3. Declared Candidate for Licensing or Or- in your call; iii) reflect on your year’s experi- dination—Declared candidates are those who ence in leadership in the congregation; iv) have completed the exploratory process in par. your future usefulness as a minister in The 2 and who seek to become certified candi- United Methodist Church; v) your personal dates. They shall: beliefs as a Christian; vi) your personal gifts a) consult with the pastor and committee for ministry; vii) how your personal relation- on pastor or staff-parish relations after formu- ships may affect your future ministry; lating a written statement reflecting their call d) submit a written response providing evi- to ministry and requesting recommendation dence of understanding the ministry of deacon for certification. The candidate shall be inter- and the ministry of the elder within The viewed by the committee on his or her state- United Methodist Church; ment and Wesley’s historic questions in ¶ 305; e) provide other information as may be re- b) be recommended by the charge confer- quired for determining gifts, evidence of God’s ence in accordance with the following method: grace, fruit, and demonstration of the call for A meeting for the purpose of recommending a the ministry of deacon or elder; and candidate for ordained ministry shall be pre- f) agree for the sake of the mission of Jesus ceded by at least two public announcements Christ in the world and the most effective wit- and shall be held in the presence of the bishop, ness of the gospel, and in consideration of district superintendent, or an authorized their influence as ministers, to make a com- elder, who shall counsel with those present re- plete dedication of themselves to the highest

132 CANDIDACY FOR LICENSED AND ORDAINED MINISTRY ¶ 307 ideals of the Christian life as set forth in ¶¶ The statement on ordination (¶ 304) states: ”The Church expects those who seek ordination to make a 102-104; 160-166. To this end they shall agree complete dedication of themselves to the highest ideals to exercise responsible self-control by per- of the Christian life … [and to] agree to exercise responsible self-control by personal habits …” sonal habits conducive to bodily health, men- There are eight crucial steps in the examination of tal and emotional maturity, fidelity in mar- candidates. They are: (1) The self-examination of the individual seeking riage and celibacy in singleness, social respon- ordination as he or she responds to God’s call in sibility, and growth in grace and the knowl- personal commitment to Christ and his church. (2) The decision of the committee on pastor-parish edge and love of God.2 relations, which makes the first recommendation to the ¶ 307. Continuation of Candidacy—The charge conference when a member seeks to become a candidate for ordained ministry. progress of candidates shall be reviewed and (3) The decision of the charge conference, which must recommend the candidate. (4) The decision of the board on ordained ministry, 2 In adopting the statements in ¶¶ 304.2 and 306.4f on which must recommend the candidate to the confer- the moral and social responsibility of ordained minis- ence board of ordained ministry and, where applicable, ters, the General Conference seeks to elevate the the decision of the district conference. standards by calling for a more thoroughgoing moral (5) The decision of the board of ordained ministry, commitment by the candidate and for a more careful which must recommend deacon’s ordination and and thorough examination of candidates by district probationary membership. See Judicial Council committees and boards of the ministry. Decisions 513, 536, 542. The legislation in no way implies that the use of (6) The decision of the clergy members of the annual tobacco is a morally indifferent question. In the light of conference, who must elect candidates to probationary the developing evidence against the use of tobacco, the membership. burden of proof would be upon all users to show that (7) The recommendation of the board of ordained their use of it is consistent with the highest ideals of ministry for deacon’s or elder’s ordination and full the Christian life. Similarly, regarding beverage membership. alcohol, the burden of proof would be upon users to (8) The election to deacon’s or elder’s ordination show that their action is consistent with the ideals of and full membership by the clergy members of the excellence of mind, purity of body, and responsible annual conference. social behavior. All clergy members of the annual conference are Therefore, the changes here do not relax the traditional accountable as to character and effectiveness to the view concerning the use of tobacco and beverage annual conference throughout their entire ministry. alcohol by ordained ministers in The United Methodist The General Conference has made it clear in the Church. Rather they call for higher standards of self- ”Doctrinal Standards and Our Theological Task” (Part discipline and habit formation in all personal and II of the Discipline) that Scripture, tradition, experi- social relationships. They call for dimensions of moral ence, and reason are our guidelines. ”United Method- commitment that go far beyond any specific practices ists share with other Christians the conviction that which might be listed. (See Judicial Council Decision Scripture is the primary source and criterion for 318.) Christian doctrine.” The General Conference, in response to expressions In the Social Principles, the General Conference has throughout the Church regarding homosexuality and said that ”we do not condone the practice of homosexu- ordination, reaffirms the present language of the ality and consider this practice incompatible with Discipline regarding the character and commitment of Christian teaching.î Furthermore, the Principles state persons seeking ordination and affirms its high that ”we affirm the sanctity of the marriage covenant standards. that is expressed in love, mutual support, personal For more than 200 years candidates for ordination commitment, and shared fidelity between a man and a have been asked Wesley’s Questions, including ” … woman. We believe that God’s blessing rests upon such Have they a clear, sound understanding; right judg- marriage, whether or not there are children of the ment in the things of God; a just conception of salva- union. We reject social norms that assume different tion by faith? …” (¶ 305). standards for women than for men in marriage.” Also, All candidates agree to make a complete dedication ”we affirm the integrity of single persons, and we reject of themselves to the highest ideals of the Christian life all social practices that discriminate or social attitudes and to this end agree ”to exercise responsible self- that are prejudicial against persons because they are control, by personal habits conducive to bodily health, single.” mental and emotional maturity, fidelity in marriage The General Conference affirms the wisdom of our and celibacy in singleness, social responsibility, and heritage expressed in the disciplinary provisions growth in grace and the knowledge and love of God” (¶ relating to the character and commitment of ordained 304). ministers. The United Methodist Church has moved The character and commitment of candidates for the away from prohibitions of specific acts, for such ordained ministry is described or examined in six prohibitions can be endless. We affirm our trust in the places in the Book of Discipline (¶¶ 304, 305, 306.4, covenant community and the process by which we 315, 321, and 326). These say in part: ”Only those shall ordain ministers. be elected to full membership who are of unquestion- In our covenant we are called to trust one another as able moral character and genuine piety, sound in the we recommend, examine, and elect candidates for the fundamental doctrines of Christianity and faithful in ordained ministry and conference membership. See the discharge of their duties” (¶ 324). Judicial Council Decision 480.

133 ¶ 307 THE MINISTRY OF THE ORDAINED candidacy renewed annually. Candidacy may to continue the process. be renewed by the board on ordained ministry ¶ 309. Appointment of Certified Candi- (¶ 660) on recommendation of the charge con- dates—A certified candidate is eligible for ap- ference and on evidence that the candidate’s pointment as a local pastor upon completion gifts, fruits, and evidence of God’s grace con- of License for Pastoral Ministry (¶ 340). tinue to be satisfactory and that the candidate is making satisfactory progress in the required studies. Section III. Clergy Orders in The 1. A candidate preparing for ordained min- United Methodist Church istry who is enrolled as a student in a school of theology, college or university, shall present ¶ 310. Orders in Relation to the Ministry annually to the board on ordained ministry an of All Christians—Baptism is God’s gift of un- official transcript from the school the person is merited grace through the Holy Spirit. It is an attending. incorporation into Christ which marks the en- The transcript shall be considered by the trance of each person into the church and its board on ordained ministry along with other ministry (Romans: 6:3, 4, 18). evidence that the candidate’s gifts, evidence of The New Testament witness to Jesus Christ God’s grace, and fruit continue to be satisfac- makes clear that the primary form of his min- tory. An annual personal interview with the istry in God’s name is that of service, diakonia, candidate is recommended. in the world. Very early in its history, the 2. A person who is a certified candidate or church came to understand that all of its mem- who is in the candidacy process may have her bers were commissioned in baptism to minis- or his status or studies accepted by another tries of love, justice, and service within local annual conference. congregations and the larger communities in ¶ 308. Discontinuance and Reinstate- which they lived; all who follow Jesus have a ment of Certified Candidacy—1. Discontinu- share in the ministry of Jesus, who came not to ance of a Certified Candidate—Certified can- be served, but to serve. There is thus a general didates may be discontinued on their own re- ministry of all baptized Christians (see ¶¶ quest, upon severing relationship in The 125-135). United Methodist Church, or upon action to Within the people of God, some persons are discontinue by the board on ordained minis- called to the ministry of deacon. The words try. The board on ordained ministry shall file deacon, deaconess, and diaconate all spring with the conference board of ordained minis- from a common Greek root—diakonos, or try a permanent record of the circumstances ”servant,” and diakonia, or ”service.” Very relating to the discontinuance of the certified early in its history the church, as an act of wor- candidate. ship and praise of God, instituted an order of 2. Reinstatement of Certified Candidate’s ordained ministers to personify or focus the Status—Certified candidates whose status has servanthood to which all Christians are called. been discontinued by a board on ordained These people were named deacons. This min- ministry of an annual conference of The istry exemplifies and leads the Church in the United Methodist Church shall only be rein- servanthood every Christian is called to live stated by the same board of the same annual both in the church and the world. The deacon conference in which they were discontinued. embodies the interrelationship between wor- When approved by the board on ordained ship in the gathered community and service to ministry, their certified candidate’s creden- God in the world. tials shall be reissued and they shall be eligible Within the people of God, other persons

134 THE COMMISSIONED MINISTER AS PROBATIONARY MEMBER ¶ 315 are called to the ministry of elder. The elders the candidacy relationship is held, even if the carry on the historic work of the presbyteros in service setting is outside the bounds of the an- the life of the Church. Beginning in some of nual conference. the very early Christian communities, the 3. Graduate Requirement presbyteros assisted the bishop in leading the a) a candidate for ordination as an elder gathered community in the celebration of sac- shall have completed the basic training4 at a raments and the guidance and care of its com- theological seminary, university or college ap- munal life. The ministry of elder exemplifies proved by the board of ordained ministry. and leads the Church in service to God in the b) a candidate for ordination as a deacon world, in remembering and celebrating the shall have: gifts of God and living faithfully in response to (1) completed the basic training at a theo- God’s grace. logical seminary, university or college ap- ¶¶ 311-314 is not relevant. See the 1997 proved by the board of ordained ministry, or Northern Europe Central Conference minutes, (2) completed the basic training in the area § 31. of the specialized ministry5 in wich the candi- date will serve, and completed a theological course for deacons6 approved by the Northern Section IV. The Commissioned Europe Board of Education. Minister as Probationary Member c) In all cases candidates shall have com- pleted a basic course in the Christian faith as ¶ 315. Qualifications for Election to Pro- approved by the Northern Europe Board of bationary Membership and Commissioning 3 Education, including the areas of: Old Testa- —A person shall be eligible for election to pro- ment; New Testament; theology; church his- bationary membership and commissioning in tory; mission of the church in the world; evan- the annual conference by vote of the clergy gelism; worship/liturgy; and United Method- session on recommendation of its board of or- ist doctrine, polity and history. dained ministry after meeting the following 5. Exceptions from the training require- qualifications. ment—Exceptions from the requirements in ¶ 1. Candidacy Requirement: Each candi- 315.3 and .4 may be made in consultation with date shall have been a certified candidate for the Northern Europe Board of Education. probationary membership and commission- 6. Local pastors may fulfill the require- ing for at least two years and no more than ments for probationary membership and com- twelve years. missioning when they have: 2. Service Requirement: Each candidate a) reached forty years of age; shall have had a minimum of two years in a b) completed the five-year Course of Study service setting as determined by the board on for ordained ministry; and ordained ministry as a condition for proba- c) an Advanced Course of Study of graduate tionary membership and commissioning. This theological study or its equivalent as deter- required service may be concurrent with aca- mined by the Northern Europe Board of Edu- demic study, provided there is adequate cation. mentoring and supervision in the theology 7. The board of ordained ministry shall re- and practice of servant leadership. A service quire an official transcript of credits from each setting shall be in a position approved by the school before recognizing any of the appli- bishop and cabinet in the conference where cant’s educational claims. In case of doubt, the

3 See Appendix: “Educational Standards within the 5 and 6 See Appendix: “Educational Standards within Northern Europe Central Conference” the Northern Europe Central Conference”

135 ¶ 315 THE MINISTRY OF THE ORDAINED board may submit a transcript to the Northern as a probationary member and commissioned Europe Board of Education. minister in The United Methodist Church? 8. Each candidate shall present a satisfac- k) Describe your understanding of tory certificate of good health by a physician diakonia, the servant ministry of the church, on the prescribed form. Disabilities are not to and the servant ministry of the probationary be construed as unfavorable health factors member and commissioned minister. when a person with disability is capable of l) What is the meaning of ordination in the meeting the professional standards and is able context of the general ministry of the Church? to render effective service as a probationary m) Describe your understanding of an in- member and commissioned minister. clusive church and ministry. 9. Each candidate shall respond to a writ- n) You have agreed as a candidate for the ten and oral doctrinal examination adminis- sake of the mission of Jesus Christ in the world tered by the conference board of ordained and the most effective witness of the gospel, ministry. The examination shall cover the fol- and in consideration of their influence as min- lowing: isters, to make a complete dedication of your- a) Describe your personal experience of self to the highest ideals of the Christian life, God and the understanding of God you derive and to this end agree to exercise responsible from biblical, theological, and historical self-control by personal habits conducive to sources. bodily health, mental and emotional maturity, b) What is your understanding of human- integrity in all personal relationships, fidelity ity, and the human need for divine grace? in marriage and celibacy in singleness, social c) How do you interpret the statement Je- responsibility, and growth in grace and the sus Christ is Lord? knowledge and love of God. What is your un- d) What is your conception of the activity of derstanding of this agreement? the Holy Spirit in personal faith, in the com- 10. Each candidate shall have a personal munity of believers, and in responsible living interview with the conference board of or- in the world? dained ministry to complete his or her candi- e) What is your understanding of the king- dacy. dom of God; the Resurrection; eternal life? 11. Each candidate shall submit on a form f) What are the theological tasks of a proba- provided by the board of ordained ministry a tionary member and commissioned minister notarized statement detailing any written ac- with special reference to Part II of the Book of cusations or convictions for felony, Discipline? misdemeanor, or incident of sexual miscon- g) The United Methodist Church holds that duct, or certifying that this candidate has nei- the living core of the Christian faith was re- ther been accused in writing nor convicted of a vealed in Scripture, illumined by tradition, felony, misdemeanor, or any incident of sexual vivified in personal experience, and confirmed misconduct. by reason. What is your understanding of this 12. Each candidate shall file with the board theological position of the Church? a written, concise, autobiographical statement h) Describe the nature and mission of the regarding age, health, family status, Christian Church. What are its primary tasks today? experience, call to ministry, educational i) Discuss your understanding of the pri- record, formative Christian experiences, and mary characteristics of United Methodist pol- plans for service in the Church. ity. 13. Each candidate shall have been recom- j) How do you perceive yourself, your gifts, mended in writing to the clergy session based your motives, your role, and your commitment on at least a two-thirds majority vote of the

136 THE COMMISSIONED MINISTER AS PROBATIONARY MEMBER ¶ 317 conference board of ordained ministry. tends theological education by using covenant ¶ 316. Commissioning—Commissioning is groups and mentoring to support the practice the act of the church that publicly acknowl- and work of their ministry as servant leaders, edges God’s call and the response, talents, to contemplate the grounding of ordained gifts and training of the candidate. The church ministry, and to understand covenant minis- invokes the Holy Spirit as the candidate is try in the life of the conference. The special- commissioned to be a faithful servant leader ized service of probationary members shall be among the people, to lead the church in serv- evaluated by the district superintendent and ice, to proclaim the Word of God and to equip the board of ordained ministry in terms of the others for ministry. probationary member’s ability to express and Through commissioning, the church sends give leadership in servant ministry. persons in leadership and service in the name 1. The commissioned ministers planning to of Jesus Christ and marks their entrance into a give their lives as deacons in full connection time of probation as they prepare for ordina- shall be in ministries of Word and Service the tion. Commissioned ministers are probation- entire probationary period. A commissioned ary clergy members of the annual conference person preparing for ordination as a deacon and are accountable to the bishop and the shall be licensed for the practice of ministry clergy session for the conduct of their minis- during probationary membership to perform try. the duties of the ministry of the deacon as During probation the clergy session dis- stated in ¶ 319. cerns their fitness for ordination and their ef- 2. The commissioned ministers planning to fectiveness in ministry. After fulfilling all can- give their lives as elders in full connection didacy requirements and upon recommenda- shall be in ministries of Service, Word, Sacra- tion of the board of ordained ministry, the ment, and Order. A commissioned minister clergy session shall vote on the probationary preparing for ordination as an elder who serv- membership and commissioning of the candi- ing as pastor of a local church shall be licensed dates. The bishop and secretary of the confer- for pastoral ministry (¶ 340). ence shall provide credentials as a probation- 3. Commissioned ministers who are serv- ary member and a commissioned minister in ing in extension ministries or graduate degree the annual conference. programs shall be accountable to the district The period of commissioned ministry is superintendent and the board of ordained concluded when the probationary members ministry for the conduct of ministry, and for are received as full members of the annual demonstrating their effectiveness in the min- conference and ordained as either deacon or istry of the order to which they seek to be or- elder, or a decision is made not to proceed to- dained. In every case, they will demonstrate ward ordination and probationary member- their effectiveness in servant leadership in the ship is ended. local church to the satisfaction of the board of ¶ 317. Probationary Service of Commis- ordained ministry. sioned Ministers—All persons who are com- ¶ 318. Eligibility and Rights of Probation- missioned ministers shall be appointed by a ary Membership—Probationary members are bishop(¶ 430) and serve a minimum of three on trial in preparation for membership in full years as a probationary member of the annual connection in the annual conference as dea- conference. During the probationary period, cons or elders. They are on probation as to arrangements shall be offered by the board of character, servant leadership, and effective- ordained ministry for all commissioned minis- ness in ministry. The annual conference, ters to be involved in a curriculum that ex- through the clergy session, has jurisdiction

137 ¶ 318 THE MINISTRY OF THE ORDAINED over probationary members. Annually, the selves to the district superintendent in the board of ordained ministry shall review and area where their work is done. The district su- evaluate their relationship and make recom- perintendent shall give them supervision and mendation to the clergy members in full con- report annually to their board of ordained nection regarding their continuance. No mem- ministry. ber shall be continued on probation beyond 6. Discontinuance from Probationary the sixth regular session following their ad- Membership—Probationary members may re- mission to probationary membership and quest discontinuance of this relationship or commissioning unless extended, upon recom- may be discontinued by the annual conference mendation of the board of ordained ministry upon recommendation of the board of or- by a three-fourths vote, by the clergy session. dained ministry. When probationary mem- Such extensions shall not be granted beyond bers in good standing withdraw to unite with three additional years. another denomination or to terminate their 1. Probationary members who are prepar- membership in The United Methodist Church, ing for deacon’s or elder’s orders may be or- their action shall be considered a request for dained deacons or elders when they qualify for discontinuance of their relationship and their membership in full connection in the annual credentials shall be surrendered to a district conference. superintendent. Prior to any final recommen- 2. Probationary members shall have the dation of discontinuance without consent, a right to vote in the annual conference on all probationary member will be advised of the matters except the following: right to a hearing before the executive com- a) constitutional amendments; mittee of the board of ordained ministry. A re- b) election of delegates to the general and port of the action will be made to the full jurisdictional or central conferences; board. The provisions of fair process (¶ 359.2) c) all matters of ordination, character, and shall be observed and there shall be a review conference relations of clergy. by the administrative review committee under 3. Probationary members may serve on any ¶ 633 prior to hearing by the annual confer- board, commission, or committee of the an- ence. When this relationship is discontinued, nual conference except the board of ordained they shall no longer be permitted to exercise ministry (¶ 632.1). They shall not be eligible ministerial functions and shall return their for election as delegates to the General, cen- credentials to the district superintendent for tral, or jurisdictional conferences. deposit with the secretary of the conference, 4. Probationary members shall be amena- and their membership shall be transferred by ble to the annual conference in the perform- the district superintendent to the local church ance of their ministry and are subject to the they designate after consultation with the pas- provisions of the Book of Discipline in the per- tor. The board of ordained ministry shall file formance of their duties. They shall be super- with the resident bishop and the secretary of vised by the district superintendent under the conference a permanent record of the cir- whom they are appointed. They shall also be cumstances relating to discontinuance as a assigned a deacon or elder as mentor by the probationary member as required in ¶ 632.3d. board of ordained ministry. Probationary After discontinuance, probationary members members preparing to become elders shall be may be classified and approved as local pas- eligible for appointment by meeting discipli- tors in accordance with the provision of ¶ 341. nary provisions (¶ 340). 5. Probationary members in appointments beyond the local church shall relate them-

138 THE ORDAINED DEACON IN FULL CONNECTION ¶ 320

Section V. The Ordained Deacon in Full the deacon is a faithful response of the mission Connection of the Church meeting the emerging needs of the future. Deacons are accountable to the an- ¶ 319.* The Ministry of a Deacon—From nual conference and the bishop for the among the baptized, deacons are called by God fulfillment of their call to servant leadership. to a lifetime of servant leadership, authorized ¶ 320. Ministry, Authority, and Responsi- by the Church, and ordained by a bishop. Dea- bilities of Deacons in Full Connection—1. Dea- cons fulfill servant ministry in the world and cons are persons called by God, authorized by lead the Church in relating the gathered life of the Church, and ordained by a bishop to a life- Christians to their ministries in the world, in- time ministry of Word and Service to both the terrelating worship in the gathered commu- community and the congregation in a ministry nity with service to God in the world. Deacons that connects the two. Deacons exemplify give leadership in the Church’s life: in the Christian discipleship and create opportuni- teaching and proclamation of the Word; in ties for others to enter into discipleship. In the worship, and in assisting the elders in the ad- world, the deacon seeks to express a ministry ministration of the sacraments of baptism and of compassion and justice, assisting the Lord’s Supper; in forming and nurturing laypersons as they claim their own ministry. disciples; in conducting and bury- In the congregation, the ministry of the dea- ing the dead; in the congregation’s mission to con is to teach and to form disciples, and to the world; and in leading the congregation in lead worship together with other ordained and interpreting the needs, concerns, and hopes of laypersons. the world. It is the deacons, in both person and 2. The deacon in full connection shall have function, whose distinctive ministry is to em- the rights of voice and vote in the annual con- body, articulate, and lead the whole people of ference where membership is held; shall be God in its servant ministry. From the earliest eligible to serve as clergy on boards, commis- days of the church, deacons were called and sions, or committees of the annual conference set apart for the ministry of love, justice, and and hold office on the same; and shall be eligi- service; of connecting the church with the ble for election as a clergy delegate to the Gen- most needy, neglected, and marginalized eral, central, or jurisdictional conference. The among the children of God. This ministry deacon in full connection shall attend all the grows out of the Wesleyan passion for social sessions of the annual conference and share holiness and ministry among the poor. with elders in full connection responsibility Deacons lead the congregation in its serv- for all matters of ordination, character, and ant ministry and equip and support all bap- conference relations of clergy (¶ 325.1). tized Christians in their ministry. The distinct ¶ 321. Requirements for Ordination as ministry of the deacon has evolved in United Deacon and Admission to Full Connection— Methodism over many years—the continuing Probationary members who are applying for work of the deaconess, the home missionary, admission into full connection and who have and the diaconal minister. The Church, recog- been probationary members for at least three nizing the gifts and impact of all predecessor years may be admitted into membership in full embodiments of the diaconate and providing connection in an annual conference by two- for the continuation of the office of deaconess, thirds vote of the clergy members in full con- affirms that this distinctiveness is made vis- nection of the annual conference, upon recom- ible and central to the Church’s life and minis- mendation by two-thirds vote of the board of try through ordination and that the ministry of ordained ministry, after they have qualified as follows: * See Appendix: “Educational Standards within the Northern Europe Central Conference”

139 ¶ 321 THE MINISTRY OF THE ORDAINED

1. Served under episcopal appointment in a had on your understanding of humanity and ministry of service the entire probationary pe- the need for divine grace? riod. Upon recommendation of the board of (3) What changes has the practice of minis- ordained ministry, the annual conference may try had on your understanding of (a) the equate nonsalaried service as meeting this ”Lordship of Jesus Christ,” and (b) the work of qualification. Such equivalence is to be deter- the Holy Spirit? mined in light of the years of service involved, (4) The United Methodist Church holds the quality of that service, the maturity of the that Scripture, tradition, experience, and rea- applicant, and other relevant factors deter- son are sources and norms for belief and prac- mined by the board. Supervision is to be: (a) tice, but that the Bible is primary among them. by the district superintendent, and (b) by the What is your understanding of this theological board of ordained ministry. The applicant’s position of the Church? service must be evaluated by the board of or- (5) How do you understand the following dained ministry as effective according to writ- traditional evangelical doctrines: (a) repent- ten guidelines developed by the board and ance; (b) justification; (c) regeneration; (d) adopted by the clergy members in full connec- sanctification? What are the marks of the tion. Lay persons directly involved in the ap- Christian life? plicant’s servant ministry shall be involved by (6) For the sake of the mission of Jesus the board in the annual evaluation. Christ in the world and the most effective wit- 2. Been previously elected as a probation- ness to the Christian gospel, and in considera- ary member. tion of your influence as an ordained minister, 3. Responded to a written or oral doctrinal are you willing to make a complete dedication examination administered by the board of or- of yourself to the highest ideals of the Chris- dained ministry. The candidate shall demon- tian life; and to this end will you agree to exer- strate the ability to communicate clearly in cise responsible self-control by personal hab- both oral and written form. The candidate’s its conducive to physical health, intentional reflections and the board’s response shall be intellectual development, fidelity in marriage informed by the insights and guidelines of and celibacy in singleness, integrity in all per- Part II of the Book of Discipline. The examina- sonal relationships, social responsibility, and tion shall also focus upon the covenantal rela- growth in grace and the knowledge of the love tionship of the applicant to God and the of God?7 Church, as well as the understanding of (7) What is the meaning and significance of diaconia, servant leadership, and the interre- the sacraments? latedness of the Church and the world. The (8) Describe the nature and mission of the applicant shall be able to articulate the call of Church. What are its primary tasks today? God to the order of deacon and to relate that (9) What is your understanding of: (a) the call to leadership within the ministry of all kingdom of God; (b) the Resurrection; (c) Christians, through the setting of their service, eternal life? the local church, and the annual conference. b) Vocation. 4. The following questions are guidelines (1) How do you understand your vocation for the preparation of the examination: as an ordained deacon? a) Theology. c) The Practice of Ministry. (1) How has the practice of ministry af- (1) How has the practice of service ministry fected your experience and understanding of during the probationary period affected your God? understanding of ministry? (2) What effect has the practice of ministry 7 See Judicial Council Decision 542

140 THE ORDAINED DEACON IN FULL CONNECTION ¶ 322

(2) Do you offer yourself to be appointed by (12) Will you support and maintain them? the bishop to a service ministry? (13) Will you exercise the ministry of com- (3) Describe and evaluate your personal passion? gifts for ministry. What would be your areas of (14) Will you diligently instruct the chil- strength and areas in which you need to be dren in every place? strengthened? (15) Will you visit from house to house? (4) Are you willing to relate yourself in (16) Will you recommend fasting or absti- ministry to all persons without regard to race, nence, both by precept and example? color, ethnicity, national origin, social status, (17) Are you determined to employ all your gender, sexual orientation, age, economic con- time in the work of God? dition, or disabilities? (18) Are you in debt so as to embarrass you (5) Provide evidence of experience in peace in your work? and justice ministries. (19) Will you observe the following direc- d) Historic Examination for Admission tions? into Full Connection and Ordination as Dea- (a) Be diligent. Never be unemployed. con—The bishop as chief pastor shall engage Never be triflingly employed. Never trifle away those seeking to be admitted in serious self- time; neither spend any more time at any one searching and prayer to prepare them for their place than is strictly necessary. examination before the conference. At the (b) Be punctual. Do everything exactly at time of the examination, the bishop shall also the time. And do not mend our rules, but keep explain to the conference the historic nature of them; not for wrath, but for conscience’ sake. the following questions and seek to interpret (20). Will you solemnly promise to un- their spirit and intent. The questions are these swervingly maintain all confidences inviolate, and any others which may be thought neces- whether entrusted to you in confession or dur- sary: ing private pastoral conversations, and under (1) Have you faith in Christ? no circumstances reveal such confidences.8 (2) Are you going on to perfection? 5. A probationary member of the annual (3) Do you expect to be made perfect in love conference who has completed the require- in this life? ments for deacon’s orders and admission into (4) Are you earnestly striving after perfec- full membership shall be eligible for election tion in love? to full membership and ordination as deacon (5) Are you resolved to devote yourself by a bishop. wholly to God and God’s work? 6. A deacon shall be ordained by a bishop (6) Do you know the General Rules of our by the laying on of hands, employing the Order Church? of Service for the Ordination of Deacons. The (7) Will you keep the General Rules of our bishops shall be assisted by other deacons and Church? may include laity designated by the bishop (8) Have you studied the doctrines of The representing the Church community and rep- United Methodist Church? resentatives of other Christian communions, (9) After full examination do you believe in the laying on of hands. that our doctrines are in harmony with the ¶ 322. Appointment of Deacons in Full Holy Scriptures? Connection to Various Ministries—1. Deacons (10) Have you studied our form of Church in full connection may be appointed to serve as discipline and polity? their primary field of service: (11) Do you approve our Church govern- a) Through agencies and settings beyond ment and polity? the local church that extend the witness and

141 ¶ 322 THE MINISTRY OF THE ORDAINED service of Christ’s love and justice in the world the pastor in charge, the charge conference, by equipping all Christians to fulfill their own and other bodies that coordinate the ministry calls to Christian service; or of the local church. In those instances where b) Through United Methodist Church-re- the appointment is in another episcopal area, lated agencies, schools, colleges, theological the appointment to a local church shall be schools, ecumenical agencies; or made in consultation with the bishop of that c) Within a local congregation, charge, or area. cooperative parish. 5. This appointment shall be in a setting 2. Deacons in full connection may be ap- that allows one to fulfill the call to specialized pointed to attend school as part of their re- ministry and where supervision is provided newal and personal growth. with goals, evaluation, and accountability ac- 3. Deacons in settings that extend the wit- ceptable to the bishop, cabinet, and the board ness and service of Christ’s love and justice in of ordained ministry. the world are amenable to the annual confer- 6. The appointment of deacons in full con- ence of which they are members and insofar as nection shall be made by the bishop. possible should maintain close working rela- a) It may be initiated by the bishop or the tionship with and effective participation in the district superintendent, individual deacon in work of their annual conference, assuming full connection, or the agency seeking their whatever responsibilities they are qualified service. and requested to assume. b) It shall be clarified by a written state- Deacons under appointment beyond the lo- ment of intentionality of servant leadership in cal church shall submit annually to the bishop order to establish a clear distinction between and the district superintendent, with a copy to the work to which all Christians are called and their board of ordained ministry, a written re- the work for which deacons in full connection port. are appropriately prepared and authorized. This report shall include a copy of the c) If the bishop and cabinet consider an ap- evaluation by the institution in which the dea- pointment not to be in the best interest of the con serves. The report and evaluation shall Church, the bishop may choose not to make serve as the basis for the evaluation of these the appointment. In such event, the bishop deacons in light of the missional needs of the shall be in consultation with the deacon and church and the fulfillment of their ordination the board of ordained ministry. The deacon in to be minister of Word and Service. Deacons full connection shall then seek another ap- serving in appointments outside the confer- pointment, request a leave of absence, relin- ence in which they hold membership shall also quish his or her credentials, or be terminated furnish a copy of their report to the bishop of by disciplinary procedures. the area in which they reside and work. d) Deacons in full connection at their re- 4. When deacons in full connection serve in quest or with their consent may be appointed an agency or setting beyond the local church, to a nonsalaried position. Such missional ap- the bishop, after consultation with the deacon pointments will serve to express the Church’s and the pastor in charge, shall appoint the concern for social holiness, for ministry deacon to a local congregation where they will among the poor, and for advancing emerging take missional responsibility for leading other needs of the future. In such cases, the bishop Christians into ministries of service. In this will carefully review plans for expressing this ministry the deacons shall be accountable to appointed ministry and will consult with the deacon about the well-being and financial se- 8 This last question is developed in a Scandinavian context, and adopted by the Northern Europe Central curity of his or her family. Conference.

142 THE ORDAINED DEACON IN FULL CONNECTION ¶ 322

7. At the request of the deacon in full con- conference will receive an appointment to a nection and with the consent of the bishop and local congregation in the area in which their cabinet where conference membership is held, primary appointment is located. This arrange- the deacon may receive a less than full-time ment will be made in consultation between the appointment under the following conditions: two bishops. The deacons will be under the su- a) The deacon in full connection shall pervision of an appropriate district superin- present a written request to the bishop and the tendent who will provide a written report to conference board of ordained ministry, giving the deacon’s bishop. a rationale for the request at least ninety days 11. Ordained deacons, after consultation prior to the annual conference at which the and with the written consent of the pastor in appointment is to be made. charge, and with the approval of the district b) Reappointment to less than full-time superintendent and in consultation with the service shall be requested annually of the staff-parish relations committee of a charge bishop by the deacon in full connection. conference, shall relate to a charge conference c) The bishop may make an interim ap- within the bounds of the annual conference in pointment of less than full-time service upon which they shall hold membership and to request of a deacon in full connection, with the which they shall submit an annual report. In recommendation of the executive committee those instances where the appointment is in of the conference board of ordained ministry. another annual conference the deacon will re- 8. With approval and consent of the bish- late also to a charge conference where he or ops or other judicatory authorities involved, she resides. The deacons shall be held amena- deacons in full connection from other annual ble to the annual conference in which they conferences, other Methodist churches, or hold membership for the continuation of their other denominations may receive appoint- ordination rights. ments in the annual conference while retain- 12. Ordained deacons from other annual ing their home conference membership or de- conferences of the United Methodist Church nominational affiliation. Appointments are to may be received by transfer into full member- be made by the bishop of the conference in ship with the consent of the bishops involved. which the deacon in full connection is to serve. The process should be initiated by the receiv- Upon the recommendation of the board of or- ing bishop. Consultation with the chairperson dained ministry, clergy in such appointments or executive committee of the board of or- may be granted voice but not vote in the an- dained ministry of the receiving conference nual conference to which they are appointed. shall be held prior to transfer. Their membership on conference boards and 13. Special provisions will be made for dea- agencies is restricted to the conference of cons whose primary appointment does not which they are a member. Such appointments have accountability structures, but whose are renewable annually. charge conference will supply this need. 9. Deacons in full connection with the ap- 14. Support for deacons under appoint- proval of their bishop and the judicatory au- ment of a bishop. thorities of the other denomination may re- a) Deacons shall receive their support un- ceive an appointment to another denomina- der the policies and agreements of the setting tion while retaining their home conference of their primary field of service. membership. The appointment may be made b) When the deacon’s primary field of serv- in response to exceptional missional needs. ice is within a local congregation, charge, or 10. Deacons in full connection who are cooperative parish, the deacon shall receive a serving outside the bounds of their annual salary from the local church, charge, or coop-

143 ¶ 322 THE MINISTRY OF THE ORDAINED erative parish(¶ 623.2) not less than the mini- Word of God, to administer the sacraments of mum established by the equitable compensa- baptism and Holy Communion, and to order tion policy of the annual conference for full- the life of the Church for mission and ministry. time and part-time pastors and shall partici- The servant leadership of the elder is ex- pate in the denominational pension and ben- pressed by leading the people of God in wor- efit plans, programs, and in the health benefit ship and prayer, by leading persons to faith in and supplemental programs of his or her an- Jesus Christ, by exercising pastoral supervi- nual conference subject to the provisions and sion in the congregation, and by leading the standards of those programs as established by Church in obedience to mission in the world. the annual conference where health coverage is not provided from another source. c) The above (¶ 322.10 [a-b]) does not ap- Admission and Continuance of Full ply to a deacon appointed by a bishop to a Membership in the Annual Conference nonsalaried position (¶322.4[d]). d) In The United Methodist Church and ¶ 324. Elders in Full Connection—1. other employing agencies there shall be an an- Elders in full connection with an annual con- nual review of the deacon’s performance no ference by virtue of their election and ordina- later than ninety days prior to annual confer- tion are bound in special covenant with all the ence. ordained elders of the annual conference. In e) Since deacons are not guaranteed a place the keeping of this covenant they perform the of employment in the Church, special atten- ministerial duties and maintain the ministe- tion shall be given to termination procedures rial standards established by those in the cov- that allow time for seeking another service ap- enant. They offer themselves without reserve pointment. Notification of dismissal shall pro- to be appointed and to serve, after consulta- vide a ninety-day period to final termination tion, as the appointive authority may deter- of employment unless the contract specifies mine. They live with all other ordained minis- otherwise or except for causes as listed in ¶ ters in mutual trust and concern and seek with 2702. them the sanctification of the fellowship. By entering into the covenant, they accept and subject themselves to the process of clergy dis- Section VI. The Ordained Elder in Full cipline, including serving on committees on Connection investigation, trial courts, or appellate com- mittees. Only those shall be elected to full ¶ 323.* Ministry of an Elder—Elders are membership who are of unquestionable moral ordained ministers who, by God’s grace, have character and genuine piety, sound in the fun- completed their formal preparation and have damental doctrines of Christianity, and faith- been commissioned and served as a proba- ful in the discharge of their duties.9 tionary member, have been found by the 2. A probationary member of the annual Church to be of sound learning, of Christian conference who has completed the require- character, possessing the necessary gifts and ments admission into full membership shall evidence of God’s grace, and whose call by God be eligible for election to full membership and to ordination has been confirmed by the ordination as elder by a bishop. Church. Elders are ordained to a lifetime min- 3. An elder shall be ordained by a bishop by istry of Service, Word, Sacrament, and Order. the laying on of hands, employing the Order of They are authorized to preach and teach the Service for the Ordination of Elders. The bish-

* See Appendix: “Educational Standards within the 9 Northern Europe Central Conference” See Judicial Council Decisions 406, 534, 552, 555.

144 THE ORDAINED ELDER IN FULL CONNECTION ¶ 326 ops shall be assisted by other elders and may specificity of priorities for current appoint- include laity designated by the bishop repre- ments shall be arranged in consultations with senting the Church community and repre- appropriate bodies in that setting. sentatives of other Christian communions in c) Annual participation in a process of the laying on of hands. evaluation with committees on pastor-parish ¶ 325. Ministry, Authority, and Responsi- relations or a comparable body. bilities of an Elder in Full Connection—An d) Annual participation in evaluation with elder in full connection is authorized to give his or her district superintendent. spiritual and temporal servant leadership in e) Willingness to assume supervisory and the Church in the following manner: mentoring responsibilities within the connec- 1. Elders in full connection shall have the tion. right to vote on all matters in the annual con- 3. If an elder fails to meet these profes- ference except in the election of lay delegates sional responsibilities, the provisions of ¶ to the general and jurisdictional or central 359.3c may be invoked. conferences (¶ 602.1a) and shall share with 4. Clergy who are retired, located, on inca- deacons in full connection responsibility for pacity leave, or on sabbatical leave may at all matters of ordination, character, and con- their own initiative apply to the board of or- ference relations of clergy. This responsibility dained ministry for affiliate membership in shall not be limited by the recommendation or the annual conference where they reside. By a lack of recommendation by the board of or- two-thirds vote of the executive session, such dained ministry, notwithstanding provisions clergy may be received with rights and privi- which grant to the board of ordained ministry leges, including service on conference boards, the right of recommendation.10 They shall be agencies, task forces, and committees, with eligible to hold office in the annual conference voice but without vote. Voting membership and to be elected delegates to the general and shall be retained in the clergy member’s home jurisdictional or central conferences under the annual conference for the duration of affiliate provision of the Constitution (¶ 33, Article IV). member relationship. Such persons may serve Every effective elder in full connection who is on the board, agency, task force or committee in good standing shall be continued under ap- of only one annual conference at any one time. pointment by the bishop.11 ¶ 326. Requirements for Admission to Full 2. There are professional responsibilities Connection and Ordination as Elder — Proba- that elders are expected to fulfill and that rep- tionary members who are candidates for full resent a fundamental part of their account- connection and ordination as elders and have ability and a primary basis of their continued been probationary members for at least three eligibility for annual appointment. These shall years may be admitted into membership in full include: connection in an annual conference and ap- a) Continuing availability for appointment. proved for elder’s ordination by two-thirds b) Growth in vocational competence and vote of the clergy members in full connection effectiveness through continuing formation is of the annual conference, upon recommenda- expected of conference members. The board of tion by two-thirds vote of the board of or- ordained ministry (¶ 632.2n) shall set minimal dained ministry,12 after they have qualified as standards and specific guidelines for continu- follows. They shall have: (1) served full-time ing formation for members of their conference under episcopal appointment for at least three and ensure their availability. Further full annual conference years following the completion of the educational requirements 10 See Judicial Council Decision 690. 11 See Judicial Council Decisions 462, 473, 492, 534, 12 See Judicial Council Decisions 157, 344. 552, 555.

145 ¶ 326 THE MINISTRY OF THE ORDAINED specified in 3(b) below. Upon recommenda- Part II of the Discipline. The following ques- tion of the board of ordained ministry, an an- tions are guidelines for the preparation of the nual conference may equate less than full-time examination: to the requirement of full-time service. Such a) Theology. equivalence is to be determined in light of the (1) How has the practice of ministry af- years of service involved, the quality of that fected your experience and understanding of service, the maturity of the applicant, and God? other relevant factors. Supervision is to be (a) (2) What effect has the practice of ministry personally assumed or delegated by the dis- had on your understanding of humanity and trict superintendent, and (b) assumed by a the need for divine grace? mentor assigned by the board of ordained (3) What changes has the practice of minis- ministry. Their service shall be evaluated by try had on your understanding of: (a) the the board of ordained ministry as effective ac- ”Lordship of Jesus Christ,î and (b) the work of cording to written guidelines developed by the the Holy Spirit? board and adopted by the clergy members in (4) The United Methodist Church holds full connection.13 In rare cases, the board of that Scripture, tradition, experience, and rea- ordained ministry may, by a two-thirds vote, son are sources and norms for belief and prac- approve years of service in an autonomous tice, but that the Bible is primary among them. Methodist church as meeting this requirement What is your understanding of this theological if adequate supervision has been provided; (2) position of the Church? been previously elected as probationary mem- (5) How do you understand the following bers; (3) met the following educational re- traditional evangelical doctrines: (a) repent- quirements: (a) completed a three year confer- ance; (b) justification; (c) regeneration; (d) ence study course as determined by the central sanctification? What are the marks of the conference, after proposal from the Northern Christian life? Europe Board of Education; or (b) graduation (6) For the sake of the mission of Jesus with a Master of Divinity degree, or equiva- Christ in the world and the most effective wit- lent, from a school of theology. Educational ness to the Christian gospel and in considera- requirements in every case shall include a tion of your influence as an ordained minister, minimum of training given by the UMC theo- are you willing to make a complete dedication logical seminaries in each of the fields of of yourself to the highest ideals of the Chris- United Methodist history, doctrine, and pol- tian life; and to this end will you agree to exer- ity; (4) satisfied the board regarding physical, cise responsible self-control by personal hab- mental, and emotional health; (5) prepared its conducive to physical health, intentional and preached at least one written sermon on a intellectual development, fidelity in marriage biblical passage specified by the board of or- and celibacy in singleness, integrity in all per- dained ministry; (6) presented a plan and out- sonal relationships, social responsibility, and line for teaching a book or books of the Bible; growth in grace and the knowledge and love of (7) responded to a written or oral doctrinal ex- God?14 amination administered by the board of or- (7) What is the meaning and significance of dained ministry. The candidate should dem- the sacraments? onstrate the ability to communicate clearly in (8) Describe the nature and mission of the both oral and written form. The candidate’s Church. What are its primary tasks today? reflections and the board’s response should be (9) What is your understanding of: (a) the informed by the insights and guidelines of

13 See Judicial Council Decisions 555, 719. 14 See Judicial Council Decision 542.

146 THE ORDAINED ELDER IN FULL CONNECTION ¶ 328

Kingdom of God; (b) the Resurrection; (c) Church? eternal life? 7. Will you keep them? b) Vocation. 8. Have you studied the doctrines of The (1) How do you conceive your vocation as United Methodist Church? an ordained minister? 9. After full examination, do you believe c) The Practice of Ministry. that our doctrines are in harmony with the (1) How has the practice of ordained minis- Holy Scriptures? try affected your understanding of the expec- 10. Will you preach and maintain them? tations and obligations of the itinerant sys- 11. Have you studied our form of Church tem? discipline and polity? (2) Do you offer yourself without reserve to 12. Do you approve our Church govern- be appointed and to serve as the appointive ment and polity? authority may determine? 13. Will you support and maintain them? (3) Describe and evaluate your personal 14. Will you diligently instruct the children gifts for ministry. What would be your areas of in every place? strength and areas in which you need to be 15. Will you visit from house to house? strengthened? 16. Will you recommend fasting or absti- (4) Are you willing to minister with all per- nence, both by precept and example? sons without regard to race, color, ethnicity, 17. Are you determined to employ all your national origin, social status gender, sexual time in the work of God? orientation, age, economic condition, or dis- 18. Are you in debt so as to embarrass you abilities? in your work? (5) Will you regard all pastoral conversa- 19. Will you observe the following direc- tions of a confessional nature as a trust be- tions? tween the person concerned and God? a) Be diligent. Never be unemployed. Never (6) Provide evidence of experience in peace be triflingly employed. Never trifle away time; and justice ministries. neither spend any more time at any one place ¶ 327. Historic Examination for Admis- than is strictly necessary. sion into Full Connection—The bishop as chief b) Be punctual. Do everything exactly at the pastor shall engage those seeking to be admit- time. And do not mend our rules, but keep ted in serious self-searching and prayer to pre- them; not for wrath, but for conscience’ sake.15 pare them for their examination before the 20. Will you solemnly promise to unswerv- conference. At the time of the examination the ingly maintain all confidences inviolate, bishop shall also explain to the conference the whether entrusted to you in confession or dur- historic nature of the following questions and ing private pastoral conversations, and under seek to interpret their spirit and intent. The no circumstances reveal such confidences.16 questions are these and any others that may be thought necessary: 1. Have you faith in Christ? 2. Are you going on to perfection? 3. Do you expect to be made perfect in love 15 These are the questions that every Methodist in this life? preacher from the beginning has been required to 4. Are you earnestly striving after it? answer upon becoming a full member of an annual conference. These questions were formulated by John 5. Are you resolved to devote yourself Wesley and have been little changed throughout the wholly to God and his work? years. 16 This last question is developed in a Scandinavian 6. Do you know the General Rules of our context, and adopted by the Northern Europe Central Conference.

147 ¶ 328 THE MINISTRY OF THE ORDAINED

Section VII. Appointments to Various 2. Less than full-time service may be ren- Ministries dered by a clergy member under the condi- tions stipulated in this paragraph.19 Less than ¶ 328. General Provisions—1. All elders in full-time service shall mean that a specified full connection who are in good standing in an amount of time less than full-time agreed annual conference shall be continued under upon by the bishop and the cabinet, the clergy appointment by the bishop unless they are member, and the annual conference board of granted a sabbatical leave, an incapacity leave ordained ministry is devoted to the work of (¶ 355), family leave, a leave of absence, retire- ministry in the field of labor to which the per- ment, or have failed to meet the requirements son is appointed by the bishop. At his or her for continued eligibility (¶ 325.2).17 own initiative, a clergy member may request 2. In addition to the ordained elders, per- and may be appointed in one-quarter, one- sons who have been granted a license as local half, or three-quarter time increments by the pastors and who have been approved by vote bishop to less than full-time service without of the clergy members in full connection may loss of essential rights or membership in the be appointed as pastors in charge under cer- annual conference. Appointment to less than tain conditions, which are specified in¶¶ full-time service is not a guarantee, but may be 340-343. All clergy members and licensed lo- made by the bishop, provided that the follow- cal pastors to be appointed shall assume a life- ing conditions are met: style consistent with Christian teaching as set a) The ordained elder seeking less than full- forth in the Social Principles. time service should present a written request ¶ 329. The Itinerant System—The itiner- to the bishop and the chairperson of the board ant system is the accepted method of The of ordained ministry at least three months United Methodist Church by which ordained prior to the annual conference session at elders are appointed by the bishop to fields of which the appointment is made. Exceptions to labor.18 All ordained elders shall accept and the three-month deadline shall be approved abide by these appointments. Persons ap- by the cabinet and the executive committee of pointed to multiple-staff ministries, either in a the board of ordained ministry. single parish or in a cluster or larger parish, b) Following appropriate consultation, as shall have personal and professional access to established in ¶¶ 329 and 430-434, and upon the bishop and cabinet, the committee on pas- joint recommendation of the cabinet and the tor-parish relations, as well as to the pastor in board of ordained ministry, the less than full- charge. The nature of the appointment process time category shall be confirmed by a two- is specified in ¶¶ 430-434. thirds vote of the clergy members in full con- 1. Full-time service shall be the norm for nection of the annual conference. ordained elders in the annual conference. c) Reappointment to less than full-time Full-time service shall mean that the person’s service shall be requested by the ordained entire vocational time, as defined by the dis- elder and approved annually by the bishop trict superintendent in consultation with the and cabinet and shall not be granted for more pastor and the committee on pastor-parish re- than a total of eight years, except by a three- lations, is devoted to the work of ministry in fourths vote of the clergy members in full con- the field of labor to which one is appointed by nection of the annual conference. the bishop. d) Ordained elders who receive appoint- ment at less than full-time service remain 17 See Judicial Council Decisions 380, 462, 492, 524, within the itineracy and, as such, remain avail- 702. 18 See Judicial Council Decision 713. able, upon consultation with the bishop and 19 See Judicial Council Decision 719.

148 APPOINTMENTS TO VARIOUS MINISTRIES ¶ 331 cabinet, for appointment to full-time service. ecumenical shared ministry,21 or to a church A written request to return to full-time ap- of another denomination, or on the staff of one pointment shall be made to the bishop and such appointment. cabinet at least six months prior to the annual ¶ 331. Performance Evaluations—Persons conference session at which the appointment serving as pastors of congregations shall be is to be made. evaluated in part on the basis of the following e) The bishop may make ad interim ap- list of responsibilities and duties: pointments at less than full-time service upon Responsibilities and Duties of a Pastor— request of the ordained elder, following con- The pastor(s) shall oversee the total ministry sultation as specified in ¶¶ 429-433 and upon of the local church in its nurturing ministries recommendation of the cabinet and executive and in fulfilling its mission of witness and committee of the board of ordained ministry, service in the world by: (1) giving pastoral sup- the same to be acted upon by the next regular port, guidance, and training to the lay leader- session of the annual conference.20 ship in the church, equipping them to fulfill 3. Interim appointments may be made to the ministry to which they are sent as servants charges that have special transitional needs. under the Lordship of Christ; (2) providing a) Ordained ministers and local pastors ministry within the congregation and to the may be appointed as interim pastors. They will world; (3) ensuring faithful transmission of be available for interim assignments of vary- the Christian faith; and (4) administering the ing lengths. Interim pastors may serve outside temporal affairs of the congregation. In the the annual conference where membership is context of these basic responsibilities, the pas- held under the provision of ¶ 337.1, with ap- tor shall give attention to the following specific proval and consent of the bishops involved. duties: b) Interim appointments will be for a speci- 1. Ministering Within the Congregation fied length of time, established in advance fol- and to the World—a) To preach the Word, lowing consultation with the district superin- oversee the worship life of the congregation, tendent, the pastor-parish relations commit- read and teach the Scriptures, and engage the tee, and the interim pastor. people in study and witness.22 ¶ 330. Definition of a Pastor—A pastor is b) To administer the sacraments of bap- an ordained elder, probationary deacon (ac- tism and the Lord’s Supper and all the other cording to 1992 Book of Discipline) or licensed means of grace. It shall be the duty of all ap- person approved by vote of the clergy mem- pointed pastors, before baptizing infants or bers in full connection and may be appointed children, to prepare the parents and sponsors by the bishop to be in charge of a station, cir- by instructing them concerning the signifi- cuit, cooperative parish, extension ministry, cance of Holy Baptism, the responsibilities of the parents and the sponsor(s) for the Chris- 20 See Judicial Council Decision 579. 21 Ecumenical shared ministries are ecumenical tian training of the baptized child, and how congregations formed by a local United Methodist these obligations may be properly discharged church and one or more local congregations of other Christian traditions. Forms of ecumenical shared (see ¶ 225.1). All appointed pastors may select ministries include: (a) a federated congregation, in and train lay members with appropriate words which one congregation is related to two denomina- tions, with persons holding membership in one or the and actions to immediately deliver the conse- other of the denominations; (b) a union congregation, crated communion elements to members con- in which a congregation with one unified membership roll is related to two denominations; (c) a merged fined at home, in a nursing home, or in a hos- congregation, in which two or more congregations of pital. different denominations form one congregation which relates to only one of the constituent denominations; c) To encourage reaffirmation of the bap- and (d) a yoked parish, in which a United Methodist congregation is yoked with one or more congregations 22 of other denominations. See Judicial Council Decision 694.

149 ¶ 331 THE MINISTRY OF THE ORDAINED tismal covenant and renewal of baptismal community, especially among the sick, aged, vows at different stages of life. The practice of and others in need. re-baptism does not conform with God’s ac- o) To participate in community, ecumeni- tion in baptism and is not consistent with cal, and interreligious concerns and to lead the Wesleyan tradition and the historic teaching congregation to become so involved through of the church. Therefore, the pastor should ministries of service and advocacy, relevant to counsel any person seeking re-baptism to par- specific and diverse community contexts; and ticipate in a rite of re-affirmation of baptismal to pray and labor for the unity of the Christian vows. community. d) To give oversight to the total educational p) To search out from among the member- program of the church and encourage the dis- ship and constituency men and women for tribution and use of United Methodist litera- pastoral ministry and other church-related oc- ture in each local church. cupations; to help them interpret the meaning e) To provide leadership for the funding of the call of God; to advise and assist when ministry of the congregation and to encourage they commit themselves thereto; to counsel giving as a spiritual discipline. with them concerning the course of their f) To lead the congregation by teaching and preparation; and to keep a careful record of example in a ministry with people with dis- such decisions. abilities. q) To give diligent pastoral leadership in g) To be involved and to lead the congrega- ordering the life of the congregation for disci- tion in evangelistic outreach that others might pleship in the world. come to know Christ, be baptized, and become 2. Equipping and Supervising—a) To give members. diligent pastoral leadership ordering the life of h) To encourage people baptized in infancy the congregation for nurture and care. or early childhood to make their profession of b) To offer counsel and theological reflec- faith after instruction so that they might be- tion in the following: come professing members of the church. (1) The development of goals for fulfilling i) To perform the marriage ceremony after the missions of the congregation, the annual due counsel with the parties involved. The de- conference, and the general Church. cision to perform the ceremony shall be the (2) The development of plans for imple- right and responsibility of the pastor. Qualifi- menting the goals of the congregation and a cations for performing marriage shall be in ac- process for evaluating their effectiveness. cordance with the laws of the country and The (3) The selection, training, and deployment United Methodist Church. of lay leadership within the congregation and j) To counsel those who are under threat of the development of a process for evaluating marriage breakdown and explore every possi- lay leadership. bility for reconciliation. c) To lead the congregation in experiencing k) To counsel bereaved families and con- the racial and ethnic inclusiveness of The duct appropriate funeral and memorial serv- United Methodist Church and to help prepare ices. it for participation in the itineracy of all or- l) To counsel with members of the church dained men and women. and community concerning military service d) To participate in denominational and and its alternatives. conference programs and training opportuni- m) To counsel persons struggling with per- ties and to seek out opportunities for coopera- sonal, ethical, or spiritual issues. tive ministries with other United Methodist n) To visit in the homes of the church and pastors and churches.

150 APPOINTMENTS TO VARIOUS MINISTRIES ¶ 333

e) To be willing to assume supervisory re- trict superintendent. If that clergy member or sponsibilities within the connection. local pastor does not refrain from such con- f) To lead the congregation in the fulfill- duct, he or she shall then be liable to the provi- ment of its mission through full and faithful sions of ¶ 359.1 and ¶ 2702. payment of all apportioned ministerial sup- 5. All clergy of The United Methodist port, administrative, and benevolent funds. Church are charged to maintain all confi- 3. Administration—a) To be the adminis- dences inviolate, including confessional confi- trative officer of the local church and to assure dences. that the organizational concerns of the congre- 6. Ceremonies that celebrate homosexual gation are adequately provided for. unions shall not be conducted by our ministers b) To be responsible for the process of goal and shall not be conducted in our churches. setting and planning through which the laity ¶ 333. Support for Elders in Full Connec- take responsibility for ministry in the church tion Appointed to Pastoral Charges—To and in the world. strengthen the effectiveness of the connec- c) To administer the provisions of the Dis- tional system, assumption of the obligations of cipline and supervise the working program of the itinerant ministry required upon admis- the local church. sion to the traveling connection places upon d) To give an account of their pastoral min- the Church a counter obligation to provide ad- istries to the charge and annual conference ac- equate support for the entire ministry of the cording to the prescribed forms. The care of all Church (¶ 618). The Church shall provide, and church records and local church financial obli- the ordained minister is entitled to receive, gations shall be included. The pastor shall cer- not less than the equitable compensation es- tify the accuracy of all financial, membership, tablished by the annual conference for clergy and any other reports submitted by the local members according to provisions of ¶ 623.3. church to the annual conference for use in ap- The annual conference may determine for its portioning costs back to the church. clergy members an alternative salary compen- ¶ 332. Unauthorized Conduct—1. Pastors sation program as an option to the process de- shall first obtain the written consent of the dis- scribed in ¶ 246.12 and ¶ 621. trict superintendent before engaging for an 1. Support for Elders in Full Connection evangelist any person who is not a general Appointed to Pastoral Charges Who Render evangelist (¶¶ 628.3f, 1111.7), a clergy member Full-Time Service—Each elder in full connec- of an annual conference, a local pastor, or a tion of an annual conference who is in good certified lay speaker in good standing in The standing and who is appointed to full-time United Methodist Church. service under the provision of ¶ 329.1 shall 2. No pastor shall discontinue services in a have the right to receive not less than base local church between sessions of the annual compensation established by the annual con- conference without the consent of the charge ference for persons in full-time service.23 conference and the district superintendent. 2. Support for Ordained Elders Appointed 3. No pastor shall arbitrarily organize a to Pastoral Charges Who Render Less than pastoral charge. (See ¶ 259 for the method of Full-Time Service—Each elder in full connec- organizing a local church.) tion who is in good standing and who is ap- 4. No clergy member or local pastor shall pointed by the bishop to less than full-time hold a religious service within the bounds of a service under the provisions of ¶ 329.2 shall pastoral charge other than the one to which have a claim upon the conference Equitable appointed without the consent of the clergy Compensation Fund in one-quarter incre- member or local pastor in charge or the dis- ments according to the guidelines established 23by See the Judicial annual Council conference Decisions council. 579, 587. 3. No pastor shall be entitled to any claim 151 ¶ 334 THE MINISTRY OF THE ORDAINED for unpaid base compensation against any ence member or the annual conference re- church or charge served after pastoral connec- quests appointment to a pastoral charge, the tion with the church or charge has ceased. request shall be made in writing to or from the bishop, the cabinet, and the board of ordained ministry. Such a request should be made at Section VIII. Appointments to least six months prior to annual conference. In Extension Ministries both instances, consultation shall give due re- gard to the individual’s special training, expe- ¶ 334. Appointments Extending the Min- rience, skills, and leadership potential. istry of The United Methodist Church—1. 1. Categories of Appointment—In order to Elders in effective relationship may be ap- establish a clear distinction between the work pointed to serve in ministry settings beyond to which all Christians are called and the tasks the local United Methodist church in the wit- for which ordained ministers are appropri- ness and service of Christ’s love and justice. ately prepared and authorized, the following Persons in these appointments remain within categories are established for appointments of the itineracy and shall be accountable to the elders within the itineracy of The United annual conference. They shall be given the Methodist Church. same moral and spiritual support by it as are a) Appointments within the connectional persons in appointments to pastoral charges.24 structures of United Methodism: Their effectiveness shall be evaluated in the (1) Appointments for which the annual context of the specific setting in which their conference is liable as employer such as dis- ministry is performed. trict superintendents, staff members of con- 2. The institution or agency desiring to em- ference councils and boards, treasurers, bish- ploy an ordained minister shall, when feasible, ops’ assistants, superintendents or directors of through its appropriate official, consult the or- parish development, general evangelists, and dained minister’s bishop and secure approval campus ministers. Only elders in full connec- before completing any agreement to employ tion may be appointed district superintend- the ordained minister. If the institution or ents; agency is located in another area, the bishop of (2) Appointments to a United Methodist that area shall also be consulted. institution or other ministry, such as superin- 3. Elders desiring an appointment extend- tendents or directors of parish development, ing the ministry of the United Methodist general evangelists, campus ministers, mis- church or change of appointment shall consult sionaries, faculty and administrators of with their bishop and/or district superintend- United Methodist theological seminaries or ent prior to any interviews relative to such an other educational institutions; and appointment. (3) Appointments to an ecumenical agency. ¶ 335. Provisions for Appointment to Ex- b) Appointments to extension ministries of tension Ministries—Elders in appointments elders in full connection and other ministry extending the ministry of the local United settings which the bishop and board of or- Methodist church are full participants in the dained ministry may designate.25 The board itinerant system. Therefore, a conference shall annually verify the appropriate employ- member in an appointment beyond the local ment of persons under its endorsement and United Methodist church must be willing request their reappointment. upon consultation to receive an appointment c) Elders in service under the General in a pastoral charge. When either the confer- Board of Global Ministries may be appointed

24 See Judicial Council Decisions 321, 325, 466, 579. 25 See Judicial Council Decisions 321, 325, 329.

152 APPOINTMENTS TO EXTENSION MINISTRIES ¶ 335 to the ministries listed in a) and b) above. They able to their vows as members of their annual may be assigned to service either in annual conference. conferences or central conferences, or with af- The General Board of Higher Education filiated autonomous churches, independent and Ministry, in order to assist boards of or- churches, churches resulting from the union dained ministry, will provide standards to as- of Methodist Churches and other commun- sist in validating the appropriateness of spe- ions, mission institutions, or in other denomi- cial ministry settings. In addition, it will pro- national or ecumenical ministries. They may vide advocacy for persons serving in settings accept such rights and privileges, including af- approved under this paragraph and shall en- filiate membership, as may be offered them by courage the development of emerging minis- central conferences or by other churches to tries that extend the ministry of the Church which they are assigned without impairing into the world. their relationship to their home annual con- Those seeking such an appointment shall ference. submit to the cabinet and the board of or- d) Elders may receive appointments be- dained ministry a written statement describ- yond the ministry usually extended through ing in detail the proposed setting for their the local United Methodist church and other ministry, sharing a sense of calling to that institutions listed above in a) and b)26 when ministry and their gifts and evidence of God’s considered by the bishop and the annual con- grace for it, and expressing the intentional ference board of ordained ministry to be a true fulfillment of their ordination vows. This ma- extension of the Christian ministry of the terial will be submitted not later than 120 days Church. They may be appointed to pastoral before desired appointment to the proposed ministry in other Christian denominations at setting. On recommendation of the cabinet the request of appropriate judicatory officers and the board of ordained ministry, such posi- of that denomination. These ministries shall tions are to be confirmed by a two-thirds vote be initiated in missional response to the needs of the clergy members of the annual confer- of persons in special circumstances and ence. unique situations and shall reflect the com- The bishop may make ad interim appoint- mitment of the clergy to intentional fulfill- ments in this category after consultation with ment of their ordination vows to Word, Sacra- the cabinet and executive committee of the ment, and Order. These appointments may in- board of ordained ministry, the position to be volve clergy with expertise from other voca- formally acted upon by the next session of the tions. Conference members in such appoint- annual conference. ments retain conference membership, and the 2. Relation to the Annual Conference—a) annual conference may choose to extend fi- Accountability to the Annual Conference— nancial support and benefits for its clergy by Elders in extension ministries are amenable to vote of the annual conference. (See ¶ 623.3, the annual conference of which they are mem- .5.) bers and insofar as possible should maintain Conference members who serve as staff close working relationship with and effective members of ecumenical agencies or as pastors participation in the work of their annual con- of non-United Methodist congregations may ference, assuming whatever responsibilities also be considered as holding an extension they are qualified and requested to assume. ministry, provided their position is approved Elders under appointment in extension by the bishop and the conference board of or- ministries shall submit annually to the bishop, dained ministry. They shall remain account- the district superintendent, and the board of ordained ministry a written report on the offi- 26 See Judicial Council Decisions 380, 877.

153 ¶ 335 THE MINISTRY OF THE ORDAINED cial form developed for this purpose. This re- annual conference, the bishop shall provide port shall serve as the basis for the evaluation for an annual visit to the ministry setting of all of these clergy in light of the missional needs persons under appointment in extension min- of the Church and the fulfillment of their ordi- istries assigned within the geographical nation to be minister of Service, Word, Sacra- bounds of the annual conference and shall ment, and Order. Elders formally evaluated by provide a report of the visit to the bishop of the institutions in which they serve will pro- persons from other annual conferences. vide, instead of an evaluation, a narrative re- 3. Relation to the Local Church—a) Elders port reflecting their ministry. Elders serving in appointed in extension ministries shall estab- appointments outside the conference in which lish membership in a charge conference in they hold membership shall furnish a copy of their home annual conference in consultation their report also to the bishop of the area in with the pastor in charge and with approval of which they serve. Annual conferences shall re- the district superintendent and the bishop. view the qualifications of persons in extension They shall submit to their home charge confer- ministry status and integrate them into the ence an annual report of pastoral duties and ongoing work of the annual conference. the fulfillment of their ordination through b) Responsibility of the Annual Confer- their special appointment, including ministe- ence—The bishop, representatives of the cabi- rial activities in the charge where they have an net, and an endorsed representative from ex- affiliate membership relation and in other tension ministries within the board of or- units of the Church at large, as well as continu- dained ministry shall provide an opportunity ing formation experiences completed and an- to meet annually with ordained clergy in ex- ticipated. This report may be the one submit- tension ministries who perform their ministry ted to the bishop, district superintendent, and within the bounds of annual conference, both board of ordained ministry (¶ 335.2a). District of that annual conference and those who hold superintendents, because of the nature of their membership elsewhere. The bishop shall con- work and the relationship defined in ¶¶ 429.3, vene the meeting, which is to be planned by 359.1a, and 656, shall not be required to have a the cabinet and the board of ordained minis- charge conference affiliation. try. The purpose of this meeting is to gain un- All conference members who are elders in derstanding of one another’s role and function full connection, including those in extension in ministry; to report to other ordained minis- ministries, shall be available and on call to ad- ters appointed to extension ministries and dis- minister the sacraments of baptism and the cuss with them matters concerning the overall Lord’s Supper as required by the Discipline (¶ approach to ministry in the episcopal area; to 331.1b) and requested by the district superin- interpret the role and function of extension tendent of the district in which the appoint- ministries to the larger church through the of- ment is held. fices of the bishop and his or her representa- b) Affiliate Relation to a Local Church— tives; to nurture the development of various Ordained elders under appointment to exten- ministries as significant in assisting the mis- sion ministries and serving outside of the geo- sion of the Church; and to discuss specific pro- graphical bounds of their home annual confer- grams and services that the bishop and his or ence shall promptly notify the bishop of the her representatives may initiate, in which the area in which they reside of their names, ad- various ordained ministers serving in appoint- dresses, and the annual conferences in which ments beyond the local church may be quali- their credentials are held. They shall be affili- fied as consultants and supervisors. Using the ate members without vote of a charge confer- appropriate resources and personnel of the ence either within the district where they carry

154 APPOINTMENTS TO EXTENSION MINISTRIES ¶ 337 out the primary work of their appointment or ing to guidelines established by the board of within the district where they reside. Persons ordained ministry and cabinet in the annual serving outside the geographic bounds of any conferences in which membership is held. annual conference are exempt from this re- b) For information regarding pensions, the quirement. The selection of the charge confer- conference will continue to list the source of ence shall be made after consultation between annuity claim for each of its clergy. Regarding the elder and the pastor of the local United pensions or compensations during leave of Methodist church. absens, extension ministries shall be conci- These ordained elders under appointment dered as charge ministries. in extension ministries and serving outside the c) Elders appointed to extension ministries geographical boundaries of their home annual shall attend the annual conference in which conference shall submit to the charge confer- membership is held. ence of which they are affiliate members a ¶ 336. Provisions for Appointment to Ecu- copy of the report submitted to their home menical Shared Ministries—United Method- charge conference and/or an oral report con- ist clergy members in full connection may be cerning their ministry and the fulfillment of appointed annually to churches of other Chris- their ordination. The district superintendent tian denominations or to ecumenical shared shall be responsible for the notification to ministries. Persons in these appointments re- these ministers concerning the time and place main in the itineracy and shall be accountable of the charge conference. to the annual conference. Their effectiveness 4. Affiliate Relation to Annual Confer- shall be evaluated in the context of the specific ence—Ordained elders appointed to extension setting in which their ministry is performed. ministries outside the boundary of their an- (See ¶ 335.1[d].) nual conference may at their own initiative ap- ply to the board of ordained ministry for affili- ate membership in the annual conference in Section IX. Clergy from Other Annual which their appointment is located or in which Conferences, Other Methodist and they reside. By a two-thirds vote of the clergy Christian Denominations session,27 such clergy may be received with rights and privileges, including service on con- ¶ 337. Provisions for Clergy from Outside ference boards, agencies, task forces, and the Annual Conference—Ordained clergy or committees, with voice but without vote. Vot- probationary members from other annual ing membership shall be retained in the ap- conferences and Christian denominations pointee’s home annual conference for the du- may receive an appointment in the annual ration of affiliate member relationship. Nomi- conference in the following manner: nation to general Church boards and agencies 1. Ordained Clergy or Probationary Mem- and election as delegates to general and juris- bers from Other Annual Conferences and dictional conferences shall originate in the ap- Other Methodist Denominations—With ap- pointee’s home annual conference. Such per- proval and consent of the bishops or other ju- sons may serve on the board, agency, task dicatory authorities involved, ordained clergy force, or committee of only one annual confer- or probationary members of other annual con- ence at any one time.28 ferences or other Methodist churches may re- 5. General Provisions—a) These appoint- ceive appointments in the annual conference ments shall be made only to positions related while retaining their home conference mem- to adequate accountability structures, accord- bership or denominational affiliation. Ap-

27 See Judicial Council Decision 555 pointments are to be made by the resident 28 See Judicial Council Decision 554.

155 ¶ 337 THE MINISTRY OF THE ORDAINED bishop of the conference in which the clergy board of trustees (¶¶ 632.1, 2512.1). They shall person is to serve. Upon the recommendation not be eligible for election as delegates to the of the board of ordained ministry, clergy in general, jurisdictional, or central conferences. such appointments may be granted voice but They shall also be subject to the provisions not vote in the annual conference to which governing sabbatical leave, leave of absence, they are appointed. Their membership on con- location, retirement, minimum salary, and ference boards and agencies is restricted to the pension. They shall not have security of ap- conference of which they are a member. They pointment. shall be compensated no less than the equita- 3. Between conference sessions, the board ble salary provisions of the annual conference of ordained ministry may approve them for in which they serve and participate in the pen- appointment pending the recognition of their sion and insurance programs of that annual orders. The bishop may make ad interim rec- conference. Such appointments are renewable ognition of valid ordination after consultation annually. with the cabinet and executive committee of 2. Elders or Ordained Clergy from Other the board of ordained ministry, pending rec- Denominations—On recommendation of the ognition by the vote of the clergy members in board of ordained ministry, the clergy mem- full connection. In every case, prior examina- bers in full connection may approve annually tion shall be made of the ordained minister’s clergy in good standing in other Christian de- understanding, acceptance, and willingness to nominations to serve appointments or ecu- support and maintain United Methodist doc- menical ministries within the bounds of the trine, discipline, and polity29 annual conference while retaining their de- ¶ 338. Transfers—1. From Other Annual nominational affiliation; provided they Conferences—Ordained clergy or probation- present suitable credentials, give assurance of ary members from other annual conferences their Christian faith and experience, and other of The United Methodist Church may be re- qualifications. They shall give evidence of ceived by transfer into probationary or full their agreement with and willingness to sup- membership with the consent of the bishops port and maintain United Methodist doctrine, involved. Consultation with the chairperson or discipline, and polity. Their ordination cre- executive committee of the board of ordained dentials shall be examined by the bishop and ministry shall be held prior to the transfer. the board of ordained ministry and, upon its 2. From Other Methodist Denominations— recommendation, may be recognized as valid a) Ordained elders or ordained clergy from elders in The United Methodist Church while other Methodist churches may be received by they are under appointment. When the board transfer into probationary or full conference of ordained ministry certifies that their cre- membership, with the consent of the bishops dentials are at least equal to those of United or other authorities involved, without going Methodist elders, they may be accorded the through the process required for ministers right to vote in the annual conference on all from other denominations. Prior consultation matters except the following: (a) constitu- with the chairperson or executive committee tional amendments; (b) election of delegates of the board of ordained ministry shall be held to the general and jurisdictional or central in order to determine that the minister meets conferences; (c) all matters of ordination, the standards for conference membership es- character, and conference relations of minis- tablished by the Discipline and the annual ters. They may serve on any board, commis- conference. sion, or committee of an annual conference, b) Ordained elders or ordained clergy being except the board of ordained ministry and the 29 See Judicial Council Decision 444.

156 CLERGY FROM OTHER ANNUAL CONFERENCES ETC. ¶ 339 transferred from other Methodist churches dentials from another denomination whether shall meet the educational requirements of or not membership in the effective relation The United Methodist Church, or the equiva- was previously held in an annual conference of lent approved by Northern Europe Board of The United Methodist Church or one of its le- Education. gal predecessors, and if so, when and under c) The Northern Europe Board of Educa- what circumstances the ordained minister’s tion shall certify the satisfaction of educa- connection with such annual conference was tional requirements for conference member- severed. ship and, in cases where additional education 5. Ordained elders or ordained clergy seek- is required, shall develop an educational pro- ing admission into an annual conference on gram in consultation with the board of or- credentials from another denomination who dained ministry. have previously withdrawn from membership 3. From Other Denominations—a) On rec- in the effective relation in an annual confer- ommendation of the board of ordained minis- ence of The United Methodist Church or one try, the clergy members in full connection may of its legal predecessors shall not be admitted recognize the orders of elders or ordained or readmitted without the consent of the an- clergy from other denominations and receive nual conference from which they withdrew or them as probationary members or local pas- its legal successor, or the annual conference of tors. They shall present their credentials for which the major portion of their former con- examination by the bishop and board of or- ference is a part, such consent to be granted dained ministry and give assurance of their upon recommendation of its board of or- Christian faith and experience. They shall give dained ministry. evidence of their agreement with and willing- ¶ 339. Recognition of Orders of Clergy ness to support and maintain United Method- from Other Denominations—1. Clergy from ist doctrine, discipline, and polity and present other denominations may have their orders a satisfactory certificate of good health on the recognized by the clergy members in full con- prescribed form from a physician approved by nection of the annual conference after exami- the board of ordained ministry. They shall nation of their credentials by the bishop and make themselves available for any psychologi- board of ordained ministry. Prior to admission cal or aptitude tests the board may require. to membership in the annual conference, such The board of ordained ministry, in consulta- recognition of orders may be given upon rec- tion with Northern Europe Board of Educa- ommendation of the bishop and board of or- tion, shall determine whether they meet the dained ministry. educational requirements for conference 2. When the orders of an ordained minister membership. of another church shall have been duly recog- b) Ordained elders or ordained clergy from nized, the certificates of ordination by said other Christian denominations shall serve as church shall be returned to the minister with probationary members for at least two years the following inscription written plainly on the and complete all the requirements of ¶ 326, in- back: cluding courses in United Methodist history, doctrine, and polity, before being admitted These orders are recognized by the into full conference membership. ______Annual Conference of The 4. The board of ordained ministry of an an- United Methodist Church, this ______nual conference is required to ascertain from day of ______, ______[year] . an ordained elder or ordained clergyperson seeking admission into its membership on cre- ______,

157 ¶ 340 THE MINISTRY OF THE ORDAINED

President and local pastors approved annually by the ______, board of ordained ministry may be licensed by Secretary the bishop to perform all the duties of a pastor (¶ 331), including the sacraments of baptism The ordained minister also will be fur- and Holy Communion as well as the service of nished with a certificate of recognition of or- marriage (where country laws allow),30 burial, ders signed by the bishop. confirmation, and membership reception, while appointed to a particular charge. For the purposes of these paragraphs the charge will Section X. License for Pastoral be defined as ”people within or related to the Ministry community being served.” While local pastors are not eligible for appointment to extension ¶ 340. License for Pastoral Ministry—All ministries, probationary members may be ap- persons not ordained as elders who are ap- pointed to extension ministries approved by pointed to preach and conduct divine worship the bishop and the board of ordained ministry. and perform the duties of a pastor shall have a 2. Such authorization granted by the li- license for pastoral ministry. The board of or- cense may be renewed annually by the board dained ministry (¶ 632.2g) may recommend to of ordained ministry. the executive session of the annual conference 3. The license shall remain valid only so the licensing of those persons who are: long as the appointment continues and shall 1. Probationary members commissioned by be recertified by the bishop when assignments the annual conference, or change between sessions of the annual confer- 2. Local pastors who have completed the ence31 following: 4. A local pastor shall be under the supervi- a) The conditions for candidacy certifica- sion of a district superintendent and a pastoral tion in ¶¶ 306.2-4; mentor who shall supervise the local pastor’s b) The studies for the license as a lay work in the Course of Study for ordained min- speaker as prescribed by the Northern Europe istry and give counsel on matters of pastoral Board of Education or one-third of their basic responsibility ( ¶¶ 331, 347). training at a theological seminary, university 5. Local pastors shall be amenable to the or college approved by the Northern Europe clergy session of the annual conference in the Board of Education; performance of their pastoral duties and shall c) Been examined and recommended by attend the sessions of the annual conference. the board on ordained ministry; 6. The membership of local pastors under d) Been approved by the board of ordained full-time and part-time appointment is in the ministry (¶ 632.2g); and annual conference where they shall have the e) Provided the board with a satisfactory right to vote on all matters except constitu- certificate of good health on a prescribed form tional amendments, election of delegates to from a physician approved by that board if be- general, jurisdictional, or central conferences, ing appointed as a full-time local pastor. The and matters of ordination, character, and con- conference may require psychological and/or ference relations of clergy. psychiatric tests and evaluations to provide 7. Student local pastors (¶ 343.3) may re- additional information to qualify for such cov- tain their membership in their home church erage. and charge conference or place it in the church ¶ 341. Authority and Duties of License for Pastoral Ministry—1. Probationary members 30 †See Judicial Council Decision 694. 31 †See Judicial Council Decision 112.

158 LICENSE FOR PASTORAL MINISTRY ¶ 343 where they are appointed, but in the discharge ference for full-time local pastors; (c) who, un- of their ministerial functions they shall be less they have completed the Course of Study, amenable to the district superintendent under shall complete a full years program per year of whom they serve. They shall have the right to the Course of Study; (d) who, when they have voice, but not vote in the annual conference. completed the Course of Study, are involved in 8. All local pastors shall receive written continuing education(¶ 349);32 (e) who shall communication about decisions made regard- not be enrolled as a full-time student in any ing their relationship with the annual confer- school. ence. 2. Part-Time Local Pastors—Those eligible ¶ 342. Interim License as Local Pastor— to be appointed as part-time local pastors are Between sessions of the annual conference, persons (a) who have met the provisions of ¶ persons who have completed the conditions 340; (b) who do not devote their entire time to for licensing listed above may be granted in- the charge to which they are appointed; or (c) terim license as a local pastor upon recom- do not receive in cash support per annum from mendation of the cabinet, the board on or- all Church sources a sum equal to or larger dained ministry, and executive committee of than the minimum base compensation estab- the conference board of ordained ministry, lished by the annual conference for full-time and may be appointed by the bishop. local pastors; and (d) who, unless they have ¶ 343. Categories of Local Pastor—Upon completed the Course of Study, shall complete satisfactory completion of the requirements of a half years program per year of the Course of ¶ 340, the board on ordained ministry shall Study. certify the completion of the prescribed stud- Part-time local pastors may be appointed ies to the candidates and the board of ordained to small membership churches that are ministry, and they shall be listed in the journal grouped together in a charge under the super- as eligible to be appointed as local pastors. vision of a mentor. Award of the license shall not be made until an 3. Student Local Pastors—Those eligible to appointment to a pastoral charge is made in be appointed as student local pastors shall be accordance with ¶ 328. In recommending to enrolled as theological students in a theologi- the annual conference those who have met the cal seminary, university, or college approved requirements to serve as local pastors for the by the Northern Europe Board of Education ensuing year, the board of ordained ministry and are serving in an appointment under the shall classify them in three categories with supervision of a district superintendent; (a) educational and other requirements of their who have met the provisions of ¶ 340, and (b) category. Any person who fails to meet these who shall make appropriate progress in their requirements shall be discontinued as a local educational program as determined by the pastor. The categories shall be defined as fol- board of ordained ministry. lows: 4. Upon recommendation of the board of 1. Full-Time Local Pastors—Those eligible ordained ministry, the clergy members in full to be appointed full-time local pastors are per- connection may vote approval annually for sons (a) who may devote their entire time to students of other denominations enrolled in a the church in the charge to which they are ap- theological seminary, university, or college ap- pointed and its outreach in ministry and mis- proved by the Northern Europe Board of Edu- sion to the community; (b) who receive in cash cation to serve as local pastors for the ensuing support per annum from all Church sources a year under the direction of the district super- sum equal to or larger than the minimum base intendent; provided that they shall indicate to compensation established by the annual con- 32 See Judicial Council Decisions 343, 572.

159 ¶ 344 THE MINISTRY OF THE ORDAINED the satisfaction of the board of ordained min- shall be interpreted to change or limit authori- istry their agreement to support and maintain zations to local pastors ordained as deacon the doctrine and polity of The United Method- and elder prior to 1996.34 ist Church while under appointment. ¶¶ 345 is not relevant See the 2001 North- 5. Local pastors, except student local pas- ern Europe Central Conference minutes, § 32. tors, may serve on any board, commission, or ¶ 346. Exiting, Reinstatement, and Re- committee with voice and vote, except on mat- tirement of Local Pastors Who Are Not Pro- ters of clergy character, qualifications, status, bationary Members—1. Discontinuance of and ordination, except the board of ordained Local Pastor—Whenever a local pastor retires ministry and the board on ordained ministry or is no longer approved for appointment by (¶ 632.1). They shall not be eligible to vote on the annual conference as required in ¶ 343, or serve as delegates to the general, jurisdic- whenever any local pastor severs relationship tional, or central conference. with The United Methodist Church, whenever ¶ 344. Continuance as a Local Pastor—1. the appointment of a local pastor is discontin- Persons licensed as local pastors who are not ued by the bishop, or whenever the board on probationary members shall continue in col- ordained ministry does not recommend con- lege, in a program of theological education at tinuation of license, license and credentials an approved seminary, or in the Course of shall be surrendered to the district superin- Study. tendent for deposit with the secretary of the 2. Upon completing each year’s education conference. After consultation with the pastor, and other qualifications, a local pastor who is the former local pastor shall designate the lo- not a probationary member may be recom- cal church in which membership shall be held. mended for continuance by the board on or- The board of ordained ministry shall file with dained ministry. The clergy members in full the resident bishop a permanent record of the connection of the annual conference may ap- circumstances relating to the discontinuance prove continuance of a local pastor after refer- of local pastor status as required in ¶ 632.3d. ence to and recommendation by its board of 2. Withdrawal Under Complaints and ordained ministry. Charges—When a local pastor is accused of an 3. A full-time local pastor shall complete offense under ¶ 2702 and desires to withdraw the Course of Study curriculum within eight from the Church, the procedures described in years and a part-time local pastor within ¶ 2719.2 shall apply. twelve, unless a family situation or other cir- 3. Trial of Local Pastor—When a local pas- cumstance precludes the local pastor’s oppor- tor is accused of an offense under ¶ 2702, the tunity to meet said requirements. The local procedures described in ¶¶ 2703-2713 shall pastor may be granted an annual extension apply. beyond the prescribed limit upon a three- 4. Reinstatement of Local Pastor Status— fourths vote of the board on ordained minis- Local pastors whose approved status has been try, recommendation by the conference board discontinued from an annual conference of of ordained ministry, and the vote of the clergy The United Methodist Church or one of its le- members in full connection.33 gal predecessors may be reinstated only by the 4. A local pastor may choose to remain in a annual conference that previously approved local relationship with the annual conference them, its legal successor, or the annual confer- upon having completed the five-year Course of ence of which the major portion of their Study. former conference is a part, only upon recom- 5. None of the provisions in this legislation mendation by the board on ordained ministry from which their license was discontinued and 33 See Judicial Council Decisions 436, 439. 34 See Judicial Council Decisions 436, 439.1.

160 LICENSE FOR PASTORAL MINISTRY ¶ 347 the cabinet. Persons seeking reinstatement Section XI. Mentoring and Mentors shall provide evidence that they have been members of a local United Methodist church ¶ 347. Mentors—1. Mentors shall be rec- for at least one year prior to their request for ommended by the cabinet, selected, trained reinstatement. The the board on ordained and held accountable by the board of ordained ministry shall require a recommendation from ministry. There are two categories of mentor, the charge conference where his or her mem- each with distinct functions and responsibili- bership is currently held. When approved by ties as follows: the clergy members in full connection as pro- a) Candidacy mentors are clergy in full con- vided in ¶ 328, their license and credentials nection or associate members trained to pro- shall be restored, and they shall be eligible for vide counsel and guidance related to the can- appointment as pastors of a charge. They shall didacy process. Candidates will be assigned a complete current studies and meet require- candidacy mentor by the board on ordained ments as provided in ¶¶ 340, 343. ministry in consultation with the district su- Whenever persons whose approval as local perintendent (¶ 306). Candidacy mentors will pastors has been discontinued by an annual work with the candidate until that candidate conference are being considered for appoint- begins serving in an appointive ministry as a ment or temporary employment in another local pastor or a commissioned minister. annual conference, the board of ordained min- b) Clergy mentors are clergy in full connec- istry where these persons are being considered tion trained to provide ongoing oversight and shall obtain from the board of ordained minis- counsel with local pastors and probationary try of the conference where approval has been members pursuing ordained ministry. Local discontinued verification of their qualifica- pastors will be assigned a clergy mentor by the tions and information about the circum- board on ordained ministry in consultation stances relating to the termination of their ap- with the district superintendent. Probationary proval as local pastors. members will be assigned a clergy mentor by 5. Retirement of Local Pastor—A local pas- the conference board of ordained ministry in tor who has made satisfactory progress in the consultation with the district superintendent. course of study as specified in ¶345.1 or .2 may A candidacy mentor may continue with the be recognized as a retired local pastor. Retire- same person if trained to serve as a clergy ment provisions for local pastors shall be the mentor. same as those for clergy members in ¶ 356.1, 2. Mentoring occurs within a relationship .2, .4, with pensions payable in accordance where the mentor takes responsibility for cre- with ¶ 1506.5a. Retired local pastors may at- ating a safe place for reflection and growth. An tend annual conference sessions with voice effective mentor has a mature faith, models ef- but not vote. A retired local pastor may be ap- fective ministry, and possesses the necessary pointed by the bishop to a charge and licensed skill to help individuals discern their call in without any additional claim upon the confer- ministry. Mentoring is a part of the prepara- ence minimum compensation nor further pen- tion and growth for inquirers and candidates sion credit. for ordained ministry, local pastors and pro- bationary members of an annual conference. Mentoring is distinct from the evaluative and supervisory process that is a part of prepara- tion for ministry. 3. The conference board of ordained minis- try may assign one mentor to work either with one individual or with a group of local pastors and/or probationary members. Persons trans- 161 ¶ 348 THE MINISTRY OF THE ORDAINED ferring from other denominations will also be clergy shall engage in continuing education for assigned a clergy mentor (¶338.3.b). ministry, professional development, and spir- 4. Clergy mentoring begins when a person itual formation and growth in order to lead the receives an appointment as a local pastor or as church in fulfilling the mission of making dis- a commissioned minister entering probation- ciples for Jesus Christ. This shall include care- ary service. fully developed personal programs of study augmented periodically by involvement in or- ganized educational and spiritual growth ac- Section XII. Evaluation for Continuing tivities. Formation for Full Members and Local 2. A clergy member’s continuing education Pastors and spiritual growth program should include such leaves at least one week each year and at ¶ 348. Evaluation—Evaluation is a con- least one month during one year of every tinuous process for formation in servant min- quadrennium. Such leaves shall not be consid- istry and servant leadership that must take ered as part of the ministers’ vacations and place in a spirit of understanding and accept- shall be planned in consultation with their ance. Evaluation serves as a process for pas- charges or other agencies to which they are tors to assess their effectiveness in ministry appointed as well as the bishop, district super- and to discern God’s call to continue in or- intendent, and annual conference continuing dained ministry. education committee. 1. The district superintendent, in consulta- 3. A clergy member may request a tion with the pastor-parish relations commit- formational and spiritual growth leave of up to tee, will evaluate annually the pastors’ effec- six months while continuing to hold an ap- tiveness for ministry (¶¶ 325.2c, 421, 632.2n, pointment in the local church. Such leaves are q), using criteria, processes, and training de- available to clergy members who have held veloped by the cabinet and the board of or- full-time appointments for at least six years. dained ministry. The pastors in local churches Such a leave shall be with the approval of the shall participate annually in an evaluation committee on pastor-parish relations, the with the committee on pastor-parish relations church council, and the district superintend- for use in an ongoing effective ministry and for ent. Annual conferences are encouraged to as- identifying continuing education needs and sist with pulpit supply and other temporary plans (¶ 258.2f[3]), using criteria, processes, support for such leaves. and training developed by the board of or- 4. Financial arrangements for continuing dained ministry and the cabinet. education as part of one’s professional devel- 2. Clergy serving in appointments to exten- opment, formation, and spiritual growth shall sion ministries will undergo annual evaluation be negotiated in the following manner: (a) for by their immediate supervisors, engage in an- elders and local pastors it shall be done in con- nual self-evaluation, and include copies of sultation with the district superintendent and these evaluations in the annual report submit- the committee on pastor-parish relations; (b) ted to their bishop, district superintendent, for deacons, with an appropriate supervisory and the board of ordained ministry (¶ 335.2a). body; (c) for district superintendents, with the When possible, they shall have a conversation district committee on superintendency; (d) for with their district superintendent about their conference staff, with the appropriate supervi- ministry. sory body; (e) for others in extension minis- ¶ 349. Continuing Education and Spir- tries, with the appropriate persons in their itual Growth—1. Throughout their careers, agency.

162 EVALUATION FOR CONTINUING FORMATION ¶ 352

5. Clergy shall be asked by the district su- perintendent in the charge conference to re- port on their programs of continuing educa- Section XIII. Changes of Conference tion, formation, and spiritual growth for the Relationship past year and plans for the year to come. The district superintendent shall also ask the local ¶ 351. Provision for Change in Conference church to describe its provision for time and Relationship—When ordained ministers financial support of continuing education for sense that God is calling them to seek a change ministry, professional development, forma- in conference relationship, either for a short or tion and spiritual growth for the pastors, di- long term, they are urged to review this with aconal ministers and deacons serving their colleagues, the district superintendent, and primary appointment in that local church. the bishop. Probationary and associate mem- 6. Clergy in extension ministries shall give bers and members in full connection seeking a evidence of their continuing formation and change in conference relationship shall make spiritual growth program and future plans in written request to their board of ordained their annual reports (¶ 335.2a). ministry stating the reasons for the requested ¶ 350. Sabbatical Leave—A sabbatical change of relationship. In addition, the board leave should be allowed for a program of study of ordained ministry may request personal in- or travel approved by the conference board of terviews with the probationary or associate ordained ministry. Associate members or members and members in full connection re- clergy members in full connection who have questing the change in relationship, except been serving in a full-time appointment for six where personal appearance results in undue consecutive years from the time of their recep- hardship.36 Clergy appointed to a general tion into full or associate membership may be agency of the United Methodist Church shall granted a sabbatical leave for up to one year. be covered by the policies of the agency in rela- Whenever possible, the compensation level of tion to family leave, maternity or paternity the last appointment served before the leave leave, and incapacity leave. should be maintained in the appointment ¶ 352. Leave of Absence—1. This relation- made at the termination of the leave. The ap- ship is granted to clergy who are probationary, pointment to sabbatical leave is to be made by associate, and full members, who because of the bishop holding the conference, upon the sufficient reason are unable to or who choose vote of the annual conference after recom- temporarily to cease to perform their ministe- mendation by the board of ordained ministry. rial duties. This relationship may be initiated Associate members and clergy members in full by clergypersons as a voluntary leave of ab- connection shall submit a written request for a sence or by district superintendents as an in- sabbatical leave, including plans for study or voluntary leave of absence through the board travel, to the board of ordained ministry, with of ordained ministry and granted or renewed copies to the bishop and district superintend- by the vote of the clergy session of members in ent, ordinarily six months before the opening full connection with the annual conference session of the annual conference. To be eligi- upon the board’s recommendation. Between ble for an additional sabbatical leave, associ- sessions of the annual conference, leave of ab- ate members and clergy members in full con- sence may be granted or terminated, with the nection shall have served six consecutive years approval of the bishop and district superin- under full-time appointment following the tendents, by the executive committee of the previous sabbatical leave.35 36 See Judicial Council Decisions 524, 530. 37 See Judicial Council Decision 689. 35 See Judicial Council Decision 473. 38 See Judicial Council Decision 689.

163 ¶ 352 THE MINISTRY OF THE ORDAINED board of ordained ministry37 This interim ac- two-thirds vote of the clergy members in full tion shall be subject to the approval of the connection41 clergy session of members in full connection b) Involuntary Leave of Absence—The dis- with the annual conference at its next session38 trict superintendents may request an involun- This leave shall be counted as a part of the six- tary leave of absence without the consent of year limit for probationary members (¶ 318), the probationary, associate, or full member, at unless the six-year limit is extended by the least ninety days prior to the annual confer- clergy session of members in full connection ence session. They shall give to the probation- with the annual conference upon the recom- ary, associate, or full member and the board of mendation of the board of ordained ministry. ordained ministry in writing specific reasons Should there be complaints or charges pend- for the request. The fair process for adminis- ing at the time of a request for leave of ab- trative hearings as set forth in ¶ 359.2 shall be sence, they should be placed in the file of the followed in any involuntary leave of absence clergyperson. procedure. The clergyperson has the right to a All subsequent actions concerning such en- hearing before the bishop, district superin- tries should be duly noted and placed in the tendents, and executive committee of the file. Clergypersons on leaves of absence shall board of ordained ministry prior to being have no claim on the conference funds. How- placed on involuntary leave of absence. Writ- ever, in exceptional circumstances, on the rec- ten notice of the board’s action should be sent ommendation of the district superintendents, to the respondent and the administrative re- salary and/or other benefits may be granted to view committee’s chairperson. Involuntary an elder or associate member by vote of the leaves of absence shall be approved by two- clergy session of members in full connection thirds vote of the clergy session of members in with the annual conference. In an interim be- full connection with the annual conference.42 tween sessions of the annual conference, by By two-thirds vote of the clergy session of vote of the bishop, cabinet, and executive com- members in full connection with the annual mittee of the board of ordained ministry, sal- conference, upon recommendation of the ary and/or benefits may be granted. bishop, district superintendents, and board of Clergypersons on leaves of absence shall not ordained ministry, the ninety-day notice re- be eligible for membership on annual, juris- quirement may be waived. This relation shall dictional, central, or general conference agen- be approved annually upon written request of cies and may not be elected or serve as del- the district superintendents and shall not be egates to general or jurisdictional conferences. approved for more than three years in succes- a) Voluntary Leave of Absence—The writ- sion. ten request for this relationship should be The administrative review committee (¶ made at least ninety days prior to the annual 633) shall ensure that the disciplinary proce- conference session, giving specific reasons for dures for involuntary leave of absence were the request.39 Representatives of the annual properly followed. The entire process leading conference board of ordained ministry may in- to the recommendation for involuntary leave terview the clergy member to determine suffi- of absence shall be reviewed by the adminis- cient cause.40 This relationship shall be ap- trative review committee, and it shall report proved annually upon written request of the its findings to the clergy session of members in clergy member and shall not be granted for full connection with the annual conference. more than five years in succession, except by a 2. After consultation and with the written consent of the pastor in charge, and with the 39 See Judicial Council Decision 689. 40 See Judicial Council Decision 782 41 See Judicial Council Decision 581, 782 42 See Judicial Council Decision 782

164 CHANGES OF CONFERENCE RELATIONSHIP ¶ 353 approval of the district superintendent and members on voluntary leave of absence do not the staff-parish relations committee of a local request an extension of the leave of absence church, clergy members shall designate a annually during the five-year period or do not charge conference within the bounds of the indicate willingness to return to the itinerant annual conference in which they shall hold ministry at the end of the five-year period fol- membership and to which they shall submit an lowing documented efforts to make contact annual report. The exercise of their ministry with the clergyperson, the board of ordained shall be limited to the charge conference in ministry may recommend to the clergy session which their membership is held and with the of members in full connection with the annual written permission of the pastor in charge un- conference that the clergyperson be located or less special permission is granted by the terminated. If the district superintendents do bishop of the conference where membership is not intend to extend the involuntary leave of held. They shall report all marriages per- absence, they shall notify both the board of or- formed, baptisms administered, funerals con- dained ministry and the clergyperson at least ducted and other ministerial activities to the six months prior to the session of the annual charge conference, pastor in charge, and conference to permit clergypersons to exercise board of ordained ministry, and they shall be teir options. The clergyperson shall have the held amenable to the annual conference for right to request a change to a voluntary leave their conduct and the continuation of their or- of absence or termination of leave of absence. dination rights. In case of failure to report to Any consecutive combination of voluntary and the board of ordained ministry, the clergy ses- involuntary leaves of absence shall be counted sion of the annual conference may locate or in the total of five years for purposes of ¶¶ 352, terminate the clergy member without further 359.45 process. ¶ 353. Family Leave—1. This relationship 3. When an end to the leave of absence is is granted to diaconal ministers, clergy who requested by the probationary, associate, or are local pastors, probationary members, as- full member in the case of a voluntary leave of sociate members, and clergy members in full absence, and by the district superintendents connection who, because of an immediate in the case of an involuntary leave of absence, family member's need for full-time care, are it shall be by written request at least six temporarily unwilling or unable to perform months prior to the session of annual confer- the duties of a full-time itinerant ministry. ence.43 The board of ordained ministry shall This relationship may be initiated by the review the circumstances surrounding the clergy member through the board of ordained granting of the relationship for the purpose of ministry and granted or renewed by the vote of determining whether those circumstances the clergy members in full connection upon have been alleviated or resolved. When the the board's recommendation. Between ses- board has determined that the circumstances sions of the annual conference, this relation- of the voluntary leave have not been alleviated ship may be granted or terminated with the or resolved and the request is denied, the approval of the bishop, district superintend- board must promptly begin a process to place ents, and executive committee of the board of the clergyperson on involuntary leave of ab- ordained ministry. This interim action shall be sence, administrative location, involuntary in- subject to the approval of the annual confer- capacity leave, or involuntary retirement44 or ence at its next session. This relationship shall such other action as is deemed appropriate. be approved annually upon written request of 4. When probationary, associate, or full

43 See Judicial Council Decision 721 45 See Judicial Council Decision 450, 459, 473, 508, 44 See Judicial Council Decision 689 524, 530.

165 ¶ 353 THE MINISTRY OF THE ORDAINED the probationary, associate, or full member tries, continue to hold an existing reserve and shall not be granted for more than five commission as an armed forces chaplain, but years in succession, except by a two-thirds may not voluntarily serve on extended active vote of the clergy members in full connection. duty. The written request for this relationship shall 3. When a member requests to terminate be made at least ninety days prior to annual the family leave, it shall be by written request conference. This leave shall not count as a part to the board of ordained ministry at least of the six-year limit for probationary members ninety days prior to the session of annual con- unless the board of ordained ministry recom- ference. mends otherwise. After consultation and with 4. When probationary, associate, or full the written consent of the pastor in charge, members do not request an extension of the and with the approval of the district superin- family leave annually during the five-year pe- tendent and the staff-parish relations commit- riod or do not indicate willingness to return to tee of a local church, ordained ministers on the itinerant ministry at the end of the five- family leave shall designate a charge confer- year period, the provisions of ¶ 359 shall be ence in which they shall hold membership and invoked. to which they shall submit an annual report. ¶ 354. Maternity or Paternity Leave—Ma- Outside their charge conference, under the su- ternity or paternity leave shall be granted pervision of the district superintendent, the clergy in accordance with the laws of the coun- ordained clergy on family leave may preach, try. teach, perform marriages and baptisms, and 1. Persons desiring maternity or paternity administer the sacraments. They shall report leave should file their request with the com- all ministerial functions performed to their mittee on pastor-parish relations after con- charge conference. They shall be held amena- sulting with the district superintendent at ble for their conduct and the continuation of least ninety days prior to its beginning to allow their ordination rights to the annual confer- adequate pastoral care for the churches in- ence. Probationary, associate, and full mem- volved to be developed. bers on family leave who affiliate with a charge 2. During the leave, the clergy member's conference outside the geographical bounda- annual conference relations will remain un- ries of their home annual conference shall fol- changed, and the health and welfare benefit low the procedures outlined in ¶ 335.3b. In plans will remain in force. case of failure to report to the charge confer- 3. A maternity or paternity leave of up to ence, the annual conference may locate them one quarter of a year will be considered as an without their consent. They shall have no uninterrupted appointment for pension pur- claim on conference funds, except by vote of poses. the clergy members in full connection. They 4. Compensation will be maintained ac- may participate in the conference health pro- cording to the respective rules in each country gram through their own contributions. They within the central conference. shall be eligible for membership on conference 5. During the leave time, pastoral responsi- committees, commissions, or boards. bility for the church or churches involved will 2. Persons on family leave may, with the be handled through consultation with the permission of the charge conference in which committee on pastor-parish relations of the membership is held and with the approval of local church(es) and the district superintend- the Division of Chaplains and Related Minis- ent. 6. Special arrangements shall be made for district superintendents, bishops, and those

166 CHANGES OF CONFERENCE RELATIONSHIP ¶ 356 under special appointment. ment from a bishop between sessions of the ¶ 355. Incapacity Leave Resulting From annual conference, thereby terminating the Health Matters and Disabling Conditions—1. incapacity leave. Such termination of leave, to- When clergy who are members of an annual gether with the effective date, shall also be re- conference (¶ 365) are unable to perform their corded in the minutes of the annual confer- ministerial work because of incapacity due to ence at its next regular session. health matters and disabling conditions, upon ¶ 356. Retirement—Retired clergy mem- recommendations of the conference board of bers are those who have been placed in the re- ordained ministry, and by a majority vote of tired relation either at their own request or by the executive session of clergy members in full action of the clergy session upon recommen- connection with the annual conference who dation of the board of ordained ministry46 Re- are present and voting, they may be granted quests for retirement shall be stated in writing annual incapacity leave without losing their to the bishop, cabinet, and board of ordained relationship to the annual conference; pro- ministry at least one hundred twenty days vided, however, that such leave may be prior to the date on which retirement is to be granted or renewed only after a thorough in- effective. The board of ordained ministry shall vestigation of the case including a certificate provide guidance and counsel to the retiring from a physician. This relationship may be ini- member and family as they begin a new rela- tiated by the clergy member or cabinet with or tionship in the local church. without the consent of the clergy member 1. Mandatory Retirement—Every clergy through the board of ordained ministry. Each member of an annual conference who will incapacity leave granted by the annual confer- have attained age seventy on or before July 1 in ence shall be recorded in the conference min- the year in which the conference is held shall utes. automatically be retired47 2. When clergy who are members of an an- 2. Voluntary Retirement—a) With Twenty nual conference are unable to perform their Years of Service—Any clergy members of the ministerial work between sessions of the an- annual conference who have completed nual conference on account of health matters twenty years or more of service under appoint- and disabling conditions, with the approval of ment as ordained ministers or as local pastors the district superintendents, after consulta- prior to the opening date of the session of the tion with the executive committee of the con- conference may request the annual conference ference board of ordained ministry, an inca- to place them in the retired relation. pacity leave may be granted by the bishop for b) With Thirty-five Years of Service or at the remainder of the conference year; pro- Age Sixty-two—At their own request and by vided, however, that such leave may be vote of the clergy members in full connection, granted only after a thorough investigation of any clergy members who will have attained the case including a certificate from a physi- age sixty-two on or before July 1 in the year in cian. Such leave, together with the effective which the session of the annual conference is date, shall also be recorded in the minutes of held or will have completed thirty-five years of the annual conference at its next regular ses- service under appointment as an ordained sion. minister, or a local pastor as of the conference 3. When clergy members on incapacity session may be placed in the retired relation leave provide medical evidence that they have with an annuity claim for an actuarially re- recovered sufficiently to resume ministerial duced pension (see ¶ 1506.4i).48 Payment will work, or are able to return through reasonable 46 See Judicial Council Decisions 87, 88, 531. accommodation, they may receive an appoint- 47 See Judicial Council Decisions 7, 165, 413, 578. 48 See Judicial Council Decision 428

167 ¶ 356 THE MINISTRY OF THE ORDAINED be made according to the rules in each country ministrative hearings shall be followed in any within the Central conference. involuntary retirement procedure. Written c) With Forty Years of Service or at Age notice of the intended action shall be given to Sixty-five—At their own request and by vote of such member by the board of ordained minis- the clergy members in full connection, any try at least one hundred and eighty days prior clergy members who will have attained age to annual conference. Written notice also sixty-five on or before July 1 in the year in should be given to the chairperson of the ad- which the session of the conference is held or ministrative review committee. will have completed forty years of service un- The administrative review committee (¶ der appointment as an ordained minister, or 633) shall ensure that the disciplinary proce- as a local pastor, as of the conference session dures for involuntary retirement were prop- may be placed in the retired relation with the erly followed. The entire process leading to the privilege of making an annuity claim.49 recommendation for involuntary retirement Payment will be made according to the shall be reviewed by the administrative review rules in each country within the Central con- committee, and it shall report its findings to ference. the clergy session of members in full connec- d) The dates specified in ¶ 356.1 and .2a-c tion of the annual conference. Any clergy notwithstanding, between sessions of the an- member who is placed in the retired relation- nual conference any member who attains the ship under this subparagraph shall be entitled age and/or number of years of service speci- to the privilege of receiving his or her pension fied in those sections may, upon the member’s for the number of approved years served in the own request and with the approval of the annual conference or conferences and such bishop, cabinet, and executive committee of other benefits as the final annual conference the board of ordained ministry, be granted the may provide. retired relation ad interim, with applicable an- Payment will be made according to the nuity claim, subject to the approval of the rules in each country within the Central con- clergy members in full connection at the next ference. annual conference session. 4. Preretirement Counseling—The board e) The annual conference, at its discretion, of ordained ministry in cooperation with the upon joint recommendation of the board of conference board of pensions shall offer to all ordained ministry and the conference board of clergy members anticipating retirement pensions, may designate any time within the preconsultation at least five years prior to the ensuing conference year as the effective date date of anticipated retirement (¶ 632.2n). The of retirement of a clergy member who is placed purpose of the consultation will be to assist the in the retired relation under the provisions of clergy and spouses to plan and to prepare for par. 2b or par. 2c above.50 the adjustments associated with retirement as 3. Involuntary Retirement—By a two- well as providing guidance and counsel for thirds vote of those present and voting, the their return to a new relationship in the local clergy members in full connection may place church. any clergy members in the retired relation 5. Charge Conference Membership—All re- with or without their consent and irrespective tired clergy members who are not appointed of their age if such relation is recommended by as pastors of a charge, after consultation with the board of ordained ministry and the cabi- the pastor and the district superintendent, net.51 The procedures for fair process in ad- shall have a seat in the charge conference and all the privileges of membership in the church 49 See Judicial Council Decision 379. where they elect to hold such membership ex- 50 See Judicial Council Decision 769. 51 See Judicial Council Decisions 522, 769.

168 CHANGES OF CONFERENCE RELATIONSHIP ¶ 357 cept as set forth in the Discipline. They shall ¶ 357. Honorable Location—1. An annual report to the charge conference and to the pas- conference may grant clergy members in full tor all marriages performed, baptisms admin- connection certificates of honorable location istered, and other pastoral functions. If they at their own request; provided that the board reside outside the bounds of the conference, of ordained ministry shall have first examined they shall forward annually to the conference their character and found them in good stand- where membership is held a report of their ing; and provided that the clergy session shall Christian and ministerial conduct, together also pass on their character after the request is with an account of the circumstances of their made; and provided further, that this relation families, signed by the district superintendent shall be granted only to one who intends to or the pastor of the charge within the bounds discontinue service in the itinerant ministry. of which they reside. Without this report, the The board of ordained ministry shall provide conference, after having given thirty days’ no- guidance and counsel to the locating member tice, may locate them without their consent. and family as they return to a new relationship 6. Appointment of Retired Ordained Min- in the local church.53 Upon recommendation isters—A retired ordained minister shall be of the board of ordained ministry, an annual eligible to receive an appointment when re- conference may offer transition assistance. quested by the bishop and cabinet. A retired 2. Location shall be certified by the presid- ordained minister appointed to a pastoral ing bishop. Associate members or clergy mem- charge shall have neither a claim upon mini- bers in full connection located according to the mum compensation, nor further pension provisions of this paragraph shall not continue credit. Retired ordained ministers may serve to hold membership in the annual conference. on conference agencies.52 After consultation and with the written con- 7. Return to Effective Relationship—A sent of the pastor in charge, and with the ap- clergy member who has retired under the pro- proval of the district superintendent and the visions of ¶ 356.2 may at his or her own re- staff-parish relations committee of a local quest be made an effective member upon rec- church, located clergy members shall desig- ommendation of the board of ordained minis- nate the local church in which they shall hold try, the bishop and cabinet, and by majority membership. Documentation of this consent vote of the clergy members in full connection and approvals shall be filed with the board of of the annual conference and thereby be eligi- ordained ministry. As clergy members of the ble for appointment so long as he or she re- charge conference, they shall be permitted to mains in the effective relation or until ¶ 356.1 exercise ministerial functions only with the applies. Each clergy member requesting re- written permission of the pastor in charge. turn to effective relationship after voluntary They shall have all the privileges of member- retirement must meet the following condi- ship in the church where they elect to hold tions: (1) presentation of their certificate of re- charge conference membership, except as set tirement; (2) a satisfactory certificate of good forth in the Book of Discipline. When ap- health on the prescribed form from a physi- proved by the executive committee of the cian approved by the board of ordained minis- board of ordained ministry, a person on try. However, any pension being received honorable location may be appointed ad in- through the annual conference shall be dis- terim by the bishop as a local pastor. A copy of continued upon their return to the effective re- the annual report to the charge conference lationship. Te pension shall be reinstated shall be forwarded to the registrar of the board upon subsequent retirement. of ordained ministry in order for location to be

52 See Judicial Council Decisions 87, 88, 531, 558. 53 See Judicial Council Decision 366.

169 ¶ 358 THE MINISTRY OF THE ORDAINED continued. They shall report to the charge con- tials may be returned with the following in- ference and the pastor all marriages per- scription writen plainly across their face: formed, baptisms administered, and funerals conducted and shall be held amenable for A. B. has this day been honorably dis- their conduct and the continuation of their or- missed by the ______Annual Con- dination rights to the annual conference ference from the ministry of The United Meth- within which the charge conference member- odist Church. ship is held. Failure to submit the report for Dated: ______two consecutive years may result in termina- President ______tion of orders upon recommendation of the Secretary ______board of ordained ministry and vote of the clergy session. The provisions of this para- 2. Withdrawal from the Ordained Ministe- graph shall not apply to persons granted invol- rial Office—Ordained members of an annual untary location prior to the General Confer- conference in good standing who desire to ence of 1976. The names of located members leave their ministerial office and withdraw after the annual passage of their character from the conference may be allowed to do so shall be printed in the journal. by the annual conference at its session. The or- 3. Ordained ministers on honorable loca- dained minister’s credentials shall be given to tion may request the annual conference to the district superintendent for deposit with grant them the status of honorable location— the secretary of the conference, and his or her retired.54 Requests for retired status shall be membership may be transferred to a church stated in writing to the bishop, cabinet, and which he or she designates, after consultation registrar of the board of ordained ministry at with the pastor, as the local church in which he least ninety days prior to the annual confer- or she will hold membership.56 ence session. Those granted honorable loca- 3. Withrawal Under Complaints or tion retired status shall be accountable for all Charges—When clergy members are accused ministerial services performed to the charge of an offense under ¶ 2702 and desire to with- conference in which they hold membership. If draw from the membership of the annual con- such services have been performed, they shall ference, it may permit thm to withdraw under report to that charge conference and exercise the provisions of ¶ 2719.2. The clergy mem- their ministry under the supervision of the ber’s credentials shall be surrendered to the pastor in charge therein as outlined in ¶ 357.2. district superintendent for deposit at the bish- They shall continue to be held amenable for op’s office, and their membership may be their conduct, through accountability to their transferred to a local church that they desig- charge conference, to the annual conference in nate, after consultation with the pastor.57 which charge conference membership is held. 4. Withdrawal Between Conferences58 —In ¶ 358. Withdrawal—1.Withdrawal to the event that withdrawal by surrender of the Unite with Another Denomination55 —When ministerial office, to unite with another de- ordained members in good standing withdraw nomination, or under complaints or charges, to unite with another denomination or to ter- should occur in the interval between sessions minate their membership in the denomina- of an annual conference, the clergy member’s tion, their credentials shall be deposited with credentials shall be surrendered to the bishop the conference secretary, and if they desire it or district superintendent along with a letter and the conference authorizes it, the creden- of withdrawal from the ordained ministry. 56 See Judicial Council Decision 552. 57 See Judicial Council Decisions 552, 691. 58 See Judicial Council Decision 696. 54 See Judicial Council Decision 717. 59 See Judicial Council Decision 552. 55 See Judicial Council Decision 696. 60 See Judicial Council Decision 691.

170 COMPLAINTS ¶ 359

Both the credentials and the letter of with- b) Supervisory Response—The supervisory drawal shall be deposited at the bishop’s of- response is pastoral and administrative and fice. This action shall be reported by the board shall be directed toward a just resolution of ordained ministry to the annual conference among all parties. It is not part of any judicial at its next session.59 The effective date of with- process. At any meetings no verbatim record drawal shall be the date of the letter of with- shall be made; no legal counsel shall be drawal.60 present; the person against whom the com- plaint was made may choose another person to accompany him or her with the right to Section XIV. Complaints voice; the person making the complaint shall have the right to choose a person to accom- ¶ 359. Complaint Procedures—1. General pany him or her with the right to voice.64 Provisions—Ordination and membership in The supervisory response should be carried an annual conference in The United Methodist out by the bishop and district superintendent Church is a sacred trust. The qualifications in a confidential and timely manner, with at- and duties of local pastors, associate mem- tention to communication to all parties re- bers, probationary members, and full mem- garding the complaint and the process. At the bers are set forth in the Book of Discipline of determination of the bishop, persons with The United Methodist Church, and we believe qualifications and experience in assessment, they flow from the gospel as taught by Jesus intervention, or healing may be selected to as- the Christ and proclaimed by his apostles. sist in the supervisory response. The bishop Whenever a person in any of the above catego- also may consult with the committee on pas- ries, including those on leaves of all types, tor-parish relations for pastors, the district honorable or administrative location, or re- committee on superintendency for the district tirement, is accused of violating this trust, the superintendents, appropriate personnel com- membership of his or her ministerial office mittee or other persons who may be helpful. shall be subject to review. The supervisory response also may include This review shall have as its primary pur- mediation in which the parties are assisted in pose a just resolution of any violations of this an agreement satisfactory to all parties by a sacred trust, in the hope that God’s work of trained, neutral third party mediator or me- justice, reconciliation and healing may be real- diation team65 ized in the body of Christ. c) Suspension—When deemed appropriate, a) Supervision—In the course of the ordi- to protect the well-being of the person making nary fulfillment of the superintending role, the the complaint, the church, and/or clergy, the bishop or district superintendent may receive bishop, with the recommendation of the ex- or initiate complaints about the performance ecutive committee of the board of ordained or character of a clergyperson.61 A complaint ministry, may suspend the person from all is a written and signed statement claiming clergy responsibilities, but not from an ap- misconduct or unsatisfactory performance of pointment, for a period not to exceed sixty ministerial duties.62 The person filing the days. During the suspension, salary, housing, complaint and the clergyperson shall be in- and benefits provided by a pastoral charge will formed by the district superintendent or continue at a level no less than on the date of bishop of the process for filing the complaint suspension.66 The person so suspended shall 63 and its purpose. 64 See Judicial Council Decision 836. 65 See Judicial Council Decisions 691, 700, 751, 763, 61 See Judicial Council Decision 685. 768. 62 See Judicial Council Decisions 763, 777. 66 See Judicial Council Decision 776. 63 †See Judicial Council Decision 751. 67 See Judicial Council Decision 700.

171 ¶ 359 THE MINISTRY OF THE ORDAINED retain all rights and privileges as stated in ¶ mise any possible forthcoming administrative 325. The cost of supply of a pastor during the or judicial process. This may include a media- suspension will be borne by the annual confer- tion process for unresolved conflicts, support ence. for victims, and reconciliation for parties in- d) Referral of a Complaint—If the supervi- volved.69 sory response does not achieve a resolution , 2. Fair Process in Administrative Hear- the bishop may refer the complaint67 as judi- ings—The following procedures are presented cial or administrative based on the following for the protection of the rights of individuals criteria: and for the protection of the Church in admin- (1) Judicial Complaint—If the bishop de- istrative hearings. The process set forth in this termines that the complaint is based on allega- paragraph commences upon referral of a mat- tions of one or more offenses listed in¶ 2702.1, ter as an administrative complaint. Special at- the bishop may refer the complaint to the tention should be given to the timely disposi- counsel for the Church, who shall be ap- tion of all matters and to ensuring racial, eth- pointed by the bishop. The counsel for the nic, and gender diversity in the committee Church shall be a clergyperson in full connec- hearing the complaint. tion and shall have the right to choose one as- a) In any administrative proceeding the re- sistant counsel without voice who may be an spondent (the person against whom the ad- attorney. The counsel for the Church shall ministrative complaint has been filed) shall draft and sign a judicial complaint, attaching have a right to be heard before any final action as exhibits all relevant written materials, in- is taken. cluding but not limited to information from b) Notice of any hearing shall advise the re- the supervisory process and a suggested list of spondent of the reason for the proposed pro- witnesses as deemed appropriate, forward the cedures with sufficient detail to allow the re- judicial complaint to the committee on inves- spondent to prepare a response. Notice shall tigation and represent the Church in the judi- be given not less than twenty days prior to the cial process. The statute of limitations in ¶ hearing. 2702.4 should be considered prior to the refer- c) The respondent shall have a right to be ral of a judicial complaint. accompanied by a clergyperson in full connec- (2) Administrative Complaint—If the tion to any hearing, in accordance with the ap- bishop determines that the complaint is based propriate disciplinary provisions. The on allegations of incompetence, ineffective- clergyperson accompanying the respondent ness, or unwillingness or inability to perform shall have the right to voice. ministerial duties, he or she may refer the d) In any administrative hearing, under no complaint as an administrative complaint to circumstances shall one party, in the absence the board of ordained ministry for its consid- of the other party, discuss substantive issues eration of remedial or other action68 (see ¶ with members of the pending hearing body. 359.3a). Questions of procedure may be raised with the e) Supervisory Follow-up—The bishop and presiding officer of the hearing body. cabinet shall provide a process for healing e) The respondent shall have access to all within the congregation if there has been sig- records relied upon in the determination of nificant disruption to congregational life by the outcome of the administrative process. the complaint. This process may include shar- f) In the event that a clergyperson fails to ing of information by the bishop and/or cabi- appear for supervisory interviews, refuses net about the nature of the complaint without mail, refuses to communicate personally with disclosing alleged facts, which may compro- the bishop or district superintendent, or oth-

172 READMISSION TO CONFERENCE RELATIONSHIP ¶ 359 erwise fails to respond to supervisory requests chairperson of the committee, it may recom- or requests from official administrative com- mend remedial action, discontinuance, leave mittees, such actions or inactions shall not be of absence, administrative location, dismissal used as an excuse to avoid or delay any Church of the complaint or such other action that it processes, and such processes may continue deems appropriate, to the board of ordained without the participation of such individual. ministry. The board may accept or amend the g) In order to preserve the integrity of the recommendations of the committee, or it may Church’s administrative process and ensure dismiss the complaint. In rare instances, the full participation in it at all times, the bishop, board may refer the complaint back to the cabinet, board of ordained ministry, wit- bishop for possible referral as a judicial com- nesses, advocates, administrative review com- plaint. The board’s response will be shared mittee, clergy in full connection voting in ex- with the clergyperson, the bishop, the cabinet, ecutive session, and all others who participate and the person bringing the original com- in the Church’s administrative process shall plaint. have immunity from prosecution of com- a) Remedial Action—In cooperation with plaints brought against them related to their the cabinet and in consultation with the role in a particular administrative process, un- clergyperson, the board of ordained ministry less they have committed a chargeable offense may choose or recommend one or more of the in conscious and knowing bad faith. The com- following options for a program of remedial plainant/plaintiff in any proceeding against action, subject to regular oversight by the any such person related to their role in a par- board and annual review: ticular judicial process shall have the burden (1) Program of continuing education (¶ of proving, by clear and convincing evidence, 349); that such person’s actions constituted a (2) Leave of absence, voluntary or involun- chargeable offense committed knowingly in tary (¶ 352); bad faith. The immunity set forth in this provi- (3) Early retirement (¶ 356.2) or involun- sion shall extend to civil court proceedings, to tary retirement(¶ 356.3); the fullest extent permissible by the civil laws. (4) Sabbatical leave (¶ 350); 3. Disposition of Administrative Com- (5) Honorable location (¶ 357); plaints—When a complaint has been received, (6) Surrender of ordained ministerial office the board of ordained ministry shall develop a (¶ 358.2); response in a timely manner. The complaint (7) Personal counseling or therapy; shall be referred to a committee of the board (8) Program of career evaluation; that deals with matters of conference relations (9) Peer support and supervision; (other than the executive committee) and this (10) Private reprimand: a letter signed by committee shall conduct an administrative the chairperson of the board of ordained min- hearing following the fair process provisions istry and the clergyperson’s district superin- of par. 2. The bishop or a cabinet representa- tendent, addressed to the clergyperson with a tive shall present the administrative com- file copy in the permanent file of the board of plaint to the committee. The respondent shall ordained ministry (¶ 606.6) stating the appro- be given an opportunity to address the admin- priateness of the complaint, the specific reme- istrative complaint in person, in writing and dial action required, and the conditions under with the assistance of a clergyperson in full which the reprimand shall be withdrawn. A re- connection, with voice. Once the committee port of the reprimand and the remedial action has heard the cabinet representative, the re- taken shall remain in the personnel file of the spondent, and others as determined by the respondent once the reprimand has been

173 ¶ 359 THE MINISTRY OF THE ORDAINED withdrawn. ordained member must be made and notifica- (11) Administrative location. tion of the choice sent to the bishop and the b) Clergy residing beyond the bounds of chairperson of the board of ordained ministry the conference—Any clergy members residing within thirty days following receipt of notice beyond the bounds of the conference in which from the board.70 The chairperson of the board membership is held shall be subject to admin- of ordained ministry shall preside at such a istrative complaints or process exercised by hearing. The recommendation of the board of the appropriate officers or committees of the ordained ministry shall be acted upon by the conference of which he or she is a member, clergy session of members in full connection unless the presiding bishops of the two annual with the annual conference. conferences and the clergy member subject to (3) The administrative review committee (¶ the process agree that fairness would be better 633) shall ensure that the disciplinary proce- served by having the process carried out in the dures for administrative location were prop- annual conference in which he or she is serv- erly followed. The entire process leading up to ing under appointment, or if retired, currently the recommendation to administrative loca- residing. tion shall be reviewed by the administrative c) Recommendation to Administrative Lo- review committee, and it shall report its find- cation—(1) Upon recommendation of the ings to the clergy session of members in full board of ordained ministry, the annual confer- connection with the annual conference. ence may place members on administrative lo- (4) The provisions of ¶ 359.3c above apply cation when, in the judgment of the annual to administrative location, except that a per- conference, members have demonstrated a son on administrative location may not be pattern of being unable effectively and compe- given ad interim appointments by the bishop. tently to perform the duties of itinerant minis- Upon recommendation of the board of or- try; provided that the annual conference shall dained ministry, an annual conference may of- have first examined their character and found fer financial assistance from conference re- them in good standing. The requirements of sources in this transition. fair process as set forth in ¶ 359.2 shall be fol- d) Recommendation to Discontinue Proba- lowed in any administrative location proce- tionary Membership—The board of ordained dure. ministry shall recommend the discontinuance (2) The board of ordained ministry shall of a probationary member in keeping with the notify the clergy member, chairperson of the provisions of ¶ 318.6. administrative review committee, bishop, dis- trict superintendent, and the complainant of the recommendation to administrative loca- Section XV. Readmission to tion at least sixty days before the opening of Conference Relationship the next annual conference. The notice to the clergy member shall also ¶ 360. Readmission to Probationary inform the member of the right to a hearing Membership—Persons who have been discon- before the bishop, cabinet, and executive com- tinued as probationary members under the mittee of the board of ordained ministry prior provisions of ¶ 318.6 from an annual confer- to the recommendation being forwarded to ence of The United Methodist Church or one the executive session of the clergy members in of its legal predecessors may be readmitted by full connection of the annual conference for the annual conference in which they held pre- consideration and action. Such choice by the viously such membership and from which they requested discontinuance or were discontin- 70 See Judicial Council Decisions 384, 485.

174 GENERAL PROVISIONS ¶ 364 ued, or its legal successor, or the annual con- to readmission to conference membership. ference of which the major portion of their ¶ 362. Readmission After Leaving the former conference is a part, upon their request Ministerial Office—Associate members or and recommendation by the board on or- clergy members in full connection who have dained ministry, the board of ordained minis- left the ministerial office under the provisions try, and the cabinet after review of their quali- of ¶ 358 to an annual conference of The United fications, as required in ¶ 315, and the circum- Methodist Church or one of its legal predeces- stances relating to their discontinuance. When sors may be readmitted by the annual confer- reinstated by vote of the clergy members in ence in which they held previously such mem- full connection, their probationary member- bership and to which they surrendered the ship in the conference shall be restored, they ministerial office, or its legal successor, or the shall serve a minimum of three years of proba- annual conference of which the major portion tion according to ¶ 317 prior to ordination, and of the former conference is a part, upon their they shall be authorized by licensing and/or request and recommendation by the board on commissioning to perform those ministerial ordained ministry, the board of ordained min- functions for which they are qualified. istry, and the cabinet after review of their ¶ 361. Readmission after Honorable or qualifications and the circumstances relating Administrative Location—Associate members to the surrender of their ministerial office. A or clergy members in full connection request- period of at least two years service as a local ing readmission after honorable or adminis- pastor shall be required prior to readmission trative location must meet the following con- to conference membership. This service may ditions: be rendered in any annual conference of The 1. Presentation of their certificate of loca- United Methodist Church with the consent of tion. the board of ordained ministry of the annual 2. A satisfactory report and recommenda- conference in which members previously held tion by the charge conference and pastor of the membership. When reinstated byvote of the local church in which their membership is clergy members in full connection, their mem- held. bership in the conference and their credentials 3. A satisfactory certificate of good health shall be restored, and they shall be authorized on the prescribed form from a physician ap- to perform all ministerial functions.71 proved by the board of ordained ministry. The ¶ 363. Readmission After Termination by board of ordained ministry should require Action of the Annual Conference—Persons psychological evaluation. who have been terminated by an annual con- 4. Recommendation by the board on or- ference of The United Methodist Church or dained ministry, the board of ordained minis- one of its legal predecessors may seek full try, and the cabinet after review of their quali- membership in the annual conference in fications, the circumstances relating to their which they previously held membership and location and conduct during the period of time from which they were terminated, or its legal while on location. When reinstated by vote of successor, or the annual conference of which the clergy members in full connection of the the major portion of their former conference is annual conference that granted the location, a part, upon recommendation of the cabinet their membership in the conference shall be and completion of all requirements for full restored, and they shall be authorized to per- membership, including all requirements for form all ministerial functions. The conference election to candidacy and probationary mem- board of ordained ministry may require at bership. The provisions of this paragraph shall least one year of service as a local pastor prior 71 See Judicial Council Decisions 515, 552.

175 ¶ 364 THE MINISTRY OF THE ORDAINED apply to all persons terminated or involuntar- (¶¶ 335.4, 559.4), and local pastors under full- ily located prior to General Conference of time and part-time appointment to a pastoral 1976. charge (¶ 342). All clergy are amenable to the ¶ 364. Readmission After Involuntary Re- annual conference in the performance of their tirement—Clergy members of an annual con- duties in the positions to which they are ap- ference desiring to return to effective relation- pointed.72 ship after having been placed in involuntary 2. Both men and women are included in all retirement (¶ 356.3) must meet the following provisions of the Discipline that refer to the conditions: ordained ministry.73 1. Submit a written request for reinstate- 3. In all cases where boards of ordained ment to the board of ordained ministry. ministry, or clergy in executive session vote on 2. The board of ordained ministry and the granting any status regarding license, ordina- cabinet shall review the member’s qualifica- tion, or conference membership, it is under- tions and the circumstances relating to his or stood that the requirements set forth herein her retirement. are minimum requirements only. Each person 3. Recommendation by the board of or- voting is expected to vote prayerfully based on dained ministry, the bishop, cabinet, and a his or her personal judgment of the applicant’s two-thirds vote of the clergy members in full gifts, evidence of God’s grace, and promise of connection of the annual conference that future usefulness for the mission of the granted the involuntary retirement. A period Church. of at least two years of service as a local pastor 4. All clergy members mentioned in ¶ 365.1 shall be required prior to readmission to con- shall receive written communication about de- ference membership. cisions made regarding their relationship with 4. Presentation of the certificate of retire- the annual conference. ment. 5. There shall be an annual meeting of this 5. Presentation of satisfactory certificate of covenant body, in executive session of clergy good health on the prescribed form from a members in full connection with the annual physician approved by the board of ordained conference, including both deacons and ministry. The board of ordained ministry may elders, at the site of the regular session of the require a psychological evaluation. Any pen- annual conference to consider questions relat- sion being received through the annual con- ing to matters of ordination, character, and ference shall be discontinued upon their re- conference relations (¶¶ 605.6, 633.2). turn to effective relationship. The pension 6. A special session of the annual confer- shall be reinstated upon subsequent retire- ence may be held at such time and at such ment. place as the bishop shall determine, after con- sultation with the cabinet and the executive Section XVI. General Provisions committee of the board of ordained ministry. A special clergy session shall have only such ¶ 365. 1. The annual conference is the ba- powers as stated in the call. sic body of The United Methodist Church. The ¶ 366. Transitional Provisions for Those clergy membership of an annual conference Beginning Candidacy Before January 1, shall consist of deacons and elders in full con- 1997—1. All persons having begun candidacy nection (¶¶ 320, 324), probationary members for diaconal ministry, deacon’s and elder’s or- (¶ 318), associate members, affiliate members dination and conference membership, or full- time local pastors prior to January 1, 1997, will

72 See Judicial Council Decisions 327, 371. be allowed to proceed under the provisions of 73 See Judicial Council Decisions 317, 155.

176 GENERAL PROVISIONS ¶ 366 the 1992 Book of Discipline (¶¶ 305-306, a) Applied in writing to the conference 419-421). These continuing procedures must board of ordained ministry for the transfer of be completed under the provisions set forth in their credentials to ordained deacon in full the 1992 Book of Discipline prior to December connection. 31, 2008, after which date the provisions of b) Completed a continuing formation and the current Book of Discipline will govern the education program developed by the Northern process by which persons enter ministry. All Europe Board of Education. This program persons continuing as diaconal ministers will shall include an understanding of the meaning be cared for under ¶¶ 305-317 of the 1992 Book of appointment by a bishop, ordination, and of Discipline. the interrelatedness of worship and the world. 2. Persons with the status of associate c) Demonstrated an understanding of the members in good standing as of January 1, call to the order of deacon, and whose ministry 1997, may, upon the recommendation of the fulfills and exemplifies the definition and de- conference board of ordained ministry and scription of the ordained deacon (¶¶ 319, 320), election by a two-thirds vote of the clergy ses- and who has either met the educational re- sion, be elected full members of the annual quirements of the diaconate (¶ 321), or whose conference and ordained elders. This option competence and experience is determined to shall be available until December 31, 2004. be equivalent by the board of ordained minis- The following qualifications shall be fulfilled try through the Division of Deacons, if consti- prior to the board’s recommendation to the tuted. clergy session: d) Received a two-thirds positive vote of a) Fulfilled the provisions of ¶ 304. the clergy session. b) Received the recommendation of the The bishop shall ordain these persons by cabinet. the laying on of hands at the service of ordina- c) Have completed or demonstrated that tion of the annual conference and shall pro- they have completed a minimum of one year, vide deacon’s credentials to these deacons in full time of the basic graduate theological full connection. studies of the Christian faith, including the ar- Diaconal ministers who seek to become or- eas of: Old Testament; New Testament; theol- dained deacons in full connection shall apply ogy; church history; mission of the church in before December 31, 2004. the world; worship/liturgy; and United Meth- 4. The work of the former conference odist doctrine, polity, and history. This re- boards of diaconal ministry will be cared for by quirement may be fulfilled in a school of theol- the conference boards of ordained ministry ef- ogy approved by the Northern Europe Board fective January 1, 1997. of Education. d) Provide a written statement demonstrat- ing an understanding of the theology of the or- dination of deacons and elders and a willing- ness to fulfill the purposes of those ordinations. 3. Diaconal ministers who are in good standing with the annual conference and have completed a minimum of three years in an ap- proved service appointment may become or- dained deacons in full connection provided the following requirements are completed:

177 THE MINISTRY OF THE ORDAINED

178 EDUCATIONAL STANDARDS Appendix Educational Standards

Approved by Northern Europe Central Conference Board of Education (NEBE)

1. Lay Speaker (Certified Lay Speaker Standards and Our Theological Task, The or Local Preacher) ministry of all Christians and Social Princi- ples.) A Methodist presentation of the Chris- BoDNE 2001 § 266.1.3.4. § 267.1. § 268. tian faith; Selected Wesley Standard Sermons.

Theoretical and practical training in close con- Methodist policy nection with the local church where the person Connectional structure, organization and is a member. The purpose is to develop skills church culture for leadership of the spoken word and care- giving ministry in the local congregation. Methodist history Methodist history in England, Northern Eu- A training course for certified Lay Speakers rope, and the local area (nation). must include: The United Methodist theological seminar- ies within the central conference, the Annual Bible study Conference Board of Ordained Ministry, or an- Introduction to Old and New Testaments; self other board or agency authorized by the An- studies of the Bible; use of commentaries and nual Conference develop the curriculum with Bible dictionaries litterature available in each national language and the framework of time for the total train- Spoken communication ing course: Personal testimonies; Biblical meditations, ad- Either dresses and sermons, as well as conduct of —a training course based on part time worship and devotion studies over minimum 20 two hours course days spread over 2 years, under the leadership Leadership of the ordained Elder in charge, Church and community leadership, including Or leading of small group meetings for prayer, — a training course scheduled as a one year training, study and discussion full time bible school. Or Care-giving ministry — a training course based on a combina- Counselling, spritual advise, visiting and pas- tion of self studies and seminars planed for all toral care lay speakers of an Annual Conference by a Theological Seminary or the Board of Or- Methodist theology dained Ministry. Doctrinal standards of The United Methodist The training course might be open to any Church, BoDNE 2001: § 101—166, (Doctrinal active member, but license as a lay speaker is

179 APPENDIX depending on the recommendation of the studies on Master level must be fulfilled. Elder in charge and the sanction of the Charge During the period of probationary mem- Conference. License is given by the District bership all student must fulfill the require- Superintendent. ments of the congregational based studies pre- scribed by the NEBE. 2. Ordained Elder The Theological Seminaries of the UMC within the Central Conference area have the BoDNE 2001 § 323—327. authority to approve the curriculum for stud- ies at the level of, and equivalent to: Academic education at seminary or university — the Bachelor of Divinity degree, 3 years and practical training in connection with a lo- of full time studies, cal church. The purpose is to develope pastoral — the Master of Divinity degree, 2 years of leaders for ministry in the local congregation full time studies, and in the Annual Conference, especially as in line with the international academic servants of preaching, sacraments and leader- standards and the theological tradition of the ship. UMTSA and the UMTSE. (UMTSA: United Methodist Seminaries, The ordained Elder in Full Connection America, UMTSE: United Methodist Theologi- In order to be ordained elder a person must cal Seminaries, Europe) have completed: The Annual Conference Board of Ordained — equivalent to 5 years full time training at Ministry can recognize Master degrees from seminary or university on level of: Candidatus other theological seminaries, universities and Theologiae, Master of Divinity, Theological colleges, if they meet the same educational candidate examine or equivalents. standards as the Master degree from a United —a 3 years period of practical training in a Methodist Seminary. In all cases the degree local congregation mentored by an Elder. must include or be extended by studies in the areas of United Methodist doctrine, polity and history. The Commissioned Minister as Probationary Member towards Elder 3. Ordained Deacon ordination BoDNE 2001 § 315—318 BoDNE 2001 § 319—322.

A person who has: Education in the fields of care, pedagogic, mu- — finished studies on level of a Master of sic, leadership, teaching AND theological Divinity, or equivalents, or training at seminary or university AND practi- — finished studies on level of a Bachelor of cal training in connection with a local church. Divinity, or equivalents, The purpose is to educate deacons for the local can be Commissioned Minister as Proba- congregation and social institutions and the tionary Member of the Annual Conference, sociaty in which we live. mentored by an ordained. BoDNE 2001 § 347. The time a person can be Commissioned Minister is no shorter than 3 years and no The ordained Deacon in Full longer than 6 years. Connection If the probationaty member has finished In order to be ordained Deacon a person must studies on the level of Bachelor or equivalent, have completed:

180 EDUCATIONAL STANDARDS

—3 years full time education in the field of The academic and practical studies are ful- current interest to receive the degree on Bach- filled in combination with ministry under elor level or equivalent, e.g. teacher, musician episcopal appointment. or therapist. The Theological Seminaries of the UMC —1 year of full time theological and within the Central Conference area have the deaconal training. authority to approve the curriculum for: —a 3 years period of practical training — the 1 year of full time theological and mentored by an ordained and in connection deaconal studies for the basic education, with a local congregation. This training must — the deaconal studies equivalent to 1/4 of include extended deaconal studies equivalent a full time academic study for Commissioned to 1/4 of a full time academic study and in ad- Ministers before deacon ordination. dition congregational based studies. in line with the international standards and the theological tradition of the UMTSA and the UMTSE. The Commissioned Minister as Probationary Member towards (UMTSA: United Methodist Seminaries, Deacon ordination America; UMTSE: United Methodist Theologi- BoDNE 2001 § 315—318 cal Seminaries, Europe)

A person who has: 4. Local Pastors — received license as Lay Speaker, and — passed studies on Bachelor level, or BoDNE 2001 § 340—346. equivalents, and — fulfilled the 1 year of theological and Local Pastors are non-ordained Lay Speakers deaconal training for deacons, and who are appointed to serve in a local congrega- — for at least one year received the status tion with pastoral functions under the guid- as certified candidate for ordained ministry, ance and supervision of the accountable Elder. BoDNE 2001 § 305—309, A person, appointed Local Pastor, who is: can be Commissioned Minister as Proba- — certified Lay Speaker, and tionary Member of the Annual Conference, — certified candidate for Pastoral Ministry, mentored by an ordained. BoDNE 2001 § 347. BoDNE 2001 § 309, and The time a person can be Commissioned — not able to follow the fulltime profes- Minister is no shorter than 3 years and no sional training for Bachelor or Master degrees, longer than 6 years. During this period the and Commissioned Deacon has to fulfil the educa- — licensed Local Pastor in according to tional requirements for a probationary mem- BoDNE 2001 § 340.2.b ber toward deacon ordination. The training — is more than 35 year of age must include extended deaconal studies has to follow a 5 year part-time study pro- equivalent to 1/4 of full time study period. In gram: these studies, the probationary member shall — equivalent to 1 years fulltime academic each year read a part of the curriculum (350 theological training without studies in biblical page study) and write an assay were ones per- language. sonal ministry as a deacon is related to the cur- riculum. In addition the congregational based studies as prescribed by NEBE must be ful- filled.

181 APPENDIX

The Local Pastor going for The Student Local Pastor probationary membership and BoDNE 2001 § 340.3. commissioning BoDNE 2001 § 315.6 A person who has: — received license as Lay Speaker, and A person who has: — finished the studies of one-third of the — completed an Advance Course which up- work for a Master of Divinity degree or equiva- grade the Local Pastor course to a Bachelor of lents, and Divinity degree or equivalent, (this course is 1 — for at least two year received the status as years fulltime studies or 3—5 years part-time certified candidate for ordained ministry, studies at seminary,) and BoDNE 2001 § 305–309, and — reached forty years of age. — upon recommendation of the Board of Or- dained Ministry, The Commissioned Minister as can be appointed as Student Local Pastor to Probationary Member towards Elder a local congregation under the supervision of ordination the appointed Elder, BoDNE 2001 § 340.3. BoDNE 2001 § 315–318

A person who has: — fulfilled the requirements of Course of Study program and Advanced Course study program, and thereby passed studies on Bach- elor of Divinity level, or equivalents, can be Commissioned Minister as Proba- tionary Member of the Annual Conference, mentored by an ordained. BoDNE 2001 § 347. The time a person can be Commissioned Minister is no shorter than 3 years and no longer than 6 years. The Theological Seminaries of the UMC within the Central Conference area have the authority to approve the curriculum for stud- ies at the level of, and equivalent to: — the 5 years part-time studies for Local Pastors, equivalent to 1 years fulltime studies, and — the Advance Study programme to up- grade Local Pastors to the Bachelor of Divinity degree, equivalent to 1 years fulltime studies, in line with the international study programs determined by the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry.

182 EDUCATIONAL STANDARDS UMC Theological Seminaries within the area of the Northern Europe Central Conference

Baltic Methodist Theological Seminary Narva Street 51 EE-10152 Tallinn Estonia www.emkts.edu.ee

Høyskolen for kristendom – Metodistkirkens Studiecenter Akersbakken 37 N-0172 Oslo Norway www.metodistkirken.no

Russia United Methodist Theological Seminary 2nd Goncharnyj pereulok, 3 Moscow Russia

Metodistkirkens Nordiska Teologiska Seminarium, Överås Danska Vägen 20 SE-412 66 Gothenburg Sweden www.metodistkyrkan.se/overas

Metodistikirkon Teologinen Seminaari Punavuorenkatu 2 B FIN-00120 Helsinki Finland

183 APPENDIX

184 Chapter Three

THE SUPERINTENDENCY

Section I. The nature of Superintendency

¶ 401. Task—The task of superintending in ership of bishops and district superintendents The United Methodist Church resides in the in The United Methodist Church can be seen office of bishop and extends to the district su- in mode, pace, and skill: perintendent, with each possessing distinct 1. Mode—Leaders need to be able to facili- and collegial responsibilities. The mission of tate consensus and integrate it into a living the Church is to make disciples of Jesus Christ tradition, to be open to the prophetic word, to (see Chapter One, Section I). From apostolic be skilled in team-building, and to be effective times, certain ordained persons have been en- in negotiation. The style of leadership should trusted with the particular tasks of superin- rise out of nurtured and cultivated spiritual tending. The purpose of superintending is to disciplines and patterns of holiness, for the equip the Church in its disciple-making minis- Spirit is given to the community and its mem- try. Those who superintend carry primary re- bers to the extent that they participate. sponsibility for ordering the life of the Church. 2. Pace—Beyond formal systems of ac- It is their task to enable the gathered Church countability, leaders need to open themselves to worship and to evangelize faithfully. to forms of accountability that they cultivate It is also their task to facilitate the initiation for themselves through a support group. Such of structures and strategies for the equipping a group can listen, can help, and can clarify, as of Christian people for service in the Church well as participate with the leader, as he or she and in the world in the name of Jesus Christ thinks through time demands and constraints and to help extend the service in mission. It is in the process of sorting out of priorities. Ap- their task, as well, to see that all matters, tem- propriate time must be taken for reflection, poral and spiritual, are administered in a man- study, developing friendships, and self-re- ner that acknowledges the ways and the newal. insights of the world critically and with under- 3. Skill—Among the skills needed by lead- standing while remaining cognizant of and ers are spiritual discipline, theological reflec- faithful to the mandate of the Church. The for- tion, building the unique inclusive community mal leadership in The United Methodist of the Church and of the larger community as Church, located in these superintending of- well. Reading the signs of the times, analyzing, fices, is an integral part of the system of an designing strategy, assessing needs, organiz- itinerant ministry.1 ing a wide range of resources, and evaluating ¶ 402. Guidelines for Superintending in programs and personnel are yet other skills this Age—The demands of this age on the lead- crucial for leaders.

1 See Judicial Council Decision 524.

185 ¶ 403 THE SUPERINTENDENCY

Section II. Offices of Bishop and responsibilities, consecrate, ordain, and com- District Superintendent mission persons in ministry to the Church and world. ¶ 403. Special Ministry, not Separate Or- 2. District superintendents are elders in full der—The offices of bishop and district super- connection appointed by the bishop to the intendent exist in The United Methodist cabinet and assigned to responsibilities of Church as particular ministries. Bishops are oversight and supervision within a district and elected and district superintendents are ap- in the entire annual conference (¶ 401). A serv- pointed from the group of elders who are or- ant leader who serves as an extension of the dained to be ministers of Service, Word, Sac- oversight of the bishop, the district superin- rament, and Order and thereby participate in tendent is authorized to fulfill those responsi- the ministry of Christ, in sharing a royal bilities designated in the Book of Discipline priesthood that has apostolic roots (1 Peter under the supervision of the resident bishop. 2:9; John 21:15-17; Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 5:2-3; 1 Timothy 3:1-7). ¶ 404. Duties of Bishops and District Su- Section III. Election, Assignment, and perintendents—Bishops and superintendents Termination of Bishops share in the full ministry as ordained elders. The body of Christ is one; yet many members ¶ 405. Provisions for Episcopal Areas in with differing functions are all joined together Jurisdictions—1. In central conferences, the in the one body (1 Corinthians 12:28). number of bishops shall be determined on the 1. Bishops are elders in full connection who basis of missional needs, as approved by the are elected from the elders and set apart for a General Conference on recommendation of ministry of general oversight and supervision the Commission on Central Conference Af- (¶ 401). As followers of Jesus Christ called to fairs. servant leadership, bishops are authorized to 2. In all other conferences, the number of guard the faith, order, liturgy, doctrine, and bishops shall be determined on the following discipline of the Church; to seek and be a sign basis: of the unity of the faith; to exercise the disci- a) Each jurisdiction having 500,000 pline of the whole Church; to supervise and church members or fewer shall be entitled to support the Church’s life, work, and mission six bishops, and each jurisdiction having more throughout the world; and to lead all persons than 500,000 church members shall be enti- entrusted to their oversight in worship, in the tled to one additional bishop for each 320,000 celebration of the sacraments, and in their church members or major fraction thereof; mission of witness and service in the world. provided, however, that in those jurisdictions Bishops carry a primary responsibility to sup- where this requirement would result in there port and encourage the ministry of all Chris- being an average of more than 55,000 square tians. They share with other bishops in the su- miles per episcopal area, such jurisdiction pervision of the whole Church, encouraging shall be entitled to six bishops for the first and supporting all baptized people in the exer- 400,000 church members or fewer and for cising of their gifts and ministries, praying for each additional 290,000 church members or them, and proclaiming and interpreting to two-thirds thereof shall be entitled to one ad- them the gospel of Christ. Bishops are to be ditional bishop. prophetic voices and courageous leaders in the b) A jurisdiction shall not have the number cause of justice for all people. Bishops are also of bishops to which it is entitled reduced until authorized to appoint ordained clergy to their and unless the number of its church members

186 ELECTION, ASSIGNMENT, AND TERMINATION OF BISHOPS ¶ 407 shall have decreased by at least ten percent half a page A4 (500 words, 30 lines) - that below the number of church members which must be approved by the Committee on Epis- had previously entitled the jurisdiction to its copacy before further distribution. A person number of bishops. can also be nominated by ballot. A person is c) If the number of church members in a recognized as candidate, if she or he has re- jurisdiction shall have decreased by at least ceived 5% of the valid votes cast, and shall be ten percent below the number of church mem- presented in the same way as other candidates bers which had previously entitled the juris- before the election proceeds. A nomination diction to its number of bishops, then the must be made distinctively for one of the two number of bishops to which it shall be entitled areas in the Northern Europe central confer- shall be determined on the basis of missional ence. Provided a bishop is not already elected, needs, as approved by the General Conference a last opportunity for nomination will be given on the recommendation of the Interjuris- when the result of the first ballot has been an- dictional Committee on Episcopacy; provided nounced. Then the nomination will be closed. however that said jurisdiction shall be entitled 2. Process—a) Jurisdictional and central to no less than the number of bishops to which conference delegates, in electing bishops, shall it would be entitled under subparagraph a) give due consideration to the inclusiveness of above. The United Methodist Church with respect to d) If a jurisdiction, as a result of the provi- sex, race, and national origin. In addition, sions of this paragraph, shall have the number consideration shall be given to the nature of of bishops to which it had previously been en- superintendency as described in ¶¶ 401-402. titled reduced, then the reduction in the b) The jurisdictional and central confer- number of bishops to which it is entitled shall ences are authorized to fix the percentage of be effective as of September 1 of the fourth cal- votes necessary to elect a bishop. It is recom- endar year after said reduction has been deter- mended that at least 60 percent of those mined by the General Conference. present and voting be necessary to elect. 3. This legislation shall take effect immedi- c) of bishops may take place ately upon adjournment of the 2000 General at the session of the conference at which elec- Conference. tion occurs or at a place and time designated ¶ 406. Election and Consecration of Bish- by the conference. The consecration service ops—1. nomination—An annual conference, in may include bishops from other jurisdictional the session immediately prior to the next regu- and central conferences. It is strongly urged lar session of the jurisdictional or central con- that the consecration service also include rep- ference, may name one or more nominees for resentatives from other Christian commun- episcopal election. Balloting at jurisdictional ions (see ¶¶ 124, 427.2, 1901). and central conferences shall not be limited to ¶ 407. Assignment Process—Not relevant nominees of annual conferences nor shall any in the Northern Europe Central Conference. jurisdictional or central conference delegate 2. Central Conference Committee on Epis- be bound to vote for any specific nominee. copacy—In the Northern Europe Central con- Nominations submitted to the committee on ference the bishops will be elected to their re- episcopacy shall be announced at least two spective arias: Eurasia, and Northic and Bal- weeks prior to the first day of the jurisdictional tic. or central conference. New nominations can 3. Special Assignments—The Council of also be placed in session, during the confer- Bishops may, with consent of the bishop and ence. Such nominations shall be accompanied the concurrence of the jurisdictional or central by a presentation of the candidate in writing - conference committee on episcopacy, assign

187 ¶ 408 THE SUPERINTENDENCY one of its members for one year to some spe- tirement shall have the status of a retired cific churchwide responsibility deemed of suf- bishop.2 ficient importance to the welfare of the total 1. Mandatory Retirement—a) A bishop Church. In this event, a bishop shall be re- shall be retired on August 31 next following leased from the presidential responsibilities the regular session of the jurisdictional confer- within the episcopal area for that term. An- ence if the bishop’s sixty-sixth birthday has other bishop or bishops, active or retired, and been reached on or before July 1 of the year in not necessarily from the same jurisdictional or which the jurisdictional conference is held.3 central conference, shall be named by the 2. Voluntary Retirement—a) Bishops who Council of Bishops on recommendation of the have completed twenty years or more of serv- College of Bishops of the jurisdiction involved ice under full-time appointment as ordained to assume presidential responsibilities during ministers or as local pastors with pension the interim. In the event that more than one credit prior to the opening date of the session retired bishop is assigned to fulfill presidential of the jurisdictional conference, including at responsibilities in one episcopal area, the least one quadrennium as bishop, may request Episcopal Fund shall be responsible only for the jurisdictional conference or central confer- the difference between the pensions paid the ence to retire them with the privilege of receiv- retired bishops and the remuneration of one ing their pension as determined by the Gen- active bishop. This assignment may be re- eral Council on Finance and Administration, newed for a second year by a two-thirds vote of payment of which may begin the first of any the Council of Bishops and majority vote of the month when such payments would be permis- jurisdictional or central conference committee sible under the provisions of the Ministerial on episcopacy, and the consent of the bishop Pension Plan. If the bishop has not reached and the College of Bishops involved. The age sixty-five or completed forty years of serv- bishop so assigned shall continue to receive ice at the time of retirement, the pension ben- regular salary and support. efit for years of service prior to January 1, ¶ 408. Vacancy in the Office of Bishop—A 1982, may be actuarially reduced as provided vacancy in the office of bishop may occur due under guidelines adopted by the General Con- to death, retirement (¶ 409.1, .2, .3), resigna- ference. tion (¶ 409.4), judicial procedure (¶ 2712), b) Bishops who have attained age sixty-two leave of absence (¶ 411.1), or incapacity (¶ or have completed thirty-five years of service 411.4). In case assignment of a bishop to presi- under full-time appointment as an elder or dential supervision of an episcopal area is ter- bishop may request the jurisdictional or cen- minated by any of the above causes, the va- tral conference to place them in the retired re- cancy shall be filled by the Council of Bishops lation with the privilege of receiving their pen- on nomination of the College of Bishops of the sion as determined by the General Council on jurisdiction or central conference concerned; Finance and Administration. or, if the vacancy should occur within twenty- c) Any bishop who seeks a voluntary retired four months of the episcopal assumption of status shall notify the president of the Council presidential supervision of that area, the Col- of Bishops at least six months prior to the Gen- lege of Bishops of the jurisdiction or central eral Conference. conference concerned may call a special ses- d) A bishop may seek voluntary retirement sion of the jurisdictional or central conference for health reasons and shall be so retired by as provided in ¶ 519.2. the jurisdictional or central conference com- ¶ 409. Termination of Office—An elder mittee on episcopacy upon recommendation who is serving as a bishop up to the time of re- 2 See Judicial Council Decisions 361, 407. 3 See Judicial Council Decisions 413, 578.

188 ELECTION, ASSIGNMENT, AND TERMINATION OF BISHOPS ¶ 410 by the involved College of Bishops and upon resign from the episcopacy at any time. A presentation of satisfactory medical evidence. bishop may resign from the office by submit- Such bishops shall receive their pensions as ting his or her resignation to the Council of provided by the General Council on Finance Bishops. The Council of Bishops shall have au- and Administration in consultation with the thority to take appropriate actions concerning jurisdictional or central conference committee matters relating to the resignation, including on episcopacy. the appointment of an acting bishop to act un- e) Pension as approved by the General Con- til a successor is elected and assigned. The ference shall be payable on September 1 fol- consecration papers of a bishop in good stand- lowing the close of the jurisdictional confer- ing so resigning shall be properly inscribed by ence. the secretary of the Council of Bishops and re- 3. Involuntary Retirement—a) A bishop turned. He or she shall be furnished with a cer- may be placed in the retired relation regard- tificate of resignation, which shall entitle him less of age by a two-thirds vote of the jurisdic- or her to membership as a traveling elder in tional or central conference committee on the annual conference (or its successor) in episcopacy if, after not less than a thirty-day which membership was last held. notification notice in writing is given to the affected bishop of this action shall be given by the secretary of and hearing held, such relationship is found the Council of Bishops to the chairperson and by said committee to be in the best interests of secretary of the jurisdictional or central con- the bishop and/or the Church. Appeal from ference committee on episcopacy. When the this action may be made to the Judicial Coun- resigned bishop or surviving spouse and de- cil with the notice provisions being applicable pendent children become conference claim- as set forth in ¶ 2716. ants, the Episcopal Fund shall pay a pension b) A bishop, for health reasons, may be re- as determined by the General Council on Fi- tired between sessions of the jurisdictional or nance and Administration. central conference by a two-thirds vote of the ¶ 410. Status of Retired Bishops—A re- jurisdictional or central conference committee tired bishop is a bishop of the Church in every on episcopacy upon the recommendation of respect and continues to function as a member one third of the membership of the involved of the Council of Bishops in accordance with College of Bishops. The affected bishop, upon the Constitution and other provisions of the request, shall be entitled to a review of his or Discipline. her health condition by a professional diag- 1. Retired bishops may participate in the nostic team prior to action by the involved Col- Council of Bishops and its committees, but lege of Bishops. notification of action to retire without vote. They may preside over sessions shall be given by the chairperson and secretary of an annual conference, provisional annual of the jurisdictional or central conference conference, or mission if requested to do so by committee on episcopacy to the secretary of the bishop assigned to that conference, or in the Council of Bishops and the treasurer of the the event of that bishop’s incapacity, by the Episcopal Fund. Appeal from this action may president of the College of Bishops to which be made to the Judicial Council with the notice the conference is related. A retired bishop provisions being applicable as set forth in ¶ elected by the Council of Bishops may serve as 2716. Upon such retirement, the bishop shall the ecumenical officer of the Council (term to receive a pension as determined by the Gen- begin September 1, 1996). In emergency situa- eral Council on Finance and Administration. tions, where the resident bishop is unable to See also 2d above. preside, the College of Bishops shall assign an 4. Resignation—A bishop may voluntarily effective or retired bishop to preside over the

189 ¶ 410 THE SUPERINTENDENCY sessions of the annual conference (¶ 46). They served for at least two quadrennia may be may not make appointments or preside at the granted a sabbatical leave of not more than jurisdiction or central conference. However, one year for a program of study or renewal in when a retired bishop is appointed by the consultation with the area committee on epis- Council of Bishops to a vacant episcopal area copacy and with the approval of the College of or parts of an area under the provisions of ¶¶ Bishops, the jurisdictional or central confer- 410.3, 411.1, or 411.3, that bishop may function ence committee on episcopacy, and the execu- as a bishop in the effective relationship.4 tive committee of the Council of Bishops. Dur- 2. A retired bishop may be considered a ing the period for which the sabbatical leave is member of an annual conference, without granted, the bishops shall be released from the vote, for purposes of appointment to a local presidential responsibilities within the episco- charge within the said conference. pal area, and another bishop or bishops shall 3. A bishop retired under ¶ 409.1, .2 above be designated by the Council of Bishops to as- may be appointed by the Council of Bishops sume the presidential duties. The bishop shall upon recommendation of the involved College receive one-half salary and, where applicable, of Bishops to presidential responsibility for housing allowance for the period of the leave. temporary service in an area in the case of 4. Incapacity Leave—Bishops who by rea- death, resignation, disability, or procedure in- son of impaired health are temporarily unable volving a resident bishop (¶ 2703.1). This ap- to perform full work may be released by the pointment shall not continue beyond the next jurisdictional or central conference committee jurisdictional or central conference. on episcopacy from the obligation to travel ¶ 411. Leaves—1. Leave of Absence—A through the connection at large. They may bishop may be granted a leave of absence for a choose a place of residence, and the Council of justifiable reason for not more than six Bishops shall be at liberty to assign them to months in consultation with the area commit- such work as they may be able to perform. Sal- tee on episcopacy and with the approval of the ary and other benefits shall be continued College of Bishops, the jurisdictional or cen- through the Episcopal Fund. tral conference committee on episcopacy, and ¶ 412. Expiration of Terms in Central the executive committee of the Council of Conferences—In a central conference where Bishops. During the period for which the leave term episcopacy prevails, bishops whose term is granted, the bishop shall be released from of office expires prior to the time of compul- all episcopal responsibilities, and another sory retirement because of age and who are bishop chosen by the executive committee of not reelected by the central conference shall the Council of Bishops shall preside in the be returned to membership as traveling elders episcopal area. Salary and other benefits shall in the annual conference (or its successor) of be continued through the Episcopal Fund. which they ceased to be a member when 2. Renewal Leave—Every bishop in the ac- elected bishop. Their term of office shall ex- tive relationship shall take up to three months’ pire at the close of the central conference at leave from his or her normal episcopal respon- which their successor is elected, and they shall sibilities for purposes of reflection, study, and therefore be entitled to participate as a bishop self-renewal during each quadrennium. The in the consecration of the successor. The cre- College of Bishops, in consultation with the dentials of office as bishop shall be submitted appropriate jurisdictional or central confer- to the secretary of the central conference, who ence committee on episcopacy, shall coordi- shall make thereon the notation that the nate details pertaining to such leaves. bishop has honorably completed the term of 3. Sabbatical Leave—A bishop who has 4 See Judicial Council Decision 248.

190 ELECTION, ASSIGNMENT, AND TERMINATION OF BISHOPS ¶ 413 service for which elected and has ceased to be a just resolution among all parties and may in- a bishop of The United Methodist Church.5 clude consultation with the jurisdictional ¶ 413. Complaints Against Bishops—1. committee on episcopacy or voluntary media- Episcopal leadership in The United Methodist tion in which the parties are assisted in reach- Church shares with all other ordained persons ing a settlement or agreement satisfactory to in the sacred trust of their ordination. The all parties by a trained neutral third party me- ministry of bishops as set forth in The Book of diator or mediation team.7 When deemed ap- Discipline of The United Methodist Church propriate to protect the well-being of the com- also flows from the gospel as taught by Jesus plainant, the Church and/or bishop, the Col- the Christ and proclaimed by his apostles (¶ lege of Bishops, in consultation with the juris- 403). Whenever a bishop violates this trust or dictional or central conference committee on is unable to fulfill appropriate responsibilities, episcopacy, may suspend the bishop from all continuation in the episcopal office shall be episcopal responsibilities for a period not to subject to review. This review shall have as its exceed sixty days. During the suspension, sal- primary purpose a just resolution of any viola- ary, housing and benefits will continue. The tions of this sacred trust, in the hope that supervisory response is pastoral and adminis- God’s work of justice, reconciliation, and heal- trative and shall be directed toward a just ing may be realized. resolution. It is not a part of any judicial proc- 2. Any complaint concerning the effective- ess. The supervisory response should be car- ness, competence, or one or more of the ried out in a confidential and timely manner, offenses listed in ¶ 2702 shall be submitted to with attention to communication to all parties the president of the College of Bishops in that regarding the complaint and the process. no jurisdictional or central conference. If the verbatim record shall be made and legal coun- complaint concerns the president, it shall be sel shall not be present, although the bishop submitted to the secretary of the College of against whom the complaint was made may Bishops. A complaint is a written statement choose another bishop or clergyperson to ac- claiming misconduct, unsatisfactory perform- company him or her, with the right to voice. At ance of ministerial duties, or one or more of the determination of the president (secretary), the offenses listed in ¶ 2702.6 For the pur- persons with qualifications and experience in poses of this paragraph, the United Methodist assessment, intervention, or healing may be bishops of the central conferences shall consti- selected to assist in the supervisory responses. tute one college of bishops. Others may be consulted as well. The supervi- 3. After receiving a complaint as provided sory response also may include mediation, in in par. 1, the president and the secretary of the which the parties are assisted in reaching an College of Bishops, or the secretary and an- agreement satisfactory to all parties by a other member of the college if the complaint trained, neutral third-party mediator or me- concerns the president (or the president and diation team. If the supervisory response does another member of the college if the com- not result in resolution of the matter, the plaint concerns the secretary), in consultation president or secretary of the College of Bish- with a lay and clergy member of the jurisdic- ops may refer the matter as follows: tional or central conference committee on a) Judicial Complaint—If a complaint is episcopacy appointed by the chair of the juris- based on allegations of one or more offenses dictional or central conference committee on listed in ¶ 2702, the president and secretary of episcopacy, shall make a supervisory re- the College of Bishops (or the two members of sponse. This response shall be directed toward the College who are handling the complaint)

5 See Judicial Council Decisions 61, 236, 370 6 See Judicial Council Decision 751. 7 See Judicial Council Decision 763.

191 ¶ 413 THE SUPERINTENDENCY may refer the complaint to a bishop from an- ¶ 358.2 for fair process in administrative hear- other jurisdictional or central conference, or ings shall apply to this administrative process. to an elder in full connection within the same 4. Any actions of the jurisdictional or cen- jurisdictional or central conference, who shall tral conference committee taken on a com- serve as counsel for the Church. Counsel for plaint shall be reported to the next session of the Church shall represent the interests of the the jurisdictional or central conference. Church in pressing the claims of the person making the complaint. Counsel for the Church shall have the right to choose one assistant Section IV. Specific Responsibilities of counsel without voice who may be an attorney. Bishops The counsel for the Church shall draft and sign the complaint as a judicial complaint, forward ¶ 414. Leadership—Spiritual and Tempo- it to the jurisdictional or central conference ral—1. To lead and oversee the spiritual and committee on investigation (¶ 2704), and rep- temporal affairs of The United Methodist resent the Church in the judicial process. The Church which confesses Jesus Christ as Lord fair process provisions in ¶ 2701 shall apply to and Savior, and particularly to lead the Church this judicial process. The statue of limitations in its mission of witness and service in the in ¶ 2702 should be considered prior to the re- world. ferral of a judicial complaint8 2. To strengthen the local church, giving b) Administrative Complaint—If the com- spiritual leadership to both laity and clergy; plaint is based on allegations of incompetence, and to build relationships with people of local ineffectiveness, or unwillingness or inability congregations of the area. to perform episcopal duties, the president and 3. To guard, transmit, teach, and proclaim, secretary of the College of Bishops (or the two corporately and individually, the apostolic members of the college who are handling the faith as it is expressed in Scripture and tradi- complaint) may refer the complaint to the ju- tion, and, as they are led and endowed by the risdictional or central conference committee Spirit, to interpret that faith evangelically and on episcopacy.9 The committee may recom- prophetically. mend involuntary retirement (¶ 409.3), dis- 4. To travel through the connection at large ability leave (¶ 411.4), remedial measures (¶ as the Council of Bishops (¶ 427) to implement 359), other appropriate action, or it may dis- strategy for the concerns of the Church. miss the complaint. In rare instances when the 5. To teach and uphold the theological tra- jurisdictional or central conference committee ditions of The United Methodist Church. on episcopacy deems the matter serious 6. To provide liaison and leadership in the enough and when one or more offenses listed quest for Christian unity in ministry, mission, in ¶ 2702 are involved, the committee may re- and structure and in the search for strength- fer the complaint back to the president and ened relationships with other living faith com- secretary of the College of Bishops (or the two munities. members of the college who are handling the 7. To organize such missions as shall have complaint) for referral as a judicial complaint been authorized by the General Conference. to the jurisdictional or central conference 8. To promote and support the evangelistic committee on investigation. The provisions of witness of the whole Church. 9. To discharge such other duties as the 8 The statute of limitations for bishops went into effect as law on a prospective basis on April 27, 1996. All Discipline may direct. alleged offenses that occurred prior to this date are ¶ 415. Presidential Duties—1. To preside time-barred. See Judicial Council Decisions 691, 704, and 761 in the general, jurisdictional, central, and an- 9 See Judicial Council Decision 784.

192 SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES OF BISHOPS ¶ 417 nual conferences10 aries, and laypersons in service under the Gen- 2. To provide general oversight for the fis- eral Board of Global Ministries or the annual cal and program operations of the annual conference Board of Global Ministries. conference(s). This may include special in- 4. To fix the charge conference member- quiry into the work of agencies to ensure that ship of all ordained ministers appointed to the annual conference and general church ministries other than the local church in keep- policies and procedures are followed. ing with ¶ 335. 3. To ensure fair process for clergy and laity 5. To transfer, upon the request of the re- as set forth in ¶ 2701 in all involuntary admin- ceiving bishop, clergy member(s) of one an- istrative and judicial proceedings through nual conference to another; provided said monitoring the performance of annual confer- member(s) agrees to said transfer; and to send ence officials, boards, and committees immediately to the secretaries of both confer- charged with implementing such procedures. ences involved, to the conference boards of or- To form the districts after consultation with dained ministry, written notices of the trans- the district superintendents and after the fer of members and of their standing in the number of the same has been determined by course of study if they are undergraduates.12 vote of the annual conference.11 6. To appoint associate members, proba- 5. To appoint the district superintendents tionary members, or full members to attend annually (¶¶ 417-418). any school, college, or theological seminary. 6. To consecrate bishops, to ordain elders Such appointments are not to be considered as and deacons, to consecrate diaconal ministers, extension ministry appointments. to commission deaconesses and missionaries, 7. To keep and maintain appropriate super- and to see that the names of the persons com- visory records on all district superintendents missioned and consecrated are entered on the and other records on ministerial personnel as journals of the conference and that proper cre- determined by the bishop or required by the dentials are furnished to these persons. As Discipline or action of the annual conference. these services are acts of the whole Church, When a district superintendent is no longer text and rubrics are to be used as approved by appointed to the cabinet, the bishop shall give the General Conference. that person’s supervisory file to the superin- 7. To fix the appointments of deaconesses tendent of record. Supervisory records shall be and missionaries and to see that the names kept under guidelines approved by the Gen- and appointments are printed in the journals eral Council on Finance and Administration. of the conference. The supervisory records maintained by the ¶ 416. Working with Ordained, Licensed, bishop are not the personnel records of the Consecrated, and Commissioned Personnel— annual conference. 1. To make and fix the appointments in the an- nual conferences, provisional annual confer- ences, and missions as the Discipline may di- Section V. Selection, Assignment, and rect (¶¶ 430-434). Term of District Superintendents 2. To divide or to unite a circuit(s), station(s), or mission(s) as judged necessary ¶ 417. Selection and Assignment—Inas- for missional strategy and then to make ap- much as the district superintendency is an ex- propriate appointments. tension of the general superintendency, the 3. To announce the appointments of dea- bishop shall appoint elders to serve as district conesses, diaconal ministers, home mission- superintendents. Prior to each appointment,

10 See Judicial Council Decision 395.4. 11 See Judicial Council Decision 422. 12 See Judicial Council Decisions 114, 254, 554.

193 ¶ 418 THE SUPERINTENDENCY the bishop shall consult with the cabinet and serve in the ministry of mentoring candidates, the committee on district superintendency of commissioned ministers, local pastors and the district to which the new superintendent other probationary members; (f) by partici- will be assigned (¶ 431) for the purpose of de- pating with the bishops in the appointment- termining leadership needs of the annual con- making process; (g) by enabling programs ference and the district (¶¶ 401-402). In the throughout the district that may assist local selection of superintendents, bishops shall churches to build and extend their ministry give due consideration to the inclusiveness of and mission with their people and to the com- The United Methodist Church with respect to munity; (h) by working in cooperation with sex, race, national origin, physical challenge, appropriate district and annual conference and age, except for the provisions of manda- agencies to explore long-range, experimental, tory retirement. ecumenical, multicultural, multiracial, and co- ¶ 418. Limitations on Years of Service— operative ministries; (i) to provide representa- The normal term for a district superintendent tion and leadership in the district in the quest shall be up to six years, but this may be ex- for Christian unity in ministry and mission, tended to no more than up to eight years at the encouraging local congregations in the devel- discretion of the bishop, in consultation with opment of an understanding and relationship the cabinet and the district committee on su- with other living faith communities and in perintendency. No superintendent shall serve working with ecumenical agencies and coali- for more than eight years in any consecutive tions in the sharing of resources, and, where eleven years. No elder shall serve as district appropriate, serving as an ecumenical liaison superintendent more than two periods. In ad- with other living faith communities; (j) by as- dition, consideration shall be given to the na- sisting the bishop in the administration of the ture of superintendency as described in ¶¶ annual conference. In the fulfillment of this 401-402.13 ministry, the superintendent shall consult at least annually (¶ 663.3) with the committee on district superintendency. In the context of Section VI. Specific Responsibilities of these basic responsibilities, the district super- District Superintendents intendent shall give attention to the following specific tasks.14 ¶ 419. The district superintendent shall ¶ 420. Spiritual and Pastoral Leader- oversee the total ministry of the clergy and of ship—The district superintendent is responsi- the churches in the communities of the district ble for giving spiritual leadership to clergy and in their missions of witness and service in the laity in the churches of the district. The district world: (a) by giving priority to the scheduling superintendent should model and encourage of time and effort for spiritual leadership, pas- spiritual formation through the practices of toral support, supervision, and encourage- personal prayer, Bible study, communal wor- ment to the clergy and to the churches of the ship, service, and frequent participation in the district; (b) by encouraging their personal, sacraments of baptism and Holy Communion. spiritual, and professional growth; (c) by en- 1. To give pastoral support and care to the couraging their personal commitment to the ordained, licensed, consecrated, and commis- mandate of inclusiveness in the life of the sioned personnel and their families by church; (d) by nominating persons to serve as traveling through the district, preaching, visit- guides for the ministry inquiring process; (e) ing, and maintaining the connectional order of by nominating clergy in full connection to the Discipline.

13 See Judicial Council Decisions 368, 512. 14 See Judicial Council Decision 398.

194 SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES OF DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENTS ¶ 423

2. To counsel with clergy and with conse- and disabilities; to encourage candidates to at- crated and commissioned personnel concern- tend United Methodist seminaries in prepara- ing matters affecting their ministry and per- tion for their leadership in the church. sonal life. 2. To work with the board on ordained min- 3. To encourage the building of covenantal istry in enabling a meaningful and appropriate community among the clergy and among con- examination of candidates into ordained min- secrated and commissioned personnel for mu- istry; to issue and renew licenses to preach tual support and discipline; to build systems of when authorized (¶ 340); to keep careful mutual support for clergy and diaconal fami- records of all such candidates; to maintain lies. regular communication with all candidates in ¶ 421. Supervision—1. To work with order to advise and encourage them in spir- elders, deacons, local pastors, diaconal minis- itual and academic preparation for their min- ters, and charge conferences in formulating istry. statements of purpose for congregations in 3. To work with the bishop and cabinet in fulfilling their mission and with committees the process of appointment and assignment on pastor-parish relations to clarify the priori- for ordained ministers. ties for the ministry of clergy and diaconal 4. To cooperate with the board of ordained ministers. ministry in its efforts to provide or arrange 2. To establish a clearly understood process support services and liaison for pastors at of supervision for clergy of the district, includ- times of changing conference relationships or ing observation of all aspects of ministry, di- termination (¶¶ 350-358, 359-360). rect evaluation, and feedback to the clergy in- ¶ 423. Administration—1. To schedule volved. and preside, or authorize an elder to preside, 3. To consult with committees on pastor- in each annual charge conference or church parish relations to update their profiles for ap- conference within the district (¶¶ 245, 247). pointment in accordance with ¶ 432.1 and with 2. To administer the district office, includ- pastors to update their profiles for appoint- ing supervision of support staff (¶¶ 612.1a; ment in accordance with ¶ 432.2.15 663.4a). 4. To make specific provision for the super- 3. To develop adequate compensation for vision of probationary members and local pas- all clergy, including provision for housing, tors appointed within the district. utilities, travel, and continuing education. 5. To receive annually from each 4. To keep and maintain appropriate super- clergyperson a report of his or her program of visory records on all ministerial personnel ap- continuing education and spiritual growth, to pointed or related to charges within the dis- give counsel concerning future plans, and to trict. Supervisory records shall be kept under encourage congregations to give time and fi- guidelines approved by the General Council on nancial support for such programs. Finance and Administration. At the time of ¶ 422. Personnel—1. To work with pastors appointment change, supervisory records and diaconal ministers, committees on pastor- shall be given to the superintendent of record. parish relations, and congregations in inter- The bishop shall be the superintendent of preting the meaning of ministry and in identi- record for the district superintendents. fying and enlisting candidates of the highest 5. To cooperate with the district board of quality for ordained ministry, with special church location and building and local church concern for the inclusiveness of the Church boards of trustees or building committees in with respect to gender, race, national origin, arranging acquisitions, sales, transfers, and mortgages of property; and to ensure that all 15 See Judicial Council Decision 701.

195 ¶ 423 THE SUPERINTENDENCY charters, deeds, and other legal documents pastor has been appointed.16 conform to the Discipline and to the laws, us- 13. To see that the provisions of the Disci- ages, and forms of the county, state, territory, pline are observed and to interpret and decide or country within which such property is situ- all questions of Church law and discipline ated and to keep copies thereof. raised by the churches in the district, subject 6. To ensure that an investigation be made to affirmation, modification, or reversal by the and a plan of action be developed for the fu- president of the annual conference. ture missional needs of The United Methodist ¶ 424. Program—1. To oversee the pro- Church or the community prior to consenting grams of the Church within the bounds of the to the proposed action to sell or transfer any district in cooperation with pastors and con- United Methodist local church property. gregations, working with and through the dis- 7. To keep accurate and complete records trict council on ministries where it exists. for one’s successor, including: 2. To work cooperatively with the confer- a) All abandoned church properties and ence council and its staff in all program con- cemeteries within the bounds of the district; cerns of the Church; shall serve as a member b) All church properties being permissively of the annual conference council. used by other religious organizations, with the 3. To give leadership within the district in names of the local trustees thereof; the quest for Christian unity and interreligious c) All known endowments, annuities, trust relationships as an extension of the episcopal funds, investments, and unpaid legacies be- office. longing to any pastoral charge or organization 4. To establish long-range planning that is connected therewith in the district and an ac- responsive to ecumenical and racially inclu- counting of their management; sive perspectives and to initiate new and vital d) Membership of persons from churches forms of ministry. that have been closed. 5. To participate with the cabinet in sub- 8. To receive a plan for the cultivation of mitting to the annual conference a report re- giving from each congregation that includes flecting the state of the conference, with rec- promotion for current and deferred financial ommendations for greater effectiveness. support in local churches for district, confer- ¶ 425. Renewal and Study Leave—A dis- ence, and denominational causes. trict superintendent may take up to three 9. To develop with appropriate committees months’ leave from his or her normal superin- strategies that give careful attention to the tendent responsibilities for purposes of reflec- needs of churches of small membership and to tion, study, and self-renewal once during his the formation of cooperative ministries. or her term as superintendent. The bishop and 10. To transfer members of a discontinued cabinet, in consultation with the committee on church to another United Methodist church of district superintendency, shall coordinate de- their choice or to such other churches as mem- tails pertaining to such leaves. bers may elect. 11. To recommend to the bishop for ap- proval, after consultation with the churches Section VII. Expressions of involved, any realignment of pastoral charge Superintendency lines and report them to the annual confer- ence. ¶ 426. Relationship Between Bishops and 12. To serve within the district as acting ad- District Superintendents—The offices of ministrator of any pastoral charge in which a bishop and district superintendent are linked pastoral vacancy may develop or where no 16 See Judicial Council Decision 581.

196 EXPRESSIONS OF SUPERINTENDENCY ¶ 429 with each other in ways described elsewhere (¶ jurisdictional and central conferences and one 403). The interdependence of the offices calls bishop or chief executive officer from each af- for a collegial style of leadership. However, filiated autonomous Methodist or united both the office of bishop and that of district su- church, which shall meet on call of the Council perintendent are embedded in their own con- of Bishops after consultation with other mem- texts. bers of the conference of Methodist bishops. ¶ 427. Council of Bishops—1. Bishops, al- The travel and other necessary expense of though elected by jurisdictional or central bishops of affiliated autonomous Methodist or conferences, are elected general superintend- united churches related to the meeting of the ents of the whole Church. By virtue of their Conference of Methodist Bishops shall be paid election and consecration, bishops are mem- on the same basis as that of bishops of The bers of the Council of Bishops and are bound United Methodist Church. in special covenant with all other bishops. In ¶ 429. Cabinet—1. District superintend- keeping with this covenant, bishops fulfill ents, although appointed to the cabinet and their servant leadership and express their mu- assigned to districts, are also to be given tual accountability. The Council of Bishops is a conferencenwide responsibilities. As all or- faith community of mutual trust and concern dained ministers are first elected into mem- responsible for the faith development and bership of an annual conference and subse- continuing well-being of its members. quently appointed to pastoral charges, so dis- 2. The Council of Bishops is thus the colle- trict superintendents become through their gial expression of episcopal leadership in the selection members first of a cabinet before Church and through the Church into the they are subsequently assigned by the bishop world. The Church expects the Council of to service in districts. Bishops to speak to the Church and from the 2. The cabinet under the leadership of the Church to the world and to give leadership in bishop is the expression of superintending the quest for Christian unity and interreligious leadership in and through the annual confer- relationships. ence. It is expected to speak to the conference 3. In order to exercise meaningful leader- and for the conference to the spiritual and ship, the Council of Bishops is to meet at temporal issues that exist within the region stated intervals. The Council of Bishops is encompassed by the conference. charged with the oversight of the spiritual and 3. The cabinet is thus also the body in temporal affairs of the whole Church, to be ex- which the individual district superintendents ecuted in regularized consultation and coop- are held accountable for their work, both for eration with other councils and service agen- conference and district responsibilities17 cies of the Church. 4. In order to exercise meaningful leader- 4. The Council of Bishops may assign one of ship, the cabinet is to meet at stated intervals. its members to visit another episcopal area or The cabinet is charged with the oversight of Methodist-related church. When so assigned, the spiritual and temporal affairs of a confer- the bishop shall be recognized as the accred- ence, to be executed in regularized consulta- ited representative of the Council of Bishops, tion and cooperation with other councils and and when requested by the resident bishop or service agencies of the conference. president in that area or Church, may exercise 5. The cabinet is to consult and plan with therein the functions of episcopacy. the conference board of ordained ministry in ¶ 428. Conference of Methodist Bishops— order to make a thorough analysis of the needs There may be a conference of Methodist bish- of the district for clergy, implementing this ops, composed of all the bishops elected by the 17 See Judicial Council Decision 763.

197 ¶ 430 THE SUPERINTENDENCY planning with a positive and conscious effort the criteria of ¶ 432, a performance evaluation, to fill these needs (¶ 632.2a). needs of the appointment under considera- 6. When the cabinet considers matters re- tion, and mission of the Church. Consultation lating to coordination, implementation, or ad- is not merely notification. Consultation is not ministration of the conference program, and committee selection or call of a pastor. The other matters as the cabinet and Director of role of the committee on pastor-parish rela- Council on Ministries, or equivalent, may de- tions is advisory. Consultation is both a con- termine, the director shall be present. tinuing process and a more intense involve- 7. The cabinet shall assume leadership re- ment during the period of change in appoint- sponsibility for ascertaining those places ment.18 where ecumenical shared ministry would be 1. The process of consultation shall be man- an effective way of expressing the United datory in every annual conference. Methodist presence in a community. 2. The Council of Bishops shall inquire an- nually of their colleagues about the implemen- tation of the process of consultation in ap- Section VIII. Appointment-Making pointment-making in their respective areas.19 ¶ 432. Criteria—Appointments shall take ¶ 430. Responsibility—1. Clergy shall be into account the unique needs of a charge, the appointed by the bishop, who is empowered to community context, and also the gifts and evi- make and fix all appointments in the episcopal dence of God’s grace of a particular pastor. To area of which the annual conference is a part. assist bishops, cabinets, pastors, and congre- Appointments are to be made with considera- gations to achieve an effective match of tion of the gifts and evidence of God’s grace of charges and pastors, criteria must be devel- those appointed, to the needs, characteristics, oped and analyzed in each instance and then and opportunities of congregations and insti- shared with pastors and congregations. tutions, and with faithfulness to the commit- 1. Congregations—The district superin- ment to an open itineracy. Open itineracy tendent shall develop with the pastor and the means appointments are made without regard committees on pastor-parish relations of all to race, ethnic origin, gender, color, disability, churches profiles that reflect the needs, char- marital status, or age, except for the provi- acteristics, and opportunities for mission of sions of mandatory retirement. The concept of the charge consistent with the Church’s state- itineracy is important, and sensitive attention ment of purpose (¶ 421.1). These profiles shall should be given in appointing clergy with be reviewed annually and updated when ap- physical challenges to responsibilities and du- propriate to include: ties that meet their gifts and graces. Through a) The general situation in which a congre- appointment-making, the connectional nature gation finds itself in a particular setting: size, of the United Methodist system is made vis- financial condition, quality of lay leadership, ible. history. 2. Appointment-making across conference b) The convictional stance of the congrega- lines shall be encouraged as a way of creating tion: theology; prejudices, if any; spiritual life. mobility and open itineracy. c) The ministry of the congregation among ¶ 431. Consultation and Appointment- its people for the sake of the community: serv- Making—Consultation is the process whereby ice programs, basis for adding new members, the bishop and/or district superintendent reasons for losing members, mission to com- confer with the pastor and committee on pas- munity and world, forms of witness. tor-parish relations, taking into consideration 18 See Judicial Council Decisions 101, 501. 19 See Judicial Council Decision 701.

198 APPOINTMENT-MAKING ¶ 432

d) The qualities and functions of pastoral dence of poverty. ministry needed to fulfill the mission and c) Projected community changes. goals of the congregation. d) Other sociological, economic, political, 2. Pastors—The district superintendent an- historical, and ecumenical aspects of the com- nually shall develop with the pastor profiles munity surrounding the church. reflecting the pastor’s gifts, evidence of God’s ¶ 433. Process of Appointment-Making— grace, professional experience and expecta- The process used in appointment-making tions, and also the needs and concerns of the shall include:20 pastor’s spouse and family. These profiles 1. A change in appointment may be initi- shall be reviewed annually and updated when ated by a pastor, a committee on pastor-parish appropriate to include: relations, a district superintendent, or a a) Spiritual and personal sensibility: per- bishop. sonal faith, call and commitment to ordained 2. The bishop and the cabinet shall con- ministry, work through the institutional sider all requests for change of appointment in church, integration of vocation with personal light of the profile developed for each charge and family well-being, lifestyle. and the gifts and evidence of God’s grace, pro- b) Academic and career background: na- fessional experience, and family needs of the ture of theological stance, experience in con- pastor. tinuing education, professional experience, 3. When a change in appointment has been record of performance. determined, the district superintendent c) Skills and abilities: in church adminis- should meet together or separately with the tration, leadership development, worship and pastor and the committee on pastor-parish re- liturgy, preaching and evangelism, teaching lations where the pastor is serving, for the pur- and nurturing, counseling and group work, pose of sharing the basis for the change and ability to work in cooperation, ability in self- the process used in making the new appoint- evaluation, and other relational skills. ment. d) Community context: the ability of the 4. All appointments shall receive consid- pastor to relate effectively to his or her com- eration by the bishop, the district superinten- munity setting, such as rural, town, urban, dent(s), and the cabinet as a whole until a ten- suburban, and so forth. tative decision is made. e) Family situation. 5. The process used in making the new ap- 3. Community Context—The district super- pointment shall include: intendent may develop community profiles a) The district superintendent shall confer with the pastor and the committee on pastor- with the pastor about a specific possible ap- parish relations. Sources of information for pointment (charge) and its congruence with these profiles could include: neighborhood gifts, evidence of God’s grace, professional ex- surveys; local, state, and national census data; perience and expectations, and the family information from annual conference commit- needs of the pastor, identified in consultation tees on parish and community development; with the pastor (¶ 432.2). and research data from Church agencies. Pro- b) If the appointment is to a cooperative files may be reviewed annually and updated parish ministry or to a charge that is part of a when appropriate to include: cooperative parish ministry, the following a) General demographic data and trends shall be included in the consultation process: including age, sex, and racial-ethnic composi- (1) The prospective appointee shall be in- tion of the community. formed prior to the appointment that the b) Economic trends, including the inci- 20 See Judicial Council Decision 701.

199 ¶ 433 THE SUPERINTENDENCY charge under consideration is part of a coop- rived from consultation, makes and fixes the erative parish ministry.21 appointment. (2) The coordinator or director of the coop- 9. A similar process of consultation shall be erative ministry, or, if there is no coordinator available to persons in appointments beyond or director, a representative of the staff of the the local church. cooperative ministry, shall be conferred with 10. When the steps in the process have been concerning the prospective appointment and followed and completed, the announcement of shall have the opportunity to meet with the that decision shall be made to all parties di- prospective appointee prior to the appoint- rectly involved in the consultative process, ment being made.22 that is, the appointment cabinet, the pastor, (3) The prospective appointee shall have and the committee on pastor-parish relations, demonstrated skills in cooperative Christian before a public announcement is made. mission or show potential for the same to en- ¶ 434. Frequency—While the bishop shall sure that the cooperative venture is strength- report all pastoral appointments to each regu- ened during the time of the appointee’s leader- lar session of an annual conference, appoint- ship. ments to charges may be made at any time c) If the appointment is to a position other deemed advisable by the bishop and cabinet. than pastor in charge, the following shall be Appointments are made with the expectation included in the consultation process: that the length of pastorates shall respond to (1) The prospective appointee shall be in- the long-term pastoral needs of charges, com- formed prior to the appointment that the posi- munities, and pastors. The bishop and cabinet tion under consideration is part of a multiple- should work toward longer tenure in local staff ministry and shall be furnished an initial church appointments to facilitate a more ef- written job description approved by the com- fective ministry. mittee on pastor-parish relations. ¶ 435. Appointment of Deacons in Full (2) The pastor in charge shall be conferred Connection—The deacons shall be appointed with concerning the prospective appointee. by the bishop in the annual conference where (3) The prospective appointee and pastor they are members in full connection. Appoint- in charge shall meet for discussion of the job ments of the deacons are to be made in consid- description and mutual expectations. eration of the gifts and evidence of God’s grace 6. The district superintendent shall confer of the deacon, needs of the community, and with the receiving committee on pastor-parish the gifts of the congregation and institutions. relations about pastoral leadership (¶ 432.1). The appointment shall reflect the nature of the 7. When appointments are being made to ministry of the deacon as a faithful response of less than full-time ministry, the district super- the mission of the church meeting the emerg- intendent shall consult with the clergy person ing needs in the world (¶ 322). It may be initi- to be appointed and the committee on pastor- ated by the individual deacon in full connec- parish relations regarding proportional time, tion, the agency seeking their service, the salary, and pension credit and benefit cover- bishop, or the district superintendent. age. 8. If during this consultative process it is determined by the bishop and cabinet that this decision should not be carried out, the process is to be repeated until the bishop, basing his or her decision on the information and advice de-

21 See Judicial Council Decision 556. 22 See Judicial Council Decision 556.

200 Chapter Four

THE CONFERENCES

The United Methodist Church is a connec- The term clergy members as used in this tional structure maintained through its chain paragraph shall refer to both active and retired of conferences. members of the annual conference (¶ 602.1). 3. The secretary of the General Conference shall calculate the number of delegates to be Section I. The General Conference elected by each annual conference, based on the factors specified above, as follows: ¶ 501. Definition of Powers—The General a) One clergy delegate for the first 375 Conference has full legislative power over all clergy members of the annual conference and matters distinctively connectional (see ¶ 15, one clergy delegate for each additional 140 Division Two, Section II, Article IV, The Con- clergy members or major fraction thereof,2 stitution). It has no executive or administra- and tive power. b) One clergy delegate for the first 26,000 ¶ 502. Composition—1. The voting mem- members of local churches of the annual con- bership of the General Conference shall con- ference and one clergy delegate for each addi- sist of: tional 44,000 local church members or major a) An equal number of clergy and lay del- fraction thereof, and egates elected by the annual conferences as c) A number of lay delegates equal to the provided in the Discipline. The missionary total number of clergy delegates authorized as conferences and provisional annual confer- above. ences shall be considered as annual confer- d) Every annual conference shall be enti- ences for the purposes of this paragraph. tled to at least one clergy and one lay delegate. b) Delegates from The Methodist Church in e) This formula is designated to comply Great Britain and other autonomous Method- with the Constitution, Division Two, Section ist churches with which concordat agreements II, Article I (¶ 12), which defines the minimum have been established providing for mutual and maximum number of delegates to a Gen- election and seating of delegates in each oth- eral Conference. Should the computations er’s highest legislative conferences (¶¶ 12.2, provided in the paragraph result in a figure 12.3; 552). below the prescribed minimum or above the 2. The number of delegates to which an an- prescribed maximum for delegates, the secre- nual conference is entitled shall be computed tary of the General Conference shall be au- on a two-factor basis: the number of clergy thorized to remedy the situation by adjusting members of the annual conference, and the up or down the numbers of clergy members number of members of local churches in the and members of local churches of the annual annual conference.1 conference necessary to entitle an annual con-

1 See Judicial Council Decisions 109, 333, 592. 2 See Judicial Council Decisions 327, 558.

201 ¶ 503 THE CONFERENCES ference to elect delegates, any such adjust- exact date of the transfer of responsibility to ment to be proportionally the same for the two the secretary-designate shall be determined by factors.3 the Commission on the General Conference, 4. Delegates to the General Conference but shall not be later than December 31, fol- shall be elected at the session of the annual lowing the adjournment of the General Con- conference held in the calendar year preceding ference. the session of the General Conference. At least 3. Assigned Duties—The secretary, in coop- thirty days prior to the beginning of that calen- eration with the General Commission on the dar year, the secretary of the General Confer- General Conference, shall initiate procedures ence shall notify the bishop and the secretary to prepare delegates from central conferences of each annual conference of the number of for full participation in the General Confer- delegates to be elected by that annual confer- ence by providing information concerning ence. both the operation of the General Conference 5. The secretary of each annual conference, and materials it will consider. As far as possi- using the certificate of election form supplied ble, the materials should be provided in the by the secretary of the General Conference, languages of the delegates. After consultation shall report to the secretary of the General with the Council of Bishops and the General Conference the names, addresses, and such Commission on Christian Unity and other information as may be required for del- Interreligious Concerns, the secretary shall is- egates and reserves elected by the annual con- sue invitations to ecumenical representatives. ference. ¶ 505. Rules of Order—The Plan of Or- 6. The secretary of the General Conference ganization and Rules of Order of the General shall prepare and send to each annual confer- Conference shall be the Plan of Organization ence secretary credentials to be signed and and Rules of Order as approved by the preced- distributed to the delegates and reserves ing General Conference until they have been elected by the annual conference. altered or modified by the action of the Gen- ¶ 503. Presiding Officers—The bishops eral Conference. shall be the presiding officers at the General ¶ 506. Quorum—When the General Con- Conference. ference is in session, it shall require the pres- ¶ 504. Election of Secretary-Designate— ence of a majority of the whole number of del- 1. The Council of Bishops shall present a egates to the General Conference to constitute nomination from the ordained ministry or lay a quorum for the transaction of business; but a membership of The United Methodist Church smaller number may take a recess or adjourn for secretary-designate. Other nominations from day to day in order to secure a quorum, shall be permitted from the floor. The elec- and at the final session may approve the jour- tion, if there be two or more nominees, shall nal, order the record of the roll call, and ad- be by ballot. journ sine die. 2. Assumption of Office—The secretary- ¶ 507. Petitions to General Conference— designate shall assume the responsibilities of Any organization, clergy member, or lay mem- the office of secretary as soon after the ad- ber of The United Methodist Church may peti- journment of the General Conference as all tion the General Conference in the following work in connection with the session has been manner: completed, including the corrections to the 1. The petition must be sent to the secretary Daily Christian Advocate, which serves as the of the General Conference or a designated pe- official journal of the General Conference. The titions secretary in a format determined by the secretary of the General Conference. 3 See Judicial Council Decisions 687.

202 THE GENERAL CONFERENCE ¶ 509

2. Each petition must address only one is- ted by annual conferences, jurisdictional and sue if the Discipline is not affected; if the Dis- central conferences, the United Methodist cipline is affected, each petition must address Youth Organization, or general agencies or only one paragraph of the Discipline, except councils of the Church, and petitions properly that, if two or more paragraphs in the Disci- submitted by individual members (either pline are so closely related that a change in one clergy or lay) of The United Methodist Church affects the others, the petition may call for the and local church groups, provided that they amendment of those paragraphs also to make have been received by the petitions secretary them consistent with one another. or secretary of the General Conference no later 3. Each petition must be signed by the per- than 150 days before the opening of General son submitting it, accompanied by appropri- Conference, shall be printed in the Advance ate identification, such as address, local Edition of the Daily Christian Advocate. church, or United Methodist board or agency 8. Petitions and/or resolutions not printed relationship. Each petition submitted by fax or in the Advance Edition of the Daily Christian electronic mail must identify the individual Advocate shall be printed or copied and pro- submitting it, accompanied by identification vided to all delegates. Where the content of as above, and must contain a valid electronic petitions is essentially the same, the petition mail return address or return fax number by will be printed once, with the first author which the submitter can be reached. Elec- named and the number of additional copies tronic signatures will be accepted in accord- received printed. ance with common business practice. 9. The secretary of the General Conference 4. All petitions submitted to the General shall arrange for electronic access to all peti- Conference, except those submitted by indi- tions, including General Conference action vidual members of The United Methodist and the resulting impact on The Book of Disci- Church and local church groups, which call for pline of The United Methodist Church, the establishment of new programs or the ex- throughout the General Conference session. pansion of existing programs will be invalid This access shall be available until the publica- unless accompanied by supporting data that tion of the new edition of The Book of Disci- address the issue of anticipated financial re- pline of The United Methodist Church. Imple- quirements of the program. mentation shall be according to guidelines es- 5. Petitions must be postmarked by a na- tablished by the Committee on Plan of Organi- tional postal service no later than 150 days zation and Rules of Order. prior to the opening session of the General ¶ 508. Legislation Effective Date—All leg- Conference. islation of the General Conference of The 6. If petitions are transmitted by a means United Methodist Church shall become effec- other than a national postal service, they must tive January 1 following the session of the be in the hands of the petitions secretary no General Conference at which it is enacted, un- later than 150 days prior to the opening ses- less otherwise specified (¶ 537.22). sion of the General Conference. ¶ 509. Speaking for the Church—1. No Exceptions to the time limitations shall be person, no paper, no organization, has the au- granted for petitions originating from an an- thority to speak officially for The United Meth- nual conference session held between 150 and odist Church, this right having been reserved 45 days prior to the opening session of the exclusively to the General Conference under General Conference, and for other petitions at the Constitution. Any written public policy the discretion of the Committee on Reference. statement issued by a general Church agency 7. Petitions adopted and properly submit- shall clearly identify either at the beginning or

203 ¶ 510 THE CONFERENCES at the end that the statement represents the years following their adoption, after which position of that general agency and not neces- time they shall be deemed to have expired un- sarily the position of The United Methodist less readopted. Those that have expired shall Church (¶ 717).4 not be printed in subsequent editions of the 2. Any individual member called to testify Book of Resolutions. before a legislative body to represent The b) The General Council on Ministries and United Methodist Church shall be allowed to the program boards and agencies shall review do so only by reading, without elaboration, the all valid resolutions and recommend to the resolutions and positions adopted by the Gen- General Conference the removal of time-dated eral Conference of The United Methodist material. Church. 3. The Advance Edition of the Daily Chris- ¶ 510. Duties of the Secretary—The secre- tian Advocate and the Daily Christian Advo- tary of the General Conference shall be re- cate. sponsible for the permanent record of the 4. All original documents of a General Con- General Conference, which shall include: ference shall be filed with the General Com- 1. Corrections to the Daily Christian Advo- mission on Archives and History. cate. The editor will then file with the Com- mission on Archives and History two bound copies of the Daily Christian Advocate and Section II. The Jurisdictional corrections as the official record of General Conference Conference. Bound copies shall also be made available at cost by The United Methodist Pub- ¶¶ 511-534 Not relevant in The Northern lishing House. Europe Central Conference. 2. A Book of Resolutions to be edited by The United Methodist Publishing House. The book shall contain all valid resolutions of the Gen- Section III. Central Conferences eral Conference. The preface of the Book of Resolutions shall include the guidelines for ¶ 535. Authorization—1. In territory out- writing resolutions. side the United States, annual conferences, a) Resolutions and positions adopted by provisional annual conferences, missionary the General Conference of The United Meth- conferences, mission conferences, and mis- odist Church are valid until they are specifi- sions, in such numbers as the General Confer- cally rescinded, amended, or superseded by ence by a two-thirds vote shall determine, may action of subsequent sessions of the General be organized by the General Conference into Conference. All valid resolutions and positions central conferences or provisional central con- of the General Conference of The United ferences, with such duties, privileges, and Methodist Church, beginning with those powers as are hereinafter set forth and as the adopted by the 1968 Uniting Conference, shall General Conference by a two-thirds vote shall be listed in each edition of the Book of Resolu- prescribe.5 tions. There shall be a complete subject index 2. There shall be such central conferences to all valid resolutions of the General Confer- as have been authorized or shall be hereafter ence of The United Methodist Church in each authorized by the General Conference; pro- edition of the Book of Resolutions. Resolu- vided that a central conference shall have a to- tions shall be considered official expressions tal of at least thirty clergy and thirty lay del- of The United Methodist Church for eight egates on the basis of representation as set

4 See Judicial Council Decision 458. 5 See Judicial Council Decision 549.

204 CENTRAL CONFERENCES ¶ 536 forth in this section, except as the General egates shall be authorized that would provide Conference may fix a different number. A cen- for more than one clergy delegate for every six tral conference in existence at the time of un- clergy members of an annual conference; ex- ion may be continued with a lesser number of cept that a majority of the number fixed by a delegates for reasons deemed sufficient by the central conference as the ratio of representa- Uniting Conference. tion shall entitle an annual conference to an 3. The United Methodist Church shall have additional clergy delegate and to an additional central conferences with ministries in the fol- lay delegate. Each missionary conference and lowing countries: mission is authorized to elect and send one of a) Africa Central Conference: , Bot- its members to the central conference con- swana, Burundi, Kenya, Malawi, Mozam- cerned as its representative, said representa- bique, Namibia, Rwanda, South Africa, Sudan, tive to be accorded the privilege of sitting with Uganda, Zambia, ; the committees of the central conference, with b) Central and Southern Europe Central the right to speak in the committees and in the Conference: Albania, Algeria, , Bosnia, regular sessions of the central conference, but , Croatia, Czech Republic, , without the right to vote. Representatives of , Republic of Macedonia, , missionary conferences or missions shall have Slovak Republic, , Tunisia, the same claim for payment of expenses as is (Carpathian) Ukraine, FR Yugoslavia; allowed to members of the central confer- c) Congo Central Conference: Congo, ence.7 Congo Brazzaville, Democratic Republic of b) In Northern Europe Central Conference Congo, Tanzania, Zambia; the number of delegates to which an annual d) Germany Central Conference: Germany; conference is entitled shall be computed on a e) Northern Europe Central Conference6 : two-factor-basis: the number of clergy mem- Belarus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, bers of the annual conference, and the number Kazakhstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Nor- of members of local churches in the annual way, Russia, Sweden, Ukraine; conference, as follows: f) Philippines Central Conference: Philip- (1) One clergy delegate and one lay delegate pines; for each 100 clergy members of the annual g) Central Conference: Guinea, conference or fraction thereof, and Liberia, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone. (2) one clergy delegate and one lay delegate ¶ 536. Organization—1. a) The central for each 1000 members of the local churches conference shall be composed of clergy and lay in the annual conference or fraction thereof. members in equal numbers, the clergy mem- (3) If the number of delegates from each of bers elected by the clergy members of the an- the categories clergy and lay are more than nual conference and the lay members by the two, it has to be checked that there are no lay members thereof. Their qualifications and more than one clergy delegate for every six the manner of election shall be determined by clergy members of an annual conference. the central conference itself, subject only to Should this be the case, the number of del- constitutional requirements. Each annual egates has to be reduced accordingly. conference and provisional annual conference 2. The first meeting of a central conference shall be entitled to at least two clergy and two shall be called by the bishop or bishops in lay delegates, and no other selection of del- charge at such time and place as they may elect, to which members of the annual confer- 6 Northern Europe Central Conference has two Episco- pal Areas, the Nordic and Baltic Area (Denmark, ences, provisional annual conferences, mis- Finland Finnish, Finland Swedish, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, and Sweden), and the Eurasia Area (Kazakhstan, Moldavia, Russia, and Ukraine). 7 See Judicial Council Decision 371.

205 ¶ 536 THE CONFERENCES sionary conferences, and missions concerned the General Board of Global Ministries and the shall be elected on the basis of representation organized church on the field shall always be as provided herein. The time and place of fu- kept clear. ture meetings shall be determined by the cen- 7. The journal of the proceedings of a cen- tral conference or its executive committee. tral conference, duly signed by the president 3. Each central conference shall meet and secretary, shall be sent for examination to within the year succeeding the session of the the General Conference through its secretary. General Conference at such time and place as 8. A provisional central conference may be- the central conference itself or its bishops may come a central conference upon the fulfillment determine, with the right to hold such ad- of the necessary requirements and upon the journed sessions as it may determine. The ses- authorization of the General Conference. sions of said conference shall be presided over 9. In the case of a central conference, the by the bishops. In case no bishop is present, rule of proportionate representation shall be the conference shall elect a temporary presi- applied by each annual conference, and in the dent from among its own members. The bish- case of the delegates to the Central Conference ops resident in a central conference or a ma- of Central and Southern Europe, the rule shall jority of them, with the concurrence of the ex- be applied to delegates coming from the an- ecutive committee or other authorized com- nual conference of Switzerland/France. mittee, shall have the authority to call an extra ¶ 537. Powers—1. To a central conference session of the central conference to be held at shall be committed for supervision and pro- the time and place designated by them.8 motion, in harmony with the Discipline and 4. The Council of Bishops may assign one interdenominational contractual agreements, or more of its number to visit any central con- the missionary, educational, evangelistic, in- ference or provisional central conference. dustrial, publishing, medical, and other con- When so assigned, the bishop shall be an ac- nectional interests of the annual conferences, credited representative of the general Church, provisional annual conferences, missionary and when requested by a majority of the bish- conferences, and missions within its territory ops resident in that conference may exercise and such other matters as may be referred to it therein the functions of the episcopacy. by said bodies or by order of the General Con- 5. The presiding officer of the central con- ference; and it shall provide suitable organiza- ference shall decide questions of order, subject tions for such work and elect the necessary of- to an appeal to the central conference, and ficers for the same. shall decide questions of law, subject to an ap- 2. A central conference, when authorized peal to the Judicial Council, but questions re- by a specific enabling act of the General Con- lating to the interpretation of the rules and ference, may elect one or more bishops from regulations made by the central conference for among the traveling elders of The United the governing of its own session shall be de- Methodist Church. The number of bishops to cided by the central conference.9 be elected by each central conference shall be 6. Each central conference within the determined from time to time by the General bounds of which the General Board of Global Conference. Ministries has work shall maintain a coopera- 3. a) When a central conference shall have tive and consultative relationship with the said been authorized to elect bishops, such elec- board through a duly constituted executive tions shall be conducted under the same gen- committee, executive board, or council of co- eral procedure as prevails in the jurisdictional operation; but the legal distinction between conferences for the election of bishops. A cen- tral conference shall have power to fix the ten- 8 See Judicial Council Decision 371. 9 See Judicial Council Decisions 375, 376, 381.

206 CENTRAL CONFERENCES ¶ 537 ure of bishops elected by the said central con- range the plan of episcopal visitation within its ference. 10 bounds. b) Episcopal term—In Northern Europe 7. The secretary of a central conference in Central Conference a bishop is elected for which one or more bishops have been chosen eight years, with an option for re-election for shall report to the secretary of the General four more years; and if a bishop, who has Conference the names of the bishop or bishops served twelve years, is due for retirement and the residences to which they have been as- within the next quadrennium, he or she can be signed by the central conference. re-elected also for this period. 8. A central conference shall have authority 4. A central conference shall participate in to elect and support general officers in all de- the General Episcopal Fund on payment of its partments of the work of the Church within apportionment on the same percentage basis the boundaries of the central conference but as that fixed for annual conferences in juris- may not determine the number of bishops. dictional conferences. When the total esti- 9. A central conference shall have power to mated support, including salaries and all al- make such changes and adaptations of the lowances for the bishops elected by it, and the Book of Discipline as the special conditions estimated receipts on apportionment have and the mission of the church in the area re- been determined by a central conference, a quire, especially concerning the organization statement of these amounts in itemized form and administration of the work on local shall be submitted to the General Council on church, district, and annual conference levels; Finance and Administration. This council, af- provided that no action shall be taken that is ter consideration of the relative cost of living contrary to the Constitution and the General in various central conferences, shall deter- Rules of The United Methodist Church; and mine the amount to be paid from the General provided that the spirit of connectional rela- Episcopal Fund in meeting the budget, after tionship is kept between the local and the gen- which the treasurer of the General Episcopal eral church. Subject to this restriction, a cen- Fund shall pay the amount established to the tral conference may delegate to an annual con- bishop concerned, or as the central conference ference within its boundaries the power to may determine. make one or the other of the changes and ad- 5. An ordained minister who has served a aptations referred to in this paragraph, upon term or part of a term as a bishop in a central the request of such annual conference.12 conference where term episcopacy has pre- 10. A central conference shall fix the vailed shall, upon retirement from the effec- boundaries of the annual conferences, provi- tive relation in the ministry, be paid an allow- sional annual conferences, missionary confer- ance from the General Episcopal Fund in such ences, and missions within its bounds, pro- sum as the General Council on Finance and posals for changes first having been submitted Administration shall determine for the years to the annual conferences concerned as pre- during which the ordained minister served as scribed in the Discipline of The United Meth- a bishop.11 odist Church. No annual conference shall be 6. A central conference, in consultation organized with fewer than thirty-five clergy with the bishops of that central conference, members except as provided by an enabling shall fix the episcopal areas and residences act for the quadrennium, which shall not re- and make assignments to them of the bishops duce the number below twenty-five. Nor shall who are to reside in that central conference. an annual conference be continued with fewer The bishops of a central conference shall ar- than twenty-five clergy members except as

10 See Judicial Council Decisions 311, 430. 11 See Judicial Council Decision 394 12 See Judicial Council Decision 313.

207 ¶ 537 THE CONFERENCES provided by an enabling act for the a constitution and bylaws for it. quadrennium.13 16. A central conference shall have author- 11. A central conference may advise its an- ity to adopt rules of procedure governing the nual conferences and provisional annual con- investigation and trial of its clergy, including ferences to set standards of character and bishops, and lay members of the Church and other qualifications for admission of lay mem- to provide the necessary means and methods bers. of implementing the said rules; provided, 12. A central conference shall have power to however, that the ordained ministers shall not make changes and adaptations in procedure be deprived of the right of trial by a clergy pertaining to the annual, district, and charge committee, and lay members of the Church of conferences within its territory and to add to the right of trial by a duly constituted commit- the business of the annual conference supple- tee of lay members; and provided also, that the mentary questions considered desirable or rights of appeal shall be adequately safe- necessary to meet its own needs. guarded.14 13. A central conference shall have author- 17. A central conference is authorized to ity to examine and acknowledge the journals prepare and translate simplified or adapted of the annual conferences, provisional annual forms of such parts of the Ritual as it may conferences, missionary conferences, and deem necessary, such changes to require the missions located within its bounds and to approval of the resident bishop or bishops of make rules for the drawing up of the journals the central conference. as may seem necessary. 18. A central conference shall have the 14. A central conference may have a stand- power to conform the detailed rules, rites, and ing committee on women’s work. This com- ceremonies for the solemnization of marriage mittee should preferably be composed of the to the statute laws of the country or countries women delegates and such other persons as within its jurisdiction. the central conference may elect. The duty of 19. Subject to the approval of the bishops this committee shall be to study the relation of resident therein, a central conference shall women to the Church and to devise ways and have the power to prescribe courses of study, means of developing this portion of the including those in the vernaculars, for its min- Church membership, to the end that it may as- istry, both foreign and indigenous, including sume its rightful responsibilities in the exten- lay speakers, Bible women, deaconesses, sion of the Kingdom. The committee shall teachers—both male and female—and all other make recommendations to the central confer- workers whatsoever, ordained or lay. It shall ence regarding women’s organizations within also make rules and regulations for examina- its areas. A central conference organization tion in these courses. may become a member of the World Federa- 20. A central conference shall have author- tion of Methodist Women and may elect a rep- ity to edit and publish a central conference resentative to the World Federation of Meth- Discipline, which shall contain in addition to odist Women within the provisions of the fed- the Constitution of the Church such sections eration. from the general Discipline of The United 15. A central conference may organize a Methodist Church as may be pertinent to the women’s unit, after consultation with the entire Church and also such revised, adapted, committee on women’s work, in connection or new sections as shall have been enacted by with any annual conference or provisional an- the central conference concerned under the nual conference within its bounds and provide powers given by the General Conference.

13 See Judicial Council Decisions 525, 541, 549. 14 See Judicial Council Decisions 310, 595.

208 CENTRAL CONFERENCES ¶ 537

21. In a central conference or provisional the land permit, shall have the power to organ- central conference using a language other than ize and incorporate one or more executive English, legislation passed by a General Con- committees, executive boards, or councils of ference shall not take effect until twelve cooperation, with such membership and such months after the close of that General Confer- powers as may have been granted by the cen- ence in order to afford the necessary time to tral conference for the purpose of representing make adaptations and to publish a translation it in its property and legal interests and for of the legislation that has been enacted, the transacting any necessary business that may translation to be approved by the resident arise in the interval between the sessions of bishop or bishops of the central conference. the central conference or that may be commit- This provision, however, shall not exclude the ted to said boards or committees by the central election of delegates to the General Confer- conference. ence by annual conferences within the terri- 27. A central conference, through a duly in- tory of central conferences or provisional cen- corporated propertyholding body or bodies, tral conferences. shall have authority to purchase, own, hold, or 22. A central conference is authorized to transfer property for and on behalf of all the interpret Article XXIII of the Articles of Reli- unincorporated organizations of The United gion so as to recognize the governments of the Methodist Church within the territory of that country or countries within its territory. central conference or on behalf of other or- 23. A central conference shall have power ganizations of The United Methodist Church to authorize the congregations in a certain that have entrusted their property to that cen- state or country to form special organizations tral conference. in order to receive the acknowledgment of the 28. A central conference shall have author- state or country according to the laws of that ity to make the necessary rules and regulations state or country. These organizations shall be for the holding and management of such prop- empowered to represent the interests of the erties; provided, however, that (a) all proce- Church to the authorities of the state or coun- dure shall be subject to the laws of the country try according to the rules and principles of The or countries concerned; (b) no transfer of United Methodist Church, and they shall be property shall be made from one annual con- required to give regular reports of their activi- ference to another without the consent of the ties to their respective annual conferences. conference holding title to such property; and 24. A central conference may, with the con- (c) the status of properties held by local trus- sent of the bishops resident in that conference, tees or other holding bodies shall be recog- enter into agreements with churches or mis- nized. sions of other denominations for the division 29. A central conference shall not directly of territory or of responsibility for Christian or indirectly, through its incorporated prop- work within the territory of the central confer- erty-holding body or bodies, alienate property ence. or proceeds of property without due consid- 25. A central conference shall have the eration of its trusteeship for local churches, right to negotiate with other Protestant bodies annual conferences, the General Board of Glo- looking toward the possibility of church un- bal Ministries, and other organizations, local ion; provided that any proposals for church or general, of the Church. union shall be submitted to the General Con- 30. A central conference or any of its incor- ference for approval before consummation.15 porated organizations shall not involve the 26. A central conference, where the laws of General Board of Global Ministries or any or- ganization of the Church in any financial obli- 15 See Judicial Council Decision 350

209 ¶ 537 THE CONFERENCES gation without the official approval of said taining to the adapted portion of the Disci- board or organization. All invested funds, fi- pline, upon appeal of the presiding bishop or duciary trusts, or property belonging to an an- of such percentage of the members of the an- nual conference, a provisional annual confer- nual confersence as may be determined by the ence, a missionary conference, or a mission, or central conference concerned. any of its institutions, acquired by bequest, b) Members—Northern Europe Central donation, or otherwise and designated for a Conference Judicial Court shall have six mem- specific use, shall be applied to the purpose for bers, one each from Denmark, Norway, Swe- which they were designated. They shall not be den, Finland, the Baltic countries, and Eura- diverted to any other purpose, except by the sia. Three members shall be clergy in full consent of the conference or mission involved membership, and three shall be lay members and with the approval of the central confer- of the church and been so for at least four ence concerned and civil court action when years. The members are elected for four years, necessary. The same rule shall apply to similar and can be re-elected once for four more years. funds or properties acquired by a central con- No one can serve more than two out of three ference for specific objects. In cases involving quadrennia. A person over 70 years is not eli- the diversion of trust funds and properties gible. The term of service expires at the closure within the territory of a central conference, the of the central conference session where a suc- central conference concerned shall determine cessor is elected. Members of the court are the disposition of the interests involved, sub- elected only upon nominations from annual ject to an appeal to the judicial court of the and national district conferences. The chair- central conference. person of the court is present at the central 31. When former central conferences of conference sessions. The United Methodist Church become or have c) Substitutes—(1) Substitues shall be become autonomous churches or entered into elected in same numbers and by same rules as church unions, retired bishops therein shall for regular members. continue to have membership in the Council of (2) Should a vacancy arise during the Bishops if the retired bishops involved so de- quadrennium, a clergy member is replaced by sire. a clergy and a lay member by a lay person, if 32. a) A central conference that adapts and possible from the same country or region. The edits the Discipline as provided in ¶ 537.21 substitute shall serve till the end of the four- shall establish a judicial court, which in ad- year term. dition to other duties that the central confer- d) Organization—The court elects a chair- ence may assign to it shall hear and determine person and a secretary at the closure of the the legality of any action of the central confer- central conference session. ence taken under the adapted portions of the e) Restrictions—Members of the judicial Discipline or of a decision of law by the presid- court shall be ineligible to serve as delegates to ing bishop of the central conference pertaining the central conference, members of the central to the adapted portions of the Discipline, upon conference executive committee, the central appeal by the presiding bishop or by one-fifth conference committee on the Discipline, or of the members of the central conference. Fur- can not be appointed on central conference ther, the judicial court shall hear and deter- leadership level. No member of the court who mine the legality of any action of an annual also is a member of a central conference board conference taken under the adapted portions or committee shall vote or take part in delib- of the Discipline or of a decision of law by the erations on matters concerning this board or presiding bishop of the annual conference per- committee; instead a substitute shall serve on

210 CENTRAL CONFERENCES ¶ 537 such a matter. a) Membership—(1) Members of the execu- f) Meetings—The judicial court meets when tive committee are the bishops ex officio, one there are matters to be dealt with. Four mem- representative each from Finland Finnish, bers constitute a quorum. Simple majority is Finland Swedish, Latvia and Lithuania confer- enough for a decision; in case of equal number ences, two representatives each from Den- of votes, the opinion of the chairperson pre- mark and Estonia, and three representatives vails. All persons who in one way or another each from Norway, Russia and Sweden. are involved in a case, shall be parties to the (2) The representatives and their personal proceeding and have the right to present evi- substitutes are elected by respective confer- dence. Other persons with a direct or indirect ence for the quadrennium, and shall prefer- interest in a case may also present their views. ably be delegates to the central conference. g) Jurisdiction—The jurisdiction of the b) Officers—One of the bishops are elected court is defined in the Constitution ¶ 29. Arti- chairperson by the committee for the cle IV.6 quadrennium. The other bishop and the chair- h) Matters—Within its jurisdiction the person of the Committee on Episcopacy are ex court shall hear and determine the legality of: officio vice chairpersons. Secretary is elected (1) decisions by the central conference, annual at the first meeting of the committee in the and national district conferences, and their new quadrennium. boards and committees, when appealed by the c) Presidium—(1)The chairperson, the two bishop or by no less than a fifth of the voting vice chairpersons and the secretary form the members of the central conference or a third presidium of the executive committee. Until of the voting members in an annual or na- the second vice chairperson and the secretary tional district conference. The judicial court are elected, the two bishops carry the respon- can confirm such decisions or declare them as sibilities of the presidium. such or partly in violence with the law of the (2) The presidium prepares meetings of the church. (2) Questions arising on the rules, executive committee. regulations, and such revised, adapted, or new (3) The presidium prepares necessary sections of the central conference Discipline budgets in consultation with the treasurer. i) Notification and Publication—The deci- (4) If necessary, the presidium can decide sions of the judicial court shall in its entirety upon matters that can not wait until next be sent to the bishop and all parties to the pro- meeting of the executive committee. ceeding. All decisions during the d) Responsibilities—It is the responsibility quadrennium shall be reported to the central of the executive committee (1) to coordinate conference and printed in its minutes, if nec- the work within the central conference work- essary in a separate edition. A summary for ing areas, to have oversight over the function each decision shall be published in the official of the central conference agencies, and to re- magazines of the church. ceive continuing reports on their work. 33. Northern Europe Central Confer- (2) To function as the connecting link be- ence Executive Committee—The central tween the central conference and its interna- conference executive committee execute as- tional connections. signments given by the central conference, (3) To receive reports from central confer- and administer running business between ence representatives in international agencies, central conference sessions. It is amenable and send copies of the reports to conference and accountable to the central conference and councils of the annual and national district reports to the central conference. It meets no conference. less than twice a year. (4) To function as the committee on episco-

211 ¶ 537 THE CONFERENCES pacy (¶¶ 537.34, and 634); when functioning spective conference. in this capacity, the bishops are not members, (2) The Northern Europe Central Confer- and separate minutes are taken. ence Fund deficit is covered by the annual and (5) To receive reports from the bishops. national district conferences by a fair-share (6) To be responsible for necessary admin- key decided by the executive committee. istration, in case of vacancy in the office of 34. Northern Europe Central Confer- bishop due to death or other reason, until the ence Committee on Episcopacy—a) There vacancy is filled (¶ 408). shall be a central conference committee on (7) To set the salary of the bishops. episcopacy, composed by the elected members (8) To decide upon housing for the bishops of the Northern Europe Central Conference (¶ 635). Executive Committee. The elected vice chair- (9) To present an annual budget for the person of the executive committee is the chair- Northern Europe Episcopal Fund to be sent to person of the committee on episcopacy, and the General Council on Finance and Adminis- the secretary of the executive committee is the tration for approval. secretary of the committee on episcopacy. (10) To administer the Northern Europe b) The functions of the conference commit- Area Fund, the Northern Europe Central Con- tee on episcopacy shall be: ference Fund, the Eurasia Episcopal Fund, (1) To support the bishop of the area in the and the Nordic and Baltic Episcopal Fund. oversight of the spiritual and temporal affairs (11) To elect treasurer(s) for the Northern of the Church, with special reference to the Europe Area Fund, the Northern Europe Cen- area where the bishop has presidential re- tral Conference Fund, the Eurasia Episcopal sponsibility. Fund, and the Nordic and Baltic Episcopal (2) To be available to the bishop for coun- Fund. (Two auditors, of whom one has to be an sel. authorized public accountant, are elected by (3) To assist in the determination of the the central conference.) episcopal needs of the area and to make rec- (12) To receive an annual, complete, and ommendations to appropriate bodies. audited financial report from the treasurer(s). (4) To keep the bishop advised concerning (13) To give an annual report to the annual conditions within the area as they affect rela- and national district conferences, and receive tionships between the bishop and the people an annual statistical summary from these. of the conference agencies. (14) To give a quadrennial report to the (5) To interpret to the people of the area central conference, which grants discharge of and to conference agencies the nature and liability for the period. function of the episcopal office. (15) To function as the central conference (6) To engage in annual consultation and scholarship committee. appraisal of the balance of the bishop’s rela- (16) To arrange a Network Conference for tionship and responsibilities to the area and United Methodist Diakonia in Northern Eu- annual conferences, general Church boards rope every other year. and agencies, and other areas of specialized (17) To set the time and select the place for ministry, including, at all levels, concern for holding the central conference, and plan for it, the inclusiveness of the Church and its minis- all in consultation with the bishops. try with respect to sex, race, and national ori- e) Economy—(1) The travel expenses of the gin, and understanding and implementation executive committee are covered by the North- of the consultation process in appointment- ern Europe Central Conference Fund. Hous- making. ing and travel meals (per diem) are paid by re- (7) To keep record of decisions and recom-

212 PROVISIONAL CENTRAL CONFERENCES ¶ 544 mendations, and report to the central confer- any of the powers of a central conference ex- ence cept that of electing bishops.16 35. Other central conference work is per- ¶ 541. Ad Interim Provisions—In the inter- formed by the following boards, which also are val between General Conferences, the General responsible for the promoting and coordinat- Board of Global Ministries, upon the recom- ing activities within respective working area: mendation of the bishops in charge and after Northern Europe Central Conference consultation with the annual conferences, Board of Discipleship provisional annual conferences, missionary Northern Europe Central Conference conferences, and missions concerned, may Board of Education make changes in the boundaries of a provi- Northern Europe Central Conference sional central conference and may grant to a Youth Council provisional central conference or to any of its Northern Europe Central Conference component parts any of the powers of a central Board of Global Ministries conference except that of electing bishops. All Northern Europe Central Conference Book changes in boundaries and all grants of pow- of Discipline Committee ers authorized by the General Board of Global In working areas not covered by a separate Ministries shall be reported to the ensuing ses- board, the activities are coordinated by the ex- sion of the General Conference and shall ex- ecutive committee and the following net- pire at the close of that session unless renewed works: by the General Conference. Network of United Methodist women in ¶ 542. Lay Membership—An annual con- Northern Europe ference or a provisional annual conference in Network of United Methodist Diakonia in the field of a provisional central conference Northern Europe shall have the power to set standards of char- acter and other qualifications for admission of its lay members. Section IV. Provisional Central ¶ 543. Ad Interim Provisions for Confer- Conferences ences Outside the United States—To annual conferences, provisional annual conferences, ¶ 538. Annual conferences, provisional an- missionary conferences, and missions that are nual conferences, missionary conferences, outside the United States and are not included and missions outside the United States that in central conferences or provisional central are not included in central conferences or in conferences, the General Conference may the territory of affiliated autonomous grant any of the powers of central conferences churches and that, because of geographical, except that of electing bishops; and in the in- language, political, or other considerations, terval between General Conferences, the Gen- have common interests that can best be served eral Board of Global Ministries may grant such thereby, may be organized into provisional powers when requested to do so by the bishop central conferences as provided in ¶ 535.1.19 in charge and by the annual conference, provi- ¶ 539. Organization—The organization of sional annual conference, missionary confer- provisional central conferences shall conform ence, or mission concerned. to the regulations prescribed for central con- ¶ 544. Episcopal Supervision—The Gen- ferences insofar as they are considered appli- eral Conference shall make provision for the cable by the bishop in charge. episcopal supervision of work in the territory ¶ 540. Powers—The General Conference outside the United States that is not now in- may grant to a provisional central conference 16 See Judicial Council Decision 403.

213 ¶ 545 THE CONFERENCES cluded in central conferences. other church of the Wesleyan tradition may ¶ 545. The Council of Bishops may pro- enter into the Act of Covenanting with The vide, if and when necessary, for episcopal visi- United Methodist Church under the provi- tation of mission fields not included in central sions of ¶ 549. or provisional central conferences. ¶ 547. Affiliated Autonomous Methodist Churches—A self-governing church in whose establishment The United Methodist Church Section V. Autonomous Methodist or one of its constituent members (The Evan- Churches, Affiliated Autonomous gelical United Brethren Church and The Meth- Methodist Churches, Affiliated United odist Church) has assisted and which by mu- Churches, Covenanting Churches, tual agreement has entered into a covenant of Concordat Churches relationship or an Act of Covenanting (see ¶ 549) with The United Methodist Church shall ¶ 546. Autonomous Methodist Churches— be known as an affiliated autonomous Meth- 1. A self-governing Methodist church in whose odist church. establishment The United Methodist Church Such an agreement shall include the fol- or one of its constituent members (The Evan- lowing provisions: gelical United Brethren Church and The Meth- 1. Certificates of church membership given odist Church) has assisted, but which has not by clergy in one church shall be accepted by entered into the Act of Covenanting with The clergy in the other church. United Methodist Church, shall be known as 2. Clergy may be transferred between an- an autonomous Methodist church. nual and provisional annual conferences of 2. When the requirements of such a Meth- The United Methodist Church and of affiliated odist church for its ministry are comparable to autonomous Methodist churches and their those of The United Methodist Church, clergy ordination(s) recognized as valid, with the ap- may be transferred between its properly con- proval and consent of the bishops or other stituted ministerial bodies and the annual and appointive authorities involved. provisional annual conferences of The United 3. Each affiliated autonomous Methodist Methodist Church, with the approval and con- church shall be entitled to two delegates, one sent of the appointive authorities involved. clergy and one layperson, to the General Con- 3. A program of visitation may be mutually ference of The United Methodist Church in ac- arranged by the Council of Bishops in coopera- cordance with ¶ 2403.1b. They shall be enti- tion with the equivalent leadership of the au- tled to all the rights and privileges of del- tonomous Methodist church and/or united egates, including membership on committees, church. except the right to vote. Such a church having 4. If desired by the autonomous Methodist more than 70,000 full members shall be enti- church, the Council of Bishops, in consultation tled to one additional delegate. At least one of with the General Board of Global Ministries, the three delegates shall be a woman. The shall work out plans of cooperation with that bishop or president of the affiliated autono- church. The General Board of Global Minis- mous Methodist churches may be invited by tries shall serve as the agent of The United the Council of Bishops to the General Confer- Methodist Church for a continuing dialogue ence. looking to the establishment of mission priori- 4. A program of mutual visitation may be ties with special reference to matters of per- arranged by the Council of Bishops in coopera- sonnel and finance. tion with the equivalent leadership of the af- 5. An autonomous Methodist church or filiated autonomous church. The Council of

214 AUTONOMOUS METHODIST CHURCHES ETC. ¶ 549

Bishops may assign one or more of its mem- disciplinary requirements for affiliated au- bers for visitation to such churches. tonomous relationship have been met, the 5. Other provisions shall be as mutually General Conference through an enabling act agreed upon by the two churches. shall approve of and grant permission for the 6. The Council of Bishops, in consultation conference(s) involved to become an affiliated with the General Board of Global Ministries, autonomous Methodist or united church. shall work out plans of cooperation with that 5. Then the central conference involved church. The General Board of Global Minis- shall meet, declare the present relationship tries shall serve as the agent of The United between The United Methodist Church and Methodist Church for a continuing dialogue the conference(s) involved dissolved, and re- looking to the establishment of mutual mis- organize as an affiliated autonomous Method- sion priorities, including, but not limited to, ist or affiliated united church in accordance the exchange of personnel and financial re- with the enabling act granted by the General sources.17 Conference. The Commission on Central Con- ference Affairs shall assist in this process and, when the plans are consummated, report to Becoming an Affiliated Autonomous the Council of Bishops. The proclamation of Methodist or United Church affiliated autonomous status shall then be signed by the president of the Council of Bish- ¶ 548. When conferences outside the ops and the secretary of the General Confer- United States that are parts of The United ence. Methodist Church desire to become an affili- 6. A plan of cooperation shall be developed ated autonomous Methodist or affiliated in accordance with ¶ 547.6 above. united church, approval shall first be secured from the central conference involved and this decision be ratified by the annual conferences Becoming a Covenanting Church within the central conference by two-thirds majority of the aggregate votes cast by the an- ¶ 549. A Covenanting Church—1. There nual conferences.18 may be established with autonomous Method- 1. The conference shall prepare a historical ist churches, affiliated autonomous Methodist record with reasons why autonomy is re- churches, affiliated united churches, or with quested and shall consult with the Commis- other Christian churches and The United sion on Central Conference Affairs (¶ 2201) on Methodist Church a covenanting relationship proceedings for autonomy. whose elements are described in the 1988 2. The Commission on Central Conference Book of Resolutions or otherwise developed. Affairs and the conferences involved shall mu- a) The purpose of an Act of Covenanting tually agree on the confession of faith and the with another Christian church is to encourage constitution of the new church. These shall be a new sense of global common cause, mutual prepared with care and shall be approved by support, mutual spiritual growth, common the conferences. study of Scripture and culture, creative inter- 3. Preparation of its Discipline is the re- action as ministers in the mission of God’s sponsibility of the conference(s) desiring au- church, cross-fertilization of ideas about ways tonomy. to be in that mission, sharing of resources, and 4. Upon recommendation of the Commis- exploration of new forms of service directed at sion on Central Conference Affairs, when all old and emerging needs.

17 See Judicial Council Decision 692. b) An Act of Covenanting will include rec- 18 See Judicial Council Decision 548.

215 ¶ 550 THE CONFERENCES ognition of our respective baptisms as differ- autonomous Methodist or united church, ap- ent facets of the one baptism; recognition of proval shall first be secured from the central one another as authentic expressions of the conference involved and this decision be rati- one holy, catholic, and apostolic church of Je- fied by the annual conferences within the cen- sus Christ; recognition of the ordained minis- tral conference by two-thirds majority of the tries of the two churches; commitment to sys- aggregate votes cast by the annual confer- tematic participation in full eucharistic fellow- ences. ship; commitment to function in new ways of 1. The conference shall prepare a historical partnership, visitations, and programs. record with reasons why autonomy is re- c) For The United Methodist Church, over- quested and shall consult with the Commis- sight of the covenantal relationships is the re- sion on Central Conference Affairs (¶ 2201) on sponsibility of the Council of Bishops, with the proceedings for autonomy. assistance of the General Commission on 2. The Commission on Central Conference Christian Unity and Interreligious Concerns, Affairs and the conferences involved shall mu- while participation in specific projects is the tually agree on the confession of faith and the responsibility of the appropriate general constitution of the new church. These shall be agency or agencies. prepared with care and shall be approved by 2. The Council of Bishops shall represent the conferences. The United Methodist Church in developing 3. Preparation of its Discipline is the re- an Act of Covenanting with a prospective part- sponsibility of the conference(s) desiring au- ner church. The Council of Bishops shall make tonomy. recommendations to General Conference as to 4. Upon recommendation of the Commis- the specific covenanting agreements. When sion on Central Conference Affairs, when all approved by General Conference and by the disciplinary requirements for autonomous re- chief legislative body of the partner church, lationship have been met, the General Confer- the Act of Covenanting becomes effective ence through an enabling act shall approve of when signed by the president of the Council of and grant permission for the conference(s) in- Bishops and the secretary of the General Con- volved to become an autonomous Methodist ference of The United Methodist Church and or united church. by the authorized persons in the covenanting 5. Then the central conference involved church. The text of each Act of Covenanting as shall meet, declare the present relationship adopted shall be printed in the appropriate between The United Methodist Church and General Conference journal.19 the conference(s) involved dissolved, and re- ¶ 550. Affiliated United Churches—An af- organize as an autonomous Methodist or filiated united church shall have the same rela- united church in accordance with the enabling tionship and privileges as affiliated autono- act granted by the General Conference. The mous Methodist churches in accordance with Commission on Central Conference Affairs ¶¶ 547-548 above. shall assist in this process and, when the plans are consummated, report to the Council of Becoming an Autonomous Bishops. The proclamation of autonomous Methodist or United Church status shall then be signed by the president of the Council of Bishops and the secretary of the ¶ 551. When conferences in nations other General Conference. than the United States that are parts of The 6. A plan of cooperation shall be developed United Methodist Church desire to become an in accordance with ¶ 547.6 above. ¶ 552. Concordat Agreements—1. There 19 See Judicial Council Decision 692.

216 AUTONOMOUS METHODIST CHURCHES ETC. ¶ 553 may be concordats with other Methodist b) The host church shall make provisions churches in accordance with ¶ 12.2 and for The for full hospitality, including room and board, Methodist Church of Great Britain in accord- for the delegates of the other concordat ance with ¶ 12.3. church. Travel and other expenses shall be the 2. The purposes of such concordats are: responsibility of the visiting church. a) to manifest the common Methodist her- c) A program of mutual visitation may be itage, arranged by the Council of Bishops in coopera- b) to affirm the equal status of the two tion with the equivalent leadership of the churches and express mutual acceptance and other concordat church. The Council of Bish- respect, and ops may assign one or more of its members for c) to create opportunities for closer fellow- episcopal visitation to concordat churches. ship between the two churches, especially on d) Clergy may be transferred between the the leadership level. two churches in accordance with ¶¶ 338.2b 3. With the exception of The Methodist and 547.2. Church of Great Britain, such concordats may be established by the following procedure: Becoming Part of a) The Methodist church shall, through its The United Methodist Church major decision-making body, request a concordat relationship with The United Meth- ¶ 553. 1. An autonomous Methodist church odist Church through the Council of Bishops. or affiliated autonomous Methodist church Concordats may also be initiated by The outside the United States may become a part United Methodist Church acting through the of The United Methodist Church when all of Council of Bishops who shall, in cooperation the following requirements are fulfilled: with the Methodist church in question, ascer- a) Said church shall accept and approve the tain that all disciplinary conditions are met Constitution, Articles of Faith, Discipline, and and then prepare the necessary enabling legis- polity of The United Methodist Church. lation for adoption by the General Conference. b) Said church, if it is within the boundaries b) When such concordat agreement has of a central or provisional central conference, been approved by the General Conference, the shall apply for membership in that conference. Council of Bishops shall prepare a statement Such application shall be approved by the cen- of the concordat agreement to be signed by the tral or provisional central conference and by president of the Council of Bishops, the secre- the General Conference. In the event that said tary of the General Conference, and two repre- church is not within the boundaries of an ex- sentatives of the Methodist church with whom isting central or provisional conference, then the concordat agreement is made. Such its membership application shall be reviewed concordats shall be printed in the Daily Chris- by the Council of Bishops and shall be ap- tian Advocate of that General Conference. proved by the General Conference. 4. Such concordat agreement shall entitle c) Said church shall declare its own consti- the two churches to the following rights and tution and church order null and void. privileges: d) The Commission on Central Conference a) The two churches shall each elect two Affairs shall advise and assist said church in delegates, one clergy and one lay, to be seated this process and prepare the necessary ena- in each other’s General Conference or equiva- bling act for approval by the General Confer- lent bodies with all rights and privileges, ex- ence. cept the right to vote. Agreements in existing e) The General Conference shall approve concordats shall be honored. legislation authorizing the necessary adjust-

217 ¶ 554 THE CONFERENCES ments in the organization of the central or give evidence of an aggressive program for provisional central conference involved. In the continued progress in both areas. event that said church is not within the ¶ 556. Organization—A provisional an- boundaries of an existing central or provi- nual conference shall be organized in the same sional central conference, then legislation manner and have the same powers and func- shall be approved to either change boundaries tions as an annual conference, subject to the of a contiguous conference or to establish a approval of the presiding bishop; and its new central or provisional central conference. members shall share pro rata in the proceeds f) The Commission on Central Conference of The United Methodist Publishing House Affairs shall assist said church in the process with members of the annual conferences, with of becoming a part of The United Methodist the following exceptions: Church, determine when all requirements are 1. The bishop having episcopal supervision met, and report to the General Conference. of a provisional annual conference in a foreign 2. Other churches outside the United States or a home mission field may appoint a repre- may become a part of The United Methodist sentative as superintendent, to whom may be Church by following the same procedure. committed specific responsibility for the rep- resentation of the General Board of Global Ministries in its relation to the indigenous Section VI. Provisional Annual church and also in cooperation with other rec- Conferences ognized evangelical missions. Such duties shall be exercised so as not to interfere with ¶ 554. A provisional annual conference is a the work of the district superintendent. This conference that, because of its limited mem- superintendent may also be a district superin- bership, does not qualify for annual confer- tendent; provided the superintendent is a ence status. member of the said conference. The superin- ¶ 555. Provisions—Any missionary confer- tendent shall be responsible directly to the ence or mission established under the provi- bishop appointed to administer the work in sions of the Discipline may be constituted as a that episcopal area and shall make adequate provisional annual conference by the General reports of the work and needs of the field to Conference, in consultation with the central the bishop and to the secretaries of the Gen- conference, provisional central conference, or eral Board of Global Ministries immediately jurisdictional conference within which the concerned. missionary conference or mission is located; 2. A provisional annual conference shall provided that: meet annually at the time appointed by the 1. No provisional annual conference shall bishop. If there is no bishop present, the su- be organized with fewer than ten clergy mem- perintendent shall preside. In the absence of bers or be continued with fewer than six clergy both, the presidency shall be determined as in members. an annual conference (¶ 603.6). The confer- 2. The total financial support from the Gen- ence or a committee thereof shall select the eral Board of Global Ministries, including the place for holding the conference. Advance, shall not exceed an appropriate per- 3. In a provisional annual conference re- centage as determined in consultation with ceiving major funding from the General Board the board. of Global Ministries, the assigned staff of the 3. The membership and contributions of board shall provide consultation and guidance the conference have shown a reasonable in- in setting up the annual budget and Advance crease during the previous quadrennium and projects within the conference and in the pro-

218 THE MISSIONARY CONFERENCE ¶ 559 motion of new mission projects. The confer- copal supervision for any missionary ence, in making requests for appropriations conference(s) within its jurisdictional for support, including grants and loans for boundaries as are organized. The bishop thus building projects, shall submit to the General placed in charge and having episcopal supervi- Board of Global Ministries a statement of the sion within the respective episcopal area in co- proposed annual budget and proposed finan- operation with the General Board of Global cial plan for new mission and building plans. Ministries shall appoint a conference superin- Items involving increased appropriations tendent and/or district superintendents. Such from the General Board of Global Ministries or conference and/or district superintendent(s) increased askings from the Advance shall be shall be an elder(s) and shall be subject to the subject to modifications by the General Board same limitations on years of service as district of Global Ministries. superintendents (¶ 418). Years of service may 4. A provisional annual conference shall be either consecutive or nonconsecutive. Years elect one ordained minister and one layperson of service as a conference and/or district su- as delegates with full voting and other rights to perintendent in a missionary conference shall the General Conference and to the jurisdic- be counted toward the total of twelve years tional conference. Delegates to central confer- permitted in a regular annual conference.20 ences shall be elected in accordance with ¶ 2. The General Board of Global Ministries 536.1. shall give close supervision and guidance in ¶ 557. Board of Global Ministries—In a setting up the administrative and promotional provisional annual conference in the United budgets and Advance projects within the con- States, Puerto Rico, or the Virgin Islands, ference and in the promotion of new mission there shall be a conference board of global projects. The conference, in making requests ministries constituted as in an annual confer- for appropriations for support and grants and ence and having the same duties and powers. loans for building projects, shall submit to the General Board of Global Ministries a state- ment of the proposed annual promotional and Section VII. The Missionary administrative budget and the proposed fi- Conference nancial plan for new mission and building projects. New work and building projects in- ¶ 558. Definition—A conference is a mis- volving increased appropriations from the sionary conference because of its particular General Board of Global Ministries shall first mission opportunities, its limited member- have the approval of the General Board of Glo- ship and resources, its unique leadership re- bal Ministries. quirements, its strategic regional or language 3. Missionary conferences shall elect clergy considerations, and ministerial needs. The and lay delegates to General and jurisdictional General Board of Global Ministries shall pro- conference on the same basis as annual con- vide administrative guidance and major finan- ferences as provided in ¶¶ 502 and 513. cial assistance, including attention to the dis- 4. a) Membership—A missionary confer- tinctive property matters. ence shall determine by majority vote whether ¶ 559. Organization—A missionary con- it will establish the right of full ministerial ference shall be organized in the same manner membership. and with the same rights and powers as an an- b) An ordained minister in full connection nual conference (¶¶ 601-604), but with the fol- with an annual conference who is appointed to lowing exceptions: a missionary conference that has previously 1. The College of Bishops shall provide epis- 20 See Judicial Council Decisions 448, 512.

219 ¶ 559 THE CONFERENCES voted to include full membership under § 4a quirements.21 may choose either to request the bishop of the 6. In order to provide traditional and ex- missionary conference to seek the transfer of perimental ministries, the bishop of the mis- his or her membership into full membership sionary conference may appoint an effective with the missionary conference or retain his or elder to other than full-time pastoral appoint- her membership in a home conference and be ment combined with secular employment. considered in an affiliated relationship to the This will in no way affect the conference rela- missionary conference. Affiliated relationship tionship. Pension and other benefits shall be shall entitle the ordained minister to the fel- provided in consultation with the parties in- lowship of the conference, to full participation volved and with the approval of the missionary in its activities, including holding office and conference. representing the missionary conference in 7. A missionary conference that has not es- general and jurisdictional conferences. An af- tablished the right of full ministerial member- filiate member of a missionary conference ship may ordain indigenous racial and ethnic shall not vote in his or her annual conference persons as deacons who, although they are not while retaining the affiliate relationship to a associate members, shall be accorded all the missionary conference. Such affiliate relation- rights and privileges of associate membership ship to a missionary conference shall be only in the missionary conference; provided that for the duration of the ordained minister’s ap- they have completed all of the necessary re- pointment to the conference. quirements for candidacy and such other re- An affiliate member elected to a general or quirements the missionary conference may es- jurisdictional conference from a missionary tablish. Further, these persons have the right conference shall not be eligible to be elected to to pursue transfer of their ministerial relation- such position from the conference where his ship to another annual conference as an asso- or her membership is held. ciate member and to pursue a relationship of c) A missionary conference may elect into full connection under the guidance of that an- full ministerial membership those persons de- nual conference. siring full membership in accordance with ¶ ¶ 560. Only the General Conference can 561. create a missionary conference or change a d) A pastor under full-time appointment in missionary conference to a provisional annual a missionary conference, upon consultation conference or an annual conference. A petition with and the approval of the bishop and con- to the General Conference for change in status ference or district superintendent or cabinet, from a missionary conference shall set forth may waive his or her claim upon the confer- details of the history and status of the confer- ence minimum salary. This waiver is to be re- ence and shall be accompanied by a report and viewed annually and is to be effective until the recommendation of the General Board of Glo- time of subsequent appointment. bal Ministries. 5. A missionary conference may include in ¶ 561. Rights and Privileges—Missionary its membership representation of such mis- conferences shall have the same rights as sion agencies within its boundaries as it deems those given to the central conferences in ¶ advisable; provided, however, such represen- 537.9, .10 to make such changes and adapta- tation shall not exceed a number equal to one- tions regarding the ministry and ordination of third of the total membership of the mission- ordained ministers as the effective use of in- ary conference and that such representatives digenous leadership in the missionary confer- shall be members of The United Methodist ence may require; provided that no action Church in accordance with constitutional re- 21 See Judicial Council Decision 511.

220 MISSION ¶ 563 shall be taken that is contrary to the Constitu- crosses the boundaries of one or more episco- tion and the General Rules of The United pal areas or jurisdictions, the College(s) of Methodist Church. Bishops shall assign a bishop to the mission. The bishop assigned to a mission, in con- sultation with the general secretary of the Section VIII. Mission General Board of Global Ministries, may ap- point one or more superintendents of the mis- ¶ 562. Definition—A mission is an admin- sion as may be determined and for whom sup- istrative body for a field of work inside or out- port has been provided. The bishop shall de- side the structures of any annual conference, cide which groups or charges the respective provisional annual conference, or missionary superintendents shall supervise. conference that is under the care of the Gen- 4. A mission shall meet annually at the time eral Board of Global Ministries and exercises and place designated by the bishop in charge, in a general way the functions of a district con- who shall preside. In the absence of the ference. bishop, a superintendent of the mission shall The purpose of a mission is to provide min- preside. The presiding officer shall bring for- istry with a particular group or region whose ward the regular business of the meeting and needs cannot be fully met with the existing arrange the work. structures and resources of the annual 5. The annual meeting shall have the power conference(s). It may also be the initial stage to certify candidates for the ordained ministry, in moving toward the formation of a provi- to pass on the character of clergy who are not sional or missionary conference. members of an annual conference, to receive The establishment of a mission may in- mission traveling preachers, and to recom- volve special considerations in areas of leader- mend to an annual conference proper persons ship, language resources, and/or property. for probationary membership and ordination. ¶ 563. Establishment and Administration The examination of local pastors shall be held of a Mission—1. The General Board of Global by the mission and certified to an annual con- Ministries, in consultation with the presiding ference. bishop or bishops (¶ 414.6) of an annual Mission traveling preachers are members conference(s), shall determine the need and of the mission without being members of an set the boundaries for the mission established annual conference. The mission shall deter- within an annual conference, across confer- mine the requirements for a mission traveling ence lines, or for another extended region or preacher in order to most effectively utilize the constituency. indigenous leadership. Mission traveling 2. A mission shall be made up of all regu- preachers are limited in their itineration to the larly appointed missionaries, both lay and bounds of the mission. clergy, mission traveling preachers, and other 6. The bishop shall, at the annual meeting, lay members. The mission shall determine the assign the missionaries and mission traveling number of lay members and the method of preachers to the several charges for the ensu- their selection. In so doing, it shall ensure that ing year; provided that transfer of missionar- all aspects of the mission’s work are repre- ies related to the General Board of Global Min- sented.22 istries shall be completed only after consulta- 3. When the mission lies within the bounds tion with the board. of one episcopal area, the resident bishop shall 7. Administration, initiation, and coordina- preside over the mission. When the mission tion of a mission shall be in the General Board of Global Ministries. 22 See Judicial Council Decision 341.

221 ¶ 601 THE CONFERENCES

Section IX. The Annual Conference relations of clergy.25 2. Persons who enter candidacy for diaco- ¶ 601. Purpose—The purpose of the an- nal ministry prior to January 1, 1997, shall be nual conference is to make disciples for Jesus allowed to complete candidacy, and those con- Christ by equipping its local churches for min- secrated will serve as lay members of the an- istry and by providing a connection for minis- nual conference as long as they maintain this try beyond the local church; all to the glory of status in The United Methodist Church. God. 3. Persons who become associate members ¶ 602. Composition and Character—1. prior to January 1, 1997, shall be allowed to The clergy membership of an annual confer- continue in this relationship and serve under ence (¶ 365) shall consist of deacons and the provision of the 1992 Book of Discipline as elders in full connection (¶ 324), probationary long as they hold this status. members (¶ 318), associate members, affiliate 4. The lay membership of the annual con- members (¶¶ 335.4, 559.4), and local pastors ference shall consist of a lay member elected under full-time and part-time appointment to by each charge, diaconal ministers, deacon- a pastoral charge (¶ 342).23 (See also ¶ 30.) esses, the conference president of United a) Clergy members in full connection shall Methodist Women, the conference president have the right to vote on all matters in the an- of United Methodist Men, the conference lay nual conference except in the election of lay leader, district lay leaders, the conference di- delegates to the general and jurisdictional or rector of Lay Speaking Ministries, the presi- central conferences and shall have sole re- dent or equivalent officer of the conference sponsibility for all matters of ordination, char- young adult organization, the president of the acter, and conference relations of clergy.24 conference youth organization, the chair of the b) Probationary clergy members shall have annual conference college student organiza- the right to vote in the annual conference on tion, one young person between the ages of all matters except constitutional amendments, twelve and seventeen and one young person election of clergy delegates to the general and between the ages of eighteen and thirty from jurisdictional or central conferences, and mat- each district to be selected in such a manner as ters of ordination, character, and conference may be determined by the annual conference. relations of clergy. If the lay membership should number less c) Associate and affiliate clergy members than the clergy members of the annual confer- shall have the right to vote in the annual con- ence, the annual conference shall, by its own ference on all matters except constitutional formula, provide for the election of additional amendments, election of clergy delegates to lay members to equalize lay and clergy mem- the general and jurisdictional or central con- bership of the annual conference. ferences, and matters of ordination, character, Each charge served by more than one and conference relations of clergy. clergy member under appointment (including d) Full-time and part-time local pastors deacons in full connection for whom this is under appointment to a pastoral charge shall their primary appointment) shall be entitled have the right to vote in the annual conference to as many lay members as there are clergy on all matters except constitutional amend- members under appointment. The lay mem- ments; election of delegates to the general and bers shall have been members of The United jurisdictional or central conferences; and mat- Methodist Church for the two years preceding ters of ordination, character, and conference their election and shall have been active par- ticipants in The United Methodist Church for 23 See Judicial Council Decisions 341, 371, 477, 552, 584. 24 See Judicial Council Decision 690. 25 See Judicial Council Decision 862.

222 THE ANNUAL CONFERENCE ¶ 603 at least four years preceding their election (¶¶ such reports in such form as the Discipline 30, 250.2). may require. Any such person unable to attend a) In the annual conference or the central shall report by letter to the conference secre- conferences, the four-year participation and tary, setting forth the reason for the absence. the two-year membership requirements may Should any ordained minister in active service be waived for young persons under twenty- be absent from the session of the annual con- five years of age. Such persons must be mem- ference without a satisfactory reason for the bers of The United Methodist Church and ac- absence, the matter shall be referred by the tive participants at the time of election. conference secretary to the board of ordained b) By authorization of a central conference, ministry. national diaconal ministers may be given the 9. The following shall be seated in the same privileges as a diaconal minister.26 annual conference and shall be given the 5. The lay member or alternate, whoever privilege of the floor without vote: official was last seated in the annual conference, shall representatives from other denominations, be seated in a special session of the annual invited by the annual conference; missionar- conference when convened; provided that no ies regularly assigned by the General Board of local charge shall be deprived of its lay mem- Global Ministries and serving within the ber due to death, serious illness, or cessation bounds of the annual conference; lay mis- of membership. Under such circumstances, sionaries regularly appointed by the General another lay member may be elected by the Board of Global Ministries and certified lay charge conference.27 (See ¶ 30.) missionaries from other nations serving 6. The lay members of the annual confer- within the bounds of the annual conference. ence shall participate in all deliberations and 10. If not otherwise a voting member of the vote upon all measures except on the granting annual conference, the conference chancellor or validation of license, ordination, reception shall be seated in the annual conference and into full conference membership, or any ques- shall be given the privilege of the floor without tion concerning the character and official con- vote. duct of ordained ministers, except those who ¶ 603. Organization—1. Annual confer- are lay members of the board of ordained min- ences may become severally bodies corporate, istry. Lay members shall serve on all commit- whenever practicable, under the law of the tees except those on ministerial relations and countries, states, and territories within whose for the trial of clergy.28 bounds they are located.29 7. When at any time a lay member is ex- 2. The bishops shall appoint the times for cused by the annual conference from further holding the annual conferences. attendance during the session, the alternate 3. The annual conference or a committee lay member, if present, shall be seated. The lay thereof shall select the place for holding the member or the alternate shall be the lay mem- conference, but should it become necessary ber of the annual conference, and it shall be for any reason to change the place of meeting, the duty of the lay member to report to the lo- a majority of the district superintendents, with cal church on actions of the annual confer- the consent of the bishop in charge, may ence. change the place. 8. It is the duty of every member and all 4. The annual conference sessions shall be probationers and local pastors of the annual held in places that are accessible to people conference to attend its sessions and furnish with disabilities. 5. A special session of the annual confer- 26 See Judicial Council Decision 505. 27 See Judicial Council Decision 319. 28 See Judicial Council Decision 109, 505, 592. 29 See Judicial Council Decision 108.

223 ¶ 603 THE CONFERENCES ence may be held at such time and in such in the home, workplace, community, and place as shall have been determined by the an- world in achieving the mission of the Church nual conference after consultation with the and for enabling and supporting lay participa- bishop, or by the bishop with the concurrence tion in the planning and decision-making of three-fourths of the district superintend- processes of the annual conference, district, ents. A special session of the annual confer- and local church in cooperation with the ence shall have only such powers as are stated bishop, district superintendents, and pastors. in the call.30 The lay leader shall be a member of the annual 6. The bishop assigned shall preside over conference, the conference council on minis- the annual conference or, in case of inability, tries, the conference committee on nomina- shall arrange for another bishop to preside. In tions, the conference committee on episco- the absence of a bishop, the conference shall pacy, the executive committee, if any, of the by ballot, without nomination or debate, elect conference council on ministries; and the a president pro tempore from among the committee planning annual conference ses- traveling elders. The president thus elected sions; and may be designated by virtue of of- shall discharge all the duties of a bishop except fice to membership on any conference agency ordination.31 by the annual conference. 7. The annual conference at the first session b) The conference lay leader shall be the following the General Conference or jurisdic- chairperson of the conference board of laity, or tional or central conferences (or, if it may de- its equivalent, and shall relate to the organized sire, at the last session preceding the general, lay groups in the conference such as Lay jurisdictional, or central conferences) shall Speaking Ministries, United Methodist Men, elect a secretary and statistician to serve for United Methodist Women, and United Meth- the succeeding quadrennium. In the case of a odist Youth and support their work and help vacancy in either office in the interim of the them coordinate their activities. The confer- sessions, the bishop, after consultation with ence lay leader shall also have the general re- the district superintendents, shall appoint a sponsibility in: (1) developing the advocacy person to act until the next session of the an- role for laity in the life of the Church; (2) in- nual conference. (See ¶ 617 for election of the creasing the participation of laity in the ses- treasurer.) sions and structure of the annual conference; 8. The annual conference may designate as and (3) encouraging laypersons in the general chancellor a layperson who is a member in ministry of the Church. good standing in one of the local churches or a c) The conference lay leader shall be elected clergyperson who is a member of the annual by the annual conference as the annual confer- conference in the episcopal area, and who is a ence may determine. The method of nomina- member of the appropriate bar or bars in the tion and term of office shall be determined by episcopal area. The chancellor, who shall be the annual conference. Associate lay leader(s), nominated by the bishop and elected by the to work with the conference lay leader, may be annual conference, shall serve as legal adviser elected by the annual conference as it may de- to the bishop and the annual conference. termine. 9. a) The conference lay leader is the ¶ 604. Powers and Duties—1. The annual elected leader of conference laity. The lay conference, for its own government, may leader will have responsibility for fostering adopt rules and regulations not in conflict awareness of the role of the laity both within with the Discipline of The United Methodist the congregation and through their ministries Church; provided that in exercise of its pow-

30 See Judicial Council Decision 397. ers, each annual conference shall act in all re- 31 See Judicial Council Decision 367, 373.

224 THE ANNUAL CONFERENCE ¶ 604 spects in harmony with the policy of The election of delegates, nor vote twice in the United Methodist Church with respect to same year for delegates to the general, juris- elimination of discrimination on the basis of dictional, or central conferences. race.32 7. Whenever clergy members, whether on 2. An annual conference cannot financially probation or in full connection, are trans- obligate any organizational unit of The United ferred to another annual conference, either in Methodist Church except the annual confer- connection with a transfer of the pastoral ence itself.33 charge to which they are appointed or by rea- 3. The annual conference may admit into son of the dissolution or merger of the annual clergy membership only those who have met conference, they shall have the same rights all the disciplinary requirements for member- and obligations as the other members of the ship and only in the manner prescribed in the conference to which they are transferred. Discipline.34 8. The annual conference shall have power 4. The annual conference shall have power to make inquiry into the financial status of the to make inquiry into the moral and official local churches, and where there is a deficit in conduct of its clergy members. Subject only to finances, it may require the pastor and the lay the provisions of ¶¶ 2701-2719, the annual member to appear before the appropriate conference shall have power to hear com- committee and make explanation. Based upon plaints against its clergy members and may its findings, it shall provide counsel to help the try, reprove, suspend, deprive of clergy office church overcome such a deficit position. and credentials, expel, or acquit any against 9. The annual conference shall have the whom charges may have been preferred. The power to make inquiry into the membership annual conference shall have power to locate a status of the local churches, and where no clergy member for failure to perform effec- members have been received on confession of tively and competently the duties of itinerant faith during the year, it may require the pastor ministry.35 and the lay member to appear before the ap- 5. The status of a clergy member and of a propriate agency and make explanation. probationer and the manner and conditions of 10. The annual conference shall give recog- a transfer of a clergy member from one annual nition to any new churches that have been or- conference to another are governed by the sec- ganized during the year and shall, through the tion on the ordained ministry (Chapter Two). presiding bishop and the secretary, send to 6. Transfers of travelling preachers are each new church a certificate of organization, conditioned on the passing of their character which the district superintendent shall, on be- by the conference to which they are amenable. half of the conference, present to the new The official announcement that a preacher is church in an appropriate ceremony. transferred changes the preacher’s member- 11. The annual conference shall secure, ship so that all rights and responsibilities in during the course of its annual session, the an- the conference to which that preacher goes be- swers to the questions for conducting annual gin from the date of transfer. Such member of conference sessions, and the secretary to the an annual conference shall not vote twice on annual conference shall include the answers to the same constitutional question, nor be these questions in the conference journal and counted twice in the same year in the basis for in the report to the council on finance and ad- ministration. 32 See Judicial Council Decision 43, 74, 109, 141, 318, 12. If any annual conference initiates, joins, 323, 367, 373, 418, 432, 435, 476, 536, 584, 590, 592, 688, 699, 876. monitors, or terminates a boycott, the guide- 33 See Judicial Council Decision 707. lines in The Book of Resolutions, 2000, should 34 See Judicial Council Decision 440. 35 See Judicial Council Decision 534, 782.

225 ¶ 605 THE CONFERENCES be followed. The General Conference is the agenda shall be prepared by the bishop, the only body that can initiate, empower, or join a district superintendents, the conference lay boycott in the name of The United Methodist leader, and such others as the conference may Church. name and shall be submitted to the conference 13. The annual conference may choose to for adoption. adopt a conference-wide plan for compensa- 3. Members for all standing committees, tion of pastors. Such a plan shall provide the boards, and commissions of the annual con- method for setting and funding the salaries, ference shall be selected in such manner as the and/or other compensation elements as speci- Book of Discipline may specifically require or fied in the plan, of the pastors appointed to the as the annual conference may determine.36 charges of the annual conference. Attention shall be given to inclusiveness (¶¶ 14. Closed Sessions—In the spirit of open- 124, 138). ness and accountability, all meetings of official For the purpose of adjusting tenure, a cer- boards, agencies, commissions, and commit- tain number of members may be elected or ap- tees of the annual conference, including sub- pointed for particular terms. Members shall unit meetings and teleconferences, shall be hold office until their successors are elected. open. Portions of a meeting may be closed for For the annual conference agencies provided consideration of specific subjects if such a for by the Discipline, see ¶ 608.1; and for the closed session is authorized by an affirmative agencies established by the annual conference public vote of at least three-fourths of the vot- itself, see ¶ 608.2. ing members present. The vote shall be taken 4. The business of the annual conference in public session and recorded in the minutes. shall include receiving and acting upon re- Documents distributed in open meetings shall ports from district superintendents, officers, be considered public. standing and special committees, boards, Great restraint shall be used in closing commissions, and societies and also making meetings; closed sessions should be used as such inquiries as the Council of Bishops shall seldom as possible. Subjects that may be con- recommend by the provision of a supplemen- sidered in closed session are limited to real-es- tal guide.37 tate matters; negotiations, when general 5. The agenda of the annual conference knowledge could be harmful to the negotiation shall provide time for an address or report that process; personnel matters; issues related to shall be the responsibility of the conference lay the accreditation or approval of institutions; leader. discussions relating to litigation or collective 6. The annual conference shall make in- bargaining; deployment of security personnel quiry into the moral and official conduct of its or devices; and negotiations involving confi- ordained ministers and local pastors. In re- dential third-party information. sponse to the inquiry whether all such persons A report on the results of a closed session are blameless in their life and official adminis- shall be made immediately upon its conclu- tration, the district superintendent may an- sion or as soon thereafter as is practicable. swer for all the preachers in the district in one ¶ 605. Business of the Conference—1. The answer, or the board of ordained ministry may session shall open with a period of devotion, make inquiry of each district superintendent followed by a call of the roll, including the roll about each ordained minister in the district of the local pastors. and make one report to the bishop and the 2. The annual conference, to expedite the conference in open session.38 Questions relat- transaction of its business, may adopt an 36 agenda as a basis of its procedure. Such See Judicial Council Decision 559. 37 See Judicial Council Decision 367. 38 See Judicial Council Decision 42, 406, 534, 555.

226 THE ANNUAL CONFERENCE ¶ 606 ing to matters of ordination, character, and 3. The annual conference journal shall in- conference relations of clergy shall be the clude the following divisions, in the following business of the clergy session. The actions of order: the clergy session shall be for and on behalf of a) Officers of annual conference, the annual conference. The provisions of the b) Boards, commissions, committees; rolls Book of Discipline applicable to an annual of conference members, conference shall also be applicable to the c) Daily proceedings, clergy session. All clergy members (¶¶ 601.1, d) Business of the annual conference report 602.1) of the annual conference and the lay (formerly known as the disciplinary ques- members of the board of ordained ministry tions), may attend and shall have voice in the clergy e) Appointments, session. Only the ordained clergy in full con- f) Reports as ordered by the annual confer- nection and the lay members of the board of ence, ordained ministry may vote (¶ 602.1a). Others g) Memoirs as ordered by the annual con- may be admitted by express action of the ference, clergy session, but shall not have vote, nor, h) Roll of dead—deceased clergy members, unless specifically granted by the clergy ses- i) Historical, sion, shall have voice (¶ 324).39 j) Miscellaneous, 7. At the conclusion of the examination of k) Pastoral record (including the records of the standing of the ordained ministers and lo- accepted local pastors in such manner as the cal pastors in the conference or at such later conference may determine), times as the bishop may designate, the presid- l) Statistics, ing bishop may call to the bar of the confer- m) Index. ence the class to be admitted into full connec- 4. An annual conference in Northern Eu- tion and receive them into conference mem- rope shall include in its journal a list of the bership after asking the questions to be found deaconesses and missionaries, clergy and lay, in ¶ 327. This examination of the ordained active and retired, who have gone from the ministers and the passing of their characters conference into mission service or who are may be the business of one session. presently serving in such capacity within the ¶ 606. Records and Archives—1. The an- bounds of the annual conference. nual conference shall keep an exact record of 5. The annual conference journal shall in- its proceedings according to the forms pro- clude a listing of the consecrated diaconal vided by the general, jurisdictional, and cen- ministers and their service records. tral conferences. If there are no archives of the 6. The secretary, treasurer, or other admin- annual conference, the secretary shall keep the istrative officer named by the annual confer- bound copy or copies to be handed on to the ence shall keep a complete service record of succeeding secretary. The conference shall ordained and diaconal ministry personnel in send to its jurisdictional conference or central the annual conference. Service records shall conference copies of the minutes of the include but not be limited to biographical in- quadrennium for examination. formation supplied by the individual, a list of 2. Each annual conference shall send to its appointments, and a record of annual confer- Episcopal Area office (Nordic and Baltic or ence actions with regard to conference rela- Eurasia) three printed copies of its annual tionships. In addition to service records, the journal and one printed copy to the United secretary, treasurer, or other administrative Methodist Archives.40 officer named by the annual conference shall keep descriptions of circumstances related to 39 See Judicial Council Decision 686, 690, 769, 782. 40 See Judicial Council Decision 481

227 ¶ 606 THE CONFERENCES changes in conference relationships, creden- record is kept; access to trial records shall be tials surrendered to the bishop or district su- governed by the provisions of ¶ 2712.5, perintendent, and confidential trial records. 2713.5.41 7. The local church report to the annual ¶ 607. Connectional Ministries—Each an- conference shall be submitted on the pre- nual conference is responsible to focus and scribed forms at a date set by the annual con- guide the mission and ministry of The United ference. Methodist Church within its boundaries by: 1. 8. All records of secretaries, statisticians, envisioning the ministries necessary to live and treasurers shall be kept according to the out the mission of the church in and through forms prepared by the central conference or the annual conference; 2. creating and nurtur- approved by the bishop so that all statistical ing relationships and connections among the and financial items shall be handled alike in all local, district, annual conference, and general conferences and that uniformity of reporting church ministries; 3. providing encourage- shall be established as a churchwide policy. ment, coordination, and support for the min- 9. All records of candidates and ordained istries of nurture, outreach, and witness in dis- and diaconal ministry personnel maintained tricts and congregations for the transforma- by the conference secretary, treasurer, or tion of the world; 4. ensuring the alignment of other administrative officer named by the an- the total resources of the annual conference to nual conference, board of ordained ministry, its mission; 5. developing and strengthening board of pensions, and the district committee ethnic ministries, including ethnic local on ordained ministry are to be kept on behalf churches and concerns; 6. providing for advo- of the annual conference in conformity with cacy and monitoring functions to ensure that guidelines provided by the General Council on the church is consistent with its stated values. Finance and Administration, in consultation It is recommended that each annual con- with the General Board of Higher Education ference have a director of connectional minis- and Ministry and the General Board of Pen- tries or designated person to focus and guide sion and Health Benefits, and the following the mission and ministry of The United Meth- principles: odist Church within the annual conference. a) The annual conference is the owner of its a) The director may be lay or clergy. personnel records and files; b) The director shall serve as an officer of b) Individuals in whose name a record is the annual conference and shall sit with the kept shall have access to the information con- cabinet when the cabinet considers matters re- tained in a record or file, with the exception of lating to coordination, implementation, or ad- surrendered credentials and information for ministration of the conference program, and which a right-of-access waiver has been other matters as the cabinet and director may signed; determine. c) Access to unpublished records by per- c) In partnership with the bishop and cabi- sons other than the bishop, district superin- net and the elected leadership of the confer- tendent, conference secretary, treasurer, or ence, the director of connectional ministries other administrative officer or the board of or- shall have the following primary responsibili- dained ministry, through its chair, board of ties: pensions, through its chair, the district com- (1) to serve as steward of the vision of the mittee on ordained ministry, through its chair, annual conference, including the develop- counsel for the Church, and committee on in- ment, clarification, interpretation, and em- vestigation, through its chair, shall require bodiment of the vision; written consent of the person in whose name a 41 See Judicial Council Decision 751, 765.

228 THE ANNUAL CONFERENCE ¶ 608

(2) to serve as leader of the continuous agencies of such size as its work may require; process of transformation and renewal neces- provided that consideration shall be given to sary for the annual conference to be faithful to the inclusion of lay and clergypersons from our Christian identity in a changing world; small membership churches. All local pastors (3) to ensure alignment of the total re- serving charges are eligible for election or ap- sources of the conference to its vision; pointment to such agencies, except those deal- (4) to ensure the connections among the lo- ing with qualifications, orders, and status of cal, district, annual conference, and general clergy and local pastors. church ministries for the purpose of network- 4. Whenever possible, meetings scheduled ing, resourcing, and communicating their by the annual conference and its districts, shared ministry. boards, or committees should be held in places that are accessible to persons with disabilities even if this means scheduling meetings out- Conference agencies side church-related facilities. 5. In the nomination and election of the ¶ 608. The annual conference is responsi- membership on councils, boards, and agencies ble for structuring its ministries and adminis- of the annual conference, special attention trative procedures in order to accomplish its shall be given to the inclusion of clergywomen, purpose (¶ 601). In so doing it shall provide for youth (¶ 255.2.), young adults, older adults, the connectional relationship of the local persons from churches with small member- church, district, and conference with the gen- ships, people with disabilities, and racial and eral agencies. It will monitor to ensure ethnic persons, in keeping with policies for inclusiveness—racial, gender, age, and people general Church agencies. It is further recom- with disabilities—in the annual conference. mended that the membership of such agen- 1. An annual conference shall provide for cies, except for the Board of Ordained Minis- the functions and General Conference connec- try, include one-third clergy, one-third lay- tions with all general agencies provided by the women, and one-third laymen, who are pro- Discipline as follows: a) There shall be clear fessing members of local churches.43 connections between the General Conference 6. Members of general agencies (¶ 701) agencies, annual conference program and ad- shall serve as ex officio members of the corre- ministrative entities, and the local congrega- sponding annual conference agency or its tion; b) There shall be clear checks and bal- equivalent structure (see ¶ 710.4, .5). If this re- ances regarding program functions and finan- sults in a person being a member of more than cial/administration functions within the an- one annual conference agency in violation of nual conference. In doing this, the annual con- either annual conference policy or another ference may organize units so long as the func- provision of the Book of Discipline, the person tions of ministry are fulfilled and the connec- shall choose the annual conference agency on tional relationships are maintained.42 which to serve. 2. The annual conference may appoint ad- 7. It is strongly recommended that the an- ditional committees for the purpose of pro- nual conference provide for child and depend- moting the work of The United Methodist ent care both during the sessions of the annual Church within the bounds of the said annual conference and meetings of the annual confer- conference and may prescribe their member- ence boards and agencies. ship and their powers and duties. 3. Each annual conference may make its

42 See Judicial Council Decision 827, 835, 848, 878. 43 See Judicial Council Decisions 446, 588.

229 ¶ 609 THE CONFERENCES

The Conference Council business, income, or employment of his or her immediate family. ¶ 609. In each annual and national district 5. Organization— a) The council may es- conference within Northern Europe Central tablish committees and task forces and define conference there shall be a conference council. their duties and authority as it deems neces- In Denmark the council is called Landsle- sary for fulfilling its purpose and responsibili- delsen, in Estonia Kirkuvalistus, in Finland ties. Kirkkohallitus (Finnish) or Kyrkostyrelsen b) The annual conference may enact bylaws (Swedish), in Latvia Baznicas Valde, in governing meetings, quorum, and other mat- Lithuania Baznycios administracinës, in Nor- ters of procedure for the council, or it may au- way Hovedstyret, in Russia Koordinatsionny thorize the council to enact such bylaws; in komitet, and in Sweden Kyrkostyrelsen. any event, such bylaws shall not be in conflict ¶ 610. The conference council shall have with the Book of Discipline. the following functions, membership and or- c) If deemed necessary for the fulfillment of ganization: its functions and if so authorized by the annual 1. Functions—The conference council shall conference, the council may be incorporated. have the following functions: 6. Amenability—The council shall be ame- Annual conference council on finance and nable and report directly to the annual confer- administration (¶¶ 611-617) ence.46 Annual conference connectional ministries ¶ 611. Responsibilities—The council shall (¶ 607)/council of ministries (See the North- have authority and responsibility to perform ern European Book of Discipline 1993 § 726) the following functions: Annual conference board of trustees (¶¶ 1. To recommend to the annual conference 2512-2516) for its action and determination budgets of an- Annual conference board on church loca- ticipated income and proposed expenditures tion and building (¶¶ 2518-2523) for all funds that provide for annual confer- Annual conference committee on Christian ence clergy support, annual conference ad- unity and interreligious concerns /¶ 639) ministrative expenses, and annual conference 2. Membership 44, 45 —Members of the coun- benevolence and program causes (¶ 612).47 cil are the bishop, the district superintendents, 2. To receive, consider, report, and make the conference lay leader, and those persons recommendations to the annual conference the conference wishes to elect. The conference regarding the following prior to final decision treasurer may be a member of the conference by the annual conference: (a) any proposal to council. raise capital funds for any purpose; (b) fund- 3. Officers— The council shall have a chair- ing considerations related to any proposal that person elected by the annual conference. The may come before the conference; (c) any re- council elects among its voting members a vice quests to conduct a special conference-wide fi- chairperson, a secretary, and other officers as nancial appeal, whether by special collections, the council decides. The conference treasurer/ campaigns, or otherwise in the local churches director of administrative services (¶ 617) of the conference. shall be the treasurer of the council. 3. To recommend to the annual conference 4. No member of the council shall vote on for its action and decision the methods or for- or take part in deliberations on significant mulas by which apportionments to churches, matters directly or indirectly affecting her or charges, or districts for duly authorized gen- his business, income, or employment, or the eral, jurisdictional, conference, and district

44 See Judicial Council Decision 441. 46 See Judicial Council Decisions 551,560. 45 See Judicial Council Decisions 10, 493. 47 See Judicial Council Decisions 521,744.

230 THE ANNUAL CONFERENCE ¶ 611 funds shall be determined (¶ 613). nual conference agencies for the design and 4. To consult and cooperate with the com- implementation of a plan by which the annual mission on communication in providing dis- conference may designate the conference trict superintendents, pastors, and appropri- treasury as a central treasury for funds desig- ate officers of the local churches and charge nated for any or all conference agencies par- conferences with interpretive aids or other ticipating in conference funds. materials to assist in gaining understanding 12. To establish uniform and equitable poli- and support of the conference budget and cies and practices in the employment and other approved conference causes. compensation of personnel, in consultation 5. To develop policies governing the invest- and cooperation with other conference agen- ment of conference funds (except for pension cies that employ staff, unless the annual con- funds as provided in ¶ 1508), whether in debt ference has designated another agency to or equity, short-term or long-term instru- carry this responsibility. These policies and ments, with the aim of maximizing funds practices shall be in accordance with the Social available for mission in a manner consistent Principles (¶ 162 A, E, F, and G). with the preservation of capital, the Policies 13. To promote and standardize the finan- Relative to Socially Responsible Investments cial recording and reporting system in the lo- (¶ 716), and the Social Principles of the cal churches of the conference. Church. A statement of such policies shall be 14. In cooperation with relevant annual printed in the conference journal at least once conference agencies an institutions, and local in each quadrennium. churches, to make recommendations to the 6. To recommend to the annual conference annual conference regarding the develop- procedures for funding local churches and as- ment, promotion, and review of a broad gen- sisting them in making their church buildings, eral program of insurance protection. facilities, and programs accessible. 15. To train and encourage volunteers and 7. To recommend to the annual conference employed in the areas of church business and for its action procedures for dealing responsi- administration. bly with situations in which budgeted funds, 16. To make recommendations to the an- as approved by the annual conference, are in- nual conference for its action and determina- adequate to meet emerging missional needs or tion regarding plans to initiate or cause to be unforeseen circumstances.48 organized a foundation or similar organiza- 8. To review at least quarterly and to ac- tion for the purpose of securing, conserving, or count to the annual conference for the dis- expending funds for the direct or indirect ben- bursement of funds in accordance with budg- efit or support of the annual conference, or of ets approved by the conference. any conference agency, or any of its programs 9. To recommend to the annual conference or work. The council shall have opportunity to for its action and determination the conditions make its recommendations regarding such under which it may borrow funds for current plans if the foundation or similar organization expense purposes and the maximum amount is: (1) proposed to be organized by the annual of such borrowing. conference itself, whether acting alone or in 10. To have authority and supervision over concert with other annual conferences; (2) the conference treasurer/director of adminis- proposed to be organized by any conference trative services subject to ¶ 617; to establish council, board, commission, committee, or policies governing the treasurer/director’s other agency; (3) to make use of the name work. United Methodist in its title or solicitation; or 11. To work in cooperation with other an- (4) proposed for the purpose of soliciting gifts 48 See Judicial Council Decision 551.

231 ¶ 612 THE CONFERENCES primarily from the United Methodist constitu- council shall recommend the amount to be ency. raised as the annual conference share of the 17. To perform such other administrative cost of the bishop’s housing. and fiscal functions and services as the annual d) After consultation with the conference conference may assign. board of pensions, the council shall report to 18. To ensure that no apportioned confer- the annual conference the amounts computed ence funds are expended for the use of alco- by that agency as necessary to meet the needs holic beverages. for pensions and benefit programs of the con- ¶ 612. Budgets—The council shall recom- ference. Such amounts need not be derived mend to the annual conference for its action solely from apportionments. and determination budgets of anticipated in- e) It shall recommend to the annual confer- come and proposed expenditures for all funds ence an amount determined in consultation to be apportioned to the churches, charges, or with the commission on equitable compensa- districts.49 tion to be used for compliance with the ap- Prior to each regular session of the annual proved schedule of equitable base compensa- conference, the council shall make a diligent tion for pastors (¶ 623.3). and detailed study of the needs of all the con- f) It shall recommend to the annual confer- ference agencies and causes asking to be in- ence estimates of the amounts needed for any cluded in the budget of any conference fund. other programs of clergy support the confer- The chairperson of each conference agency, or ence may adopt, such as a Sustentation Fund other duly authorized representative, shall (¶ 624) or provision for the moving expenses have opportunity to represent the claims of of pastors. that agency before the council. 2. Administration Budget—a) The council 1. Clergy Support Budgets—a) It shall be shall recommend to the annual conference es- the duty of the council, unless otherwise pro- timates of the amounts needed for administra- vided, to estimate the total amount necessary tive expenses of the conference, including its to furnish a sufficient and equitable support own expenses and those of the conference for the district superintendents of the confer- treasurer’s office. It shall consult with the con- ence, including base compensation, travel, ference agencies and officers to be included in staff, office, and housing. The council shall re- the administrative budget regarding the esti- port specific recommendations to the annual mated budgets of their expenses and base its conference for conference action (¶¶ 423.2, conference administration budget recommen- 663.4a).50 dations on information thus received. b) The council shall report to the annual b) It shall include in its estimates recom- conference at each session the percentage ap- mendations regarding the conference’s share proved by the General Conference as the basis of the central conference fund. for the Episcopal Fund apportionment to the 3. Conference Benevolence Budget (Not annual conference and shall include in its rec- relevant in the Northern Europe Central Con- ommended clergy support budget the amount ference) determined by the treasurer of the General 4. Other Apportioned Causes—The council Council on Finance and Administration as shall include in its budget recommendations necessary to meet this apportionment. specific amounts recommended for all other c) Based on recommendations from the funds properly apportioned to the annual con- episcopal residence committee (¶ 636.4d), the ference for the support of duly authorized gen- eral or other connectional funds. The budget 49 See Judicial Council Decisions 551, 560, 744. 50 See Judicial Council Decisions 44, 584, 590, recommendations shall likewise include any 591,818.

232 THE ANNUAL CONFERENCE ¶ 615 other amounts to be apportioned to the dis- recommendations to the annual conference tricts, charges, or churches by the annual con- amounts to be considered as goals for special ference for conference or district causes of any appeals or other nonapportioned causes. kind. ¶ 613. Apportionments—The council shall 5. Special Appeals—a) No annual confer- recommend to the annual conference for its ence agency or interest, including any related action and determination the methods or for- agency or institution such as a school, college, mulas by which the approved budgeted university, hospital, home, housing project, or amounts for clergy support, administration, other service institution, shall make a special and other causes shall be apportioned to the conference-wide appeal to the local churches churches or charges of the conference. for funds without the approval of the annual ¶ 614. Depository—The council shall be re- conference upon recommendation of the sponsible for designating a depository or de- council, except in case of an extreme emer- positories for conference funds. gency, when such approval may be given by a ¶ 615. Auditing—The council shall have two-thirds vote of the district superintendents the following authority and responsibility with and of the council, acting jointly. Neither shall respect to the auditing of the financial records special conference-wide appeals to local of the conference and its agencies: churches for funds be made by such boards, 1. To have the accounts of the conference interests, agencies, or institutions that are not treasurer for the preceding fiscal year audited related to the annual conference in which the by a certified public accountant within 120 appeal is to be made, unless approval for such days after the close of the conference fiscal an appeal is granted by the annual conference year and to receive, review, and report such upon recommendation of the council. The an- audit to the annual conference.51 nual conference approvals specified in this As a part of the audit, the accountant shall paragraph shall not be required for special confer with the presiding bishop of the annual churchwide financial appeals that have been conference and the president of the council. approved under the provisions of ¶ 811.4, for 2. To require and review at least annually solicitations that have been approved under audited reports, in such detail as it may direct, the provisions of ¶ 812.3, or for any other gen- from all conference agencies and from all eral fund promotion or appeal authorized by agencies, institutions, and organizations re- the General Conference or approved and con- ceiving any financial support from conference ducted under other provisions of the Book of funds or from any authorized conference-wide Discipline. appeal. b) When application is made to the council 3. To require and review at least annually, for the privilege of a special conference-wide in such detail as it may direct, compiled or au- financial appeal, whether by special collec- dited reports of all funds received or adminis- tions, campaigns, or otherwise, the council tered by districts or district agencies, includ- shall investigate the application and its possi- ing funds held or administered by treasurers ble relation to other obligations of the confer- or officers other than the conference treas- ence and in the light of the facts make recom- urer. Based on its review of such audits, the mendations to the conference for its action council may make such recommendations to and determination. If application for privilege the annual conference as it deems appropri- of a special appeal is made directly to the con- ate. ference, the application shall be referred to the 4. The council may establish an audit re- council before final action is taken. view committee to review all of the reports and c) The council may include in its budget 51 See Judicial Council Decision 334.

233 ¶ 616 THE CONFERENCES audits required by ¶ 615.1, .2. If the council elected and qualify. If a vacancy should occur chooses to establish such a committee, at least during the quadrennium, the council shall fill half of its members should be persons who are the vacancy until the next session of the an- not members of the council and who are cho- nual conference. After consultation with the sen for their expertise in areas related to the bishop in charge, the council may remove the work of the committee. Consideration shall be treasurer or treasurer/director from office for given to inclusiveness (¶¶ 124, 138) in the se- cause and fill the vacancy until the next ses- lection of persons to serve on the committee. sion of the conference. The treasurer/director ¶ 616. Bonding—The council shall have the shall be directly amenable to the council following authority and responsibility with re- 1. As conference treasurer, this officer shall spect to the bonding of conference and confer- have the following functions: ence agency officers and staff whose responsi- a) The conference treasurer shall receive bilities include the custody or handling of con- and disburse, in accordance with the actions of ference funds or other negotiable assets: the annual conference and the provisions of 1. The council shall provide for the fidelity the Book of Discipline, remittances from local bonding of the conference treasurer and other church treasurers for all duly authorized gen- staff under its authority and supervision in eral, jurisdictional, annual conference, and amounts it judges to be adequate. district causes.53 2. In the case of those agencies, institu- (1)Local church treasurers shall remit tions, and organizations for which the confer- monthly to the conference treasurer all ence treasurer does not serve as treasurer, the amounts contributed in each local church for council shall have authority to require fidelity annual conference funds, in accordance with ¶ bonding of their treasurers in such amounts as 612, unless otherwise directed by the annual it deems adequate and to withhold payment of conference. the allocation of any such agency, institution, (2) The treasurer shall, as far as practica- or organization until evidence of the required ble, remit monthly to the several district su- bonding has been submitted. perintendents the amount due each of them (¶ 3. The council may provide, or require any 611.1a). conference agency to provide, directors’ and b) The conference treasurer may serve as officers’ liability insurance in amounts it treasurer for any or all agencies served by a judges to be adequate. conference central treasury (¶ 611.11). The 4. The council shall require compliance treasurer shall enter the proper credits to each with the policies established as provided by at the end of each month’s business. Disburse- this paragraph and shall report annually to the ments from funds allocated to any conference annual conference on such compliance. agency shall be made only on proper order ¶ 617. Conference Treasurer/Director of from the agency.64 Administrative Services—Each annual con- c) (1) Not relevant in the Northern Europe ference shall at the first session of the confer- Central Conference. ence after the quadrennial session of the Gen- (2) The treasurer shall prepare annually a eral Conference or jurisdictional conference, report of all receipts, disbursements, and bal- or at such other times as a vacancy exists, elect ances of all funds under his or her direction, a conference treasurer or conference treas- which report shall be printed in the conference urer/director of administrative services.52 The journal. treasurer or treasurer/director shall serve for d) The treasurer may be authorized by the the quadrennium or until a successor shall be council to invest funds in accordance with

52 See Judicial Council Decision 185. 53 See Judicial Council Decisions 456, 591.

234 THE ANNUAL CONFERENCE ¶ 627 policies and procedures established by the Other Conference agencies council (¶ 611.5). A listing of securities held shall be printed annually in the conference ¶ 627. Conference Board of Church and journal. Society—1. The annual conference shall or- e) The treasurer shall provide counsel and ganize a board of church and society or other guidance to local church business administra- structure to provide for the functions of this tors, treasurers, financial secretaries, and ministry and maintain the connectional rela- committees on finance in the development of tionship between the General Board of Church standardized financial recording and report- and Society and the conference, district, and ing systems (¶ 611.13). local church, as well as for church and society f) The treasurer shall perform such other responsibilities related to the objectives and staff services as the council may require in the scope of work of the General Board of Church fulfillment of its functions and responsibili- and Society as set forth in ¶¶ 1002-1004. ties. 2. The conference board of church and soci- 2. As director of administrative services, ety or equivalent structure shall be composed this officer may have responsibility in one or of those persons as determined by the annual more of the following areas: office manage- conference, including, by virtue of their of- ment; payroll and personnel services; the pro- fices, the mission coordinator for Mission So- vision of administrative services for annual cial Action of the conference United Methodist conference officers and agencies; property Women and members of the General Board of management with respect to property owned Church and Society from the annual confer- by the annual conference or any of its agen- ence who shall serve within limits set by ¶¶ cies; and such other responsibilities of an ad- 608.6 and 710.5. The conference board of ministrative nature as the council, by mutual church and society or equivalent structure agreement with other annual conference offic- shall also name a conference Peace with Jus- ers and agencies, may assign. The director tice Coordinator who will be responsible for shall be present when the cabinet considers administering the conference Peace with Jus- matters relating to conference administration tice Special Sunday Offering receipts and for related to the conference treasurer’s or confer- coordinating peace and justice ministries. ence treasurer/director of administrative Guidelines for inclusiveness in the member- services’ responsibilities, and other matters as ship shall be followed (¶ 608.5). the cabinet and director may determine. The 3. The conference board, in cooperation director shall not be present during the cabi- with the General Board of Church and Society net discussions on matters related to the mak- and the annual conference council on minis- ing of appointments. tries, shall develop and promote programs on 3. The council shall have authority and su- church and society within the bounds of the pervision over the director and shall, after conference that include prison ministry and consultation with those annual conference of- reform concerns. To this end, it may divide its ficers and agencies for whom the director membership into committees of approxi- might be expected to perform services, define mately equal size patterned after the organiza- his or her specific responsibilities and do regu- tion of the General Board of Church and Soci- lar evaluation. ety. Committees of the board shall have re- ¶¶ 618-626 Not relevant in the Northern sponsibility to cooperate with one another to Europe Central Conference. advance the respective and mutual concerns of their respective areas in social education, serv- ice, witness, and action.

235 ¶ 628 THE CONFERENCES

4. The conference board of church and soci- b) To foster and promote a holistic ap- ety shall serve to connect the General Board of proach to the development of Christian disci- Church and Society and the district and local ples. This shall include such ministries as churches in relating the gospel of Jesus Christ Christian education and other small-group to the members of the Church and to the per- ministries; camping, retreat, and outdoor ac- sons and structures of the communities, na- tivities; evangelism; stewardship; worship; lay tion, and world in which they live. Program development; Christian spiritual formation shall be developed that provides education and devotional life; age-level, life-span, and and action on issues confronting the Church family-life ministries; leadership education; consistent with the Social Principles and the and such other areas of work as the annual policies adopted by the General Conference. conference may determine. 5. The board shall estimate annually the c) To foster and promote camping experi- amount necessary for support of its work and ences for persons with disabilities, including shall report this amount according to the pro- camps specifically designed for persons with cedure of the annual conference. The work of disabilities, and the participation of persons the board may be considered a benevolence with disabilities, when feasible, in camps interest of the Church within the conference. sponsored by the district and conference. 6. The annual conference may employ a d) To provide training for clergy and laity in person or persons to further its purposes. Two ministries with persons with disabilities, in- or more annual conferences may cooperate in cluding the areas of the Sunday school, camps developing their programs and in employing and retreats, and faith development. one or more persons. e) To provide guidance and training for re- ¶ 628. Conference Board of Discipleship— lated district leaders and agencies and for local The annual conference shall organize a board church councils, officers, and committees. of discipleship or other equivalent structure to f) To develop a unified and comprehensive provide for these functions and maintain the program for leadership training to serve all connectional relationship between the Gen- age groups in the home, church, and commu- eral Board of Discipleship and the conference, nity. district, and local church, and to provide for g) To provide continued training for pas- discipleship functions related to the objectives tors in effective ministry with children, child and scope of work of the General Board of Dis- and faith development of children, and inter- cipleship as set forth in ¶¶ 1101, 1102. The per- pretation of curriculum resources. son or persons serving as member(s) of the h) To enable and strengthen the ministry General Board of Discipleship shall be with and to youth at all levels of the Church. member(s) of the conference board of disci- i) To determine the necessary directors, co- pleship and may be granted voting privileges. ordinators, or designated leaders for disciple- 1. General Responsibilities—a) To lead and ship responsibilities at the annual conference assist the congregations and districts in the level, including the maintenance of linkage conference in their efforts to communicate with the General Board of Discipleship and re- and celebrate the redeeming and reconciling lated district committees within the annual love of God as revealed in Jesus Christ to per- conference. sons of every age, ethnic background, and so- 2. Responsibilities in the Area of Christian cial condition; to invite persons to commit Education—a) To develop and promote a con- their lives to Christ and to his church; and to ference program of Christian education for the enable persons to live as Christian disciples in whole life span, to lead, assist, and support the world. congregations and districts in developing sys-

236 THE ANNUAL CONFERENCE ¶ 628 tems for educational and small-group minis- theological, and ethical thinking as well as in tries that give children, youth, young adults, the procedures and methods of Christian edu- adults, older adults, and families knowledge of cation. and experience in the Christian faith and the h) To cooperate in the promotion of knowl- spiritual disciplines as motivation for Chris- edge about the support for all schools, col- tian service in the Church, the community, leges, universities, and seminaries related to and the world. This may include guidance and the conference, the campus Christian move- training for district leaders responsible for ment, and the campus ministry of the confer- Christian education and for local church min- ence, region, or area through the establish- istry areas and commissions on education, su- ment and support of such programs as may be perintendents of the church school, church approved by the annual conference in har- school division superintendents, church mony with the policies and procedures of the school teachers, and other leaders in the edu- General Board of Higher Education and Min- cational ministry of local churches. istry. b) To develop and maintain an organized 3. Responsibilities in the Area of Evange- system for communicating and working with lism—a) To plan and promote an effective, persons responsible for Christian education comprehensive ministry of evangelism for programs in local churches, districts, jurisdic- people of all ages. tions, and the General Board of Discipleship. b) To create an understanding of, interest c) To provide training for confirmation in, and commitment to evangelism through- leaders and to equip local congregations in out the conference. confirmation experiences and in the use of ap- c) To provide for the training of clergy and proved resources. laypersons in leadership in ministries of evan- d) To encourage the observance of the first gelism, the distribution of promotional litera- Sunday of Christian Education Week, or some ture, the encouragement and enlistment of lo- other day designated by the annual confer- cal church participation in an ongoing minis- ence, in each local church as Christian Educa- try of evangelism, and the support of church tion Sunday for the purpose of emphasizing revitalization and new church development. the importance of Christian education and for d) To give guidance to the groups responsi- receiving an offering for the work of Christian ble for the work of evangelism in the districts education. (See ¶ 265.1.) and to the ministry area of evangelism in the e) To develop and recommend to the an- local church. nual conference plans for the acquisition or e) To give particular emphasis to the pro- disposition of conference camps and/or re- motion of ministries of evangelism, which may treat properties in accordance with standards include ministries in jails and prisons with of- of camping developed by the General Board of fenders, victims, and their families, in order Discipleship (¶ 1108.10). that all persons living in a community where f) To promote church school extension by: there is a local United Methodist church, and (1) encouraging the development of new who are without a church affiliation or who United Methodist church schools; (2) starting make no profession of faith, will be included new classes; (3) expanding teaching and within the nurturing and caring responsibility learning opportunities in the congregation of that local church. and community. f) To recommend annually, in consultation g) To assist local congregations in initiating with the board of ordained ministry, to the programs of teacher recruitment, develop- conference and to the bishop in charge the ap- ment, training, and retraining in biblical, pointment of certain effective members of the

237 ¶ 628 THE CONFERENCES conference as general evangelists, provided time, part-time, and especially as volunteers that such persons shall meet the standards set in church music. for general evangelists by the General Board of 5. Responsibilities in the Area of Steward- Discipleship. This person shall serve as an ex ship—a) To plan and promote a comprehen- officio member of the conference board of sive program of stewardship for people of all discipleship area of evangelism. In the event ages throughout the conference in such areas that there is more than one general evangelist as stewardship education, proportionate giv- in said annual conference, at least one shall be ing and tithing, funding the Church’s minis- selected by the conference committee on tries, planned giving, time and abilities, eco- nominations. nomics and money management, and lifestyle. g) To recommend and endorse the ministry b) To interpret the biblical and theological of said general evangelist to the pastors and basis for stewardship. leadership of the annual conference. c) To promote giving consistent with a 4. Responsibilities in the Area of Wor- Christian lifestyle. ship—a) To be responsible for the concerns of d) To develop funding concepts within an- worship for people of all ages within the an- nual conference, district, and local church nual conference. consistent with sound stewardship principles b) To foster the use of the best resources for and the doctrine of The United Methodist worship at conference meetings and in all the Church. churches of the conference, promote the use of e) To educate the local church that tithing The United Methodist Hymnal (1989) and The is the minimum goal of giving in The United United Methodist Book of Worship (1992) in Methodist Church. all the churches of the conference. To plan and f) To design and schedule training events, promote seminars and demonstrations on co- distribute promotional material, and enlist lo- operative planning for worship involving pas- cal church participation in a year-round pro- tors and musicians, forms of worship, and the gram of stewardship. use of music and other arts, with particular g) To give guidance to the ministry area of emphasis on congregational singing. This in- stewardship in the districts and to the ministry cludes cooperating with the resident bishop, area of stewardship and the committee on fi- who has primary responsibility for planning nance in the local church. all worship services at each annual conference. h) To develop a program that will create c) To provide exhibits at the conference concern on the part of every local church for sessions, cooperate with the General Board of the ecological and environmental problems Discipleship, the conference council on minis- that confront the world and to motivate them tries, the conference chapter of The Fellow- to accept responsibility for aiding in the solu- ship of United Methodists in Music and Wor- tion of such problems. ship Arts, and the Order of St. Luke in promot- i) To participate in the work of national and ing seminars and training events in the area of jurisdictional organizations related to stew- worship, including music and other arts. ardship, such as the National Association of d) To assist local congregations in discover- Stewardship Leaders and the National Asso- ing and recruiting persons to serve as musi- ciation of United Methodist Foundations. cians (instrumentalists, singers, and song 6. Responsibilities in the Area of Spiritual leaders) and in developing the skills of those Formation—a) To promote spiritual forma- serving in local congregations in cooperation tion and the development of the devotional life with the General Board of Discipleship. This for families and people of all ages, clergy and focus shall include persons who work full- laity, throughout the conference.

238 THE ANNUAL CONFERENCE ¶ 629

b) To conduct seminars and training events a) To foster an awareness of the role of the in the areas of private and corporate prayer. laity both within the local congregation and c) To encourage and assist with the distri- through their ministries in the home, bution and use of resources for spiritual for- workplace, community, and world in achiev- mation as provided by The Upper Room and ing the mission of the Church; to develop and the General Board of Discipleship. promote programs to cultivate an adequate 7. Responsibilities in the Area of Ministry understanding of the theological and biblical of the Laity—a) To develop and promote pro- basis for lay life and work among the members grams to cultivate an adequate understanding of the churches of the annual conference. of the theological and biblical basis for minis- b) To develop and promote stewardship of try of the laity among the members of the time, talent, and possessions within the an- churches of the annual conference; to give spe- nual conference in cooperation with the con- cial emphasis to programs and services that ference council on ministries or other appro- will enable laity of all ages to serve more effec- priate conference bodies. tively as leaders in both church and commu- c) To provide for the training of lay mem- nity. bers of annual conference. b) To provide support and direction for d) To provide support and direction for the such lay programs as lay speaking, the observ- ministry of the laity on the local, district, and ance of Laity Day, and the work of lay leaders annual conference levels and to promote the on the local and district levels. observance of Laity Sunday. c) To give support and direction to the con- e) To provide organization, direction, and ference and district program for local church support for the development of local church leadership development, coordinating and de- leaders. veloping training experiences that will enable 3. The following membership of the board persons of all ages to serve more effectively as is recommended: the conference lay leader, members of local church councils on minis- associate conference lay leaders, the confer- tries, church councils, and the committees, ence director of Lay Speaking Ministries, and commissions, and task forces related to these the presidents and two representatives elected groups. by each of the conference organizations of d) To organize a conference committee for United Methodist Men, United Methodist lay speakers that will fulfill the requirements Women, United Methodist Young Adults, and of ¶¶ 266-268 on behalf of the conference. the conference council on youth ministries; This committee shall set guidelines and crite- and in addition, the district lay leaders, two ria to be used by district committees (see ¶ laymen, two laywomen, and two youth elected 662). by the annual conference upon nomination of ¶ 629. Conference Board of Laity—1. the conference nominating committee, a dis- There shall be in every annual conference a trict superintendent designated by the cabi- conference board of laity or other equivalent net, the director of the conference council on structure to provide for these functions and ministries, and the presiding bishop. Special maintain connectional relationship.54 It shall attention shall be given to the inclusion of peo- provide for the ministry of the laity related to ple with disabilities and racial and ethnic per- the objectives of the General Board of Disci- sons. pleship as set forth in ¶¶ 1101-1125. 4. The conference lay leader shall chair the 2. The purpose of the conference board of board. Other officers shall be elected as the laity shall be: board shall deem necessary. 5. The board shall relate to Lay Speaking 54 See Judicial Council Decision 835.

239 ¶ 630 THE CONFERENCES

Ministries and other organized lay groups in nator of Christian global concerns of the con- the conference, such as United Methodist ference United Methodist Women, by virtue of Men, United Methodist Women, United Meth- office, shall be a member of the conference odist Young Adults, and United Methodist board of global ministries. Youth and shall support their work and help The chairperson of the conference board of them coordinate the activities of the organized global ministries shall work with the confer- laity of the conference. ence secretary of global ministries to relate the 6. Conference Committee on Lay Speaking annual conference board of global ministries Ministries—a) Every annual conference is en- to the objectives and scope of work of the Gen- couraged to create a conference committee on eral Board of Global Ministries. A person or Lay Speaking Ministries or other equivalent persons serving as member(s) of the General structure to fulfill the requirements of ¶¶ 266- Board of Global Ministries from the annual 268 and to relate to the conference board of conference shall, by virtue of their office, be laity and the General Board of Discipleship as member(s) of the conference board of global per ¶ 1115 and others that might apply. ministries (see ¶¶ 608.6 and 710.5). b) The purpose of a conference committee 3. There shall be a conference secretary of on Lay Speaking Ministries is to set criteria global ministries who shall be a member of the and guidelines for district committees on Lay annual conference board and may be a mem- Speaking Ministries, to develop lay speaking ber of the annual conference council on minis- courses and approve courses developed by dis- tries or equivalent structure. trict committees, and to organize conference- The conference secretary of global minis- wide lay speakers events. tries shall work with the chairperson of the c) A conference committee on Lay Speak- conference board of global ministries to relate ing Ministries will consist, at a minimum, of the annual conference board of global minis- the district directors of Lay Speaking Minis- tries to the objectives and scope of work of the tries or their equivalent. General Board of Global Ministries. d) There will be a conference director of Official contact between the conference Lay Speaking Ministries. This position will be board of global ministry and the General filled in a manner to be determined by the an- Board of Global Ministries and it’s subdivi- nual conference. The conference director will sions goes through The European Commission chair the committee. Other officers will be on Mission (ECOM) and the elected members elected by the committee as the committee from the Central Conference to the General deems necessary. Board of Global Ministries. ¶ 630. Conference Board of Global Minis- 4. a) The annual conference and the Gen- tries—1. The annual conference shall organize eral Board of Global Ministries shall cooperate a board of global ministries or other structure in carrying out the policies and promoting all to maintain the connectional relationship and phases of the work as related to the scope of provide for global ministries responsibilities the board as set forth in ¶ 1302. related to the objectives and scope of work of b) Responsibilities—(1) To designate the the General Board of Global Ministries as set necessary committees, sections, or commis- forth in ¶¶ 1302-1303. sions and individual secretaries, coordinators, 2. The conference board of global minis- or other leaders for global ministries responsi- tries or equivalent structure shall be com- bilities at the annual conference level. posed of those persons as determined by the (2) To interpret to the annual conference annual conference and shall fulfill those re- the programs, plans, and policies of the Gen- sponsibilities as assigned. The mission coordi- eral Board of Global Ministries and to plan

240 THE ANNUAL CONFERENCE ¶ 630 and promote emphases on global ministries. nual conference and agencies related to the To undergird with education, constructive appropriate divisions and departments of the evaluation, communication, and cultivation General Board of Global Ministries and pro- the total program of the General Board of Glo- vide a channel through which these agencies bal Ministries. shall report to the annual conference. (3) To receive reports of the liaison to the (12) To develop and implement Church fi- annual conference from the General Board of nancial support of conference mission Global Ministries. projects and programs, and health and welfare (4) To interpret to the General Board of ministries, with particular emphasis on be- Global Ministries the mission program, priori- nevolent care and Golden Cross, education ties, and concerns of the annual conference and social service ministries, and Crusade and the local churches to enable the board to Scholarships. fulfill its responsibilities as an extension of the (13) To enable, encourage, and support the local church. development of congregations, cooperative (5) To plan and promote various kinds of parishes, community centers, education and meetings and experiences throughout the con- human services, and health and welfare minis- ference for the purpose of developing a spirit tries so that they may be units of mission in of mission and participation in global minis- urban and rural areas and partners with oth- tries for training, education, and leadership ers in the worldwide mission of the Christian development of mission leaders and persons church. in the field of human services and health and (14) To encourage and support specialized welfare ministries. urban and town and country ministries ena- (6) To cooperate with the General Board of bling comprehensive mission related to broad Global Ministries in its program outside the metropolitan and rural issues, services minis- United States. tering to the needs of persons, and supportive (7) To identify with all who are alienated programs strengthening the local church. and dispossessed and to assist them in achiev- (15) To assist districts and local churches in ing their full human development—body, exploring and developing new methods and mind, and spirit, including encouraging and direct service ministries as changing condi- implementing affirmative action programs. tions and societal forms demand. (8) To engage in direct ministries to human (16) To cooperate with Church and secular need, both emergency and continuing institu- leaders at all levels in strategic planning, de- tional and noninstitutional, however caused. veloping programs, and advocating legislation (9) To cooperate with the conference or- that impacts community and national issues. ganization of United Methodist Women in (17) To envision and engage in imaginative helping to equip all women for full participa- new forms of mission appropriate to changing tion in the mission of the Church. needs and to share the results of experimenta- (10) To cultivate, through the channels of tion. the Church other than United Methodist (18) To develop strategies in response to Women, the Advance Special Gifts for minis- critical community issues, with special atten- tries administered by designated units of the tion to the needs of ethnic and language General Board of Global Ministries, including groups, people with disabilities, people in United Methodist Committee on Relief transitional relationships, and those living un- (UMCOR). der repressive systems. (11) To encourage, maintain, and (19) To support United Methodist Commit- strengthen the relationships between the an- tee on Relief’s refugee ministry by promoting

241 ¶ 630 THE CONFERENCES an annual conference refugee committee that (25) To cultivate gifts for those special Sun- relates to the annual conference board of glo- day offerings that are administered through bal ministrie and encourages, advises, and as- the General Board of Global Ministries. sists churches with their refugee programs. (26) To work with health and welfare insti- (20) To support the United Methodist tutions and programs related to the annual Committee on Relief’s World Hunger/Poverty conference to develop a mutual agreement be- Ministry by encouraging annual conferences tween the annual conference and each institu- to appoint an annual conference hunger coor- tion concerning their relationships. The term dinator and form an annual conference hun- related to shall mean any relationship defined ger committee that relates to the annual con- by the annual conference. ference board of global ministries. The annual conference and each health and (21) To appoint annual conference disaster welfare institution shall have a clearly stated response coordinators to assist the United document that describes their legal and finan- Methodist Committee on Relief by encourag- cial relationships; provided that no such docu- ing the formation of an annual conference dis- ment shall impose as a party to it The United aster response committee that relates to the Methodist Church and/or the General Board annual conference board of global ministries of Global Ministries. and includes, when possible, members of the The annual conference may consult with a General Board of Global Ministries from the health and welfare institution when that insti- annual conference. The membershipof the tution plans to establish a new facility, alter its Disaster Response Committee may include major purpose or function, or make a plan for district disaster response coordinators and the expansion of an existing facility. The purpose conference director of communications or of such a consultation would be to review the member of the commission on communica- mission of the annual conference in health and tions. Annual conference and district disaster welfare ministries and to ensure that the new response coordinators shall receive training at institution, the new facility, the new purpose, least once a uadrennium. or the expansion be in harmony with the mis- (22) To assist the program of Church and sion of the annual conference and that there Community Ministry in setting goals, develop- not be unnecessary duplication of existing ing programs, providing funding, and evaluat- services. The consultation may include a dis- ing the ministries. cussion of proposed plans of development, fi- (23) To cooperate with the General Board nancing, and types of services to be rendered. of Global Ministries in the recruitment of mis- (27) To strive to ensure mutual representa- sionary personnel and to cooperate with the tion between the annual conference unit re- appropriate conference units in the promotion sponsible for health and welfare ministries and recruitment of persons for health and wel- and each health and welfare institution related fare service careers and other Church-related to the annual conference where such represen- occupations. tation is called for by mutual agreement of the (24) To review and certify applications to institution and the annual conference. the General Board of Global Ministries for (28) To encourage the health and welfare loans, donations, and grants; to administer institutions and programs within the annual such funds for their designated purposes in conference related to a connectional unit of accordance with the established guidelines; The United Methodist Church to utilize the and to participate with the General Board of programmatic standards, self-study, and peer Global Ministries in planning and evaluation review appropriate to Church-related institu- processes related to these funds. tions and programs and available to them

242 THE ANNUAL CONFERENCE ¶ 630 through organizations that will promote excel- in need. Promotion also should include all lence in Christian ministry and mission and units of the General Board of Global Ministries enhance the quality of services offered. related to health and welfare ministries. (29) To assist the annual conference in as- (36) To make available program and other sessing needs in health and welfare ministries. resources to local churches to help ensure To assist the annual conerence in develop- physical accessibility of church buildings. ment of health and welfare services in local 5. The annual conference shall establish a communities and within the annual confer- committee on parish and community develop- ence. ment or assign this responsibility to an exist- (30) To work with the General Board of ing agency in the annual conference that will Global Ministries in leadership development fulfill the responsibilities related to the objec- programs and the promotion of health and tives and scope of the General Board of Global welfare ministries, and to work with the Ministries (¶ 1312). The committee shall initi- United Methodist Association of Health and ate and develop programs with institutional Welfare Ministries in leadership development and voluntary ministries related to the work of programs and the promotion of health and the board. The committee may form subcom- welfare ministries. mittees for these areas. The committee shall (31) To promote Christian, financial, and be accountable to the conference board of glo- professional standards in health and welfare bal ministries, or to such other agency as the ministries within the annual conference. conference may determine. The chairperson of (32) To aid in planning and developing a the committee and the chairpersons of the religious ministry in annual conference-re- subcommittees shall be members of the con- lated institutions and programs and, wherever ference board of global ministries or such practical, in state and other institutions and body to which the committee shall be amena- programs not related to the conference where ble. there is a need. a) The committee shall include persons in- (33) To serve in an advisory capacity to the volved in significant types of parish and com- conference nominating processes where the munity ministries, lay and clergy representa- annual conference participates in the selection tives of rural, town, and urban small-member- of trustees for health and welfare institutions ship churches, the area or conference superin- and programs related to the annual confer- tendent or director of parish development, ence. representatives of related church agencies and (34) To provide a channel through which groups, and at-large community representa- health and welfare programs and institutions tives. report to the annual conference. b) The general responsibilities of the com- (35) To promote an annual Golden Cross mittee shall include research, evaluation, offering or other means of giving to be re- planning and strategy development, policy ceived in every local church on a day or days formulation, program implementation, local designated by the annual conference in sup- and national liaison (denominational and ecu- port of the health and welfare ministries menical) related to parish and community de- within the annual conference. This offering velopment, and such other functions as the shall provide financial support to care for sick conference or agency to which the committee persons, older persons, children and youth, is accountable may determine. and people with disabilities. Special emphasis c) Responsibilities of the subcommittee on shall be given to aiding those ministries that institutional and voluntary ministries related provide direct financial assistance to persons to the General Board of Global Ministries may

243 ¶ 630 THE CONFERENCES include developing a relationship to all such 2,500, fulfilling the functions outlined in ¶ institutional and voluntary ministries within 630.5h. the annual conference; consulting with them g) Responsibilities of the subcommittee on in cooperative planning and strategy for the urban ministries shall include long-range mis- implementation of national mission concerns sion strategy development and ministry for relative to needs in the area of social welfare as metropolitan communities with a population implemented through the ministries of com- of more than 50,000, fulfilling the functions munity centers, residences, health-care agen- outlined in ¶ 630.5h. cies, schools, and other educational agencies; h) Responsibilities of the subcommittees and working with funding sources to provide on town and country ministries and urban the support needed for effective service in ministries shall include the following: such agencies. (1) consulting with the bishop, cabinet, d) In annual conferences where church and area or conference superintendent/director of community workers are assigned through the parish development, district representatives General Board of Global Ministries, responsi- of town and country ministries and urban bilities of the subcommittee on church and ministries, and the conference agencies in the community ministry shall include reviewing development of policies for cooperative parish and evaluating projects; serving as liaison be- ministries, securing of funding for staff, and in tween projects and the General Board of Glo- initiating and strengthening these ministries; bal Ministries; and securing consultative and (2) developing a comprehensive related financial support for workers. missional strategy for the mission of the an- e) Responsibilities of the subcommittee on nual conference, the districts, and the local congregational development shall include en- churches and reporting this plan to the annual couraging and supporting the development of conference for consideration, with the under- new and established congregations; conduct- standing that the plan may relate to a regional ing research studies and community surveys mission organization for purposes of larger that plan for and assist with developing inno- geographical coordination; and vative strategies for mission; and reviewing, (3) initiating and/or assisting with pro- evaluating, and making recommendations for grams to deal with needs such as: loans, donations, and grants from the General (a) local church and community outreach Board of Global Ministries. The subcommittee organization and development; also shall encourage greater use of such pasto- (b) ministries with specialized constituen- ral ministry models as tentmaking/bi-voca- cies and sectors of community life, agricul- tional ministries, part-time local pastors, and tural and industrial production, and other is- cooperative ministries by advocating for the sue-oriented ministries; removal of impediments to their use and em- (c) the development and strengthening of phasizing the pastors’ proven ability to pro- regional and/or national networks and/or as- duce effective nurture, outreach, and witness sociations; ministries as the primary criterion for ap- (d) ethnic and language groups; pointment. (e) churches in transitional communities; f) Responsibilities of the subcommittee on (f) small membership churches; town and country ministries shall include mis- (g) the impact of oppressive systems on sion development and ministry in rural and town and country and urban people and their town areas with a population of less than communities; and 50,000. These shall include small cities of (h) to fulfill other functions as related to 10,000 to 50,000 and rural areas under the objectives and scope of work of the Gen-

244 THE ANNUAL CONFERENCE ¶ 631 eral Board of Global Ministries as set forth in ¶ in the metropolitan area. 1312. When the metropolitan area includes more i) Responsibilities of the subcommittee on than one annual conference, representatives the small membership church shall include shall be elected from each conference’s con- the following: (1) being informed about needs stituent boards and agencies to the metropoli- and opportunities of the small membership tan commission. church in rural, town, and urban settings in 6. There may be a volunteer-in-mission co- the total life of the conference; (2) calling for ordinator who will coordinate the volunteer- representation by small membership churches in-mission ministries of the annual conference in the decision-making structures of the an- in cooperation with the General Board of Glo- nual conference; (3) informing and sensitizing bal Ministries’ mission volunteers office and leadership at all levels of the conference on is- the jurisdictional volunteer-in-mission office. sues that affect small membership churches; a) The coordinator shall be elected annu- (4) enlisting the support of the bishop, cabi- ally and shall be a member of the annual con- net, council on ministries, and conference ference board of global ministries. staff on policies, plans, and practices that af- b) The coordinator will be responsible to: fect small membership churches; (5) working (1) match volunteers with mission opportu- with the subcommittees on town and country nities; ministries and urban ministries within the (2) be responsive to volunteers’ desire to parish and with the community development serve; committee to develop and implement strate- (3) train and mobilize volunteers for mis- gies for the nurturing, outreach, and witness sion volunteer service; ministries of small membership churches. (4) disseminate information on what is j) In metropolitan areas with a population happening in the area of short-term volunteer- of more than 50,000, consideration shall be in-mission programs. given to the establishment of a metropolitan ¶ 631. Conference Board of Higher Educa- commission whose purpose shall be to pro- tion and Campus Ministry—1. There shall be mote long-range planning and to provide a co- in each annual conference a board of higher ordinating framework for United Methodism’s education and campus ministry or other struc- mission strategy for that metropolitan area. ture to provide for these functions and main- The membership may include the bishop or tain the connectional relationships. The bishop’s representative, the district superin- number of members shall be determined by tendents involved, a selected group of clergy the annual conference, including representa- and laypersons representing the annual con- tion from appropriate constituencies. ference board of global ministries and the an- 2. The annual conference board of higher nual conference committee on urban ministry, education and campus ministry or equivalent the conference commission on religion and structure shall provide for the connectional re- race, the annual conference United Methodist lationship between the Division of Higher Women and United Methodist Men, repre- Education of the General Board of Higher sentatives from community-based ministries, Education and Ministry and the conference, representatives from district council(s) on district, and local church and shall provide for ministries, representatives from other boards a ministry in higher education related to the and agencies deemed appropriate, and groups objectives and scope of work of the General and individuals who have skills and experi- Board of Higher Education and Ministry and ence enabling them to fulfill creative planning the Division of Higher Education. A person and strategy functions for United Methodism serving as a member of the General Board of

245 ¶ 631 THE CONFERENCES

Higher Education and Ministry from that an- tional institution, Wesley Foundation, or nual conference shall, by virtue of his or her other campus ministry moves to sever or office, be a member of the conference board of modify its connection with the Church or vio- higher education and campus ministry or lates the rules adopted by the division in ac- equivalent structure (see ¶¶ 608.6 and 710.5). cordance with ¶ 1413.3. 3. The annual conference chairperson of (10) To provide that two or more annual higher education and campus ministry or conferences may, on recommendation of their equivalent structure shall be a member of the boards of higher education and campus minis- annual conference council on ministries. try or equivalent structures, join in constitut- 4. The responsibilities of an annual confer- ing an area or regional committee or commis- ence board of higher education and campus sion on higher education and campus minis- ministry or equivalent structure include: try, the membership, scope, and functions of a) General Responsibilities—(1) To inter- which shall be determined by the cooperating pret and promote the United Methodist minis- conferences in consultation with their bishop tries in higher education that are supported by or bishops. The area committee or commis- the general Church and those specifically re- sion shall include a majority of its members lated to the annual conference. from the participating annual conference (2) To recommend the policies guiding the boards of higher education and campus minis- annual conference in its program of ministry try or equivalent structure with appropriate in higher education. representation of college presidents, campus (3) To train and provide resources for dis- ministers, students, and ethnic persons. trict committees and local church ministry ar- b) Fiscal Responsibilities—In addition to eas of higher education and campus ministry. its general responsibilities, the annual confer- (4) To apprise United Methodists of their ence board of higher education and campus historic commitment to and present mission ministry shall carry out the following fiscal du- in higher education. ties: (5) - (1) To present to the council on ministries (6) - and then to the council on finance and admin- (7) To evaluate schools, colleges, universi- istration of the annual conference the finan- ties, and campus ministries related to the an- cial needs for adequate support of the schools, nual conference, with concern for the quality colleges, universities, theological schools, of their performance, the integrity of their campus Christian movements, Wesley Foun- mission, and their response to the missional dations,55 and other campus ministries re- goals of the general Church and the annual lated to the annual conference for apportion- conference. ment to the churches within the conference. (8) To promote the education award pro- (2) To determine the distribution of the grams provided by The United Methodist funds received from undesignated gifts, re- Church, including the United Methodist turns from special days, annual conference Higher Education Foundation’s award pro- and district Advance Specials for higher edu- grams. cation and scholarships of the United Method- (9) To confer at once with representatives ist Higher Education Foundation. of the General Board of Higher Education and (3) To establish, where appropriate, foun- Ministry to determine what resources and aid dations or other means to ensure the ongoing the board may be able to provide and to enable support of the annual conference program of the Division of Higher Education to carry out ministry in higher education. its responsibilities in the event that any educa- (4) To counsel United Methodist schools,

246 THE ANNUAL CONFERENCE ¶ 631 colleges, universities, and campus ministries the nomination of those trustees who are to be related to the annual conference with regard nominated and elected by the annual confer- to their charters and constitutions, reversio- ence to the boards of trustees of United Meth- nary clauses, and liability. odist schools, colleges, and universities. In the (5) To counsel United Methodist institu- event that the annual conference confirms or tions about property and endowments en- elects trustees nominated by trustee-nominat- trusted to the institutions and to maintain and ing committees, to consult with those commit- enforce trust and reversionary clauses in ac- tees, having special concern for the selection cordance with the provisions of the Division of of persons who will appropriately address the Higher Education under ¶ 1413.3c. financial, missional, and educational progress (6) To monitor fiduciary and legal relation- of the institution. ships with United Methodist schools, colleges, (4) To provide for interpretation of the pro- universities, and campus ministries and to as- grams of United Methodist schools, colleges, sist annual conferences in their responsibili- and universities throughout the educational ties in these matters. program of the annual conference, especially (7) To administer the scholarship funds re- in cooperation with those committees and per- bated to the annual conference by the Office of sons responsible for youth and young adult Loans and Scholarships in accordance with ministries. the guidelines of that office. (5) To interpret systematically to the dis- (8) To encourage the establishment of loan tricts, subdistricts, and local churches the con- and scholarship funds in the annual confer- ference program with United Methodist ence and local churches and to administer the schools, colleges, and universities, encourag- loan and scholarship funds of the annual con- ing their support and participation. ference. (6) To represent the annual conference in c) Responsibilities with Schools, Colleges, its relationship to United Methodist schools, and Universities—In addition to its general colleges, and universities, especially those re- responsibilities, the annual conference board lated to the annual conference. of higher education and campus ministry or d) Responsibilities with Campus Minis- equivalent structure shall carry out the follow- tries—In addition to the general responsibili- ing duties with regard to United Methodist ties listed above, the annual conference board schools, colleges, and universities: of higher education and campus ministry or (1) To make known to the district, equivalent structure shall have the following subdistricts, and all local churches the names responsibilities with regard to campus minis- and location of all United Methodist educa- try: tional institutions and, wherever possible, (1) To have available the names and ad- provide resources interpreting their work and dresses of all campus ministries supported by special missions. The United Methodist Church and to supply (2) To assist institutions related specifically the names and addresses of campus ministries to the annual conference in their efforts to supported by the annual conference to all dis- raise funds, scholarships, recruit students, tricts and local churches. and extend services to the annual conference. (2) To ensure representation of the annual (3) To assume responsibility, after consul- conference board or equivalent structure on tation with the annual conference committee the boards of all campus ministries supported on nominations and the nominating commit- by the annual conference. tee of the institution’s board of trustees, for (3) To interpret systematically to the dis- tricts, subdistricts, and local churches the con- 55 See Judicial Council Decision 191.

247 ¶ 631 THE CONFERENCES ference program of campus ministry as a min- nual conference program of campus ministry istry to the whole campus (students, faculty, in Wesley Foundations, local churches, and staff, and administration), encouraging their ecumenical campus ministries; to determine support and urging United Methodist stu- where new campus ministries are needed, and dents of all ages to participate. to plan for their establishment and financial (4) To hold the Wesley Foundation board support. of directors responsible for the direction and (11) To provide resources for local churches administration of the foundation in accord- and districts with programs of ministry with ance with the policies and objectives of the an- students or to campuses and, where those pro- nual conference board of higher education and grams receive financial support from or are campus ministry or equivalent structure and designated as ministries on behalf of the an- the standards of the Division of Higher Educa- nual conference, to ensure that the policies, tion of the General Board of Higher Education standards, and goals of the conference board and Ministry. of higher education and campus ministry or (5) To ensure that the Wesley Foundation equivalent structure are observed. board is related functionally and cooperatively (12) To establish the procedures for the to the United Methodist local church or nomination and election of United Methodist churches in the immediate vicinity of the col- college students as lay members to annual lege or university and to the council on minis- conference. tries or other organization of the district in e) Public Policy—In addition to its general which it is located. responsibilities, the annual conference board (6) To determine whether or not Wesley of higher education and campus ministry shall Foundation boards, when incorporated, may have the following duties with regard to public hold property and to ensure such property i policy and relationships to the state: held and administered according to The Book (1) To provide counsel, guidance, and as- of Discipline of The United Methodist Church sistance to United Methodist schools, colleges, and the laws of the state in which the founda- universities, and campus ministries within the tion is located. annual conference regarding their relation- (7) To determine the policies for nomina- ships to the state. tion and election by the annual conference of (2) To interact with public higher educa- Wesley Foundation boards of directors. tion as it reflects on the wholeness of persons (8) To determine, in consultation with local and the meaning of life. boards, the personnel needs of Wesley Foun- (3) To identify and work with the annual dations; to establish procedures for selection conference, church-related colleges, and cam- and termination of professional staff; and to pus ministries on issues of public policy that consult with the bishop and cabinet when se- bear on higher education, such as issues bear- curing the appointment of ministerial staff ing on access, equity, academic freedom, members. peace, and justice. (9) To establish and review covenants and ¶ 632. Conference Board of Ordained agreements for ecumenical campus ministry Ministry—1. Each annual conference at the and to ensure that they are in harmony with first session following the General Conference, the policies, standards, and goals of the Divi- shall elect for a term of four years a board of sion of Higher ducation and the annual con- ordained ministry.56 At least six ordained ference board of higher education and campus elders and deacons in full connection and, ministry or equivalent structure. when possible, at least two associate members (10) To oversee the management of the an- or local pastors who have completed the

248 THE ANNUAL CONFERENCE ¶ 632 course of study shall be included as members elders. The organization of the board shall in- of the board with voice but no vote. Each an- clude a committee to fulfill the governance re- nual conference shall elect at least one-fifth sponsibilities for diaconal ministers and those laypersons, which may include diaconal min- in process of becoming diaconal ministers (see isters, and may at its discretion elect further The Book of Discipline, 1992, ¶¶ 301-317 and lay members, up to one-third of the member- 734) and shall provide for certification in spe- ship of the board. The board membership shall cialized ministry careers under the guidelines include women and ethnic persons, at least of the General Board of Higher Education and one ordained clergyperson in the retired rela- Ministry (see ¶ 1421). The board may include tionship, at least one ordained clergyperson in in its organization a division of deacons and a extension ministry, and a district superintend- division of elders. ent named by the bishop to represent the cabi- d) To ensure maximum contact with and net. Two-thirds of the members who are elders support of persons in appointments beyond shall be graduates of seminaries listed by the the local church, the board shall maintain rela- University Senate. tionships with all general agencies that have a) Members shall be nominated by the pre- responsibility for persons in such appoint- siding bishop after consultation with the ments. chairperson of the board, the executive com- e) The board shall meet at least once prior mittee, or a committee elected by the board of to its meeting at the time of the annual confer- the previous quadrennium, and with the cabi- ence session and may set a deadline prior to net. To ensure adequate board membership, annual conference for transacting its business. consultation shall include an evaluation of the f) The board shall provide orientation for workload of the board in meeting disciplinary new members, including distribution of any and annual conference responsibilities. Va- available written guidelines. cancies shall be filled by the bishop after con- 2. The duties of the annual conference sultation with the chairperson of the board. An board of ordained ministry shall be: elected board member may serve a maximum a) To assume the primary responsibility for of three consecutive four-year terms. the enlistment and recruitment of ordained b) This board shall be directly amenable to clergy by working in consultation with the the annual conference, notwithstanding its or- cabinet to study and interpret the clergy needs ganizational relationship within any other and resources of the annual conference, with program or administrative unit of the annual due regard to the inclusive nature of the conference. The annual conference council on Church. It shall, with the assistance of the lo- finance and administration shall recommend cal church committee on pastor-parish rela- adequate administrative funds for the board tions, conference agencies, and every ordained and its staff in light of its workload. minister of the conference, enlist women and c) The board shall organize by electing men of all races and ethnic origins for the or- from its membership a chairperson, regis- dained ministry and guide those persons in trars, and such other officers as it may deem the process of education, training, and ordina- necessary. The board shall designate its execu- tion, recommending colleges and schools of tive committee, which shall include elders, theology. Persons recruited should have an deacons, and laity. The board shall organize in understanding of and appreciation for persons such manner as to care for its responsibilities, of different racial and ethnic heritages. including the needs of certified persons, diaco- b) To seek from a school of theology infor- nal ministers, local pastors, deacons, and mation about the personal and professional qualities of an applicant for probationary 56 See Judicial Council Decision 887.

249 ¶ 632 THE CONFERENCES membership or of a probationary member; (4) readmission of located persons and per- provided, however, that the applicant or mem- sons discontinued from probationary mem- ber consent to the provision of such informa- bership; (5) sabbatical leave; (6) incapacity tion. leave; (7) appointment as a student; (8) termi- c) To receive annual reports on the nation; and (9) changes to or from less than progress made by each ministerial student en- full-time ministry. rolled in a theological school and to record The board shall keep a record of these credit for work satisfactorily completed. changes and the reason behind them and place d) It shall require a transcript of credits a copy in the permanent records of the annual from each applicant before recognizing any of conference maintained by the secretary of the the applicant’s educational claims. In case of conference. doubt, the board may submit a transcript to l) To ensure confidentiality in relation to the General Board of Higher Education and the interview and reporting process. The per- Ministry for evaluation. sonal data and private information provided e) The board shall annually appoint and through the examinations of and by the board train a sufficient number of mentors in each of ordained ministry will not be available for district in consultation with the district super- distribution and publication. There are occa- intendent. sions when the board of ordained ministry f) To guide the candidate for ordained min- would not report privileged information, istry who is not enrolled in a theological school which in the judgment of the board, if revealed and who is pursuing the Course of Study as in the executive session of clergy members in adopted by the Northern Europe Board of full connection with the annual conference, Education. would be an undue invasion of privacy without g) To examine all applicants as to their fit- adding measurably to the conference’s infor- ness for the ordained ministry and make full mation about the person’s qualifications for inquiry as to the fitness of the candidate for: ordained ministry. However, it is the right of (1) annual election as local pastor; (2) election the executive session of the clergy members in to probationary membership; and (3) election full connection with an annual conference to to full conference membership. receive all pertinent information, confidential h) To provide all candidates for ordained or otherwise, related to the qualifications and/ ministry a written statement on the discipli- or character of any candidate or clergy mem- nary and annual conference requirements for ber of the conference.58 the local pastor, probationary, and full mem- m) To be in consultation with the bishop bership. through the chairperson or the executive com- i) To interview and report recommendation mittee regarding transfers. This consultation concerning: (1) student local pastors; (2) certi- is to be at the bishop’s initiative and, where fied candidates for ordination as deacons; and possible, to take place prior to transfers into (3) certified candidates for ordination as the annual conference. elders.57 n) To provide support services for the or- j) To assign a board member to serve as li- dained minister’s career development, includ- aison to retired clergy in the conference. ing personal and career counseling, continu- k) To interview applicants and make rec- ing education, formation in servant leadership ommendation concerning: (1) changes from and continuing spiritual growth in Christ, as- the effective relation to a leave of absence or sistance in preparation for retirement, and all retirement; (2) return to the effective relation matters pertaining to clergy morale. In provid- from other relations; (3) honorable location; 57 See Judicial Council Decision 405.

250 THE ANNUAL CONFERENCE ¶ 633 ing such support, the board, in cooperation b) Pertinent information and recommen- with the cabinet, shall give training and guid- dations concerning each candidate shall be ance to each local committee on pastor-parish certified to the annual conference in duplicate; relations regarding its work and role. one copy of this record shall be kept by the reg- o) - istrar and one copy shall be mailed after each p) To work with and support the ordering conference session to the General Board of of local pastors, including receiving reports, Higher Education and Ministry. The registrar offering financial support, and coordinating shall forward an acknowledgment of transfer their continuing formation. to the pastor of the local church where each q) To provide a means of evaluating the ef- newly elected probationary and associate fectiveness of ordained ministers in the an- member held membership. nual conference (¶¶ 604.4, 348). Suggested c) The registrar shall keep a record of the guidelines will be provided by the General standing of the students in the Course of Study Board of Higher Education and Ministry, Divi- and report to the conference when required. sion of Ordained Ministry. In cooperation This record shall include the credits allowed with the cabinet, the board shall develop students for work done in accredited schools standards of effectiveness for clergy serving as of theology, in approved Course of Study pastors of congregations in that annual con- schools, or Course of Study correspondence. ference. d) The registrar shall file in the bishop’s of- r) To interpret the high ethical standards of fice for permanent record a copy of circum- ordained ministry set forth in the Discipline stances involving the discontinuance of proba- and to study matters pertaining to character (¶ tionary membership or termination of the lo- 605.6). cal pastor status. s) To recommend to the full members of e) The records and files of the board of or- the annual conference for validation special dained ministry are kept on behalf of the an- ministries for which members seek appoint- nual conference and shall be maintained un- ment. der guidelines provided by the General Coun- The appointment to such ministries is the cil on Finance and Administration in consulta- prerogative of the bishop and the cabinet. tion with the General Board of Higher Educa- 3. The board shall elect a registrar and such tion and Ministry and the General Board of associate registrars as it may determine; one Pensions. such associate registrar to be given responsi- 4. Administrative costs of the board of or- bility for candidacy, including giving leader- dained ministry shall be a claim on the confer- ship to the training and guidance of mentors ence operating budget. The board of ordained in each district. A staff executive may be ministry shall have direct access to the confer- named by the board to fulfill the functions of ence council on finance and administration in registrar. support of its program. a) The registrar shall keep full personnel ¶ 633. Conference Administrative Review records for all candidates for ordained minis- Committee—There will be an administrative try under the care of the board, including es- review committee composed of three clergy in sential biographical data, transcripts of aca- full connection and two alternates who are not demic credit, instruments of evaluation, and, members of the cabinet or the board of or- where it applies, psychological and medical dained ministry. The committee shall be test records, sermons, theological statements, nominated by the bishop and elected quadren- and other pertinent data. nially by the clergy session of members in full connection with the annual conference. Its 58 See Judicial Council Decisions 406, 751.

251 ¶ 634 THE CONFERENCES only purpose shall be to ensure that the disci- sult of this provision.59 plinary procedures for involuntary leave of ab- Two or more conferences under the presi- sence (¶ 352.1b), involuntary retirement (¶ dency of a single bishop may decide to have 356.3), or administrative location (¶ 359.3c) one committee on episcopacy, in which case are properly followed. The entire administra- each annual conference shall be represented tive process leading to the action for change in as stated in the preceding paragraph and shall conference relationship shall be reviewed by each elect its own representatives. the administrative review committee, and it 2. The committee shall meet at least annu- shall report its findings to the clergy session of ally. It shall be convened by the bishop and members in full connection with the annual shall elect a chairperson, a vice chairperson, conference prior to any action of the annual and a secretary. The bishop and/or chairper- conference. The administrative fair process son are authorized to call additional meetings hearing procedures (¶ 359.2) should be fol- when desired. lowed by the administrative review commit- 3. The functions of the conference commit- tee. Prior to its report, if the committee deter- tee on episcopacy shall be: mines that any error has occurred, it may rec- a) To support the bishop of the area in the ommend to the appropriate person or body oversight of the spiritual and temporal affairs that action be taken promptly to remedy the of the Church, with special reference to the error, decide the error is harmless, or take area where the bishop has presidential re- other action. sponsibility. ¶ 634. Conference Committee on Episco- b) To be available to the bishop for counsel. pacy—1. There shall be a conference commit- c) To assist in the determination of the tee on episcopacy elected quadrennially by the episcopal needs of the area and to make rec- annual conference at the session following the ommendations to appropriate bodies. General Conference. The committee’s mem- d) To keep the bishop advised concerning bership shall number at least seven, but no conditions within the area as they affect rela- more than seventeen. One-fifth of the commit- tionships between the bishop and the people tee’s membership shall be appointed by the of the conference agencies. bishop. In addition to the lay and clergy mem- e) To interpret to the people of the area and bers of the jurisdictional committee on episco- to conference agencies the nature and func- pacy, who shall be ex officio members with tion of the episcopal office. vote, it is recommended that the committee f) To engage in annual consultation and ap- consist of the following: one-third laywomen, praisal of the balance of the bishop’s relation- one-third laymen, and one-third ship and responsibilities to the area and an- clergypersons, provided that one layperson nual conferences, the jurisdiction, general shall be the conference lay leader. Special at- Church boards and agencies, and other areas tention shall be given to the inclusion of racial of specialized ministry, including, at all levels, and ethnic persons, youth (¶ 255.2), young concern for the inclusiveness of the Church adults, older adults, and people with disabili- and its ministry with respect to sex, race, and ties. No member of the staff of the annual con- national origin, and understanding and imple- ference or any of its agencies, nor an immedi- mentation of the consultation process in ap- ate family member of such staff, shall serve as pointment-making. a member of the committee, except that a g) To report needs for episcopal leadership member of the jurisdictional committee on to the jurisdictional committee on episcopacy episcopacy or the conference lay leader shall through the duly elected conference members not be disqualified from membership as a re- of that committee.

252 THE ANNUAL CONFERENCE ¶ 638

4. The conference council on finance and ministration for its action as to that portion of administration shall make provision in its the episcopal residence expense that shall be budget for the expenses of this committee. paid from the Episcopal Fund (see ¶ 825). ¶ 635. Episcopal Residence Committee (In d) To forward the proposed budget annu- Northern Europe Central Conference this ally and recommend to each conference coun- function belongs to the Executive Committee) cil on finance and administration the propor- 1. The provision of housing for effective tionate share of the proposed budget to be bishops in the jurisdictional conferences shall borne by that annual conference, such propor- be the responsibility of the annual conference tionate share to be approved by each annual or conferences comprising the episcopal area conference as it acts on budget recommenda- to which the bishop is assigned. tions (¶ 612). 2. In each episcopal area in the jurisdic- e) To supervise the expenditure of funds al- tional conferences there shall be an episcopal located from all sources for expenses related residence committee or other structure to pro- to the provision of the episcopal residence and vide for this function and maintain the con- to account for such expenditures annually to nectional relationship. The committee shall be each annual conference in the episcopal area composed of the following persons: and to the General Council on Finance and a) The chairperson or designate of the con- Administration. ference committee on episcopacy from each f) To give oversight in all matters related to conference. upkeep, maintenance, improvements, and ap- b) The president or designate of the confer- propriate insurance coverages for the episco- ence council on finance and administration pal residence. from each annual conference. 5. Titles to properties held as episcopal c) The president or designate of the confer- residences shall be held in accordance with ¶ ence board of trustees from each annual con- 2514. ference. ¶ 636. Conference Board of Pensions—1. d) Consultants without vote, with specific Authorization—There shall be organized in expertise related to the tasks of the committee, each annual conference a conference board, may be utilized. auxiliary to the General Board of Pension and 3. The chairperson of the episcopal resi- Health Benefits, to be known as the confer- dence committee shall be the representative of ence board of pensions, hereinafter called the committee on episcopacy of the annual the board, that shall have charge of the inter- conference in which the episcopal residence is ests and work of providing for and contribut- currently located. ing to the support, relief, assistance, and pen- 4. It shall be the responsibility of the epis- sioning of clergy and their families, other copal residence committee: church workers, and lay employees of The a) To make recommendations to the annual United Methodist Church, its institutions, or- conference(s) regarding the purchase, sale, or ganizations, and agencies within the annual rental of an episcopal residence. conference, except as otherwise provided for b) To prepare an annual budget covering by the general board. the cost of providing the episcopal residence, 2-5: Not relevant in the Northern Europe which may also include utilities, insurance, Central Conference. and normal costs of upkeep in maintaining the ¶ 637. Each annual conference shall have a residence. board of trustees, whose membership and c) To forward the proposed budget annu- duties are detailed in ¶ 2512.1-7. ally to the General Council on Finance and Ad- ¶ 638. 1. In each annual conference there 59 See Judicial Council Decisions 711, 778

253 ¶ 638 THE CONFERENCES shall be a conference commission on ar- heritage. chives and history or other structure to pro- 2. The commission may organize a confer- vide for these functions and maintain the ence historical society and encourage mem- connnectional relationships. The number of bership therein for the purpose of promoting members of the commission and their terms of interest in the study and preservation of the office shall be as the conference may deter- history of the conference and its antecedents. mine and may include an ex officio repre- The officers of the conference commission on sentative of each United Methodist heritage archives and history may be the officers of the landmark in its bounds. It shall be the duty of conference historical society. Membership in the commission to collect and preserve the the historical society shall be established as historically significant records of the annual the society may determine. Membership may conference and its agencies, including data re- include the payment of dues as the society may lating to the origin and history of the confer- direct, and in return, members shall receive ence and its antecedents; to encourage and as- official publications and publicity materials is- sist the local churches in preserving their sued by the commission and the society and records, compiling their histories, and cel- other such benefits as may be deemed suit- ebrating their heritage; to provide for the per- able. manent safekeeping of the historical records 3. Each annual conference may have a his- of all abandoned or discontinued churches in torian to undertake specific duties as may be the bounds of the annual conference and its designated by the commission. The annual antecedents (see ¶ 2548.3); to maintain a fire- conference historian may be a member of the safe historical and archival depository and to annual conference commission on archives see that all items that obviously will have value and history. for future history are properly preserved 4. The annual conference commission on therin; to provide for the ownership of real archives and history shall work with the ethnic property and to receive gifts and bequests; to congregations of the conference to develop nominate to the General Commission on Ar- and preserve the historical records of those chives and History buildings, locations, or congregations and antecedent conferences structures within the annual conference for ¶ 639. 1. Each annual conference shall cre- designation as historic sites or heritage land- ate a conference commission or committee on marks; to maintain contact with officially des- Christian unity and interreligious concerns ignated historic sites and heritage landmarks or other structure to provide for these func- in their bounds; to assist the bishop or the ap- tions and maintain the connectional relation- propriate conference committee in planning ships with the General Commission on Chris- for the historical hour and other appropriate tian Unity and Interreligious Concerns. The historical observances at annual conference commission or committee will report each sessions; to establish retention and disposi- year to the conference in such manner as the tion schedules for annual conference and local conference may direct. The responsibilities of church records under standards or guidelines the commission on Christian unity and developed by the General Commission on Ar- interreligious concerns may be assigned to an chives and History; to cooperate with and re- existing or newly created multifunctional port, when requested, to the general and juris- agency. dictional commissions on archives and his- 2. It is recommended that this commission tory; and to engage with other Wesleyan, or committee be composed of two United Methodist, or Evangelical United Brethren-re- Methodists from each district (complying with lated denominations in lifting up our joint ¶ 608.5), one of whom shall be district coordi-

254 THE ANNUAL CONFERENCE ¶ 639 nator for Christian unity and interreligious the conference, in cooperation with the bishop concerns and shall serve as liaison with local and the cabinet, in the development of ecu- church ministry areas on Christian unity and menical relationships and planning for mis- interreligious concerns. Additional members sion with other judicatories, particularly in the may include persons from The United Meth- establishment of new churches, yoked congre- odist Church or other member churches of the gations, and in the process of local church un- Consultation on Church Union as directed by ion efforts. the conference to ensure ecumenical expertise c) To stimulate participation in and evalua- and interchange with other agencies. tion of mission programs ecumenically Laypersons from The United Methodist planned and implemented, such as experi- Church shall be full members of local mental parishes, ecumenical parish clusters, churches. Ex officio members of the annual ecumenical task forces, and united ministries conference commission on Christian unity in higher education, and in other issue-ori- and interreligious concerns shall include the ented tasks. conference ecumenical officer(s), if elected, d) To stimulate conference, district, and and any United Methodists residing within the congregational participation in councils, con- conference bounds who are members of the ferences, or associations of churches, in coali- following: the General Commission on Chris- tion task forces, and in interreligious groups tian Unity and Interreligious Concerns, the through ecumenical educational or shared- governing board of the National Council of the time programs, jointly approved curriculum Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., the World resources, interreligious study programs, or Methodist Council, the United Methodist del- ecumenical community action projects such as egation to the most recent World Council of institutional ministries and media communi- Churches Assembly, and the United Methodist cations, and various other modes of delegation to the most recent plenary meeting interchurch cooperation. of the Consultation on Church Union. e) To participate in the selection of confer- 3. There shall be a representative of the ence delegates to state councils or conferences commission who serves as one of the confer- of churches, which participation may include ence representatives to state councils or con- nomination, in cooperation with the confer- ferences of churches. ence nominating committee, for conference 4. The duties of the commission or commit- election the delegates to these bodies; to select tee shall be to act in cooperation with the an- representatives to district, area, and regional nual conference council on ministries, in coor- ecumenical and interreligious task groups and dination with the duties of the General Com- workshops; and to act as the body to which mission on Christian Unity and Interreligious such delegates are accountable by receiving Concerns, as outlined in ¶¶ 1902-1903, and as and acting on their reports and recommenda- it may recommend, and to take initiative in tions. ecumenical and interreligious concerns as fol- f) To promote and interpret the work of na- lows: tional and world ecumenical bodies; and to co- a) To interpret, advocate, and work for the operate in and provide leadership for specific unity of the Christian church in every aspect of ecumenical experiences of worship and cel- the life of the conference and its churches and ebration such as the Week of Prayer for Chris- to encourage dialogue and cooperation with tian Unity, Pentecost Sunday, World Com- persons of other living faiths. munion Sunday, Reformation Sunday, and b) To recommend to the conference the other appropriate occasions. goals, objectives, and strategies and to assist g) To stimulate understanding and conver-

255 ¶ 640 THE CONFERENCES sations with all Christian bodies, to encourage 3. The annual conference commission will continuing dialogue with Jewish and other liv- assume responsibility for such matters as: ing-faith communities, and to encourage an a) Providing resources and training to en- openness of mind toward an understanding of able the work of the local church ministry area other major world religions. of religion and race as specified in ¶ 251.2b. h) To fulfill other functions assigned by the b) Examining ethnic representation on all annual conference and to respond to such re- of the conference boards, agencies, commis- quests as may be made by its leadership. sions, and committees, as well as the govern- ¶ 640. 1.There shall be in each annual con- ing boards of related institutions. After such ference a conference commission on religion an examination, appropriate recommenda- and race or other structure to provide for tions for total inclusiveness should be made to these functions and maintain the connectional the annual conference. relationships. It shall follow the general guide- c) Working with annual conference boards lines and structure of the General Commission and agencies as they seek to develop programs on Religion and Race as outlined in ¶¶ 2002 and policies of racial inclusiveness. and 2008, where applicable. d) Providing a channel of assistance to ra- 2. The basic membership of the annual cial and ethnic groups as they seek to develop conference commission shall be nominated programs of empowerment and ministry to and elected by established procedure of the re- their communities. spective annual conferences. Each annual e) Consulting with the board of ordained conference shall determine the number and ministry and the cabinet to determine what composition of the total membership, which provisions are made for the recruitment and shall consist of a minimum of twelve. The itinerancy of racial and ethnic minority clergy. commission membership shall include repre- The executive committee of the board of or- sentation from each district. One of the dis- dained ministry and cabinet are encouraged to trict representatives shall be the district direc- meet at least once per year in joint sessions tor of religion and race. Care shall be taken to with the conference commission on religion ensure that the total membership represents and race. an equitable balance in the number of laymen, f) Serving as a resource and support group laywomen, and clergypersons. It is strongly to promote understanding between pastors urged that the annual conference commis- appointed to local congregations across racial sions be constituted so that the majority of the and ethnic lines and such congregations. membership be represented by racial and eth- g) Consulting with local churches that are nic minority persons (Asian Americans, Afri- seeking to establish multiracial fellowships, can Americans, Hispanic Americans, Pacific and encouraging and supporting local Islanders, and Native Americans) reflecting churches in maintaining a Christian ministry the racial and ethnic minority constituency of in racially changing neighbourhoods. the annual conference. Selection of commis- h) Coordinating the conference support sion members shall ensure adequate represen- and cooperation with various movements for tation of women, youth, young adults, older racial and social justice in consultation with adults, and people with disabilities. Members the conference board of church and society, as of the General Commission on Religion and appropriate. Race residing in the annual conference shall i) Providing opportunities for multiracial be ex officio members of the annual confer- and interethnic dialogue and meetings ence commission on religion and race with throughout the conference. vote. j) Providing programs of sensitization and

256 THE ANNUAL CONFERENCE ¶ 641 education at every level of the conference on and Race. the nature and meaning of racism— 4. The annual conference commission on attitudinal, behavioral, and institutional. religion and race shall develop an adequate k) Coordinating, in consultation with the budget for its operation as a commission for General Commission on Christian Unity and inclusion in the annual conference budget. Interreligious Concerns, the conference pro- 5. The annual conference commission on grams of cooperation with African American religion and race, or other structure to provide and other racial and ethnic denominations, es- for its function and connectional relationship, pecially those of the Methodist family. shall have vote and voice in the decision-mak- l) Evaluating the priorities of the annual ing unit of the conference such as the annual conference in light of the needs in the area of conference council on ministries, or equiva- race relations. The commission shall develop lent structure. recommendations to present to the appropri- ¶ 641. There shall be in each annual con- ate agencies and report directly to the annual ference, including the central conferences, a conference session. These recommendations conference commission on the status and shall lift up the need to deal with the pressing role of women or other structure to provide issue of racism, racial and ethnic group em- for these functions and maintain the connec- powerment, and reconciliation among the tional relationships.60 races. 1. The responsibility of this commission m) Evaluating the effects of merger and shall be in harmony with the responsibility of making appropriate recommendations to the the general commission (see ¶ 2103), with the annual conference session. following objectives established as guidelines n) Reviewing the annual conference prac- for adaptation to the needs of the respective tices of employment, of annual conference annual conferences: program, business and administration, and a) To be informed about the status and role office personnel, and reporting and recom- of all women in the total life of the conference. mending to the annual conference steps to be Data shall be gathered that relate to all struc- taken to actualize racial and ethnic tural levels of the conference, including the lo- inclusiveness; reviewing the annual confer- cal church. Such information will be regularly ence-related institutions such as colleges, hos- updated and disseminated. pitals, homes for the aged, childcare agencies, b) To initiate cooperation with United and so forth concerning their practices of ra- Methodist Women at the annual conference cial and ethnic inclusiveness in clientele and level and other levels as appropriate in order employment, and reporting to the annual con- to achieve full participation of women in the ference session. decision-making structures. o) Serving in consultation with the bishop c) To develop ways to inform and sensitize and other appropriate conference leadership the leadership within the conference at all lev- to investigate and assist in resolution of com- els on issues that affect women, which shall be plaints of racial discrimination made by clergy projected into and through all districts within or laity. the conference by the commission. p) Maintaining a close relationship with d) To focus on major priorities of issues re- the General Commission on Religion and lated to women, which may include sexual Race, seeking its guidance, utilizing its train- harassment policies and procedures, and to ing and resources, and interpreting to the an- enlist the support of the bishop, cabinet, and nual conference the programs, plans, and poli- conference staff in policies, plans, and prac- cies of the General Commission on Religion tices related to those priorities. 60 See Judicial Council Decision 712.

257 ¶ 641 THE CONFERENCES

e) To advise the general commission about be a woman. the progress and effectiveness of efforts to 4. The commission shall propose a budget achieve full participation of women in the life and submit it for inclusion in the budget of the of the Church. annual conference according to procedures for f) To participate in connectional programs funding of all boards, commissions, and agen- and plans initiated or recommended by te gen- cies of the annual conference. eral commission, and to utilize the resources ¶ 642. There shall be in each annual con- available from the general commission as ference a conference commission on the needed. small membership church, or the respon- 2. The basic membership of the conference sibilities of the small membership church commission shall be nominated and elected by commission may be assigned to an existing or established procedures of the respective an- newly created multifunctional agency of the nual conferences. Each annual conference council or other structure that cares for the shall determine the number and composition functions of support, nurture, and growth of of the total membership, which shall consist of small membership churches and their rela- not fewer than twelve nor more than thirty- tionships to the conference, districts, and six. All must be members of The United Meth- other local churches. Where these responsi- odist Church. Special consultants without vote bilities are assigned to new or existing agen- may be used as resource persons. Among the cies within the conference, the individual(s) basic members of the commission shall be rep- responsible for the functioning of the commis- resentatives from each district. There shall be sion shall be designated by the annual confer- at least six members at large. It is recom- ence and included in the listing of conference mended that the addition of the at-large mem- officers. bership ensure that the total membership 1. The responsibility of this commission maintain a balance of one-third laywomen, shall be in harmony with the responsibility of one-third laymen, and one-third clergy. The the general commission, with the following maority of the commission shall be women, objectives established as guidelines for adap- including both clergy and lay. In an annual tation to the needs of the respective annual conference where there is not a sufficient conference: number of clergywomen to meet the recom- a) To be informed about the needs and op- mended balance, additional laywomen shall portunities of the small membership church in be elected beyond the one-third proportion to rural, suburban, and urban settings in the to- bring the total membership to a majority of tal life of the conference. Specific data shall be women. A person or persons serving as gathered that relate to all structural levels of member(s) of the General Commission on the the conference, including the local church. Status and Role of Women from that annual This data shall include, but not be limited to, conference shall, by virtue of their office, be demographics, membership, information on member(s) of the conference commission on the formation and effectiveness of cooperative the status and role of women (see ¶¶ 608.6 and ministries, information about pastoral tenure, 710.5). Selection of commission members compensation, and other factors that affect shall ensure adequate representation of racial the vitality of the small membership churches. and ethnic groups, youth, young adults, older Such information will be regularly updated adults, and persons of varying lifestyles. and disseminated to bishops, district superin- At least one member shall be named by the tendents, and to relating conference boards conference United Methodist Women. and agencies, the General Board of Global 3. The chairperson of the commission shall Ministries, and the General Board of Disciple-

258 THE ANNUAL CONFERENCE ¶ 644 ship. to meet the communication, publication, mul- b) To ensure representation from small timedia, public and media relations, interpre- membership churches in the decision-making tation, and promotional needs of the annual structures of the annual conference. conference. It may be responsible for provid- c) To develop ways to inform and sensitize ing resources and services to conference agen- the leadership within the annual conference at cies, districts, and local churches in the field of all levels on issues that affect small member- communication. The commission shall have a ship churches, which shall be projected into consultative relationship with agencies and and through all districts within the annual bodies within the conference structure. conference by the commission. ¶ 644. United Methodist Women—Consti- d) To focus on major issues related to small tution of United Methodist Women in the membership churches and to enlist the sup- Conference port of the bishop, cabinet, and conference Article 1. Name—In each annual confer- staff in policies, plans, and practices impact- ence there shall be a conference organization ing those issues. named United Methodist Women, auxiliary to e) To advise the general commission on the the jurisdictional organization of United progress and effectiveness of efforts to achieve Methodist Women and to the Women’s Divi- full participation of laity and clergy from small sion of the General Board of Global Ministries. membership churches in the life of the Article 2. Function—The function of the Church. conference organization of United Methodist f) To participate in connectional programs Women shall be to work with the district or- and plans initiated or recommended by the ganizations and the local units of United general commission as needed. Methodist Women in developing programs to 2. The basic membership of the conference meet the needs and interests of women and commission shall be nominated and elected by the concerns and responsibilities of the global established procedures of the annual confer- Church; to encourage and support spiritual ences. All must be members of The United growth, missionary outreach, and Christian Methodist Church. Special consultants with- social action; and to promote the plans and re- out vote may be used as resource persons. sponsibilities of the Women’s Division. Among the basic members of the commission Article 3. Authority—Each conference or- shall be representatives of small membership ganization of United Methodist Women shall churches from each district. have authority to promote its work in accord- 3. The commission shall propose a budget ance with the plans, responsibilities, and poli- and submit it for inclusion in the budget of the cies of the Women’s Division of the General annual conference according to procedures for Board of Global Ministries. funding of all boards, commissions, and agen- Article 4. Membership—The conference cies of the annual conference. organization of United Methodist Women ¶ 643. In each annual conference there shall be composed of all members of local shall be a commission on communications units within the bounds of the conference. The or other structure to provide for these func- resident bishop shall be a member of the con- tions and maintain the connectional relation- ference organization of United Methodist ship. It shall include persons with skills in Wmen and of its executive committee. communications nominated for membership Article 5. Officers and Committees—The in a manner determined by the conference in conference organization shall elect a presi- accordance with ¶ 608.5. dent, a vice president, a secretary, a reasurer, The commission shall be a service agency and a committee on nominations. Additional

259 ¶ 644 THE CONFERENCES officers and committees shall be elected or ap- cies, councils, commissions, and committees pointed in accordance with the plans of the of the conference as the constitutions and by- Women’s Division as set forth in the bylaws of laws of such agencies provide. the conference organizations of United Meth- c) The conference organization shall en- odist Women. courage women to participate in the total life Article 6. Meetings and Elections—a) and work of the Church and shall support There shall be an annual meeting of the con- them in assuming positions of responsibility ference organization of United Methodist and leadership. Women, at which time there shall be pre- Article 8. Amendments—Proposed sented a program designed to meet the needs amendments to this constitution may be sent of the women of the conference in harmony to the recording secretary of the Women’s Di- with the purpose, plans, and responsibilities vision prior to the last annual meeting of the of the Women’s Division of the General Board division in the quadrennium. of Global Ministries. Officers and the commit- ¶ 645. United Methodist Men—Constitu- tee on nominations shall be elected, the neces- tion of United Methodist Men in the Confer- sary business transacted, and pledges made ence for the ensuing year. Article 1. Name—In each annual confer- b) The voting body of the annual meeting of ence there may be a conference organization the conference organization shall be com- named United Methodist Men, auxiliary to the posed of representatives from units in local jurisdictional committee on United Methodist churches as determined by the conference or- Men and to the General Commission on ganization; such district officers as the confer- United Methodist Men (¶ 2301). ence organization may determine; the confer- Article 2. Function—The function of the ence officers and chairpersons of committees; conference organization of United Methodist members of the Women’s Division and offic- Men shall be to build and support the district ers of the jurisdictional organization residing organizations of United Methodist Men in de- within the bounds of the conference. veloping resources to meet the needs and in- c) At the annual meeting of the conference terests of men and the responsibilities of disci- organization prior to the quadrennial meeting pleship; to empower personal witness and of the jurisdictional organization, six confer- evangelism; to enable outreach in individual ence officers shall be elected according to pro- and group mission and ministry; to encourage visions in ¶ 533.3 for membership in the juris- and support spiritual growth and faith devel- dictional organization. opment; and to promote the objectives and re- d) At the annual meeting of the conference sponsibilities of the General Commission on organization prior to the quadrennial meeting United Methodist Men. In the absence of a dis- of the jurisdictional organization, the confer- trict organization, the conference organiza- ence organization shall nominate three tion, in consultation with the district superin- women for membership on the Women’s Divi- tendent, shall fulfill the district responsibili- sion, the names to be sent to the jurisdiction ties (¶ 666). organization according to ¶ 533.4. Article 3. Authority—Each conference or- Article 7. Relationships—a) The president ganization of United Methodist Men shall of the conference organization of United have the authority to promote its work in ac- Methodist Women is a member of the annual cordance with the plans, responsibilities, and conference, as set forth in ¶ 30. policies of the General Commission on United b) Designated officers shall represent the Methodist Men. conference organization on the various agen- Article 4. Membership—The conference

260 THE ANNUAL CONFERENCE ¶ 646 organization of United Methodist Men shall be zation of United Methodist Men shall repre- composed of all men of local churches or sent the conference organization on the juris- charges (chartered or unchartered) within the dictional committee on United Methodist bounds of the conference and all clergy. Men. In the absence of the president a desig- Article 5. Officers and Committees—a) nated vice president may represent the confer- The conference organization shall elect a ence organization. president, at least one vice president, a secre- c) Designated officers or members shall tary, and a treasurer. represent the conference organization on the b) The resident bishop shall serve as the various agencies, councils, commissions, and honorary president and be a member of the committees of the annual conference as the conference organization and its executive constitutions, bylaws, and rules of such agen- committee. cies provide. c) The conference lay leader (or designated d) The conference organization shall en- representative) shall be a member of the con- courage men to participate in the total life and ference organization and its executive com- work of the Church and shall encourage them mittee. to assume positions of responsibility and lead- d) Additional officers (including civic ership as part of their discipleship. youth-serving agencies/Scouting coordinator) Article 8. Amendments—Proposed and committees shall be elected or appointed amendments to this constitution may be sent in accordance with the guidelines of the Gen- to the recording secretary of the General Com- eral Commission on United Methodist Men mission on United Methodist Men prior to the and/or the bylaws of the conference organiza- last annual meeting of the commission in the tion of United Methodist Men. third year of the quadrennium. Article 6. Meetings and Elections—a) Article 9. Connectional Reporting—a) There shall be an annual meeting of the con- Each annual conference shall file a current ference organization of United Methodist copy of their constitution with the General Men, at which time there shall be presented an Commission on United Methodist Men. annual report and a program plan designed to b) Each annual conference shall submit an meet the needs of the men of the conference. annual report to the General Commission on Officers and committees shall be elected in ac- United Methodist Men for its spring meeting. cordance with the requirements of the organi- ¶ 646. 1. In each annual conference there zation’s bylaws. shall be a conference council on youth min- b) The voting body of the annual meeting of istry or other equivalent structure to provide the conference shall be determined by the or- for these functions and maintain the connec- ganization’s bylaws but shall include confer- tional relationships, or the responsibilities ence and district officers and committee chair- outlined below may be assigned to such or- persons as determined, members of the Gen- ganization that follows the same membership eral Commission on United Methodist Men, requirements as the annual conference pro- and members of the jurisdictional committee vides pursuant to ¶ 608.1. Its purpose shall be on United Methodist Men residing within the to strengthen the youth ministry in the local bounds of the conference. churches and districts of the annual confer- Article 7. Relationships—The president of ence. For administrative purposes, the council the conference organization of United Meth- shall be related to the annual conference coun- odist Men is a member of the annual confer- cil on ministries. ence, as set forth in ¶ 30. 2. Membership—Council members will be b) The president of the conference organi- elected according to the rules in the youth or-

261 ¶ 647 THE CONFERENCES ganizations of the annual conference. grams within the annual conference that meet 3. Responsibilities—a) To initiate and sup- the needs of persons with disabilities. port plans, activities, and projects that are of c) To be informed about current ministries particular interest to youth. within the annual conference that are related b) To be an advocate for the free expression to persons with disabilities. of the convictions of youth on issues vital to d) To develop ways to sensitize persons in them. leadership positions on issues that affect per- c) To support and facilitate, where deemed sons with disabilities and therefore the entire needed, the formation of youth caucuses. Church. d) To cooperate with the boards and agen- e) To foster cooperation among ministries cies of the nnual conference, receiving recom- within the annual conference that focus on mendations from and making recommenda- specific disabilities (deaf, deafened, hard of tions to the same. hearing, development disabilities, mental re- e) To recommend to the annual conference tardation, mental illness, visual impairment, committee on nominations qualified youth for physical disabilities, etc.). membership on boards and agencies. f) To be a resource for local churches who f-i) Not relevant in the Northern Europe are attempting to develop ministries that are Central Conference. attitudinally and architecturally accessible. j) To give information about support for g) To promote the full inclusion of persons schools and seminaries of the annual confer- with disabilities in the life of the local church ence. and the annual conference. ¶ 647. Not relevant in the Northern Eu- h) To participate in jurisdictional accessi- rope Central Conference. bility associations in the sharing of knowledge ¶ 648. Not relevant in the Northern Eu- and resources. rope Central Conference. ¶ 650. Not relevant in the Northern Eu- ¶ 649. There shall be in each annual con- rope Central Conference. ference a committee on disability concerns ¶ 651. 1. There may be a conference Ad- or other structure to provide for the functions vance program, established and carried out of this ministry and maintain the connectional in the same spirit of partnership as the general relationships. Advance program. 1. The basic membership of the committee 2. A conference Advance Special Gift is one shall be nominated and elected by established made to a conference Advance Special project procedures of the respective annual confer- within bounds of the annual conference or ence. Each annual conference shall determine episcopal area authorized by an annual con- the number and composition of the total ference upon recommendation by the confer- membership. Membership shall include per- ence board of global ministries or its equiva- sons with physical disabilities and persons lent structure and consistent with the goals of with mental disabilities. the Advance. The funds as received shall be 2. It shall be the responsibility of this com- administered by the conference board of glo- mittee: bal ministries or such structure as designated a) To be aware of, and advocate for, the role by the conference. of persons with disabilities in ministry, includ- 3. An annual conference may undertake a ing ordained and diaconal ministries and local conference-wide campaign for a lump sum to church and annual conference leadership po- be applied to its missionary and church exten- sitions. sion. The funds so received shall be designated b) To advocate for and help develop pro- as conference Advance Specials and shall be

262 THE DISTRICT CONFERENCES ¶ 655 administered by the conference board of glo- Section X. The District Conferences bal ministries or equivalent structure. Local churches shall report their contributions as ¶ 653. A district conference shall be held if conference Advance Specials. directed by the annual conference of which it 4. With the approval of the annual confer- is a part and may be held upon the call of the ence, a district within the conference may au- district superintendent, which call shall thorize and promote Advance Specials for specify the time and place. church extension and missionary needs within ¶ 654. 1. A district conference shall be the district, such funds to be administered by a composed of members as determined and district missionary society organized for that specified by the annual conference, giving at- purpose or by a similar body set up by the dis- tention to inclusiveness (see ¶¶ 124, 138). trict. Such special funds secured and adminis- 2. The district conference may choose its tered on a district level shall be reported by own order of business. The secretary duly each local church to the annual conference as elected shall keep an accurate record of the conference Advance Specials. proceedings and submit it to the annual con- 5. Local churches shall report their contri- ference for examination. butions to general Advance Specials and con- ¶ 655. 1. The district lay leader is the ference Advance Specials to the charge confer- elected leader of the district laity. The district ence and in the manner indicated on the an- lay leader shall provide for the training of local nual conference report form. church lay leaders for their ministries in the ¶ 652. The annual conference is encour- local churches in relation to ¶ 248. The district aged to establish a committee on criminal lay leader shall have responsibility for foster- justice and mercy ministries (CJAMM) to ing awareness of the role of the laity both accomplish the following: (1) raise awareness within congregations and through their minis- and generate local church involvement; (2) tries in the home, workplace, community, and identify existing programs; (3) promote crimi- world in achieving the mission of the Church, nal justice ministries; and (4) serve as a re- and supporting and enabling lay participation source and connectional link with local in the planning and decision-making proc- churches, general program agencies, and ecu- esses of the district and the local churches in menical groups, and use prison ministry and cooperation with the district superintendent prison reform resources made available and pastors. The district lay leader is a mem- through the general agencies. The purpose is ber of the district conference and shall be a to promote a ministry to persons of all genders member of the district council on ministries or and ages who are in prison, to the families of alternative structure and its executive com- those in prison, and to the victims of crime and mittee. The district lay leader shall also be a their families and to be an advocate for prison member of the committee on district superin- concerns. The CJAMM committee may relate tendency of his or her district. to the board of global ministries and/or the 2. There may be an associate district lay board of church and society, which shares so- leader within a district. The associate lay cial justice concerns. The results of the work in leader shall be elected as determined by the this area will be reported to the annual confer- annual conference. The method of nomination ence. and term of office shall be determined by the annual conference. 3. The district lay leader shall relate to the organized lay groups in the district such as United Methodist Women, United Methodist

263 ¶ 663 THE CONFERENCES

Men, and United Methodist Youth and sup- 3. Meeting—The district committee shall port their work and help them coordinate their meet at least annually and upon call of the dis- activities. trict superintendent and/or the chairperson of 4. The district lay leader may designate the committee. The committee shall elect a persons to serve as proxy in any of the above chairperson, vice chairperson, and secretary. groups except the district conference, district 4. Purpose—The purpose of the committee council on ministries, and the district council on district superintendency shall be to support on ministries executive committee. the district superintendent of the district in 5. The district lay leader shall be elected as the oversight of the spiritual and temporal af- determined by the annual conference. The fairs of the Church, with special reference to method of nomination and term of office shall the district where the superintendent has re- be determined by the annual conference. sponsibilities. In fulfilling this purpose, the 6. - committee shall give attention to the following 7. The district lay leader is a member of an- responsibilities: nual conference (see ¶ 30). a) To advocate for adequate budget-sup- 8. The district lay leader shall be a member port services for the district superintendent, of the conference board of laity or equivalent such as adequate secretarial support, travel, structure. continuing education, and parsonage needs ¶¶ 656-662. Not relevant in the Northern (¶¶ 23.2, 612.1a). Europe Central Conference b) To be available for counsel. ¶ 663. Committee on District Superin- c) To keep the district superintendent ad- tendency—There shall be a committee on dis- vised concerning conditions within the district trict superintendency. as they affect relations among the district su- 1. Membership—This committee shall be perintendent, the laity, the clergy, and the dis- composed of eleven members, including the trict agencies. district lay leader, and two persons appointed d) To establish a clearly understood proc- by the district superintendent. It is recom- ess for observing the district superintendent’s mended that the remaining members of the ministry with direct evaluation and feedback, committee consist of two laywomen, two lay- with special concern for the inclusiveness of men, two clergy, and two at-large members, all the Church and its ministry with respect to of whom should be selected with special atten- sex, race, and national origin, and implemen- tion to the representation of racial and ethnic tation of the consultative process in appoint- persons, youth (¶ 255.2), young adults, older ment-making. adults, and people with disabilities. At least e) To consult with the district superintend- three of the eleven persons shall be clergy, and ent concerning continuing education and to seven shall be laypersons. arrange with the cabinet and bishop for the 2. Selection—The members shall be se- necessary time and financial assistance for the lected in such manner as may be determined attendance of the district superintendent at by the district conference or, where there is no such continuing education events as may serve district conference, by the annual conference. his or her professional and spiritual growth. The district committee shall be authorized to f) To interpret to the people of the district co-opt members as advisory members who and to the district boards and agencies the na- have expertise in areas of special need. The ture and function of the district superintend- bishop of the area, or his or her authorized ency. representative, shall be an ex officio member 5. Consultation—The district committee of said committee. and the district superintendent shall engage in

264 THE DISTRICT CONFERENCES ¶ 663 an annual consultation and appraisal of the work of the district superintendent in the dis- trict and shall serve in an advisory relation- ship with the bishop of the area.

265 THE CONFERENCES

266 Chapter Five

ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER

Section I. General Provisions authority granted by the Book of Discipline; the term does not and is not meant to imply a ¶ 701. Agencies and General Agencies—1. master-servant or principal-agent relation- Connectionalism is an important part of our ship between these bodies and the conference identity as United Methodists. It provides us or other body that creates them, except where with wonderful opportunities to carry out our the authority is specifically granted. mission in unity and strength. We experience 2. The general agencies of The United this connection in many ways, including our Methodist Church are the regularly estab- systems of episcopacy, itineracy, property, lished councils, boards, commissions, com- and mutual cooperation and support. Our mittees, or other units with ongoing responsi- connectional system performs at least three bilities that have been constituted by the Gen- essential tasks: embracing God’s mission for eral Conference. Not included are such com- the church as making disciples for Jesus missions and committees as are created by the Christ; organizing our whole Church to enable General Conference to fulfill a special function local congregations, the primary arena for within the ensuing quadrennium, ecumenical mission, faithfully and fruitfully to make disci- groups on which The United Methodist ples for Jesus Christ; and ensuring that all Church is represented, or committees related components in the connection carry out their to the quadrennial sessions of the General appropriate responsibilities in ways that en- Conference. The term general agency or able the whole United Methodist Church to be agency, wherever it appears in the Book of faithful in its mission. General agencies, in Discipline in reference to a general agency, particular, are important to our common vi- does not and is not meant to imply a master- sion, mission, and ministry. They provide es- servant or principal-agent relationship be- sential services and ministries beyond the tween such a body and the General Conference scope of individual local congregations and or any other unit of the denomination, or the annual conferences through services and min- denomination as a whole. istries that are highly focused, flexible, and ca- ¶ 702. Amenability and Program Ac- pable of rapid response. countability—1. All the general agencies of The term agency, wherever it appears in the The United Methodist Church that have been Book of Discipline, is a term used to describe constituted by the General Conference are the various councils, boards, commissions, amenable to the General Conference, except as committees, divisions, or other units consti- otherwise provided. tuted within the various levels of Church or- 2. Between sessions of the General Confer- ganization (general, jurisdictional, central, an- ence, the following general agencies are ac- nual, district, and charge conferences) under countable to the General Council on Minis- tries: the General Board of Church and Soci-

267 ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER

tion to the other general agencies and to per- ety, the General Board of Discipleship, the form other assigned functions shall be desig- General Board of Global Ministries, the Gen- nated as a general council. General councils eral Board of Higher Education and Ministry, are amenable and accountable to the General the General Commission on Christian Unity Conference and report to it. These councils are and Interreligious Concerns, the General the General Council on Finance and Adminis- Commission on Religion and Race, the Gen- tration and the General Council on Ministries. eral Commission on the Status and Role of (Note: The Council of Bishops and Judicial Women, the General Commission on Archives Council are authorized by the Constitution and History, the General Commission on and are not created by the General Confer- United Methodist Men, and the General Com- ence.) mission on Communications in matters per- 2. General Board—A continuing body of taining to their program responsibilities. the Church created by the General Conference 3. Evaluation of general agencies by the to carry out assigned functions of program, General Council on Ministries shall be part of administration, and/or service shall be desig- the accountability relationship (¶ 906.14). The nated as a general board. evaluation process and its results shall be re- 3. General Commission—An organization ported to each General Conference. The pur- created by the General Conference for the pose for agency evaluation is to assist the fulfillment of a specific function for an indefi- agency in the process of fulfilling and support- nite period of time. ing its ministry. Local church groups, district, 4. Study Committee—An organization cre- and annual conference organizations may re- ated by the General Conference for a limited ceive an explanation of the evaluation process period of time for the purpose of making a by requesting it from the General Council on study ordered by the General Conference. The Ministries. General Council on Ministries shall provide 4. Questions and concerns about programs, for coordination with and among the study projects, or decisions of a particular agency committees except where General Conference may be addressed to that agency, with copies otherwise designates. to the General Council on Ministries. Agencies 5. Program-Related General Agencies— shall acknowledge receipt of requests for in- The general boards and commissions that formation within ten days and provide infor- have program and/or advocacy functions shall mation requested within thirty days or as soon be designated as program-related general thereafter as it is available. agencies. These agencies are amenable to the 5. If any district, annual conference, or gen- General Conference and between sessions of eral agency initiates, joins, monitors, or termi- the General Conference are accountable to the nates a boycott, the guidelines in the 2000 General Council on Ministries: the General Book of Resolutions should be followed. The Board of Church and Society, the General General Conference is the only body that can Board of Discipleship, the General Board of initiate, empower, or join a boycott in the Global Ministries, the General Board of name of The United Methodist Church. Higher Education and Ministry, the General 6. In all matters of accountability episcopal Commission on Christian Unity and oversight as provided in ¶ 427 is assumed. Interreligious Concerns, the General Commis- ¶ 703. Definitions, Structures, and Ti- sion on Religion and Race, the General Com- tles—1. General Council—An organization cre- mission on United Methodist Men, and the ated by the General Conference to perform de- General Commission on the Status and Role of fined responsibilities of review and oversight Women. In all matters of accountability, epis- on behalf of the General Conference in rela-

268 GENERAL PROVISIONS copal oversight as provided in ¶ 427 is as- hances programs or ministries basic to the life sumed. of the Church and serves as a rallying point for 6. Administrative General Agencies—The constituents involved in those programs. general boards and commissions that have 9. Missional Priority—A missional priority primarily administrative and service functions is a response to a critical need in God’s world shall be designated as administrative general that calls The United Methodist Church to a agencies. These agencies are the General massive and sustained effort through primary Board of Pension and Health Benefits, The attention and ordering or reordering of pro- United Methodist Publishing House, and the gram and budget at every level of the Church, General Commission on Archives and History as adopted by the General Conference or in ac- and General Commission on Communication, cord with ¶ 906.1. This need is evidenced by both of which also carry program-related re- research or other supporting data, and the re- sponsibilities for which they are accountable quired response is beyond the capacity of any to the General Council on Ministries. single general agency or annual conference. 7. Each general agency, unless otherwise However, the ongoing priority of The United provided, shall adopt the following executive Methodist Church both in program and staff titles: budget is to proclaim the good news that sal- a) General Secretary—the chief staff of- vation comes through Jesus Christ. ficer of a general agency. Each general agency 10. Special Program—A special program is is entitled to only one general secretary, who is a quadrennial emphasis initiated by a general its chief administrative officer. program-related agency in accordance with ¶¶ b) Deputy General Secretary—the chief 906.1, .2, and .4, approved by General Confer- staff officer assigned to oversight of a major ence, and assigned to a general program-re- programmatic or administrative unit(s), or lated agency. The program shall be designed with major programmatic or administrative in response to a distinct opportunity or need responsibilities with a general board or coun- in God’s world that is evidenced by research or cil. other supporting data and shall propose c) Associate General Secretary—the asso- achievable goals within the quadrennium. ciate staff officer of a general agency or the 11. Program—A program is an ongoing or chief staff officer of a division or a department special activity designed and implemented to of a general agency. fulfill a basic disciplinary responsibility of a d) Assistant General Secretary—the assist- general agency accountable to the General ant staff officer of a general agency or the chief Council on Ministries. staff officer of a section or office of a general 12. Association or Fellowship—Organiza- agency. tions not created by nor officially related to the e) Treasurer—the staff financial officer of a General Conference and intended to provide general agency, entrusted with the receipt, professional relationships conducive to shar- care, and disbursement of agency funds. In ing professional techniques and information some general agencies there may be associate for groups within the denomination shall be and/or assistant treasurers. There are general designated as associations or fellowships. agencies in which “treasurer” is not a staff title ¶ 704. Financial Accountability of Gen- but is an officer elected from the voting mem- eral Agencies—All general agencies receiving bership of the agency. general church funds (see ¶ 810.2) shall ac- 8. Theme—A theme is a theological focus, count for receipts and expenditures of funds in missional emphasis, prophetic statement, or a format designed by the General Council on program catalyst for ministry. A theme en- Finance and Administration. A quadrennial

269 ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER report of such accounting shall be included in nomination and election of the voting mem- the report of the General Council on Finance bership of those general agencies to which the and Administration to the General Confer- jurisdictional conferences elect and central ence. The report will include, in fully descrip- conferences nominate members. All provi- tive form, the amount of remuneration, in sions pertaining to the nomination and elec- cash, and in cash value of any in-kind benefits tion of general agency members shall take ef- provided to all executive employees, clergy fect immediately upon the adjournment of the and lay, of all general agencies, where execu- General Conference that enacts them. The sec- tives shall include at least those persons in po- retary of the General Conference shall coordi- sitions described in ¶ 703.7. No information in nate the processes pertaining to nominations the report will be considered to be confiden- and elections of general agency members. tial, and in keeping with the spirit of ¶ 702.4, 1. Nominations by Conferences—a) Each all information therein will be made available annual and missionary conference in the upon request. United States, upon recommendation from a Annual reports shall be made available by committee composed of the bishop and the the respective agencies upon the request of an- general and jurisdictional conference delega- nual conferences and local church councils or tion, and having allowed opportunity for boards. The annual reports prepared by the nominations from the floor, shall elect persons agencies shall include a listing of organiza- to be submitted to a jurisdictional pool. The tions, individuals, associations, fellowships, jurisdictional nominating committee shall se- coalitions, consultants, programs, and entities lect persons for election to the following gen- not formally part of the Church, and the eral agencies: General Council on Ministries; amount (expended annually) of monetary and General Board of Church and Society; General in-kind contributions. The listing shall in- Board of Discipleship; General Board of Glo- clude, but not be limited to, office space, print- bal Ministries; General Board of Higher Edu- ing, staff assistance, purchases, travel ex- cation and Ministry; General Board of Pension pense, and other forms of financial assistance and Health Benefits; The United Methodist that have been granted to such entities. Publishing House; General Commission on ¶ 705. General Agency Membership—The Christian Unity and Interreligious Concerns; people of God are called to faithful disciple- General Commission on Communication; ship in the name of Jesus Christ. “The gifts he General Commission on Religion and Race; gave were that some would be apostles, some and the General Commission on the Status prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and and Role of Women. Jurisdictional confer- teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ences may decide that persons elected by the ministry, for building up the body of Christ” annual and missionary conferences in the (Ephesians 4:11-12). In response to God’s call, United States for inclusion in the jurisdic- some are called forth from local congregations tional pool shall not serve as members of the to fulfill the common mission of The United jurisdictional nominating committee. Methodist Church as an expression of the b) Each annual and missionary conference Church made visible in the world. This call in- in the United States shall nominate the per- cludes the invitation to some to be in ministry sons most recently elected as delegates to the with others who together seek to fulfill the vi- General Conference to the jurisdictional pool. sion for the Church as members of general In addition, it shall nominate at least fifteen agencies. Such persons come to this ministry and not more than forty-five persons to the ju- as servants of the whole Church. risdictional pool, including, where available, The following provisions shall govern the at least two racial and ethnic persons from

270 GENERAL PROVISIONS each of the ethnic groups Asian American, Af- of race, ethnicity, gender, size of church, and rican American, Hispanic American, Native persons with disabilities. American, Pacific Islanders; and where avail- 3. Members of the general agencies shall be able at least one and not more than five per- elected using the following formula: sons in each of the following seven categories: a) Five persons from each annual and mis- (1) clergy (including at least one woman), (2) sionary conference in the United States. At laywomen, (3) laymen, (4) youth (¶ 258.2), (5) least thirty of these persons will be women young adults, (6) older adults, and (7) persons elected by the Women’s Division process as with disabilities. Eligibility to be nominated in members on the General Board of Global Min- one category does not preclude being nomi- istries. nated in another category as long as the nomi- b) Five persons from each central confer- nee is nominated only once. ence. c) Each central conference or a body au- c) Supplemental members—Each annual thorized by it shall nominate to each general and missionary conference whose member- program board membership at least one per- ship exceeds 75,000 (as determined by the of- son from each of the following three catego- ficial records of the denomination on Decem- ries: (1) clergy, (2) laymen, and (3) laywomen ber 31 of the year immediately preceding the to form a pool from which each board is to General Conference) shall have the following elect the additional members that are to come supplemental members of general agencies: from the central conferences pursuant to ¶ 75,001–150,000: one supplemental mem- 705.5.c. These lists shall be sent to the General ber; Council on Ministries for use by the general 150,001–225,000: a total of two supple- agencies in electing additional members. mental members; and d) All nominees shall list one to three pref- 225,001 or more: a total of three supple- erences for agency membership. In addition mental members. all nominees shall prepare an up to one-hun- d) Seven persons from the Iglesia dred-word biographical statement listing ex- Metodista Autónoma Afiliada de Puerto Rico. perience, gifts, training, and other qualifica- e) A total of 124 additional at-large mem- tions for general agency membership. Bio- bers for inclusiveness and expertise. graphical statements for all persons in the f) Fifty-three effective episcopal leaders. central and jurisdictional conference pools g) The total membership of all general shall be available to the nominating commit- agencies shall not exceed 667. tee members in the meeting at which they h) Each general agency shall elect at least make their nominations. Names and bio- one, but not more than three, member(s) with graphical data of all persons nominated by the vote and voice from among the member annual and missionary conferences in the churches of the Commission on Pan Methodist United States or the central conferences, but Cooperation. In addition, it is recommended not elected, shall be forwarded by the jurisdic- that each general agency elect at least one tional or central conference secretary to the member without vote from among the other General Council on Ministries to be used by member churches of the Consultation on the general agencies as a pool from which ad- Church Union. These members would be in ditional members may be elected (§§ 5e, 6b). addition to those otherwise specified in ¶ 2. Additional Nominations—In addition to 705.3(a-g) above. The General Commission on the foregoing provisions (¶ 705.1), the United Christian Unity and Interreligious Concerns Methodist Youth Organization shall nominate shall assist general agencies in their compli- ten youth to each jurisdictional pool, inclusive ance with this provision.

271 ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER

i) It is recommended that the membership dictional conference and the central confer- of general agencies include both youth (¶ ences. The number of members will be deter- 255.2) and young adults. It is recommended mined on an equitable basis taking into con- that, wherever possible, at least 10 percent of sideration the total number to be elected by the membership of each general agency be each jurisdiction and central conference. equally divided between youth and young 5. General Program Board Membership— adults. The youth and young adult member- a) Each general program board shall have the ship of each general agency should be inclu- number of members specified in ¶¶ 1006, sive (consistent with ¶ 705.3 f ). 1104, 1311, and 1407, or as determined by the j) It is recommended that the membership secretary of the General Conference (see ¶ of each of the general agencies seeks to be in- 705.4e). clusive based on gender, racial and ethnic per- b) Jurisdictional Membership—Each juris- sons, age, persons with disabilities, and size of diction shall elect the number of persons listed church. In order to ensure adequate represen- in the specific legislation for membership on tation of racial and ethnic persons (Asian each of the four general program boards. In American, African Americans, Hispanic the jurisdictional nominating process for Americans, Native Americans, Pacific Island- membership on those boards, special atten- ers), it is recommended that a jurisdiction’s tion shall be given to the inclusion of membership on each general agency be at clergywomen, youth, (¶ 255.2), young adults, least 30 percent racial and ethnic persons and older adults, people with disabilities, and per- incorporate one-third clergy, one-third lay- sons from small membership churches. In or- men, and one-third laywomen (except as pro- der to ensure adequate representation of ra- vided in ¶¶ 1104, 1311). The episcopal mem- cial and ethnic persons (Asian Americans, Af- bers shall not be counted in the computation rican Americans, Hispanic Americans, Native of the clergy membership. Americans, Pacific Islanders), it is recom- k) The membership of the General Com- mended that at least 30 percent of a jurisdic- mission on United Methodist Men shall be tion’s membership on each general program elected in accordance with ¶ 534 and ¶ 2303.1. board be racial and ethnic persons. It is fur- This legislation shall take effect upon the ad- ther recommended that the jurisdiction mem- journment of the 2000 General Conference. bership on each program board incorporate 4. Members identified in § 3a–f will be one-third clergy, one-third laymen, and one- elected as follows: third laywomen (except as provided in ¶¶ a) categories a and c (as applicable) shall be 1104.1, 1311.2; see also ¶¶ 1311.6, 1407). The elected by the jurisdictional and central con- episcopal members shall not be counted in the ferences, except for the members elected by computation of the clergy membership. the Women’s Division process; c) Central Conference Membership—Each b) categories b and c (as applicable) shall be general program board shall elect at least four elected by the central conferences; persons from the central conferences and one c) category d shall be elected by the Iglesia alternate for each who may attend if the Metodista Autónoma Afiliada de Puerto Rico; elected member cannot attend. In the election and of the central conference members, it is rec- d) category e shall be elected by the general ommended that at least one clergy, one lay- agencies for inclusiveness and expertise. man, and one laywoman be elected as speci- e) The secretary of the General Conference fied in general agency paragraphs. shall assign the number of members to be d) Episcopal Membership—The episcopal elected to each general agency by each juris- membership of the general program boards

272 GENERAL PROVISIONS shall be not less than six nor more than eight mission on Religion and Race (¶ 2003). members nominated by the Council of Bishops b) Episcopal and additional members, if and elected by the General Conference (see ex- any, of the general agencies listed in ¶ 205.5a ception, ¶ 1311.6). At least one of the episcopal shall be nominated and elected by the proce- members of each general program board shall dures specified in the paragraphs listed in ¶¶ be a central conference bishop. 705.1b, 705.1d, and 705.5a. The agencies shall e) Additional Membership—(1) Additional consider names forwarded to them by the members shall be elected by each general pro- General Council on Ministries as having been gram board in order to bring into the board nominated by the annual and missionary con- persons with special knowledge or back- ferences in the United States or in the central ground that will aid in the work of the agency, conferences, but not elected by these confer- to consider differing theological perspectives, ences to general agency membership. Addi- and to perfect the representation of racial and tional names may be considered in order to ethnic persons, youth (¶ 255.2), young adults, perfect the representation as provided in ¶ older adults, women and men, people with 705.5e. disabilities, and persons from small-member- ¶ 706. Nomination of Additional Board ship churches, and distribution by geographic Members—1. Giving due consideration to area. Each general program board shall elect inclusiveness (see ¶¶ 124, 138), each jurisdic- additional members as specified in general tion shall designate one clergy, one laywoman, program board membership paragraphs. In- and one layman whom it has elected to a sofar as possible, no more than one person gener.al program agency or to the General shall be elected from each episcopal area. It is Council on Ministries to nominate the addi- recommended that such additional member- tional members of that program agency or ship shall maintain the one-third laymen, one- council (¶ 705.5). The fifteen members thus third laywomen, and one-third clergy balance. designated by the five jurisdictions in each (2) Consultation Membership—It is recom- general program agency and in the General mended that each general program board elect Council on Ministries shall constitute a com- at least one member without vote from among mittee to nominate additional members for the member churches of the Consultation on that agency and shall be convened as provided Church Union, other than The United Meth- in ¶ 706.2. odist Church, as an additional member. 2. A bishop designated by the president of 6. Other General Agencies—a) Each juris- the Council of Bishops shall convene the com- dictional conference shall elect members from mittee as soon as practical after jurisdictional the jurisdictional pool nominated by the an- elections have been completed. The commit- nual and missionary conferences in the United tee shall consider, but not be limited to, names States (¶ 705.1) in accordance with the specific forwarded to it by the jurisdictions as having membership provisions of those agencies as been nominated by the annual and missionary set forth in the Book of Discipline: General conferences in the United States and Puerto Council on Ministries (¶ 907), General Board Rico to their jurisdictional pool as well as of Pension and Health Benefits (¶ 1502.1a), names from caucuses and other appropriate The United Methodist Publishing House (¶ groups. To aid the committee, biographical 1602), General Commission on Christian data submitted by the annual conferences (¶ Unity and Interreligious Concerns (¶ 1906), 705.1d) shall be made available from the juris- General Commission on Communication (¶ dictional conference secretaries. In addition, 1807), General Commission on the Status and general agencies shall submit to the commit- Role of Women (¶ 2104), and General Com- tee names and biographical data of persons

273 ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER eligible for reelection who are willing to serve. tary, and such other officers as it deems appro- The provisions of the paragraph shall become priate. effective immediately upon adjournment of 3. Terms of officers of boards, divisions, the General Conference. and departments, or other subunits shall be 3. The committee shall complete its work for the quadrennium or until their successors prior to the organizational meeting (¶ 707) of are elected. any of the agencies listed in ¶ 703.5 and report 4. No person shall serve as president or by mail to the previously elected members of chairperson of more than one general agency each of those agencies the names of persons or division, department, or the structural nominated as additional members of that counterpart thereof. agency. All members shall be elected and 5. Staff of program boards shall not be eligi- seated before an agency proceeds to the elec- ble to serve as officers of corresponding Gen- tion of officers or any other business. eral Conference legislative committees. ¶ 707. Meetings—1. In those years in which ¶ 709. Divisions and Subunits—The mem- the General Conference holds its regular ses- bership of each program board shall be di- sion, all general program agencies shall meet, vided among the divisions or other subunits of organize, and conduct such business as may the board in such number as the board deter- properly come before the agency not later than mines. ninety days after the close of the jurisdictional ¶ 710. Membership Qualifications—1. conferences. Each organizational meeting Members of all general agencies shall be full shall be convened by a bishop designated by members of The United Methodist Church ex- the president of the Council of Bishops. cept as provided in ¶ 705.2j. 2. All councils, boards, commissions, and 2. Members of all general agencies shall be committees established by a general, jurisdic- persons of genuine Christian character who tional, central, annual, or other conference love the Church, are morally disciplined and shall meet and organize as promptly as feasi- loyal to the ethical standards of The United ble following the selection of their members. Methodist Church as set forth in the Social 3. Unless otherwise specified in the Disci- Principles, and are otherwise competent to pline or by the establishing conference, every serve as members of general agencies. council, board, commission, and committee 3. A voting member of a general agency shall continue in responsibility until its suc- shall be eligible for membership on that cessor council, board, commission, or com- agency for no more than two consecutive four- mittee is organized. year terms. The four-year term shall begin at ¶ 708. Organization—1. Each program the first organizational meeting of that agency board shall elect a president and one or more following General Conference. Service of more vice presidents from the voting membership of than one year in fulfilling an unexpired or va- the board, and a secretary, treasurer, and such cated position shall be considered as a full other officers as it deems appropriate, giving four-year term. To provide a continuing mem- consideration to inclusiveness (¶¶ 124, 138); bership on these agencies, it is recommended provided that all officers shall be members of that each nominating and electing body give The United Methodist Church. special attention to continuing and effective 2. Each program board shall elect chairper- membership on these agencies. If a general sons for its divisions, departments, or other agency is merged with another agency, the subunits from the voting membership of the years served by members prior to the merger board. The divisions, departments, or other shall be counted as part of the maximum subunits shall elect a vice chairperson, a secre- specified above.

274 GENERAL PROVISIONS

A person who has been a voting member of b) If any clergy member of a general agency general agencies for four consecutive who was chosen to represent a certain juris- quadrenniums shall be ineligible for election diction ceases to be a member of an annual to a general agency in the succeeding conference in that jurisdiction, or if any lay quadrennium. The foregoing shall not apply to member so elected changes permanent resi- episcopal members. dence to a place outside the bounds of that ju- 4. No person shall serve at the same time risdiction, that member’s place shall auto- on more than one general agency or any part matically become vacant. thereof, except where the Discipline specifi- c) If any clergy member of a jurisdictional cally provides for such interagency represen- agency ceases to be a member of an annual tation; provided, however, that if this limita- conference in that jurisdiction, or if any lay tion would deprive a jurisdiction of its full member so elected changes permanent resi- episcopal representation on an agency, it may dence to a place outside the bounds of the ju- be suspended to the extent necessary to permit risdiction, that member’s place shall auto- such representation.10 (See ¶ 907.1b.) matically become vacant. 5. A voting member of a general agency, by 9. If a member of a general agency is absent virtue of such membership, shall become an ex from two consecutive meetings of the agency officio (voting) member of the corresponding without a reason acceptable to the agency, that agency or its equivalent structure, if any, in the person shall cease to be a member thereof. In annual conference in accordance with the pro- that case the person shall be so notified, and visions of ¶ 607.6; unless such membership that place shall be filled in accordance with the would conflict with ¶ 609.2b(2). Elected lay appropriate provisions of the Discipline. members of the General Board of Higher Edu- 10. When a bishop is unable to attend a cation and Ministry may serve as lay observers meeting of an agency of which that bishop is a in their annual conference board of ordained member, that bishop may name another ministry (¶ 633.1) if so nominated by the resi- bishop to attend that meeting with the privi- dent bishop. lege of vote. When an alternate to a central 6. No person who receives compensation conference bishop must be named, that alter- for services rendered or commissions of any nate shall be another central conference kind from an agency shall be eligible for voting bishop. membership on that agency. ¶ 711. Dismissal of Members and Employ- 7. No elected member, officer, or other em- ees—The councils, boards, committees, or ployee shall vote on or take part in delibera- commissions elected, authorized, or provided tions on significant matters directly or indi- for by the General Conference shall have full rectly affecting his or her business, income, or power and authority to remove and dismiss at employment, or the business, income, or em- their discretion any member, officer, or em- ployment of a member of his or her immediate ployee thereof: family. 1. Who has become incapacitated so as to 8. a) If any clergy member of a general or be unable to perform official duties. jurisdictional agency who was elected to rep- 2. Who is guilty of immoral conduct or resent a certain annual conference ceases to be breach of trust. a member of that annual conference, or if any 3. Who for any reason is unable to or who lay member so elected changes permanent fails to perform the duties of the office or for residence to a place outside the bounds of that other misconduct that any council, board, annual conference, that member’s place shall committee, or commission may deem suffi- automatically become vacant. cient to warrant such dismissal and removal.

275 ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER

In the event that any member, officer, or 1989, are not counted. The agency responsible employee of such council, board, committee, for the election of such staff may annually sus- or commission, elected, authorized, or pro- pend this provision by a two-thirds ballot vote. vided for by the General Conference, is found 2. Official travel of the staffs of agencies guilty of any crime involving moral turpitude shall be interpreted to include all travel that is by any federal, state, or county court or pleads necessary in the performance of official duties guilty thereto, then the council, board, com- directly related to the agency functions. No mittee, or commission of which that person is staff person shall accept honoraria for such of- a member, officer, or employee shall be and is ficial duties. A staff member may accept an en- hereby authorized to remove such member, gagement not related to the functions of the officer, or employee so convicted; and the employing agency when such an engagement place so vacated shall be filled as provided in does not interfere with official duties; the staff the Discipline. member may accept an honorarium for serv- ¶ 712. Vacancies—Unless otherwise speci- ices rendered in connection with such engage- fied, vacancies on general agencies occurring ments. during the quadrennium shall be filled as fol- 3. Normal retirement for all general agency lows: an episcopal vacancy shall be filled by staff personnel shall be at age sixty-five or the the Council of Bishops; a vacancy in the juris- completion of forty years of service to The dictional or central conference membership United Methodist Church in an elective, shall be filled by the corresponding College of appointive, or employed capacity. Mandatory Bishops, with notice of the vacancy sent by the retirement for elective and appointive staff agency to the secretary of the Council of Bish- shall be at age seventy. There shall be no man- ops; a vacancy in the additional membership datory retirement age for other employed shall be filled by the agency itself. When the staff. All general agency staff personnel may vacancy has been filled, the secretary of the elect to retire from the employing general agency will immediately notify the new mem- agency at any time in accordance with the ber’s annual conference secretary. policy in place at the general agency or, if the ¶ 713. Accountability of General Secretar- general agency has a voting representative on ies to the General Council on Ministries—The the Committee on Personnel Policies and general secretary of each general program Practices of the General Council on Finance agency that is accountable to the General and Administration, with the policy estab- Council on Ministries shall be elected annually lished by the General Council on Finance and by ballot of the General Council on Ministries Administration upon recommendation of the upon the nomination of the agency involved. Committee on Personnel Policies and Prac- Any general secretary of a general program tices. agency who has not been elected by the Gen- 4. Provisions of the Staff Retirement Ben- eral Council on Ministries shall not serve in efits Program shall be reviewed, with recom- such capacity beyond the end of that calendar mendations, by the Committee on Personnel year. Each general program agency shall elect Policies and Practices (¶ 807.11b). annually by ballot its deputy and associate 5. The general secretary of the General general secretary(ies) and may elect or ap- Council on Ministries and/or the general sec- point such other staff as may be necessary. retary of the General Council on Finance and ¶ 714. Provisions Pertaining to Staff—1. Administration may convene the general sec- No elected general program agency staff shall retaries of the general agencies as necessary hold the same position more than twelve for the purpose of obtaining opinion and rec- years. Years of service prior to January 1, ommendations to assist the councils in dis-

276 GENERAL PROVISIONS charging their functions. tus; and (c) provide for adequate representa- 6. All general secretaries, deputy general tion by laity. secretaries, associate general secretaries, and 2. All agencies and institutions shall, inso- assistant general secretaries of all general far as reasonably possible, schedule and hold agencies shall be members of The United all events, including designated places of lodg- Methodist Church. This provision shall not ap- ing and meals for the events, in accessible set- ply to persons employed prior to the 1992 tings that adequately accommodate persons General Conference. with disabilities. 7. No member of the staff of a general If for any reason whatsoever any event is agency shall be eligible for voting membership scheduled or held in a facility that does not so on any general or jurisdictional agency of The conform, all notices of the meeting will include United Methodist Church, except where the plainly stated advice to that effect, or alterna- Discipline specifically provides for such tively may bear a logo consisting of the inter- interagency representation. national symbol for access placed inside a 8. Elected staff shall be allowed voice, but slashed circle. The term event shall be given a not vote in the agency and its subunits. broad interpretation and shall include, by way 9. All management staff persons of general of example, scheduled conferences, seminars, agencies shall be persons who model them- and other meetings to which persons are in- selves after the servanthood of Jesus Christ. vited or called to attend as representatives of They shall be persons of genuine Christian the Church or its various institutions and character who love the Church and are com- agencies. mitted to the oneness of the body of Christ, are ¶ 716. Socially Responsible Investments— morally disciplined and loyal to the ethical It shall be the policy of The United Methodist standards of The United Methodist Church as Church that all general boards and agencies, set forth in the Social Principles, and are com- including the General Board of Pension and petent to administer the affairs of a general Health Benefits, and all administrative agen- agency. cies and institutions, including hospitals, 10. Prior to any interviews of clergypersons homes, educational institutions, annual con- for general board or agency staff positions, the ferences, foundations, and local churches, bishop of the clergyperson under considera- shall, in the investment of money, make a con- tion shall be consulted at the initiative of the scious effort to invest in institutions, compa- board or agency. nies, corporations, or funds whose practices ¶ 715. Nondiscrimination Policies—1. It are consistent with the goals outlined in the shall be the policy of The United Methodist Social Principles; and shall endeavor to avoid Church that all agencies and institutions, in- investments that appear likely, directly or in- cluding hospitals, homes, and educational in- directly, to support racial discrimination, vio- stitutions, shall: (a) recruit, employ, utilize, lation of human rights, sweatshop or forced recompense, and promote their professional labor, gambling, or the production of nuclear staff and other personnel in a manner consist- armaments, alcoholic beverages or tobacco, or ent with the commitment of The United Meth- companies dealing in pornography. The odist Church to women and men of all races boards and agencies are to give careful consid- and ethnic origins, including persons with dis- eration to shareholder advocacy, including ad- abilities; (b) fulfill their duties and responsi- vocacy of corporate disinvestment. bilities in a manner that does not involve seg- ¶ 717. Record Maintenance—Each general regation or discrimination on the basis of race, agency shall keep a continuous record of its color, age, sex, or disability, including HIV sta- advocacy roles, coalitions, and other organiza-

277 ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER tions supported by membership or funds, and pline for a specific purpose, the term endorsement or opposition of federal or state quadrennium shall be deemed to be the four- legislation. Information concerning these ac- year period beginning January 1 following the tivities shall be available to United Methodist adjournment of the regular session of the Gen- churches upon written request. Organizations eral Conference. not officially related to the General Confer- ¶ 721. Restrictions on Closed Meetings—In ence may take positions only in their own the spirit of openness and accountability, all names and may not speak for a general agency meetings of councils, boards, agencies, com- or the denomination as a whole (¶ 509.1). missions, and committees of the Church, in- ¶ 718. Decisions for Program Expendi- cluding subunit meetings and teleconferences, tures—All programs or general funds adminis- shall be open. Portions of a meeting may be tered by any general agency of The United closed for consideration of specific subjects if Methodist Church (¶ 701) that are proposed to such a closed session is authorized by an af- be used within an annual conference shall be firmative public vote with at least three- implemented or disbursed only after consulta- fourths of the voting members present. The tion with the presiding bishop, the director of vote shall be taken in public session and re- connectional ministries or equivalent, the corded in the minutes. Documents distributed Council on Ministries, and the appropriate in open meetings shall be considered public. district superintendent(s) of that annual con- Great restraint should be used in closing ference. Consultation in matters of program meetings; closed sessions should be used as implementation, funding, and relationships seldom as possible. Subjects that may be con- among various agencies, conferences, and sidered in closed session are limited to real es- other bodies of the Church requires communi- tate matters; negotiations, when general cation, including written documentation, in knowledge could be harmful to the negotiation which each party reveals plans and intents in process; personnel matters; issues related to such a way as to assure dialogue and mutual the accreditation or approval of institutions; awareness, even if not agreement. discussions relating to pending or potential ¶ 719. International and Ecumenical Set- litigation or collective bargaining; communi- tings—The General Board of Global Ministries cations with attorneys or accountants; deploy- shall facilitate and coordinate the program re- ment of security personnel or devices and ne- lationships of other program agencies of The gotiations involving confidential third-party United Methodist Church with colleague information. While it is expected that the Gen- churches and agencies in nations other than eral Conference, the Judicial Council and the the United States. The resources of the Gen- Council of Bishops will live by the spirit of this eral Board of Global Ministries shall also be paragraph, each of these constitutional bodies available to the Council of Bishops in the im- is governed by its own rules of procedure. plementation of its responsibilities as defined A report on the results of a closed session in ¶ 416.2, .3. Central conferences of The shall be made immediately upon its conclu- United Methodist Church may request pro- sion or as soon thereafter as is practicable. gram and other assistance through direct rela- ¶ 722. Evangelical United Brethren Coun- tionships with the program agencies of The cil of Administration—The General Council United Methodist Church. on Finance and Administration shall preserve ¶ 720. Program and Fiscal Year—1. The the corporate existence of the Evangelical program and fiscal year for The United Meth- United Brethren Council of Administration odist Church shall be the calendar year. until such time as attorneys shall advise its 2. Unless otherwise specified in the Disci- dissolution. The General Council on Finance

278 GENERAL COUNCIL ON FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION and Administration shall nominate for elec- tries at home and abroad and that the work tion the Board of Trustees of the Evangelical committed to us may prosper, the following fi- United Brethren Council of Administration. nancial plan has been duly approved and ¶ 723. Translation of Church Name—The adopted. name of The United Methodist Church may be ¶ 802. Name—There shall be a General translated by any central conference into lan- Council on Finance and Administration of The guages other than English. The United Meth- United Methodist Church, hereinafter called odist Church in the Central and Southern Eu- the council. rope Central Conference and the Germany ¶ 803. Incorporation—The council shall Central Conference may use the name be incorporated in such state or states as the Evangelisch-methodistische Kirche. council shall determine. This corporation shall ¶ 724. Church Founding Date—The be the successor corporation and organization United Methodist Church (¶ 118) has become to the Council on World Service and Finance the successor to all rights, powers, and privi- (including the Council on World Service and leges of The Evangelical United Brethren Finance of The United Methodist Church, an Church and The Methodist Church. The two Illinois corporation; the World Service Com- churches, from their beginnings, have had a mission of the Methodist Episcopal Church, close relationship. an Illinois corporation; the General Council of The Methodist Church, the first of the two Administration of The Evangelical United churches to organize, dates from the Christ- Brethren Church, an Ohio corporation; the mas Conference of 1784. Therefore, The Board of Administration, Church of the United United Methodist Church recognizes as its Brethren in Christ, an Ohio corporation) and founding date the year 1784. the Board of Trustees. All General Conferences shall be desig- This corporation shall receive and adminis- nated not in numerical sequence from any ter new trusts and funds, and so far as may be particular date, but merely by the calendar legal be the successor in trust of: The Board of years in which they are respectively held. An Trustees of The United Methodist Church; The annual conference, local church, or other body Board of Trustees of The Evangelical United within The United Methodist Church that is Brethren Church, incorporated under the laws composed of uniting units with differing dates of Ohio; The Board of Trustees of the Church of origin shall use as the date of its founding of the United Brethren in Christ, incorporated the date of founding of the older or oldest of under the laws of Ohio; The Board of Trustees the uniting units while remaining sensitive to of The Evangelical Church, an unincorporated the recording of the entirety of the Church’s body; The Board of Trustees of The Methodist history, including all information regarding Church, incorporated under the laws of Ohio; the younger unit. The Trustees of The Methodist Episcopal Church, incorporated under the laws of Ohio; Section II. General Council on Finance The Board of Trustees of The Methodist Epis- and Administration copal Church, South, incorporated under the laws of Tennessee; and The Board of Trustees ¶ 801. The work of the Church requires the of The Methodist Protestant Church, incorpo- support of our people. Participation through rated under the laws of Maryland; and so far service and gifts is a Christian duty, a means of as may be legal, as such successor in trust, it is grace, and an expression of our love to God. In authorized to receive from any of its said pred- order that all members of The United Method- ecessor corporations all trust funds and assets ist Church may share in its manifold minis- of every kind and character—real, personal, or

279 ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER mixed—held by them or any one of them, or to and the publisher of The United Methodist merge into itself any one or more of its said Church may sit with the council and shall have predecessor corporations. Any such trusts and the right to the floor without the privilege of funds coming to it as successor corporation, voting. either by transfer or by merger, shall be ad- d) The voting members, including bishops, ministered in accordance with the conditions shall not be eligible for membership on, or em- under which they have been previously re- ployment by, any other general agency of The ceived and administered by said predecessor United Methodist Church (¶ 701.2), except corporations or unincorporated body. where the Book of Discipline specifically pro- ¶ 804. Amenability—The council shall re- vides for such interagency representation. port to and be amenable to the General Con- Members shall also be guided by such conflict- ference, and it shall cooperate with the Gen- of-interest policies and provisions as may eral Council on Ministries in the compilation from time to time be adopted by the General of budgets for program agencies participating Conference or by the council itself. in World Service Funds, as defined in ¶ 806.1. e) Members shall serve until their succes- ¶ 805. Organization—1. Membership—a) sors are elected and qualified. The voting members of the Council shall be f) Vacancies occurring between sessions of elected quadrennially by the General Confer- the General Conference shall be filled by the ence and shall consist of forty persons nomi- council on nomination of the College of Bish- nated as follows: ops of the jurisdiction concerned (see ¶ 712) if (1) three bishops, nominated by the Coun- the vacancy is among members chosen to rep- cil of Bishops; resent a jurisdiction, or, in the event of a va- (2) six persons from each jurisdiction, cancy among the episcopal, central confer- nominated by the bishops of that jurisdiction; ence, or at-large members, on nomination of (3) one person from an annual conference the Council of Bishops. in the central conferences, nominated by the 2. Meetings—The council shall meet at Council of Bishops; and least annually and at such other times as are (4) six members at large, at least one of necessary on call of the president or on written whom shall be a young person between the request of one-fifth of the members. Twenty- ages of twelve and seventeen and at least one one voting members shall constitute a quo- of whom shall not be over thirty years of age at rum. the time of election, and most of whom shall 3. Officers—The officers of the council shall be elected for special skills. The members at be a president, a vice president, a recording large shall be nominated by the Council of secretary, and a general secretary, who shall Bishops without reference to jurisdictions. also be the treasurer of the council, all of b) It is recommended that attention be whom shall be elected by the council (see § 5). given to ensuring adequate representation of They shall serve until the adjournment of the racial and ethnic groups, with at least two of next succeeding quadrennial session of the the at-large members to be racial and ethnic General Conference after their election and persons. It is further recommended that in the until their successors are duly elected and membership from each of the jurisdictions qualified. The president, vice president, and and the at-large members, one-third be clergy recording secretary shall be elected from the in full connection, one-third be laymen, and membership of the council. The general secre- one-third be laywomen. tary shall sit with the council and its executive c) The general secretaries who serve as the committee at all sessions and shall have the chief executive officers of the general agencies right to the floor without the privilege of vot-

280 GENERAL COUNCIL ON FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION ing. pervise under the direction of its general sec- 4. Committees—a) Executive Committee— retary a Committee on Official Forms and There shall be an executive committee of the Records, which shall have the duty of prepar- council, consisting of the episcopal members, ing and editing all official statistical forms, the officers of the council, chairpersons of the record forms, and record books for use in the committees on services as defined in the coun- Church. The committee shall consist of one cil bylaws, the chairperson of the Committee bishop elected by the Council of Bishops and on Council Operations, and up to three mem- nine persons elected by the General Council bers at large to assure that, in addition to the on Finance and Administration, as follows: episcopal members, there is at least one mem- one member of the council from each jurisdic- ber from each jurisdiction and there is racial tion, one conference secretary, one conference and ethnic participation. The executive com- treasurer, one conference statistician, and one mittee shall meet on call of the president or of district superintendent. The following persons a majority of the membership and shall act for shall be consultants to this committee ex offi- the council and exercise its powers in the in- cio, without vote: a staff representative of the terim between the meetings of the council, but council, the director of the Department of Sta- it shall not take any action contrary to or in tistics, a staff representative of the General conflict with any action or policy of the coun- Council on Ministries, a representative of The cil. A copy of the minutes of each meeting of United Methodist Publishing House, and rep- the executive committee shall be sent from the resentatives of other general agencies when central office to each member of the council as their programs are directly involved. All offi- soon after the meeting as practicable. cial record forms, record books, and certifi- b) Committee on Audit and Review—The cates designed by the committee for use in The executive committee of the council shall ap- United Methodist Church and available for point a Committee on Audit and Review, no sale shall be printed and published through members of which shall be officers or mem- The United Methodist Publishing House. bers of the executive committee of the council, d) Committee on Personnel Policies and and at least half of whom shall not be mem- Practices—The council shall organize a com- bers of the council, whose duty it shall be to mittee consisting of three representatives review audits of all treasuries receiving gen- from the General Council on Finance and Ad- eral Church funds (see ¶ 810.2), including the ministration, one of whom shall serve as chair- funds of the council, and related policies with person, two representatives from the General financial implications. Not included are the Council on Ministries, and one representative audits of the General Board of Pension and of each of the following agencies: the General Health Benefits and The United Methodist Board of Church and Society, the General Publishing House. In any matter of possible or Board of Discipleship, the General Board of potential financial impropriety reported to the Global Ministries, the General Board of committee by the auditors, the committee Higher Education and Ministry, the General chair shall immediately inform the president Commission on Archives and History, the and general secretary of the General Council General Commission on Christian Unity and on Finance and Administration and the presi- Interreligious Concerns, the General Commis- dent and general secretary of the applicable sion on Communication, the General Commis- agency. The committee shall report its find- sion on Religion and Race, the General Com- ings to the annual meeting of the council. mission on the Status and Role of Women, and c) Committee on Official Forms and the General Commission on United Methodist Records—The council shall maintain and su- Men. Each of the aforementioned representa-

281 ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER tives shall be selected by the council, board, or c) The council shall report to each quadren- commission represented from its member- nial session of the General Conference the ship. The committee shall have duties and re- amounts of its actual income and expenditures sponsibilities as defined in ¶ 807.11b. for the four preceding years. e) Committee on Legal Responsibilities— ¶ 806. Fiscal Responsibilities—All monies The council shall organize a committee com- contributed by a local church to any of the gen- posed of six persons, three of whom shall be eral funds of the Church, as listed or defined in members of the council. The committee shall ¶ 810.1, and such other funds as may have be amenable to the council and shall make rec- been authorized by the General Conference ommendations to the council regarding the shall be held in trust by the council and dis- fulfillment of the responsibilities defined in ¶ tributed only in support of the ministries of 807.7. the respective funds. The council shall be ac- f) Other Committees—The council shall countable to The United Methodist Church elect or appoint such other committees and through the General Conference in all matters task forces as needed for the performance of relating to the receiving, disbursing, and re- its duties. porting of such funds, and agencies receiving 5. Staff—The council shall elect a general such funds shall be fiscally accountable to the secretary as provided in § 3 above. On nomi- council. In the exercise of its fiscal account- nation of the general secretary, the council ability role, the council shall have the author- may elect deputy and/or associate general sec- ity and responsibility to perform the following retaries, who shall work under the direction of functions: the general secretary. The general secretary 1. It shall submit to each quadrennial ses- shall be the chief administrative officer of the sion of the General Conference, for its action council. and determination, budgets of expense for 6. Financial Support—a) Financial support each of the general funds of the Church, as from general church funds for the work of the listed or defined in ¶ 810.1, and such other council shall be from the following sources: (1) general funds as the General Conference may an on-ratio allocation from the General Ad- establish. It shall also make recommendations ministration Fund, in an amount determined regarding all other funding considerations to by the General Conference; (2) fixed charges come before General Conference. Actual re- against the World Service Fund, the Episcopal ceipts for each fund for the quadrennium then Fund, the Interdenominational Cooperation ending shall be the basis for all budgeting pro- Fund, and such other general funds as the cedures and comparisons for the coming General Conference may authorize, on recom- quadrennium. mendation of the council. Fixed charges shall a) The council shall make recommenda- be in proportion to the funds’ receipts. tions to the General Conference as to the b) The council shall submit to each quad- amount and distribution of all funds provided rennial session of the General Conference for in § 1 above. budgets of estimated income and expense for b) In the case of the World Service Fund, the four years of the ensuing quadrennium. the General Council on Finance and Adminis- Prior to the beginning of each fiscal year, the tration and the General Council on Ministries council shall approve a budget for its opera- shall proceed in the following manner in de- tion for the following year. In the event of un- veloping budget recommendations as they re- anticipated circumstances, the council may, late to allocations to the general program by a two-thirds vote, amend a budget it had agencies of the Church: previously approved for its own operation. (1) The General Council on Ministries shall,

282 GENERAL COUNCIL ON FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION in consultation with the General Council on funding up to the limit so established. No Finance and Administration and the general money shall be allocated by the General Coun- program agencies, develop recommendations cil on Ministries from this source for general to the General Council on Finance and Admin- administrative costs, fixed charges, or capital istration on needs of the general program outlay without approval by the General Coun- agencies for the programs, missional priori- cil on Finance and Administration. ties, and special programs. (7) The General Council on Ministries shall (2) The General Council on Finance and receive from the General Council on Finance Administration shall then establish and com- and Administration copies of the proposed an- municate to the General Council on Ministries nual budgets of the general program agencies, the total sum proposed for distribution from in order that it may review such budgets in re- the World Service Fund among the general lation to the program proposals made by those program agencies. agencies in their quadrennial budget requests. (3) The General Council on Ministries, af- c) It shall recommend the formulas by ter reviewing both the program priorities and which all apportionments to the annual con- the total funds available to the general pro- ferences shall be determined, subject to the gram agencies, shall recommend to the Gen- approval of the General Conference. eral Council on Finance and Administration 2. It shall receive and disburse in accord- the amount of the annual World Service allo- ance with budgets and/or directives approved cation to each of those agencies, within the to- by the General Conference all funds raised tal sum proposed by the General Council on throughout the Church for any of the general Finance and Administration for distribution funds of the Church, as listed or defined in ¶ among such agencies. 810.1, and for any other fund or funds, as di- (4) Only when the General Council on Fi- rected by the proper authority. nance and Administration and the General 3. Accounting and Reporting—It shall re- Council on Ministries agree on the allocations quire all agencies receiving general Church to the several general program agencies shall funds (see ¶ 810.2) to follow uniform account- these allocations be included in the World ing classifications and procedures for report- Service budget to be recommended to the ing. It shall include in its quad- rennial report General Conference by the General Council on to the General Conference a fiscal report for Finance and Administration. each such agency receiving general Church (5) The General Council on Finance and funds. Administration shall establish the total sum to 4. General Agency Budget Review—It shall be recommended to the General Conference require annually one month in advance of its for the annual budget of the World Service annual meeting, or as is deemed necessary, Fund. and in such form as the council may require, (6) Before the beginning of each year, the statements of proposed budgets of all treasur- General Council on Finance and Administra- ies or agencies receiving general Church funds tion shall determine and communicate to the (see ¶ 810.2). It shall review the budget of each General Council on Ministries the sum avail- agency receiving general Church funds in ac- able at that time from World Service contin- cordance with guidelines that it shall establish gency funds to meet requests for additional and communicate to the agencies, including funding from the general program agencies. the relationship between administration, serv- The General Council on Ministries shall be au- ice, and promotion. In the interest of sound thorized to approve allocations to the general fiscal management, the council will ensure program agencies for additional program that expenditures of agencies receiving gen-

283 ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER eral Church funds do not exceed receipts and lines are recommended for all Church organi- available reserves, and this within a budget zations. The council shall provide consulta- approved by the council. tion, advice, and assistance on the develop- 5. General Agency Audits—It shall require ment and approval of specific investment poli- an annual audit of all treasuries receiving gen- cies for all agencies receiving general Church eral Church funds (see ¶ 810.2), following funds. The council shall provide consultation such auditing procedures as it may specify. It and advice on the selection of investment shall select the auditing firm for these annual counselors and managers for, and review, at audits based on a recommendation by the the council’s discretion but on at least an an- Committee on Audit and Review. nual basis, the performance of all invested 6. Internal Audit Functions—It shall estab- funds of all agencies receiving general Church lish and conduct the internal auditing func- funds. The council shall have complete au- tions for all agencies receiving general Church thority to manage any portfolio of less than funds (see ¶ 810.2). $5,000,000 and may, upon request by the 7. It shall establish policy governing the agency, manage larger portfolios. The council functions of banking, payroll, accounting, is encouraged to invest in institutions, compa- budget control, and internal auditing for all nies, corporations, or funds that make a posi- agencies receiving general Church funds (see ¶ tive contribution toward the realization of the 810.2). The council may, upon mutual consent goals outlined in the Social Principles of The of the agencies involved, perform the func- United Methodist Church (¶¶ 160–166). tions of banking, check preparation, and pay- 12. The Committee on Audit and Review (¶ roll on behalf of an agency in order to maxi- 805.4b), on behalf of the council, shall moni- mize efficiency of operation. tor the compliance of agencies receiving gen- 8. It shall review for approval plans for fi- eral Church funds (see ¶ 810.2) with the fiscal nancing all international or national confer- accountability policies and practices set forth ences and convocations to be held under the in ¶ 806 and the general policies set forth in ¶ auspices of any general agency receiving gen- 811.1–4, .7, and with recommendations made eral Church funds (see ¶ 810.2). by the independent and/or internal auditors 9. It shall be responsible for ensuring that under ¶ 805.4b, with respect to matters of pos- no board, agency, committee, commission, or sible or potential financial impropriety. The council shall give United Methodist funds to council shall have authority to implement ac- any gay caucus or group, or otherwise use such tions which it may approve based on recom- funds to promote the acceptance of homo- mendations from the committee. sexuality. The council shall have the right to a) If the committee finds that there are vio- stop such expenditures. This restriction shall lations of such policies, practices, or recom- not limit the Church’s ministry in response to mendations, it shall first notify the president the HIV epidemic. and general secretary of the agency involved 10. In keeping with the Church’s historic and the president and general secretary of the stand on total abstinence, the council shall General Council on Finance and Administra- seek to ensure that no apportioned general tion of its findings, in writing. It shall also re- funds are expended for the use of alcoholic quest from the agency, within a specified beverages. timeline, a written response to the commit- 11. It shall develop general investment poli- tee’s findings, with the written response to in- cies and guidelines for all agencies receiving clude additional information and/or proposed general Church funds (see ¶ 810.2), following corrective action. consultation with those agencies. These guide- b) After receiving the agency’s response,

284 GENERAL COUNCIL ON FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION the committee may take one or more of the fol- cal responsibilities: lowing actions: 1. To receive, collect, and hold in trust for (1) It may determine that the response and the benefit of The United Methodist Church, any additional information supplied by the its general funds, or its general agencies any agency is sufficient to explain the issue or situ- and all donations, bequests, and devises of any ation that occasioned the initial finding, and kind, real or personal, that may be given, de- that no further action in needed. vised, bequeathed, or conveyed to The United (2) It may determine that the corrective ac- Methodist Church as such or to any general tion proposed by the agency is sufficiently re- fund or agency of The United Methodist sponsive to the issue or situation, and that, Church for any benevolent, charitable, or reli- when implemented, no further action will be gious purposes, and to administer the same needed. and the income there from in accordance with (3) It may determine that the agency’s re- the directions of the donor, trustor, or testa- sponse is insufficient to address the issue or tor; and, in cooperation with the Board of Dis- situation. In that case, it may recommend to cipleship, to take such action as is necessary to the agency, for the agency’s consideration, the encourage United Methodists to provide for type of corrective actions that it believes nec- their continued participation in World Serv- essary to address the issue or situation ad- ice, in one or more of the World Service agen- equately, along with a timeline for reporting cies, or in other general Church benevolence corrective action taken. funds or interests, through wills and special (4) It may prepare an informational report gifts. on the matter for those members of the council 2. Where annual conferences, individually who have been assigned responsibility for re- or in groups, have established United Method- viewing the annual budget of the agency. ist foundations, the council may provide staff c) It may recommend to the General Coun- leadership on request to advise in matters of cil on Finance and Administration for its ac- financial management, to the end that founda- tion, with notice of the recommendation given tion assets shall be wisely managed on behalf to the president and general secretary of the of the Church. agency involved, one or more of the following 3. To make recommendations to the Gen- steps: eral Conference, in consultation with the Gen- (1) Continuing monitoring by the council’s eral Council on Ministries and the Council of internal audit department, at the expense of Bishops, regarding any offerings to be re- the agency involved, until the committee finds ceived in connection with special days ob- that the issue has been satisfactorily resolved. served on a churchwide basis. These recom- (2) Withholding of an appropriate amount mendations shall include the number and tim- of funding from general fund receipts that ing of such special days with offerings, the would otherwise be payable to the agency, un- amount, if any, to be established as a goal for til the council, on recommendation of the each such offering, the causes to be benefited committee, finds that the issue has been satis- by each, the method by which the receipts on factorily resolved. each such offering shall be distributed among (3) Reporting of any unresolved issues to the causes benefiting from it, and the method the next session of the General Conference, by which such receipts shall be remitted and along with recommendations for General Con- reported by local churches. All such recom- ference action. mendations are subject to the approval of the ¶ 807. Other Fiscal Responsibilities—The General Conference. council shall have the following additional fis- 4. To establish general policy governing the

285 ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER ownership, sale, rental, renovation, or pur- torical properties as may be acquired in the fu- chase of property by a general agency in the ture, shall be held by the General Council on United States or Puerto Rico. The council shall Finance and Administration. consider the plans of any general agency pro- 7. To take all necessary legal steps to safe- posing to acquire or sell real estate or erect a guard and protect the interests and rights of building or enter into a lease in the continental the denomination; to maintain a file of legal United States and determine whether the pro- briefs related to cases involving the denomina- posed action is in the best interest of The tional interests of The United Methodist United Methodist Church. On the basis of that Church, and to make provisions for legal coun- determination it shall approve or disapprove sel where necessary to protect the interests all such proposed actions. In the case of such and rights of the denomination. The council proposed action by a general program agency, shall recommend to each general agency and it shall solicit and consider the recommenda- unit thereof and to each annual conference tion of the General Council on Ministries. If ei- council on finance and administration a uni- ther council disapproves, the agency shall de- form procedure to be followed by the aforesaid lay the project until it can be considered by the agencies and, where applicable, local next General Conference. Nothing in the fore- churches, relative to the certification and pay- going shall include the operational require- ment of ordained ministers’ housing allow- ments of The United Methodist Publishing ances in accordance with provisions of the In- House or the General Board of Pension and ternal Revenue Code of the United States. The Health Benefits. council shall have the authority to pursue poli- 5. To act in concert with the General Coun- cies and procedures necessary to preserve the cil on Ministries to establish a procedure for tax-exempt status of the denomination and its making a quadrennial review, initiating pro- affiliated organizations. posals and/or responding to proposals by the 8. To supervise the use of the official general agencies regarding the location of United Methodist insignia and preserve the headquarters and staff and reporting the same integrity of its design, in cooperation with the to the General Conference. (See ¶ 906.26.) General Commission on Communication. It 6. To exercise on behalf of the General Con- shall maintain appropriate registration to pro- ference a property reporting function by re- tect the insignia on behalf of the denomina- ceiving reports annually from general agencies tion. The insignia may be used by any official of the Church concerning property titles, val- United Methodist agency, including local ues, debts, general maintenance, lease or churches, to identify United Methodist work, rental costs, space usage, and such other infor- programs, and materials. In order to preserve mation as the council may deem relevant. The the integrity of its design, the insignia should council may consult and advise with the gen- not be altered or modified by those official eral agencies concerning any property prob- United Methodist organizations that use it. lems that may arise. A summary of the prop- Any commercial use of the design must be ex- erty data shall be reported to each quadrennial plicitly authorized in writing by an appropri- General Conference. This provision shall ap- ate officer of the General Council on Finance ply to headquarters buildings but not to prop- and Administration. erties that are part of the program responsi- 9. To supervise the use of the names bilities of the General Board of Global Minis- “United Methodist” and “The United Method- tries or to any of the properties of The United ist Church” and maintain the appropriate reg- Methodist Publishing House. Titles to historic istrations of these names on behalf of the de- sites and heritage landmarks, and such his- nomination.

286 GENERAL COUNCIL ON FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION

10. To provide direction and coordination sented on the committee and any changes re- in the design and implementation of operating quired thereto from time to time; (3) receive systems in order to maximize the efficiency of from agencies and institutions receiving gen- operating personnel, equipment, and re- eral Church funds (see ¶ 810.2) statements re- sources between and within agencies. During garding their compliance with the policy the quadrennium, these agencies shall study stated in ¶ 811.1; and (4) receive from all gen- their respective responsibilities, programs, eral agencies information necessary to evalu- and internal operations and institute such im- ate pay equity. Based on these statements, and provements and economies in their work as in consultation with and upon the advice of the they find to be feasible and practicable. They General Commission on Religion and Race shall cooperate with the council in working and the General Commission on the Status out, in advance of these studies, the general and Role of Women, the committee shall pre- areas to be included and methods of carrying pare for the General Council on Finance and out this objective. They shall report their ac- Administration reports and recommendations complishments in improvements and econo- deemed appropriate by the committee. mies to the council before the close of the third In the event it is determined by the council fiscal year of each quadrennium, at a time de- that an agency or institution receiving general termined by the council, which shall prepare Church funds is not in compliance with the from this information a combined report for equal employment opportunity policies and the General Conference. the salary and employee benefit schedules es- 11. a) The council shall: (1) require each tablished by the committee, the council shall general agency as listed in ¶ 805.4d, including notify in writing the agency so named and sus- itself, to follow uniform policies and practices pend, after a three-month period of grace, an in the employment and remuneration of per- appropriate amount of future funding until sonnel, recognizing differences in local em- the agency or institution complies. ployment conditions (these policies and prac- 12. To maintain a consultative service to as- tices shall be consistent with the Social Princi- sist general agencies in planning and making ples and resolutions of The United Methodist arrangements for national meetings, confer- Church); and (2) be authorized to gather from ences, and convocations. all general agencies, at such intervals and in 13. To maintain an accurate record of the such format as it may determine, information mail addresses of all bishops; ordained and regarding salary remuneration and pay equity consecrated ministers in effective relation; lo- and the number of agency employees and cal pastors, including retired ordained minis- staff. Information related to the remuneration ters serving charges; charges, local churches, of specific employees may be released only by parishes, fellowships, and new church starts; the employing agency or employee. and such lists of general, jurisdictional, and b) The Committee on Personnel Policies conference boards, commissions, and com- and Practices (¶ 805.4d) shall: (1) prepare mittees, and officers of same, and of such quadrennially, review annually, and recom- other officers as the council may determine mend to the council an appropriate salary necessary. No one other than authorized bod- schedule, based upon responsibilities, for ex- ies or officers of the Church shall be permitted empt staff personnel of the councils, boards, to use these records. and commissions represented on the commit- 14. To prepare the important statistics re- tee; (2) develop and recommend to the council lating to The United Methodist Church for the a schedule of benefits for an employee benefit General Minutes or such other publications program for personnel of agencies repre- and releases as may be approved by the coun-

287 ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER cil. It shall provide for the distribution of sta- ment of educational materials and informa- tistical information to annual conferences, the tional resources, and other appropriate general planning and research agencies of the means. The council may provide such staff and Church, and other interested parties. The in-kind services to the association as it deems council may establish an appropriate schedule appropriate. of fees and charges to defray the cost of such 19. To provide guidance and consultation information distribution services. and to encourage general agency participation 15. To assist and advise the jurisdictions, in the United Methodist Association of Annual annual conferences, districts, and local Conference Computer Administrators. The churches in all matters relating to the work of council may provide such staff and in-kind the council. These matters shall include, but services to the association as it deems appro- shall not be limited to, business administra- priate. tion, investment and property management, 20. To institute, manage, and maintain an information technology, and auditing. Matters insurance program available, where approved related to resourcing the development and im- by regulatory agencies, to all United Method- plementation of financial programs within the ist local churches in the United States and local church committee on finance shall be the Puerto Rico and, where acceptable on an un- responsibility of the General Board of Disci- derwriting basis, to all United Methodist an- pleship. The council may perform certain nual conferences, agencies, and institutions in functions for the jurisdictions, annual confer- the United States and Puerto Rico. ences, districts, or local churches if the par- 21. To designate a staff member who, in co- ticular organization so elects and a suitable operation with the general secretary, will plan of operation can be determined. fulfill such responsibilities as may be needed 16. To provide guidance and consultation to assist the Commission on the General Con- in the area of local church business adminis- ference with preparation for sessions of the tration, including establishment of profes- General Conference. In fulfilling this role, the sional standards, a training program, certifi- staff member will function as the commis- cation of church business administrators and sion’s business manager and shall be related associate church business administrators; and operationally to the Commission. to provide assistance to the United Methodist ¶ 808. Conference Payments of Appor- Association of Church Business Administra- tioned Funds—1. The treasurer of the General tors. Council on Finance and Administration shall, 17. To provide guidance and consultation not less than ninety days prior to the session of for continuing education of church secretar- each annual conference or as soon thereafter ies, including establishment of training and as practical, transmit to the presiding bishop certification programs, and to provide assist- thereof, to the president of the conference ance to the Professional Association of United council on finance and administration, and to Methodist Church Secretaries. the conference treasurer a statement of the 18. To provide guidance and consultation apportionments to the conference for the to the National Association of Commissions World Service Fund, the General Administra- on Equitable Compensation of The United tion Fund, the Episcopal Fund, the Interde- Methodist Church. The association shall pro- nominational Cooperation Fund, the Ministe- vide guidance and counsel to annual confer- rial Education Fund, the Black College Fund, ence commissions on equitable compensation the Africa University Fund, and such other in their areas of responsibility (¶ 623) by funds as may have been apportioned by the means of consultations, workshops, develop- General Conference.

288 GENERAL COUNCIL ON FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION

2. The treasurer shall keep an account of all Administration upon recommendation by the amounts remitted by the conference treasur- Committee on Audit and Review (¶ 805.4b). ers and from other sources intended for the funds listed in ¶ 810.1 and any other fund so directed by the proper authority, and shall dis- General Funds burse the same as authorized by the General Conference and directed by the council. A ¶ 810. Definition of General Funds—1. The separate account shall be kept of each such terms general fund(s) and general Church fund, and none of them shall be drawn on for fund(s), wherever they appear in the Book of the benefit of another fund. Discipline, refer to: the World Service Fund; 3. If more than the amount approved by the the General Administration Fund; the Episco- General Conference for a fund total, or for a pal Fund; the Interdenominational Coopera- line item within a fund total, is received in any tion Fund; the Ministerial Education Fund; given year, the excess funds shall be held in the Black College Fund; the Africa University trust by the council in an apportionment Fund; World Service Special Gifts; general Ad- stabilization fund. All monies placed in such a vance Special Gifts; the World Communion fund shall be considered as fund balances re- Fund; the Human Relations Day Fund; the stricted by the General Conference to the United Methodist Student Day Fund; the One fund(s) or line item(s) in which the surplus oc- Great Hour of Sharing Fund; Peace with Jus- curred. They shall be held by the council until tice Sunday Fund; Native American Ministries such time as shortfalls in such receipts occur Sunday Fund; the Youth Service Fund; and during the same quadrennium, at which time such other funds as may have been established they shall be released to compensate for the by the General Conference and have been spe- shortfalls. If undistributed funds remain in an cifically authorized by the General Conference apportionment stabilization fund at the end of to be raised on a churchwide basis. They are the quadrennium, the council shall recom- restricted assets and are not funds of local mend, for action by the next General Confer- churches, annual or jurisdictional confer- ence, the disposition of any remaining fund ences, or other units of the denomination. balances, provided that those recommenda- Such general funds are to be disbursed for the tions shall be consistent with the purposes for purpose or purposes set forth in ¶¶ 812–828 which the funds were raised. and budgets or similar directives adopted for ¶ 809. Annual Reports by the General the respective funds by the General Confer- Treasurer to the Annual Conferences of All ence. The General Council on Finance and Ad- General Church Expenditures—The treasurer ministration, in the fulfillment of its fiscal re- shall report annually to the council and to the sponsibilities pursuant to ¶ 806, shall only respective conference councils as to all have authority to disburse monies contributed amounts received and disbursed during to any of these funds in a manner specifically theyear. The treasurer shall also make to each authorized by the Book of Discipline or for a quadrennial session of the General Confer- purpose set forth in the budget or directives ence a full report of the financial transactions adopted by the preceding General Conference of the council for the previous four fiscal years. for that particular fund. The treasurer shall be bonded for such an 2. The terms agency(ies) receiving general amount as may be determined by the council. Church funds and treasury(ies) receiving gen- The books of the treasurer shall be audited an- eral Church funds, as used in ¶¶ 701–830 of nually by a certified public accountant se- the Book of Discipline, refer to agencies whose lected by the General Council on Finance and operational or administrative budgets are di-

289 ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER rectly supported, in whole or in part, by alloca- judgment represent unnecessary duplication tions from one or more general Church funds. of administrative function; in cooperation For the purposes of ¶¶ 701–830, the General with and on recommendation of the General Board of Pension and Health Benefits and The Council on Ministries, it may withhold ap- United Methodist Publishing House shall be proval of any such item that represents unnec- deemed not to be agencies or treasuries whose essary duplication of program within an operational or administrative budgets are di- agency or between two or more agencies. If the rectly supported, in whole or in part, by alloca- council finds that there is such duplication in tions from one or more general Church funds. existing activities, it shall promptly direct the ¶ 811. General Policies—1. The General attention of the agencies involved to the situa- Council on Finance and Administration is au- tion and shall cooperate with them in correct- thorized to withhold approval of a portion or ing the same, and it may decline to supply all of the budget of any agency or any Church- from general fund receipts money to continue related institution receiving general Church activities that have been held to duplicate each funds (see ¶ 810.2) until such agency or other unnecessarily or plainly violate the prin- Church-related institution certifies to the ciple of correlation as applied to the total be- council in writing that it has established and nevolence program of the Church. complied with a policy of: (a) recruiting, em- 3. An agency of The United Methodist ploying, utilizing, recompensing, and promot- Church receiving general Church funds (see ¶ ing professional staff and other personnel 810.2) proposing to borrow funds for a period without regard to race, color, age, or sex; (b) in excess of twelve months or in an amount in fulfilling its duties and responsibilities in a excess of 25 percent of its annual budget or manner that does not involve segregation or five hundred thousand dollars, whichever discrimination on the basis of race, age, or sex; amount is smaller, whether for building or and (c) insofar as possible, purchasing goods current expense purposes, shall submit such and services from vendors who are in compli- proposal, accompanied by a plan for amortiza- ance with such policies as are described in sec- tion, to the council for approval. If the council tions (a) and (b) of this paragraph. In the disapproves, the agency shall delay such bor- fulfillment of this directive, the council shall rowing until it can be considered by the next take the following steps to ensure that con- General Conference. cerns of the General Commission on Religion 4. Special Churchwide Financial Ap- and Race and the General Commission on the peals—a) Any general appeal to the Church at Status and Role of Women are represented: (1) large for financial support for any cause, consult with the two commissions in the de- agency, institution, or purpose shall be subject velopment of a certification form to be submit- to the provisions of this paragraph. Appeals to ted to the council by agencies and institutions special or limited groups such as alumni or an receiving general Church funds; (2) share cop- educational institution are not included. ies of such certifications with the two commis- b) Any general board, cause, agency, or in- sions; and (3) receive and consider recom- stitution or any organization, group, officer, or mendations from either of the two commis- individual of The United Methodist Church or sions regarding possible noncompliance with to which The United Methodist Church con- these policies by agencies and institutions re- tributes financial support desiring or propos- ceiving general Church funds. ing to make a special churchwide financial ap- 2. It may withhold approval of any item or peal during the quadrennium shall present a items in the budget or budgets receiving gen- request for authorization to make such appeal eral Church funds (see ¶ 810.2) that in its to the General Council on Finance and Admin-

290 GENERAL COUNCIL ON FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION istration at the time budgets for the ensuing is intended. Agencies receiving miscellaneous quadrennium are being considered. All such gifts shall acknowledge receipt of the gift to appeals shall be reviewed by the General the donor. No agency shall solicit or cultivate Council on Ministries, and its actions shall be gifts for any cause or project that has not been reported to the General Council on Finance approved for support through World Service and Administration. The council shall then re- Special Gifts (¶ 813), general Advance Special port such request to the General Conference Gifts (¶ 814), or a special appeal (¶ 811.4). with a recommendation for its action thereon. 7. No general council, board, commission, c) In the interim between the quadrennial or committee receiving general Church funds sessions of the General Conference, such pro- (see ¶ 810.2) shall initiate or cause to be or- posed churchwide financial appeal shall re- ganized without approval of the General quire the approval of the General Council on Council on Finance and Administration a Finance and Administration and the Council foundation, endowment fund, or similar or- of Bishops. In case of emergency, the executive ganization for the purpose of securing, con- committee of either of these bodies may act in serving, or expending funds for the direct or such matter for the body itself, but only by a indirect benefit or support of any general three-fourths vote. agency or any of its programs or work. Foun- d) All requests for approval of a special dations, endowment funds, and similar or- churchwide financial appeal, whether as a re- ganizations related directly or indirectly to any quest for General Conference action or in the general Church agency receiving general interim between sessions of General Confer- Church funds shall report annually to the ence, shall include a proposed budget for a council in a manner determined by the coun- promotion of the appeal, including proposed cil. promotional expenditures and the sources of ¶ 812. The World Service Fund—The funding (see ¶ 1806.12). World Service Fund is basic in the financial e) Any individual or agency authorized to program of The United Methodist Church. make a churchwide appeal for funds shall World Service on apportionment represents channel all gifts through the General Council the minimum needs of the general agencies of on Finance and Administration. the Church. Payment in full of these f) The General Council on Finance and Ad- apportionments by local churches and annual ministration may withhold payment of the al- conferences is the first benevolent responsibil- location from any general fund to any agency ity of the Church. or institution that it finds to be in violation of 1. The council shall recommend to each the provisions of this paragraph. quadrennial session of the General Confer- 5. The apportionments for all apportioned ence the amount of the annual World Service general Church funds, as approved by the budget for the ensuing quadrennium and the General Conference, shall not be subject to re- method by which it shall be apportioned to the duction either by the annual conference or by annual conferences. In cooperation with the the charge or local church (¶ 613.1). General Council on Ministries, it shall prepare 6. Individual donors or local churches may and recommend a plan of distribution of make contributions to the support of any World Service receipts among the World Serv- cause or project that is a part of the work of ice agencies, in accordance with the proce- any general Church agency. Such miscellane- dures described in ¶ 806.1b. In the planning of ous gifts shall be sent to the General Council the World Service budget, it shall be the role of on Finance and Administration, which shall the General Council on Finance and Adminis- then forward the gift to the agency for which it tration to facilitate sound fiscal and adminis-

291 ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER trative policies and practices within and teria consistent with the guidelines adopted by among the general agencies of the Church. It the General Conference; (b) establishing the shall be the role of the General Council on process by which projects may be recom- Ministries to relate the budget askings of the mended and approved; (c) approving projects program agencies to one another in such a way to receive World Service Special Gift support; as to implement the program and missional and (d) providing adequate staff administra- priorities of the Church. tion and program accountability. 2. The general secretary or other duly au- 4. Churches and individuals shall give pri- thorized representative of each agency of The ority to the support of World Service and con- United Methodist Church requesting support ference benevolences and other apportioned from the World Service Fund and the author- funds. World Service Special Gift giving shall ized representative of any other agency for be voluntary and in addition to the support of which askings are authorized by the General apportioned funds. World Service Special Conference shall have the right to appear be- Gifts shall not be raised as a part of a fund ap- fore the council at a designated time and place portioned by an annual conference. to represent the cause for which each is re- 5. World Service Special Gifts shall be re- sponsible, provided that such representation mitted in full by local church treasurers to an- has been previously made to the General nual conference treasurers, who shall remit Council on Ministries. each month to the General Council on Finance 3. The World Service agencies shall not so- and Administration the total amounts re- licit additional or special gifts from individual ceived during the month as World Service donors or special groups, other than founda- Special Gifts. The council shall remit such gifts tions, unless approval for such solicitation is in full to the administering agencies, which first secured from the council. shall acknowledge the receipt of every gift to ¶ 813. World Service Special Gifts—1. A the donor or the local church. World Service Special Gift is a designated fi- 6. The promotion of this program may in- nancial contribution made by an individual, clude general promotion, for purposes of local church, organization, district, or annual name identification and visibility, which shall conference to a project authorized as a World be the responsibility of United Methodist Service Special project by the General Council Communications. on Ministries. General agencies that qualify 7. Specific cultivation of approved projects under the provisions of ¶ 907.6b(1) shall be shall be done by the administering agencies to eligible to recommend projects for approval by specific audiences that have demonstrated the General Council on Ministries as World previously their interest and concern for the Service Special projects. ministry contained in the approved project. 2. General guidelines governing the types Expenses for specific cultivation shall be of projects that may be recommended for ap- borne by the administering agencies. No pro- proval as World Service Special projects shall motional or cultivation expenses shall be paid be approved by the General Conference on from World Service Special Gifts receipts. recommendation of the General Council on Such expenses shall not exceed amounts ap- Ministries and the General Council on Finance proved by the General Council on Finance and and Administration. Administration and the General Council on 3. The World Service Special Gifts program Ministries under guidelines approved by the shall be under the supervision of the General General Conference. Council on Ministries, which shall be respon- ¶ 814. The Advance—1. The Advance for sible for: (a) establishing project approval cri- Christ and His Church (hereafter referred to

292 GENERAL COUNCIL ON FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION as the Advance) is an official program within the manner described in ¶ 814.4 below. The United Methodist Church through which c) Funds received through the Advance support may be designated for projects ap- shall be used solely for project support and are proved by the Advance Committee of the Gen- not to be used for administration or promo- eral Council on Ministries. (See ¶ 1310.3b.) tional costs. 2. A general Advance Special Gift is a desig- d) Advance Special Gifts shall not be raised nated financial contribution made by an indi- as a part of a fund apportioned by an annual vidual, local church, organization, district, or conference. (For conference Advance Special conference to a project authorized for this pur- Gifts, see ¶ 651.) pose by the Advance Committee. e) Upon receipt of funds for a general Ad- a) Gifts as Advance Specials may be made vance Special, each administering agency shall for specific projects or purposes authorized by communicate promptly with the donor, ac- the Advance Committee. knowledging receipt of the gift and suggesting b) Gifts as Advance Specials may be made avenues for communication if communication for broadly designated causes (such as a type has not already been established. of work, a country, or a region) or for use as 4. Receipts for general Advance Specials block grants to a certain country or adminis- shall be remitted by the local church treasurer trative unit, provided such causes are author- to the conference treasurer, who shall make ized by the Advance Committee. In such case remittance each month to the participating the administering agency shall provide the do- agencies in a manner determined by the treas- nor with information about the area to which urer of the General Council on Finance and the funds have been given and, where practi- Administration. Individuals may remit di- cable, establish communication with a person rectly to respective agencies in a manner de- or group representative of that type of work. termined by the treasurer of the General c) An Advance Special Gift may be given to Council on Finance and Administration, with an authorized agency (¶ 907.5d) rather than to these remittances reported to the annual con- a specific project, in which case the agency ference treasurer by the respective agencies. shall determine the Advance Special project or ¶ 815. General Directives—The following projects to which such a gift shall be allocated, general directives shall be observed in the pro- inform the donor where the gift has been in- motion and administration of the Advance vested, and, as far as practicable, establish and One Great Hour of Sharing: communication between donor and recipient. 1. In the appeal and promotion of Advance 3. Funds given and received as a part of the Specials and One Great Hour of Sharing offer- general Advance shall be subject to the follow- ings, there shall be no goals or quotas except ing conditions: as they may be set by the annual conferences a) Churches and individuals shall give pri- for themselves. ority to the support of the World Service and 2. The treasurer of the General Council on conference benevolences and other appor- Finance and Administration shall be treasurer tioned funds. Advance giving shall be volun- of the Advance and One Great Hour of Shar- tary and in addition to the support of appor- ing. tioned funds. 3. The expense of promotion for Advance b) Funds shall be solicited or received only Specials shall be borne by the respective par- for authorized proj- ects. Programs and insti- ticipating agencies in proportion to the tutions having general Advance Special proj- amount received by each in Advance Specials. ects shall promote only for the projects ap- The causes of the Advance shall be coordi- proved and shall ask that gifts be remitted in nated with other financial appeals and shall be

293 ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER promoted by the Division of Program and Be- mined on ratio (see ¶ 263.1), with the funds nevolence Interpretation of the General Com- being administered by the general boards un- mission on Communication. der which approved programs are lodged. 4. The appeal for Advance Specials shall be 2. One Great Hour of Sharing—There shall channeled through bishops, district superin- be an annual observance of the One Great tendents, and pastors, the details of the proce- Hour of Sharing as a special offering for relief dure to be determined by the Division of Pro- (¶ 263.2). The observance shall be under the gram and Benevolence Interpretation of the general supervision of the General Commis- General Commission on Communication in sion on Communication (¶ 1806.12), in ac- consultation with the designated mission cul- cordance with the following directives: tivation unit of the General Board of Global a) The One Great Hour of Sharing shall be Ministries and the Advance Committee. observed each year, preferably on the Fourth 5. In each annual conference the confer- Sunday in Lent. All local churches shall be ence board of global ministries (if any; see ¶ fully informed and encouraged to receive a 630), in cooperation with the General Board of freewill offering in behalf of the relief pro- Global Ministries, shall promote Advance Spe- gram. cials and One Great Hour of Sharing offerings b) Insofar as possible, the planning and through conference and district secretaries of promotion of the One Great Hour of Sharing global ministries, conference and district mis- shall be done cooperatively with other de- sion events, and other effective means as it nominations through the National Council of may determine. the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., it being 6. Should a clear emergency arise, any fea- understood, however, that receipts of the of- ture of the structure and administration of the ferings shall be administered by The United Advance may be altered on the approval of a Methodist Church. majority of the Council of Bishops and of the c) Receipts from the offering, after pay- General Council on Finance and Administra- ment of the expenses of promotion, shall be tion. remitted by the treasurer of the General Coun- ¶ 816. General Church Special-Day Offer- cil on Finance and Administration to the ings—The following are the special days with United Methodist Committee on Relief (¶ offerings to be used in support of general 1326.2) to be administered by that committee. Church causes: 3. United Methodist Student Day—The 1. Human Relations Day—A Human Rela- United Methodist Student Day offering, taken tions Day shall be observed during the season each year, preferably on the last Sunday in No- of Epiphany, preferably on the Sunday before vember, shall be received for the support of the observance of Martin Luther King Jr.’s United Methodist scholarships and the United birthday, with an offering goal recommended Methodist Student Loan Fund (¶ 263.4). Re- by the General Council on Finance and Ad- ceipts from the offering, after payment of the ministration and adopted by the General Con- expenses of promotion, shall be remitted by ference. The purpose of the goal is to further the treasurer of the General Council on Fi- the development of better human relations nance and Administration to the General through funding programs determined by the Board of Higher Education and Ministry to be General Conference upon recommendation of administered by that board. the General Council on Finance and Adminis- 4. World Communion Offering—In con- tration after consultation with the General nection with World Communion Sunday, Council on Ministries. Net receipts from this there shall be a churchwide appeal conducted observance shall be allocated as predeter- by the General Commission on Communica-

294 GENERAL COUNCIL ON FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION tion in accord with the following directives: churchwide appeal is to develop and a) Each local church shall be requested to strengthen Native American ministries in the remit as provided in ¶ 816.8 all the Commun- annual conferences, in target cities of the Na- ion offering received on World Communion tive American Urban Initiative of the General Sunday—preferably on the first Sunday of Oc- Board of Global Ministries, and for scholar- tober—and such portion of the Communion ships for Native Americans attending United offering received at other observances of the Methodist schools of theology (¶ 263.6). sacrament of the Lord’s Supper as the local 7. Promotion of all authorized general church may designate. Church special Sunday offerings shall be by b) The net receipts, after payment of pro- the General Commission on Communication motional costs, shall be divided as follows: 50 in consultation with the participating agen- percent to the Crusade Scholarship Commit- cies. Expenses of promotion for each offering tee, 35 percent to the Ethnic Scholarship Pro- shall be a prior claim against the receipts of gram, and 15 percent to the Ethnic In-Service the offering promoted. In each case, such ex- Training Program, the last two administered penses shall be within a budget approved by by the General Board of Higher Education and the General Council on Finance and Adminis- Ministry in consultation with the various eth- tration upon recommendation of the General nic groups (¶ 263.3). Commission on Communication after consul- 5. Peace with Justice Sunday—Peace with tation with the participating agencies. In the Justice Sunday shall be observed, preferably promotion of these offerings there shall be an on the First Sunday After Pentecost. The ob- emphasis on the spiritual implications of servance shall be under the general supervi- Christian stewardship. sion of the General Board of Church and Soci- 8. Receipts from all authorized general ety (see ¶ 263.5). There shall be a churchwide Church special Sunday offerings shall be re- appeal and offering. The net receipts from the mitted promptly by the local church treasurer offering will be distributed as follows: to the annual conference treasurer, who shall a) The annual conference treasurer shall remit monthly to the treasurer of the General retain 50 percent of the monies for Peace with Council on Finance and Administration. A Justice Ministries in the annual conference, to special-gift voucher for contributions to the be administered by the annual conference offerings will be issued when appropriate. Lo- board of church and society or equivalent cal churches shall report the amount of the of- structure. ferings in the manner indicated on the annual b) The annual conference treasurer shall conference report form. remit the remaining 50 percent of the monies ¶ 817. General Administration Fund—1. to the General Council on Finance and Admin- The General Administration Fund shall pro- istration. vide for the expenses of the sessions of the c) Net receipts from the offering, after pay- General Conference, the Judicial Council, ment of the expenses of promotion, shall be such special commissions and committees as remitted by the treasurer of the General Coun- may be constituted by the General Conference, cil on Finance and Administration to the Gen- and such other administrative agencies and eral Board of Church and Society for Peace activities as may be recommended for inclu- with Justice Ministries. sion in the general administration budget by 6. Native American Ministries Sunday— the General Council on Finance and Adminis- Native American Ministries Sunday shall be tration and approved by the General Confer- observed with an offering, preferably on the ence. Any agency or institution requiring or Third Sunday of Easter. The purpose of the desiring support from the General Adminis-

295 ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER tration Fund shall present its case for the same Union and the Church of Christ Uniting, the to the council at a time and place that shall be National Council of the Churches of Christ in indicated by the officers of the council. The the U.S.A., and the World Council of council, having heard such requests, shall re- Churches. The fund shall also provide for the port the same to the General Conference with expenses of representatives chosen by the recommendations for its action and determi- Council of Bishops or by the General Commis- nation. sion on Christian Unity and Interreligious 2. The treasurer of the council shall dis- Concerns to attend meetings and committees burse the funds received for the General Ad- of such ecumenical agencies. The General ministration Fund as authorized by the Gen- Council on Finance and Administration shall eral Conference and as directed by the council. reimburse such expenses from vouchers ap- Where the General Conference has not allo- proved by persons designated by the general cated definite sums to agencies receiving secretary of the General Commission on money from the General Administration Christian Unity and Interreligious Concerns Fund, the council or its executive committee or by the general secretary of the General shall have authority to determine the amount Council on Finance and Administration. to be allocated to each. 3. Before the beginning of each calendar 3. The expenses of the Judicial Council year, the General Council on Finance and Ad- shall be paid from the General Administration ministration shall determine and communi- Fund, within a budget submitted annually by cate to the General Commission on Christian the Judicial Council to the General Council on Unity and Interreligious Concerns the sum Finance and Administration for its approval available from the Interdenominational Coop- and subject to the requirement of ¶ 817.4 . eration Fund Contingency Reserve to be allo- 4. The General Administration Fund, and cated by the commission to meet emerging all payments made from this fund, shall be needs of ecumenical agencies. subject to the financial, accounting, and audit- ¶ 819. Black College Fund—The General ing requirements of ¶ 806. Council on Finance and Administration shall ¶ 818. Interdenominational Cooperation recommend to the General Conference the Fund—1. The General Commission on Chris- sum that the Church shall undertake for the tian Unity and Interreligious Concerns, in Black colleges and the method by which it consultation with the Council of Bishops, shall shall be apportioned to the annual confer- recommend to the General Council on Finance ences. The purpose of the fund is to provide fi- and Administration the amount of the annual nancial support for current operating budgets Interdenominational Cooperation Fund allo- and capital improvements of the Black col- cation to each of the recipients of the fund. The leges related administratively to the Church. council shall recommend to the General Con- 1. The current funds received annually shall ference the amounts to be included in the an- be distributed to those Black colleges whose nual Interdenominational Cooperation Fund eligibility under adopted guidelines of man- budget. agement, educational quality, and measure- 2. This fund shall provide the United Meth- ment by announced objectives shall be the odist share of the basic budgets of those or- precondition of participation. These guide- ganizations that relate to the ecumenical re- lines shall be revised and administered by the sponsibilities of the Council of Bishops and of Division of Higher Education of the General the General Commission on Christian Unity Board of Higher Education and Ministry, in and Interreligious Concerns. Such organiza- consultation with the Council of Presidents of tions shall include the Consultation on Church the Black Colleges. The Division of Higher

296 GENERAL COUNCIL ON FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION

Education of the General Board of Higher continuing education events sponsored by the Education and Ministry shall administer the board of ordained ministry of an annual con- fund according to the guidelines for support ference, such events may be open to laity for and a formula approved by the General Con- their attendance and participation at the op- ference. tion of the board of ordained ministry of each 2. In the interim between sessions of the annual conference. General Conference, the guidelines for sup- 1. Of the total money raised in each annual port and formula for distribution may be conference for the Ministerial Education changed as necessary upon recommendation Fund, 25 percent shall be retained by the an- of the Council of Presidents of the Black Col- nual conference that raised it, to be used in its leges and the General Board of Higher Educa- program of ministerial education as approved tion and Ministry and with the consent of the by the annual conference and administered General Council on Finance and Administra- through its board of ordained ministry. The tion. board of ordained ministry will confer con- 3. Promotion of the Black College Fund cerning use of the ministerial education fund. shall be by the Division of Higher Education Administrative costs of the board of ordained and in consultation with the Council of Presi- ministry shall be a claim on the conference op- dents of the Black Colleges, in cooperation erating budget. No annual conference that had with and with the assistance of the Division of been participating in a 1 percent plan or other Program and Benevolence Interpretation of conference program of ministerial student the General Commission on Communication, scholarships and loan grants prior to the es- the cost being a prior claim against the Black tablishment of this fund shall receive less for College Fund receipts and within a budget ap- this purpose than it received in the last year of proved by the Division of Higher Education the quadrennium preceding the establishment and the General Council on Finance and Ad- of the fund, provided the giving from that con- ministration. ference for ministerial education does not fall ¶ 820. The Ministerial Education Fund— below the level achieved in the quadrennium The council shall recommend to the General preceding the establishment of the fund. Conference the sum that the Church shall un- a) “Service Loans” from the various confer- dertake for the Ministerial Education Fund ences’ portion of the Ministerial Education and the method by which it shall be appor- Fund may be considered repaid if the recipi- tioned to the annual conferences, in accord- ents served five years in the connection in ap- ance with the provisions adopted by the 1968 pointments approved by their bishop. General Conference in establishing the Minis- b) In case the recipients of these loans do terial Education Fund. The purpose of the not satisfy the terms of the “Service Loans” by fund is to enable the Church to unify and ex- service in the “connection,” they would make pand its program of financial support for the arrangements to repay the loans with the con- recruitment and education of ordained and di- ferences from which they received their loans. aconal ministers and to equip the annual con- 2. Of the total money raised in each annual ferences to meet increased demands in this conference for the Ministerial Education area. The maximum amount possible from Fund, 75 percent shall be remitted by the con- this fund shall go directly for programs and ference treasurer to the treasurer of the coun- services in theological education, the enlist- cil for distribution to the General Board of ment and continuing education of ordained Higher Education and Ministry for support of and diaconal ministers, and the courses of ministerial education and shall be adminis- study. When these funds are used to finance tered by that board. It shall be distributed as

297 ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER follows: of such amounts as may be judged adequate to a) At least 75 percent of the amount re- provide for their office expense; (3) provision ceived by the divisions shall be distributed to for an annual operating budget for the Council the theological schools of The United Method- of Bishops, including the offices of the secre- ist Church on a formula established by the tary and the ecumenical officer of the Council General Board of Higher Education and Min- of Bishops; (4) guidelines governing the pay- istry after consultation with the theological ment of bishops’ travel expenses, including all schools. All the money allocated to the theo- travel authorized by the Council of Bishops; logical schools shall be used for current opera- (5) the minimum amounts to be fixed as an- tions, not for physical expansion. nual pensions for the support of retired bish- b) The remaining portion of the amount re- ops and/or the method by which their annual ceived shall be used for supplemental distribu- pensions shall be determined; and (6) provi- tions to the theological schools and for board sions for allowance for the surviving spouses use in its program of ministerial enlistment and for the support of minor children of de- and development. The General Board of ceased bishops. From the facts in hand, the Higher Education and Ministry will recom- council shall estimate the approximate total mend to the general secretary of the General amount required annually during the ensuing Board of Higher Education and Ministry ap- quadrennium to provide for the items of epis- propriate funding for divisional programs of copal support mentioned above and shall re- ministerial enlistment and development. port the same to the General Conference. This 3. This fund shall be regarded by annual amount as finally determined shall be the esti- conferences as a priority to be met before any mated episcopal budget. The administration additional benevolences, grants, or funds are of the Episcopal Fund budget as determined allocated to a theological school or school of by the General Conference shall be under the religion. direction and authority of the General Council on Finance and Administration, including an- The Episcopal Fund nual fiscal statements and audits. Nothing in this paragraph shall preclude the annual con- ¶ 821. The Episcopal Fund, raised in ac- ference or conferences of an episcopal area cordance with ¶ 823, shall provide for the sal- from including in their budgets amounts for ary and expenses of effective bishops23 from an area expense fund. the date of their consecration and for the sup- ¶ 823. Proportionality—The amount ap- port of retired bishops and surviving spouses portioned to a charge for the Episcopal Fund and minor children of deceased bishops. Sub- shall be paid in the same proportion as the ject to the approval of the General Council on charge pays its pastor (see also ¶ 620). Finance and Administration, the treasurer ¶ 824. Bishops’ Salaries—The treasurer of shall have authority to borrow for the benefit the General Council on Finance and Adminis- of the Episcopal Fund such amounts as may be tration shall remit monthly to each effective necessary for the proper execution of the or- bishop one-twelfth of the annual salary as de- ders of the General Conference. termined by the General Conference, less such ¶ 822. Requirements—The council shall deductions or reductions from the salary as recommend to each quadrennial session of the each bishop may authorize. Allowances for re- General Conference for its action and determi- tired bishops and for the surviving spouses nation: (1) the amounts to be fixed as salaries and minor children of deceased bishops shall of the effective bishops or a formula by which be paid in equal monthly installments. the council shall fix the salaries; (2) a schedule ¶ 825. Housing Expenses—Upon receipt of

298 GENERAL COUNCIL ON FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION a budget from the episcopal residence com- itual affairs of the Church, such as series of lec- mittee, the general Council on Finance and tures in educational institutions, baccalaure- Administration shall provide funds from the ate addresses, and preaching missions for sev- Episcopal Fund to share in the costs of provid- eral days’ duration when such engagements do ing an episcopal residence, the amount of such not interfere with official duties, nor does it funds to be set by the council in accordance preclude the acceptance of honoraria for such with a policy approved by the General Confer- services. ence on recommendation of the council. The ¶ 827. Audit of Episcopal Area Offices— treasurer of the General Council on Finance Fiscal reporting and audit procedures of each and Administration shall remit regularly, at area office shall be determined according to a such intervals as the council may determine, schedule as set forth by the council upon rec- equal installments of the share approved for ommendation of the Committee on Episco- payment from the Episcopal Fund to the per- pal Services. son or office designated by the episcopal resi- ¶ 828. Episcopal Pensions—The pensions dence committee to receive such housing pay- for the support of retired bishops elected by ments. (See also ¶ 636.) The treasurer shall general, jurisdictional, or central conferences also remit regular equal installments of the and the surviving spouses and minor depend- amount approved by the council as office ex- ent children of such deceased bishops shall be penses to each bishop, or to the person or of- administered by the General Council on Fi- fice designated by the bishop to receive such nance and Administration in consultation payments. with the General Board of Pension and Health ¶ 826. Episcopal Expense Reimbursement Benefits and in accordance with such program and Honoraria Policies—The treasurer of the and procedures as may from time to time be council shall pay monthly the claim for the of- determined by the General Council on Finance ficial travel of each bishop upon presentation and Administration with the approval of the of an itemized voucher with such supporting General Conference. For service years begin- data as may be required by the General Coun- ning January 1, 1982, and thereafter, the pen- cil on Finance and Administration. Official sions for the support of bishops elected by ju- travel of an effective bishop shall be inter- risdictional conferences and those of their sur- preted to include: (1) all visitations to local viving spouses and dependent children shall churches and to institutions or enterprises of include the benefits provided by the Ministe- The United Methodist Church within the area; rial Pension Plan and the Comprehensive Pro- (2) such travel outside the area, but within the tection Plan of the General Board of Pension jurisdiction, as is approved by the College of and Health Benefits. Bishops; and (3) such other travel as may be ¶ 829. Bishops Whose Service Is Inter- consistent with guidelines approved by the rupted—Should any effective bishop in the in- General Conference as being within the mean- terim of the quadrennial sessions of the juris- ing of official travel. No part of the expense dictional conference be relieved by the College and no honoraria for any such visitations shall of Bishops of the jurisdiction from the per- be accepted from local churches or enterprises formance of regular episcopal duties on ac- or institutions of The United Methodist count of ill health or for any other reason, the Church, such expense being a proper claim president of the said College of Bishops shall against the Episcopal Fund. Nothing in this so notify the treasurer of the Episcopal Fund. interpretation is intended to preclude special Beginning ninety days after such notification, or nonofficial engagements of a bishop other the said bishop shall receive at least the mini- than the oversight of the temporal and spir- mum regular pension allowance of a retired

299 ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER bishop; the amount of such benefit for which port to and be amenable to the General Con- the Episcopal Fund is responsible shall be re- ference. duced by the amount of any disability benefit ¶ 904. Purpose—The purpose of the coun- payable from the Comprehensive Protection cil, as a part of the total mission of the Church, Plan of the General Board of Pension and is to facilitate the Church’s program life as de- Health Benefits. Such pension allowance shall termined by the General Conference. The continue until the regular duties of an effective council’s task is to encourage, coordinate, and bishop are resumed or until the bishop’s status support the general agencies as they serve on shall have been determined by the jurisdic- behalf of the denomination. tional conference. Assignment of another ¶ 905. Objectives—The objectives of the bishop or bishops to perform the regular epis- General Council on Ministries are: copal duties of a bishop so disabled or other- 1. To study missional needs and propose wise incapacitated, for a period of sixty days or priorities of the general Church; and, when more, shall be interpreted as a release of the necessary, to adjust emphases between ses- said bishop from the performance of regular sions of the General Conference. episcopal duties. 2. To establish the processes and relation- ¶ 830. Retired Bishops Appointed to Ad ships pertaining to the coordination and fund- Interim Service—Should any retired bishop, ing of the ministries and program emphases of in the interim of the quadrennial sessions of the denomination through its general agencies the jurisdictional conference, be called into ac- and to minimize unnecessary overlapping or tive service and assigned to active episcopal conflicting approaches to the local church and duty (¶ 407.3), that bishop shall be entitled to the annual conferences. remuneration for such service. The Episcopal 3. To enhance the effectiveness of our total Fund shall be responsible for the difference ministries by reviewing and evaluating the between the pension of the retired bishop and performance of the general program agencies the remuneration of an active bishop. In the and their responsiveness to the needs of the event of such assignment of a retired bishop to local churches and annual conferences. active episcopal duty, the president or secre- 4. To facilitate informed decision-making tary of the Council of Bishops shall notify the at all levels of the Church by engaging in re- treasurer of the Episcopal Fund. The treasurer search and planning in cooperation with the of the Episcopal Fund shall make remittance general agencies and the annual conferences. accordingly. ¶ 906. Responsibilities—The responsibili- ties of the council shall include, but not be lim- Section III. General Council on ited to, the following: Ministries 1. Upon a two-thirds vote of the members of the General Council on Ministries present ¶ 901. Name—There shall be a General and voting, and upon a two-thirds vote of the Council on Ministries of The United Methodist Council of Bishops present and voting, to Church, hereinafter called the council. make changes in missional priorities or special ¶ 902. Incorporation—The council shall programs necessitated by emergencies or by be incorporated in such state or states as the other significant developments between Gen- General Council on Ministries shall deter- eral Conferences that substantially affect the mine. This corporation shall be the successor life of the Church, and to make adjustments in corporation and organization to the Program program budget allocations accordingly; pro- Council of The United Methodist Church. vided that such adjustments are made within ¶ 903. Amenability—The council shall re- the total budget set by the previous General

300 GENERAL COUNCIL ON MINISTRIES

Conference; and provided, further, that such General Council on Ministries the sum avail- adjustments are made after consultation with able at that time from World Service contin- the affected boards and agencies and approval gency funds to meet requests for additional by a two-thirds vote of the General Council on funding from the general program agencies. Finance and Administration. The General Council on Ministries shall be au- 2. To take the following actions, in se- thorized to approve allocations to the general quence, with respect to recommendations to program agencies for such additional program the General Council on Finance and Adminis- funding up to the limit so established. No tration for the allocation of World Service money shall be allocated by the General Coun- funds to general program agencies: cil on Ministries from this source for general a) The General Council on Ministries shall, administrative costs, fixed charges, or capital in consultation with the General Council on outlay without approval by the General Coun- Finance and Administration and the general cil on Finance and Administration. program agencies, develop recommendations f) The General Council on Ministries shall to the General Council on Finance and Admin- receive from the General Council on Finance istration on needs of the general program and Administration copies of the proposed an- agencies for the programs, missional priori- nual budgets of the general program agencies, ties, and special programs. in order that it may review such budgets in re- b) The General Council on Ministries shall lation to the program proposals made by those receive the recommendation the General agencies in their quadrennial budget requests. Council on Finance and Administration pro- 3. To designate, in cooperation with the poses to make to the General Conference as to General Council on Finance and Administra- that portion of the total World Service budget tion, the general agency to undertake a special to be available for distribution among the gen- study ordered by the General Conference eral program agencies. when the conference fails to make such a des- c) The General Council on Ministries, after ignation. reviewing both the program priorities and the 4. To assign responsibilities for implemen- total funds available to the general program tation of themes, missional priorities, and/or agencies, shall recommend to the General special programs initiated between sessions of Council on Finance and Administration the the General Conference to the general pro- amount of the annual World Service allocation gram agencies or to special task forces created to each of those agencies, within the total sum by the General Council on Ministries. proposed by the General Council on Finance 5. To coordinate the denomination’s efforts and Administration for distribution among to incorporate the contributions and concerns such agencies. of the ethnic local church into all programs, d) Only when the General Council on Min- budgets, agenda, and resources. istries and the General Council on Finance and 6. To ensure the development of a unified Administration agree on the allocations to sev- and coordinated program for the promoting of eral general agencies shall these allocations be the connectional ministries of the Church, the included in the World Service budget to be General Council on Ministries shall: recommended to the General Conference by a) Approve the scheduling and timing of all the General Council on Finance and Adminis- national conferences, convocations, and/or tration. major consultations of general program agen- e) Before the beginning of each year, the cies subject to the approval of the General General Council on Finance and Administra- Council on Finance and Administration of tion shall determine and communicate to the plans for financing such meetings;

301 ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER

b) Maintain a calendar of meetings on be- for determination. half of all agencies of The United Methodist 10. To consult with the general program Church as an aid to the agencies in regulating agencies, the General Commission on Com- the number and the timing of such meetings; munication, and the president and publisher and of The United Methodist Publishing House c) Review all plans of the general program with regard to their publishing and communi- agencies for the production, distribution, and cation policies in order to avoid unnecessary timing of the release of free literature and pro- overlapping and duplication. motional resource materials (except church 11. To resolve any overlapping in structure school literature), avoiding duplication of or functions or lack of cooperation among the both materials and activities. general program agencies and/or interagency 7. To recommend to the General Confer- task force to minimize overlapping in struc- ence, after consultation with the Council of ture and functions: Bishops, the number and timing of special a) coordinating interagency programs days that are to be observed on a churchwide where two or more general program agencies basis; provided that the General Council on Fi- are involved, unless otherwise specified by the nance and Administration shall make recom- General Conference; mendations to the General Conference as set b) approving the creation of any ongoing forth in ¶ 807.3 regarding the special days to interagency committee or task force; be observed with offering; and provided, fur- c) receiving reports and recommendations ther, that the Council of Bishops and the Gen- from such committees or task forces; eral Council on Finance and Administration d) appointing, when appropriate, observers may authorize a special financial appeal in an to attend the meetings of any interagency emergency. group, including those that are part of the 8. To relate to annual conferences, their structure of program agencies; and councils on ministries, or other corresponding e) sponsoring, in cooperation with the gen- structures: eral program-related agencies through the a) To provide resources for them related to general secretaries, a quadrennial joint train- their basic tasks; ing event for annual conference program-re- b) To enhance two-way communication lated agencies. with them; 12. To study the connectional structures of c) To assist the conference councils in de- The United Methodist Church and, after con- veloping comprehensive approaches to plan- sultation with the general agencies, recom- ning, research, evaluation, and coordination; mend to the General Conference such legisla- and tive changes as may be appropriate to effect d) To inform conference councils of signifi- desirable modifications of existing connec- cant issues identified through the monitoring tional structures. Any such proposed legisla- of trends in the world and the Church. tive changes that would affect general fund 9. To consider the plans of any general pro- budget allocations shall be studied in connec- gram agency to publish a new periodical (ex- tion with the General Council on Finance and cept church school literature). Any general Administration and shall be recommended to program agency proposing to publish such a the General Conference by these two councils new periodical shall submit its request to the acting in concert. council. If the council disapproves, the agency 13. To provide for the training of the annual shall delay such publication until the proposal conference council on ministries directors or can be submitted to the General Conference equivalent, to provide jointly with the General

302 GENERAL COUNCIL ON MINISTRIES

Board of Higher Education and Ministry and the work of The United Methodist Church. the Council of Bishops the training of district 20. To report to the General Conference for superintendents, and to consult with Central its approval a summary of all decisions and Conferences concerning comparable training recommendations made dealing with program sessions. changes and structure overlap. 14. To review and evaluate the effectiveness 21. To review, with the program agencies, of the general program agencies in fulfilling all valid resolutions and positions adopted by the ministries assigned to them (see ¶ 702.3). the General Conference and recommend to 15. To keep under review the concurrence the General Conference the removal of time- of general program agencies with the Social dated materials. Principles (¶¶ 160–166) of The United Meth- 22. To receive reports from and refer mat- odist Church. ters to the General Commission on Christian 16. The general secretary of each general Unity and Interreligious Concerns on the par- program agency that is accountable to the ticipation of The United Methodist Church in General Council on Ministries shall be elected the various aspects of ecumenism. annually by ballot of the General Council on 23. To organize the Advance Committee, Ministries upon the nomination of the agency which shall have general oversight of the Ad- involved. Any general secretary of a general vance program. program agency who has not been elected by 24. To organize the World Service Special the General Council on Ministries shall not Gifts Committee, which shall have general serve in such capacity beyond the end of that oversight of the World Service Special Gifts calendar year. Each program agency shall program. elect annually by ballot its deputy and associ- 25. To relate to and cooperate with the Na- ate general secretary(ies) and may elect or ap- tional Association of Conference Council Di- point such other staff as may be necessary. rectors. 17. To give leadership to and participate in 26. To act in concert with the General planning and research for The United Meth- Council on Finance and Administration to es- odist Church, thereby helping all levels of the tablish a procedure for making a quadrennial Church to evaluate needs, set goals, and plan review, initiating proposals, and/or respond- strategy; to coordinate planning and research ing to proposals by the general agencies re- for the denomination in cooperation with the garding the location of headquarters and staff general program agencies of The United and report the same to the General Confer- Methodist Church; and to maintain a list of re- ence. (See ¶ 807.5.) search and planning documents received from ¶ 907. Organization—1. Membership—a) the general program agencies and the annual The membership of the council shall consist of conferences. sixty-four members constituted in accordance 18. To determine the need for and to de- with ¶ 705.6a of the General Provisions. The velop and implement plans for themes, membership shall be constituted as follows: missional priorities, and/or special programs (1) Jurisdictional members—Clergy, lay- for the ministry of the Church for any particu- women, and laymen shall be elected to the lar quadrennium and, after consultation with council by the jurisdictional conference upon the Council of Bishops, to recommend them to nomination from the annual conference in ac- the General Conference for consideration. cordance with ¶ 705.6b, based on the follow- 19. To devise and implement measures to ing formula: North Central—6, Northeast- assure full, effective representation and par- ern—7, South Central—9, Southeastern—10, ticipation of central conference members in and Western—3.

303 ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER

These members shall be elected by the ju- by the council. risdictional conference from a list of nominees (a) Of the additional members elected by submitted by each annual conference and each the council, in order to ensure that one fourth missionary conference that shall include at of the council’s membership may represent ra- least one laywoman, one layman, and one cial and ethnic groups, it is recommended that from the clergy, with special attention to the there shall be not less than two representatives inclusion of clergywomen and racial and eth- from each of the following groups: Asian nic persons. The nominations from the juris- Americans, African Americans, Hispanic dictions shall be made from the General Con- Americans, Native Americans, and Pacific Is- ference delegates. If there is not an adequate landers. (The council shall receive nomina- number of persons from the nominees, addi- tions from the racial and ethnic caucuses and tional nominees may be selected from the ju- ethnic annual conferences of these respective risdictional delegates, and if additional nomi- groups prior to the report of their nominating nees are further required, they may be selected committee.) Insofar as possible, these addi- from the membership of the jurisdiction. The tional members should be one-third lay- above members shall consist, so far as possi- women, one-third laymen, and one-third ble, of one-third laywomen, one-third laymen, clergy, with special attention to the inclusion and one-third clergy; of at least one clergywoman from each juris- (2) Supplemental members—One central diction. Insofar as possible, these additional conference member from the North Katanga members will come from annual conferences Annual Conference and one member from the not currently represented. Nigeria Annual Conference as supplemental (b) It is further recommended that the members according to the provisions of ¶ council elect at least one member without vote 705.4c; from among the member churches of the Con- (3) Five persons from central conferences, sultation on Church Union other than The at least two clergy, two laywomen, one lay- United Methodist Church, as an additional man, and one alternate for each (who may at- member. tend if the elected member for whom he or she (8) One member elected by the Iglesia is the alternate cannot attend) nominated by Metodista Autónoma Afiliada de Puerto Rico. the Council of Bishops and elected by the Gen- (9) The Council shall also include the gen- eral Council on Ministries. eral secretaries who serve as the chief execu- (4) A bishop from each jurisdiction and one tive officers of the general program agencies, bishop from the central conferences selected the president and publisher of The United by the Council of Bishops (see ¶ 710.10). Methodist Publishing House, the general sec- (5) One additional youth from the North- retary of the General Commission on Archives eastern and Western jurisdictions, between and History, and the general secretary of the the ages of twelve and seventeen at the time of General Commission on Communication, all his or her election, nominated by the jurisdic- with voice but without vote. tional youth ministry organization and elected The agency may provide additional repre- by the jurisdictional conference. sentatives with voice at the expense of the (6) One young person between the ages of agency. seventeen and twenty-seven at the time of his (10) The chairperson of the National Asso- or her election, from the North Central, South ciation of Conference Council Directors. Central, and Southeastern jurisdictions (11) If not otherwise provided at the begin- elected by the jurisdictional conference. ning of the quadrennium, one conference (7) Ten additional members to be elected council director or equivalent per jurisdiction

304 GENERAL COUNCIL ON MINISTRIES shall be elected as a voting member of the have been elected to membership on the coun- council. cil, including additional members nominated, (12) The elected staff shall sit with the shall be convened by an active bishop desig- council with voice but without vote. nated by the president of the Council of Bish- b) No members of the council shall serve on ops for the purpose of organizing. any boards or commissions or the divisions The council shall meet at least once during thereof having representation on the General each calendar year. It may meet in special ses- Council on Ministries. sion or at other times upon the call of the c) In order to ensure representation of president or upon the written request of one- older adults, it is recommended that at least fifth of its members. one clergy member, one layman member, and 3. Officers—The council shall have a presi- one laywoman member be over sixty-five dent, one or more vice presidents, a recording years of age. secretary, and a treasurer elected from the d) In order to ensure representation of membership of the council. The president of young people, it is recommended that the total the council shall be its presiding officer. Offic- membership be constituted by at least 10 per- ers shall be elected for terms of four years and cent youth and 10 percent young adults. shall continue until their successors are duly e) It is recommended that each jurisdic- elected. tional conference give consideration to elect- 4. Internal Structure—The council shall ing to membership on the council at least one determine its internal structure as it deems third of the same persons elected to the coun- necessary for the performance of its duties. cil by the preceding jurisdictional conference. 5. Advance Committee—There shall be an f) When the committee selected to nomi- Advance Committee, which shall have general nate the additional members of the General oversight of the Advance for Christ and His Council on Ministries meets prior to the or- Church (¶ 814). It shall be organized under the ganizational meeting, it shall determine the authority and direction of the General Council number of persons nominated by the annual on Ministries. It shall consist of twenty mem- conference and elected by the jurisdictional bers of the General Council on Ministries. conference who were members of the council a) Director of the Advance—(1) There shall the previous quadrennium. If the number is be a Director of the Advance, nominated by less than ten, the nominating committee is en- the Advance Committee from the staff of one couraged to nominate enough persons from of the participating agencies and elected by the the eligible membership of the council in the General Council on Ministries. The participat- previous quadrennium to bring this number to ing agencies are the General Board of Global ten. Ministries; the Division of Program and Be- g) The members of the council shall serve nevolence Interpretation of the General Com- for four years or until the convening of the or- mission on Communication; the General ganizational meeting. No voting member shall Council on Ministries; and the General Coun- be eligible to serve for more than two consecu- cil on Finance and Administration. tive four-year terms. (2) The salary and related benefits of the di- h) If a bishop is unable to attend a meeting rector shall be paid by the participating of the council, that bishop may designate an agency. Other administrative costs of the Ad- alternate bishop from the same jurisdiction. vance shall be borne by the General Council on 2. Meetings—Before the end of the calendar Ministries. year in which regular sessions of the jurisdic- (3) While continuing as a staff member of tional conferences are held, all persons who the participating agency, the director shall be

305 ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER a staff member of the General Council on Min- Advance Committee on the financial progress istries related to the Advance Committee. of projects and assist in providing program- b) Responsibilities of Director—The re- matic information as requested. sponsibilities of the director of the Advance No project within the boundaries of an an- shall be: nual conference shall be approved by the Ad- (1) To coordinate the total program of the vance Committee for promotion, cultivation, Advance, including its promotion, cultivation, and administration as a mission Advance Spe- and administration; cial without consultation with the annual con- (2) To coordinate the staff work required of ference council on ministries and the board or the participating agencies within the Advance; agency delegated responsibility for missions (3) To report directly to the Advance Com- by the annual conference. mittee concerning the program and progress 6. World Service Special Gifts Commit- of the Advance; and tee—a) There shall be a World Service Special (4) To keep a record of all general Advance Gifts Committee within the council to give ad- Special projects. ministrative oversight to the World Service c) General Advance Special Projects—It Special Gifts program, including establishing shall be the responsibility of the Advance the procedure and criteria for approving spe- Committee to determine which projects are cific projects, providing for staff administra- approved to receive general Advance Special tion of the program, and ensuring program ac- Gifts (¶ 814.2). The Advance fosters partner- countability to the council by the administer- ship between those who give and those who re- ing agencies. The council shall make provi- ceive, and it affirms the right of persons to de- sions for the General Council on Finance and termine the priority of their own needs. Administration and administering agencies to Projects shall therefore be proposed by au- have representation with voice but not vote. thorized persons closely related to the project Any costs related to such representation shall and shall be recommended to the Advance be borne by the respective agencies. Committee by the administering agency. The b) In the World Service Special Gifts pro- Advance Committee may consider and ap- gram, it shall be the responsibility of the Gen- prove proposals for either specific projects or eral Council on Ministries to determine which broadly designated causes, such as a type of projects are approved to receive World Service work, a country, a region, or an administrative Special Gifts (¶ 813) under guidelines ap- unit. proved by the General Conference. d) Administering Agencies—Agencies au- (1) All general boards and commissions ex- thorized to recommend projects and receive cept those units of general agencies authorized and administer funds for general Advance to receive general Advance Special Gifts are Special projects shall be the following desig- authorized to recommend World Service Spe- nated programmatic units of the General cial Gift projects for approval by the council, Board of Global Ministries: Evangelization provided the project is specifically related to and Church Growth Program Area, Commu- one or more of the disciplinary functions of the nity and Institutional Ministries Program recommending agency. Area, Mission Contexts and Relationships (2) The participating agencies shall report Program Area, Mission Personnel Program annually to the council on the financial Area, United Methodist Committee on Relief, progress of World Service Special Gift projects and such other agencies as are designated by and assist in providing programmatic infor- the General Council on Ministries. The admin- mation as requested. istering agencies shall report annually to the (3) No World Service Special Gift project

306 GENERAL BOARD OF CHURCH AND SOCIETY within the boundaries of an annual conference mentation of the Social Principles and other shall be approved by the council without con- policy statements of the General Conference sultation with the director of the annual con- on Christian social concerns. Furthermore, ference council on ministries. the board and its executives shall provide 7. Staff—The council shall elect annually a forthright witness and action on issues of hu- general secretary and associate general secre- man well-being, justice, peace, and the integ- taries as needed. The elected staff shall sit with rity of creation that call Christians to respond the council with voice but without vote. as forgiven people for whom Christ died. In particular, the board shall conduct a program Section IV. General Board of Church of research, education, and action on the wide and Society range of issues that confront the Church. The board shall analyze long-range social ¶ 1001. Name—There shall be a General trends and their underlying ethical values. It Board of Church and Society in The United shall explore systemic strategies for social Methodist Church, as an expression of the change and alternative futures. It shall speak mission of the Church. its convictions, interpretations, and concerns ¶ 1002. Purpose—The purpose of the to the Church and to the world. board shall be to relate the gospel of Jesus The board shall develop, promote, and dis- Christ to the members of the Church and to tribute resources and conduct programs to in- the persons and structures of the communities form, motivate, train, organize, and build net- and world in which they live. It shall seek to works for action toward social justice through- bring the whole of human life, activities, pos- out society, particularly on the specific issues sessions, use of resources, and community and prioritized by the board. Special attention world relationships into conformity with the shall be given to the nurture of the active con- will of God. It shall show the members of the stituency of the board. The board will encour- Church and the society that the reconciliation age an exchange of ideas on strategy and that God effected through Christ involves per- methodology for social change. Through con- sonal, social, and civic righteousness. ferences, districts, coalitions, and networks, it ¶ 1003. Objectives—To achieve its pur- will assist Church members as they identify pose, the board shall: and respond to critical social issues at commu- 1. Project plans and programs that chal- nity, regional, national, and international lev- lenge the members of The United Methodist els. Church to work through their own local All the above shall be consistent with the churches, ecumenical channels, and society Social Principles and policies adopted by the toward personal, social, and civic righteous- General Conference. ness; The board shall maintain close relation- 2. Assist the district and annual confer- ships with the General Commission on Reli- ences with needed resources in areas of such gion and Race, the General Commission on concerns; the Status and Role of Women, and the Appa- 3. Analyze the issues that confront persons, lachian Development Committee as they seek communities, nations, and the world; and to coordinate denominational support and co- 4. Encourage Christian lines of action that operation with various movements for racial, assist humankind to move toward a world sexual, and social justice, according to guide- where peace and justice are achieved. lines stated in the Book of Discipline. In coop- ¶ 1004. Responsibilities—The prime re- eration with ecumenical agencies and other sponsibility of the board is to seek the imple- appropriate boards and agencies, the board

307 ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER shall encourage and promote ministries and ship shall be constituted as follows: models of mediation and conflict resolution, a) Jurisdictional Members—Clergy, lay- both ecumenically and within the agencies women, and laymen shall be elected to the and institutions of The United Methodist board by the jurisdictional conference upon Church. nomination from the annual conference in ac- ¶ 1005. Incorporation—The General cordance with ¶ 705.6b, based on the follow- Board of Church and Society shall be a corpo- ing formula: North Central—7, Northeastern— ration existing under the laws of the District of 8, South Central—11, Southeastern—12, and Columbia and shall be the legal successor and Western—3. successor in trust of the corporations, boards, b) Supplemental Members—One member departments, or entities known as the General from Central Congo Annual Conference and Board of Christian Social Concerns of The one member from North Katanga Annual Con- United Methodist Church; the Department of ference. Christian Social Action of The Evangelical c) Central Conference Members—Four United Brethren Church; the Board of Chris- central conference members shall be elected tian Social Concerns of The Methodist Church; to the board on nomination by the Council of the Division of General Welfare of the General Bishops, according to the provisions in ¶ Board of Church and Society of The United 705.5c. Methodist Church; the Division of General d) Episcopal Members—Six episcopal Welfare of the General Board of Christian So- members, including at least one from the cen- cial Concerns of The United Methodist tral conferences, shall be named by the Coun- Church; the Division of Alcohol Problems and cil of Bishops. General Welfare of the Board of Christian So- e) One member elected by Iglesia cial Concerns of The Methodist Church; the Metodista Autónoma Afiliada de Puerto Rico. Division of Temperance and General Welfare f) Additional Members—1. United Method- of the Board of Christian Social Concerns of ist—Additional members are nominated by a The Methodist Church; the Board of Temper- committee composed of three persons from ance of The Methodist Church; the Board of each jurisdiction (one clergy, one laywoman, Temperance, Prohibition, and Public Morals and one layman) elected by the jurisdictional of The Methodist Episcopal Church; the Board conference. They shall elect up to nine addi- of World Peace of The Methodist Church; the tional members to ensure inclusivity and ex- Commission on World Peace of The Methodist pertise. Church; the Commission on World Peace of 2. It is recommended that the board elect at The Methodist Episcopal Church; the Division least one of the additional members without of World Peace of the General Board of Church vote from among the other churches of the and Society of The United Methodist Church; Consultation on Church Union. the Board of Social and Economic Relations of ¶ 1007. Vacancies—Vacancies in the board The Methodist Church; the Division of Human membership shall be filled by the procedure Relations of the General Board of Church and defined in ¶ 712. Society of The United Methodist Church. ¶ 1008. Financial Support—1. The Gen- ¶ 1006. Organization—1. The General eral Conference shall determine and provide Board of Church and Society shall have sixty- the funding for the board in accord with poli- three members, constituted in accordance cies and procedures of ¶ 806. with ¶ 704.3e, and shall be organized as speci- 2. Either on behalf of its total work or on fied in its bylaws and in harmony with ¶¶ 702– behalf of one of its programs, the board may 710 of the General Provisions. The member- solicit and create special funds, receive gifts

308 GENERAL BOARD OF DISCIPLESHIP and bequests, hold properties and securities in his disciples and to help these persons to grow trust, and administer all its financial affairs in in their understanding of God that they may accordance with its own rules and provisions respond in faith and love, to the end that they of the Book of Discipline. Funds vested in any may know who they are and what their human of the predecessor boards shall be conserved situation means, increasingly identifying for the specific purposes for which such funds themselves as children of God and members of have been given. the Christian community, to live in the Spirit ¶ 1009. Staff—1. The general secretary of God in every relationship, to fulfill their shall be the chief administrative officer of the common discipleship in the world, and to board, responsible for the coordination of the abide in the Christian hope. total program of the board, the supervision of 2. The board shall use its resources to en- staff, and the administration of the headquar- hance the meaning of membership as defined ters office. The general secretary shall be an ex in ¶¶ 216–220, which emphasizes the impor- officio member of the executive committee tance of the identification of church member- without vote and shall sit with the board when ship with discipleship to Jesus Christ. The it is in session, with voice but without vote. board shall seek to enable congregations to 2. All other staff are to be elected or ap- carry out their primary task and shall provide pointed in a manner prescribed by the board resources that support growth in Christian consistent with the affirmative action policies discipleship. In doing its work, the board shall of the Church and the board. listen to the needs and requests of the Church, ¶ 1010. Headquarters—The headquarters conduct research, design and produce re- location shall be determined in accordance sources, offer training, and deliver resources. with ¶ 807.5. A United Nations Office shall be All of this is to support congregations in their maintained in cooperation with the Women’s primary task of reaching out and receiving all Division of the General Board of Global Minis- who will respond, encouraging people in their tries. relationship with God and inviting them to ¶ 1011. Bylaws—The General Board of commitment to God’s love made known in Je- Church and Society shall provide its own by- sus Christ, providing opportunities for them to laws, which shall not violate any provisions of be nurtured and formed in the Christian faith, the Constitution or the Book of Discipline. The and supporting them to live lovingly and justly bylaws may be amended by a two-thirds vote in the power of the Holy Spirit as faithful disci- of the members present and voting thereon at ples. The board, through all activities, shall a regular or special meeting; provided that no- lead and assist congregations in becoming in- tice of such amendment has previously been clusive communities of growing Christians, given to the members. celebrating and communicating to persons of every age, racial and ethnic background, and Section V. General Board of social condition the redeeming and reconcil- Discipleship ing love of God as revealed in Jesus Christ. ¶ 1102. Responsibilities—All the responsi- ¶ 1101. Purpose—1. There shall be a Gen- bilities assigned to the units within the board eral Board of Discipleship, the purpose of shall be considered to be the responsibilities of which is found within the expression of the to- the board. In addition to these, the board shall tal mission of the Church. Its primary purpose have authority to: shall be to assist annual conferences, districts, 1. Provide for special publications directed and local churches of all membership sizes in toward the local church nurture, outreach, their efforts to win persons to Jesus Christ as witness ministries, age-level and family minis-

309 ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER tries, ministry group representatives, the min- 8. Provide representation in ecumenical istry group chairpersons, the pastor, and the and interdenominational agencies as they re- other local church officers for whom the board late to the work of the board. has primary responsibility. 9. Respond to requests and needs for min- 2. Manage and produce The Upper Room istries throughout the world, in consultation daily devotional guide and a wide range of with conferences and appropriate agencies. other resources to help people grow in their 10. Engage in research, experimentation, relationship with God. innovation, and the testing and evaluation of 3. Provide systems of resources and sup- programs, resources, and methods to discover port to users of resources that will assist peo- more effective ways to help persons achieve ple in the historic disciplines of the Church, the purpose set forth in ¶ 1101. This responsi- i.e., Christian education, evangelism, lay min- bility will include authority for experimenta- istries, spiritual growth, stewardship, and tion and research in all areas of ministry as- worship. These resources will address minis- signed to the General Board of Discipleship try concerns across children, youth, and adult and will encourage cooperation with other ages and family groupings and across pro- agencies in the conduct of such research and grammatic and administrative functions of the experimentation. This research and experi- congregation in order to improve ministry and mentation may be assigned to appropriate the quality of Christian leadership for the fu- units within the board. ture ministry of the Church. 11. Ensure that ethnic local church con- 4. Develop and provide resources, training, cerns shall be an integral part of the total life of and consultation for pastors of congregations. the board, providing guidance, resourcing, These resources will focus on equipping pas- and training so that these concerns are incor- tors for their spiritual and visioning leader- porated in all areas of discipleship in the local ship role with their congregations and their church. role as partners with the laity. ¶ 1103. Incorporation—The General 5. Develop and provide resources, training, Board of Discipleship shall be a corporation and consultation for pastors and congrega- existing under the laws of Tennessee and shall tional leaders as they enhance and evaluate be the legal successor and successor in trust of the ministries of the laity and initiate new the corporations known as the General Board forms of ministry that nurture faith, build of Evangelism of The United Methodist Christian community, and equip people for Church and the General Board of Laity of The ministry in daily life. United Methodist Church, and it shall further 6. Provide resources and training that will be responsible for the performance of the assist annual conference leaders in building, functions previously conducted by the Com- improving, and sustaining systems that de- mission on Worship of The United Methodist velop spiritual leaders for congregations. Church, the Division of the Local Church, and 7. Provide resources and training that will the Division of Curriculum Resources of the assist leaders in planning and administering General Board of Education of The United comprehensive children, youth, young-adult, Methodist Church. adult, and older-adult ministries that encour- The General Board of Discipleship is au- age lifelong learning and growth in faith, that thorized to take such action as is appropriate strengthen understanding of God and rela- under the corporation laws of Tennessee so as tionship with God and other people, and that to accomplish the end result stated above, and lead to spiritual maturity in faith and in prac- under which the General Board of Disciple- tice. ship shall be one legal entity.

310 GENERAL BOARD OF DISCIPLESHIP

The divisions of the General Board of Edu- where the intent of the original donor cannot cation were not incorporated separately; it is be clearly determined in relation to the inter- the intent, however, that responsibility for the ests of the two boards, such assets shall be di- functions delegated to the divisions by prior vided equally between the two boards. legislative action be transferred consistent The president of the board, the general sec- with the separation of the divisions between retary, and the treasurer shall have the power the General Board of Discipleship and the to execute on behalf of the board legal paper General Board of Higher Education and Min- such as conveyances of real estate, releases on istry. In the division of the assets of the Gen- mortgages, transfer of securities, contracts, eral Board of Education, it is the intent that all and all other legal documents. assets be used in keeping with the original in- ¶ 1104. Organization—1. The board shall tent and purpose for which they were estab- consist of fifty-eight members constituted in lished or acquired, and so be assigned as ap- accordance with ¶ 705.3 of the General Provi- propriate to the General Boards of Disciple- sions. It shall be organized to accomplish its ship and Higher Education and Ministry, re- work through elected officers as prescribed in spectively. It is further intended that the an- ¶ 708. The membership shall be constituted as nuities, bequests, trusts, and estates formerly follows: held by the General Board of Education be a) Jurisdictional members, clergy, lay- used for the benefit and use of the General women, and laymen shall be elected to the Boards of Discipleship and Higher Education board by the jurisdictional conference upon and Ministry (in accord with their purposes as nomination from the annual conference in ac- defined in the Discipline), respectively, as cordance with ¶ 705.4e and 705.4a based on their interests may appear, and that real estate the following formula: North Central—6, titles be authorized to be conveyed as appro- Northeastern—7, South Central—10, South- priate and apportioned where indicated. eastern—11, and Western—2. In the event that the intent of the original b) Supplemental Members—One member donor of existing annuities, bequests, trusts, from the southern Congo Annual Conference and estates cannot clearly be determined in re- and one member from the Nigeria Annual lation to the interests of the two boards, such Conference as supplemental members accord- assets shall be divided equally between the two ing to the provisions of ¶ 705.5e. boards. c) Central Conference Members—Five cen- It is further intended that should addi- tral conference members shall be elected to tional assets accrue to the former General the board on nomination by the Council of Board of Education by reason of annuities, be- Bishops, according to the provisions in ¶ quests, trusts, and estates not now known and 705.5c. where the intent of the donor can be clearly as- d) Episcopal Members—Six episcopal certained, the assets shall be used in keeping members, including at least one from the cen- with the original intent and purpose for which tral conferences, shall be named by the Coun- they were established or acquired and so be cil of Bishops. assigned as appropriate to the General Boards e) One member elected by Iglesia of Discipleship and Higher Education and Metodista Autónoma Afiliada de Puerto Rico. Ministry, respectively. f) Additional Members—(1) United Meth- It is further intended that should addi- odist—Additional members are nominated by tional assets accrue to the former General a committee composed of three persons from Board of Education by reason of annuities, be- each jurisdiction (one clergy, one laywoman, quests, trusts, and estates not now known and and one layman) elected by the jurisdictional

311 ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER conference. They shall elect up to eight addi- scribed by the board. The presence of one- tional members to ensure inclusivity and ex- third of the members of a unit shall constitute pertise. (2) It is recommended that the board a quorum. elect at least one of the additional members 3. Officers—Each unit shall have a chair- without vote, from among the other churches person, elected by the board; such vice chair- of the Consultation on Church Union. persons as necessary; and a recording secre- 2. The board may elect an executive com- tary, elected by the unit. mittee and establish such rules as necessary 4. Executive Committee—Each unit may for the carrying out of its duties. elect an executive committee and establish 3. The board shall determine and establish such rules as necessary for the carrying out of the appropriate organization of the board and its duties. its staff, and it may create or discontinue as 5. Unit Staff—The administrative officer of deemed necessary divisions, sections, com- each unit shall be elected by the board and mittees, task forces, and consultations in or- shall sit with the unit and all its regular com- der to carry out the regular or special duties of mittees. In all of these relationships, he or she the board. shall have the right of the floor without the 4. The board shall provide such bylaws as power to vote. All other staff persons are to be necessary to facilitate the work of the board, elected or appointed in a manner prescribed which shall not violate any provisions of the by the board (¶ 714). Discipline and which may be amended by a ¶ 1106. Financial Support—1. The finan- two-thirds vote of the members present and cial support of the board shall be determined voting thereon at a regular or special meeting; as follows: the General Conference shall deter- provided that written notice to such amend- mine and provide the budget for the board in ment has been given to the members and the accord with procedures defined in ¶ 806. vote thereon shall be delayed at least one day. 2. The board shall have authority to receive 5. Adequate provisions shall be made in its and administer funds, gifts, or bequests that organizational structure for all responsibilities may be committed to it for any portion of its assigned to the board. These organizational work and to solicit, establish, and administer units shall be amenable to and report regularly any special funds that may be found necessary to the board and its executive committee. for the carrying out of its plans and policies in ¶ 1105. Organizational Units—The or- accordance with ¶ 811.3. In the investment of ganizational units shall be organized by the any funds, the board shall adhere to the spe- board so as to fulfill the objectives and the re- cific investment guidelines adopted by the sponsibilities assigned to them within the General Conference. mandate of the board (see ¶ 1104.3). The basic 3. No funds, property, or other investments organization of these units shall be as follows: either now in hand or hereafter accumulated 1. Membership—The units shall be com- by The Upper Room or other devotional and posed of board members as provided in ¶ 705. related literature hereafter produced by The In order to provide for unit members with spe- Upper Room shall be used for the support of cial knowledge and experience, the board shall other features of the board’s work, but all have authority to elect members at large to the funds from the sale of such publications shall units on nomination of the units and in accord be conserved by the board for the purpose of with ¶ 705. preparing and circulating such literature and 2. Meetings—The units shall meet in con- cultivating the devotional life; provided, how- junction with the meetings of the board. Spe- ever, that this shall not prevent the setting up cial meetings may be called in a manner pre- of a reserve fund out of such income as a pro-

312 GENERAL BOARD OF DISCIPLESHIP tection against unforeseen emergencies. administered by the board in cooperation with 4. When special missions are conducted or those agencies responsible for Christian edu- special projects are undertaken by the board, cation in jurisdictions, annual conferences, offerings and contributions may be received districts, and local churches. It shall give care- toward defraying expenses. ful consideration to the needs of all churches, 5. In the discharge of its responsibility for such as small and large membership churches, Christian education in The United Methodist rural and urban settings, and ethnic Church, the board may establish and provide populations. for participation by church school groups in a ¶ 1108. Education Responsibilities and fund (or funds) for missions and Christian Standards—The board shall organize as may education in the United States and overseas. be necessary for carrying on the educational Plans for the allocation of, administration of, ministry throughout the whole life span of and education for this fund(s) shall be devel- persons. The board shall: oped cooperatively by such means as the 1. Formulate and interpret the philosophy board shall determine in consultation with the of Christian education based on biblical, theo- General Board of Global Ministries. logical, and educational foundations (consist- ¶ 1107. Christian Education—1. The board ent with the Doctrinal Standards and General shall have general oversight of the educational Rules of The United Methodist Church, ¶ 103) interests of the Church as directed by the Gen- as they relate to the church school and related eral Conference. The board shall be responsi- activities; individual or group study; fellow- ble for the development of a clear statement of ship, education, and action groups for chil- the biblical and theological foundations of dren, youth, and adults; related educational Christian education, consistent with the doc- programs provided by civic youth-serving trines of The United Methodist Church and agencies; weekday nurseries and kindergar- the mission of the board. The board shall de- tens; daycare centers; choirs, drama groups, vote itself to strengthening and extending the mission studies; education for leisure; out- teaching ministry of the Church through re- door education; camping; education of per- search; testing new approaches, methods, and sons with developmental disabilities and oth- resources; evaluation; and consultation. ers of special need; special Bible study groups; 2. Through the ministry of Christian educa- confirmation and church membership train- tion, United Methodist congregations shall ing. reach out to people of all ages as they are, en- 2. Develop educational approaches in a va- courage them to commit themselves to Christ riety of settings that appeal to persons of dif- and membership in his church, provide oppor- ferent ages, lifestyles, learning needs, and tunities for them to grow in faith and to con- theological perspectives. nect that faith with their daily lives, and equip 3. Develop educational approaches that them to live as God’s people in the world. Op- will enable persons of different racial, ethnic, portunities for Christian education shall in- and cultural groups to appropriate the gospel clude educational aspects of all the general ar- for their own life situations. eas and interests of the denomination, such as 4. Promote church school extension in a va- evangelism, stewardship, missions, Christian riety of ways, such as providing resources and social action, and Bible instruction. The minis- training that help persons in sponsoring new try of Christian education shall be developed church schools, starting new church school as a comprehensive, unified, and coordinated classes, and expanding teaching and learning program for children, youth, adults, and fami- opportunities in the congregation and the lies in local churches. It shall be promoted and community.

313 ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER

5. Provide resources and support services promote the continuing growth of local church for pastors, parents, educational leaders, staff related to educational ministries. teachers, and others responsible for teaching 12. Provide resources, models, and training and learning with persons across the life span to support annual conferences and local at the local church, district, and conference churches as they help people make decisions levels. related to their general Christian vocation as 6. Provide resources and support services well as their specific occupations or careers. for teacher recruitment, development, and 13. Review and recommend for approval training in biblical, theological, and ethical the curriculum plans developed in coopera- thinking, as well as in procedures and meth- tion with the other boards and agencies in the ods; work with the colleges and seminaries of Curriculum Resources Committee and inter- the Church wherever possible to forward the pret and support the curriculum developed by common interest in the training of profes- the committee. sional Christian educators and the training of 14. Promote the observance of Christian ministerial students in local church Christian Education Sunday (¶¶ 265.1, 1806.12). education; provide national camp training ¶ 1109. Cooperation—1. The board shall events and assist jurisdictions and annual cooperate with other general boards and agen- conferences in designing, guiding, and cies in the promotion of stewardship, evange- resourcing camp training programs and out- lism, worship, mission education, and social door Christian education. action, and in the evaluation of these minis- 7. Set standards and provide guidance con- tries from the perspective of sound educa- cerning programming, leadership, and group- tional procedure. ing for the various educational settings of the 2. The board, in cooperation with the Gen- Church, including the church school. eral Board of Global Ministries, shall be re- 8. Establish guidelines for the organization sponsible for developing a unified program of and administration of the church school, for mission education for all age groups in the lo- recording and reporting membership and at- cal church. The mission education program tendance of the church school, and for the shall include provisions for the following: equipment, arrangement, and design for a) Linking emerging philosophies of mis- church school buildings and rooms, with par- sion and of education through information ticular attention given to the needs of persons flow and cooperative work of the respective with disabilities. staffs and boards; 9. Provide resources and services related to b) Developing and interpreting varied the training and work of local church direc- styles of mission education appropriate to dif- tors, ordained and diaconal ministers, and as- ferent groups, including age groupings and the sociates of Christian education and educa- various racial and ethnic cultures; tional assistants. c) Curriculum planning for education in 10. Develop standards governing all types mission, providing mission information about of camping in regard to physical facilities, pro- projects supported by The United Methodist gram, and leadership. To the extent possible, Church (including ecumenical projects) all camps shall be accessible to persons with through the church school resources, and pre- disabilities. paring curricular and other materials for mis- 11. Cooperate with the General Board of sion education; Higher Education and Ministry as they de- d) Participating with various agencies in velop standards for certifying professional the design, development, and promotion of ministry careers as provided in ¶ 1424.1 and ecumenical mission education resources;

314 GENERAL BOARD OF DISCIPLESHIP

e) Developing and interpreting educational response to God’s love in Jesus Christ, the approaches and channels for mission giving of board shall have general oversight of the evan- children, youth, and adults, such as the Chil- gelism ministries of The United Methodist dren’s Fund for Christian Mission; Church by the envisioning and developing of f) Developing and interpreting models for resources and by training and consultation in new approaches to mission study and educa- various settings. The board shall: tional participation in mission; 1. Set forth an adequate biblical and theo- g) Providing information regarding educa- logical basis and understanding for the per- tional criteria to the staff of the General Board sonal, corporate, and social aspects of evange- of Global Ministries for use in certifying lead- lism, consistent with the doctrine and tradi- ers for schools of mission; tion of The United Methodist Church, and it h) Disseminating a comprehensive listing shall communicate and interpret the same to of mission resources for leaders; the membership of the Church. i) Cooperating with the General Board of 2. Give emphasis to the development, in- Higher Education and Ministry and the Gen- terpretation, and promotion of ministries of eral Board of Global Ministries in providing an evangelism at the conference, district, and lo- emphasis on mission education in the schools cal church levels so that persons who are not of theology through United Methodist courses active Christian disciples through any local on history, polity, and doctrine now required church will be invited and cared for by a for candidates considering ordination or con- United Methodist church. secration. 3. Provide resources and training for strat- 3. The board shall have authority to cooper- egies, ministries, and programs in evangelism, ate with other agencies of the Church, with de- including resources for the local church minis- fined organizations, and with ecumenical try of evangelism (¶ 253). agencies to promote the ministry of Christian 4. Cooperate with other program agencies education. of the Church in supporting and equipping 4. The board is authorized to cooperate both clergy and laity at all levels in involve- with the General Board of Global Ministries in ment in evangelism, church growth, and new the planning and execution of programs for congregational development. the strengthening and development of the 5. Provide and encourage research in what town and country, urban, and ethnic local creative congregations of various membership church ministries of The United Methodist sizes and settings are doing in effective evan- Church and of interdenominational coopera- gelism that can serve as models for other tion in these fields. churches, and foster experimentation and ¶ 1110. Evangelism—The board shall have demonstration of additional evangelistic ap- general oversight of the evangelism ministries proaches, consistent with the nature of the of the Church as directed by the General Con- Christian gospel and the Church, at all levels of ference. Evangelism is central to the mission the Church’s life, including new congregations of the Church. Evangelism is defined in the and all racial and cultural groups. Book of Discipline, ¶ 628.1. 6. Provide resources and services for those The board shall share the blessing of the serving as pastors, diaconal ministers, direc- gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ with people of tors of evangelism, general evangelists, and all ages by the development, promotion, and other professionals in evangelism in local support of all phases of evangelism through- churches. out The United Methodist Church. 7. Set standards for elders desiring to serve ¶ 1111. Evangelism Responsibilities—In as general evangelists. The board shall send

315 ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER copies of these standards quadrennially to the with people of all ages through resources, pro- bishops, district superintendents, conference grams, and training materials consistent with boards of discipleship, and general evange- the doctrines of The United Methodist lists. An elder who feels called by God to be a Church, and cultivate the fullest possible general evangelist should prepare definitely meaning in the corporate worship celebra- for such service under the guidance of the an- tions of the Church to the glory of God, includ- nual conference to which that person belongs. ing liturgy, preaching, the sacraments, music, 8. Relate and provide liaison services to de- related arts, and the observance of the liturgi- nominational and ecumenical associations cal seasons of the Christian Year. and fellowships of evangelism. 2. Develop standards and resources for the 9. Seek mutual cooperation among and conduct of public worship in the churches, in- with the seminaries of the Church and the cluding liturgy, preaching, the sacraments, General Board of Higher Education and Min- music, and related arts. istry in the training and nurturing of persons 3. Make recommendations to the General for ministry and in continuing education Conference regarding future editions of a book where the responsibilities intersect. of worship and a hymnal and, as ordered, pro- 10. Communicate with other agencies in vide editorial supervision of the contents of whose programs the subject matter of evange- these publications, which shall be published lism would be included, and provide counsel, by The United Methodist Publishing House. guidance, and resources for the implementa- The hymnals of The United Methodist Church tion of such programs. are The United Methodist Hymnal (1989), Mil 11. Participate in and cooperate with the Voces Para Celebrar: Himnario Metodista work of the Curriculum Resources Committee (1996), and Come, Let Us Worship: The Ko- of the board for the inclusion of evangelism rean-English United Methodist Hymnal concepts and resources in local church study (2000). The ritual of the Church is that con- curriculum. tained in The United Methodist Hymnal 12. Provide consultation with conferences, (1989), The United Methodist Book of Wor- districts, local congregations, and other agen- ship (1992), Mil Voces Para Celebrar: cies to develop strategies in evangelism for Himnario Metodista (1996), and Come, Let Us outreach, church revitalization, and new con- Worship: The Korean-English United Meth- gregational development. odist Hymnal (2000). 13. Work with the General Board of Global 4. Prepare revisions of the Ritual of the Ministries for the extension of the Church. To Church and approved orders of worship for this end there shall be a Joint Committee on recommendation to the General Conference Congregational Development with equal rep- for adoption. resentation of members from the General 5. Work with other North American Chris- Board of Discipleship and the General Board tian denominations through the Consultation of Global Ministries, which shall meet regu- on Common Texts in the continuing develop- larly for mutual learning, developing strate- ment of a common calendar and lectionary, gies for Church extension, and providing re- and encourage the voluntary use of the Re- sources and assistance to conferences and dis- vised Common Lectionary and resources tricts in the field of new congregational devel- based upon it. opment and congregational revitalization. 6. Prepare and sponsor the publication of ¶ 1112. Worship Responsibilities—The supplemental orders and texts of worship. board shall: 1. Set forth and interpret the bibli- 7. Maintain a cooperative but not exclusive cal and theological basis for corporate worship relationship with The United Methodist Pub-

316 GENERAL BOARD OF DISCIPLESHIP lishing House in the preparation and publica- Education and Ministry, and cooperate with tion of worship resources. the General Board of Higher Education and 8. Advise the general agencies of the Ministry in the development of standards and Church in the preparation, publication, and requirements for certification of directors, as- circulation of orders of service and other litur- sociates, and ministers of music as provided in gical materials bearing the imprint of The ¶ 1405.6. United Methodist Church, encouraging use of ¶ 1113. Stewardship Responsibilities—1. racial and ethnic worship resources and incor- To interpret the biblical and theological basis poration of language that recognizes the sev- for stewardship through programs, resources, eral constituencies of the Church. (See ¶ 4.) and training materials for people of all ages 9. Counsel with the editors of the periodi- consistent with the doctrines of The United cals and publications of The United Methodist Methodist Church. Church concerning material offered in the 2. To provide education, counsel, fields of worship, including preaching, music, resourcing, and training for the local church and the other liturgical arts. stewardship ministry group chairperson, com- 10. Participate in and cooperate with the mission on stewardship, board of trustees, en- Curriculum Resources Committee of the dowment and permanent fund committees, board for the inclusion of worship concepts wills and estate planning committees, memo- and resources in local church study curricu- rial committees, committee on finance, com- lum. mittee on finance chairperson, financial secre- 11. Encourage in the schools of theology taries, and treasurers, and to develop program and pastors’ schools, and other settings, the resources and training materials for use with offering of instruction in the meaning and and by the above-named persons and/or conduct of worship. This should include the groups (see ¶ 807.15). Matters relating to pro- worship practices and expressions of the vari- cedures involving official records, forms, and ous racial cultures. reporting of finances shall be the responsibil- 12. Counsel with those responsible for ity of the General Council on Finance and Ad- planning and conducting the worship services ministration. of the General Conference and other general 3. To create within The United Methodist assemblies of the Church. Church a deepening commitment to personal 13. Give guidance to, provide resources for, and corporate Christian stewardship, which and encourage the continuing growth of those includes the use and sharing of talents and re- persons responsible for music leadership in sources and the practice of a Christian life- the local church, i.e., directors, ordained min- style. isters, associates, music assistants, and those 4. To develop strategies, provide resources, volunteering in music and the other worship and implement actions that lead to a continu- arts. (See ¶ 1405.7.) ing improvement in the level of giving of 14. Cooperate with the Fellowship of United Methodists in providing adequate sup- United Methodists in Music and Worship Arts port for the mission of the Church. and The Order of St. Luke in affirming the sac- 5. To counsel in the area of stewardship and ramental life embracing liturgy, preaching, finance with jurisdictional and annual confer- music, and other arts appropriate for the in- ence program agencies relative to their organi- clusive worship life of the Church. zational structure and program responsibili- 15. Develop performance standards for as- ties and assist them in their interpretation of sociates, directors, and ministers of music in program and resources. cooperation with the General Board of Higher 6. To provide counsel, resources, and guid-

317 ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER ance to conference and area foundations as into mission and to minister and witness in they fulfill their stewardship functions and to the name of Jesus Christ, the Head of the associations such as the National Association Church. Although all units of the Church have of United Methodist Foundations and the Na- some responsibility for this imperative, the tional Association of Stewardship Leaders. General Board of Discipleship has a preemi- 7. To call together regularly United Meth- nent responsibility in that it is charged with odist general agency leaders whose programs developing discipleship. To this end, the board include the subject matter of stewardship to shall: work toward common language, consistent 1. Help develop an adequate understanding stewardship theology, and cooperative efforts. of the theological and biblical basis for minis- ¶ 1114. Spiritual Formation Responsibili- try of the laity. ties of The Upper Room—To develop re- 2. Develop and interpret ministry of the la- sources that foster an international commu- ity both inside and outside the institutional nity of people and congregations who are seek- Church. ing God, building a vision of new life in Christ, 3. Provide resources and support services nurturing one another by sharing experiences for the development and improvement of of God’s love and guidance, and encouraging leadership in the local church, except as spe- one another in Christian action to transform cifically delegated to other agencies, and espe- the world. cially for those persons who serve as members 2. To explore and communicate a biblically of charge conferences, church councils, coun- and theologically informed vision of the spir- cils on ministries, committees on pastor-par- itual life that encourages and supports spir- ish relations, personnel committees, commit- itual leaders in the church who can guide peo- tees on lay leadership, those who serve as lay ple of all ages into a more vital, intimate, and leaders, lay members of annual conferences, transforming relationship with God through and leaders of related organizations in local Christ. churches, districts, annual conferences, and 3. To maintain and extend the worldwide jurisdictions. ministry of The Upper Room and other re- 4. Assist congregations, districts, and an- sources, which are available in an increasing nual conferences in equipping persons for number of languages and which address the leadership in community ministries. spiritual needs of people throughout their life 5. Provide resources and suggested plans and continue to embody the interdenomina- for the observance of Laity Sunday in the local tional character of the ministry of The Upper church. Room. 6. Provide support to conference and dis- 4. To cooperate with all other units within trict directors of Lay Speaking Ministries and the board, as well as other groups within to conference and district committees on Lay United Methodism, and other denominations Speaking Ministries. In consultation with the whose concerns are related to the spiritual life. conference directors, set standards for local ¶ 1115. Ministry of the Laity—The board church and certified lay speakers and provide shall interpret and spread through the Church teaching resources for use by annual confer- all the rich meanings of the universal priest- ence and district committees. hood of believers, of Christian vocation, and of 7. Provide support services to conference the ministry of the laity in daily life. and district lay leaders and conference and The United Methodist Church has the re- district boards of laity, to the National Asso- sponsibility of training and enabling the laos— ciation of Annual Conference Lay Leaders, and the whole body of its membership—to enter to other appropriate conference and district

318 GENERAL BOARD OF DISCIPLESHIP officers and agencies. accountability in congregations by: 8. Initiate a process of coordination and a) promoting the General Rule of Disciple- collaboration in developing a comprehensive ship: “To witness to Jesus Christ in the world, approach to leadership development and and to follow his teachings through acts of training within all program areas for which the compassion, justice, worship, and devotion, General Board of Discipleship has responsibil- under the guidance of the Holy Spirit”29; ity. b) advocating the formation of Covenant 9. Encourage ordained elders to select and Discipleship Groups for all ages throughout train laity to distribute the consecrated Com- the church by providing resources, training, munion elements as soon as feasible to sick or and support services that ground leadership in homebound persons following a service of the richness of our Wesleyan tradition; Word and Table. This distribution also may c) providing resources, training, and sup- apply to laypersons who have been assigned port services for revitalizing the role of class pastoral roles in a church or in more than one leaders so that they may interpret the General church by the district superintendent. Rule of Discipleship to all church members ¶ 1116. Christian Discipleship Formation and assist the pastor in fostering mutual ac- Responsibilities—The board shall interpret countability throughout the congregation; and promote group ministries in local congre- d) providing consultative services to juris- gations in order to support the formation of dictions, conferences, and districts in the in- Christian disciples focused on the transforma- troduction and development of Covenant Dis- tion of the world. cipleship Groups and class leaders in congre- 1. Small Group Ministries—Recognizing gations. the diverse means of grace necessary in form- ¶ 1117. Ethnic Local Church Concerns— ing Christian disciples, the General Board of The board shall function as an advocate for Discipleship shall assist local congregations in programs and concerns of ethnic local developing a comprehensive system of small- churches. It shall coordinate efforts to keep group ministries by: the needs of the membership of ethnic a) providing resources, training, and sup- churches uppermost in the minds of its mem- port services for leaders of small-group minis- bership. The board will ensure that adequate tries that support people in their search for resources—fiscal, human, and program- God, in their yearning for community, and in matic—are used to support and encourage the their desire to be formed as Christian disci- ministries of the ethnic local churches. ples; ¶ 1118. Age-Level, Life-Span, and Family b) providing resources and support serv- Ministries—The board will provide for an inte- ices that equip people throughout the life span grated and coordinated approach in develop- for faithful Christian living in the world, and ment of resources and service support for especially those areas for which the General ministries with children, youth, adults of all Board of Discipleship has responsibility. ages, and families. Through its services to ad- When developing resources, attention should ministrative and coordinating leaders, the be given to the impact of the oral and visual board will assist congregations and confer- cultures in which we live and to the impor- ences to: tance of story. a) Build knowledge for development of 2. Accountable Discipleship—Affirming ministries that support the primary task of the that our Wesleyan heritage embraces a dis- local congregation; tinct emphasis of mutual accountability, the b) Provide for the development and nur- General Board of Discipleship shall encourage ture of persons at all age levels and stages of

319 ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER growth and for families in diverse con- figura- derstanding of the primary task of youth min- tions; istry: to love youth where they are, to encour- c) Assist individuals and families in spir- age them in developing their relationship to itual development and growth; and God, to provide them with opportunities for d) Promote the making and keeping of cov- nurture and growth, and to challenge them to enants as foundations for family living. respond to God’s call to serve in their commu- The board will also engage in research and nities. Four component parts undergird this testing, consultation and training, and col- comprehensive ministry: laborative planning so as to enhance the deliv- a) Curriculum—Through the Curriculum ery of resources and services to leaders with Resources Committee (¶ 1120), the General age-level and family ministries responsibili- Board of Discipleship shall ensure the avail- ties. ability of curriculum and leaders’ guides for 1. Comprehensive Children’s Ministries— use in a variety of settings suitable for the spe- The board will assist congregations and con- cific needs of all persons in the twelve- to ferences in developing comprehensive minis- eighteen-year-old age group; tries for and with children. Such ministries b) Program Resources—Additional and may include, but shall not be limited to, the supplemental guidebooks and other program following: Sunday school and vacation Bible aids shall be developed and promoted for ef- school, weekday ministries for preschool and fective youth ministry programs in the local elementary ages, fellowship and church and at the district, conference, juris- neighborhood groups, Scouting ministries, dictional, and general Church levels; and short-term studies and activities within c) Leadership Training and Networking— and outside the church facilities. Ministries Leadership training shall be provided to en- should focus on biblical foundations, prayer courage and support adult workers with youth and spiritual formation, community service, and youth leaders in their roles as teachers, personal worth through Jesus Christ, human counselors, advisers, and enablers at all levels sexuality, values, United Methodist studies, of the Church. Networking shall be developed creative and fine arts, multicultural aware- to maintain ongoing communication through ness, outreach to others, and celebration of workshops, special mailings, and publications significant moments in children’s lives. between leaders in youth ministries across the Responsibilities may include such support- denomination for the enhancement of skills ive tasks as: assisting congregations to be ad- and the sharing of effective models and re- vocates on behalf of children; identifying the sources; needs and concerns of children, their families d) Structures—Active and effective struc- and congregations; assessing the status of tures for youth ministry programming shall be ministries with children in The United Meth- promoted and maintained at the local church, odist Church; collecting and disseminating district, conference, jurisdictional, and gen- pertinent data on issues, models, and pro- eral Church levels for the full involvement of grams that inform the leaders in congrega- youth in leadership and membership and for tions and church structures to strengthen the the advocacy of youth concerns in all areas of quality of life of children. Church life, planning, and administration. 2. Comprehensive Youth Ministry—There 3. Comprehensive Adult Ministries—The shall be a comprehensive approach to devel- board will assist congregations and confer- opment and implementation of youth ministry ences in developing comprehensive ministries programming at all levels of the Church. The by, with, and for adults. In keeping with the comprehensive approach is based on the un- primary task of the board, adult ministries

320 GENERAL BOARD OF DISCIPLESHIP may include but need not be limited to: educa- Responsibilities may include such support- tion and ministries with young adults, middle ive tasks as: identifying the needs and con- adults, older adults, and single adults (i.e., cerns of families and of congregations, assess- widowed, always single, separated, and di- ing the status of ministries with families in vorced), and intergenerational programs in- The United Methodist Church, collecting and volving adults. Such a plan would include bib- disseminating pertinent data on issues, mod- lical foundation and study, developmental els, and programs that inform the work of the stages and tasks of adults, faith development boards and agencies to strengthen the quality and spiritual formation, and leadership train- of family life. The committee will relate to and ing in various models of adult educational provide liaison services to ecumenical and in- ministries. terdenominational agencies in the area of Responsibilities may include such support- family life. ive tasks as: identifying the needs and con- ¶ 1119. General Provisions for the Com- cerns of adults (i.e., young adults, middle mittee on Older Adult Ministries—1. There adults, older adults, and single adults); assess- shall be a Committee on Older Adult Minis- ing the status of ministries by, with, and for tries, which shall be administratively related adults in The United Methodist Church; col- to the General Board of Discipleship. lecting and disseminating pertinent data on is- 2. Purpose—The committee will provide a sues, models, and programs that inform the forum for information sharing, cooperative leaders in local congregations, districts, con- planning, and joint program endeavors as de- ferences, boards, and agencies to strengthen termined in accordance with the responsibili- the quality of faith and life of adults. ties and objectives of the participating agen- 4. Comprehensive Family Ministries—The cies. The committee shall serve as an advocate board will assist congregations and confer- for older adult concerns and issues and shall ences in developing comprehensive ministries serve to support ministries by, with, and for with families. In alignment with the primary older adults throughout The United Methodist task, the ministries may assist families in the Church and in the larger society. following areas: spiritual formation and devel- 3. Responsibilities—The responsibilities of opment, marital growth ministries, parenting, the committee shall include the following: human sexuality, care giving, and issues af- a) Identify the needs, concerns, and poten- fecting the quality of family life. Such a plan tial contributions of older adults. would include: biblical exploration and study, b) Promote a plan of comprehensive minis- as well as theological and experiential try by, with, and for older adults in local understandings of family life and the evolving churches that includes spiritual growth, edu- patterns of family living. Ministries with fami- cation, training, mission, service, and fellow- lies will focus on persons rather than struc- ship. tures. c) Support the development of resources The board may organize and administer a that will undergird local church ministries by, Committee on Family Life. The committee will with, and for older adults. provide an arena for information sharing, col- d) Advocate development and implementa- laborative planning, and/or cooperative pro- tion of policies and service designed to impact gramming in alignment with the purpose and systems and concepts that adversely affect responsibilities of representative participants. older adults. The committee will serve as advocates for e) Educate and keep before the Church the ministries with families in all boards and lifelong process of aging, with emphasis on the agencies. quality of life, intergenerational understand-

321 ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER ing, and faith development. sible for the construction of plans for curricu- f) Encourage the development of resources lum and curriculum resources to be used in and programs that can be used by annual con- the Christian educational ministry of the ferences, jurisdictions, and the denomination Church and other study settings. (See ¶ 258.1.) at large in training and equipping older adults 1. The Curriculum Resources Committee for new roles in the ministry and mission of shall carefully review and act on the plans con- the Church. structed and proposed by the staff of Church g) Serve as focal point for supplying infor- School Publications based upon research, in- mation and guidelines on older adult minis- cluding ideas from the Curriculum Resources tries to local churches. Committee and other persons in United Meth- h) Encourage coordination among agencies odist educational ministries. responsible for the development of resources, 2. The plans for curriculum and curriculum programs, and policies relating to older adult resources shall be designed to help local ministries. churches carry out the Church’s educational 4. Membership—The committee shall be ministry with children, youth, young adults, composed of one board member and one staff adults, and families and to meet the needs of member from each of the following agencies: various racial, ethnic, age, cultural, and lan- the General Board of Discipleship, the General guage constituencies, as well as the needs of Board of Global Ministries, the General Board persons of various learning capacities, back- of Church and Society, the General Board of grounds, levels of psychological development, Higher Education and Ministry, and the Gen- sight and hearing impairments, and Christian eral Council on Ministries; one member maturity. Plans for curriculum shall give par- (board or staff) from the Commission on the ticular attention to the characteristics and Status and Role of Women, one from the Com- needs of small membership congregations. mission on Religion and Race, and one from They shall be for use in a variety of settings, the Commission on United Methodist Men; both formal and informal, including Sunday one retired bishop representing the Council of schools; fellowship groups; outdoor experi- Bishops; one central conference representa- ences; family life; leadership education; cam- tive; five older adults, one to be selected by pus ministries; preparation with parent(s), each jurisdictional College of Bishops; and no guardian(s), and sponsor(s) or godparent(s) more than five additional members to be se- who are presenting children to be baptized; lected by the committee for expertise, profes- and classes preparing youth for their profes- sional qualifications, and/or inclusiveness sion of faith and their confirmation. (racial and ethnic, disability, age, gender, la- 3. The plans for curriculum and curriculum ity, clergy, or geographic distribution). Staff resources shall be consistent with the educa- members will provide appropriate liaison and tional philosophy and approach formulated reports to their respective agencies. They will for the educational ministry of the Church by have voice but not vote. the General Board of Discipleship and shall re- 5. Meetings—The committee will meet at flect a unity of purpose and a planned compre- least once a year in conjunction with a meeting hensiveness of scope. They shall be designed of the General Board of Discipleship. to support the total life and work of the ¶ 1120. Duties and Responsibilities of the Church, shall teach Christian truth consistent Curriculum Resources Committee—There with the Doctrinal Standards and General shall be a Curriculum Resources Committee, Rules of The United Methodist Church (¶ 103), organized and administered by the General and shall reflect the official positions of The Board of Discipleship, which shall be respon- United Methodist Church as authorized by the

322 GENERAL BOARD OF DISCIPLESHIP

General Conference. in ¶¶ 103 and 104 of the Book of Discipline, 4. Plans for major new curriculum re- and shall be designed for use in the various sources and new series that have been ap- settings that are defined by the board. proved by the General Board of Discipleship ¶ 1122. Authority of the Curriculum Re- shall be circulated by staff among appropriate sources Committee to Review Teaching Re- persons and groups in the Church for review, sources of General Agencies—The Curriculum suggestions for improvement, and additional Resources Committee shall review and may ideas. In all matters, staff shall be responsible approve and recommend existing or projected for bringing the review results into unity and resources from other agencies. The committee harmony with the intent of the Curriculum Re- shall make certain that all approved materials sources Committee. conform to United Methodist doctrine as de- a) The purpose of the review process shall lineated in ¶¶ 103 and 104 of the Book of Disci- be to improve the resource plans in order to pline. All curriculum resources that are ap- fulfill ¶ 1120. proved by the General Board of Discipleship b) Opportunity for timely review shall be shall be authorized for use in the church offered to teachers, leaders, and pastors in lo- school. cal churches of various sizes, locations, and ra- ¶ 1123. Relationship of the Curriculum Re- cial, ethnic, and cultural constituencies; gen- sources Committee to the General Board of eral secretaries of the General Boards of Disci- Discipleship and to The United Methodist pleship, Global Ministries, Church and Soci- Publishing House—1. The Curriculum Re- ety, and Higher Education and Ministry, and sources Committee shall be related to the Gen- the General Commissions on History and Ar- eral Board of Discipleship as follows: chives, Christian Unity and Interreligious a) The committee shall be responsible to Concerns, the Status and Role of Women, the board with respect to educational philoso- United Methodist Men, and Religion and phy and approaches and shall seek to maintain Race; of educational ministries in the standards set by the board. United Methodist colleges and seminaries; b) The committee shall work with the Gen- professional Christian educators; and others eral Board of Discipleship in setting policies who may have interest, experience, and skills for interpreting and promoting the use of ap- to aid the perfection of the plans. proved curriculum resources. ¶ 1121. Curriculum Requirements—When c) The chairperson of the Curriculum Re- the plans for curriculum and curriculum re- sources Committee shall serve as a member of sources have been approved by the General the executive committee of the General Board Board of Discipleship, the editorial staff of of Discipleship. Church School Publications shall be responsi- d) In preparation of the budget for presen- ble for the development of curriculum re- tation to the board of The United Methodist sources based on the approved plans. The cur- Publishing House (¶ 1636), the editor of riculum resources shall be based on the Bible, Church School Publications shall consult with shall reflect the universal gospel of the living the general secretary of the General Board of Christ, shall use the traditional calendar year Discipleship. designations of b.c. (Before Christ) and a.d. 2. The Curriculum Resources Committee (Anno Domini, or Year[s] of the Lord) as a re- shall be related to The United Methodist Pub- flection of and witness to the Christian under- lishing House as follows: standing of the centrality of Jesus Christ in the a) The publisher of The United Methodist history of humankind, shall be in agreement Publishing House or the chairperson of the with United Methodist doctrine as delineated board of The United Methodist Publishing

323 ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER

House may sit with the General Board of Dis- c) The committee may cooperate with The cipleship for consideration of matters pertain- United Methodist Publishing House and the ing to joint interests of the Curriculum Re- General Board of Discipleship in educational sources Committee and The United Methodist research, in the development of experimental Publishing House and shall have the privilege resources, and in the evaluation of resources of the floor without vote. that are provided for the church school. b) The United Methodist Publishing House ¶ 1124. Editor of Church School Publica- shall publish, manufacture, and distribute the tions—1. The editor of Church School Publica- curriculum resources prepared by the edito- tions shall be responsible for the administra- rial staff of Church School Publications. The tion of the work of the Curriculum Resources United Methodist Publishing House and the Committee and the editorial staff of Church General Board of Discipleship shall be respon- School Publications, the general editorial sible jointly for interpretation and support of policy, and the final determination of editorial these resources. content of the church school publications. c) The United Methodist Publishing House 2. The editor shall be elected by the General shall cooperate with the editor of Church Board of Discipleship upon nomination by a School Publications in developing formats and joint committee composed of the president of types of curriculum resources, such as periodi- the General Board of Discipleship, the chair- cals, books, booklets, graphics, recordings, person of the Curriculum Resources Commit- and other audiovisual materials. The publish- tee, one other member of the General Board of ing house shall have final responsibility in re- Discipleship representing educational con- lation to publishing and financial matters, and cerns, the chairperson and two other members in these matters the editor of Church School of The United Methodist Publishing House. Publications shall recommend changes in for- The election of the editor shall be subject to mats of publications to be produced and shall confirmation by the board of The United work cooperatively with the publisher in the Methodist Publishing House. design, layout, and handling of proofs and in 3. The editor shall be responsible to the equivalent steps in the case of non-printed re- General Board of Discipleship for seeing that sources. the content of church school publications is d) The work of the Curriculum Resources consistent with the educational philosophy Committee shall be financed by The United formulated by the board. Methodist Publishing House. ¶ 1125. Membership of the Curriculum Re- 3. The committee shall exercise these addi- sources Committee—1. The Curriculum Re- tional relationships: sources Committee shall consist of twenty-one a) The committee shall cooperate with voting members elected quadrennially by the other agencies of The United Methodist General Board of Discipleship as follows: Church so that their assigned concerns are re- a) A bishop who is a voting member of the flected in and supported by the church school General Board of Discipleship, to be nomi- resources. nated by the executive committee of the board. b) The committee may explore and imple- b) Twenty members, nominated by the ex- ment opportunities at home and overseas for ecutive committee of the board, at least seven cooperative planning and publishing wherever of whom shall be pastors, at least three of such cooperation seems best for all concerned whom shall be voting members of the board, and when it is found to be practicable and in and at least one of whom shall be at the time of harmony with editorial and publishing poli- election serving a church of two hundred cies. members or less; at least seven shall be

324 GENERAL BOARD OF DISCIPLESHIP laypersons actively participating as member, Section VI. United Methodist Youth leader, or teacher in the educational ministry Organization in the local church; at least three of whom shall be voting members of the board; at least ¶ 1201. There shall be a United Methodist one of whom shall be at the time of election a Youth Organization. member of a church of two hundred members ¶ 1202. Purpose—The purpose of the or fewer; six additional members shall be United Methodist Youth Organization is to nominated, three of whom shall be members make The United Methodist Church a commu- of the board, with due consideration to the di- nity of mutual respect and understanding be- versity in theological perspectives, educa- tween youth and adults, resulting in ministry tional attainments, sex, age, racial, and ethnic where influence and worth are not limited by differences, and sizes of local churches, and in age or experience. consultation with the directors of councils on 1. Mission—The mission of the United ministries or boards of discipleship in each of Methodist Youth Organization is to respond to the annual conferences. God’s call as Disciples: Here and Now. c) Twenty persons from the program 2. Core Values—The core values of United boards shall participate in Curriculum Re- Methodist Youth Organization are: sources Committee meetings with the privi- a) Compassion: Actively listen to issues and lege of the floor without vote. These persons concerns of youth. shall be: the general secretaries of the General b) Advocacy: Affirm and witness to the gifts Board of Discipleship, the General Board of and graces of youth. Global Ministries, the General Board of c) Partnership: Emphasize youth and adult Church and Society, and the General Board of unity in ministry. Higher Education and Ministry, or someone d) Outreach: Inspire youth to commit to designated by them; the editor of Church meaningful service. School Publications; the president and pub- e) Leadership: Serve as followers of Jesus lisher and the vice president in charge of pub- Christ. lishing of The United Methodist Publishing ¶ 1203. Accountability—United Methodist House; and with due consideration to provid- Youth Organization shall be accountable to ing for diversity in sex, age, racial, and ethnic the General Board of Discipleship. The ac- differences, five staff members of Church countability will involve evaluation by the School Publications and eight other staff General Board of Discipleship of the United members representing the broad concerns of Methodist Youth Organization’s disciplinary the General Board of Discipleship. mandates. d) The chairperson of the committee shall ¶ 1204. Structure—United Methodist be a member of the General Board of Disciple- Youth Organization shall be composed of ship. three basic units: Steering Committee, Youth 2. The Curriculum Resources Committee Service Fund, and Convocation. may select other persons to assist in its work, ¶ 1205. United Methodist Youth Organi- including persons nominated by the boards, zation Convocation— 1. Focus—The United agencies, and general commissions of the Methodist Youth Convocation shall be consist- Church. ent with the core values of the United Method- The committee may prepare such bylaws ist Youth Organization. and operating guidelines as are necessary to 2. Expenses—The jurisdictional council on facilitate the work of the committee. ministries or equivalent body shall provide funding for expenses for the jurisdictional

325 ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER chairperson and coordinator. It is strongly ¶ 1206. Steering Committee—There shall recommended that the annual conference be a United Methodist Youth Organization councils on youth ministry secure scholar- Steering Committee. ships for Convocation participants, giving spe- 1. Membership—The United Methodist cial attention to economic factors, Youth Organization Steering Committee shall inclusiveness, and expressed interest in the consist of youth and adults who are prepara- United Methodist Youth Organization and in tory or full members of The United Methodist attending the Convocation. Church. All youth elected to the steering com- 3. Legislation. During the Convocation mittee shall be at the time of their election en- there shall be opportunities for conference tering into the eleventh grade or under, or delegations and individuals to propose legisla- their age shall be sixteen or younger. It is tion in a forum within the Convocation known strongly recommended that at least one-half as the United Methodist Youth Legislative As- of these youth shall be from these racial and sembly. Legislation brought to the Legislative ethnic minority groups: Asian Americans, Af- Assembly shall relate to the United Methodist rican Americans, Hispanic Americans, Native Youth Organization or youth-related issues. Americans, and Pacific Islanders, so elected 4. The membership of the United Method- that each racial and ethnic minority group is ist Youth Legislative Assembly shall be: represented. It is strongly recommended that a) Voting Members—Four representatives at least one youth with a disability be elected. selected from each annual conference council In addition, there shall be on the United Meth- on youth ministry. Of those selected, three are odist Youth Organization Steering Committee to be youth and one of whom is the conference one adult involved in youth ministry on the council on youth president or designate and annual conference level from each jurisdic- one of whom is recommended to be a junior tion; a bishop chosen by the Council of Bish- high youth; and one adult, who shall be the ops; two elected members (one youth and one conference youth coordinator or designate. It adult) and a staff member related to youth is strongly recommended that at least one of ministry of the General Board of Discipleship; the conference representatives, preferably a a General Board of Discipleship, Church youth, shall be a person from one of the five School Publications youth editor; and one racial and ethnic minority groups: Asian elected youth member from each of the pro- Americans, African Americans, Hispanic gram-related general agencies (¶ 703.5) and Americans, Native Americans, and Pacific Is- the General Council on Ministries, each cho- landers. An annual conference must have a sen by their respective agencies. All will serve youth present in order to exercise voting privi- with voice and vote. Additional board or staff leges. Voting members shall be members of representatives may be added at the discretion The United Methodist Church. The youth of the steering committee. In addition, as chairpersons from each jurisdiction shall be in many as two elected youth members may be addition to the three youth and one adult from selected to serve a third contiguous year as ex- their annual conferences. officio member(s) with vote. b) Nonvoting Members—(1) Youth mem- 2. Election—a) Each jurisdiction shall elect bers of the general agencies; and (2) members three youth and one adult worker with youth of the United Methodist Youth Organization to the United Methodist Youth Organization Steering Committee shall have the right to Steering Committee, with at least one youth participate in the United Methodist Youth being a racial and ethnic minority youth (¶ Convocation Legislative Assembly with voice 531). There shall be elected at large five youth, but without vote. one from each of the minority ethnic groups, a

326 GENERAL BOARD OF DISCIPLESHIP youth with disability, as well as one racial and convocation or legislative assembly. ethnic adult. Each of the five racial and ethnic b) The term for board and agency repre- national caucuses (Black Methodists for sentatives begins immediately following the Church Renewal, Metodistas Associados organizational meeting of their respective Representando la Causa de Hispano- board or agency and concludes at the end of Americanos, National Federation of Asian the steering committee meeting following the American United Methodists, Native Ameri- next General Conference. can International Caucus, Pacific Islander Na- 4. Responsibilities—The United Methodist tional Caucus of United Methodists) may rec- Youth Organization Steering Committee shall ommend one youth to serve on the Steering have the responsibility: Committee as an at-large member. The Steer- a) To maintain the core values (¶ 1202) of ing Committee will select the youth with dis- the United Methodist Youth Organization. ability and the racial and ethnic adult by proc- b) To plan the United Methodist Youth ess of application. The youth recommended by Convocation. the caucuses and elected to the Steering Com- c) To convene the United Methodist Youth mittee, and the members selected by the Legislative Assembly and implement its deci- Steering Committee will be full members of sions. the Steering Committee, entitled to the same d) To recommend action goals and issues to rights as members elected from their jurisdic- the United Methodist Youth Legislative As- tions. sembly. b) As many as two elected youth members e) To encourage participation of youth in may be added for a third contiguous year as appropriate denominational and ex-officio members (with vote) nominated by interreligious enterprises and deliberations. the Administration Committee and approved f) To recommend youth to nomination by the UMYO Executive Committee. committees of general boards and agencies, c) Any vacancy that occurs due to an unful- considering suggestions from annual confer- filled term shall be filled as follows: ence councils on youth ministry (¶ 646) and (1) The jurisdictional convocation shall de- other appropriate youth organizations. termine the definition of vacancy and the g) To communicate the work of the United process for filling jurisdictional vacancies. Methodist Youth Organization to the General (2) The steering committee shall fill vacan- Board of Discipleship for its information and cies to maintain racial and ethnic minority evaluative response. representation as required by 2a above. ¶ 1207. Executive Director and Staff—The (3) Youth shall be elected to fill youth va- United Methodist Youth Organization shall cancies, and adults shall be elected to fill va- have an executive director. cancies in adult positions. 1. The executive director shall provide 3. Term—The term for steering committee managerial oversight of the United Methodist members (with the exception of general board Youth Organization and staff, communicate and agency representatives) shall be two the decisions of the United Methodist Youth years. Organization, communicate the concerns of a) Members cannot serve two consecutive youth to the general boards and agencies, and terms, and they shall begin their term immedi- interpret the actions of the United Methodist ately upon adjournment of the jurisdictional Youth Organization to The United Methodist convocation legislative assembly at which they Church. were elected and shall conclude upon the ad- 2. Administrative staff persons shall be journment of the next respective jurisdictional nominated by the United Methodist Youth Or-

327 ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER ganization Steering Committee and elected by Youth Service Fund offerings to the treasurer the General Board of Discipleship. of the annual conference, who shall retain 70 3. The United Methodist Youth Organiza- percent of the amount for the annual confer- tion Steering Committee shall also determine ence council on youth ministry. The annual the need for and responsibilities of additional conference treasurer shall send monthly the staff. remaining 30 percent to the treasurer of the 4. In all meetings of the United Methodist General Council on Finance and Administra- Youth Organization Steering Committee, tion to be forwarded to the United Methodist United Methodist Youth Organization Convo- Youth Organization. All other Youth Service cation, and United Methodist Youth Organiza- Fund money raised in the annual conference tion Legislative Assembly the staff shall have shall be divided in the same manner and dis- the right of voice without vote. tributed in the same way. 5. The General Board of Discipleship, in 2. Project Selection—The steering commit- consultation with the United Methodist Youth tee shall constitute a Proj- ect Review Com- Organization Steering Committee, shall pro- mittee to advise them in the selection of vide access to office space and support service projects. The Project Review Committee shall to the staff of United Methodist Youth Organi- be composed of five youth from the Steering zation. The staff shall be governed by the per- Committee and one adult who is an elected sonnel policies and guidelines of the Commit- member of the Steering Committee. The tee on Personnel Policies and Practices (¶ projects shall be chosen according to the poli- 805.4d) and the United Methodist Youth Or- cies and criteria established by the United ganization Steering Committee. Methodist Youth Organization Steering Com- ¶ 1208. Funding—The United Methodist mittee. Youth Organization shall be responsible for administering its own budget. The operating Section VII. General Board of Global funds shall be derived from two main sources: Ministries general Church funds and the national portion of the Youth Service Fund. A minimum of 70 ¶ 1301. There shall be a General Board of percent of the general portion of the Youth Global Ministries, hereinafter referred to as Service Fund shall be used for projects, and 30 the board, the purpose of which is found percent shall be used for resource promotion within the expression of the total mission of and interpretation. United Methodist Com- the Church. It is a missional instrument of The munications shall assist United Methodist United Methodist Church, its annual confer- Youth Organization in promotion and inter- ences, missionary conferences, and local con- pretation of the Youth Service Fund. gregations in the context of a global setting. ¶ 1209. Youth Service Fund—There shall The Church in mission is a sign of God’s be a Youth Service Fund. 1. Organization— presence in the world. By the authority of God There shall be a Youth Service Fund, which and the power of the Holy Spirit, the Church: shall be a means of stewardship education and 1. Joins God’s mission to reclaim, restore, mission support of youth within The United and redeem the life of all creation to its divine Methodist Church. As a part of its cultivation, intention; the youth shall have been challenged to as- 2. Confesses by word and deed the redeem- sume their financial responsibilities in con- ing activity of God in Christ among the whole nection with the total program and budget of human family; the church of which they are members. Local 3. Seeks to embody and realize the poten- church treasurers shall send the full amount of tial of new life in Christ among all human be-

328 GENERAL BOARD OF GLOBAL MINISTRIES ings; and tional and noninstitutional, however caused. 4. Looks forward in faith and hope for the 10. To work within societies and systems so fulfillment of God’s reign and the completion that full human potential is liberated and to of God’s mission. work toward the transformation of demonic ¶ 1302. Responsibilities—1. To discern forces that distort life. those places where the gospel has not been 11. To identify with all who are alienated heard or heeded and to witness to its meaning and dispossessed and to assist them in achiev- throughout the world, inviting all persons to ing their full human development—body, newness of life in Jesus Christ through a pro- mind, and spirit. gram of global ministries. 12. To envision and engage in imaginative 2. To encourage and support the develop- new forms of mission appropriate to changing ment of leadership in mission for both the human needs and to share the results of ex- Church and society. perimentation with the entire Church. 3. To challenge all United Methodists with 13. To facilitate the development of coop- the New Testament imperative to proclaim the erative patterns of ministry so that the unified gospel to the ends of the earth, expressing the strength of local congregations and other units mission of the Church; and to recruit, send, of the Church in designated areas can respond and receive missionaries, enabling them to with more effective ministries of justice, advo- dedicate all or a portion of their lives in service cacy, compassion, and nurture. across racial, cultural, national, and political 14. To affirm Volunteers in Mission as an boundaries. authentic form of personal missionary in- 4. To plan with others and to establish and volvement and devise appropriate structure to strengthen Christian congregations where op- interpret and implement opportunities for portunities and needs are found, so that these mission volunteers in the global community. congregations may be units of mission in their 15. To facilitate the receiving and assign- places and partners with others in the world- ment of missionaries from churches in nations wide mission of the Christian church. other than the United States in cooperation 5. To advocate the work for the unity of with the other general agencies and with an- Christ’s church through witness and service nual conferences. with other Christian churches and through ¶ 1303. Objectives—1. The objectives of ecumenical councils. the board shall be: 6. To engage in dialogue with all persons, a) To plan for the implementation of the re- including those of other faiths, and to join with sponsibilities of the board in the missional them where possible in action on common outreach of The United Methodist Church. concerns. b) To establish the appropriate organiza- 7. To assist local congregations and annual tion of the board and staff to accomplish its conferences in mission both in their own com- program and fulfill the responsibilities of the munities and across the globe by raising board. awareness of the claims of global mission and c) To determine, in cooperation with mis- by providing channels for participation. sion constituencies, the areas to be served and 8. To express the concerns of women or- the nature of the work to be undertaken. ganized for mission and to help equip women d) To determine policy and program, to es- for full participation both locally and globally tablish goals and priorities, to project long- in Church and world. range plans, to evaluate the program and serv- 9. To engage in direct ministries to human ices of the board as to the progress made in need, both emergency and continuing, institu- fulfilling its purpose in accordance with ¶¶

329 ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER

1301 and 1302, and to seek to achieve its objec- thereon at a regular or special meeting, pro- tives through the programs of the board. vided that required notice of such amendment e) To coordinate and harmonize the work has previously been given to the members. of the board. The board shall have the power and right to do f) To elect or appoint, according to the by- any and all things that shall be authorized by laws, the staff of the board. its charter. It shall have authority to develop g) To assign responsibility and delegate au- and carry out its responsibilities as described thority to staff and to provide oversight of the in ¶ 1302; to buy, acquire, or receive by gift, staff. devise, or bequest property—real, personal, h) To receive and properly administer all and mixed; to hold, mortgage, sell, and dis- properties, trust funds, permanent funds, an- pose of property; to sue and be sued; to borrow nuity funds, and other special funds. money in case of necessity in a manner harmo- i) To receive, secure, appropriate, and ex- nious with ¶¶ 806–807; to develop and main- pend funds to underwrite its program and tain ecumenical relations to carry out its re- fulfill its responsibilities. sponsibilities; and to administer its affairs j) To receive and act upon the reports of its through the board and its various units and units, committees, and their staff. committees. k) To make a report of its activities during ¶ 1305. Incorporation—1. The General the quadrennium to the General Conference. Board of Global Ministries shall be incorpo- l) To develop and maintain cooperative re- rated and shall function through the board lations with other general agencies and with and its units. jurisdictional, central, annual, and missionary 2. The General Board of Global Ministries conferences. of The United Methodist Church shall be the m) To be responsible for implementing a successor to the following corporations: the policy stating that The United Methodist Board of Missions of The Evangelical United Church is not a party to any comity agreement Brethren Church, the Home Missions and that limits the ability of any annual conference Church Erection Society of the Church of the in any jurisdiction to develop and resource United Brethren in Christ, the Foreign Mis- programs of ministry of any kind among Na- sionary Society of the United Brethren in tive Americans, including the organization of Christ, the Women’s Missionary Association local churches where necessary. of the Church of the United Brethren in Christ, 2. The board shall develop and maintain the Missionary Society of The Evangelical cooperative working relationships with Church, and the Board of Church Extension of churches and ecumenical agencies on matters The Evangelical Church, and as such successor of mutual concern in the implementation of it shall be and is authorized and empowered to disciplinary responsibilities. receive from its said predecessor corporations 3. The board shall facilitate and coordinate all trust funds and assets of every kind and the program relationships of other program character—real, personal, or mixed—held by agencies of The United Methodist Church with them, and it shall and hereby is authorized to churches and agencies in nations other than administer such trusts and funds in accord- the United States. ance with the conditions under which they ¶ 1304. Authority—The board shall have have been previously received and adminis- authority to make bylaws and regulate its pro- tered by the said predecessor corporations. ceedings in harmony with the Book of Disci- 3. It shall have control of all the work for- pline. Bylaws may be amended by a two-thirds merly controlled and administered by the fol- vote of the members present and voting lowing: the Board of Health and Welfare Min-

330 GENERAL BOARD OF GLOBAL MINISTRIES istries; the Board of Missions of The United the powers and duties of its officers. Methodist Church; the Board of Missions and The president, general secretary, and treas- Church Extension of The Methodist Church; urer of the board are ex officio members of all the Missionary Society, the Board of Foreign units and their executive committees, and Missions, the Board of Home Missions and standing committees of the board, without Church Extension, the Woman’s Foreign Mis- vote. The Women’s Division shall elect its sionary Society, the Woman’s Home Mission- president, who shall be one of the three vice ary Society, the Wesleyan Service Guild, and presidents of the board. the Ladies’ Aid Societies of The Methodist ¶ 1308. Elected Staff—1. Board Cabinet— Episcopal Church; the Board of Missions, in- a) The board, through a personnel committee, cluding the Woman’s Missionary Society, the shall make nominations to the General Coun- Woman’s Board of Foreign Missions, the cil on Ministries for the office of general secre- Woman’s Board of Home Missions, the Wom- tary. As chief staff officer of the board, the gen- an’s Missionary Council, and the Board of eral secretary shall have direct involvement in Church Extension of The Methodist Episcopal staff selections. Church, South; the Board of Missions of The b) The board shall elect a deputy general Methodist Protestant Church; the Board of secretary for administration, a maximum of Missions of The Methodist Church; such other five other deputy general secretaries, and a incorporated or unincorporated divisions and board treasurer. In addition, the Women’s Di- departments and their predecessors as may vision shall nominate its deputy general secre- have been merged into the board; and such tary for election by the division and the board other corporations or agencies of the General after consultation with the president and the Conference as do similar work; but this list general secretary of the board. shall not be construed as exclusive. c) The board personnel committee, in con- 4. Subject to the limitations hereinafter sultation with the general secretary of the specified, any corporations within the board board, shall recommend candidates for the shall be subject to the supervision and control positions of deputy general secretaries and of the General Conference of The United board treasurer for election by the board. The Methodist Church in all things not inconsist- deputy general secretaries shall have adminis- ent with the Constitution and laws of the trative responsibility as assigned by the gen- United States and of the states of incorpora- eral secretary and shall be responsible to the tion. general secretary. 5. The board shall have the power to create d) The general secretary may add positions those subsidiary units or sections needed in to the cabinet. the fulfillment of designated functions, upon 2. Unit Staff—a) The Women’s Division approval of the board. shall nominate for election by the board such ¶ 1306. Executive Committee—There shall other staff persons of the Women’s Division as be an executive committee, which shall exer- are deemed necessary to carry out the work as- cise the powers of the board ad interim, and signed. whose membership and responsibilities shall b) The board shall elect additional staff as be determined by the bylaws of the board. needed. ¶ 1307. Corporate Officers—The board 3. The board shall elect, on nomination of shall elect as its corporate officers a president, the board personnel committee and in consul- three vice presidents, a treasurer, a recording tation with the general secretary, one or more secretary, and such other officers as it shall associate treasurers of the General Board of deem necessary. The board shall determine Global Ministries, one of whom shall be the

331 ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER treasurer of the Women’s Division and nomi- made in accordance with the laws of the states nated by the Women’s Division. The associate where the several boards and societies are treasurer(s) will be responsible to the treas- chartered and on the recommendation of the urer of the General Board of Global Ministries board and the approval of such boards and so- for board fiscal procedures and to the assigned cieties. Funds of the board and its preceding deputy general secretary for administrative corporations and societies that are subject to procedures (¶ 703.7e). appropriation shall be appropriated only on ¶ 1309. Personnel Policies—1. Selection— recommendation of the board. (See ¶ 806.11.) The staff of the board shall be selected on the 2. Former Evangelical United Brethren basis of competency and with representation mission agencies located within the United of ethnic and racial groups, young adults, and States not directly owned by the General women, in accordance with policies in ¶ 714. Board of Global Ministries or the Women’s Di- 2. Staff Participation of Women—a) Of the vision of the board and which receive more cabinet-level staff positions within the board, than 50 percent of their charitable donations a minimum of 40 percent shall be occupied by through United Methodist channels of giving women. shall be governed by a board of trustees or di- b) A minimum of 40 percent of all elected rectors of whom two-thirds of its elected vot- staff, as well as a minimum of 40 percent of ing membership shall be members of The the appointed staff, shall be women. United Methodist Church. ¶ 1310. Properties, Trusts, and Annui- 3. The financial affairs of the board shall be ties—1. All properties, trust funds, annuity as follows: funds, permanent funds, and endowments a) The income of the board, exclusive of the now or formerly held and administered by the Women’s Division, shall be derived from Board of Missions, the Board of Health and apportionments, assessments, or askings dis- Welfare Ministries, and the United Methodist tributed to jurisdictions, annual conferences, Committee on Relief of The United Methodist and pastoral charges by the budget-making Church; the Board of Missions of The Method- process of the General Conference in such ist Church; the Board of Missions of The Evan- manner as the General Conference may pre- gelical United Brethren Church or their suc- scribe, and from church schools, gifts, dona- cessors; and their respective divisions and de- tions, freewill offerings, annuities, bequests, partments or their successors shall be care- specials, and other sources from which mis- fully safeguarded. The General Board of Glo- sionary and benevolence funds are usually de- bal Ministries of The United Methodist rived, in harmony with The Book of Discipline Church shall endeavor to invest in institu- and actions of the General Conference. Funds tions, companies, corporations, or funds that for the fulfillment of the responsibilities of the make a positive contribution toward the reali- Women’s Division shall be derived from an- zation of the goals outlined in the Social Prin- nual voluntary pledges, offerings, gifts, de- ciples of The United Methodist Church and to vises, bequests, annuities, or money received administer such investments in the interest of through special emphases and from meetings those persons and causes for which said funds held in the interest of the division. were established. Such properties, trust funds, b) Cultivation for the Advance shall be annuity funds, permanent funds, and endow- through channels of the Church other than ments shall be transferred to the General United Methodist Women. Board of Global Ministries of The United c) All contributions to and income on all Methodist Church from merged boards and funds of the board should be used for current societies only when such transfers can be expenses and annual appropriations unless

332 GENERAL BOARD OF GLOBAL MINISTRIES otherwise designated by the donor. ship of the board). There shall be five addi- 4. Askings shall be received from the fields, tional members from the central conferences and budgets shall be prepared by the board, elected from those nominated according to ¶ consistent with its constitution and charter, 705.1c, 705.5e. An intentional effort shall be and the budget shall be presented to the Gen- made to rotate representation among the cen- eral Council on Ministries in accordance with tral conferences. ¶ 806. 2. The Women’s Division membership pro- ¶ 1311. Membership—The policies, plans cedures are an exception to those described in of work, management, business, and all affairs ¶¶ 705, 709 of the General Provisions. Wom- of the General Board of Global Ministries of en’s Division membership is defined in ¶ 1324. The United Methodist Church shall be gov- Members of the Women’s Division who are erned and administered by the board, which members of the board shall also serve on the shall be composed according to the following membership of other units and committees of conditions: the board. 1. The basic members (clergy, laymen, and 3. The composition of the board and its laywomen) are elected by the jurisdiction units should reflect the major recognized cat- upon the nomination of the annual confer- egories of Church members. (See ¶ 705.) A ences in accord with ¶ 705.4e and 705.5a. Each minimum of one-half of the membership annual conference shall have representation should be women. from this category on the General Board of 4. Members of the board shall be distrib- Global Ministries at least once within a three- uted across the component units and standing quadrennia period. committees of the board in accord with board The jurisdictions shall use the following bylaws. formula when electing members: Northeast- 5. The term of office of all members whose ern Jurisdiction—7; Southeastern Jurisdic- election is provided for in this paragraph shall tion—8; Western Jurisdiction—4; North Cen- begin and the board shall organize at a meet- tral Jurisdiction—7; and South Central Juris- ing to be held within ninety days after the ad- diction—9 (at least one of whom shall be from journment of the last meeting of the several ju- either the Indian Missionary Con- risdictional conferences held after the ad- ference or the Rio Grande Annual Confer- journment of the General Conference. ence). Each central conference shall elect one 6. On nomination of the Council of Bish- member to the basic membership of the board ops, the General Conference shall elect to the for a total of seven. The additional members of board one bishop from each jurisdiction and the board are nominated by a committee com- three central conference bishops. posed of three persons from each jurisdic- 7. The general secretary, the treasurer of tion—a clergy member, a layman, and a lay- the board, and the deputy general secretaries woman—elected within each jurisdiction. The shall be members without vote. committee is to be convened by the president 8. Salaried members of staff of any agency of the board, or if there be none, the secretary receiving appropriation funds from the board of the Council of Bishops. There shall be one shall not be eligible to serve as voting mem- additional member from each of the five juris- bers of said board, except in order to fulfill the dictions (the member from the South Central provisions of ¶ 705. Jurisdiction shall be from either the Okla- homa Indian Missionary Conference or the Rio Grande Annual Conference, unless they are already represented in the basic member-

333 ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER

Mission Program Areas which shall meet at least annually to expedite cooperation between these two boards in the ¶ 1312. Program Areas—Six program ar- field of congregational development of both eas shall be assigned responsibilities within new congregations as well as the revitalization the General Board of Global Ministries as it of existing congregations. seeks to enhance the involvement of all United i) To administer the United Methodist De- Methodists in Christian mission and develop velopment Fund in accord with policies set by ways to facilitate their mission involvement. the General Board of Global Ministries for the The membership of the program areas shall be purpose of making first mortgage loans to constituted in accord with the bylaws of the United Methodist churches, districts, city so- General Board of Global Ministries. cieties, district unions, mission institutions, or 1. The Evangelization and Church Growth conference church extension agencies for the Program Area exists to facilitate the proclama- purchase of sites and for the purchase, con- tion and witness to the saving grace of Jesus struction, expansion, or major improvement Christ through word, deed, and sacrament in of churches, parsonages, or mission buildings. every sphere of human existence, the estab- 2. The Community and Institutional Minis- lishment of faith communities or new tries Program Area exists to facilitate, re- churches, and the strengthening of existing source, and support missional outreach to congregations. The responsibilities of Evange- meet human needs, with special emphasis on lization and Church Growth shall be: ministries with women, children, youth, and a) To support evangelization among people older adults through the following: direct who have not heard or heeded the gospel. services; specialized ministries; community b) To undertake strategic new mission ini- organizing and development, including eco- tiatives and to establish new congregations nomic development; and community justice where United Methodism and/or cooperative advocacy. The responsibilities of Community church relationships do not exist. and Institutional Ministries shall be: c) To identify, prepare, train, and empower a) To develop strategies for church and persons for leadership in the church and com- community development, including grants, munity so that vital mission-oriented congre- loans and technical assistance for programs of gations may be developed. self-development and self-determination per- d) To prepare persons to share their Chris- taining to social needs arising from concerns tian faith and witness among persons of other for ethnic and cultural pluralism, economic faiths. and sexual exploitation, and political and ra- e) To revitalize existing congregations and cial oppression. faith communities. b) To develop community-based programs f) To provide technical and architectural in areas such as agricultural mission, commu- services to support mission programs and nications, student and youth ministries. church extension. c) To provide funding, consultation, train- g) To assist congregations with the devel- ing, resources, and coordinated mission strat- opment of financial stewardship. egy to new and historically related community h) To work with the General Board of Disci- centers, residences, health-care agencies, pleship for the extension of the Church multiservice mission complexes, special re- through a Joint Committee on Congregational gional agencies, childcare institutions, Development composed of equal representa- schools, and other educational institutions. tion from the General Board of Global Minis- d) To use institutions as places to develop tries and the General Board of Discipleship, new models of community transformation.

334 GENERAL BOARD OF GLOBAL MINISTRIES

e) To develop strong local and regional or- If these approaches are not available, the ganizations and the capacity to network and board may participate in the formation of a become part of an internationally related pro- new United Methodist denominational struc- gram. ture, in which case it may request the Council f) To foster and facilitate cooperative pat- of Bishops to provide any necessary episcopal terns of ministry such as cooperative parishes, oversight. metropolitan ministries, rural and town and d) To request each central conference and country ministries; to work with denomina- its conferences, both annual and provisional, tional, ecumenical, and secular coalitions; and each affiliated autonomous Methodist and, as appropriate, to develop new patterns church or united church, where applicable, to of joint mission. make provision for liaison functions with the g) To facilitate and coordinate program re- board. lationships of other agencies of The United e) To provide information and assist in de- Methodist Church with community and insti- veloping action and advocacy for global jus- tutional ministries. tice, peace, and freedom through working co- 3. The Mission Contexts and Relationships operatively with other agencies of the Church; Program Area exists to analyze and evaluate other denominations; and ecumenical, the context in which the Church is called to interfaith, and secular coalitions. Christian ministry, including factors such as f) To foster interaction of churches and culture, religion, history, politics, economics, ecumenical groups for the purpose of mutual- environment, and demographics; to develop ity in the definition and implementation of and sustain covenant relationships and mis- Christian mission and international concerns. sion partnerships; to explore dialogues with g) To administer funding and other forms persons of other faiths and engage in ecumeni- of resource sharing for projects and pro- cal cooperation; and to develop concerted ac- grams—especially those serving women, chil- tions and advocacy for global justice, peace, dren, and youth—of partner churches and ecu- and freedom. The responsibilities of Mission menical bodies. Contexts and Relationships shall be: h) To relate to persons in mission of part- a) To identify and analyze the missional ner churches. concerns that shape the conditions under i) To resource leadership training pro- which the Church is called to minister. grams and administer scholarships, including b) To develop and sustain covenant rela- the Crusade Scholarship Program. tionships and mission partnerships that in- 4. The Mission Education Program Area clude sharing of opportunities and resources, exists to develop a mission education philoso- networking, and cooperation. This includes phy for the General Board of Global Ministries maintaining and fulfilling the connectional re- that is rooted in a biblical and theological un- lationships with annual conferences, mission- derstanding of Christian global mission and to ary conferences, and central conferences; au- undergird the total program of the board tonomous, affiliated autonomous, and united through mission education. The responsibili- churches; and ecumenical church bodies. ties of Mission Education shall be: c) To develop missional relationships in a) To provide opportunities for United countries and communities where The United Methodists to understand the global mission Methodist Church has no commitments by of The United Methodist Church and for per- pursuing a working agreement with the sonal and corporate witness through involve- church, churches, a united mission organiza- ment in and support of the mission. tion, or ecumenical bodies related to the area. b) To initiate and develop, in consultation

335 ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER with appropriate units of the board, programs, mission volunteer opportunities for short- and resources that will encourage persons of term assignments. particular cultures to become receivers and b) To promote and interpret the need for bearers of the gospel across boundaries and to volunteers with a variety of skills and abilities. live faithfully within a multicultural world. c) To work in close relationship with con- c) To provide for mission interpreters a ference and jurisdictional officers to assist in specific period of training and assistance in ef- identifying, developing, and supporting op- fective communication, including audiovisual portunities for mission volunteer service (i.e., techniques, public speaking, briefings on cur- Volunteers in Mission, disaster response vol- rent issues, and an overview of the board’s unteers, and special volunteer programs). work. d) To provide information enabling the re- d) To tell the story of global mission lationship between volunteers and projects. throughout the Church, including its relation- e) To provide, in cooperation with jurisdic- ship to the World Service funds and other ap- tions and conferences, guidelines and proce- portioned funds and special offerings. dures for participation and training of mission e) To train mission leaders, in cooperation volunteers. with other units of the board and others in the f) To develop, in cooperation with jurisdic- Church, to fulfill their responsibilities. tions and conferences, standards by which f) To work with schools of theology and projects qualify for mission volunteers and to professors of mission in providing an empha- evaluate a project upon request. sis on education for mission, in cooperation g) To encourage local churches, districts, with the General Board of Higher Education central conferences, and annual conferences and Ministry. to provide funds and/or materials and spir- g) To cooperate with the General Board of itual support for those who offer their skills, Discipleship, especially the Curriculum Re- talents, and commitment. sources Committee, in providing opportuni- h) To work cooperatively with agencies of ties for mission involvement and understand- the Church, other denominations, and coali- ing of all age levels. tions, both ecumenical and secular. h) To initiate and develop special programs 6. The Mission Personnel Program Area ex- and resources through which children and ists to serve the Church in the identification, youth may understand the mission of the recruitment, selection, preparation, training, Church. assignment, supervision, and support of mis- i) To work with ecumenical agencies in ful- sion personnel for short- and long-term as- filling mission education responsibilities. signments. It also exists to assist in the identi- j) To provide opportunities for United fication of opportunities for Christian service Methodists to gather and witness as a global in representing mission personnel concerns church. before the General Board of Global Ministries. 5. The Mission Volunteers Program Area The responsibilities of Mission Personnel shall exists to enable the participation of persons be: from throughout the world in global mission a) To promote the opportunities for mis- volunteer programs and projects so that af- sion service related to the General Board of firming, empowering, and trusting relation- Global Ministries throughout the constituen- ships are established. The responsibilities of cies of the Church. the program area, Mission Volunteers, shall b) To recruit, select, prepare, and assign be: mission personnel, including, but not limited a) To plan for and develop a broad range of to, missionaries, deaconesses, US-2s, mission

336 GENERAL BOARD OF GLOBAL MINISTRIES interns, and church and community workers. b) Eradicate causes of injustice and all that c) To provide all mission personnel with robs life of dignity and worth; preparation and training for effective service c) Facilitate the development of full human in mission. potential; and d) To evaluate mission personnel for ap- d) Share in building global community propriate placement. through the church universal. e) To recommend persons as candidates for 2. Deaconesses are persons who have been commissioning as deaconesses and missionar- led by the Holy Spirit to devote their lives to ies, and to supervise and confirm the comple- Christlike service under the authority of the tion of all requirements for commissioning. Church. They are approved by the General f) To engage in supervision and support of Board of Global Ministries and commissioned mission personnel through referral, transfer by a bishop at a session of the board or at a procedures, career counseling, missionary setting approved by the board. They shall have wellness, and personnel development, assist- a continuing relationship to The United Meth- ing them in the fulfillment of their missional odist Church through the General Board of vocation. Global Ministries. g) To administer a diverse program of re- Deaconesses are available for service with muneration and benefits for personnel serv- any agency or program of The United Method- ice. ist Church. Deaconesses may also serve in h) To offer training for mission service other than United Methodist Church agencies throughout the global church. or programs, provided that approval be given i) To work with ecumenical agencies in ful- by the board in consultation with the bishop of filling mission personnel responsibilities. the receiving area. j) To facilitate the receiving and assigning 3. Full-time service is the norm for the min- of missionaries—lay and clergy—from central istry of a deaconess, meaning that the person’s conferences and from autonomous, affiliated entire vocational time is devoted to work of autonomous, and united churches, in coopera- ministry in the field of labor to which one is tion with other boards and agencies and with appointed by the bishop. annual conferences. a) The program office shall process ap- pointments for deaconesses in consultation Office of Deaconess with the bishop of the area, in accordance with the policies and procedures of the General ¶ 1313. General Provisions—1. There shall Board of Global Ministries. be in The United Methodist Church the Office b) The appointment shall be fixed by the of Deaconess. The purpose of the office of dea- bishop (¶ 415.5) at the session of annual con- coness shall be to express representatively the ference and printed in the list of appointments love and concern of the believing community in the annual conference journal. for the needs in the world and to enable, c) The annual conference secretary shall: through education and involvement, the full (1) Keep a record of all persons in the an- ministry and mission of the people of God. nual conference who have been commissioned Deaconesses function through diverse forms to the office of deaconess. of service directed toward the world to make (2) Publish annually in the annual confer- Jesus Christ known in the fullness of his min- ence journal the list of appointments of dea- istry and mission, which mandate that his fol- conesses. lowers: 4. A deaconess shall hold church member- a) Alleviate suffering; ship in a local church within the conference

337 ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER where her appointment is located and shall be Board of Global Ministries. a voting member of the charge conference of 2. The Committee on Deaconess Service that church. Those holding staff positions with shall be composed of one bishop who is a a general board or connectional agency of The member of the General Board of Global Minis- United Methodist Church may hold church tries; four active deaconesses and two active membership in an annual conference within home missionaries selected by vote of the ac- reasonable distance of the headquarters of the tive deaconesses and home missionaries who board or agency served. relate to the board; and four directors of the 5. Deaconesses shall be seated at the ses- General Board of Global Ministries, at least sions of the annual conference with voice. two of whom shall also be directors of the 6. A deaconess may become a member of Women’s Division. the annual conference when elected in accord- Additional members may be co-opted as ance with ¶¶ 30 and 250.2. deemed necessary by the Committee on Dea- 7. Deaconesses shall be subject to the ad- coness Service. ministrative authority of the program or 3. There shall be an executive committee agency to which they are appointed. In mat- and other committees as necessary for carry- ters of their assignment they are subject to the ing out the duties of the Committee on Dea- authority of the General Board of Global Min- coness Service. istries and may not contract for service that 4. The work of the committee shall be car- would nullify this authority. ried out in accordance with the bylaws as ap- 8. Each deaconess shall enroll in a pension proved by the General Board of Global Minis- plan. The rights of any deaconess in any prior tries. or existing agreement or pension plan shall be ¶ 1316. Deaconess Program Office—There fully protected. shall be a program office for deaconesses to 9. A deaconess may request an honorable represent the deaconess relationship on a na- location when: tional level and to maintain a community of a) no longer available for appointment as a professionally competent persons who are deaconess of The United Methodist Church; or committed to service under authority of the b) not eligible for appointment as deter- Church. The executive secretary of the pro- mined by the General Board of Global Minis- gram office shall be a deaconess. tries; or 1. All administrative policies and proce- c) for any reason the person decides to sus- dures that pertain to the office of deaconess pend the commissioned relationship. shall also apply to the office of home mission- 10. Involuntary termination for a deacon- ary and be administered by the Deaconess ess shall follow the procedural guidelines as Program Office (¶¶ 1313–1316). set forth in ¶ 2702. 2. The General Board of Global Ministries 11. Persons on honorable location may be shall assign the administration of the program reactivated with approval of the General office to the Mission Personnel Program Area Board of Global Ministries. or another unit as it may determine (¶ ¶ 1314. Home Missionaries—All persons 1303.1b). commissioned to the office of home mission- 3. There may be a national organization of ary shall retain that office with all of the rights deaconesses, which shall operate according to and privileges pertaining thereto. policies approved by the General Board of Glo- ¶ 1315. Committee on Deaconess Service— bal Ministries. 1. There shall be a Committee on Deaconess 4. There may be jurisdictional organiza- Service, which shall be advisory to the General tions of deaconesses and home missionaries

338 GENERAL BOARD OF GLOBAL MINISTRIES and their support constituencies, which shall moral and religious significance for the public operate according to policies approved by the welfare and that contribute to the establish- General Board of Global Ministries. ment of a just global society. 8. To work with the other agencies of the Women’s Division Church and community in areas of common concern and responsibility. A United Nations ¶ 1317. The Women’s Division shall be ac- Office shall be conducted in cooperation with tively engaged in fulfilling the mission of the General Board of Church and Society. Christ and the Church and shall interpret the 9. To give visible evidence of oneness in purpose of United Methodist Women. With Christ by uniting in fellowship and service continuing awareness of the concerns and re- with other Christians, including the World sponsibilities of the Church in today’s world, Federation of Methodist Women, Church the Women’s Division shall be an advocate for Women United, and other similar groups, the oppressed and dispossessed with special thereby strengthening the ecumenical witness attention to the needs of women and children; and program of the Church. shall work to build a supportive community 10. To formulate concepts of contemporary among women; and shall engage in activities mission. that foster growth in the Christian faith, mis- ¶ 1319. Authority—1. The Women’s Divi- sion education, and Christian social involve- sion shall have the authority to make its by- ment throughout the organization. laws and to regulate its proceedings in har- ¶ 1318. Responsibilities—The responsibili- mony with the charter of the board, and with ties of the Women’s Division shall be: its approval, to develop and carry out the func- 1. To recommend program and policies to tions of the board as described in ¶ 1302; to United Methodist Women. buy and sell property; to solicit and accept 2. To interpret the role and responsibility contributions, subject to annuity under the of the division in fulfilling the mission of board’s regulations; and to appropriate its Christ and the Church. funds. 3. To provide resources and opportunities 2. The division shall meet annually at the for women that enrich their spiritual life and time of the meeting of the board and at such increase their knowledge and understanding other times as it shall deem necessary. of the needs of the world and their responsibil- 3. The Women’s Division shall include in ity in meeting those needs. its responsibilities: 4. To secure funds through the channels of a) Those formerly carried by the Woman’s United Methodist Women for the support of Society of Christian Service of The Methodist the program of the Church through the Gen- Church, and the Women’s Society of World eral Board of Global Ministries, with special Service of The Evangelical United Brethren concern for the needs and responsibilities of Church, the Women’s Society of Christian women. Service of The United Methodist Church, and 5. To project plans specially directed to- those other organizations of women of similar ward leadership development of women purposes that have operated in the churches through appropriate planning with the other forming the United Methodist tradition, in- units of the board. cluding the Women’s Missionary Association 6. To strengthen the Church’s challenge to of the Church of the United Brethren in Christ; women to enlist in the diaconate as missionar- the Woman’s Missionary Society of The Evan- ies and deaconesses. gelical Church; the Woman’s Foreign Mission- 7. To enlist women in activities that have a ary Society, the Woman’s Home Missionary

339 ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER

Society, the Wesleyan Service Guild, and the without vote. Ladies’ Aid Societies of The Methodist Episco- ¶ 1321. Structure—The Women’s Division pal Church; the Woman’s Missionary Society, shall be organized into such sections as the di- the Woman’s Board of Foreign Missions, the vision shall determine. Woman’s Board of Home Missions, and the ¶ 1322. Assembly—There may be an as- Woman’s Missionary Council of The Method- sembly of United Methodist Women, includ- ist Episcopal Church, South; and the Woman’s ing a delegated body termed the Assembly. Convention of the Board of Missions of The The division shall determine the time and Methodist Protestant Church. This list shall place of meeting and the purpose, composi- not be construed as exclusive. tion, functions, and powers of the Assembly. b) All policy matters pertaining to the ¶ 1323. Financial Relationship to the Gen- homes for retired workers owned by the Wom- eral Board of Global Ministries—The funds en’s Division. for the fulfillment of the responsibilities of the 4. The Women’s Division shall have the au- Women’s Division shall be derived from an- thority: nual voluntary pledges, offerings, gifts, de- a) To organize jurisdictional, conference, vises, bequests, annuities, or money received district, and local church organizations of through special emphases and meetings held United Methodist Women, which shall be aux- in the interest of the division. All funds, except iliary to the General Board of Global Minis- those designated for local purposes, shall be tries, through the Women’s Division, of The forwarded through the channels of finance of United Methodist Church. United Methodist Women to the treasurer of b) To recommend constitutions and make the division. Undesignated funds received by bylaws for United Methodist Women. the Women’s Division shall be allocated by the c) To appropriate funds received through division, on recommendation of the appropri- United Methodist Women. ate section or committee, for the work of the d) To serve as the national official policy- several sections of the Women’s Division and making body of United Methodist Women, to such other units of the General Board of with the officers of the Women’s Division des- Global Ministries as the division shall deter- ignated as the national officers. mine for the fulfillment of the responsibilities ¶ 1320. Organization—The Women’s Di- of the division. Funds appropriated for the vision shall elect an executive committee of work of the other units of the board may be nineteen members, which shall exercise the given with specific designations and time lim- powers of the division ad interim. The Wom- its, after which unspent funds are to be re- en’s Division shall name members of its execu- turned to the division. tive committee to serve on the board executive ¶ 1324. Membership—The Women’s Divi- committee. The number named shall be at sion shall be composed of fifty members as fol- least one-third of the board executive commit- lows: forty shall be laywomen elected by the tee membership. Members of the Women’s jurisdiction organizations of United Method- Division executive committee shall be elected ist Women at quadrennial meetings (¶ 533.4); by the Women’s Division to serve on executive five shall be the jurisdiction presidents of committees of board units and committees as United Methodist Women; and five shall be defined in board bylaws. The president, gen- elected by the Women’s Division. The presi- eral secretary, and treasurer of the board (¶ dent, general secretary, and treasurer of the 1307) and the deputy general secretary, treas- board (¶ 1307) and the deputy general secre- urer, and assistant general secretaries of the tary, treasurer, and assistant general secretar- Women’s Division shall be members ex officio ies of the Women’s Division shall be members

340 GENERAL BOARD OF GLOBAL MINISTRIES ex officio. The Women’s Division shall elect (1) To provide immediate relief of acute hu- from its membership to board membership a man need and to respond to the suffering of number equivalent to one-third of total board persons in the world caused by natural, eco- membership but not less than thirty. It shall logical, political turmoil and civil disaster. also elect members to units and committees of (2) To work cooperatively with the appro- the board as defined in board bylaws. priate conference units, ecumenical bodies, ¶ 1325. Constitution of United Methodist and interdenominational agencies in the iden- Women—For the Constitution of United tification of, advocacy for, and assistance with Methodist Women in the jurisdiction, see ¶ ministries with refugees, hunger and poverty, 533; for the Constitution of United Methodist and disaster response. Women in the conference, see ¶ 644; for the (3) To work cooperatively with United Constitution of United Methodist Women in Methodist Communications in promotion of the district, see ¶ 664; for the Constitution of the One Great Hour of Sharing offering. United Methodist Women in the local church, (4) To initiate printed, audiovisual, elec- see ¶ 255. tronic, and other resources to interpret, sup- port, and communicate with conferences and Health and Relief churches concerning appeals for help and in- formation related to ministries with refugees, ¶ 1326. 1. General Provisions—a) Pur- hunger and poverty, and disaster response. pose—The Health and Relief Unit exists to as- (5) To assist and train conference coordina- sist United Methodists and churches to be- tors to address emerging and ongoing issues come involved globally in health and welfare related to refugee ministries, root causes of ministries and in direct ministry to persons in hunger and poverty, disaster relief, and reha- need through programs of relief, rehabilita- bilitation. tion, and service, including issues of refugees, b) Financial Support—Sources of funds hunger and poverty, and disaster response; shall include: voluntary gifts, One Great Hour and to assist organizations, institutions, and of Sharing offering, Advance Special Gifts, programs related to annual conferences and supplementary gifts of United Methodist other units of The United Methodist Church in Women, churchwide appeals made by author- their involvement in direct service to persons ity of the Council of Bishops and the General in need through both residential and nonresi- Council on Finance and Administration, and dential ministries. designated benevolence funds. Sources of b) Authority—The Health and Relief Unit, funds for administrative functions of the Gen- a single administrative unit with two func- eral Board of Global Ministries shall be other tional areas—United Methodist Committee on than designated funds to the United Method- Relief, and Health and Welfare Ministries— ist Committee on Relief. shall operate under policies set by the General c) Consultation—The response of United Board of Global Ministries. Methodist Committee on Relief growing out of c) Membership—The membership of natural or civil disaster shall be made at the re- Health and Relief shall be constituted in ac- quest of the appropriate body related to The cord with the bylaws of the General Board of United Methodist Church. Repair and recon- Global Ministries. struction of local church property and other 2. United Methodist Committee on Relief— church-related property shall be included in a) Responsibilities—The responsibilities of the the funding response of the United Methodist United Methodist Committee on Relief shall Committee on Relief only when such response be: has been included in the appeal made for

341 ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER funds or the Advance Special Gifts made for courage awareness of the gifts and needs of this purpose. When this condition has been persons with disabilities and to promote the met, the United Methodist Committee on Re- leadership and employment throughout the lief shall respond in cooperation with the Gen- connectional system of persons with disabili- eral Board of Global Ministries as follows: ties. (1) UMCOR, in consultation with confer- (6) To initiate printed, audiovisual, elec- ence disaster response coordinators, bishops, tronic, and other resources to interpret, sup- and district superintendents, shall identify port, and communicate with conferences and specific locations where local church property churches concerning development of health and church-related properties have suffered and welfare ministries and promotion of damage. Golden Cross and similar offerings. (2) This information shall be relayed to the b) Financial Support—Sources of funds General Board of Global Ministries, which shall include financial support from World shall contact the conference disaster response Service and other funds designated for the coordinator to arrange an on-site visit to program of health and welfare ministries, in- evaluate damages and initiate an ongoing con- cluding such proportion of undesignated gifts sultative process. as may be determined by the board, and from 3. Health and Welfare Ministries—a) Re- gifts, wills, and trust funds given especially to sponsibilities—The responsibilities of Health Health and Welfare Ministries. Health and and Welfare Ministries shall be: Welfare Ministries is authorized to receive fi- (1) To assist conference units in addressing nancial grants and trusts from private founda- emerging and ongoing global health issues, in- tions and funds from public agencies and is cluding comprehensive community-based pri- empowered to act as trustee for the adminis- mary health care, HIV/AIDS, ministries with tration of bequests. persons with physically and mentally chal- c) Relationship with the United Methodist lenging conditions, environmental health, and Association of Health and Welfare Minis- particularly the health needs of women, chil- tries—Health and Welfare Ministries shall dren, youth, the communities of color in the work with the United Methodist Association of United States, and racial and ethnic communi- Health and Welfare Ministries in leadership ties globally. development and may make services available (2) To provide upon request of the appro- to the association. priate conference unit consultation services to d) Limitation of Responsibility—Health existing and emerging health and welfare in- and Welfare Ministries shall not be responsi- stitutions and programs, and to jurisdictional, ble, legally or morally, for the debts, contracts, conference, district, and local church units. or obligations or for any other financial com- (3) To assist local churches, districts, and mitments of any character or description cre- annual conferences to develop ministries of ated, undertaken, or assumed by any institu- health, healing, and wholeness. tion or interest related to a unit of The United (4) To provide help to conferences and Methodist Church, whether or not such insti- health and welfare institutions to clarify their tution or interest shall be approved, accepted, relationship with one another, including mat- or recognized by Health and Welfare Minis- ters of legal and financial responsibility, and tries or shall be affiliated with Health and Wel- to help health and welfare institutions to be- fare Ministries, or whether or not the promo- come involved in outreach ministry globally. tion or establishment of the same shall be ap- (5) To provide programs for annual confer- proved by the constitution of Health and Wel- ences, districts, and local churches that en- fare Ministries. No such institution or interest

342 GENERAL BOARD OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND MINISTRY related to a unit of The United Methodist ship and Higher Education and Ministry, re- Church and no officer or member of Health spectively. It is further intended that the an- and Welfare Ministries shall have any author- nuities, bequests, trusts, and estates formerly ity whatsoever to take any action directly or by held by the General Board of Education be implication at variance with, or deviating used for the benefit and use of the General from, the limitation contained in the preced- Boards of Discipleship and Higher Education ing sentence hereof, except as Health and Wel- and Ministry (in accord with their purposes as fare Ministries may directly own and manage defined in the Discipline), respectively, as an institution in its own name. their interests may appear, and that real estate titles be authorized to be conveyed as appro- Section VIII. General Board of Higher priate and apportioned where indicated. Education and Ministry In the event that the intent of the original donor of existing annuities, bequests, trusts, ¶ 1401. There shall be a General Board of and estates cannot be clearly determined in re- Higher Education and Ministry, hereinafter lation to the interests of the two boards, such referred to as the board. assets shall be divided equally between the two ¶ 1402. Incorporation—The General boards. Board of Higher Education and Ministry shall It is further intended that should addi- be a corporation under the laws of Tennessee tional assets accrue to the former General and shall be responsible for the functions pre- Board of Education by reason of annuities, be- viously conducted by the Division of Higher quests, trusts, and estates not now known and Education of the General Board of Education where the intent of the donor can be clearly as- and the Commission on Chaplains and Re- certained, the assets shall be used in keeping lated Ministries of The United Methodist with the original intent and purpose for which Church. they were established or acquired and so be The General Board of Higher Education assigned as appropriate to the General Boards and Ministry is authorized to take such action of Discipleship and Higher Education and as is appropriate under the corporation laws of Ministry, respectively. Tennessee so as to accomplish the end result It is further intended that should addi- stated above, and under which the General tional assets accrue to the former General Board of Higher Education and Ministry shall Board of Education by reason of annuities, be- be one legal entity. quests, trusts, and estates not now known and The divisions of the General Board of Edu- where the intent of the original donor cannot cation were not incorporated separately; it is be clearly determined in relation to the inter- the intent, however, that responsibility for the ests of the two boards, such assets shall be di- functions delegated to the divisions by prior vided equally between the two boards. legislative action be transferred consistent ¶ 1403. Amenability and Accountability— with the separation of the divisions between The board shall be amenable to the General the General Board of Discipleship and the Conference, and between sessions of the Gen- General Board of Higher Education and Min- eral Conference it shall be accountable to the istry. In the division of the assets of the Gen- General Council on Ministries. eral Board of Education, it is the intent that all ¶ 1404. Purpose—The board exists, within assets be used in keeping with the original in- the expression of the total mission of the tent and purpose for which they were estab- Church, for the specific purpose of preparing lished or acquired, and so be assigned as ap- and assisting persons to fulfill their ministry propriate to the General Boards of Disciple- in Christ in the several special ministries, or-

343 ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER dained and diaconal; and to provide general 9. To recruit, endorse, and provide general oversight and care for campus ministries and oversight of United Methodist ordained min- institutions of higher education, including isters, including persons who speak languages schools, colleges, universities, and theological in addition to English, who desire to serve as schools. chaplains in specialized institutional ministry ¶ 1405. Objectives—All the objectives as- settings in both private and governmental sec- signed to the divisions shall be considered to tors. be the objectives of the board. In summary, 10. To represent The United Methodist the board shall have authority: Church in, and provide liaison with, United 1. To maintain the historic mission of The Methodist ordained ministers certified by pro- United Methodist Church in higher education fessional certifying and accrediting organiza- and to serve as advocate for the intellectual life tions related to ministry in specialized set- of the Church. tings. 2. To seek to understand and communicate 11. To plan and implement a continuing the significance of the Christian mission in ministry to United Methodist laity in institu- higher education and ministry throughout the tions and armed forces who are separated world as the context in which values and from their local churches. Christian lifestyle are shaped. 12. To develop and provide services di- 3. To ensure that the board’s programs and rected to enlistment for specialized Church- policies address the needs and concerns for related ministries, professional growth and ministry with racial and ethnic persons and development, and counseling. people with disabilities. 13. To offer personnel and placement as- 4. To provide counsel, guidance, and assist- sistance for persons involved in professional ance to annual conferences through their Church-related ministries. boards of ordained ministry and higher educa- 14. To conduct research on human needs to tion and campus ministry, and other such pro- be met by the Church through its resources in gram units as may be organized in the annual higher education. conferences. 15. To provide for the allocation of funds to 5. To study needs and resources for or- institutions and to programs related to the dained and diaconal ministries, including board. identification of new types of ministry. 16. To maintain adequate fiduciary and le- 6. To develop and maintain standards and gal relationships with institutions and minis- procedures for certification in professional tries and to assist annual conferences and ministerial careers and for ordination into the other judicatories in their responsibilities in ordained ministry. these matters. 7. To promote and give direction to work 17. To provide counsel, guidance, and as- among racial and ethnic groups, and people sistance to institutions of higher education in with disabilities for enlistment, training, and their relationships with governmental agen- placement of persons in the professional cies. Church-related ministries. 18. To guard property and endowments en- 8. To coordinate and make visible informa- trusted to the institutions and to maintain and tion about career assessment opportunities enforce adequate trust and reversionary and continuing education that will assist per- clauses. sons in professional Church-related ministries 19. To monitor and interact with public with their professional growth and develop- higher education in terms of its reflection on ment. the wholeness of persons and the meaning of

344 GENERAL BOARD OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND MINISTRY life, and to study and inform constituencies of board, and to cooperate with the General public policy issues related to higher educa- Board of Global Ministries in matters related tion, both independent and public. to the Crusade Scholarship Program. 20. To promote, in cooperation with the 29. To engage in research related to per- General Commission on Communication, spe- sonnel needs and interpretation of occupa- cial days and funds: Black College Fund, Min- tional opportunities in the Church. isterial Education Fund, United Methodist 30. To provide such support agencies as are Student Day, World Communion Sunday, and deemed necessary to carry out the functions of other funds and special days ordered by the the board. General Conference. 31. To give priority to the planning and 21. To evaluate United Methodist higher policy development functions of the board on education and professional Church-related behalf of the Church. ministries with concern for the quality of their ¶ 1406. Responsibilities—The responsi- performance and the integrity of their mis- bilities of the General Board of Higher Educa- sion. tion and Ministry shall be: 22. To provide standards and support for 1. To establish and review the objectives of and interpretation of the work of United the General Board of Higher Education and Methodist theological schools. Ministry within the wider mission of The 23. To analyze needs of those in Church-re- United Methodist Church. lated ministries for continuing education, in- 2. To establish appropriate organizational cluding assessment of effectiveness, profes- structures within the board and staff to sional growth and development, and funding. achieve established objectives, including writ- 24. To provide professional ministerial ing bylaws, electing officers, establishing com- courses of study for orderly entrance into or- mittees, electing staff, and filling vacancies in dained ministry. In providing these courses of accord with ¶ 712. study, consideration shall be given to lan- 3. To determine policy and program, estab- guages other than English and to persons with lish goals and priorities, project long-range disabilities. plans, and evaluate program and services of 25. To provide for a continuing discussion the board. of the theological bases for professional 4. To give direction to the staff and to del- Church-related ministries and higher educa- egate authority to board executives through tion. general oversight of the administration. 26. To provide such services as will create a 5. To report the activities of the board to climate of acceptance and empowerment for The United Methodist Church through appro- women, racial and ethnic persons, and people priate agencies of the general and jurisdic- with disabilities in higher education and pro- tional conferences. fessional Church-related ministries, and to be 6. To develop and maintain cooperative re- alert to the necessity of advocacy in behalf of lationships with ecumenical agencies and these professional ministries in questions of other denominations for the full discharge of equity and justice. the objectives of the board. 27. To provide counsel, guidance, and as- 7. To cooperate with other agencies in The sistance to professional associations and fel- United Methodist Church in the fulfillment of lowships related to diaconal and other the programs of the General Conference. Church-related special ministries. 8. To develop and maintain cooperative re- 28. To interpret, promote, and administer lationships with higher educational institu- the loan and scholarship programs of the tions, campus ministries, chaplains and re-

345 ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER lated ministries, and diaconal ministries Bishops according to the provisions in ¶ throughout the world in collaboration with the 705.5c. General Board of Global Ministries. d) Episcopal Members—Six episcopal 9. Upon request, to provide resources and members shall be named by the Council of technical assistance in higher education Bishops, including at least one from the cen- throughout the world in collaboration with tral conferences (see ¶ 710.10). churches of the Wesleyan tradition. e) One member elected by Iglesia 10. In cooperation with the General Coun- Metodista Autónoma Afiliada de Puerto Rico. cil on Finance and Administration, to develop f) Additional Members—(1) United Meth- long-range investments and fundraising odist—Additional members are nominated by projects within the Church that shall guaran- a committee composed of three persons from tee, insofar as possible, the continuous flow of each jurisdiction (one clergy, one laywoman, resources for United Methodist higher educa- and one layman) elected by the jurisdictional tion for the decades and the centuries to come. conference. They shall elect up to nine addi- In developing such long-range investments, tional members to ensure inclusivity and ex- the board shall adhere to the specific invest- pertise. (2) It is recommended that the board ment guidelines adopted by the General Con- elect at least one of the additional members ference. without vote from among the other churches 11. To promote awareness of and concur- of the Consultation on Church Union. rence with “Policies Relative to Socially Re- g) If a vacancy occurs in the board, it shall sponsible Investments” (¶ 716), the Social be filled in accordance with ¶ 712. Principles (¶¶ 160–166), and The Book of ¶ 1408. 1. Divisions—The board shall pro- Resolutions of The United Methodist Church. vide for a Division of Higher Education, and a ¶ 1407. Organization—1. The membership Division of Ordained Ministry providing sup- shall be sixty-four persons constituted in ac- port for ordained clergy, local pastors, and di- cordance with ¶ 705.4e and 705.5 of the Gen- aconal ministers. Further, the board is author- eral Provisions. ized to alter its organization to adjust to 2. The membership shall be constituted as changing circumstances, within the param- follows: eters of responsibility established by The Book a) Jurisdictional Members—Clergy, lay- of Discipline. women, and laymen shall be elected to the 2. Offices—The board, in implementing the board by the jurisdictional conference upon objectives (¶¶ 1403, 1405), shall have author- nomination from the annual conference in ac- ity to establish and maintain the following of- cordance with ¶ 705.5, based on the following fices: (a) Interpretation; and (b) Loans and formula: North Central—8, Northeastern—8, Scholarships. South Central—11, Southeastern—12, and ¶ 1409. Provision for Funding—1. The Western—3. work and program of the board shall be sup- b) Supplemental Members—One member ported from the general benevolences of the from North Katanga Annual Conference and Church and the Ministerial Education Fund. one member from Southern Congo Annual Funds received by the board for the divisions Conference shall be elected as supplemental from the Ministerial Education Fund shall be members according to the provisions of ¶ restricted to the support of theological schools 705.5e. and the Division of Ordained Ministry in the c) Central Conference Members—Four development of their programs of enlistment, Central Conference members shall be elected basic professional degree programs, and con- to the board on nomination by the Council of tinuing education (in accordance with ¶

346 GENERAL BOARD OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND MINISTRY

820.2a and b). tary, secondary, and higher educational insti- 2. Administration and other programs of tutions and campus ministries. the divisions shall be supported solely from b) To develop policy that enables The World Service moneys. The associate general United Methodist Church to engage effectively secretaries shall recommend through the gen- in higher education throughout the world. eral secretary of the board to the General c) To encourage the Church in programs Council on Finance and Administration the designed to nurture and sustain educational amount of financial support that should be al- institutions and campus ministry units as in- located for the divisions. valuable assets in the ongoing life of the Church. Division of Higher Education d) To promote a campus Christian move- ment and a concerned Christian ministry of ¶ 1410. Duties and Responsibilities—1. the educational community; to witness in the Higher education is a significant part of our campus community to the mission, message, Wesleyan heritage, our present task, and our and life of Jesus Christ; to deepen, enrich, and future responsibility. The Church continues its mature the Christian faith of college and uni- historic mission of uniting knowledge and vi- versity students, faculty, and staff through tal piety by maintaining educational institu- commitment to Jesus Christ and the Church tions and a campus ministry, and through and to assist them in their service and leader- them an intellectual, spiritual, and material ship to the world, in and through the Church. ministry to all persons within the academic e) To interpret both the Church and its edu- community without respect to sex, race, creed, cational institutions and campus ministry to or national origin. each other; to help the agencies of the Church 2. There shall be a Division of Higher Edu- and higher education participate in the greater cation representing The United Methodist realization of a fully humane society commit- Church in its relationships with educational ted to freedom and truth, love, justice, peace, institutions and the campus ministry. The di- and personal integrity. vision shall have an advisory relationship to all f) To foster within educational institutions United Methodist-affiliated institutions, in- the highest educational standards, effective cluding universities, colleges, secondary and programs of Church relationships, the special schools, Wesley Foundations, and soundest business practices, the finest ethical similar organizations as well as ecumenical and moral principles, and especially Christian campus ministry groups. The division will, on ideals; to help people experience release from request, serve in an advisory and consultative enslavement, fear, and violence; and to help capacity to all agencies of the Church owning people live in love. or administering educational institutions and g) To preserve and protect resources, prop- campus ministry units. erty, and investments of The United Method- 3. The nominating committee of the board ist Church or any conference, agency, or insti- shall, insofar as possible, provide representa- tution thereof, in any educational institution, tion for nomination as members of the Divi- Wesley Foundation, or other campus ministry sion of Higher Education an equitable number unit founded, organized, developed, or as- of persons directly related to the areas of con- sisted under the direction or with the coopera- cern of the division. tion of The United Methodist Church. 4. Principal objectives of the division are: h) To relate to professional organizations of a) To determine the nature of the United higher education and campus ministry on be- Methodist mission in and through its elemen- half of The United Methodist Church.

347 ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER

i) To enable the division’s constituencies to cieties and foundations related to the annual develop an interest in and response to public conferences for the promotion of Christian policies bearing on higher education, both in- higher education and the campus ministry, dependent and public. and it shall recognize such societies and foun- j) To provide resources and suggest guide- dations as auxiliaries of the division when lines for annual conference boards of higher their objectives and purposes, articles of in- education and campus ministry. corporation, and administrative policies shall 5. The division shall appoint personnel, in- have been approved by the annual conference cluding an assistant general secretary for cam- within whose boundaries they have been in- pus ministry, an assistant general secretary for corporated. schools, colleges, and universities, and an as- 4. The division should provide the connec- sistant general secretary for the Black College tional relationship whenever agencies of the Fund, and it shall establish such committees General Church wish to enter into discussion and commissions as may be necessary for ef- with or make inquiry into United Methodist- fective fulfillment of its objectives. It may related schools, colleges, and universities. adopt such rules and regulations as may be re- 5. The division shall direct attention to the quired for the conduct of its business. work and needs of those educational institu- ¶ 1411. Responsibilities to General and tions that stand in special relationship to The Annual Conferences—The Division of Higher United Methodist Church and shall request Education will cooperate with and assist the support for them. Due recognition shall be General and annual conferences and their re- given to the needs of the Black colleges histori- spective boards and area commissions organ- cally related to The United Methodist Church. ized in behalf of educational institutions and (See ¶¶ 819, 1420.) the campus ministry. (For annual conference 6. The division shall approve changes in in- boards, see ¶ 631.2.) stitutional sponsorship and relationships to 1. The division shall: the general or annual conferences, including a) Provide for the cooperative study of separation from United Methodist program plans for maximum coordination of the work boards, from the general or one or more an- of United Methodist higher education with the nual conferences, or from the University Sen- Church’s mission in Christian education. ate as the certifying agency of The United b) Direct attention of Church members to Methodist Church. the contribution of United Methodist educa- ¶ 1412. Responsibilities to Educational In- tional institutions and campus ministry units stitutions—The Division of Higher Education to the life and character of students, faculty, shall establish policy and practice providing and staff and to the place the institutions and for consultation with and support of United campus ministry have in the preservation and Methodist educational institutions, campus propagation of the Christian faith for our time. ministry units, and annual conference boards 2. The division shall assess institutional of higher education and campus ministry in and campus ministry relationships with and matters of institutional study and evaluation, responsibilities to the Church, and it shall aid promotion, interpretation, management, pro- in the determination of the degree of active ac- gram, and finance. cord between institutional and campus minis- 1. The division shall, in cooperation with try policies and practices and the policies of the University Senate: the Church as expressed in the Discipline and a) Study trends in higher education, the in General Conference enactments. needs of the Church, and public and private 3. The division shall assist educational so- educational opportunities and requirements

348 GENERAL BOARD OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND MINISTRY and make recommendations to the educa- and agencies in reviewing, evaluating, and tional institutions and state commissions or strengthening existing and proposed local and other bodies or publics concerned with higher regional ecumenical covenants for campus education. ministry; and ensure that ecumenical cov- b) Recommend and approve plans for insti- enants and procedures for these units are on tutional cooperation, consolidation, or merger file with the annual conference boards of between or among United Methodist-related higher education and campus ministry. colleges and/or between them and institutions d) Recognize and cooperate with agencies of other denominations that ensure that the with whom relationships may serve to further interests of The United Methodist Church are the objectives of the division. adequately protected. e) Provide for representation and partici- c) Investigate the objectives, academic pro- pation, as deemed necessary, with other na- grams, educational standards, personnel poli- tional ecumenical campus ministry agencies. cies, plant and equipment, business and man- f) Provide services to meet specific denomi- agement practices, financial program, public national needs. relations, student personnel services, student g) Relate college and university students of development programs, religious life, and The United Methodist Church to a national Church relations of any educational institu- United Methodist student organization and tion claiming or adjudged to be related to The such ecumenical student organizations as may United Methodist Church. be appropriate. d) Evaluate and classify institutions in or- 3. The division shall, as it seeks to interpret der to authenticate relatedness to the Church higher education: and determine eligibility for Church financial a) Promote the Church’s mission in higher support. education, including the special missions and 2. The division shall, in regard to campus educational ministries to ethnic groups, peo- ministry, Wesley Foundations, and ecumeni- ple with disabilities, and other peoples disad- cal campus ministry groups, provide a struc- vantaged by world conditions. ture within the division in order to: b) Promote Christian instruction and pro- a) Assist in development of plans for the vide opportunity for Christian service. systematic evaluation of these units in coop- c) Encourage educational institutions and eration with their regularly constituted boards campus ministry units to inculcate human and of directors or trustees and with conference, humane values consistent with the gospel and area, or regional committees or commissions the public good. on Christian higher education and campus d) Foster the development of Christian ministry or appropriate ecumenical agencies. community within the life of educational insti- b) Study the trends in programming and tutions and campus ministry units. funding in campus ministry, review reports e) Make use of the existing Church organi- from conference agencies and local units, and zation and publications for interpreting the interpret these findings to the constituency as mission of higher education. appropriate. f) Participate in the Crusade Scholarship c) Affirm its commitment to an ecumenical program. approach to campus ministry; encourage lo- g) Design and organize the promotion of cal, campus, state, and regional units of that United Methodist Student Day to recognize ministry to work toward ecumenical program- United Methodist students in higher educa- ming and structures where appropriate to pro- tion. vide counsel and support to conference boards ¶ 1413. Financial Support of Higher Edu-

349 ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER cation—1. In recognition of its heritage and other campus ministry unit founded, organ- the mandate to maintain its mission in higher ized, developed, or assisted under the direc- education and in light of emergent fiscal con- tion or with the cooperation of The United cerns, The United Methodist Church affirms Methodist Church should any such institution its commitment to higher education and to the discontinue operation or move to sever or means by which it can be continuously sup- modify its connection with the Church or vio- ported and renewed. late the terms of any rules adopted by the 2. The Division of Higher Education shall board or the terms of any such grant of new be empowered to take such action as may be capital or endowment funds made by The necessary to: United Methodist Church or any conference, a) Promote the financial support of Chris- agency, or institution thereof. In order to carry tian higher education within the Church. out its duties under this paragraph, the divi- b) Create arrangements that shall provide sion shall, at its discretion, investigate, audit, for the flow of supporting funds from the and review all necessary records and docu- whole Church to the institutions affiliated with ments of any educational institution claiming the Church as affirmed by the University Sen- or adjudged by the division to be related to The ate (¶ 1416). United Methodist Church. In the event any c) Develop corporations, or other fiscal or such educational institution, Wesley Founda- fiduciary agencies, for the purpose of financ- tion, or other campus ministry unit shall ing, creating, recycling, managing, or other- endeavor to discontinue operation or move to wise caring for institutions and campus minis- sever or modify its connection with the Church try units or their assets and liabilities. or violate the rules adopted by the division in 3. The division, in regard to fiscal matters, accordance with ¶ 1413.3b, it shall be the duty shall: of the trustees and the administrators of such a) Study the financial status of United institutions, along with the conference agency Methodist educational institutions and cam- on higher education and the resident bishop of pus ministry units, encourage the Church to the conference in which such institution is lo- give them continuous support, and provide cated, to confer at the earliest possible oppor- consultative services in fiscal affairs and other tunity with appropriate representatives of the aspects of institutional management. The divi- division to determine what resources and aid sion shall study all appropriate related data the division may be able to provide and to per- and may recommend to each conference or mit the division to carry out its responsibilities agency the support levels appropriate for each under this paragraph. related institution or institutions. d) (1) Foster and aid through a special ap- b) Appropriate such funds as are available portionment the United Methodist institu- for the support of educational institutions, tions historically related to education for Afri- Wesley Foundations, or other campus minis- can Americans. It shall have authority to insti- try units related to The United Methodist tute plans by which colleges sponsored by the Church under such rules as the board may division may cooperate with or may unite with adopt. colleges of other denominations or under in- c) Take such action as is necessary to pro- dependent control; provided that the interests tect or recover resources, property, and invest- of The United Methodist Church are ad- ments of The United Methodist Church or any equately protected. (2) Encourage such Black conference, agency, or institution thereof, in colleges to secure adequate endowments for capital or endowment funds of any educa- their support and maintenance. Whenever the tional institution, Wesley Foundation, or division is assured that their support will be

350 GENERAL BOARD OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND MINISTRY adequate and the property will be conserved the time of their election, the other two hold- and perpetuated for Christian education un- ing other positions relevant to academic or fi- der the auspices and control of The United nancial affairs or Church relationships; four Methodist Church, it may transfer the colleges by the senate itself, without limitation other to boards of trustees under such conditions as than the general provisions of this paragraph; the General Board of Higher Education and and four shall be appointed by the Council of Ministry may prescribe, which shall include Bishops—two of whom shall be chief executive the right of reversion to the board under con- officers of United Methodist-related educa- ditions prescribed by the board. tional institutions, the other two holding other positions relevant to academic or financial af- University Senate fairs or Church relationships. Each of the five electing bodies shall elect at least one woman. ¶ 1414. Organization and Membership—1. Members elected by the General Confer- The University Senate is an elected body of ence shall be nominated and elected by the fol- professionals in higher education created by lowing procedure: Twelve persons shall be the General Conference to determine which nominated by the Council of Bishops, six of schools, colleges, universities, and theological whom shall be chief executive officers of schools meet the criteria for listing as institu- United Methodist-related educational institu- tions affiliated with The United Methodist tions, the other six holding other positions rel- Church. evant to academic or financial affairs or 2. The senate shall be composed of twenty- Church relationships. At the same daily ses- five voting members who, at the time of elec- sion at which the above nominations are an- tion, are actively engaged in the work of edu- nounced, additional nominations may be cation through employment in an educational made from the floor but at no other time. institution and are fitted by training and expe- From these nominations, the General Confer- rience for the technical work of evaluating ence shall elect without discussion, by ballot educational institutions. Election is for the and by plurality vote, the four persons to serve quadrennium, except in cases where conflict on the senate, two from each of the two catego- of interest arises as a result of change in em- ries of nominees. Should a vacancy occur in ployment. Nine of these members shall be the members elected by General Conference in elected quadrennially by the National Associa- the interim prior to the next General Confer- tion of Schools and Colleges of The United ence, the Council of Bishops shall appoint a Methodist Church—seven of whom shall be replacement taken from the remaining nomi- chief executive officers of United Methodist- nees. The election process shall be repeated at related educational institutions, the other two each succeeding General Conference. Care holding other positions relevant to academic should be taken that women, racial and ethnic or financial affairs or Church relationships; persons, and representatives from the United four by the General Board of Higher Education Methodist-related Black colleges and graduate and Ministry—two of whom shall be chief ex- theological seminaries shall be members of ecutive officers of United Methodist-related the senate. If a member (other than the four higher educational institutions, the other two elected by the General Conference) retires holding other positions relevant to academic from educational work, or for any other cause or financial affairs or Church relationships; a vacancy occurs during the quadrennium, it four by the General Conference—two of whom shall be filled by the agency by which the retir- shall be chief executive officers of United ing member was elected at its next meeting. Methodist-related educational institutions at The general secretary of the General Board of

351 ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER

Higher Education and Ministry and the asso- 3. To provide an effective review process to ciate general secretaries of the Divisions of ensure that schools, colleges, universities, and Higher Education and Ordained Ministry theological schools listed by the University (Section of Elders and Local Pastors and Sec- Senate and qualifying for Church support have tion of Deacons and Diaconal Ministers) of institutional integrity, well-structured pro- that board shall serve as ex officio members of grams, sound management, and clearly de- the senate, with voice but without vote. There fined Church relationships. shall be one staff representative on the senate 4. To establish effective annual reporting from the General Board of Global Ministries, procedures that will provide the senate with with voice but without vote, named by the gen- the data necessary to complete its review of eral secretary of the General Board of Global the institutional viability and program integ- Ministries. rity of member institutions. 3. The associate general secretary of the Di- ¶ 1416. Institutional Affiliation1. Approval vision of Higher Education shall be the execu- by the senate is prerequisite to institutional tive secretary of the senate. The general secre- claim of affiliation with The United Methodist tary of the board shall convene it for organiza- Church. tion at the beginning of each quadrennium. 2. Every effort shall be made by both the The senate shall elect its own officers, includ- annual conferences and institutions to sustain ing a president, a vice president, and a record- and support each other, but identification of ing secretary, and it may appoint such com- an institution with The United Methodist mittees and commissions and delegate to Church shall depend upon its approval by the them such powers as are incident to its work. senate. The senate shall provide adequate Thereafter, it shall meet semiannually at such guidelines and counsel to assist institutions time and place as it may determine. Special seeking initial or renewed affiliation. meetings may be called on the written request 3. Only institutions affiliated with The of five members or at the discretion of the United Methodist Church through approval by president and the executive secretary. the senate shall be eligible for funding by an- 4. After consultation with the officers of the nual conferences, General Conference, general senate, the Division of Higher Education shall boards, or other agencies of The United Meth- provide in its annual budget for the expense of odist Church. the senate as it may deem sufficient, except 4. To qualify for affiliation with The United that expenses incurred by the senate on behalf Methodist Church, institutions must maintain of any other board of the Church shall be appropriate academic accreditation. borne by that board. 5. Assessment of Church relationships shall ¶ 1415. Purposes and Objectives—1. To es- be a part of the process for those institutions tablish the criteria that must be met by seeking approval of the senate for affiliation schools, colleges, universities, and theological with The United Methodist Church. Inasmuch schools to achieve and retain listing as institu- as declarations of Church relationships are ex- tions affiliated with The United Methodist pected to differ one from the other, and be- Church. cause of the diversity in heritage and other as- 2. To support the development of institu- pects of institutional life, declarations of tions whose aims are to address and whose Church relationship will necessarily be of in- programs reflect significant educational, cul- stitutional design. tural, social, and human issues in a manner re- ¶ 1417. Annual Reports of Approved Insti- flecting the values held in common by the in- tutions—1. Each year the senate shall publish a stitutions and the Church. list classifying United Methodist-affiliated in-

352 GENERAL BOARD OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND MINISTRY stitutions. These institutions shall include sec- United Methodist Higher Education ondary schools, colleges, universities, gradu- Foundation ate theological seminaries, and special schools. ¶ 1419. The United Methodist Higher Edu- 2. The senate shall also prepare annually a cation Foundation is incorporated in the State list of approved schools, colleges, universities, of Tennessee as a nonprofit, charitable organi- and graduate theological seminaries for use by zation with permanent ties to the Division of annual conference boards of ordained minis- Higher Education, which elects its board of try in determining candidate educational eligi- trustees. The general purpose of the founda- bility for admission into full connection. tion is to foster the growth and development of 3. An institution that chooses to disaffiliate institutions of higher education by encourag- with The United Methodist Church for any ing persons and corporations to provide finan- reason shall: a) inform the University Senate cial support and by acting as a foundation for as soon as possible after discussions begin such support. The foundation is also author- concerning disaffiliation; b) inform all appro- ized to serve as a trustee and administrator of priate United Methodist judicatories; and c) gifts and bequests designated by donors to seek technical and legal assistance from the specific institutions. Division of Higher Education regarding fidu- ciary issues. Council of Presidents of the Black 4. The senate shall publish annually, with Colleges its list of United Methodist-affiliated institu- tions, the names of institutions of other his- ¶ 1420. Council of Presidents of the Black toric Methodist Churches that wish to partici- Colleges—1. There shall be an organization pate in research projects, the insurance pro- known as the Council of Presidents of the gram, and technical services of the General Black Colleges. It shall be composed of all the Board of Higher Education and Ministry. Such presidents of the United Methodist institu- institutions shall be designated as “associate” tions historically related to the education of institutions. African Americans and with a current rela- ¶ 1418. Consultative Services—1. Support tionship to The United Methodist Church. for approved institutions shall include, 2. Purposes and Objectives—The purpose through the appropriate divisions of the Gen- of the council shall be to: eral Board of Higher Education and Ministry, a) Help identify and clarify the roles of consulting teams with skills in comprehensive these colleges in higher education and in The institutional design, management, govern- United Methodist Church. ance, and program. b) Promote fundraising efforts through the 2. Support for approved institutions shall Church. include an interpretation of and consultation c) Study, review, and discuss programs of on data in the annual institutional reports. member institutions. 3. The Division of Higher Education shall The council shall have a minimum of two report annually to the senate on the level and regular meetings in each calendar year and types of institutional support rendered by re- shall be amenable to the Division of Higher lated conferences and agencies and shall Education in the implementation of its re- evaluate such support, including specific re- sponsibilities. sponses of conferences and agencies to recom- mended levels.

353 ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER

Division of Ordained Ministry tified ministry. 4. Work with boards of ordained ministry, ¶ 1421. Duties and Responsibilities—The district committees on ordained ministry, and Division of Ordained Ministry shall be respon- other appropriate agencies by: a) developing sible for leading and serving the church in in- guidelines, training, and resources for their viting, equipping, and supporting faithful and work; b) providing guidance and counseling in effective spiritual leaders who serve as or- the examination of ministerial students; c) as- dained deacons and elders, licensed local pas- sisting in the training of mentors; and d) inter- tors, diaconal ministers, certified persons in preting current disciplinary legislation con- specialized ministries, and clergy endorsed for cerning ordained and licensed ministry. extension ministries in order to fulfill the mis- 5. Maintain the educational standards of sion of The United Methodist Church and the the ordained ministry of The United Method- proclamation of the gospel of Jesus Christ. ist Church; certify the course offerings in all The division’s work includes all who are serv- seminaries for meeting the requirements in ing in categories of appointment by a bishop. United Methodist history, doctrine, and polity This responsibility shall be discharged in ac- specified in ¶ 326.(3); provide boards of or- tive relation with schools of theology, annual dained ministry with a list of the courses ap- conference boards of ordained ministry, cabi- proved; and monitor the implementation of ¶ nets, jurisdictional boards or committees on 1425. ordained ministry, central conferences, and 6. Provide educational programs and other appropriate bodies. This division shall standards for the training of local pastors. be responsible for the promotion of theologi- 7. Identify the areas of need for specialized cal education and its support for the whole ministries and provide standards and educa- church. tional programs for candidates for certifica- In fulfillment of this responsibility and in tion. accordance with the disciplinary requirements 8. Provide guidance and resources for a established for each region of the church in the system of support for clergy in their work, for world, the division will: ongoing formation in ministry subsequent to 1. Study ministerial needs and resources in ordination, including continuing education The United Methodist Church and cooperate and spiritual growth, giving attention to the with appropriate groups in the interpretation needs of all racial, cultural, and special needs of ministry as a vocation, in an effort to enlist groups within the denomination. This will in- suitable persons for ordained ministry. clude resources for bishops and annual con- 2. Provide for the enlistment, training, con- ferences in the development of the Order of tinuing education and formation, and career Deacon and Order of Elder. development of faithful and effective spiritual 9. Support and cooperate with bishops and leaders of all races and ethnic origins in the or- district superintendents in the fulfillment of dained ministry serving in local churches, ex- their ministry of superintending by a) provid- tension ministries, and other appointed min- ing jointly with the General Council on Minis- istries in the church and world. Provision shall tries and the Council of Bishops for the train- be made for special resources in training for ing of new district superintendents; b) provid- ministry in distinctive ethnic minority groups. ing ongoing training and support for bishops Attention shall be given to the specific needs of and superintendents in their work; and c) de- persons with disabilities. veloping resources to assist clergy, superin- 3. Provide resources for enlisting and sup- tendents, and local churches in assessment porting women in ordained, licensed, and cer- and evaluation of ministry.

354 GENERAL BOARD OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND MINISTRY

10. Study and coordinate mutual ministry workers. between United Methodist schools of theology 3. Carry out procedures for providing Ec- and annual conferences in fulfillment of ¶ clesiastical Endorsement for elders and, when 1426. required, for deacons under appointment to 11. Lead in the churchwide interpretation ministries of chaplaincy and pastoral care. and promotion of the Ministerial Education a) The Section of Chaplains and Related Fund and support other funds and programs Ministries, through its endorsing committee, that assist in training persons for ordained shall have the authority to grant and remove ministry. endorsement and to adopt appropriate rules 12. Work with other bishops, cabinets, of procedure for such, providing that the boards of ordained ministry, and other church rights of appeal shall be adequately safe- agencies in maintaining the professional and guarded. ethical standards of the United Methodist or- b) An endorsing committee, consisting of dained ministry for all persons within the cov- elected members of the section and represen- enant of conference membership. tation from the other sections of the division 13. Provide the connectional relationship and chaired by a bishop, shall represent The whenever agencies of the general Church wish United Methodist Church in all endorsing pro- to enter into discussion with or make inquiry cedures. into the work of United Methodist seminaries. c) Endorsement is affirmation that a per- 14. Relate to the University Senate and its son is performing a valid ministry of The Commission on Theological Education in the United Methodist Church and has presented review and approval on non-United Methodist evidence of having the special education, seminaries for candidates for ordination. training, skills, and, when required, profes- sional certification necessary to perform that Section of Chaplains and Related ministry. Endorsement is authority granted by Ministries the denomination to be appointed to and pro- vide ministry in a specific setting. When such ¶ 1422. Duties—The Section of Chaplains authority is no longer required, the endorse- and Related Ministries (SCRM) supports ment ceases to exist. chaplains and clergy in endorsed extension 4. Carry out procedures for Ecclesiastical ministries and the mission and ministry of The Approval for persons in the armed forces stu- United Methodist Church locally and globally dent chaplain candidate programs, intermit- through programs and activities that: tent chaplaincy with the Department of Veter- 1. Identify, assess, and support clergymen ans Affairs, certain volunteer chaplaincy set- and clergywomen who serve in pastoral care, tings such as those relating to the Civil Air Pa- making the church visible for persons in trol, the International Conference of Police health-care settings, retirement homes, pris- Chaplains, and other entities. ons, workplaces, counseling centers, and the 5. Maintain programs for the oversight, armed forces. support, and advocacy of endorsed/approved 2. Establish standards calling for endorsed persons persons to have special education, training General Oversight—The section shall pro- and skills, and, when required, professional vide general oversight for all those under en- certification, in order to ensure that The dorsement, particularly for those serving out- United Methodist Church provides quality side the bounds of their annual conferences. pastoral care to prisoners, patients, The section shall assure conference boards of counselees, armed forces personnel, and ordained ministry of the validity of ministry of

355 ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER clergy serving under its endorsement. The sec- going spiritual formation for those under en- tion shall verify annually to bishops and con- dorsement. ference boards of ordained ministry those 10. Assist in providing a ministry to United clergy under its endorsement and request Methodist laity in or associated with the their reappointment. armed forces, particularly those stationed in 6. Establish and maintain standards for ec- locations outside the United States. The Gen- clesiastical endorsement and professional cer- eral Board of Higher Education and Ministry, tification. through the section, shall cooperate with the a) The section shall establish standards for General Board of Discipleship, the General endorsements for all ministry settings in ¶ Board of Global Ministries, and other agencies 335.1b. In addition, it shall provide standards of the Church in preparing materials, planning for use by annual conference boards of or- programs, and providing a continuing minis- dained ministry in determining the appropri- try that includes such activities as retreats, ateness of other extension ministry settings confirmation classes, and other pastoral func- not identified in ¶ 335.1 and will assist, as re- tions. Basic to all such ministry will be involve- quested, in evaluating specific settings. It shall ment in the life of the local United Methodist provide advocacy for persons appointed under community and existing ecumenical and ¶ 335.1d and encourage new efforts to enrich interreligious programs. These shall take into the missional emphases of our denomination account the language and cultural needs of the through the development of new extension persons involved. ministry settings. b) The section shall work with certifying Section of Deacons and Diaconal bodies in the development of standards for Ministries pastoral care certification in a variety of minis- try settings. ¶ 1423. Duties—The Section of Deacons 7. Link congregations, conferences, and and Diaconal Ministries (SDDM) shall be re- church structures with those persons in spe- sponsible for the work of the Division of Or- cialized ministry settings. dained Ministry relating to the clergy order of 8. Resource congregations, conferences, deacon and persons who are preparing to and church structures in the development of serve as deacons in full connection, diaconal programs of pastoral care in specialized set- ministers (under provision of The Book of Dis- tings. cipline, 1992); persons certified in various 9. Interpret these specialized ministries to specialized ministries for which an agency has the church and serve as an advocate for per- set professional standards; and persons in sons in extension ministries under its en- professional ministry careers as their voca- dorsement. Such advocacy may include: rep- tion. resenting their interests within the non- In fulfillment of this responsibility, the sec- church institutional systems where they serve; tion will: representing their interests within the connec- 1. Cooperate with other sections in the Di- tional system of The United Methodist Church vision of Ordained Ministry and groups and in conferences and boards and agencies; being agencies in the church in the study of the in dialogue with the various professional and needs of United Methodist ministry; espe- certifying agencies; helping to facilitate, as an cially regarding the order of deacon, diaconal agent on their behalf, the transition into or out ministry, and certification in specialized areas of extension ministries; and giving attention of ministry and to make recommendations ac- to the needs for continuing education and on- cordingly;

356 GENERAL BOARD OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND MINISTRY

2. Provide resources and training to confer- of ordained deacons, diaconal ministers, and ence boards of ordained ministry and similar certified persons; recognized bodies in their responsibility for 12. Provide guidance to cabinets and other administering the standards, requirements, annual conference agencies to ensure condi- examination, and interviews for the order of tions of employment, support, and benefits deacon and certification in ministry careers; commensurate with their training, ability, and 3. Provide guidance and standards for experience for the deacon in full connection, preparation for the ordination as deacon in diaconal ministers, and certified persons; full connection; 13. Foster cooperative relationships among 4. Work with the graduate theological persons in the diaconate in The United Meth- seminaries and other graduate schools in de- odist Church, including the Central Confer- velopment of curricula for the academic ences, and with their colleagues in other de- preparation of deacons; nominations and faiths and participate in the 5. Lead in the interpretation of the ministry continuing study of ministry related to the di- of the deacon and other diaconal careers and aconate; work with cabinets and bishops on the inter- 14. Cooperate with professional associa- pretation of the Order of Deacon; tions and fellowships of The United Methodist 6. Encourage and resource conference Church in ways that will be supportive of their boards of ordained ministry and other similar professional ministry careers; bodies for the on-going support of deacons, di- 15. Cooperate with other United Methodist aconal ministers, and persons in professional agencies and general boards in their careers; resourcing members of professional associa- 7. Study needs and recommend to GBHEM tions and fellowships; and General Conference the requirements and 16. Provide leadership to Diakonia of the standards that shall be minimal for certifica- America and Caribbean (DOTAC), DIAKONIA tion in professional ministry careers after con- (World Federation of Diaconal Associations), sultation with the agencies responsible for the North American Association of the Diaco- programs and areas of work related to the ca- nate, and other emerging ecumenical and in- reers; ternational groups to support the ongoing de- 8. Work with conference boards of or- velopment of the diaconate; dained ministry regarding their responsibility 17. Consult with United Methodist semi- for recruitment and administration of the naries and all University Senate approved standards and requirements for certification seminaries regarding the requirements for or- in professional ministry careers. Particular dination as a deacon and the development of emphasis will be given to the recruitment of curriculum and other programs related to the ethnic minority persons to strengthen the training of the deacon; church; 18. Relate to the University Senate Com- 9. Review the conference boards of or- mission on Theological Education regarding dained ministry recommendations of persons the review and approval of non–United Meth- to be approved for professional certification; odist seminaries for candidates for ordination 10. Work with seminaries, graduate as deacon; schools, universities, and colleges by provid- 19. Promote the Ministerial Education ing guidance and standards for the academic Fund as a primary means of assuring well edu- preparation for professional ministry careers; cated, effective, and faithful certified persons 11. Provide guidance through the Division in specialized ministries and deacons in full of Ordained Ministry for continuing education connection to serve the church.

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Section of Elders and Local Pastors tion will be responsible for the requirements of the Course of Study and will consult with ¶ 1424. Duties—The mission of the Section annual conference boards of ordained minis- of Elders and Local Pastors shall be the calling, try and seminaries in the organizing, funding, training, and supporting of pastoral leader- and managing of Course of Study schools (¶ ship by elders and local pastors, to the end that 343.1). the gospel of Christ might be proclaimed and 5. Maintain the educational standards and the mission of The United Methodist Church requirements of The Book of Discipline for full accomplished. The section will provide leader- membership and ordination as elder. ship and resources for the church in interpret- 6. Consult with the United Methodist semi- ing the ministry of the elder and local pastor as naries and all University Senate approved pastor in charge in local congregations and the seminaries concerning the requirements for elder in extension ministries. ordination as an elder, the development of the To accomplish this mission, the section will M.Div. curriculum, and other programs re- cooperate with schools of theology, boards of lated to the training of the elder and local pas- ordained ministry, cabinets, and other agen- tor. cies in interpreting the pastoral needs of the 7. Relate to the University Senate Commis- church in ways that are appropriate to each re- sion on Theological Education regarding the gion of the church in the world. The section review and approval of non–United Methodist will: seminaries for candidates for ordination as 1. Study the needs of the annual confer- elder. ences in terms of pastoral leadership, includ- 8. Consult with the schools of theology and ing retirement trends, retention of clergy, and programs of pastoral training in the Central shifting pastoral needs in annual conferences, Conferences concerning the pastoral needs, and lead the church in the enlistment of per- the relationship between United Methodist sons to serve as elders and local pastors. seminaries in the Central Conferences and the 2. Lead the church in lifting up God’s call to United States, and other resources for training pastoral ministry in the local congregation pastors to serve in the Central Conferences. and, in cooperation with the Section of Chap- 9. Promote the importance of theological lains and Related Ministries, interpret and en- training in the Wesleyan tradition for all pas- courage the ministry of elders serving in ex- tors in the United Methodist seminaries and in tension ministries. the whole church. The section will work with 3. Work with ethnic centers related to the the Office of Loans and Scholarships, the United Methodist seminaries, general church Foundation for Christian Higher Education, initiatives, and the ethnic caucuses to enlist the Crusade Scholarship Program, and other ethnic minority candidates for pastoral minis- funding agencies in regard to scholarship as- try. sistance for persons preparing for ordination 4. Prescribe the Course of Study for local as an elder with a particular concern for finan- pastors and an advanced Course of Study for cial assistance for ethnic minority students. local pastors who seek to qualify for full mem- 10. Lead the church in the acceptance and bership and ordination as an elder (¶ 315.6). support of women in pastoral ministry, par- The Course of Study shall include studies for ticularly in annual conferences where 10 per- license as local pastor, the basic five-year cur- cent or fewer of the elders in full connection riculum, and the advanced Course of Study. are women. All work in the Course of Study shall be taken 11. Cooperate with the other sections of the in programs approved by the section. The sec- division in the training and resourcing of

358 GENERAL BOARD OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND MINISTRY boards of ordained ministry, particularly in leading in the ongoing reflection on Wesleyan regard to the enlistment, review, and exami- theology; and of assisting the church in fulfill- nation of candidates for ordination as elder or ing its mission to make disciples of Jesus licensing as local pastor, the probationary Christ. They contribute to the life of the global process, and the mentoring of new clergy. United Methodist connection through theo- 12. Consult with the Council of Bishops and logical education for the sake of the worldwide cabinets with regard to issues of itinerant min- mission of the church. These schools of theol- istry and the appointive system of The United ogy are maintained for the education of or- Methodist Church, the ministry of the district dained and lay leadership, for the interpreta- superintendent, and supervision of itinerant tion of the Christian faith and United Method- elders and local pastors. The section will pro- ist tradition through biblical and theological vide resources for bishops and district super- research, and for prophetic leadership. The intendents, particularly in regard to the super- General Board of Higher Education and Min- vision and evaluation of effective pastoral istry provides leadership and support in this leadership in local churches. common mission and in the development of 13. Provide guidance regarding the ongoing relationships among the schools of theology in needs of elders and local pastors for continu- the U.S.A. and the central conferences and the ing education, spiritual growth, vocational de- various agencies of the General Church. velopment, and career assessment. The sec- 2. All candidates for ordination as deacon tion will give leadership to the development of or elder in The United Methodist Church are support systems for elders and local pastors, strongly encouraged to attend United Method- resources for the Order of Elders, and support ist schools of theology since these schools for the associations of local pastors, including share with the General Board of Higher Edu- women, ethnic minority persons, and clergy cation and Ministry and the conference with disabilities. Boards of Ordained Ministry in the work of 14. Cooperate with the GCFA and boards of preparing persons for ordination and leader- ordained ministry concerning legal issues, ship in The United Methodist Church. policies of professional ethics for pastors, and 3. Schools of theology of The United Meth- other matters related to clergy practice. odist Church located in the U.S.A.—a) Schools 15. Promote the Ministerial Education of theology of The United Methodist Church Fund as a primary means of assuring well- located in the U.S.A. exist to serve The United educated, faithful, and effective pastoral lead- Methodist Church, primarily in the United ership for the church. States, but with concern for the witness of the 16. Cooperate with ecumenical groups and church around the world. In addition to their other agencies of The United Methodist commitment to United Methodism, they also Church in matters related to the calling, train- serve students of other denominations in wit- ing, and supporting of pastoral leadership ness to United Methodism’s ecumenical rela- throughout the church. tionships. As denominational schools, they have a historic relationship to the denomina- Schools of Theology of The United tion and are officially related to The United Methodist Church Methodist Church through the Board of Higher Education and Ministry and the ap- ¶ 1425. Goals—1. United Methodist proval of the University Senate. The following schools of theology share a common mission schools comprise this network of United of preparing persons for leadership in the Methodist schools of theology in the U.S.A.: ministry of The United Methodist Church; of University School of Theology,

359 ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER

Claremont School of Theology, Duke Divinity d) Any institution seeking affiliation with School, Candler School of Theology, the Theo- The United Methodist Church for the prepara- logical School—Drew University, Gammon tion of candidates for ordination must first Theological Seminary (ITC), Garrett–Evan- present its plan to the General Board of Higher gelical Theological Seminary, Iliff School of Education and Ministry, Division of Ordained Theology, Methodist Theological School in Ministry for approval and recommendation to Ohio, Perkins School of Theology, Saint Paul the University Senate, which alone can grant School of Theology, United Theological Semi- affiliation and listing as a United Methodist nary (Dayton, Ohio), and Wesley Theological school of theology. A select number of non- Seminary. They are accountable to the church United Methodist schools of theology may be through the General Board of Higher Educa- granted approval for the preparation of candi- tion and Ministry and the University Senate. dates for ordination under the criteria of the Therefore, agencies of the church seeking to University Senate. monitor the use of the schools will do so in co- 4. Schools of Theology of The United Meth- operation with the General Board of Higher odist Church located in the Central Confer- Education and Ministry, Division of Ordained ences—a) In order to meet the needs for theo- Ministry. logical education and clergy training in their b) These schools of theology shall receive regions, the central conferences establish financial support for the current operating ex- schools of theology to serve the United Meth- penses from the annual conferences in the odists in their distinct cultural, social, and lin- USA through the Ministerial Education Fund, guistic context. Schools of theology and pro- administered by the Division of Ordained grams of clergy training are also established Ministry, General Board of Higher Education by General Board of Global Ministries and the and Ministry. (See ¶ 820.2.) The Ministerial General Board of Higher Education and Min- Education Fund shall be regarded by the an- istry to serve the needs of the central confer- nual conferences in the USA as a priority to be ences. These schools may be supported met before any additional benevolence, through the central conference and/or the grants, or funds are allocated to other theo- General Board of Global Ministries and/or the logical schools or schools of religion. General Board of Higher Education and Min- c) In fulfilling their task of preparing per- istry and are accountable to the appropriate sons for effective service for Christ and the bodies for their program and their relation- church, The United Methodist schools of the- ship to the denomination. ology located in the USA shall acquaint stu- b) Additional schools of theology and pas- dents with the current polity, theology and toral training may be established by the cen- programs of The United Methodist Church tral conference, General Conference, General and shall offer practical experience in admin- Board of Higher Education and Ministry, or istration, evangelism, stewardship, and other the General Board of Global Ministries and ac- areas which will prepare them for effective countability depends on the founding docu- Christian ministry in a multi-cultural society. ments of the institutions. Each school of theology, in consultation with 5. The United Methodist Church also the General Board of Higher Education and shares in global theological education through Ministry, Division of Ordained Ministry, shall ecumenical schools of theology where The provide the courses in United Methodist his- United Methodist Church is a partner. Though tory, doctrine, and polity specified in ¶ 326.(3) not United Methodist–related, these institu- and seek to form persons for ministry in the tions serve on behalf of United Methodists in Wesleyan tradition. those regions and may relate to the General

360 THE UNITED METHODIST PUBLISHING HOUSE

Board of Global Ministries and/or General til and unless the General Conference takes Board of Higher Education and Ministry, in specific action amending these provisions. accordance with their charter and mission. The effective date of this subparagraph shall ¶ 1426. Education of Ordination Candi- be the close of 2000 General Conference. dates—The United Methodist schools of theol- ¶ 1602. Membership—1. The board of The ogy share with the conference boards of or- United Methodist Publishing House, hereinaf- dained ministry the responsibility for the edu- ter called the board, shall consist of up to cation and formation of candidates for admis- forty-three members as follows: sion to the annual conferences. a) Episcopal members—Two bishops se- lected by the Council of Bishops. Section IX. General Board of Pension b) Jurisdictional members—Thirty mem- and Health Benefits bers elected by the jurisdictional conferences based on the following formula: North Cen- §§ 1501-1509. (see The Book of Disci- tral—6, Northeastern—6, South Central—7, pline) Southeastern—9, and Western—2; provided that no jurisdiction shall be represented by Section X. The United Methodist fewer than two members. Publishing House c) Additional members—Up to ten addi- tional members may be elected by the board, ¶ 1601. Authorization and Establish- with consideration given to representation of ment—The United Methodist Publishing women and racial and ethnic groups not House comprises the publishing interests of elected by the jurisdictions, and to special The United Methodist Church. It shall have re- knowledge or background in publishing, mar- sponsibility for and supervision of the pub- keting, graphic arts manufacturing, produc- lishing and distribution for The United Meth- tion of audiovisuals or electronic media, or odist Church. The United Methodist Publish- other business fields. It is recommended that ing House shall, through agencies or persons elected by each jurisdiction be inclu- instrumentalities it deems necessary, achieve sive of women and ethnic groups—Asian the objectives set forth in ¶ 1613. The United Americans, African Americans, Hispanic Methodist Publishing House shall provide Americans, Native Americans, and Pacific Is- publishing and distribution services for other landers. agencies of The United Methodist Church and d) Central Conference Members—One cen- shall share with other agencies of The United tral conference member elected by the Council Methodist Church in the total program of The of Bishops. United Methodist Church, as well as share in e) At least two persons who are young the total ecumenical program in the area of adults at the time of election shall be elected publishing for the advancement of the cause of each quadrennium. Christ and his Kingdom as The United Meth- f) Membership on the board shall be odist Publishing House shall determine to be equally divided, as far as practicable, between appropriate. All matters related to the work of ordained ministers and laypersons. The United Methodist Publishing House shall g) Other paragraphs of the Discipline not- be under the direction of the Board of The withstanding, membership shall also be by United Methodist Publishing House in ac- classes based on term of office for one, two, or cordance with the provisions of the 1996 Book three quadrenniums, attention being given to of Discipline and the Restrictive Rules (¶ 20, the principle of rotation so that, as far as prac- section III, article VI, of the Constitution) un- ticable, one third of the membership shall be

361 ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER elected each quadrennium. The principle of ethnic groups and women. Not more than rotation is also applicable to the executive three members of the executive committee committee. shall be from any one jurisdiction. The bishops h) In case a vacancy occurs between ses- serving on the board shall be ex officio mem- sions of the jurisdictional conferences for any bers, and the publisher of The United Method- cause, the board shall fill the vacancy for the ist Church (¶ 1614) shall be an ex officio mem- unexpired term from that jurisdiction in the ber without vote. Any vacancy occurring in the representation of which the vacancy occurs, membership of the executive committee shall except in the case of members elected by the be filled by it, subject to confirmation by the board where such vacancies would be filled by board at its next meeting. the board in the prescribed manner without ¶ 1607. Powers and Duties of the Execu- regard to geographic or jurisdictional relation- tive Committee—The executive committee ship. shall have and may exercise all the powers of i) The publisher of The United Methodist the board except those expressly reserved by Church (¶ 1614) shall be an ex officio member the board and/or by the Discipline for board of the board without vote. action. It shall meet quarterly to examine the ¶ 1603. Annual Meeting—The board shall affairs under its charge and shall keep and hold at least one meeting in each calendar submit to the board correct records of its pro- year. The place and time of all meetings shall ceedings. Special meetings may be called by be designated by the board, but if it fails to do the chairperson on his or her own initiative so, then the time and place shall be designated and shall be called on the written request of by the chairperson. It shall convene at such four members of the executive committee. A other times on call of the chairperson or by the majority of the members shall constitute a board or by the executive committee. At all quorum. meetings of the board, a majority of the mem- ¶ 1608. Successor in Interest—The board bers shall constitute a quorum. shall be the successor in interest to and carry ¶ 1604. Record of Proceedings—The on the work of the Board of Publication of The board shall keep a correct record of its pro- Evangelical United Brethren Church and the ceedings and make written report thereof to General Board of Publication of The Method- the Church through the General Conference. ist Church. ¶ 1605. Tenure of Board Members and Of- ¶ 1609. Powers and Duties of the Board— ficers—The members of the board and all of- 1. The board is empowered and authorized in ficers of the board elected by it shall hold office its discretion to carry out its general opera- until their successors are chosen and the new tions under the name of The United Methodist board is duly organized. Publishing House. ¶ 1606. Executive Committee—The board 2. The board is authorized and empowered is authorized to perfect its organization from in its discretion at any time it may deem such its membership, including the offices of chair- action to be desirable or convenient to create person, vice chairperson, and secretary. The an additional corporation(s), in compliance board shall elect from its membership an ex- with appropriate state corporation laws. ecutive committee of eleven members, includ- 3. If the board creates and directs more ing the chairperson, vice chairperson, and sec- than one corporate entity, it is authorized and retary of the board, who shall serve, respec- empowered in its discretion at any time it may tively, as chairperson, vice chairperson, and deem such action desirable or convenient to secretary of the committee. Special attention take corporate action in the name of said cor- shall be given to representation of racial and porations to surrender the charter or charters

362 THE UNITED METHODIST PUBLISHING HOUSE of one or several or all of said corporations or ¶ 1615. Appropriation of Net Income—The to merge, consolidate, or affiliate such corpo- net income from the operations of The United rations, or any of them, in compliance with ap- Methodist Publishing House, after providing propriate state laws. adequate reserves for its efficient operation ¶ 1610. Board Members as Trustees—The and allowing for reasonable growth and ex- members of the board shall serve and act as pansion, shall be appropriated by the board directors or trustees of the corporation(s) and distributed annually on the basis of a just named in ¶ 1609. plan provided by the General Board of Pension ¶ 1611. Agency Status—The corporation(s) and Health Benefits to the several annual con- named in ¶ 1609 is an agency or instrumental- ferences for the persons who are and shall be ity through which The United Methodist conference claimants. The just plan may en- Church conducts its publishing, printing, and compass disproportionate allocations to an- distribution in the name of The United Meth- nual conferences where there is a desperate odist Publishing House in accordance with the need relative to other annual conferences, as, objectives set forth in ¶ 1613. The for example, in underdeveloped nations rela- corporation(s) shall comply with the policies tive to developed nations. set forth in ¶ 715. ¶ 1616. Designation of Net Income—The ¶ 1612. Report to General Conference— net income from the operations of The United The board shall examine carefully the affairs Methodist Publishing House shall be appro- of The United Methodist Publishing House priated to no other purpose than its own oper- and make written report thereof to the Church ating requirements and for persons who are or through the General Conference. shall be conference claimants as provided in ¶ ¶ 1613. Objectives—The objectives of The 20 and ¶ 1615. United Methodist Publishing House shall be: ¶ 1617. Board Members as Successors— the advancement of the cause of Christianity The members of the board and their succes- throughout the world by disseminating reli- sors in office are declared to be the successors gious knowledge and useful literary, scientific, of the incorporators named in the charters of and educational information in the form of The Methodist Book Concern issued by the books, tracts, multimedia, electronic media, States of New York and Ohio and in the char- and periodicals; the promotion of Christian ter of the Board of Publication of the Method- education; the implementation of any and all ist Protestant Church issued by the State of activities properly connected with the publish- Pennsylvania. The executive officer of the ing, manufacturing in a variety of media, and board, elected from time to time under this or distribution of books, tracts, periodicals, ma- any subsequent Discipline, is declared to be terials, and supplies for churches and church the successor in office of the Book Agents of schools, including the ecumenical outreach of The Methodist Episcopal Church, South, Christianity, and such other activities as the named in the charter issued to the corporation General Conference may direct. of that name by the State of Tennessee. ¶ 1614. Direction and Control—The ¶ 1618. Powers and Duties of the Board— United Methodist Publishing House shall be Subject to the provisions of ¶ 1614 and to the under the direction and control of the board, continuing control and direction of the Gen- acting through an executive officer elected eral Conference of The United Methodist quadrennially by the board, who shall be the Church as set forth from time to time in the publisher of The United Methodist Church, Discipline, the board is authorized and em- and such other officers as the board may de- powered to cause the operations of The United termine. Methodist Publishing House to be carried on

363 ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER and the objectives defined in ¶ 1613 to be poses expressed in this section. achieved in such manner, through or by means ¶ 1619. Ownership and Control of Assets— of such agencies or instrumentalities and by 1. The property, assets, and income of the Illi- use of such procedures as the board may from nois corporation shall be held by it, under the time to time determine to be necessary, advis- direction of the board, as an agency of The able, or appropriate, with full power and au- United Methodist Church and shall at all times thority in the premises to take all such action be subject to the control and direction of the and to do all such other acts and things as may General Conference of The United Methodist be required or found to be advisable. In par- Church as set forth from time to time in the ticular, and without limiting the generality of Discipline. the foregoing, the board is authorized and em- 2. In carrying out and executing its opera- powered, for the purposes of this section: tions and functions, the board of The United 1. To use, manage, operate, and otherwise Methodist Publishing House shall be entitled utilize all property and assets of every kind, to hold, use, manage, operate, and otherwise character, and description of any utilize all property and assets of every kind, corporation(s) created by the board pursuant character, and description of the to ¶ 1609.2, as well as all income from such corporation(s) identified in ¶ 1618.1 (other property and assets and the avails thereof, all than its corporate powers and franchises) and with liability or obligation to account for such all income therefrom and avails thereof for the property and assets, the use thereof, the in- purposes and objectives defined in this sec- come therefrom, and avails thereof, only to the tion. General Conference of The United Methodist 3. The Illinois corporation and any Church or as it shall direct. corporation(s) created by the board pursuant 2. To cause a corporation(s) created by the to ¶ 1609.2 shall from time to time take all board pursuant to ¶ 1609.2 to take all such ac- such action as the board deems necessary or tion and to do all such things as the board may advisable to carry out the intent and purposes deem necessary or advisable to carry out the of this paragraph and section. intent and purposes of this paragraph. The 4. The board of The United Methodist Pub- governing body of said corporation(s) from lishing House shall be liable for and shall ex- time to time shall take all action that the board ecute and satisfy all legal obligations of the deems necessary or advisable to carry out the corporation(s) created by the board pursuant intent and purposes of this paragraph. The to ¶ 1609.2, but neither it nor the board shall board shall cause all legal obligations of said have or be under any obligation to account for corporation(s) to be met, fulfilled, and per- principal and income to any such other corpo- formed. ration or to otherwise report to any of them. 3. To continue to exercise the powers and ¶ 1620. Dissolution of The Evangelical administer the duties and responsibilities con- Press and Otterbein Press—Pursuant to the ferred on it as an agency of The United Meth- Declaration of Union of The Evangelical odist Church through the corporation named United Brethren Church and The Methodist The United Methodist Publishing House, in- Church and under the authority of ¶¶ 939, corporated under the laws of the State of Illi- 950–954 of The Book of Discipline of The nois in accord with authority delegated to it by United Methodist Church, 1968, The the General Conference of 1952, or through Otterbein Press, an Ohio corporation, and The such other means and agencies as it may from Evangelical Press, a Pennsylvania corpora- time to time determine to be expedient and tion, have been legally dissolved and their necessary in order to give full effect to the pur- charters have been surrendered. The proceeds

364 THE UNITED METHODIST PUBLISHING HOUSE of their corporate assets have been and are be- failure to perform the duties of their offices. ing administered pursuant to said disciplinary ¶ 1628. Book Editor—The board shall elect provisions. annually a book editor, who shall be desig- ¶ 1621. Corporate Officers—The officers of nated editorial director of general publishing. the corporation(s) under the direction of the The book editor shall have joint responsibility board shall be elected annually in accordance with the publisher for approving manuscripts with its charter and bylaws. considered for publication. The book editor ¶ 1622. Corporate President—The execu- shall edit or supervise the editing of all books tive officer (publisher) elected pursuant to ¶ and materials of our publication. In the case of 1614 shall also be elected the president of the church school publications and official forms corporation(s) under the direction of the and records, the book editor shall collaborate board. with the editor of Church School Publications ¶ 1623. Salaries for Corporate Officers— and the Committee on Official Forms and The board shall fix the salaries of the officers Records whenever such collaboration is mutu- of the corporation(s) and shall report the same ally desirable and beneficial. The book editor quadrennially to the General Conference. shall perform such other editorial duties as ¶ 1624. Quarterly Financial Reports—The may be required by the board. board shall require the president to submit ¶ 1629. Quarterly Review—The board, at quarterly to the executive committee and an- its discretion, may continue the publication of nually to the board written reports of the fi- the periodical Quarterly Review, with the book nancial condition and operating results of The editor responsible for its editorial content. United Methodist Publishing House. ¶ 1630. Salary of Book Editor—The board ¶ 1625. Authority to Extend Activities— shall fix the salary of the book editor. The president (publisher) and the board shall ¶ 1631. Suspension of Book Editor—The have authority to extend the activities of The board shall have power to suspend or remove, United Methodist Publishing House in such after hearing, the book editor for misconduct manner as they may judge to be for the best or failure to perform the duties of the office. interests of the Church. ¶ 1632. Editor of Church School Publica- ¶ 1626. Fidelity Bonding of President and tions—There shall be an editor of Church Corporate Officers—The board shall require School Publications, elected as set forth in ¶ the president and other corporate officers to 1124. give bond conditioned on the faithful dis- ¶ 1633. Duties of Editor of Church School charge of their respective duties. It also shall Publications—The editor of Church School authorize the execution of a blanket bond cov- Publications shall be responsible for the ering all staff personnel whose responsibilities preparation of all curriculum materials as set justify such coverage. The amount of the forth in ¶ 1124. bonds shall be fixed by the board, and the ¶ 1634. Church-School Curriculum—The bonds shall be subject to the approval of the curriculum of the church school shall be deter- board. The premiums shall be paid by The mined by the Curriculum Resources Commit- United Methodist Publishing House, and the tee, which shall include in its membership the chairperson of the board shall be the custo- vice president in charge of publishing and the dian of the bonds. publisher, as set forth in ¶ 1125.1c. ¶ 1627. Power to Suspend Officers—The ¶ 1635. Salary of Editor of Church School board shall have power to suspend, after hear- Publications—The board shall fix the salary of ing, and to remove, after hearing, the presi- the editor of Church School Publications and dent or any of the officers for misconduct or shall have full financial responsibility for all

365 ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER expenses connected with this work. resources wherever both The United Method- ¶ 1636. Publications of the Curriculum ist Publishing House and the Curriculum Re- Resources Committee—The publications of sources Committee of the General Board of the Curriculum Resources Committee shall be Discipleship find this to be practicable and in manufactured, published, and distributed harmony with related editorial and publishing through The United Methodist Publishing policies. House. In matters involving financial respon- ¶ 1641. Use of Distribution System by sibility, the final determination in every case General Agencies—It is recommended that all shall lie with the board. After consultation general agencies of The United Methodist with the publisher, the editor of Church School Church use the distribution system of The Publications shall prepare a complete budget United Methodist Publishing House for distri- for this work, including salaries of assistants bution of resources, materials, and supplies and office secretaries and travel, etc., to be ef- needed for use in the local church. fective when approved by the board, and shall ¶ 1642. Real Estate Purchases—The direct its operation from year to year. United Methodist Publishing House shall not ¶ 1637. Service of the Entire United Meth- buy any real estate costing in excess of odist Church—There shall be one complete, $500,000 and shall not sell or exchange any coordinated system of literature published by real estate having a fair market value in excess the board for the entire United Methodist of $500,000 except by the order of the Gen- Church. This literature is to be of such type eral Conference or, between sessions of the and variety as to meet the needs of all groups General Conference, by a two-thirds vote of all of our people. The board president and pub- the members of the board. In either case, such lisher shall consult with the general program vote shall be taken at a regular or called meet- agencies, the General Commission on Com- ing of the board, and if at a called meeting, the munication, and the General Council on Min- purpose of this meeting shall have been stated istries with regard to their publishing needs in in the call. The erection of a new building or order to avoid unnecessary overlapping and improvement, alteration, or repair of an exist- duplication. ing building or the purchase of real estate for ¶ 1638. Financial Feasibility—The board retail purposes involving an expenditure of and the publisher shall have authority to de- not more than $500,000, or the sale or ex- cline to publish any item of literature when in change of real estate used by the publishing their judgment the cost would be greater than house for retail purposes that has a fair market should be borne by The United Methodist value of not more than $500,000, may be au- Publishing House. thorized by the vote of a majority of the execu- ¶ 1639. Board Participation—The editor tive committee. These provisions shall not of Church School Publications (¶ 1124) and a prevent the making of investments on mort- member of the General Board of Discipleship gage security or the protection of the same or designated by the president shall have the the collection of claims and adjustments. right to sit with the board and shall have the privilege of the floor without vote for the con- Section XI. General Commission on sideration of matters pertaining to their joint Archives and History interests. ¶ 1640. Cooperative Publications—The ¶ 1701. Authorization and Establish- United Methodist Publishing House shall ex- ment—The name of the official historical plore and engage in cooperative publication of agency of The United Methodist Church shall United Methodist church school curriculum be the General Commission on Archives and

366 GENERAL COMMISSION ON ARCHIVES AND HISTORY

History. lar character, if any, established by The United ¶ 1702. Incorporation—The General Com- Methodist Church. mission on Archives and History shall be in- 4. The commission shall promote collec- corporated under the laws of whatever state tion and dissemination of information and the commission may determine. materials concerning the historic witness ¶ 1703. Purpose—1. The purpose of the made individually and collectively by women, commission shall be to promote and care for racial and ethnic peoples, and other constitu- the historical interests of The United Method- encies not covered extensively in traditional ist Church at every level. It shall gather, pre- historical documentation in the worldwide life serve, and hold title to library and archival of The United Methodist Church and its ante- materials, and it shall disseminate interpre- cedents. tive materials on the history of The United 5. The commission shall develop and make Methodist Church and its antecedents. It shall available interpretive materials such as hand- cooperate with other bodies, especially the books, services of worship and celebrations of Historical Society of The United Methodist historical events, training films, and other me- Church, the World Methodist Historical Soci- dia helpful to annual conferences and local ety, and the in areas churches. of mutual concern. It shall maintain archives 6. Once each quadrennium, the commis- and libraries in which shall be preserved his- sion may hold a historical convocation, to torical records and materials of every kind re- which may be invited members of jurisdic- lating to The United Methodist Church and tional and annual conference historical agen- shall see that such holdings are available for cies and organizations; appropriate faculty responsible public and scholarly use. It shall and students in institutions of higher educa- provide guidance for the proper creation, tion related to The United Methodist Church; maintenance, and disposition of documentary members of the Historical Society of The record material at all levels of The United United Methodist Church; members of other Methodist Church (see ¶ 1711.1b). It shall pro- Wesleyan, Methodist, and Evangelical United vide support, direction, and encouragement Brethren-related historical organizations; and for the work of annual conference and juris- such other persons, groups, or organizations dictional historical agencies and organizations as may be interested. by developing and making available historical, ¶ 1704. Membership—1. The commission interpretive, and training media. It shall de- shall be constituted quadrennially, and its velop policies and resources for the designated members and all officers elected by it shall United Methodist Historic Sites and United hold office until their successors have been Methodist Heritage Landmarks. It shall pro- chosen. The commission may fill interim va- vide general supervision for the observance of cancies during a quadrennium where not oth- Heritage Sunday (see ¶ 264.1). It shall engage erwise provided by the Discipline. with other Wesleyan, Methodist, or Evangeli- 2. The commission shall be composed of cal United Brethren-related denominations in twenty-four members in the following man- lifting up our joint heritage. ner: ten members elected by the General Con- 2. The commission shall be accountable to ference on nomination of the Council of Bish- the General Council on Ministries for all pro- ops, in which number it is recommended that grammatic assignments. at least one shall be from the central confer- 3. The commission shall have responsibil- ences; two bishops (one of whom shall come ity for and supervision of its archives and his- from the central conferences); five presidents torical libraries and other depositories of simi- of the jurisdictional commissions on archives

367 ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER and history, or where no commission exists or ance, they shall have the privilege of the floor any disciplinary conflict arises, a person desig- without vote. nated by the jurisdictional College of Bishops; ¶ 1708. Executive Committee—There shall and seven additional members elected by the be an executive committee, composed of the general commission ensuring that all three re- president, vice president, secretary, and two gions of the central conferences are repre- members from each of the three standing sented. It is recommended that careful consid- committees—Heritage Landmarks, Archives eration be given to people with special inter- and Library, and History and Interpretation. ests and skills in the history of United The executive committee shall perform the Methodism and that careful consideration be duties and exercise the authority of the com- given to inclusiveness, including representa- mission between meetings. Its minutes shall tion from men, women, age levels, all racial be submitted to the commission for approval. and ethnic groups, and central conferences. The executive committee and the commission ¶ 1705. Meetings—The commission shall may vote on any matter by mail. Mail polls meet annually at such time and place as it may shall be directed by the general secretary, who determine, subject to the provisions of the act shall state clearly the propositions to be voted of incorporation. The commission may hold on and announce the results to all the mem- special meetings on the call of the president. A bers. majority of the members of the commission ¶ 1709. Finances—The commission shall shall constitute a quorum. be financed by appropriations of the General ¶ 1706. Officers—The commission shall Conference; the sale of literature and histori- elect from its membership a president, vice cal materials; subscriptions to the commis- president, secretary, and such other officers as sion’s official publications; dues from associ- may be needed. The president shall be a ate members; and gifts, grants, and bequests bishop. The officers shall perform the duties of interested individuals and organizations. usually incident to their positions. ¶ 1710. Historical Society of The United ¶ 1707. Staff—The commission shall elect Methodist Church—1. The general commis- a general secretary and such other staff offic- sion shall endorse and encourage the Histori- ers as may be needed. The general secretary cal Society of The United Methodist Church shall be the executive and administrative of- and encourage membership therein for the ficer and shall carry on the work of the com- purpose of promoting interest in the study, mission, keep the records and minutes, serve preservation, and dissemination of the history as editor of official publications of the com- and heritage of The United Methodist Church mission, supervise the depositories, make an and its antecedents. The Historical Society annual report to the commission, and furnish shall be encouraged to enlist the support and such reports as are required to the General cooperation of commission on archives and Conference and General Conference agencies. history (or equivalent) at the annual confer- The general secretary shall attend meetings of ence, jurisdictional conference, and general the commission and the executive committee Church levels as well as other interested agen- and shall have the privilege of the floor with- cies and organizations in the promotion of the out vote. Archivists, curators, and librarians historical interests of the Church. The society employed by the commission shall be respon- shall be financially self-supporting through sible to the general secretary. They shall at- dues and other sources, except for such serv- tend meetings of the commission and the ex- ices as may be provided by the General Confer- ecutive committee when it is deemed neces- ence Commission on Archives and History. sary by the general secretary. When in attend- 2. Membership in the Historical Society

368 General Commission on Archives and History shall be established as the society may deter- terials described above from their offices when mine. Membership shall entail the payment of they no longer have operational usefulness. such dues as the society may direct, in return No records shall be destroyed until a disposal for which members shall receive publications schedule has been agreed upon by the General and other benefits as are deemed suitable. Commission on Archives and History and the ¶ 1711. 1. Archival Definitions—a) Ar- agency. When the custodian of any official chives, as distinguished from libraries, house documentary record material of a general not primarily books, but documentary record agency certifies to the General Commission on material. Archives and History that such records have b) Documentary record material shall no further use or value for official and admin- mean all documents, minutes, journals, dia- istrative purposes and when the commission ries, reports, pamphlets, letters, papers, certifies that such records appear to have no manuscripts, maps, photographs, books, further use or value for research or reference, audiovisuals, sound recordings, magnetic or then such records may be destroyed or other- other tapes, electronic data processing wise disposed of by the agency or official hav- records, artifacts, or any other documentary ing custody of them. A record of such certifica- material, regardless of physical form or char- tion and authorization shall be entered in the acteristics, made or received pursuant to any minutes or records of both the commission provisions of The Discipline in connection and the agency. The General Commission on with the transaction of Church business by any Archives and History is hereby authorized and general agency of The United Methodist empowered to make such provisions as may be Church or of any of its constituent predeces- necessary and proper to carry this paragraph sors. into effect. c) General agency of The United Methodist c) The commission shall have the right to Church or of its constituent predecessors examine the condition of documentary record shall, in turn, mean and include every Church material and shall, subject to the availability of office, Church officer, or official (elected or ap- staff and funds, give advice and assistance to pointed)—including bishop, institution, Church officials and agencies in regard to pre- board, commission, bureau, council, or con- serving and disposing of documentary record ference—at the national level. material in their custody. Officials of general 2. Custodianship of Records—The church agencies shall assist the commission in the official in charge of an office having documen- preparation of an inventory of records in their tary record material shall be the custodian custody. To this inventory shall be attached a thereof, unless otherwise provided. schedule, approved by the head of the agency 3. Procedures—a) The general commission having custody of the records and the commis- shall establish a central archives of The United sion, establishing a time period for the reten- Methodist Church and such regional archives tion and disposal of each series of records. So and record centers as in its judgment may be long as such approved schedule remains in ef- needed. fect, destruction or disposal of documentary b) The bishops, General Conference offic- record material in accordance with its provi- ers, general boards, commissions, commit- sions shall be deemed to have met the require- tees, and agencies of The United Methodist ments of ¶ 1711.3b. Church shall deposit official minutes or jour- d) The commission is authorized and di- nals, or copies of the same, in the archives rected to conduct a program of inventorying, quadrennially and shall transfer correspond- repairing, and microfilming among all general ence, records, papers, and other archival ma- agencies of The United Methodist Church for

369 ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER security purposes that documentary record distinguished from reports that are printed material which the commission determines separately or in the jurisdictional and annual has permanent value and to provide safe stor- conference journals) in the central archives or age for microfilm copies of such material. Sub- in the appropriate regional archives. ject to the availability of funds, such program k) Bishops, General Conference officers, may be extended to material of permanent general agency staff personnel, missionaries, value of all agencies of The United Methodist and those ordained ministers and laypersons Church. in positions of leadership and influence at any e) The general boards, commissions, com- level of the Church are urged to deposit or be- mittees, and agencies of The United Methodist queath their personal papers to the archives of Church shall place two copies, as they are is- the general commission. sued, of all their publications, of whatever l) Organizations and individuals may nego- kind, in the archives or in lieu thereof shall file tiate appropriate restrictions on the use of ma- a statement with the archivist affirming that terials that they deposit in the archives. they are preserving copies of all such items in m) Upon recommendation of its executive their own libraries or depositories. committee, the commission may authorize the f) Official documents, or copies thereof, transfer of materials to an organization, such as articles of incorporation, constitu- agency, or family. tions, bylaws, and other official papers of the n) All materials in the archives shall be boards and agencies of The United Methodist available for research and exhibition, subject Church shall be deposited in the archives. to such restrictions as may be placed on them. g) Whoever has the custody of any general ¶ 1712. Historic Sites and Heritage Land- agency records shall, at the expiration of the marks—1. a) Historic Sites—Historic sites are term of office, deliver to the successor, custo- buildings, locations, or structures that are spe- dian, or, if there be none, to the commission cifically related to a significant event, develop- all records, books, writings, letters, and docu- ment, or personality in the history of an an- ments kept or received in the transaction of of- nual, central, or jurisdictional conference (or ficial general agency business. This will also its antecedents). Historic sites are designated apply to the papers of temporary and special by formal action of the annual, central, or ju- general Church committees. risdictional conference within whose regions h) The bishops, General Conference offic- the site is located. Such designation shall first ers, and the general boards, commissions, be considered and reviewed by the respective committees, and agencies of The United Meth- commission on archives and history (or odist Church are urged to counsel with the equivalent). After action by the annual, cen- central archivist concerning the preservation tral, or jurisdictional conference to designate a of all materials. building, structure, or location as a historic i) Jurisdictional and annual conference site, the president or chairperson of the com- secretaries shall deposit two copies of their re- mission on archives and history (or equiva- spective conference journals quadrennially or lent) shall advise the General Commission on annually, as the case may be, in the central ar- Archives and History of the action taken and chives and in the appropriate regional ar- provide such documentation as may be re- chives. quired. The general commission in turn shall j) Secretaries of jurisdictional and annual provide an official historic site marker, keep a conference boards, commissions, committees, register of all historic sites, and maintain an and agencies shall deposit annually, or as of- ongoing file of pertinent information concern- ten as they meet, copies of their minutes (as ing them.

370 General Commission on Archives and History

b) Heritage Landmarks—Heritage land- with The Book of Discipline. The commission marks of The United Methodist Church are shall further be responsible for recommending buildings, locations, or structures that are spe- to the General Conference the redesignation cifically related to significant events, develop- or reclassification of the designated heritage ments, or personalities in the overall history of landmarks as such action may be appropriate The United Methodist Church or its anteced- in keeping with such criteria. ents. They must have distinctive historic inter- 2. Present Heritage Landmarks—The est and value for the denomination as a whole, present heritage landmarks of The United as contrasted with local or regional historic Methodist Church (and the year of their desig- significance. Ordinarily, buildings, locations, nation by General Conference) are: Acuff’s or structures that have achieved historic sig- Chapel, between Blountville and Kingsport, nificance within the preceding fifty years shall TN (1968); Albright Memorial Chapel, not be considered for designation as a heritage Kleinfeltersville, PA (1968); Asbury Manual landmark. Labor School and Mission, Ft. Mitchell, AL c) Designation of Heritage Landmarks— (1984); Barratt’s Chapel, near Frederica, DE All nominations for the designation of build- (1968); Bethune-Cookman College, Daytona ings, locations, and structures as United Beach, FL (1984); Bishop John Seybert/Flat Methodist heritage landmarks shall be made Rock Cluster, Flat Rock and Bellevue, OH by the annual, central, or jurisdictional con- (1992); Boehm’s Chapel, Willow Street, PA ference commission on archives and history (1984); Cokesbury College, Abingdon, MD (or equivalent) within whose regions they are (1984); Cox Memorial United Methodist located. Such nominations shall be referred Church, Hallowell, ME (1992); Deadwood for consideration to the General Commission Cluster, Deadwood, SD (1984); Edward Cox on Archives and History, in accord with guide- House, near Bluff City, TN (1968); First Evan- lines established by the commission. Through gelical Association Church Building and Pub- its Committee on Heritage Landmarks, the lishing House, New Berlin, PA (1988); First commission shall consider the merits of each United Methodist Church, Johns- town, PA nomination and shall make such recommen- (1996); Green Hill House, Louisburg, NC dation as it deems appropriate to the ensuing (1968); Hanby House, Westerville, OH General Conference for its action and determi- (1988); John Street Church, nation. (1968); John Wesley’s American Parish, Sa- The commission shall recommend only a vannah, GA (1976); Keywood Marker, Glade building, location, or structure for designation Spring, VA (1988); Lovely Lane Chapel, Balti- as a heritage landmark that has been regis- more, MD (1972); McMahan’s Chapel, tered as a historic site by an annual, central, or Bronson, TX (1972); Methodist Hospital, jurisdictional conference and has met the re- Brooklyn, NY (1972); Old McKendree Chapel, quirements established by the commission. Jackson, MO (1968); Old Otterbein Church, The commission shall keep a register of all Baltimore, MD (1968); Old Stone Church duly designated heritage landmarks and Cemetery and Site, Leesburg, VA (1968); Or- maintain an ongoing file of pertinent informa- ganization of The Methodist Episcopal tion concerning them. Church, South, Louisville, KY (1984); Peter d) Quadrennial Review—The commission Cartwright United Methodist Church, Pleas- shall be responsible for making a quadrennial ant Plains, IL (1976); Rehobeth Church, near review of the existing duly designated heritage Union, WV (1968); Robert Strawbridge’s Log landmarks, according to the criteria that it House, near New Windsor, MD (1968); shall prepare and which shall be compatible Rutersville Cluster, Rutersville, TX (1988); St.

371 ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER

George’s Church, Philadelphia, PA (1968); St. to create such other corporate substructures Simon’s Island, Brunswick, GA (1968); Wesley as the commission deems appropriate to carry Foundation, University of Illinois, out its functions. Champaign, IL (1996); Town of Oxford, GA ¶ 1804. Amenability and Accountability— (1972); United Brethren Founding Sites Clus- The General Commission on Communication ter, Frederick, Keedysville, and Beaver Creek, shall be amenable to the General Conference. MD (2000); Wesleyan College Cluster, As an administrative general agency that car- Macon, GA (1992); Whitaker’s Chapel, near ries significant program functions in addition Enfield, Halifax County, NC (1972); to its many service and support responsibili- Willamette Mission, near Salem, OR (1992); ties, the commission shall be accountable to, Wyandot Indian Mission, Upper Sandusky, report to, and be evaluated by the General OH (1968); and Zoar United Methodist Council on Ministries in program matters and Church, Philadelphia, PA (1984). shall be accountable to and report to the Gen- eral Council on Finance and Administration Section XII. General Commission on for matters of finance. Communication ¶ 1805. Purpose—The General Commis- sion on Communication shall give leadership ¶ 1801. As United Methodists, our theo- to the Church in the field of communication in logical understanding obligates us, as mem- a holistic way. It shall serve in meeting the bers of the body of Christ, to communicate our communication, public relations, and promo- faith by speaking and listening to persons both tional needs of the entire Church, reflecting within and outside the Church throughout the the cultural and racial diversity within The world, and to utilize all appropriate means of United Methodist Church. It shall be responsi- communication. ble for providing resources and services to lo- The responsibility to communicate is laid cal churches and annual conferences in the upon every church member, every pastor, field of communication. It shall have a con- every congregation, every annual conference, sultative relationship to all general agencies of every institution, and every agency of the the Church and to any structures for commu- Church. Within this total responsibility, there nication and public relations at the jurisdic- are certain functions that the General Confer- tional, episcopal area, annual conference, dis- ence has assigned to the General Commission trict, or local church level. on Communication, to be performed in behalf ¶ 1806. Responsibilities—Specific respon- of all through the talents and resources at its sibilities and functions of the General Com- command. mission on Communication and its staff are as ¶ 1802. Name—There shall be a General follows: Commission on Communication of The 1. It shall be the official news-gathering and United Methodist Church, which for commu- distributing agency for The United Methodist nication and public relations purposes may be Church and its general agencies. In discharg- designated as United Methodist Communica- ing its responsibilities, in keeping with the his- tions (UMCom). toric freedom of the press, it shall operate with ¶ 1803. Incorporation—The General editorial freedom as an independent news bu- Commission on Communication is successor reau serving all segments of church life and so- to the Joint Committee on Communications, ciety, making available to both religious and incorporated in the State of Ohio, and shall be public news media information concerning authorized to do business as United Methodist the Church at large. Communications (UMCom). It is authorized 2. It shall have major responsibility on be-

372 GENERAL COMMISSION ON COMMUNICATION half of The United Methodist Church in the and its various programs. United States to relate to the public media in 7. It shall develop and oversee a unified and presenting the Christian faith and work of the comprehensive program of audiovisual mate- Church to the general public through broad- rials for the Church. It shall plan, create, pro- cast, the press, and audiovisual media. It may duce or cause to be produced, and distribute develop such structures for broadcast and au- or cause to be distributed audiovisual materi- diovisual communication purposes as are als that are informative and vital to the reli- deemed helpful to the Church in its witness gious life of all United Methodists. It shall through the media. It shall serve in unifying unify and coordinate the audiovisual pro- and coordinating public media messages and grams of all United Methodist agencies deal- programs of United Methodist general agen- ing with projected pictures, recordings, cies. videotape, and other audiovisual or electronic 3. It shall give special attention to televi- materials. sion, including broadcast television, cable, 8. It shall give oversight to a comprehen- videotape, videodisc, and satellite. It shall pro- sive communication system for the Church, vide counsel and resources to annual confer- providing a total view of communication ences—and through conferences, to districts structure and practices, including telecommu- and local churches—to develop and strengthen nications. It shall create networks of commu- their television ministries. Responsibilities of nicators at all levels, including local church, the commission shall include program pro- district, conference, jurisdiction, and general. duction and placement, and relationships to These networks may include periodic consul- commercial broadcasters at the national level tations for such purposes as idea exchange, in- in the U.S.A. formation sharing, joint planning, and moni- 4. It shall represent The United Methodist toring and evaluating the total Church’s com- Church in the Department of Communication munication enterprises. With respect to the of the National Council of the Churches of use of computers for communication pur- Christ in the U.S.A. and in other national and poses, the agency shall cooperate with the international interdenominational agencies General Council on Finance and Administra- working in the area of mass communications. tion (see ¶ 807.7). Budget allocations and other funds granted to 9. It shall provide guidance, resources, and these ecumenical agencies shall be adminis- training for the local church coordinator of tered in accordance with ¶ 818. communications (¶ 254[3]), provided that 5. It shall have responsibility to work to- training at the local level shall be through and ward promotion and protection of the historic in cooperation with annual conferences. freedoms of religion and the press, and it shall 10. It shall be responsible for education and seek to increase the ethical, moral, and human training in the principles and skills of commu- values of media structures and programs. nication, including the following: (a) national 6. It shall have general supervision over the workshops and training experiences in com- conduct of public relations activities for The munication skills related to the various media; United Methodist Church in the United States, (b) consultation with and assistance to annual planning and carrying out public relations conferences, districts, and racial and ethnic work at the denomination-wide level, and giv- groups in the training of local church persons, ing counsel to the various units of the Church especially the local church coordinator of com- in regard to their public relations needs. It munications; (c) training experiences for bish- shall interpret to the constituency of the ops, personnel of general Church agencies, Church the significance of the denomination and other groups on request; (d) providing

373 ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER and facilitating apprenticeship, internship, encouraged to utilize content material pro- and scholarship programs for church commu- vided by the program agency responsible for nicators; and (e) counseling schools of theol- the area and with the agency responsible for ogy and other institutions of higher education the administration of the funds. Budgets for about the training of faculty, candidates for the above promoted funds shall be developed the ordained ministry, and laypersons in the in cooperation with the General Council on Fi- principles and skills of communication, media nance and Administration. In cases where the resource development, and media evaluation. General Conference assigns a portion of the 11. It shall determine and implement, after promotional responsibility to some other consultation with the Council on Finance and agency, such promotional work shall be sub- Administration, policy for the interpretation, ject to coordination by the General Commis- promotion, and cultivation of all financial sion on Communication. The cost of promo- causes demanding churchwide promotion or tion of the funds, as set in the approved pro- publicity. The General Commission on Com- motional budget, shall be a charge against re- munication shall assist episcopal areas, an- ceipts, except that the cost of promotion for nual conferences, and districts by means of a general Advance Specials shall be billed to the field service program providing counsel and recipient agencies in proportion to the amount resources in communication, program inter- of general Advance Special funds received by pretation, and the promotion of benevolence each (¶ 815.3), and the promotion of World and administrative funds. Service Special Gifts shall be borne by admin- 12. It shall be the central promotional istering agencies (¶ 813.6). The administration agency for the purpose of promoting through- of the money thus set aside for promotion out the Church the following general Church shall be the responsibility of the General Com- funds: World Service Fund (¶ 812.1), World mission on Communication. Service Special Gifts (¶ 813), the Advance (¶ 13. It shall undertake the promotion of any 814), One Great Hour of Sharing (¶¶ 816.2 and cause or undertaking, financial or otherwise, 263.2), World Communion Sunday (¶¶ 816.4 not herein mentioned demanding churchwide and 263.3), General Administration Fund (¶ promotion or publicity; provided that such ac- 817), Interdenominational Cooperation Fund tion shall have been previously approved by (¶ 818), Ministerial Education Fund (¶ 820), the Council of Bishops and the General Coun- Episcopal Fund (¶ 821), Human Relations Day cil on Finance and Administration, or their re- (¶¶ 816.1 and 263.1), Black College Fund (¶ spective executive committees. The General 819), United Methodist Student Day (¶¶ 816.3 Council on Finance and Administration shall and 263.4), Christian Education Sunday (¶ determine the source of the funding for any 265.1), Peace with Justice Sunday (¶¶ 816.5 such authorized promotions. and 263.5), Golden Cross Sunday (¶ 265.2), 14. Appeals for giving that are made to Youth Service Fund (¶ 1209), Native American United Methodists shall be consistent with the Ministries Sunday (¶¶ 816.6 and 263.6), Africa aims of Christian stewardship. There shall be University Fund (¶ 806.2), and all other gen- cooperation between this agency and the Gen- eral Church funds approved by the General eral Board of Discipleship in order that pro- Conference, as well as any emergency appeals grams and resource materials of the two agen- that may be authorized by the Council of Bish- cies may be in harmony in their presentation ops and the General Council on Finance and of Christian stewardship. Administration (¶ 811.4). In the interpreta- 15. It shall publish a program journal for tion, promotion, and cultivation of these pastors and other church leaders that shall causes, this agency shall consult with and is present the program and promotional materi-

374 General Commission on Communication als of the general agencies in a coordinated Wide Web, or other computer services that manner and shall be in lieu of general agency can connect United Methodist conferences, promotional periodicals. This agency shall de- agencies, and local churches with one another termine the manner of selecting the principal and with the larger world. editors, who shall be responsible for the con- ¶ 1807. Organization—1. Membership— tent of the journal. This agency shall obtain The membership of the General Commission from the churches or district superintendents on Communication shall be composed of the names of church officials entitled to re- twenty-six members as follows: ceive the journal so as to compile a subscrip- a) Two bishops elected by the Council of tion list compatible with regulations of the Bishops. U.S. Postal Service. b) Sixteen members elected by the jurisdic- 16. It shall give leadership in study and re- tional conferences based on the following for- search in the field of communication, applying mula: North Central—3, Northeastern—3, research findings from the professional and South Central—4, Southeastern—4, and West- academic communities to the work of the ern—2. It is recommended that at least one of Church, and in evaluative research in the field the persons elected by the jurisdictional con- of communication. It shall cooperate with ferences be a racial or ethnic minority person. other agencies and other levels of the Church c) One member of the central conferences in research and development work in the field elected by the Council of Bishops. of communication and share the findings of d) Seven additional members elected by the study and research. commission to ensure membership of persons 17. It shall represent United Methodist in- with expertise in the field of communication. terests in new technological developments in e) The additional members shall be nomi- the field of communication, including re- nated by a committee composed of one com- search, the evaluation of new devices and mission member designated from each juris- methods, and the application of technological diction and one of the member bishops. developments to the communication services f) In order to ensure inclusiveness, the of the Church. composition of the commission shall reflect 18. It may develop information services the major recognized categories of Church and other innovative services that provide members (see ¶ 705.3i). channels of communication to and from all 2. Meetings—The commission shall hold at levels of the Church. least one meeting in each calendar year. Fif- 19. It shall provide resources, counsel, and teen members shall constitute a quorum. staff training for area, conference, and district 3. Officers—The commission shall elect a communication programs and develop guide- president, at least one vice president, a record- lines in consultation with persons working in ing secretary, and such other officers as it de- areas, conferences, and districts. termines. 20. It shall produce materials for program There may be an executive committee com- interpretation in cooperation with the General prised of not more than one-third of the total Council on Ministries and the general pro- membership of the commission and elected by gram boards, including the official program the commission. The membership of the ex- calendar of the denomination. ecutive committee shall be representative of 21. The General Commission on Communi- the composition of the commission. cation shall be charged with planning and im- 4. Internal Organization—The General plementation of the official United Methodist Commission on Communication is empow- presence on and use of the Internet, the World ered to create internal structures as it deems

375 ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER appropriate for effective operation. ¶ 1902. Purpose—The General Commis- 5. Staff—The commission shall elect annu- sion on Christian Unity and Interreligious ally a general secretary upon nomination by Concerns shall exercise its ecumenical leader- the executive committee or a nominating com- ship role in seeking to fulfill two major respon- mittee and shall elect such associate general sibilities in the context of the search for the secretaries as needed, and it shall provide for unity of the human community and the re- election or appointment of other staff. The newal of creation: general secretary shall cooperate with the 1. To advocate and work toward the full re- General Council on Ministries for program ception of the gift of Christian unity in every services and with the general secretary of the aspect of the Church’s life and to foster ap- General Council on Finance and Administra- proaches to ministry and mission that more tion for financial services. fully reflect the oneness of Christ’s church in ¶ 1808. Finance—The General Conference the human community. shall provide for the financial needs of the 2. To advocate and work for the establish- General Commission on Communication ment and strengthening of relationships with upon recommendation by the General Council other living faith communities, and to further on Finance and Administration. The commis- dialogue with persons of other faiths, cultures, sion shall consult with the General Council on and ideologies. Ministries in the area of program matters in ¶ 1903. Responsibilities—The responsi- development of an annual budget, which shall bilities of the General Commission on Chris- be reported to the General Council on Finance tian Unity and Interreligious Concerns shall and Administration for approval. be: ¶ 1809. Religion in American Life, Incor- 1. To enable ecumenical and interreligious porated, is recognized as an interdenomina- understanding and experience among all tional and interfaith agency through which the United Methodists, including assistance to all denomination may work to direct attention to United Methodist agencies. church attendance and religious values. 2. To recruit and provide ecumenical lead- United Methodist Communications shall ership training and opportunities for all nominate United Methodist representatives to United Methodists, with special attention to be elected to its board of directors by Religion youth, young adults, and racial and ethnic mi- in American Life. In consultation with the nority persons. General Council on Finance and Administra- 3. To provide resources and counsel to con- tion, United Methodist Communications shall ference commissions or committees on Chris- determine the amount of the annual contribu- tian unity and interreligious concerns and to tion to this program in behalf of The United local church leadership. Methodist Church, such funds being made 4. To develop or assist in the development available through the budget of United Meth- of resources and other educational materials odist Communications. that will stimulate understanding and experi- ence in ecumenical and interreligious rela- Section XIII. General Commission on tionships. Christian Unity and Interreligious 5. To develop and interpret the primary re- Concerns lationships of The United Methodist Church to ecumenical and interreligious organizations ¶ 1901. The name of this agency shall be (such as the World Council of Churches, re- the General Commission on Christian Unity gional councils of churches, the National and Interreligious Concerns. Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A.,

376 GENERAL COMMISSION ON CHRISTIAN UNITY AND INTERRELIGIOUS CONCERNS the World Methodist Council, the Consulta- ments, and actions of ecumenical and tion on Church Union, and the World Confer- interreligious councils and agencies, to be re- ence on Religion and Peace); to united sponsible for appropriate United Methodist churches, which include a church formerly re- responses, and to initiate or to channel coun- lated to The United Methodist Church or its sel to ecumenical and interreligious bodies. predecessors; to churches with which a 13. To receive reports from the Consulta- concordat of exchange of voting delegates has tion on Church Union, the National Council of been established by General Conference; and the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., the World to churches that have entered into a formal Methodist Council, and the World Council of covenanting act with The United Methodist Churches on their work, such reports to in- Church. We further encourage dialogue with clude relevant financial information. other organizations such as the National As- 14. To maintain a close relationship with sociation of Evangelicals and the World Evan- the General Board of Church and Society and gelical Fellowship. the General Commission on Religion and Race 6. To pursue or initiate relationships and as they seek to coordinate denominational conversations with Christian ministries, or- support and cooperation in eradicating rac- ganizations, and denominations that are not a ism, promoting social justice, and enhancing part of the National Council of the Churches of Christian unity. Christ in the U.S.A., to seek areas of coopera- 15. To receive copies of all requests for tion and common cause in the advancement of funds from ecumenical and interreligious bod- the cause of Christ. ies to all United Methodist agencies and to re- 7. To pursue or initiate relationships and view for possible recommendations to both conversations with other Christian churches the ecumenical and United Methodist agen- on possible church unions and in general bi- cies. lateral or multilateral dialogues. 16. To enable and review the ecumenical 8. To develop and engage in dialogue, coop- and interreligious involvements, program- eration, and unity discussions with the his- ming, and funding of all United Methodist toric members of the Methodist denomina- program agencies; to review funding of ecu- tional family in the United States—namely, the menical agencies by United Methodist pro- African Methodist Episcopal, the African gram agencies through examination of the dis- Methodist Episcopal Zion, and the Christian closure records annually provided to the Gen- Methodist Episcopal churches, and all those eral Council on Finance and Administration; Wesleyan bodies in the United States related and to report findings and make recommen- to the World Methodist Council. (See ¶ 2405.) dations to those agencies and to the General 9. To work toward unity and greater under- Council on Ministries and the General Council standing within The United Methodist on Finance and Administration as requested. Church. 17. To advocate for appropriate funding 10. To report to General Conference on de- and oversee disbursement of United Method- velopments in Christian unity and ist funds provided in support of the major ecu- interreligious issues and to make recommen- menical and interreligious agencies (see ¶ dations on any specific proposals for church 818). union. 18. To advocate for adequate funding for 11. To continue or initiate relationships, the core budgets of the major ecumenical and conversations, and cooperative efforts with interreligious agencies. other religious faith communities. 19. To provide from its own budget, where 12. To consider resolutions, pronounce- possible, supplementary funding for cognate

377 ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER units in ecumenical agencies and ad hoc ecu- ¶ 1905. Organization—The General Com- menical and interreligious enterprises. mission on Christian Unity and Interreligious 20. To report to the General Council on Concerns shall be organized quadrennially in Ministries and recommend to the General conformity with ¶¶ 705–710. In addition: Council on Finance and Administration the to- 1. The commission shall elect from its tal goal and constituent allocations of the In- membership a chairperson and other officers terdenominational Cooperation Fund for sub- as it may determine. mission to General Conference and to admin- 2. There shall be an executive committee of ister all aspects of the fund in accordance with the commission with powers as determined by guidelines established in consultation with the the commission. It shall be composed of the General Council on Finance and Administra- chairperson of the commission, other officers tion and with the Council of Bishops. (See ¶ of the commission, and additional elected di- 818.) rectors for a total voting membership of not 21. To receive and administer funds allo- less than eight nor more than ten persons. cated to it through the General Conference or 3. The general secretary shall be a member the General Council on Finance and Adminis- of the commission executive committee with- tration and other sources. out vote. 22. To report annually to the Council of 4. The general secretary, in relationships Bishops on aspects of Christian unity and with other churches, shall be referred to as the interreligious developments, issues, and ecumenical staff officer for The United Meth- trends. odist Church, in conformity with common 23. To channel and recommend to the practice in other churches. Council of Bishops qualified United Method- 5. The commission shall meet annually and ists for service as representatives on ecumeni- at such other times as it shall deem necessary. cal councils or agencies and to special meeting A majority of the members of the commission or assemblies, and to name such representa- shall constitute a quorum. tives to councils, agencies, or assemblies not 6. The general commission shall nominate named by the Council of Bishops. annually, according to approved process in ¶ 24. To work as partners with agencies of 713, its general secretary and shall elect annu- The United Methodist Church on matters of ally by ballot its associate general mutual concern. secretary(ies). Other staff may be elected or 25. To care for other matters as may be appointed as the general commission shall de- deemed necessary by the commission or re- termine. quested by the General Conference, the Coun- 7. The responsibilities of the general secre- cil of Bishops (see ¶ 2401), or the General tary are to be defined by the commission. Council on Ministries. ¶ 1906. 1. The General Commission on ¶ 1904. Authority and Powers—The Gen- Christian Unity and Interreligious Concerns eral Commission on Christian Unity and shall be composed of thirty-eight United Interreligious Concerns shall have the author- Methodists as follows: ity and power to fulfill all the responsibilities a) Four bishops appointed by the Council of noted in ¶ 1903 and to fulfill other functions Bishops, one of whom shall be the ecumenical that may be requested of it by the Council of officer of the Council of Bishops and one of Bishops, the General Council on Ministries, or whom shall be from a central conference. the General Council on Finance and Adminis- b) Persons from each jurisdiction, based on tration and General Conference. (See ¶ 2401 the following formula: North Central—5, on relationships with the Council of Bishops.) Northeastern—4, South Central—6, South-

378 GENERAL COMMISSION ON RELIGION AND RACE eastern—5, and Western—2, elected by the ju- on Religion and Race. risdictional conferences (see ¶ 705). 1. Amenability and Accountability—The c) One person from the central confer- general commission shall be amenable to the ences, elected by the Council of Bishops. General Conference of the United Methodist d) Nine additional members with vote se- Church. Between sessions of the General Con- lected by the elected commission at the or- ference, the commission shall be accountable ganizational meeting. It is recommended that to the General Council on Ministries by re- persons elected by each jurisdiction and by the porting and interpreting activities designed to General Commission on Christian Unity and fulfill the purpose of the commission and by Interreligious Concerns be inclusive of ethnic cooperating with the council in the fulfillment representation—Asian American, African of its legislated responsibilities. American, Hispanic American, Native Ameri- ¶ 2002. Purpose—The primary purpose of can, and Pacific Islander—and youth and the General Commission on Religion and Race young adults. Two additional members with shall be to challenge the general agencies, in- vote may include persons from the other stitutions, and connectional structures of The churches in the Consultation on Church Un- United Methodist Church to a full and equal ion. participation of the racial and ethnic constitu- 2. All members shall be selected with a view ency in the total life and mission of the Church to balances envisioned in ¶ 705 and may well through advocacy and by reviewing and moni- include persons from administration or fac- toring the practices of the entire Church so as ulty of United Methodist schools of theology to further ensure racial inclusiveness. and undergraduate colleges, campus minis- ¶ 2003. Membership—The total member- ters, seminarians, members of conference ship of the commission shall be forty-three, commissions on Christian unity and composed of: interreligious concerns, delegates to or mem- a) Two bishops appointed by the Council of bers of central or executive committees of the Bishops. World Council of Churches and the National b) Twenty-seven persons elected by the ju- Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., risdictions from the annual conference nomi- the Consultation on Church Union, the World nations, based on the following formula: Methodist Council, and staff of regional and North Central—5, Northeastern—7, South local cooperative agencies. Central—6, Southeastern—6, and Western—3. 3. The general commission shall be author- It is recommended that persons elected by ized to fill vacancies in its membership during each jurisdiction include persons from each the quadrennium according to the three cat- ethnic group—Asian American, African egories of membership: (a) by requesting ap- American, Hispanic American, Native Ameri- pointment by the Council of Bishops; (b) by can, and Pacific Islanders. At least two shall be requesting replacement appointment by the women, and at least one under the age of appropriate jurisdictional College of Bishops thirty. (see ¶ 712); (c) by its own nomination and elec- c) Thirteen additional members to be tion process for the other directors. elected by the commission. One member shall be elected by Iglesia Metodista Autónoma Section XIV. General Commission on Afiliada de Puerto Rico. It is recommended Religion and Race that of the additional members, at least two members shall be elected from each of the five ¶ 2001. Authorization and Establish- racial and ethnic groups (Asian American, Af- ment—There shall be a General Commission rican American, Hispanic American, Native

379 ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER

American, and Pacific Islanders). There shall nets as they seek to develop appointments, be four young people, two between the ages of programs, and policies designed to achieve ra- eighteen and thirty and two between the ages cial and ethnic inclusiveness. of twelve and seventeen. 4. Providing channels of assistance to racial ¶ 2004. Vacancies—Vacancies in the com- and ethnic groups as they seek to develop pro- mission membership shall be filled by the pro- grams of empowerment and ministry to their cedure defined in ¶ 712 of the General Provi- local churches and communities. sions. 5. Relating to and coordinating the con- ¶ 2005. Officers—The General Commis- cerns of the racial and ethnic groups as they sion on Religion and Race shall elect as its of- relate to minority group empowerment and ficers a president, a vice president, a secretary, ministry within the Church. and such other officers as it shall deem neces- 6. Reviewing, investigating, and conduct- sary. ing hearings where necessary in response to ¶ 2006. Staff—The General Commission written allegations of violation of the Church’s on Religion and Race shall nominate its gen- policy of racial and ethnic inclusiveness that eral secretary for election by the General have not been satisfactorily resolved in the an- Council on Ministries (¶ 713). The commission nual conference, any general agency, or other shall select by whatever process it chooses the institution of the Church. All involved parties additional staff needed to assist the general shall meet with the General Commission on secretary in carrying out the commission’s re- Religion and Race or its designated repre- sponsibilities. sentatives, presenting their briefs, arguments, ¶ 2007. Finances—The General Council and evidence related to said allegations. The on Finance and Administration shall make commission will submit its findings and rec- provision for the support of the work of the ommendations to the appropriate parties, commission, including provision for a general conferences, general agencies, or institutions secretary and associated staff and an office for concerned, for the purpose of securing a satis- the commission. factory resolution to the case at hand. ¶ 2008. Responsibilities—The general 7. Administering the Minority Group Self- commission will assume general Church re- Determination Fund. The Minority Group sponsibility for such matters as: Self-Determination Fund is established by the 1. Coordinating the denominational con- General Conference of The United Methodist cern and providing a channel of assistance to Church for the empowerment of racial and ensure that ethnic and racial group members ethnic minority persons within and outside of The United Methodist Church will have the Church. The fund is available through equal opportunities for service, representa- grants to racial and ethnic minority congrega- tion, and voice on every level of the Church’s tions, community agencies, and other groups life and ministry. for the purposes established by the General 2. Reviewing, evaluating, and assisting Conference. The Fund shall be administered agencies and institutions of the Church as they by the General Commission on Religion and seek to develop programs and policies to im- Race on behalf of The United Methodist plement the mandate for racial inclusiveness, Church guided by the principle of self-deter- including equality of compensation for racial mination. The General Commission shall be and ethnic clergy and lay staff at all levels of responsible for developing guidelines and the Church. policies regarding grants, and for evaluation of 3. Reviewing, evaluating, and assisting an- projects receiving support. nual conferences and their appointive cabi- 8. Providing resources for the local church

380 GENERAL COMMISSION ON THE STATUS AND ROLE OF WOMEN ministry group on religion and race, enabling velopment, review, and maintenance of the them to address the different situations in certification form to be submitted to the coun- which they find themselves: inner city, subur- cil by agencies and institutions receiving gen- bia, metropolitan, and rural communities. eral Church funds; (2) reviewing annually the 9. Counseling local churches that are seek- submissions of certifications of compliance ing to establish multiracial fellowships, and with ¶ 811.1a, b, and c; and (3) recommending encouraging and supporting local churches in to the council acceptance of the certifications, maintaining a Christian ministry in racially or other appropriate action, including with- changing neighborhoods. holding approval of the entire budget of an 10. Maintaining a close relationship with agency or institution because of noncompli- the General Board of Church and Society in ance with ¶ 811.1a, b, or c. seeking to coordinate the denominational sup- 17. Developing leadership among racial and port and cooperation with various movements ethnic groups for the total ministry in the life for racial and social justice. of the Church. 11. Being available to assist central confer- 18. Facilitating the delivery of program ences, autonomous and affiliated autonomous services and information to racial and ethnic Methodist and united churches, and Method- local churches. ist bodies in countries other than the United 19. Maintaining a close relationship with States as they address the issues of racism and the General Board of Church and Society and ethnocentric tribalism and ethnocentrism. the General Commission on Christian Unity 12. Providing opportunities for multiracial and Interreligious Concerns, as they seek to and interethnic dialogue and meetings coordinate denominational support and coop- throughout the Church. eration in eradicating racism, promoting so- 13. Working directly with the Council of cial justice, and enhancing Christian unity. Bishops and the related annual conferences to 20. Reporting to the General Conference plan workshops, seminars, and consultations on the status of racial and ethnic minority on racism based on biblical and theological groups within The United Methodist Church grounds. and on the progress of the denomination’s 14. Providing programs of sensitization and journey toward racial inclusiveness. education at every level of the Church’s life on the nature and meaning of racism— Section XV. General Commission on attitudinal, behavioral, and institutional. the Status and Role of Women 15. Relating to and assisting the annual conference commissions on religion and race, ¶ 2101. There shall be a General Commis- enabling them to address their different com- sion on the Status and Role of Women in The munities and situations: inner city, suburbia, United Methodist Church. metropolitan, and rural communities. ¶ 2102. Purpose—The primary purpose of 16. Advising the General Council on Fi- the General Commission on the Status and nance and Administration (¶ 811.1) with re- Role of Women shall be to challenge The gard to the policies and practices of agencies United Methodist Church, including its gen- and Church-related institutions receiving gen- eral agencies, institutions, and connectional eral Church funds concerning their implemen- structures, to a continuing commitment to the tation of the denomination’s policy of full and equal responsibility and participation inclusiveness and nondiscrimination on the of women in the total life and mission of the basis of race and ethnic heritage. This shall be Church, sharing fully in the power and in the done by: (1) consulting with the council in de- policy-making at all levels of the Church’s life.

381 ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER

Such commitment will confirm anew rec- 2. The commission, through its various re- ognition of the fact that The United Methodist search and monitoring processes, shall con- Church is part of the universal church, rooted tinue to gather data, make recommendations, in the liberating message of Jesus Christ, that and suggest guidelines for action as appropri- recognizes every person, woman or man, as a ate to eradicate discriminatory policies and full and equal part of God’s human family. practices in any form or discriminatory lan- The general commission shall function as guage and images wherever found in docu- an advocate with and on behalf of women indi- ments, pronouncements, publications, and vidually and collectively within The United general resources. Methodist Church; as a catalyst for the initia- 3. The commission shall stimulate ongoing tion of creative methods to redress inequities evaluation procedures and receive progress of the past and to prevent further inequities reports toward the end of effecting the guide- against women within The United Methodist lines in § 2 above in all responsible bodies of Church; and as a monitor to ensure the Church. inclusiveness in the programmatic and admin- 4. The commission shall establish and istrative functioning of The United Methodist maintain a working relationship with annual Church. conference commissions, taking into account ¶ 2103. Responsibility—The general com- the objectives and guidelines for conferences mission shall be charged with the responsibil- in ¶ 641.1 and seeking to develop and ity of fostering an awareness of issues, prob- strengthen the leadership of the conference lems, and concerns related to the status and for the realization of these objectives within role of women, with special reference to their the general context of the responsibilities of full participation in the total life of the Church the general commission (¶ 2103.1). at least commensurate with the total member- 5. The commission shall recommend plans ship of women in The United Methodist and curricula for new understanding of theol- Church. ogy and biblical history affecting the status of 1. In the fulfillment of its mandate, this women. The commission shall also be encour- commission shall have the authority to initiate aged to explore the relationships between and utilize such channels, develop such plans spiritual gifts and women in the Bible. and strategies, and assign staff as may be re- 6. The commission shall create needed quired in the implementation of the following policies and recommendations and program primary needs across The United Methodist for immediate and long-range implementa- Church: leadership enablement, resources tion related to the enhancement of the role of and communication, affirmative action and women in professional and voluntary leader- advocacy roles, and interagency coordination. ship in the Church. Such plans and strategies related to these 7. The commission shall serve in an advo- needs shall be directed toward the elimination cacy role to ensure openness and receptivity in of sexism in all its manifestations from the to- matters related to women’s role in the tal life of The United Methodist Church, in- Church’s life, with particular attention to the cluding general agencies as well as the various contributions of clergy and lay professional connectional channels and structures that women, racial and ethnic women, and those reach the local church. The commission shall experiencing changing lifestyles. The commis- work with the respective agencies as needs sion in its role as advocate shall assist the local may determine in achieving and safeguarding church, annual conferences, the councils, representation and participation of women, boards, commissions, schools of theology, and including racial and ethnic groups. other related institutions on eradicating the

382 GENERAL COMMISSION ON THE STATUS AND ROLE OF WOMEN problems of sexual harassment by developing nominated and elected by the jurisdictional policies and procedures for addressing these conferences, ensuring that the pluralism and problems. diversity of the Church’s membership is re- 8. The commission shall generate active flected in the representation of racial and eth- concern and give full support toward immedi- nic minorities and various age categories. ate efforts in the fulfillment of the following Each jurisdiction shall elect persons for mem- directive: Councils, boards, commissions, bership based on the following formula: North committees, personnel recruitment agencies, Central—5, Northeastern—5, South Central— schools of theology, and other related institu- 7, Southeastern—7, Western—3. It is recom- tions are directed to establish guidelines and mended that where possible, the members in- policies for specific recruitment, training, and clude at least one laywoman, one layman, one full utilization of women in total employment, clergywoman, and one clergyman. Of the per- which includes but is not limited to pastoral sons elected by each jurisdictional conference, and related ministries, health and welfare at least one should be from a racial and ethnic ministries, and faculties and staffs of seminar- group and at least one shall be under thirty- ies and other educational institutions. one years of age at the time of election. 9. Advise the General Council on Finance b) There shall be ten additional members and Administration (¶ 811.1) with regard to elected by the general commission, in accord the policies and practices of agencies and with the provisions of ¶ 705.4e. The election of Church-related institutions receiving general the additional members shall take into ac- Church funds concerning their implementa- count the need to provide adequate represen- tion of the denomination’s policy of tation of racial and ethnic groups and of the inclusiveness and nondiscrimination on the various age categories, and to include persons basis of gender. This shall be done by: (1) con- of special competence. It is recommended that sulting with the council in development, re- the addition of the at-large membership en- view, and maintenance of the certification sure that the total membership maintains the form to be submitted to the council by agen- one-third laymen, one-third laywomen, one- cies and institutions receiving general Church third clergy balance as well as majority mem- funds; (2) reviewing annually the submissions bership of women. It is further recommended of certifications of compliance with ¶ 811.1a, b, that such additional members shall maintain a and c; and (3) recommending to the council membership total of at least 10 percent youth acceptance of the certifications, or other ap- and 10 percent young adults. propriate action, including withholding ap- c) There shall be three women named by proval of the entire budget of an agency or in- the Women’s Division from its members or stitution because of noncompliance with ¶ staff to serve as ex officio members with vote. 811.1a, b, or c. d) There shall be two bishops named by the 10. The commission shall provide re- Council of Bishops. sources for the local church ministry group on e) There shall be one member elected by the status and role of women. Iglesia Metodista Autónoma Afiliada de ¶ 2104. Membership—1. The policies, Puerto Rico. plans, and administration of the work of the f) In the total membership: (1) Persons general commission shall be determined by its over sixty-five years of age shall be included. membership, which shall be composed of (2) There should be no less than four persons forty-three persons in accord with the follow- (two women and two men) from each of these ing guidelines: five racial and ethnic groups: Asian Ameri- a) Jurisdictional membership shall be cans, African Americans, Hispanic Americans,

383 ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER

Native Americans, and Pacific Islanders. (3) the United States and its territories and its re- There shall be at least one member who is a lationships to other Church bodies. The com- diaconal minister. mission shall prepare such recommendations g) The general commission shall be author- as it considers necessary for presentation di- ized to fill vacancies in its membership during rectly to the General Conference. All resolu- the quadrennium. tions and petitions related to central confer- ¶ 2105. Officers—The president of the gen- ences presented to the General Conference eral commission shall be a woman elected by shall be referred to the commission for consid- the total commission from its membership. eration, and the commission shall report its Other officers shall be elected as the commis- recommendations directly to the General Con- sion determines. ference. ¶ 2106. Meetings—The general commis- 2. The commission shall be composed of sion shall meet annually, with such additional one bishop, one ordained minister, and one meetings as needs demand. layperson from each jurisdiction who are del- ¶ 2107. Funding—The funds for carrying egates to the General Conference and named out the general commission’s purpose shall be by the Council of Bishops; one bishop, one or- authorized by the General Conference. dained minister, and one layperson from each ¶ 2108. Staff—The general commission central conference who are delegates to the shall nominate for election by the General General Conference and named by the Council Council on Ministries its general secretariat or of Bishops; one bishop, one ordained minister, general secretary who shall provide executive, and one layperson who are elected members of administrative, and program staff leadership the General Board of Global Ministries and (¶ 713). The commission shall elect such other named by the Council of Bishops. Special at- staff members as needs require within the tention shall be given to the inclusion of General Conference mandates and the author- women, clergy and lay. ity vested in the commission to develop poli- The chairperson of the commission shall be cies and programs directed toward the realiza- a bishop. tion of its purpose. The commission shall meet at the seat of ¶ 2109. Relationships—In order to fulfill the General Conference. its responsibilities and the directives of the 3. The episcopal members of the commis- General Conference, the general commission sion, plus one layman and one laywoman, shall work with the Council of Bishops, the shall act as the executive committee between general agencies, institutions, and other ap- sessions of the General Conference. The ex- propriate structures and channels at all levels ecutive committee shall have authority to take of the Church. necessary actions on behalf of the commis- sion, including submitting petitions to Gen- Section XVI. Commission on Central eral Conference under the provisions of ¶ Conference Affairs 507.6. 4. The General Council on Finance and Ad- ¶ 2201. General Provisions—1. Recogniz- ministration shall recommend to the General ing the differences in conditions that exist in Conference for its action and determination a various areas of the world and the changes provision in the budget of an appropriate gen- taking place in those areas, there shall be a eral Church fund for the expenses incurred by Commission on Central Conference Affairs to the commission and its executive committee study the structure and supervision of The in the interim between sessions of the General United Methodist Church in its work outside Conference.

384 GENERAL COMMISSION ON UNITED METHODIST MEN

Section XVII. General Commission on service in congregational life. United Methodist Men h) fulfill the Great Commission with and through The United Methodist Church as one ¶ 2301. There shall be a General Commis- part of the body of Christ. sion on United Methodist Men in The United 3. To provide support services to promote Methodist Church. the ministry and growth of United Methodist The general commission shall be amenable Men: to the General Conference of The United a) provide specific and optional models for Methodist Church. Between sessions of the men in the local church, district, annual con- General Conference, the general commission ference, and jurisdiction; shall be accountable to the General Council on b) maintain effective communications and Ministries by reporting and interpreting ac- cooperation with the National Association of tivities in its purpose (¶ 702.2). Conference Presidents of United Methodist ¶ 2302. Purpose—The General Commis- Men and other national organizations repre- sion on United Methodist Men shall have pri- senting the central conferences and other mary oversight for the coordination and worldwide Methodist liaisons; resourcing of men’s ministry within The c) promote the chartering and annual United Methodist Church. recertification of local church men’s units (¶ 1. United Methodist Men exists to declare 256) with the General Commission on United the centrality of Christ in every man’s life. Methodist Men. Men’s ministry leads to the spiritual growth of 4. To provide resources that assist men in men and effective discipleship. This purpose is their growing relationship with the Lord Jesus served as men are called to model the servant Christ and his church: leadership of Jesus Christ. a) programs of evangelism that are geared 2. Individual and group strategies form the to men’s needs in cooperation with all areas of foundation of UMMen ministry: the Church dealing with the area of evange- a) enhance Evangelism, Mission, and Spir- lism that model to men that witness is an inte- itual Life (EMS), as men become servant lead- gral part of daily life in the workplace, the ers. community, the parish, and the home; b) advocate programs that train men b) programs of mission in cooperation with within local churches to promote specific min- all areas of the Church dealing with missional istries including prayer, missions, steward- opportunities enabling men for outreach and ship, and civic/youth serving ministries. service as an integral part of their Christian c) forge pastoral partnerships by men com- discipleship; mitted to the effective support and service of c) programs of spiritual life in cooperation clergy and local congregations. with areas of faith development will assist men d) enhance organizational strength by ef- to realize that witness and outreach, with mis- fective leadership, resources, membership sion and ministry, become extensions of their growth, and financial accountability. faith development and their personal relation- e) assist men in their ever-changing rela- ship to God through Jesus Christ; tionships, roles and responsibilities in their d) programs of stewardship in cooperation family setting, workplace, and society. with the area of stewardship that will lead men f) understand the organization, doctrines, to an understanding of their responsibility as and beliefs of The United Methodist Church. stewards of God’s creation and personal stew- g) fulfill the membership vows through ardship of time, talent, money, and prayer; commitment to prayer, presence, gifts, and e) programs that affirm the role of men in

385 ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER their family situations; by the jurisdictional committee on United f) to advocate, research, and develop pro- Methodist Men (¶ 534). Each jurisdiction shall grams for The United Methodist Church to elect four persons. Included among the four minister to and through men; per jurisdiction shall be at least one clergy, one g) program partnership with The Upper woman, ethnic representation, and the juris- Room in the Living Prayer Center ministry, in- dictional president of United Methodist Men; cluding support for WATS telephone service c) six members elected by the National As- and promotion. At all levels of the United sociation of Conference Presidents of United Methodist Men’s network there shall be prayer Methodist Men, including the national presi- advocates; dent and five members at large (including at There shall be a program in partnership least two members of the commission from with local churches called Moving United the previous quadrennium, for continuity) Methodists to assist United Methodist mem- chosen for expertise and jurisdictional balance bers who are moving from one congregation to if possible; another (see ¶ 235). d) three elected presidents from a national 5. The General Commission will provide re- organization of United Methodist Men of cen- sources and support for the office of Civic tral conferences, representing each of the Youth-Serving Agencies/Scouting Ministries: three central conference regions, selected by a) to provide training of local church, dis- the central conference members of the College trict, annual conference, and jurisdictional of Bishops; Scouting coordinators; e) the president of the United Methodist b) to provide advocacy, cooperation, and Men Foundation; relationship in partnership with the National f) two members elected by the National As- (USA) Association of United Methodist sociation of United Methodist Scouters, in- Scouters, the General Board of Discipleship, cluding the president and one youth who is a the Council of Bishops, and the civic youth- current member of a civic youth-serving/ serving agencies (Boy Scouts of America, Girl Scouting ministry; Scouts of the USA, Camp Fire Boys and Girls, g) five members at large elected by the 4-H, and such appropriate organizations commission, including at least two young peo- within the Central Conferences) for the pro- ple between ages nineteen and thirty; motion of youth-serving/Scouting ministries (h) In addition, the GCUMM welcomes within The United Methodist Church; participation from persons representing c) to coordinate, promote, and resource as men’s ministry in Pan-Methodist and needed annual conference Bishop’s Dinners concordat youth organizations. for Scouting. This legislation shall take effect upon the 6. This legislation shall take effect upon the adjournment of the 2000 General Conference. adjournment of the 2000 General Conference. 2. Vacancies—Vacancies in the general ¶ 2303. Membership—1. The commission commission membership shall be filled by shall consist of thirty-nine voting members as procedures defined in ¶ 712 of the General defined in ¶ 705. 3 in the General Provisions Provisions. and ¶ 534. The membership shall be composed 3. Officers—The General Commission on of: United Methodist Men shall elect as its offic- a) two bishops elected by the Council of ers a president, vice president, secretary, Bishops; treasurer, and other such officers as it shall b) twenty members elected by the various deem necessary. In addition, the president of jurisdictional conferences upon nomination the National Association of Conference Presi-

386 ECUMENICAL ORGANIZATIONS dents of United Methodist Men and the Presi- ecumenical organizations in the following dents of the Central Conference Organizations paragraphs shall be selected by the Council of shall also be considered officers. Bishops from nominations reviewed by the 4. Staff—The General Commission on General Commission on Christian Unity and United Methodist Men shall nominate for Interreligious Concerns. Such representatives election by the General Council on Ministries shall be inclusive in terms of gender, race and its general secretary, who shall provide execu- ethnicity, age, persons with disabilities, and tive, administrative, and programmatic lead- region. Representatives shall reflect consid- ership (¶ 713). The commission shall elect eration of balances required both by The such other staff members as needs require United Methodist Church and the respective within the General Conference mandates and ecumenical organization. Consideration shall the authority vested in the commission to de- be given to persons named to jurisdictional velop policies and programs directed toward and central conference pools (see ¶ 705.1.b, c). the realization of its purpose. When proxies are needed to substitute for 5. Meetings—The general commission shall United Methodist representatives to a specific meet annually, with such additional meetings ecumenical organization, the general secre- as needs demand. tary of the General Commission on Christian 6. Funding—The General Council on Fi- Unity and Interreligious Concerns, in consul- nance and Administration shall make provi- tation with the ecumenical officer of the Coun- sion for the necessary support of the work of cil of Bishops, is authorized to name such the commission by providing World Service proxies. Consideration shall be given to Funds to complement the direct revenue and United Methodists residing in the area of the contributions from United Methodist Men. ecumenical organization’s meeting, and to the This shall include meeting and related ex- inclusivity of the delegation. The names of penses for the central conference presidents. proxies shall be reported at the next meeting of the Council of Bishops. Section XVIII. Ecumenical Representatives and proxies from The Organizations United Methodist Church to various working groups of any of the ecumenical organizations ¶ 2401. Liaison Role of the Council of in the following paragraphs shall be named by Bishops—1. In formal relations with other the general secretary of the General Commis- churches and/or ecclesial bodies, the Council sion on Christian Unity and Interreligious of Bishops shall be the primary liaison for The Concerns, in consultation with the ecumenical United Methodist Church. The ecumenical of- officer of the Council of Bishops. ficer of the Council of Bishops shall be respon- 4. Notwithstanding the other provisions of sible for these relationships and shall work in this section, should structural changes be cooperation with the General Commission on voted between sessions of the General Confer- Christian Unity and Interreligious Concerns in ence by any of the ecumenical organizations in the fulfillment of these functions. the following paragraphs, necessitating elec- 2. The General Commission on Christian tion of a new group of United Methodist del- Unity and Interreligious Concerns shall con- egates, the Council of Bishops is authorized to sult with the Council of Bishops in establishing elect, based on recommendations from the the guidelines for the administration of the In- General Commission on Christian Unity and terdenominational Cooperation Fund (see ¶¶ Interreligious Concerns, such delegates as 818 and 1903.15). may be required. 3. The United Methodist representatives to ¶ 2402. Financial Support—United Meth-

387 ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER odist financial support of the ecumenical or- World Methodist Council and the General ganizations in the following paragraphs shall Conference. be remitted from the Interdenominational Co- 2. Commission on Pan-Methodist Coop- operation Fund through the General Council eration—Given the historical relationship and on Finance and Administration in accordance shared traditions of the denominations of the with ¶ 818. The general agencies of the Church Wesleyan tradition called Methodists in may make such payments to these ecumenical America, there shall be a Commission on Pan- organizations as they deem to be their respon- Methodist Cooperation developed jointly sibility and proportionate share in the coop- among The African Methodist Episcopal erative programs. Such payments shall be re- Church, The African Methodist Episcopal Zion ported to the General Council on Finance and Church, The Christian Methodist Episcopal Administration, and that Council shall include Church, and The United Methodist Church. a summary report of United Methodist finan- The membership of the commission shall con- cial support in its annual financial report to sist of six persons from each member denomi- the Church. United Methodist financial sup- nation, with each denomination naming two port of ecumenical dialogues and multilateral bishops, two clergypersons, one layman, and conversations, approved by the General Com- one laywoman, to include at least one young mission on Christian Unity and Interreligious adult. Concerns, shall also be remitted from the In- The commission shall work to define, de- terdenominational Cooperation Fund in the termine, plan, and, in cooperation with estab- same manner. lished agencies of the several denominations, ¶ 2403. Methodist Unity—1. World Meth- execute activities to foster meaningful coop- odist Council—a) The United Methodist eration among the four Methodist denomina- Church is a member of the World Methodist tions in the collaboration. Such cooperation Council, its predecessor Methodist and Evan- shall include, but not be limited to, evange- gelical United Brethren churches having been lism, missions, publications, social concerns, charter members of such body. The council is a and higher education. Each denomination will significant channel for United Methodist rela- pay the expenses of its delegation to partici- tionships with other Methodist churches and pate in commission affairs. The commission with autonomous Methodist churches, affili- may develop one or more Pan-Methodist coa- ated autonomous Methodist churches, affili- litions to further meaningful cooperation on a ated united churches formerly part of The particular activity or issue. United Methodist Church or its predecessor Each quadrennium, the commission shall denominations, and other churches with a plan and convene a Consultation of Methodist Wesleyan heritage. Bishops. The commission shall report to each b) Each affiliated autonomous Methodist of its member denominations through their church and each affiliated united church that General Conferences. The commission may be is a member of the World Methodist Council expanded by the inclusion of other denomina- may choose to send delegates either to the tions of the Wesleyan tradition called Method- General Conference as proposed in ¶¶ 547.3 ists in America, and the commission shall es- and 550 or to the World Methodist Council tablish guidelines to provide for such expan- (receiving from the General Administration sion. Before another Wesleyan or American Fund the expense of travel and per diem allow- Methodist denomination may become a part ances thereto). But no such church shall be of the commission, it must have the approval entitled to send delegations at the expense of of its general conference. the General Administration Fund to both the 3. Commission on Union—Growing from

388 Ecumenical Organizations the continuing work of the Commission on tation on Church Union (Churches Uniting in Pan-Methodist Cooperation and the Consulta- Christ). tions of the Methodist Bishops, the Commis- 2. National or Regional Ecumenical Or- sion on Union was formed by the General Con- ganizations—a) The National Council of the ferences of The African Methodist Episcopal Churches of Christ in the U.S.A.—The United Church, The African Methodist Episcopal Zion Methodist Church is a member of the National Church, and The Christian Methodist Episco- Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., pal Church, and The United Methodist its predecessor Methodist and Evangelical Church, to explore possible union and related United Brethren churches having been charter issues. These churches commit themselves to members of such body. the goal of full reconciliation and union and to b) Other National or Regional Ecumenical continued participation in the commission. Organizations—The General Commission on The membership of the commission shall con- Christian Unity and Interreligious Concerns, sist of six persons from each member denomi- in consultation with the Council of Bishops, nation, with each denomination naming two shall be in dialogue with United Methodists in bishops, two clergypersons, one layman, and whatever countries they may reside, and shall one laywoman, to include at least one young coordinate, explore, and advocate United adult. Each denomination will pay the ex- Methodist participation in regional ecumeni- penses of its members in the work of the com- cal and interfaith organizations and shall ad- mission. The commission shall report to each dress the Interdenominational Cooperation of its member denominations through their Fund funding committee of the GCCUIC on fi- General Conferences. nancial needs and the advisability of support 4. Striving Toward Union—As a result of of these organizations. our heritage as a part of a people called Meth- c) The United Methodist Church shall seek odist, The United Methodist Church commits observer status in the National Association of itself to strive toward closer relationship with Evangelicals. United Methodist observers to other Methodist or Wesleyan churches wher- these bodies shall be appointed by the Council ever they may be found (¶ 5). of Bishops. ¶ 2404. Covenantal or Conciliar Rela- 3. The World Council of Churches and tionships—The United Methodist Church Other International Ecumenical Organiza- strives toward greater Christian unity through tions—a) World Council of Churches—The its participation in councils of churches and/ United Methodist Church is a member of the or covenantal relationships. The United Meth- World Council of Churches, its predecessor odist Church may establish covenants with Methodist and Evangelical United Brethren other Christian churches through bilateral or churches having been charter members of multilateral efforts. such body. 1. The Consultation on Church Union b) Other International Ecumenical Or- (Churches Uniting in Christ)—The United ganizations—The General Commission on Methodist Church is a member of the Consul- Christian Unity and Interreligious Concerns, tation on Church Union (Churches Uniting in in consultation with the Council of Bishops, Christ), its predecessor Methodist and Evan- shall be in dialogue with United Methodists in gelical United Brethren churches having been whatever countries they may reside, and shall involved in its very beginnings and in all its coordinate, explore, and advocate United committees and plenary consultations. The Methodist participation in international ecu- United Methodist Church is in covenantal re- menical and interfaith organizations and shall lationship with other churches in the Consul- address the Interdenominational Cooperation

389 ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER

Fund funding committee of the GCCUIC on fi- nancial needs and the advisability of support of these organizations. c) The United Methodist Church shall seek observer status in the World Evangelical Fel- lowship. United Methodist observers to these bodies shall be appointed by the Council of Bishops. ¶ 2405. The American Bible Society—To encourage the wider circulation and use of the Holy Scriptures throughout the world and to provide for the translation, printing, and dis- tribution essential thereto, the American Bible Society shall be recognized as a means of mis- sion outreach for The United Methodist Church, for which appropriate entities of The United Methodist Church shall offer means for seeking the financial support needed for this program.

390 Chapter Six

CHURCH PROPERTY

Each Annual conference shall prepare an Methodist are not to be used as, or as a part of, act according to the national laws. a trade name or trademark or as a part of the name of any business firm or organization, ex- cept by corporations or other business units Section I. All Titles—In Trust created for the administration of work under- taken directly by The United Methodist ¶ 2501. Requirement of the Trust Clause Church. The General Council on Finance and for All Property—The United Methodist Administration is directed to register as a Church is organized as a connectional struc- service mark the names United Methodist and ture, and titles to all real and personal, tangi- The United Methodist Church. ble and intangible property held at general, ju- ¶ 2503. Trust Clauses in Deeds—1. Except risdictional, annual, or district conference lev- in conveyances that require that the real prop- els, or by a local church or charge, or by an erty so conveyed shall revert to the grantor if agency or institution of the Church, shall be and when its use as a place of divine worship held in trust for The United Methodist Church has been terminated, all written instruments and subject to the provisions of its Discipline. of conveyance by which premises are held or Titles are held by the incorporated confer- hereafter acquired for use as a place of divine ences which are registered as follows: Den- worship or other activities for members of The mark UMC, Estonia UMC, Finland Finnish United Methodist Church shall contain the UMC, Finland Swedish UMC, Latvia UMC, following trust clause:1 Lithuania UMC, Norway UMC, Russia UMC In trust, that said premises shall be used, and Sweden UMC. Ukraine and Kazakhstan kept, and maintained as a place of divine registration is pending. worship of the United Methodist ministry and All documents regarding property, entry members of The United Methodist Church; into the land register, pledge or mortgage deed subject to the Discipline, usage, and ministe- shall be issued in this name. rial appointments of said Church as from The individual categories of property is time to time authorized and declared by the handled in ¶ 2512 (Annual Conference Prop- General Conference and by the annual con- erty), ¶ 2517 (District Parsonages), ¶¶ 2524- ference within whose bounds the said 2550 (Local Church Property), ¶ 2514 (Episco- premises are situated. This provision is solely pal Residences) or ¶ 2552 (Church Institu- for the benefit of the grantee, and the grantor tions). reserves no right or interest in said premises. ¶ 2502. Registration of the Names United 2. All written instruments by which Methodist and The United Methodist premises are held or hereafter acquired as a Church—The words Methodist or United parsonage for the use and occupancy of the

1 See Judicial Council Decision 688.

391 ¶ 2503 CHURCH PROPERTY ministers of The United Methodist Church Church. Nor shall it absolve a local church or shall contain the following trust clause: church agency or the board of trustees of ei- In trust, that such premises shall be held, ther, of its responsibility and accountability to kept, and maintained as a place of residence The United Methodist Church, including the for the use and occupancy of the ordained responsibility to hold all of its property in trust ministers of The United Methodist Church for The United Methodist Church; provided who may from time to time be entitled to oc- that the intent of the founders and/or a later cupy the same by appointment; subject to the local church or church agency, or the board of Discipline and usage of said Church as from trustees of either, is shown by any or all of the time to time authorized and declared by the following: General Conference and by the annual con- In trust, that said premises shall be held, ference within whose bounds the said kept, maintained, and disposed of for the ben- premises are situated. This provision is solely efit of The United Methodist Church and sub- for the benefit of the grantee, and the grantor ject to the usages and the Discipline of The reserves no right or interest in said premises. United Methodist Church. 3. In case the property so acquired is to be a) the conveyance of the property to a local used for both a house of worship and a parson- church or church agency (or the board of trus- age, the provisions of both trust clauses speci- tees of either) of The United Methodist Church fied in §§ 1 and 2 above shall be inserted in the or any predecessor to The United Methodist conveyance. Church; 4. In case the property so acquired is not to b) the use of the name, customs, and polity be used exclusively for a place of worship, or a of The United Methodist Church or any pred- parsonage, or both, all written instruments by ecessor to The United Methodist Church in which such premises are held or hereafter ac- such a way as to be thus known to the commu- quired shall contain the following trust clause: nity as a part of such denomination; or In trust, that said premises shall be kept, c) the acceptance of the pastorate of or- maintained, and disposed of for the benefit of dained ministers appointed by a bishop or em- The United Methodist Church and subject to ployed by the superintendent of the district or the usages and the Discipline of The United annual conference of The United Methodist Methodist Church. This provision is solely for Church or any predecessor to The United the benefit of the grantee, and the grantor re- Methodist Church. serves no right or interest in said premises. ¶ 2504. Effect of Union—Nothing in the 5. When property is acquired from another Plan of Union at any time after the union is to United Methodist entity or organization, be construed so as to require any existing local whether it is to be used as a place of divine church of any predecessor denomination to worship, parsonage, or other use, all written The United Methodist Church to alienate or in instruments by which such premises are held any way to change the title to property con- or hereafter acquired shall contain the follow- tained in its deed or deeds at the time of union, ing trust clause: and lapse of time or usage shall not affect said 6. However, the absence of a trust clause title or control. Title to all property of a local stipulated in par. 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 above in deeds church, or charge, or agency of the Church and conveyances executed previously or in the shall be held subject to the provisions of the future shall in no way exclude a local church or Discipline, whether title to the same is taken in church agency, or the board of trustees of ei- the name of the local church trustees, or ther, from or relieve it of its connectional re- charge trustees, or in the name of a corpora- sponsibilities to The United Methodist tion organized for the purpose, or otherwise.

392 COMPLIANCE WITH LAW ¶ 2510

¶ 2505. Oil, Gas, and Mineral Leases— which the church property is located.2 Subject to and in accordance with the laws of ¶ 2507. The Terms Trustee, Trustees, and the state, province, or country, the governing Board of Trustees—Trustee, trustees, and body of any church unit or agency owning land board of trustees, as used herein or elsewhere in trust for The United Methodist Church as in the Discipline, may be construed to be syn- provided in this Discipline may lease said land onymous with director, directors, and board of for the production of oil, gas, coal, and other directors applied to corporations when re- minerals, upon such terms as it may deem quired to comply with law. best; provided, however, that such production ¶ 2508. Conformity of Deeds and Convey- shall not interfere with the purpose for which ances with Local Law—In order to secure the said land is held. The moneys received from right of property, with the appurtenances such leases as rentals, royalties, or otherwise thereof, of the churches and parsonages of The shall be used so far as practicable for the ben- United Methodist Church, care shall be taken efit of the church unit and for the promotion of that all conveyances and deeds be drawn and the interests of The United Methodist Church. executed in due conformity to the laws of the The lessee shall have no control over or re- respective states, provinces, and countries in sponsibility for the payments made under which the property is situated and also in due such lease. conformity to the laws of The United Method- ist Church. Deeds shall be registered or re- corded directly upon their execution. Section II. Compliance with Law ¶ 2509. Instituting and Defending Civil Action—Because of the nature of The United ¶ 2506. Conformity of Discipline with Lo- Methodist Church (¶ 139), no individual or af- cal Law—All provisions of the Discipline relat- filiated church body or unit, nor any official ing to property, both real and personal, and thereof, may commence or participate in any relating to the formation and operation of any suit or proceeding in the name of or on behalf corporation, and relating to mergers are con- of The United Methodist Church, excepting, ditioned upon their being in conformity with however, the following: the local laws, and in the event of conflict 1. Any person or church unit served with le- therewith the local laws shall prevail; pro- gal process in the name of The United Meth- vided, however, that this requirement shall odist Church may appear for the purpose of not be construed to give the consent of The presenting to the court the nonjural nature of United Methodist Church to deprivation of its The United Methodist Church and to raise is- property without due process of law or to the sues of lack of jurisdiction of the court, lack of regulation of its affairs by state statute where capacity of such individual or unit to be served such regulation violates the constitutional with process, and related constitutional issues guarantee of freedom of religion and separa- in defense of denominational interests. tion of church and state or violates the right of 2. Any denominational unit authorized to the Church to maintain connectional struc- hold title to property and to enforce trusts for ture; and provided further, that the services of the benefit of the denomination may bring suit worship of every local church of The United in its own name to protect denominational in- Methodist Church shall be open to all persons terests. without regard to race, color, or national ori- ¶ 2510. Limitation of Financial Obliga- gin. Local laws shall be construed to mean the tions—No conference, council, board, agency, laws of the country, state, or other like politi- local church, or other unit can financially obli- cal unit within the geographical bounds of 2 See Judicial Council Decision 11, 315.

393 ¶ 2511 CHURCH PROPERTY gate the denomination or, without prior spe- be elected by the conference for terms of four cific consent, any other organizational unit years, except for the first board, one-fourth of thereof. whom shall be elected for a term of one year, one-fourth for a term of two years, one-fourth for a term of three years, and one-fourth for a Section III. Audits and Bonding of term of four years, and shall serve until their Church Officers successors have been elected; provided, how- ever, that existing incorporated trustees of any ¶ 2511. All persons holding trust funds, se- annual conference may continue unaffected curities, or moneys of any kind belonging to while the charter or articles of incorporation the general, jurisdictional, annual, or provi- are amended to bring them into conformity sional annual conferences or to organizations with this paragraph. under the control of the general, jurisdic- 2. The board of trustees shall meet at least tional, annual, or provisional annual confer- annually and organize by electing a president, ences shall be bonded by a reliable company in vice president, secretary, and treasurer, whose such good and sufficient sum as the confer- duties shall be those usually pertaining to such ence may direct. The accounts of such persons offices. They shall be amenable to the annual shall be audited at least annually by a recog- conference. Vacancies occurring between ses- nized public or certified public accountant. A sions of an annual conference shall be filled as report to an annual conference containing a fi- follows: Upon nomination by the conference nancial statement that the Discipline requires committee on nominations, the district super- to be audited shall not be approved until the intendents shall, by majority vote, elect a trus- audit is made and the financial statement is tee to serve until the next annual meeting of shown to be correct. Other parts of the report the trustees. Vacancies shall be filled by the may be approved pending such audit. annual conference for the unexpired term. 3. The board of trustees shall have the fol- lowing authority with respect to the properties Section IV. Annual Conference of the annual conference and its agencies: Property3 a) The said corporation shall receive, col- lect, and hold in trust for the benefit of the an- ¶ 2512. Annual Conference Property—1. nual conference any and all donations, be- Conference Trustees—Each annual confer- quests, and devises of any kind or character, ence shall have a board of trustees, which shall real or personal, that may be given, devised, be incorporated unless the conference is in- bequeathed, or conveyed to the said board or corporated in its own name. In either case, the to the annual conference as such for any be- board shall consist of twelve persons, and it is nevolent, charitable, or religious purpose, and recommended that one-third be clergy, one shall administer the same and the income third laywomen, and one-third laymen, in ac- therefrom in accordance with the directions of cordance with the provisions of ¶ 608.5. Said the donor, trustor, or testator and in the inter- persons must be of legal age as determined by est of the church, society, institution, or law, and lay members shall be members in agency contemplated by such donor, trustor, good standing of local churches within the or testator, under the direction of the annual bounds of the conference. Such persons shall conference. When the use to be made of any be the directors of the corporation. They shall such donation, bequest, or devise is not other- wise designated, the same shall be used as di- rected by the annual conference. 3 For authority regarding property held by general agencies of the Church, see ¶ 807.4, .6.

394 ANNUAL CONFERENCE PROPERTY ¶ 2512

b) When so directed by the annual confer- sponsible investor and report annually to the ence, the said corporation may receive and annual conference regarding its carrying out hold in trust for and on behalf of the annual of this responsibility. Among the tools the conference, its districts, or any of its agencies board may use are shareholder advocacy, se- any real or personal property previously ac- lective divestment, advocacy of corporate dis- quired by the conference, its districts, or its investment from certain countries or fields of agencies to be used in carrying out their mis- business, and affirmative investments (as in sion, ministry, and program. With respect to affordable housing, care of the environment, such properties, the board shall take no action minority business and banks, and so forth), as that would alter or interfere with their well as other appropriate strategies. missional or programmatic use or function f) Funds committed to this board may be unless such action is specifically directed by invested by it only in collateral that is amply the annual conference. The provisions of this secured and after such investments have been subsection shall not apply to educational or approved by the said board or its agency or health and welfare institutions whose proper- committee charged with such investment, un- ties are held in their own name or in the name less otherwise directed by the annual confer- of their own duly elected boards of trustees or ence.4 directors; nor shall they apply to the property 4. The board may intervene and take all of local churches except as such local church necessary legal steps to safeguard and protect property may have been declared discontin- the interests and rights of the annual confer- ued or abandoned under the provisions of ¶ ence anywhere and in all matters relating to 2548. property and rights to property whether aris- c) Except as restricted in § 3b, the board ing by gift, devise, or otherwise, or where held shall have the power to invest, reinvest, buy, in trust or established for the benefit of the sell, transfer, and convey any and all funds and annual conference or its membership. properties that it may hold in trust, subject al- 5. It shall be the duty of the pastor within ways to the terms of the legacy, devise, or do- the bounds of whose charge any such gift, be- nation. quest, or devise is made to give prompt notice d) The annual conference may include in thereof to said board, which shall proceed to any resolution authorizing proposed action re- take such steps as are necessary and proper to garding annual conference property a direc- conserve, protect, and administer the same; tion that any contract, deed, bill of sale, mort- provided, however, that the board may decline gage, or other necessary written instrument be to receive or administer any such gift, devise, executed by and on behalf of the annual con- or bequest for any reason satisfactory to the ference board of trustees by any two of its of- board. It shall also be the duty of the pastor to ficers, who thereupon shall be duly authorized report annually to the board of trustees of the to carry out the direction of the annual confer- annual conference a list of all property, includ- ence; and any written instrument so executed ing real, personal, or mixed, within the charge shall be binding and effective as the action of belonging to or which should be under the the annual conference. control or jurisdiction of the said board. e) The conference board of trustees is en- 6. The board shall make to each session of couraged to invest in institutions, companies, the annual conference a full, true, and faithful corporations, or funds that make a positive report of its doings, of all funds, monies, secu- contribution toward the realization of the rities, and property held in trust by it, and of goals of the Social Principles of our Church. its receipts and disbursements during the con- The board of trustees shall act as a socially re- 4 See Judicial Council Decisions 135, 160, 190.

395 ¶ 2513 CHURCH PROPERTY ference year. The beneficiary of a fund held in shall be held in trust by the trustees of the an- trust by the board shall also be entitled to a re- nual conference within which the residence is port at least annually on the condition of such located. Any such property so acquired and fund and on the transactions affecting it. held shall not be sold or disposed of except 7. Establishment of Annual Conference with the consent of a majority of the confer- Policy with Regard to Government Efforts to ences that participate in the ownership. Designate Church-Owned Property as Land- Whenever there is a plan to sell an episcopal marks—The board, after consultation with the residence or to transfer an annual conference conference commission on archives and his- from one episcopal area to another, that plan tory, or alternate structure, shall develop a shall include provision for safeguarding each policy for an annual conference response, on conference’s equity, if any, in an episcopal behalf of any local church, church-related residence; except that an annual conference, agency, or district or annual conference board by its own decision, may relinquish its claims of trustees located within the bounds of the to an equity interest in an episcopal resi- annual conference, to any governmental effort dence.5 to designate a property held in trust for the ¶ 2515. Sale, Transfer, Lease, Mortgage, benefit of The United Methodist Church (¶ or Purchase of Annual Conference Property— 2503) by any such board of trustees as a cul- No annual conference property shall be sold, tural, historical, or architectural land- transferred, or leased for a term that exceeds mark. twenty years, or mortgaged or purchased ¶ 2513. United Methodist Foundations— without the consent of the annual conference An annual conference or conferences may es- or, ad interim, (a) the consent of the presiding tablish a United Methodist Foundation. The bishop and of a majority of the district super- purposes for establishing such a foundation intendents, and, in the case of discontinued or may include: abandoned local church property or property 1. Providing the services described in ¶ to be purchased, the consent of a majority of 2512.3 as designated by the donor or at the di- the district board of church location and build- rection of the conference board of trustees; ing (see ¶ 2548); and (b) the bishop’s determi- 2. The promotion of planned-giving pro- nation that such transfer or encumbrance con- grams on behalf of local churches, confer- forms to the Discipline. The bishop’s written ences, and general Church boards and agen- statement evidencing the satisfaction of this cies; condition shall be affixed to or included in any 3. Furnishing counsel and guidance to local instrument of transfer or encumbrance. Any churches with regard to promotion and man- required written instrument necessary to agement of permanent funds; and carry out the action so authorized shall be ex- 4. Other responsibilities as determined by ecuted in the name of the conference corpora- the annual conference. The United Methodist tion by any two of its officers or, where the Foundation shall have a governing board as conference is unincorporated, by any two of- determined by the annual conference. The ficers of its board of trustees, and any written governing board will establish policies upon instrument so executed shall be binding and which the foundation will operate. effective as the action of the conference. ¶ 2514. Jointly Owned Episcopal Resi- ¶ 2516. Camps, Conference Grounds, and dences—When authorized by two-thirds of the Retreat Centers—Title to annual conference annual conferences comprising an episcopal or district camps, conference grounds, and re- area, an episcopal residence for the resident treat centers held in trust by an incorporated bishop may be acquired, the title to which 5 See Judicial Council Decision 194.

396 DISTRICT PROPERTY ¶ 2517 board or agency of an annual conference or of the annual conference of which such district district, or by an unincorporated board, com- is a part, and such trustees shall report annu- mission, society, or similar body of the confer- ally to the annual conference. Except as the ence or district, can be mortgaged or sold and laws of the state, territory, or country pre- conveyed by such corporation or unincorpo- scribe otherwise, district property held in trust rated body only after authorization by the an- by a district board of trustees may be mort- nual or district conference to which such body gaged or sold and conveyed by them only by is related. authority of the district conference or annual conference, or if such property is held in trust by the trustees of the annual conference, it Section V. District Property may be mortgaged or sold and conveyed by such trustees only by authority of the annual ¶ 2517. District Parsonages and Boards of conference. The district conference, or annual Trustees—1. A district parsonage for the dis- conference in the case of property held in trust trict superintendent may be acquired when by the trustees of the annual conference, may authorized by the charge conferences of two- include in the resolution authorizing such pro- thirds of the charges in the district or when posed action a direction that any contract, authorized by a two-thirds vote of the district deed, bill of sale, mortgage, or other necessary conference, subject to the advice and approval written instrument may be executed by and on of the district board of church location and behalf of the respective board of trustees by building as provided in ¶¶ 2518-2523. any two of its officers, who thereupon shall be 2. The title of district property may be held duly authorized to carry out the direction of in trust by a district board of trustees. Unless the district conference or annual conference; the district union is incorporated in its own and any written instrument so executed shall name, each district shall have a district board be binding and effective as the action of the of trustees, which shall be incorporated. The district conference or annual conference. The board shall consist of not fewer than three nor purchase price and maintenance cost of a dis- more than nine members in accordance with ¶ trict parsonage may be equitably distributed 608.5, having the same qualifications pro- among the charges of the district by the dis- vided for trustees of local churches (¶ 2524), trict board of stewards. Where there is an in- who shall be nominated by the district super- corporated district union (¶ 654.4), the board intendent in consultation with the district of directors of the district union shall have the nominating committee, if one exists, and same duties and responsibilities with respect elected by the district conference. Where there to district property as are described here for is no district conference, they may be elected the district board of trustees. by the district board of stewards or by the an- 3. When district boundaries are changed by nual conference on nomination of the district division, rearrangement, or consolidation so superintendent. They shall be elected for a that a district parsonage purchased, owned, term of one year and serve until their succes- and maintained by one district is included sors shall have been elected, and they shall re- within the bounds of another district, each port annually to the district conference or an- such district shall be entitled to receive its just nual conference. Title to district property may share of the then-reasonable value of the par- be held in trust by the district board of trus- sonage in which it has invested funds; and the tees. If the title to the district parsonage is not amount of such value and just share shall be held in trust by the district board of trustees, determined by a committee of three persons, the same shall be held in trust by the trustees appointed by the bishop of the area, who shall

397 ¶ 2518 CHURCH PROPERTY not be residents of any of the said districts. ference. The committee shall hear claims of each dis- ¶ 2519. Duties and Responsibilities of the trict regarding its interest therein before mak- District Boards of Church Location and ing a decision. From any such determination, Building—1. Local Church Building Sites and there is reserved unto each of the interested Plans—The board of church location and districts the right of appeal to the next suc- building shall investigate all proposed local ceeding annual conference. Any sum received church building sites, ascertaining that such as or from such share shall be used for no sites are properly located for the community to other purpose than purchase or building of a be served and adequate in size to provide parsonage in the district. The same procedure space for future expansion and parking facili- shall be followed in determining equities of a ties. (See ¶¶ 259.1, 2543.2.) district in any other property that may be in- 2. If there is a district strategy committee cluded in another district by changes in dis- for parish development or a metropolitan trict boundaries. commission (¶ 630.5 j) in the district, the ¶ 2518. Authorization and Establishment board shall consider its recommendations in of District Boards of Church Location and planning a strategy for continuing the service Building—There shall be in each district of an of The United Methodist Church in changing annual conference a district board of church neighborhoods. If no parish development location and building. The board shall consist committee or commission is operative, the of the district superintendent and a minimum board shall study the duties assigned to each of six and a maximum of nine additional per- and seek ways to provide continuity of service sons nominated by the district superintendent in parishes where there is a change in the ra- in consultation with the district nominating cial, ethnic, or cultural character of the resi- committee, if one exists, and elected annually dents, to the end that the resolutions of the by the annual conference; provided that in a General Conference involving such district of great geographical extent an addi- neighborhoods be given careful consideration. tional board may be so elected. It is recom- One member of the board shall also have mended that the membership include one- membership on the strategy committee or on third clergy, one-third laymen, one-third lay- the commission. women, and, where possible, should be inclu- 3. The board of church location and build- sive of sex, race, age, and people with disabili- ing shall investigate all proposed local church ties. The members of the board, excluding the or parsonage buildings to determine the best district superintendent, shall be divided into method to make the structure energy-effi- three classes. One third shall be elected annu- cient. ally for a three-year term. A chairperson and a ¶ 2520. Standards for the Approval of secretary shall be elected annually at the first Building Proposals—1. The board shall re- meeting following annual conference. The quire any local church in its district, before be- board shall file a report of any actions taken ginning or contracting for construction or pur- with the charge conference of each local chase of a new church or educational building church involved, and the report so filed shall or a parsonage, or remodeling of such a build- become a part of the minutes of the said con- ing if the cost will exceed 10 percent of its ference or conferences. The board shall also value, to submit for consideration and ap- make a written report to the district confer- proval a statement of the need for the pro- ence (or, if there is no district conference, to posed facilities, preliminary architectural the district superintendent), and this report plans, an estimate of the cost, and a financial shall become a part of the records of that con- plan for defraying such costs, as provided in ¶

398 LOCAL CHURCH PROPERTY ¶ 2525

2543.4-.5. Before finally approving the build- condition shall be affixed to any instrument or ing project, the board shall ascertain whether transfer or encumbrance. Any required writ- the preliminary architectural design and fi- ten instrument necessary to carry out the ac- nancial programs have been reviewed, evalu- tion so authorized shall be executed in the ated, and approved by proper authorities (¶ name of the corporation by any two of its offic- 2543.5). The design for renovation shall pro- ers, or any two officers of its board of trustees, vide for equal access to people with disabilities and any written instrument so executed shall where readily achievable and financially feasi- be binding and effective as the action of the ble. corporation. 2. When the local church has secured final architectural plans and specifications and a reliable and detailed estimate of the cost of the Section VI. Local Church Property proposed undertaking as provided in ¶ 2543.7, the board shall require their submission for ¶ 2524. Local Church Board of Trustees’ consideration and approval. The board shall Qualifications—In each pastoral charge con- study carefully the feasibility and financial sisting of one local church, there shall be a soundness of the undertaking and ascertain board of trustees, consisting of not fewer than whether the financial plan will provide funds three nor more than nine persons, and it is necessary to ensure prompt payment of all recommended that at least one-third be lay- proposed contractual obligations, and it shall women and that at least one-third be laymen. report its conclusions to the church in writing. The trustees shall be of legal age as deter- 3. A final decision of the board approving mined by law, and at least two-thirds shall be purchase, building, or remodeling shall auto- members of The United Methodist Church matically terminate after a period of one year (see ¶¶ 258.1, .3; 2529). No pastor is a voting where no action has been taken by the local member of the board of trustees unless elected church to carry out such decision. as a member. ¶ 2521. Appeals of District Boards of ¶ 2525. Local Church Board of Trustees’ Church Location and Building Decisions—A Election—The members of the board of trus- decision of the board disapproving such pur- tees shall be divided into three classes, and chase, building, or remodeling shall be final each class shall as nearly as possible consist of unless overruled by the annual conference, to an equal number of members. At the charge which there is reserved unto the local church conference, on recommendation by the com- the right of appeal. mittee on lay leadership or from the floor, it ¶ 2522. Application of Standards to the shall elect, to take office at the beginning of the Acquisition of a District Parsonage—The ensuing calendar year or at such other times as above provisions shall apply to the acquisition the charge or church conference may set, to of a district parsonage. serve for a term of three years or until their ¶ 2523. Sale, Transfer, Lease, or Mort- successors have been duly elected and quali- gage of District Property—No district prop- fied, the required number of trustees to suc- erty shall be sold, transferred, or leased for a ceed those of the class whose terms then ex- term that exceeds twenty years, or mortgaged, pire; provided, however, that nothing herein without: (a) the consent of the presiding dis- shall be construed to prevent the election of a trict superintendent; and (b) the district su- trustee to self-succession.6 The charge confer- perintendent’s determination that such trans- ence may assign the responsibility for electing fer or encumbrance conforms to the Disci- trustees to a church conference. pline. The district superintendent’s written statement evidencing the satisfaction of this 6 See Judicial Council Decision 130.

399 ¶ 2526 CHURCH PROPERTY

¶ 2526. Church Local Conference—Duties, qualification and procedures of a charge con- Authority, and Membership—1. In a pastoral ference shall be applicable to membership charge consisting of two or more local qualifications and procedures of a church local churches, a church local conference, consti- conference. tuted and organized under the Discipline of ¶ 2527. Charge or Cooperative Parish The United Methodist Church in each local Board of Trustees—1. A pastoral charge com- church therein, shall be vested with authority posed of two or more churches, each having a and power in matters relating to the real and local board of trustees, may have, in addition, personal property of the local church con- a board of trustees for the charge as a whole. cerned. Such church local conference shall This board shall hold title to and manage the elect the board of trustees of such local church property belonging to the entire charge, such in number and manner described in ¶ 2525, as parsonage, campground, burial ground, and the duties of such trustees, duly elected, and such other property as may be committed shall be the same as and identical with the du- to it. It shall receive and administer funds for ties described in ¶ 2527. The duties, authority, the charge in conformity with the laws of the and power vested in the church local confer- state, province, or country in which the prop- ence, insofar as they relate to the property, erty is located. This board shall consist of not real and personal, of the local church con- less than three persons, at least two-thirds of cerned, are the same as and identical with the whom shall be members of The United Meth- authority and power vested in the charge con- odist Church and of legal age as determined by ference of a pastoral charge of one local church law. These trustees shall be elected by the (¶ 2528); and the authority, power, and limita- charge conference for three years or until their tions therein set forth shall be applicable to successors are elected. the church local conference as fully and to the 2. A cooperative parish composed of two or same extent as if incorporated herein. The ef- more charges may have, in addition to its fect of the provisions for a church local confer- charge trustees and local church trustees, a ence is to give to each local church in a charge board of trustees for the cooperative parish as of two or more churches, rather than to the a whole. This board shall hold title to and pastoral charge conference, supervision over manage the property belonging to the coop- and control of its own property, subject to the erative parish in accordance with ¶¶ 2503, limitations prescribed in the Discipline with 2526, and 2527. These trustees shall be elected regard to local church property. by the charge conference and/or church local 2. Whenever required under the Discipline conference related to the cooperative parish of The United Methodist Church for matters and shall be representative of each congrega- relating to real or personal property of the lo- tion that composes the cooperative parish. cal church or to mergers of churches, a local 3. The board of trustees of a charge shall church in a pastoral charge consisting of two provide for the security of its funds, keep an or more local churches shall organize a church accurate record of its proceedings, and report local conference. The membership of the to the charge conference to which it is amena- church local conference shall consist of the ble. persons specified for membership of the 4. When two or more local churches com- charge conference (¶ 248.2) so far as the offic- pose a single pastoral charge having a parson- ers and relationships exist within the local age and one or more thereof is separated from church, except that the pastor shall be a mem- such charge and established as a pastoral ber of each church local conference. The provi- charge or united with another pastoral charge, sions of ¶ 248.2-.10 relating to membership each such local church shall be entitled to re-

400 LOCAL CHURCH PROPERTY ¶ 2529 ceive its just share of the then reasonable value and maintenance of any and all property of the of the parsonage in which it has invested local church. funds, with the exception that those churches 3. To direct the board of trustees with re- departing from a circuit who had joined the spect to the acceptance or rejection of any and circuit after the parsonage was acquired would all conveyances, grants, gifts, donations, lega- have no claim on any value of the parsonage. cies, bequests, or devises, absolute or in trust, The amount of such value and just share shall for the use and benefit of the local church, and be determined by a committee of three per- to require the administration of any such trust sons, appointed by the district superintend- in accordance with the terms and provisions ent, who shall be members of The United thereof and with the local laws appertaining Methodist Church but not of any of the inter- thereto. (See ¶ 2532.5.) ested local churches. Such committee shall 4. To do any and all things necessary to ex- hear all interested parties and shall take into ercise such other powers and duties relating to account the investment of any church in any the property, real and personal, of the local such property before arriving at a final deter- church concerned as may be committed to it mination. From any such determination there by the Discipline. is reserved to each of the interested churches ¶ 2529. Local Church Board of Trustees’ the right of appeal to the next succeeding an- Organization and Membership—The board of nual conference, the decision of which shall be trustees shall organize as follows: final and binding. Any sum received as or from 1. Within thirty days after the beginning of such share shall not be applied to current ex- the ensuing calendar or conference year pense or current budget. (whichever applies to the term of office), each ¶ 2528. Charge Conference Authority—In board of trustees shall convene at a time and a pastoral charge consisting of one local place designated by the chairperson, or by the church, the charge conference, constituted as vice chairperson in the event that the chair- set forth in ¶¶ 245-246, shall be vested with person is not reelected a trustee or because of power and authority as hereinafter set forth in absence or disability is unable to act, for the connection with the property, both real and purpose of electing officers of the said board personal, of the said local church, namely: for the ensuing year and transacting any other 1. If it so elects, to direct the board of trus- business properly brought before it. tees to incorporate the local church, expressly 2. The board of trustees shall elect from the subject, however, to the Discipline of The membership thereof, to hold office for a term United Methodist Church and in accordance of one year or until their successors shall be with the pertinent local laws and in such man- elected, a chairperson, vice chairperson, sec- ner as will fully protect and exempt from any retary, and, if need requires, a treasurer; pro- and all legal liability the individual officials vided, however, that the chairperson and vice and members, jointly and severally, of the lo- chairperson shall not be members of the same cal church and the charge, annual, jurisdic- class; and provided further, that the offices of tional, and general conferences of The United secretary and treasurer may be held by the Methodist Church, and each of them, for and same person; and provided further, that the on account of the debts and other obligations chairperson shall be a member of the local of every kind and description of the local church. The duties of each officer shall be the church. same as those generally connected with the of- 2. To direct the board of trustees with re- fice held and which are usually and commonly spect to the purchase, sale, mortgage, encum- discharged by the holder thereof. The church brance, construction, repairing, remodeling, local conference may, if it is necessary to con-

401 ¶ 2530 CHURCH PROPERTY form to the local laws, substitute the designa- ings legally where the usual notice is impracti- tions president and vice president for and in cable. A majority of the members of the board place of chairperson and vice chairperson. of trustees shall constitute a quorum. 3. Where necessity requires, as a result of ¶ 2532. Board of Trustees’ Powers and the incorporation of a local church, the corpo- Limitations—1. Subject to the direction of the ration directors, in addition to electing officers charge conference, the board of trustees shall as provided in § 2 above, shall ratify and con- have the supervision, oversight, and care of all firm by appropriate action and, if necessary, real property owned by the local church and of elect as officers of the corporation the treas- all property and equipment acquired directly urer or treasurers, as the case may be, elected by the local church or by any society, board, by the charge conference in accordance with class, commission, or similar organization the provisions of the Discipline, whose duties connected therewith; provided that the board and responsibilities shall be as therein set of trustees shall not violate the rights of any forth. If more than one account is maintained local church organization elsewhere granted in the name of the corporation in any financial in the Discipline; provided further, that the institution or institutions, each such account board of trustees shall not prevent or interfere and the treasurer thereof shall be appropri- with the pastor in the use of any of the said ately designated. property for religious services or other proper ¶ 2530. Removal of Local Church Trus- meetings or purposes recognized by the law, tees—1. Should a trustee withdraw from the usages, and customs of The United Methodist membership of The United Methodist Church Church, or permit the use of said property for or be excluded therefrom, trusteeship therein religious or other meetings without the con- shall automatically cease from the date of such sent of the pastor or, in the pastor’s absence, withdrawal or exclusion. the consent of the district superintendent; and 2. Should a trustee of a local church or a di- provided further, that pews in The United rector of an incorporated local church refuse Methodist Church shall always be free; and to execute properly a legal instrument relating provided further, that the church local confer- to any property of the church when directed so ence may assign certain of these duties to a to do by the charge conference and when all le- building committee as set forth in ¶ 2543 or gal requirements have been satisfied in refer- the chairperson of the parsonage committee, if ence to such execution, the said charge confer- one exists. ence may by majority vote declare the trustee’s 2. The board of trustees shall review annu- or director’s membership on the board of trus- ally the adequacy of the property, liability, and tees or board of directors vacated. crime insurance coverage on church-owned 3. Vacancies occurring in a board of trus- property, buildings, and equipment. The tees shall be filled by election for the unex- board of trustees shall also review annually the pired term. Such election shall be held in the adequacy of personnel insurance. The purpose same manner as for trustees. of these reviews is to ensure that the church, ¶ 2531. Meetings of Local Church Boards its properties, and its personnel are properly of Trustees—The board of trustees shall meet protected against risks. The board shall in- at the call of the pastor or of its president at clude in its report to the charge conference (¶ least annually at such times and places as shall 2549.7) the results of its review and any rec- be designated in a notice to each trustee and ommendations it deems necessary.7 the pastor(s) at a reasonable time prior to the 3. When a pastor and/or a board of trustees appointed time of the meeting. Waiver of no- are asked to grant permission to an outside or- tice may be used as a means to validate meet- 7 See Judicial Council Decision 866.

402 LOCAL CHURCH PROPERTY ¶ 2533 ganization to use church facilities, permission and shall make plans and determine priorities can be granted only when such use is consist- for the elimination of all such barriers. The ent with the Social Principles (¶¶ 160-166) and Accessibility Audit for churches shall be used ecumenical objectives. in filling out the annual church and/or charge 4. The chairperson of the board of trustees conference reports. or the chairperson of the parsonage commit- ¶ 2533. Permanent Endowment Fund tee, if one exists, the chairperson of the com- Committee—A charge conference may estab- mittee on pastor-parish relations, and the pas- lish a local church permanent endowment tor shall make an annual review of the church- fund committee. The purposes for establishing owned parsonage to ensure proper mainte- such a committee include the responsibilities nance. to: 5. Subject to the direction of the charge con- 1. Provide the services described in ¶ ference as hereinbefore provided, the board of 2532.5 as designated by the donor or at the di- trustees shall receive and administer all be- rection of the charge conference upon notice to quests made to the local church; shall receive the board of trustees. Consideration shall be and administer all trusts; and shall invest all given to the placement of funds with the con- trust funds of the local church in conformity ference or area United Methodist foundation, with laws of the country, state, or like political or local church foundation, for administration unit in which the local church is located. Nev- and investment. ertheless, upon notice to the board of trustees, When the charge conference has desig- the charge conference may delegate the power, nated the committee to provide the services duty, and authority to receive, administer, and described in ¶ 2532.5, the committee shall invest bequests, trusts, and trust funds to the have the same investment and reporting du- permanent endowment committee or to a local ties as are imposed on the board of trustees in church foundation and shall do so in the case that paragraph. of bequests, trusts, or trust funds for which the 2. The charge conference shall adopt guide- donor has designated the committee or the lo- lines for action by the committee on planned cal church foundation to receive, administer, giving and/or permanent endowment fund. or invest the same. Subject to the direction and supervision of the The board of trustees is encouraged to in- charge conference, the committee shall fulfill vest in institutions, companies, corporations, its responsibilities in administering the or funds that make a positive contribution to- planned-giving and/or permanent endow- ward the realization of the goals outlined in ment fund. the Social Principles of our Church. The board Following each General Conference, the of trustees is to act as a socially responsible in- charge conference shall update any required vestor and to report annually to the charge changes in the planned-giving and/or perma- conference regarding its carrying out of this nent endowment fund documents. responsibility. 3. Emphasize the need for adults of all ages 6. The board of trustees, in cooperation to have a will and an estate plan and provide with the health and welfare ministries repre- information on the preparation of these to the sentative, shall conduct or cause to be con- members of the congregation. ducted an annual accessibility audit of their 4. Stress the opportunities for church buildings, grounds, and facilities to discover members and constituents to make provisions and identify what physical, architectural, and for giving through United Methodist churches, communication barriers exist that impede the institutions, agencies, and causes by means of full participation of people with disabilities wills, annuities, trusts, life insurance, memo-

403 ¶ 2534 CHURCH PROPERTY rials, and various types of property. minister in trust for the local church bequests, 5. Arrange for the dissemination of infor- trusts, and trust funds upon notice to the mation that will be helpful in preretirement board of trustees as provided in ¶ 2532.5, in planning, including such considerations as es- which event the foundation shall have the tablishing a living will, a living trust, and the same investment and reporting duties as are need for each person to designate someone to imposed on the board of trustees. No such del- serve as a responsible advocate should inde- egation of authority shall be construed to be a pendent decision-making ability be lost. violation of the rights of any other local church 6. Permanent Endowment Fund trustees organization. are directed by the charge conference to follow ¶ 2535. Unincorporated Local Church the guidelines and actions initiated by the Property—Title and Purchase—Unless other- charge conference, overturn any transaction wise required by local law (¶ 2506), title to all that the charge conference may deem exces- property now owned or hereafter acquired by sive, and remove any trustee who does not an unincorporated local church, and any or- carry out the directions of the charge confer- ganization, board, commission, society, or ence. Careful attention will be given to the similar body connected therewith, shall be election of trustees to ensure that there is no held by and/or conveyed and transferred to its conflict of interest. Following each General duly elected trustees, their successors and as- Conference, the permanent endowment docu- signs, in trust for the use and benefit of such ment shall be brought into line with any local church and of The United Methodist changes in the Discipline. Church. The trustees shall be named as the 7. Other responsibilities as determined by board of trustees of the local church in the the charge conference. written instrument conveying or transferring 8. Resources for these tasks may be secured title. Every instrument of conveyance of real from conference and/or area United Method- estate shall contain the appropriate trust ist foundations and development offices, the clause as set forth in the Discipline (¶ 2503). National Association of United Methodist ¶ 2536. Unincorporated Local Church Foundations, the General Board of Disciple- Property—Notice and Authorization—Prior ship, the General Council on Finance and Ad- to the purchase by an unincorporated local ministration, and other appropriate sources church of any real estate, a resolution author- for program assistance and direction. izing such action shall be passed at a meeting ¶ 2534. Local Church Foundations—After of the charge conference by a majority vote of securing the written consent of the pastor and its members present and voting at a regular of the district superintendent, local churches meeting or a special meeting of the charge con- may, by charge conference action, establish lo- ference called for that purpose; provided, how- cal church foundations whose trustees, direc- ever, that not less than ten days’ notice of such tors, or governing body shall be elected by the meeting and the proposed action shall have charge conference. Such foundations shall be been given from the pulpit or in the weekly incorporated, organized, and function in com- bulletin of the church; and provided further, pliance with state law and subject to the provi- that written consent to such action shall be sions of the Discipline. Any such foundation given by the pastor and the district superin- shall not violate the rights of any other local tendent. (See ¶ 2543.) church organization and shall be subject to the ¶ 2537. Incorporated Local Church Prop- direction of the charge conference. The charge erty—Title and Purchase—Unless otherwise conference may delegate to the foundation the required by local law (¶ 2506), the title to all power and authority to receive, invest, and ad- property now owned or hereafter acquired by

404 LOCAL CHURCH PROPERTY ¶ 2539 an incorporated local church, and any organi- weekly bulletin. zation, board, commission, society, or similar 2. A resolution authorizing the proposed body connected therewith, shall be held by action shall be passed by a majority vote of the and/or conveyed to the corporate body in its charge conference members (in a pastoral corporate name, in trust for the use and ben- charge consisting of two or more local efit of such local church and of The United churches, the church local conference; see ¶ Methodist Church. Every instrument of con- 2526) present and voting at a special meeting veyance of real estate shall contain the appro- called to consider such action. priate trust clause as set forth in the Discipline 3. The written consent of the pastor of the (¶ 2503). local church and the district superintendent to ¶ 2538. Incorporated Local Church Prop- the proposed action shall be necessary and erty—Notice and Authorization—Prior to the shall be affixed to or included in the instru- purchase by a local church corporation of any ment of sale, transfer, lease, or mortgage. real estate, a resolution authorizing such ac- Prior to consenting to any proposed action re- tion shall be passed by the charge conference quired under this paragraph involving any in corporate session, or such other corporate United Methodist church property, the pastor, body as the local laws may require, with the district superintendent, and the district board members thereof acting in their capacity as of church location and building shall ensure members of the corporate body, by a majority that: (a) full investigation shall be made and vote of those present and voting at any regular an appropriate plan of action shall be devel- or special meeting called for that purpose; oped for the future missional needs of the provided that not less than ten days’ notice of community; (b) the transfer or encumbrance such meeting and the proposed action shall shall conform to the Discipline; and (c) the have been given from the pulpit or in the congregation, if no longer to continue as an weekly bulletin of the local church; and pro- organized local United Methodist Church, vided further, that written consent to such ac- does not sell but may transfer title of its facili- tion shall be given by the pastor and the dis- ties to another United Methodist church or trict superintendent; and provided further, agency. Certification by the district superin- that all such transactions shall have the ap- tendent shall be conclusive evidence that the proval of the charge conference. transfer or encumbrance conforms to the Dis- ¶ 2539. Unincorporated Local Church cipline. The requirements of investigation and Property—Sale, Transfer, Lease, or Mort- the development of a plan of action, however, gage—Any real property owned by or in which shall not affect the merchantability of the title an unincorporated local church has any inter- to the real estate or the legal effect of the in- est may be sold, transferred, leased for a term struments of sale or transfer to any congrega- of thirty days or more (which shall include tion. leases for less than thirty days if such a lease is 4. The resolution authorizing such pro- consecutive with the same lessee), or mort- posed action shall direct that any contract, gaged subject to the following procedure and deed, bill of sale, mortgage, or other necessary conditions: written instrument be executed by and on be- 1. Notice of the proposed action and the half of the local church by any two of the offic- date and time of the regular or special meeting ers of its board of trustees, who thereupon of the charge conference at which it is to be shall be duly authorized to carry out the direc- considered shall be given at least ten days prior tion of the charge conference; and any written thereto (except as local laws may otherwise instrument so executed shall be binding and provide) from the pulpit of the church or in its effective as the action of the local church.

405 ¶ 2540 CHURCH PROPERTY

¶ 2540. Incorporated Local Church Prop- Methodist congregation or agency at a price erty—Sale, Transfer, Lease, or Mortgage— not to exceed fair market value. The district Any real property owned by or in which an in- strategies or other missional strategies should corporated local church has any interest may include the ministries of both United Method- be sold, transferred, leased for a term of thirty ist congregations and the community where days or more (which shall include leases for the existing facility is located. Certification by less than thirty days if such a lease is consecu- the district superintendent shall be conclusive tive with the same lessee), or mortgaged sub- evidence that the transfer or encumbrance ject to the following procedure and conditions: conforms to the Discipline. The requirements 1. Notice of the proposed action and the of investigation and the development of a plan date and time of the regular or special meeting of action shall not affect the merchantability of of the members of the corporate body—i.e., the title to the real estate or the legal effect of members of the charge conference at which it the instruments of sale or transfer. is to be considered—shall be given at least ten 4. The resolution authorizing such pro- days prior thereto (except as local laws may posed action shall direct and authorize the otherwise provide) from the pulpit of the corporation’s board of directors to take all church or in its weekly bulletin. necessary steps to carry out the action and to 2. A resolution authorizing the proposed cause to be executed, as hereinafter provided, action shall be passed by a majority vote of the any necessary contract, deed, bill of sale, members of the corporate body present and mortgage, or other written instrument. voting at any regular or special meeting 5. The board of directors at any regular or thereof called to consider such action and a special meeting shall take such action and majority vote of the members of the charge adopt such resolutions as may be necessary or conference, if the corporate members are dif- required by the local laws. ferent than the charge conference members. 6. Any required contract, deed, bill of sale, 3. The written consent of the pastor of the mortgage, or other written instrument neces- local church and the district superintendent to sary to carry out the action so authorized shall the proposed action shall be necessary and be executed in the name of the corporation by shall be affixed to or included in the instru- any two of its officers, and any written instru- ment of sale, conveyance, transfer, lease, or ment so executed shall be binding and effec- mortgage. Prior to consenting to any proposed tive as the action of the corporation. action required under this paragraph involv- ¶ 2541. Disposition and Mortgage of ing any United Methodist church property, the Church Building or Parsonage—Real prop- pastor, the district superintendent, and the erty acquired by a conveyance subject to the district board of church location and building trust clause may be sold in conformity with the shall ensure that— (a) a full investigation shall provisions of the Discipline of The United be made and an appropriate plan of action Methodist Church when its use as a church shall be developed for the future missional building or parsonage, as the case may be, has needs of the community; (b) the transfer or been, or is intended to be, terminated; and encumbrance shall conform to the Discipline; when such real estate is sold or mortgaged in (c) the congregation, if no longer to continue accordance with the provisions of the Disci- as an organized United Methodist church, pline of The United Methodist Church, the does not sell but may transfer title of its facili- written acknowledged consent of the proper ties to another United Methodist church or district superintendent representing The agency; and (d) the congregation, in case of United Methodist Church to the action taken relocation, first offers its property to a United shall constitute a release and discharge of the

406 LOCAL CHURCH PROPERTY ¶ 2543 real property so sold and conveyed from the velopment staff where applicable. A clear and trust clause or clauses; or in the event of the detailed three-to-five-year redevelopment execution of a mortgage, such consent of the plan that projects a self-supporting ministry district superintendent shall constitute a for- must accompany the request. mal recognition of the priority of such mort- ¶ 2543. Planning and Financing Require- gage lien and the subordination of the forego- ments for Local Church Buildings—If any lo- ing trust provisions thereof; and no bona fide cal church desires to: purchaser or mortgagee relying upon the fore- a) build a new church, a new educational going record shall be charged with any respon- building, or a new parsonage; sibility with respect to the disposition by such b) purchase a church, educational building, local church of the proceeds of any such sale or or parsonage; or mortgage; but the board of trustees receiving c) remodel an existing church, an existing such proceeds shall manage, control, disburse, educational building, or an existing parsonage and expend the same in conformity to the or- where the cost of the remodeling will exceed der and direction of the charge conference or 10 percent of the value of the existing struc- church local conference, subject to the provi- ture, then the local church shall first establish sions of the Discipline of The United Method- a study committee to: ist Church with respect thereto. (1) analyze the needs of the church and ¶ 2542. Restriction on Proceeds of Mort- community; gage or Sale8 —1. No real property on which a (2) project the potential membership with church building or parsonage is located shall average attendance; be mortgaged to provide for the current (or (3) write up the church’s program of minis- budget) expense of a local church, nor shall try (¶¶ 201-204); and the principal proceeds of a sale of any such (4) develop an accessibility plan including property be so used. This provision shall apply chancel areas. alike to unincorporated and incorporated local The information and findings obtained by churches.9 the study committee shall: 2. A local church, whether or not incorpo- (a) Form the basis of a report to be pre- rated, on complying with the provisions of the sented to the charge conference (¶ 2543.3); Discipline may mortgage its unencumbered (b) be used by the building committee (¶ real property as security for a loan to be made 2543.4); and to a conference board of global ministries or a (c) become a part of the report to the dis- city or district missionary society; provided trict board of church location and building (¶¶ that the proceeds of such loan shall be used 2543.5, 2520.1). only for aiding in the construction of a new 1. After the study committee finishes its church. work, the local church shall secure the written 3. Exception to this restriction may be consent of the pastor and the district superin- granted in specifically designated instances to tendent to the building project, purchase pro- allow use of equity and/or accumulated assets posal, or remodeling project. from the sale of property to provide for con- 2. In the case of a building project or pur- gregational redevelopment efforts including chase proposal, the local church shall secure program and staff. Such exception may be the approval of the proposed site by the dis- granted by the annual conference, the bishop, trict board of church location and building as and the cabinet upon request of the local provided in the Discipline (¶ 2519.1). church in consultation with congregation de- 3. The charge conference of the local church shall authorize the building project, purchase 8 See Judicial Council Decision 688. 9 See Judicial Council Decision 399.

407 ¶ 2543 CHURCH PROPERTY proposal, or remodeling project at a regular or and called meeting. Notice of the meeting and the (3) provide adequate facilities for parking, proposed action shall have been given for not entrance, seating, rest rooms, and accessibility less than ten days prior to the charge confer- for persons with disabilities, but providing for ence (except as local laws may otherwise pro- such adequate facilities shall not apply in the vide) from the pulpit or in the weekly bulletin. case of a minor remodeling project; a) After approving a building project or a d) provide on the ground-floor level of a remodeling project, the charge conference newly constructed parsonage: shall elect a building committee of not fewer (1) one room that can be used as a bedroom than three members of the local church to by a person with a disability; serve in the development of the project as (2) a fully accessible bathroom; and hereinafter set forth; provided that the charge (3) fully accessible laundry facilities; conference may commit to its board of trus- e) secure an estimate of the cost of the pro- tees the duties of the building committee. posed construction; b) After approving a purchase proposal, the f) develop a financial plan for defraying the charge conference shall be deemed to have au- total cost, including an estimate of the amount thorized and directed the board of trustees to the membership can contribute in cash and proceed with the purchase. In the case of the pledges and the amount the local church can purchase of a parsonage, the board of trustees borrow if necessary. shall either: 5. The building committee shall submit to (1) purchase a parsonage that has on the the district board of church location and build- ground-floor level: ing for its consideration and preliminary ap- (a) one room that can be used as a bedroom proval: by a person with a disability; a) a statement of the need for the proposed (b) one fully accessible bathroom; and facilities; (c) fully accessible laundry facilities; or b) -the preliminary architectural plans, in- (2) purchase a parsonage without the ac- cluding accessibility plans; cessible features for persons with disabilities c) the preliminary cost estimate; and specified above and remodel it within one d) the preliminary financial plan. year’s time, so that it does have those features. 6. After preliminary approval by the district 4. The building committee shall: board of church location and building, the a) use the information and findings of the pastor, with the written consent of the district study committee and any other relevant infor- superintendent, shall call a church conference, mation to estimate carefully the building fa- giving not less than ten days’ notice (except as cilities needed, as the case may be, to house local laws may otherwise provide) of the meet- the church’s program of worship, education, ing and the proposed action from the pulpit or and fellowship or to provide for the present in the weekly bulletin. At the church confer- and future pastors and their families; ence, the building committee shall present: b) ascertain the cost of any property to be a) the preliminary architectural plans; purchased; and b) the preliminary cost estimate; c) develop preliminary architectural plans c) the preliminary financial plan; and that: d) the building committee’s recommenda- (1) comply with local building, fire, and ac- tion. cessibility codes; A majority vote of the membership present (2) clearly outline the location on the site of and voting at the church conference shall be all proposed present and future construction; required to approve the preliminary architec-

408 LOCAL CHURCH PROPERTY ¶ 2545 tural plans, cost estimate, and financial plan the construction period, and (if needed) a loan and the building committee’s recommenda- or written commitment therefor that will as- tion. sure prompt payment of all contractual obliga- 7. After approval by the church conference, tions and other accounts when due. the building committee shall develop detailed 13. Neither the trustees nor any other plans and specifications and secure a reliable members of a local church shall be required to and detailed estimate of cost, which shall be guarantee personally any loan made to the presented for approval to the charge confer- church by any board created by or under the ence and to the district board of church loca- authority of the General Conference. tion and building. 14. It is recommended that a local church 8. After approval by the charge conference not enter into a binding building contract and district board of church location and without the contractor being properly bonded building, the building committee may begin or furnishing other forms of security, such as the building project or remodeling project. an irrevocable letter of credit approved by the Written documentation substantiating the ap- conference, district, or local church attorney. provals of the charge conference and the dis- ¶ 2544. Consecration and Dedication of trict board of church location and building Local Church Buildings—On acquisition or shall be lodged with the district superintend- completion of any church building, parsonage, ent and the secretary of the charge conference. or other church unit, a service of consecration 9. In metropolitan areas, the building com- may be held. Before any church building, par- mittee shall ensure that adequate steps are sonage, or other church unit is formally dedi- taken to obtain the services of minority cated, all indebtedness against the same shall (nonwhite) and female skilled persons in the be discharged. construction in proportion to the racial and ¶ 2545. Merger of Local United Methodist ethnic balance in the area. In non-metropoli- Churches—Two or more local churches, in or- tan areas, the building committee shall ensure der to more effectively fulfill their ministry (¶¶ that racial and ethnic persons are employed in 201-204), may merge and become a single the construction where available and in rela- church by pursuing the following procedure: tion to the available workforce. 1. The merger must be proposed to the 10. The local church shall acquire a fee sim- charge conference of each of the merging ple title to the lot or lots on which any building churches by a resolution stating the terms and is to be erected. The deed or conveyance shall conditions of the proposed merger. be executed as provided in this chapter. It is 2. The plan of the merger as proposed to the recommended that contracts on property pur- charge conference of each of the merging chased by a local church be contingent upon churches shall be approved by each of the the securing of a guaranteed title, and the charge conferences in order for the merger to property’s meeting of basic environmental re- be effected, except that for a charge conference quirements of lending institutions and of local that includes two or more local churches, the and state laws. required approval shall be by the church local 11. If a loan is needed, the local church shall conference of each local church in accordance comply with the provisions of ¶ 2539 or ¶ with the requirements of ¶ 2526. 2540. 3. The merger must be approved by the su- 12. The local church shall not enter into a perintendent or superintendents of the dis- building contract or, if using a plan for volun- trict or districts in which the merging teer labor, incur obligations for materials until churches are located. it has cash on hand, pledges payable during 4. The requirements of any and all laws of

409 ¶ 2546 CHURCH PROPERTY the state or states in which the merging 5. The requirements of any and all laws of churches are located affecting or relating to the the state or states in which the merging merger of such churches must be complied churches are located affecting or relating to with, and in any case where there is a conflict the merger of such churches must be complied between such laws and the procedure outlined with, and in any case where there is a conflict in the Discipline, said laws shall prevail and between such laws and the procedure outlined the procedure outlined in the Discipline shall in the Discipline, said laws shall prevail and be modified to the extent necessary to elimi- the procedure outlined in the Discipline shall nate such conflict. be modified to the extent necessary to elimi- 5. All archives and records of churches in- nate such conflict. volved in a merger shall become the responsi- 6. Where property is involved, the provi- bility of the successor church. sions of ¶ 2547 obtain. ¶ 2546. Interdenominational Local ¶ 2547. Deeding Church Property to Fed- Church Mergers—One or more local United erated Churches or Other Evangelical De- Methodist churches may merge with one or nominations—1. With the consent of the pre- more churches of other denominations and siding bishop and of a majority of the district become a single church by pursuing the fol- superintendents and of the district board of lowing procedure: church location and building and at the re- 1. Following appropriate dialogue, which quest of the charge conference or of a meeting shall include discussions with the United of the membership of the church, where re- Methodist district superintendent of the dis- quired by local law, and in accordance with the trict in which the merging churches are lo- said law, the annual conference may instruct cated and the corresponding officials of the and direct the board of trustees of a local other judicatories involved, a plan of merger church to deed church property to a federated reflecting the nature and ministry of the local church. church (¶¶ 201-204) shall be submitted to the 2. With the consent of the presiding bishop charge conference of the local United Method- and of a majority of the district superintend- ist church and must be approved by a resolu- ents and of the district board of church loca- tion stating the terms and conditions and tion and building and at the request of the missional plans of the proposed merger, in- charge conference or of a meeting of the mem- cluding the denominational connection of the bership of the local church, where required by merger church. local law, and in accordance with said law, the 2. The plan of merger, as approved by the annual conference may instruct and direct the charge conference of the United Methodist board of trustees of a local church to deed church, in a charge conference including two church property to one of the other denomina- or more local churches must be approved by tions represented in the Commission on Pan- the church local conference of each local Methodist Cooperation and Union or to an- church in accordance with the requirements of other evangelical denomination under an allo- ¶ 2526. cation, exchange of property, or comity agree- 3. The merger must be approved in writing ment; provided that such agreement shall by the superintendent of the district, a major- have been committed to writing and signed ity of the district superintendents, and the and approved by the duly qualified and au- bishop of the area in which the merging thorized representatives of both parties con- churches are located. cerned. 4. The provisions of ¶ 2503 shall be in- ¶ 2548. Discontinuation or Abandonment cluded in the plan of merger where applicable. of Local Church Property—1. Prior to a recom-

410 LOCAL CHURCH PROPERTY ¶ 2548 mendation by a district superintendent to dis- 3. Abandonment—When a local church continue the use of church property as a local property is no longer used, kept, or maintained church pursuant to ¶ 2548.2 hereof, or before by its membership as a place of divine wor- any action by the annual conference trustees ship, the property shall be considered aban- with regard to the assumption of any local doned, and when a local church no longer church property considered to be abandoned serves the purpose for which it was organized pursuant to ¶ 2548.3, the district superintend- and incorporated (¶¶ 201-204), with the con- ent should obtain and consider an opinion of sent of the presiding bishop, a majority of the legal counsel as to the existence of any rever- district superintendents, and of the district sion, possibility of reverter, right of reacquisi- board of church location and building, the an- tion, or similar restrictions to the benefit of nual conference trustees may assume control any party. of the real and personal, tangible and intangi- 2. Discontinuation—a) Prior to a recom- ble property. If circumstances make immedi- mendation of the district superintendent, in ate action necessary, the conference trustees, consultation with the appropriate agency as- should give first option to the other denomina- signed the responsibility of the conference tions represented in the Commission on Pan- parish and community development strategy, Methodist Cooperation and Union. The con- that a local church be discontinued, the dis- ference trustees may proceed to sell or lease trict superintendent shall guide the congrega- said property, retain the proceeds in an inter- tion in an assessment of its potential as out- est-bearing account, and recommend the dis- lined in ¶ 213. A recommendation of discon- position of the proceeds in keeping with an- tinuance shall include recommendations as to nual conference policy. It shall be the duty of the future use of the property and where the the annual conference trustees to remove, in- membership (¶ 228) and the title to all the real sofar as reasonably possible, all Christian and and personal, tangible and intangible property church insignia and symbols from such prop- of the local church shall be transferred. On erty. In the event of loss, damage to, or de- such recommendation that a local church no struction of such local church property, the longer serves the purpose for which it was or- trustees of the annual conference are author- ganized and incorporated (¶¶ 201-204), with ized to collect and receipt for any insurance the consent of the presiding bishop and of a payable on account thereof as the duly and le- majority of the district superintendents and gally authorized representative of such local the district board of church location and build- church.10 ing of the district in which the action is con- 4. All the deeds, records, and other official templated, the annual conference may declare and legal papers, including the contents of the any local church within its bounds discontin- cornerstone, of a church that is so declared to ued. be abandoned or otherwise discontinued shall b) If a church has been discontinued by the be collected by the district superintendent in annual conference without direction concern- whose district said church was located and ing the disposition of property, the real and shall be deposited for permanent safekeeping personal, tangible and intangible property with the commission on archives and history shall be disposed of as if it were abandoned lo- of the annual conference. cal church property (¶ 2548.3). 5. All gifts held in trust, assets of any en- c) If the annual conference declares any lo- dowment funds, and assets of any foundation cal church discontinued, the failure to com- of the church, shall be reviewed as part of the plete any of the prior steps will not invalidate discontinuance or abandonment. All such as- such discontinuance. sets shall pass as directed by the annual con- 10 See Judicial Council Decisions 119, 138, 143.

411 ¶ 2549 CHURCH PROPERTY ference, or, if there is no such direction, to the ing the manner in which these investments trustees of the annual conference, unless oth- made a positive contribution toward the reali- erwise directed by operation of law. zation of the goals outlined in the Social Princi- 6. Any gift, legacy, devise, annuity, or other ples of the Church, and in what manner the in- benefit to a pastoral charge or local church come therefrom is expended or applied.11 that accrues or becomes available after said 10. An evaluation of all church properties, charge or church has been discontinued or including the chancel areas, to ensure accessi- abandoned shall become the property of the bility to persons with disabilities; and when trustees of the annual conference within applicable, a plan and timeline for the devel- whose jurisdiction the said discontinued or opment of accessible church properties. abandoned church was located or shall pass as ¶ 2550. Exceptions to Requirements of directed by vote of the annual conference. this Chapter—The provisions herein written ¶ 2549. Board of Trustees Report to the concerning the organization and administra- Charge Conference—The board of trustees tion of the local church, including the proce- shall annually make a written report to the dure for acquiring, holding, and transferring charge conference, in which shall be included real property, shall not be mandatory in cen- the following: tral conferences, provisional central confer- 1. The legal description and the reasonable ences, provisional annual conferences, or mis- valuation of each parcel of real estate owned sions; and in such instances, the legislation in by the church; ¶¶ 535-545 and 553-563 shall apply. 2. The specific name of the grantee in each ¶ 2551. Covenant Relationships in Multi- deed of conveyance of real estate to the local Ethnic and Multi-Language Settings—In situ- church; ations where a local church or churches share 3. An inventory and the reasonable valua- a building with a congregation or with another tion of all personal property owned by the lo- group performing ministries in different lan- cal church; guages and/or with different racial and ethnic 4. The amount of income received from any groups, it shall be in accordance with ¶¶ 202, income-producing property and a detailed list 206, and 212. The district superintendent of expenditures in connection therewith; must consent to any such action before imple- 5. The amount received during the year for mentation. The district board on church loca- building, rebuilding, remodeling, and improv- tion and building must be informed of such ing real estate, and an itemized statement of action. expenditures; 1. If the congregations are United Method- 6. Outstanding capital debts and how con- ist, the following shall apply: tracted; a) By action of the charge conference(s) in- 7. A detailed statement of the insurance volved, a covenant relationship shall be mutu- carried on each parcel of real estate, indicating ally agreed upon in written form and shall in- whether restricted by co-insurance or other clude a statement of purpose for sharing the limiting conditions and whether adequate in- facility and shall state whether the agreement surance is carried; is seen as temporary, long-term, or perma- 8. The name of the custodian of all legal pa- nent. The covenant of relationship may pro- pers of the local church, and where they are vide for mutual representation on such bodies kept; as church council and other committees and 9. A detailed list of all trusts in which the work groups. The board of trustees of the local church is the beneficiary, specifying church that holds title to the property may where and how the funds are invested, clarify- 11 See Judicial Council Decision 420.

412 REQUIREMENTS—TRUSTEES OF CHURCH INSTITUTIONS ¶ 2551 form a property committee composed of rep- 2. If a United Methodist church is sharing resentatives of each congregation. The pur- with a congregation of another denomination, pose of this arrangement is to enhance com- the following should apply: munication between the two or more congre- a) Prior to agreeing to share facilities with a gations, to coordinate schedules and building congregation that is not United Methodist and usage, to involve the congregations in building is of a different ethnic or language back- maintenance and care under supervision of ground, the United Methodist pastor and the the board of trustees, and to coordinate coop- district superintendent shall first contact dis- erative programs. trict and conference congregational develop- b) No United Methodist congregation shall ment agencies and ethnic leadership to ex- pay rent to another United Methodist church. plore the possibilities of organizing as an ecu- However, each congregation should be ex- menical shared ministry or a new United pected to pay a mutually agreed share of build- Methodist congregation with that ethnic or ing expenses. language group. c) Congregations that share the same facil- b) If it is decided that the United Methodist ity and other properties are encouraged to or- congregation and the congregation of another ganize and share intentionally in some mutual denomination should share facilities, as a part ministries to strengthen their relationships of the covenant of mission, a property-use and their effectiveness when focusing on the agreement shall be negotiated in writing in ac- same objectives. Cooperative programs may cordance with ¶ 2503; this agreement shall be developed that enhance the ministry of have the consent of the district superintendent both congregations and their witness to the and shall be approved by the United Method- love of Jesus Christ in the community. Such ist charge or church conference. Shared ac- programs may include joint bilingual worship tivities may be entered into to enhance the services and Christian education programs, ministry of both congregations. A liaison com- fellowship meals, and community outreach mittee to both congregations may be ap- ministries. pointed to resolve conflicts, clear schedules, d) Each congregation in a shared facility is and plan cooperative activities. strongly encouraged to accept an interdepend- 3. Ninety-day notification of intent to ter- ent relationship in reference to use of the facil- minate the covenant relationship shall be ity. Such a relationship affirms cooperatively made to the district superintendent and to the planned and executed programs and activities other parties in the covenant relationship. as well as independently planned and ex- This termination shall require the consent of ecuted programs and activities. Thus, schedul- the district superintendent following consul- ing programs and using the facility will be im- tation with the parties involved. plemented in a manner that contributes to the 4. The district committee on religion and positive growth of each congregation. race shall monitor all consultations and plans e) In situations where local congregations related to the transfer or use of property to en- and/or ministries that share facilities cannot sure fairness and equity in situations involving negotiate decisions that are supportive mutu- two or more local congregations or ministries. ally by each congregation or ministry, the dis- trict superintendent shall consult with the leadership of each congregation and/or minis- try prior to the implementing of any decision that may adversely affect the future of either congregation or ministry.

413 ¶ 2552 CHURCH PROPERTY

Section VII. Requirements—Trustees of Church Institutions

¶ 2552. Standards and Requirements— Trustees of schools, colleges, universities, hos- pitals, homes, orphanages, institutes, and other institutions owned or controlled by any annual, jurisdictional, or central conference or any agency of The United Methodist Church shall be at least twenty-one years of age. At all times, not less than three-fifths of them shall be members of a local church and/or members of an annual conference or the Council of Bish- ops of The United Methodist Church, and all must be nominated, confirmed, or elected by such conference or agency of the Church or by some body or officer thereof to which or to whom this power has been delegated by such conference or agency; provided that the number of trustees of any such institution owned or controlled by any annual conference or conferences required to be members of a lo- cal church and/or annual conference or the Council of Bishops of The United Methodist Church may be reduced to not less than the majority by a three-fourths vote of such an- nual conference or conferences; and provided further, that when an institution is owned and operated jointly with some other religious or- ganization, said requirement that three-fifths of the trustees shall be members of a local church and/or annual conference or the Coun- cil of Bishops of The United Methodist Church shall apply only to the portion of the trustees selected by the United Methodist agency or annual, jurisdictional, or central conference. It is recognized that there are numerous educa- tional, health-care, and charitable organiza- tions that traditionally have been affiliated with The United Methodist Church and its predecessor denominations, which are neither owned nor controlled by any unit of the de- nomination.

414 Chapter Seven

JUDICIAL ADMINISTRATION

Section I. The Judicial Council three times the number of ordained ministers and laypersons to be elected at such session of ¶ 2601. Duties and Responsibilities of the the General Conference. The number to be Judicial Council—The Judicial Council is the elected shall correspond to the number of highest judicial body in The United Methodist members whose terms expire at the conclusion Church. The Judicial Council shall have au- of such session. Each of the jurisdictions and thority as specified in the Constitution, ¶¶ the central conferences as a group shall be rep- 53-55, and in ¶¶ 2609-2612. resented by at least one nominee, but it shall ¶ 2602. Members—1. Composition and not be a requirement that each of the jurisdic- Term—The Judicial Council shall be com- tions or the central conferences as a group be posed of nine members and should reflect the represented by an elected member.1 At the racial, ethnic, and gender diversity of The same daily session at which the above nomina- United Methodist Church. In the year 2000 tions are announced, nominations of both and each sixteen years thereafter, there shall ministers and laypersons may be made from be elected three laypersons and two ordained the floor, but at no other time. The names of all clergy other than bishops. In 2004 and each nominees, identified with the conference to eight years thereafter, there shall be elected which each belongs, and a biographical sketch two ordained clergy other than bishops and that does not exceed one hundred words shall two laypersons. In 2008 and each sixteen be published by the Daily Christian Advocate years thereafter, there shall be three ordained at least forty-eight hours prior to the time of clergy other than bishops and two laypersons. election, which shall be set by action of the They shall be members of The United Method- General Conference at the session at which the ist Church. Elections shall be held at each ses- nominations are made; and from these nomi- sion of the General Conference for only the nations the General Conference shall elect number of members whose terms expire at without discussion, by ballot and majority such session. A member’s term of office shall vote, the necessary number of ministerial and be eight years. A member may serve a maxi- lay members. mum of two consecutive eight-year terms, with ¶ 2603. Alternates—There shall be six al- a minimum of four years before re-election to ternates for the clergy members and six alter- the council. nates for the lay members, and their qualifica- 2. Nominations and Election—Members of tions shall be the same as for membership on the council shall be nominated and elected in the Judicial Council. The term of the alternates the manner following: At each quadrennial shall be for four years. session of the General Conference, the Council The alternates shall be elected in the follow- of Bishops shall nominate by majority vote ing manner: From the clergy and lay nominees

1 See Judicial Council Decision 540.

415 ¶ 2604 JUDICIAL ADMINISTRATION remaining on the ballot after the election of cial Council will not permit discussion with the necessary number of members of the Judi- them on matters pending before them or that cial Council to be elected at sessions of the may be referred to them for determination, General Conference, the General Conference save and except before the Judicial Council in shall by separate ballot, without discussion session. Questions of procedure may be raised and by majority vote, elect the number of with the presiding officer or secretary of the clergy and lay alternates to be chosen at such Judicial Council. While strictly observing the session of the General Conference. intent of the preceding paragraph, a member ¶ 2604. Vacancies—1. If a vacancy in the of the council to whom a case has been as- membership of the council occurs during the signed by the president may request that the interim between sessions of the General Con- secretary secure from persons and agencies ference, a clergy vacancy shall be filled by the concerned directly or indirectly with the case first-elected clergy alternate and a lay vacancy pertinent facts, briefs, and statements shall be by the first-elected lay alternate. The alternate sent promptly by the secretary of the council to filling such vacancy shall hold office as a mem- other members of the council as is deemed ber of the Judicial Council for the unexpired necessary.3 term of the member whom the alternate suc- 2. Prior to the decision of a case in question, ceeds. In the event of any vacancy, it shall be members of the Judicial Council shall not dis- the duty of the president and secretary of the cuss with any party matters of substance pend- council to notify the alternate entitled to fill it. ing in the judicial process unless all parties are 2. In the event of an absence of one or more privy to the discussion. members of the council during a session of the The Judicial Council shall in all cases in Judicial Council, such temporary vacancy which a decision or memorandum is issued set among the clergy members may be filled for forth the specific provisions of the Constitu- that session or the remainder thereof by the tion or the Discipline that provide the basis of clergy alternates in order of election who can the decision and the rationale that led to the be present, and such temporary vacancy conclusion. among the lay members by the lay alternates in ¶ 2608. Organization and Procedure—1. order of election who can be present; but in- The Judicial Council shall provide its own ability or failure to fill a vacancy does not affect method of organization and procedure, both the validity or any action of the council so long with respect to hearings on appeals and peti- as a quorum is present. tions for declaratory decisions. All parties shall ¶ 2605. Expiration of Term—The term of have the privilege of filing briefs and argu- office of the members of the council and of the ments and presenting evidence under such alternates shall expire upon the adjournment rules as the council may adopt from time to of the General Conference at which their suc- time; provided that at the time of filing, copies cessors are elected. of such briefs are delivered to all parties of ¶ 2606. Ineligibility of Members—Mem- record. bers of the council shall be ineligible to serve as 2. Time and Place—The council shall meet delegates to the general, jurisdictional, or cen- at the time and place of the meeting of the Gen- tral conference or to serve in any general, juris- eral Conference and shall continue in session dictional, or central conference board or until the adjournment of that body, and at agency.2 least one other time in each calendar year and ¶ 2607. Confidentiality and Ex Parte at such other times as it may deem appropri- Communication—1. The members of the Judi- ate, at such places as it may select from time to

2 See Judicial Council Decision 196; and Decision 3, Interim Judicial Council. 3 See Judicial Council Decision 763.

416 THE JUDICIAL COUNCIL ¶ 2609 time. Seven members shall constitute a quo- the members of the annual or provisional an- rum. An affirmative vote of at least six mem- nual conference present and voting.5 bers of the council shall be necessary to de- 6. The Judicial Council shall pass upon and clare any act of the General Conference uncon- affirm, modify, or reverse the decisions of law stitutional. On other matters, a majority vote made by bishops in central, district, annual, or of the entire council shall be sufficient. The jurisdictional conferences upon questions of council may decline to entertain an appeal or a law submitted to them in writing in the regular petition for a declaratory decision in any in- business of a session; and in order to facilitate stance in which it determines that it does not such review, each bishop shall report annually have jurisdiction to decide the matter. in writing to the Judicial Council on forms pro- ¶ 2609. Jurisdiction and Powers—1. The vided by the council all the bishop’s decisions Judicial Council shall determine the constitu- of law. No such episcopal decision shall be au- tionality of any act of the General Conference thoritative, except in the case pending, until it upon an appeal by a majority of the Council of has been passed upon by the Judicial Council, Bishops or one-fifth of the members of the but thereafter it shall become the law of the General Conference. Church to the extent that it is affirmed by the 2. The Judicial Council shall have jurisdic- council. Normally, the bishop shall rule before tion to determine the constitutionality of any the close of the annual conference session dur- proposed legislation when such declaratory ing which the question was submitted, but in decision is requested by the General Confer- no case later than thirty days after the close of ence or by the Council of Bishops. the session. The annual conference secretary 3. The Judicial Council shall determine the shall enter in the annual conference journal an constitutionality of any act of a jurisdictional exact statement of the question submitted and or central conference upon an appeal by a ma- the ruling of the bishop.6 jority of the bishops of that jurisdictional or 7. The Judicial Council shall hear and de- central conference or upon an appeal by one- termine any appeal from a bishop’s decision on fifth of the members of that jurisdictional or a question of law made in a central, district, central conference.4 annual, or jurisdictional conference when said 4. The Judicial Council shall hear and de- appeal has been made by one-fifth of that con- termine the legality of any action taken by any ference present and voting.7 body created or authorized by the General 8. The Judicial Council shall have power to Conference or any body created or authorized review an opinion or decision of a committee by a jurisdictional or central conference, upon on appeals of a jurisdictional or central confer- appeal by one-third of the members thereof or ence if it should appear that such opinion or upon request of the Council of Bishops or a decision is at variance with the Book of Disci- majority of the bishops of the jurisdictional or pline, a prior decision of the Judicial Council, central conference wherein the action was or an opinion or decision of a committee on taken. appeals of another jurisdictional or central 5. The Judicial Council shall hear and de- conference on a question of Church law. In the termine the legality of any action taken by any event the committee on appeals decision ap- body created or authorized by a General Con- pears to be at variance with the decision of an- ference or any body created or authorized by other committee on appeals, then the follow- the jurisidictional or central conference on a ing procedure should be followed: matter affecting an annual or a provisional an- a) Any party to the opinion or decision may nual conference, upon appeal by two-thirds of 5 See Judicial Council Decision 463. 6 See Judicial Council Decisions 747, 762, 763. 4 See Judicial Council Decision 338 7 See Judicial Council Decision 153.

417 ¶ 2609 JUDICIAL ADMINISTRATION appeal the case to the Judicial Council on the General Conference. ground of such conflict of decisions; or ¶ 2610. Declaratory Decisions—1. The Ju- b) The committee on appeals rendering the dicial Council, on petition as hereinafter pro- last of such opinions or decisions may certify vided, shall have jurisdiction to make a ruling the case to, and file it with, the Judicial Coun- in the nature of a declaratory decision as to the cil on the ground of such conflict of decisions; constitutionality, meaning, application, or ef- or fect of the Discipline or any portion thereof or c) The attention of the president of the Ju- of any act or legislation of a General Confer- dicial Council being directed to such conflict ence; and the decision of the Judicial Council or alleged conflict of decisions, the president thereon shall be as binding and effectual as a may issue an order directing the secretaries of decision made by it on appeal.8 the committees on appeals involved to certify 2. The following bodies in The United a copy of a sufficient portion of the record to Methodist Church are hereby authorized to disclose the nature of the case and the entire make such petitions to the Judicial Council for opinion and decision of the committee on ap- declaratory decisions: (a) the General Confer- peals in each case to the Judicial Council for its ence;9 (b) the Council of Bishops; (c) any body consideration at its next meeting. created or authorized by the General Confer- The Judicial Council shall hear and deter- ence on matters relating to or affecting the mine the question of Church law involved but work of such body; (d) a majority of the bish- shall not pass upon the facts in either case fur- ops assigned to any jurisdiction on matters re- ther than is necessary to decide the question of lating to or affecting jurisdictions or the work Church law involved. After deciding the ques- therein; (e) a majority of the bishops assigned tion of Church law, the Judicial Council shall to any central conference on matters relating cause its decision to be certified to each of the to or affecting the central conferences or the committees on appeals involved, and such work therein; (f) any jurisdictional conference committees on appeals shall take such action, on matters relating to or affecting jurisdictions if any, as may be necessary under the law as or jurisdictional conferences or the work determined by the Judicial Council. therein; (g) any body created or authorized by d) All opinions and decisions of jurisdic- the jurisdictional conference on matters relat- tional and central conference committees on ing to or affecting the work of such body; (h) appeal shall be sent to the secretary of the Ju- any central conference on matters relating to dicial Council within thirty days after a deci- or affecting central conference or the work sion. These decisions shall be made available therein; (i) any body authorized or created by a to those who are involved in trials when central conference on matters relating to or af- needed and for those preparing for trial, but fecting the work of such body; and (j) any an- not otherwise. nual conference on matters relating to annual 9. The Judicial Council shall have other du- conferences or the work therein.10 ties and powers as may be conferred upon it by 3. When a declaratory decision is sought, all the General Conference. persons or bodies who have or claim any inter- 10. All decisions of the Judicial Council est that would be affected by the declaration shall be final. However, when the Judicial shall be parties to the proceeding, and the peti- Council shall declare any act of the General tion shall name such parties. Except for re- Conference then in session unconstitutional, quests filed during the General conference, that decision shall be reported to that General 8 See Judicial Council Decisions106, 172, 301, 434, 443, Conference immediately. This legislation shall 454, 463, 474, 566. 9 See Judicial Council Decision 889. take effect immediately upon passage by the 10 See Judicial Council Decisions 29, 212, 255, 301, 309, 382, 452, 535.

418 INVESTIGATIONS, TRIALS, AND APPEALS ¶ 2701 any party requesting a declaratory decision of the Judicial Council shall be published in shall file a brief statement of the question in- Newscope and The Interpreter or their succes- volved with the secretary of the Judicial Coun- sor publications. This requirement for pub- cil. After receiving such request, the secretary lished notice may also be complied with by of the Judicial Council shall submit a brief posting the digests of decisions on official statement of the question involved to United Methodist Internet Web Sites. Newscope, or any publication specified by no- 2. The decisions of the Judicial Council tice in Newscope, to be included—without rendered during each year shall be published cost—in the next edition. The Judicial Council in the General Minutes. shall not hear and determine any such matter 3. The decisions of the Judicial Council until thirty days after such publication in shall be at the official United Methodist Web Newscope. The same information shall also be site (www.umc.org or its successor). printed in The Interpreter and be published at 4. When the Judicial Council shall have de- the official United Methodist Web site clared unconstitutional any provision of the (www.umc.org) or its successor. If the presi- Book of Discipline, the secretary of the Judicial dent of the council determines that other par- Council shall notify the chairperson of the ties not named by the petition would be af- Committee on Correlation and Editorial revi- fected by such a decision, such additional par- sion which phrase or sentence was found to ties shall also be added, and the petitioner or violate the Constitution so that it will not ap- petitioners, upon direction of the secretary of pear in the next edition. All such deletions also the Judicial Council, shall then be required to shall appear in the Advance Daily Christian serve all parties so joined with a copy of the Advocate (or successor publication) of the next petition within fifteen days after such direction General Conference for information purposes. by the secretary of the Judicial Council. In like manner, any interested party may, on the par- ty’s own motion, intervene and answer, plead, Section II. Investigations, Trials, and or interplead.11 Appeals ¶ 2611. Precedential Value—The decisions of the Judicial Council of The Methodist ¶ 2701. Fair Process in Judicial Proceed- Church heretofore issued shall have the same ings—The judicial process shall have as its authority in The United Methodist Church as purpose a just resolution of judicial com- they had in The Methodist Church, persuasive plaints, in the hope that God’s work of justice, as precedents, except where their basis has reconciliation and healing may be realized in been changed by the terms of the Plan of Union the body of Jesus Christ. The following proce- or other revisions of Church law. dures are presented for the protection of the ¶ 2612. Notification and Publication—The rights of individuals guaranteed under Section decisions of the Judicial Council on questions III, Article IV, of our Constitution and for the of Church law, with a summary of the facts of protection of the Church. The presumption of the opinion, shall be filed with the secretary of innocence shall be maintained until the con- the General Conference and with the bishop, clusion of the trial process. The judicial pro- chancellor, and secretary of each annual con- ceedings and the rights set forth in this para- ference. Publication of decisions shall be as graph commence upon referral of a matter as a follows: judicial complaint from counsel for the Church 1. Within ninety days following each session to the committee on investigation. The judicial of the Judicial Council, the digest of decisions process terminates at the end of any appeal or right of appeal. Special attention should be 11 See Judicial Council Decision 437.

419 ¶ 2701 JUDICIAL ADMINISTRATION given to ensuring racial, ethnic, and gender di- 7. Failure to Appear or Respond—In the versity of boards, committees, and courts and event that a clergyperson fails to appear for su- the timely disposition of all matters.12 pervisory interviews, refuses mail, refuses to 1. The Right to be Heard—In any judicial communicate personally with the bishop or proceeding, (a) the respondent (the person to district superintendent, or otherwise fails to whom the procedure is being applied) and the respond to supervisory requests or requests Church shall have a right to be heard before from official administrative or judicial com- any final action is taken, and (b) the complain- mittees, such actions or inactions shall not be ant and the respondent have the right to be used as an excuse to avoid or delay any Church present. processes, and such processes may continue 2. Notice of Judicial Process Hearings— without the participation of such individual. Notice of any judicial process hearing shall ad- 8. Healing within the Congregation—As a vise the respondent of the reason for the pro- part of the judicial process, the bishop and posed procedures, with sufficient detail to al- cabinet, in consultation with the presiding of- low the respondent to prepare a response. No- ficer of the pending hearing, trial, or appellate tice shall be given not less than twenty days body then sitting, shall provide for healing prior to the hearing. within the congregation if there has been sig- 3. Right to be Accompanied—The respond- nificant disruption to congregational life by ent shall have a right to be accompanied by a the judicial matter. This may include a media- clergyperson in full connection to any judicial tion process for unresolved conflicts, support process hearing to which he or she is subject, for victims, and reconciliation for all who are in accordance with the appropriate discipli- involved. This process may also include the nary provisions (see ¶ 2706.2). The clergy- sharing of information by the bishop or a cabi- person accompanying the respondent shall net member about the nature of the complaint have the right of advocacy. without disclosing alleged facts underlying the 4. Communications—In any judicial pro- complaint that might compromise the judicial ceeding, under no circumstances shall one process. party or counsel, in the absence of the other 9. Immunity of Participants—In order to party or counsel, discuss substantive matters preserve the integrity of the Church’s judicial with members of the pending hearing, trial, or process and ensure full participation in it at all appellate body while the case is pending. Ques- times, the resident bishop, the cabinet, the tions of procedure may be raised with the pre- presiding officer of the trial, trial officers, trial siding officer or secretary of the hearing or ap- court, witnesses, counsels, assistant counsels, pellate body. advocates, complainant, committee on investi- 5. Double Jeopardy—No bill of charges gation and all others who participate in the shall be certified by any committee on investi- Church’s judicial process shall have immunity gation after an earlier bill of charges has been from prosecution of complaints brought certified by a committee on investigation against them related to their role in a particu- based on the same alleged occurrences. lar judicial process, unless they have commit- 6. Access to Records—The respondent and ted a chargeable offense in conscious and the Church shall have access to all records re- knowing bad faith. The complainant in any lied upon in the determination of the outcome proceeding against any such person related to of the committee on investigation, trial court, their role in a particular judicial process shall or appeal committee or body.13 have the burden of proving, by clear and con- vincing evidence, that such person’s actions

12 See Judicial Council Decision 695. constituted a chargeable offense committed 13 See Judicial Council Decisions 691, 765.

420 INVESTIGATIONS, TRIALS, AND APPEALS ¶ 2703 knowingly in bad faith. The immunity set forth assment; or (i) child abuse.19 in this provision shall extend to civil court pro- 4. Statute of Limitations—No judicial com- ceedings, to the fullest extent permissible by plaint or charge shall be considered for any al- the civil laws. leged occurrence that shall not have been com- ¶ 2702. Chargeable Offenses and the Stat- mitted within six years immediately preceding ute of Limitations—1. A bishop, clergy member the filing of the original complaint, except in of an annual conference (¶ 365), local pastor, the case of sexual or child abuse (¶ clergy on honorable or administrative loca- 359.1d[1]).20 tion, or diaconal minister may choose a trial 5. Time of Offense—A person shall not be when charged (subject to the statute of limita- charged with an offense that was not a charge- tions in ¶ 2702.4)14 with one or more of the able offense at the time it is alleged to have following offenses: (a) immorality; (b) prac- been committed. Any charge filed shall be in tices declared by The United Methodist the language of The Book of Discipline in ef- Church to be incompatible with Christian fect at the time the offense is alleged to have teachings;15 (c) crime; (d) failure to perform occurred and must relate to an action listed as the work of the ministry; (e) disobedience to a chargeable offense in the Discipline. the Order and Discipline of The United Meth- odist Church; (f) dissemination of doctrines contrary to the established standards of doc- Procedures for Referral and trine of The United Methodist Church; (g) re- Investigation of a Judicial Complaint lationships and/or behavior that undermines the ministry of another pastor;16 (h) racial ¶ 2703. Composition of the Committee on harassment; (i) child abuse;** (j) sexual Investigation—1. When respondent is a abuse;17 (k) sexual misconduct** or (l) sexual bishop—There shall be a committee on investi- harassment. gation elected by each jurisdictional or central 2. A bishop, clergy member of an annual conference on nomination of the College of conference, or diaconal minister may be Bishops in consultation with the jurisdictional brought to trial when the appropriate body episcopacy committee. The committee shall recommends involuntary termination.18 consist of seven clergy in full connection (with 3. A lay member of a local church may be not more than one clergyperson from each an- charged with the following offenses, and, if so, nual conference, if possible), two lay observ- may choose a trial: (a) immorality; (b) crime; ers, and six alternate members, five of whom (c) disobedience to the Order and Discipline of shall be clergypersons in full connection (with The United Methodist Church; (d) dissemina- not more than one clergyperson from each an- tion of doctrines contrary to the established nual conference, if possible) and one of whom standards of doctrine of The United Methodist shall be a layperson. Committee members Church; (e) racial harassment; (f) sexual shall be in good standing and should be abuse; (g) sexual misconduct; (h) sexual har- deemed of good character. The committee should reflect racial, ethnic, and gender diver- sity. The committee shall elect a chairperson and organize at the jurisdictional or central 14 The statute of limitations went into effect as law on a prospective basis starting on January 1, 1993. All conference. Seven clergy or alternates seated alleged offenses that occurred prior to this date are time barred. See Judicial Council Decisions 691, 704, 19 This offense was first listed as a separate chargeable and 723. offense in the 2000 Book of Discipline, effective 15 See Judicial Council Decision 702. January 1, 2001 See Judicial Council Decision 691. 16 See Judicial Council Decision 702. 20 In the case of sexual or child abuse there shall be no 17 See Judicial Council Decisions 736, 768. limitation. Time spent on leave of absence shall not be 18 See Judicial Council Decision 767. considered as part of the six years.

421 ¶ 2703 JUDICIAL ADMINISTRATION as members of the committee shall constitute sity. The committee on investigation shall a quorum. elect a chair and organize at the annual confer- 2. When respondent is a clergy member of ence. Three members or alternates seated as an annual conference, clergy on honorable or members of the committee shall constitute a administrative location or a local pastor— quorum. When a conference does not have There shall be a committee on investigation sufficient diaconal ministers to elect the re- consisting of seven clergy in full connection, quired minimum committee and an investiga- two laypersons, and six alternate members, tion is needed, the bishop, in consultation with five of whom shall be clergy in full connection the College of Bishops, shall request members and one of whom shall be a layperson. The of diaconal committees on investigation from committee shall be nominated by the presiding other conferences in the jurisdiction in suffi- bishop in consultation with the board of or- cient number to provide the required mini- dained ministry and elected quadrennially by mum committee for conducting the investiga- the annual conference. Committee members tion. shall be in good standing and should be 4. When respondent is a layperson—In all deemed of good character. The committee cases, the pastor or district superintendent should reflect racial, ethnic, and gender diver- should take pastoral steps to resolve any com- sity. The committee on investigation shall elect plaints. If such pastoral response does not re- a chair and organize at the annual conference. sult in resolution and a written complaint is None of the members or alternates shall be made against a layperson for any of the members of the board of ordained ministry, offenses in ¶ 2702.3, the pastor in charge or the cabinet, or immediate family members of co-pastors (¶ 205.1) of the local church, in con- the above. Should a member of the committee sultation with the district superintendent and on investigation have been a party to any of the district lay leader, may appoint a commit- the prior proceedings in a case that finally tee on investigation consisting of seven lay comes before the committee, he or she shall be members who come from other congregations, disqualified from sitting on the committee exclusive of the churches of the respondent or during its consideration of that case, and his the complainant. Committee members shall or her place shall be taken by an alternate be in good standing and should be deemed of member. Seven members or alternates seated good character. The committee should reflect as members of the committee shall constitute racial, ethnic, and gender diversity. When the a quorum. pastor in charge is (or co-pastors are) bringing 3. When respondent is a diaconal minis- the charge, the district superintendent, in con- ter—In all cases, the pastor, district superin- sultation with the district lay leader, shall ap- tendent or bishop should take supervisory point the committee on investigation. steps to resolve any grievances or complaints. ¶ 2704. Referral of Original Complaint to There shall be a committee on investigation Counsel for the Church, Who Shall Prepare consisting of not fewer than three diaconal Judicial Complaint and Supporting Material ministers or members of the Church who are for Consideration by Committee on Investiga- not members of the board of ordained minis- tion—1. When respondent is a bishop—a) If a try, nominated by the presiding bishop and written complaint is made against a bishop for elected by the annual conference. Two alter- any of the offenses in ¶ 2702.1, the counsel for nate members shall be elected. Committee the Church, as appointed under ¶ 413.3a, shall members shall be in good standing and should prepare, sign, and forward the judicial com- be deemed of good character. The committee plaint and all documentary evidence under should reflect racial, ethnic, and gender diver- consideration to the chairperson of the com-

422 INVESTIGATIONS, TRIALS, AND APPEALS ¶ 2704 mittee on investigation, the person making the tee on investigation so recommend, the bishop original complaint, and the bishop being may suspend the person charged from all charged (respondent). The respondent shall be clergy responsibilities pending the outcome of given an opportunity to submit to the commit- the judicial process. The respondent retains all tee on investigation a written response to the rights and privileges as stated in ¶ 325. judicial complaint within thirty days of receipt 3. When respondent is a diaconal minis- of the judicial complaint. The chairperson ter—a) If a written complaint is made against a shall convene the committee on investigation diaconal minister for any of the offenses in ¶ within sixty days of receiving the judicial com- 2702.1, and the supervisory response does not plaint. result in resolution, the respondent’s district b) If five or more members of the commit- superintendent may appoint a clergyperson in tee on investigation so recommend, the juris- full connection or diaconal minister as counsel dictional committee on the episcopacy may for the Church. Counsel for the Church shall suspend the respondent pending the outcome prepare, sign, and refer the judicial complaint, of the judicial process. with all relevant material, to the chairperson c) For the purpose of this paragraph, the of the conference committee on investigation United Methodist bishops of the central con- for diaconal ministers and represent the inter- ferences shall constitute one College of Bish- ests of the Church in pressing the claims of the ops. person making the original complaint in any 2. When respondent is a clergy member of proceedings before the committee. A copy of an annual conference, clergy on honorable or the complaint and documentary evidence un- administrative location or a local pastor—a) der consideration shall be sent to the respond- If a written complaint is made against a ent, the person making the original complaint, clergyperson for any of the offenses in ¶ and the bishop. The respondent shall be given 2702.1, the bishop shall appoint a clergyperson an opportunity to submit to the committee on in full connection as counsel for the Church investigation a written response to the judicial (see ¶ 359.1 d[1]). Counsel for the Church shall complaint within thirty days of receipt of the prepare, sign, and refer the judicial complaint, judicial complaint. The chairperson of the con- with all relevant material, to the chairperson of ference committee on investigation shall have the conference committee on investigation and sixty days to convene the committee on inves- represent the interests of the Church in press- tigation after receiving the judicial complaint. ing the claims of the person making the origi- b) If at least two-thirds of the committee on nal complaint in any proceedings before the investigation so recommend, the bishop may committee. A copy of the complaint and docu- suspend the person charged from all profes- mentary evidence under consideration shall be sional responsibilities pending the outcome of sent to the respondent, the person making the the judicial process. original complaint, and the bishop. The re- 4. When respondent is a layperson—a) In spondent shall be given an opportunity to sub- all cases, the pastor or district superintendent mit to the committee on investigation a written should take pastoral steps to resolve any griev- response to the judicial complaint within ances or complaints. If after such steps have thirty days of receipt of the judicial complaint . been taken and have not resulted in a resolu- The chairperson of the conference committee tion and a written complaint is made against a on investigation shall have sixty days to con- layperson for any of the offenses in ¶ 2702.3, vene the committee on investigation after re- the pastor in charge or co-pastors (¶ 205.1) of ceiving the judicial complaint. the local church, in consultation with the dis- b) If five or more members of the commit- trict superintendent and the district lay leader,

423 ¶ 2705 JUDICIAL ADMINISTRATION may appoint counsel for the Church, who shall able grounds exist to bring a bill of charges be a United Methodist. Counsel for the Church and specifications to trial. If so, it shall pre- shall prepare, sign, and refer the judicial com- pare, sign and certify a bill of charges and plaint, with all relevant material, to the chair- specifications. The committee’s duty is only to person of committee on investigation. determine whether reasonable grounds exist b) If five or more members of the commit- to support the charges. It is not the commit- tee so recommend, the pastor may suspend tee’s duty to determine guilt or innocence. the charged layperson from exercising any 2. Parties and counsel—The parties are the Church office pending outcome of the judicial respondent and the Church. process. a) Counsel for the Church—Counsel for the c) All complaints against a layperson under Church shall be appointed as provided in ¶ ¶ 2702.3 shall be submitted in writing, signed 2708.7. Counsel for the Church shall be enti- by the person(s) making the original com- tled to choose one assistant counsel without plaint, and delivered to the pastor in charge of voice who may be an attorney. the local church of which the respondent is a b) Committee on Investigation—The com- member, and a copy shall be sent to the re- mittee on investigation may have legal counsel spondent. present, who shall not be the conference chan- d) The member shall be given an opportu- cellor, for the sole purpose of providing advice nity to submit to the committee on investiga- to the committee. tion a written response to the judicial com- c) When respondent is a bishop, a clergy plaint within thirty days of a receipt of the ju- member of an annual conference, clergy on dicial complaint and the appointing of the honorable or administrative location, a local committee and before consideration of the ju- pastor, a clergyperson, or a diaconal minis- dicial complaint by the committee. ter—A respondent who is a bishop, a e) The district superintendent shall preside clergyperson, or a diaconal minister shall be at all meetings of the committee, shall be given entitled to select a clergyperson in full connec- a copy of the judicial complaint and any re- tion to serve as respondent’s counsel. A re- sponse, and shall have the right to be present spondent shall be entitled to choose one assist- and to speak at all meetings of the committee. ant counsel without voice who may be an attor- ¶ 2705. The Form of the Judicial Com- ney. plaint—The judicial complaint shall be pre- d) Investigation of a respondent who is a pared and signed by counsel for the Church. layperson—A lay respondent shall be entitled The complaint should explain to the commit- to select a lay member or clergyperson to serve tee on investigation the alleged events sur- as respondent’s counsel. A respondent shall be rounding and relating to one or more charge- entitled to choose one assistant counsel with- able offense(s). All relevant documents and out voice who may be an attorney. other exhibits supporting the judicial com- 3. Preliminary meeting—Basic procedural plaint may be attached. The judicial complaint decisions shall be made in a preliminary meet- should include the appropriate chargeable ing. During this meeting, the respondent and offense(s) based on the list in ¶ 2702 and pro- the respondent’s counsel, the person making posed specifications. the original complaint, and the counsel for the ¶ 2706. Committee on Investigation Pro- Church shall have the right to argue proce- cedures—1. Introduction—The role of the dural points before a decision is made by the committee on investigation is to conduct an in- chair. All advance procedural decisions and vestigation into the allegations made in the ju- such unanticipated decisions as may come in dicial complaint and to determine if reason- the course of the meeting of the committee on

424 INVESTIGATIONS, TRIALS, AND APPEALS ¶ 2706 investigation shall be rendered in writing so as evance and reliability. The introduction of any to be available for consideration in all further material relating to events barred by the stat- possible stages of the case. ute of limitations (¶ 2702.4) as evidence, as 4. Hearing before the Committee on Inves- preface to evidence, or as build-up for evidence tigation—a) If possible, the respondent and in the procedures of the committee on investi- the person(s) bringing the original complaint gation or the trial proceedings shall be permit- shall be brought face to face, but the inability ted when the presiding officer, after consulta- to do this shall not invalidate an investigation. tion with counsel for both parties, rules that Notice of the hearings shall be given to all par- such material is relevant and reliable. ties, and the person(s) bringing the original e) Verbatim transcript—There shall be a complaint and they all shall be permitted to be verbatim record of all proceedings of the com- present during testimony, but not during de- mittee on investigation, except when the com- liberations. Proceedings in the investigation mittee meets in executive session. The term shall be informal. No oaths shall be taken. All executive session shall mean the committee procedural decisions shall be made by the meeting alone or with its legal counsel. If the chairperson. complaint is dismissed or returned to the b) Interview of witness prior to or outside bishop, no verbatim record need be tran- of hearing—The chairperson shall have the scribed and the record that exists will be sent power, whenever it is appropriate in the com- to the conference secretary for retention. mittee’s own discretion, to appoint a 5. Bill of Charges and Specifications, De- member(s) of the committee to interview any liberations, Vote, and Referral—A vote on witness(es), provided that all parties may be each charge and each specification shall be present (without voice) and that three days taken separately. notice of the time and place of such interview a) Bill of Charges and Specifications—A shall have been given to all parties. The charge is one of the chargeable offenses listed person(s) so appointed shall create a verbatim in ¶ 2702. A charge shall not include more than record of the interview and certify the record one such chargeable offense. More than one by signature for transmittal to the chairperson. charge against the same person may be pre- c) Examination of witnesses—The commit- sented and tried at the same time. Each charge tee on investigation may call and question must be written, with specifications that sup- such persons or request such written informa- port the charge. Each charge must be accom- tion, including but not limited to materials panied by one or more specifications of fact. from the supervisory process, as it deems nec- Each specification, standing alone, must allege essary to establish whether or not there are a factual occurrence that, if found to be true, reasonable grounds for formulating a charge would support a finding of guilty on the related or charges. The committee may receive from charge. The specifications should be as specific the counsels suggested lists of persons to be as possible with information such as date, questioned, sources of written material or place, and specific events alleged to have oc- questions. There shall be no right of cross-ex- curred. The bill of charges and specifications amination by either the respondent or the may contain other relevant and material back- person(s) bringing the original complaint. ground factual evidence as an introduction d) Evidence—The committee should only (separate and apart from the actual charges consider testimony or evidence which is rel- and specifications). evant and reliable. The chairperson or presid- b) Finding of reasonable grounds by com- ing officer, after consultation with counsel for mittee and referral of bill of charges and both parties, shall rule on challenges to rel- specifications for trial—(1) When respondent

425 ¶ 2706 JUDICIAL ADMINISTRATION is a bishop—A vote to adopt any charge or pastor or co-pastors in the case of layperson) specification shall require five votes. Any bill of for administrative or other action. Notification charges and specifications adopted shall be of these actions, should be given to the re- sent to the bishop charged, to the secretary of spondent, the person making the original com- the jurisdictional or central conference, to the plaint, counsel for the Church and the proper president and secretary of the College of Bish- referring Church officials. ops, to counsel for the Church, and to the (2) If the committee on investigation deter- chairperson of the jurisdictional committee on mines that the judicial complaint is not based the episcopacy. upon chargeable offenses, or for other good (2) When respondent is a clergyperson cause, the committee may refer the complaint other than a bishop—A vote to adopt any to the proper referring Church official (see ¶ charge or specification shall require five votes. 2706.5c[1] above) for administrative or other Any bill of charges and specifications adopted action. Such referral will not constitute a dis- by the committee on investigations shall be missal or double jeopardy under ¶ 2701.5. No- sent by the chairperson within five days to the tification of these actions should be given to respondent, the person making the complaint, the respondent, the person making the origi- the secretary of the annual conference, the nal complaint, counsel for the Church and the counsel for the Church, and the resident proper referring Church officials. bishop. (3) When respondent is a diaconal minis- ter—A vote to adopt any charge or specifica- Trials tion shall require two votes. Any bill of charges and specifications adopted shall be sent to the ¶ 2707. Fundamental Principles for Tri- respondent within five days, the secretary of als—Church trials are to be regarded as an ex- the annual conference, the chairperson of the pedient of last resort. Only after every reason- board of ordained ministry, the respondent’s able effort has been made to correct any wrong district superintendent, counsel for the and adjust any existing difficulty should steps Church, and the resident bishop. be taken to institute a trial. No such trial as (4) When respondent is a layperson—A herein provided shall be construed to deprive vote to adopt any charge or specification shall the respondent or the Church of legal civil require five votes. Any bill of charges and rights, except to the extent that immunity is specifications adopted by the committee shall provided as in ¶ 2701.9. All trials shall be con- be sent to the person charged, the recording ducted according to The Book of Discipline in a secretary of the charge conference, counsel for consistent Christian manner by a properly the Church, the pastor(s), and the district su- constituted court after due investigation. perintendent. ¶ 2708. General Organization and Pre- c) Findings other than reasonable grounds Trial Procedures—1. Officers of the Court—Of- by committee—(1) If the committee on investi- ficers shall consist of a presiding officer (see ¶¶ gation determines that there are no reasonable 2712.2, 2713.2, 2714.2), who shall appoint a grounds for charges, it may dismiss the judicial secretary and such other officers as deemed complaint. When deemed appropriate, it may necessary. The presiding officer may have legal also refer matters of concern to the proper re- counsel, who shall not be the conference chan- ferring Church official (to the president or sec- cellor, at the expense of the annual conference retary of the College of Bishops in the case of holding the trial, for the sole purpose of advice bishop, to the resident bishop in the case of a to the presiding officer during the trial. clergyperson or diaconal minister, or to the 2. Time and Place of Trial—The official

426 INVESTIGATIONS, TRIALS, AND APPEALS ¶ 2708 charged with convening the trial shall also fix 5. Notice—a) All notices required or pro- the time and place for the trial and will notify vided for in relationship to investigations, tri- the presiding officer, the respondent, counsel als, and appeals shall be in writing, signed by for the Church and the person making the or on behalf of the person or body giving or re- original complaint. In all cases, sufficient time quired to give such notice, and shall be ad- shall be allowed for these persons to appear at dressed to the person or body to whom it is re- the given place and time and for the respond- quired to be given. Such notices shall be ent to prepare for the trial. The presiding of- served by delivering a copy thereof to the party ficer shall decide what constitutes ”sufficient or chief officer of the body to whom it is ad- time,” but in no case shall this time be less than dressed in person or sent by other delivery sys- twenty days. tem to the last-known residence or address of 3. Pre-Trial Motions—All appeals of any such party. Proof of notice shall be provided procedural or substantive matters that have and becomes a part of the record of the case. occurred prior to referral of the charges to trial b) In all cases wherein it is provided that must be appealed to the presiding officer of notice shall be given to a bishop or district su- the trial court before the convening of the trial. perintendent and the charges are against that Otherwise, the right to appeal on such matters particular person, then such notice (in addi- is forfeited. All objections to and motions re- tion to being given to the accused) shall be garding the regularity of the proceedings and given, in the case of a bishop, to another the form and substance of charges and specifi- bishop within the same jurisdiction and, in the cations must be made before the convening of case of a district superintendent, to the bishop the trial court. The presiding officer may de- in charge. termine all such preliminary objections and 6. Trial Scheduling and Continuances—If motions; in furtherance of truth and justice in any case the respondent, after due notice may permit amendments to the specifications (twenty days) has been given, shall refuse or or charges not changing the general nature of neglect to appear at the time and place set the same; and may dismiss all or any part of forth for the hearing, the trial may proceed in the bill of charges upon a finding by the pre- the respondent’s absence. However, if in the siding officer (1) that all or such part is without sole discretion of the presiding officer there is legal or factual basis or (2) that, even assum- good and sufficient reason for the absence of ing the specifications to be true, they do not the respondent or another essential person, constitute a basis for a chargeable offense. the presiding officer may reschedule the trial 4. Change of Venue—The respondent may to a later date. request a change of venue. This shall be a writ- 7. Counsel—In all cases, a respondent shall ten request to the presiding officer of the court be entitled to appear and to select and be rep- within ten days of receipt of notice to appear resented by counsel, a clergyperson in full con- for trial. The presiding officer shall rule upon nection of The United Methodist Church if the the request after hearing arguments by the re- respondent is a bishop, a clergyperson, or a di- spondent and the Church. If the motion is ap- aconal minister; and a lay or clergy member of proved, the presiding officer shall name the The United Methodist Church if the respond- annual conference outside the episcopal area ent is a lay member. The respondent and the wherein the trial shall be held and shall notify Church shall be entitled to have counsel heard the resident bishop of that conference, who in oral or written argument or both. The offi- shall convene the court. The cost of prosecu- cial charged with convening the court (see ¶¶ tion shall be borne by the conference where the 2712.1, 2713.1, 2714.1) shall, within thirty days case originated. after receiving a copy of the charges and speci-

427 ¶ 2708 JUDICIAL ADMINISTRATION fications, appoint counsel for the Church, if power, whenever the necessity of the parties or counsel has not been previously appointed. In witnesses shall require, to appoint, on the ap- the case of a trial of a bishop, clergyperson, or plication of either party, a commissioner or local pastor, counsel for the Church shall be a commissioners, either a clergy or a layperson clergyperson in full connection (¶¶ 359.1d[1], or both, to examine the witnesses; provided 2712.4) to represent the interests of the that three days’ notice of the time and place of Church in pressing the claims of the person taking such testimony shall have been given to making the complaint. the adverse party. The party making this re- No person who was a member of the cabi- quest shall have the burden of showing good net, board of ordained ministry, or committee cause and shall bear the cost of such commis- on investigation who earlier considered the sioned out-of-court testimony. Counsel for case now before the trial court shall be ap- both parties shall be permitted to examine and pointed counsel for the Church or serve as cross-examine the witness or witnesses whose counsel for the respondent or any of the per- testimony is thus taken. The commissioners so sons bringing complaints in a case. In all cases appointed shall take such testimony in writing of trial where counsel has not been chosen by as may be offered by either party. The testi- the respondent, counsel shall be appointed by mony properly certified by the signature of the the presiding officer. The counsel for the commissioner or commissioners shall be Church and for the respondent each shall be transmitted to the presiding officer of the court entitled to choose one assistant counsel, who before which the case is pending. may be an attorney, without voice. ”Without 11. Amendments to Bill of Charges and voice” means without the ability to speak to or Specifications—After consultation with coun- within the hearing of the trial court. sels, the presiding officer of the trial may make 8. Witnesses—Notice to appear shall be amendments to the bill of charges, or request given to such witnesses as either party may that the committee on investigation make name and shall be issued in the name of the amendments to the bill of charges; provided Church and be signed by the presiding officer that they do not change the nature of the of the trial. It shall be the duty of all clergy and charges and specifications and do not intro- lay members of The United Methodist Church duce new matter of which the respondent has to appear and testify when summoned. Refusal not had due notice. When an amendment or to appear or to answer questions ruled by the amendments to a bill of charges is or are de- presiding officer to be relevant may be consid- nied by the presiding officer, it or they shall not ered as disobedience to the Order and Disci- be introduced in the form of testimony in the pline of The United Methodist Church except trial. Charges or specifications previously con- when refusal to answer is based on a good faith sidered and dropped by the committee on in- claim that answering might tend to incrimi- vestigation shall not be introduced in the trial nate the witness under state or federal crimi- in the form of evidence or otherwise. nal law or is based on a claim of confidential 12. Open or Closed Trials—The delibera- communication to a clergyperson under ¶ tions of the trial court shall be closed. All other 332.5. sessions of the trial shall be closed, except 9. Witness Qualifications—A witness, to be upon written request to the presiding officer qualified, need not be a member of The United by counsel for the respondent, the trial shall be Methodist Church. open. Also, the trial may be opened by the pre- 10. Commissioned Out-of-Court Testi- siding officer, upon written request of either mony—The presiding officer of any court be- the counsel for the Church or the counsel for fore which a case may be pending shall have the person charged, to family of the person

428 INVESTIGATIONS, TRIALS, AND APPEALS ¶ 2710 charged, or family of the person making the Church and the respondent shall each have up original complaint, and/or to other personally to four peremptory challenges and challenges significant people. Any motions to open the for cause without limit. If by reason of chal- trial should be presented and decided prior to lenges for cause being sustained the number is the date of the trial. In addition, the presiding reduced to below thirteen, additional appro- officer may, in his or her judgment on motion priate persons shall be nominated in like man- of counsel for either party or on the presiding ner as was the original panel to take the places officer’s own motion, declare a particular ses- of the numbers challenged, who likewise shall sion of the court to be closed. At all times, how- be subject to challenge for cause. This method ever, in the hearing portion of the trial, the pre- of procedure shall be followed until a trial siding officer, the members of the trial court, court of thirteen members and two alternate the person(s) making the original complaint, members has been selected. the person representing the Church as well as 4. Alternates—The two alternate members counsel for the Church, the respondent, and shall sit as observers of the trial. They shall re- counsel for the respondent shall have a right to place members of the trial court who are not be present. able to continue to serve, so that the trial court 13. Combined Trials of Multiple Persons— shall always consist of thirteen members, un- In cases in which a number of persons have al- less the respondent and counsel for the legedly engaged in the same offense at the Church agree to a lesser number. same time and place, their trials may be com- 5. Trial Court Questions—The members of bined into one trial for that same offense. The the trial court, including the alternate mem- presiding officer shall make the determination bers, may, subject to the approval of the pre- on combination of trials. siding officer of the court, ask questions on ¶ 2709. Trial Convening and Organiza- matters on which evidence has been pre- tion—1. Convening of the Trial—The convenor sented. shall notify the respondent in writing to appear ¶ 2710. Trial Guidelines and Rules—1. Au- at a fixed time and place no less than twenty thority of Presiding Officer—After the trial is days after service of such notice and within a convened the authority of the presiding officer reasonable time thereafter for selection of the shall include the right to set reasonable time members of the trial court. limits, after consultation with counsel for the 2. Trial Pool—At the appointed time, in the Church and counsel for the person charged, for presence of the respondent, counsel for the re- the presentation of the case, provided such spondent, counsel for the Church, and the pre- time is equal for both. The authority of the pre- siding officer, thirteen persons shall be se- siding officer shall be limited to ruling upon lected as a trial court out of a pool of thirty-five proper representation of the Church and the or more persons selected according to ¶¶ person charged, admissibility of evidence, re- 2712.3, 2713.4, and 2714.5. Special considera- cessing, adjourning, and reconvening sessions tion should be given so that the pool includes of the trial, charging the members of the trial persons representative of racial, ethnic, and court as to the Church law involved in the case gender diversity. at the beginning of the trial and just before 3. Selection of the Trial Court—No person they retire to make up their verdict, and such shall serve as a member of the trial court who other authority as is normally vested in a civil was a member of the cabinet, board of or- court judge sitting with a jury, but he or she dained ministry, or committee on investiga- shall not have authority to pronounce any tion who considered the case in the process of judgment in favor of or against the person coming to trial court. The counsel for the charged other than such verdict as may be re-

429 ¶ 2710 JUDICIAL ADMINISTRATION turned by the trial court, which body shall have be considered disobedience to the Order and the exclusive right to determine the innocence Discipline of The United Methodist Church. or guilt of the person charged. The presiding officer shall remain and preside 2. Order of Trial—After selection of the until the decision is rendered and the findings trial court, each counsel may make an opening are completed and shall thereupon sign and statement to inform the trial court of what the certify them. evidence is expected to be. Evidence shall then 6. Objections—Objections of any party to be offered by questioning of witnesses and by the proceedings shall be entered on the record. documents shown to be reliable. Each counsel 7. Exclusion of Witnesses—No witness af- shall have opportunity to make closing argu- terward to be examined shall be present dur- ments before the trial court begins delibera- ing the examination of another witness if the tions. Deliberations of the trial court and re- opposing party objects. Witnesses shall be ex- ceiving of the verdict shall follow. amined first by the party producing them, then 3. Oaths—The administration of oaths shall cross-examined by the opposite party and may not be required. At the beginning of the trial, be questioned by members of the trial court, the presiding officer shall remind all parties of with the approval of the presiding officer. The the duties and responsibilities of Church presiding officer of the court shall determine membership (¶ 218) and/or the clergy cov- all questions of relevancy and competency of enant (¶¶ 306.4 f and 325). evidence. 4. Entering of the Plea—At the beginning of 8. Recording of Proceedings—A verbatim the trial, the respondent shall be called upon record of all proceedings of the trial shall be by by the presiding officer to plead to the charge, stenograph or other appropriate means and and the pleas shall be recorded. If the respond- reduced to writing and certified by the presid- ent pleads ”guilty” to the charges preferred, no ing officer or secretary. The record, including trial shall be necessary, but evidence may be all exhibits, papers and evidence in the case, taken with respect to the appropriate penalty, shall be the basis of any appeal that may be which shall thereupon be imposed. If the re- taken. spondent pleads ”not guilty” or if the respond- 9. Evidence—The introduction of any mate- ent should neglect or refuse to plead, the plea rial relating to events happening before the of ”not guilty” shall be entered, and the trial six-year statute of limitation period as evi- shall proceed. The respondent shall at all times dence, as preface to evidence, or as build-up during the trial, except as hereinafter pro- for evidence in the procedures of the trial pro- vided, have the right to produce testimony and ceedings may be permitted when the presiding that of witnesses and to make defense. officer, after consultation with counsel for 5. Recess and Trial Procedures—The court both parties, rules that such material is rel- may recess from time to time as convenience evant and reliable. Documentary evidence or necessity may require. During the time of deemed by the presiding officer to be relevant recess, the members of the trial court shall be and reliable may be in the physical possession instructed that under no circumstance will of the trial court during deliberations. they speak to one another or to others about 10. Instructions and Charges—The presid- the trial or observe media reports regarding ing officer shall not deliver a charge reviewing the case. When, in consultation with counsel or explaining the evidence or setting forth the for both parties, the presiding officer finds it merits of the case. The presiding officer shall advisable, the members and reserves shall be express no opinion on the law or the facts sequestered. Threatening or tampering with while the court is deliberating. If requested by the trial court or officers of the trial court shall either party’s counsel, the presiding officer

430 INVESTIGATIONS, TRIALS, AND APPEALS ¶ 2712 shall instruct the trial court on Church law ap- lesser penalty. The penalty fixed by the trial plicable to the case. Instructions may be given court shall take effect immediately unless oth- at the beginning of the trial, during the trial, erwise indicated by the trial court. before the trial court begins deliberations or a b) Suspension After Trial. The resident combination of any of these. If requested by bishop may, with the unanimous concurrence the trial court, instructions may be given dur- of the district superintendents, suspend the ing deliberations. The presiding officer shall person charged from all clergy responsibilities not review or explain the evidence or comment but not the related benefits, such as annuity on the merits of the case. and conference group medical and hospital in- ¶ 2711. Power of the Trial Court—1. In- surance and life insurance, pending the out- struction, Disqualification, Voting and Ver- come of the appeals process. If the person dicts—The trial court shall have full power to charged should be found innocent at the end of try the respondent. The trial court shall be a the judicial process, he or she shall be finan- continuing body until the final disposition of cially recompensed by his or her annual con- the charge. If any regular or alternate member ference for the time lost under said suspen- of the trial court fails to attend any part of any sion. Equitable recompense shall be deter- session at which evidence is received or oral mined by the conference council on finance argument is made to the trial court by counsel, and administration, taking into account serv- that person shall not thereafter be a member of ice years, the loss of income during suspen- the trial court, but the rest of the trial court sion, and loss of parsonage use, if any. In no may proceed to judgment. case shall the recompense be less than the 2. Votes—It shall require a vote of at least minimum salary. Time on a suspension im- nine members of the trial court to sustain the posed by the resident bishop may be applied to charge(s) and nine votes also shall be required lessen the time of suspension fixed by the trial for conviction. Fewer than nine votes for con- court and sustained or modified by the appeals viction shall be considered an acquittal. The process. burden of proof for a vote to convict shall be ¶ 2712. Trial of a Bishop—1. The president clear and convincing. The trial court shall of the College of Bishops of the jurisdictional present to the presiding officer a decision on or central conference—or in case the person each charge and each individual specification charged is the president, the secretary of the under each charge. Its findings shall be final, college—shall proceed to convene the court subject to appeal to the committee on appeals under the provisions of ¶ 2709. of the jurisdictional conference or the central 2. The president of the College of Bishops conference, as the case may be. (or in the case the person charged is the presi- 3. Penalties—a) If the Trial Results in Con- dent, the secretary) may preside or designate viction. Further testimony may be heard and another bishop to serve as presiding officer. arguments by counsel presented regarding 3. The trial shall be convened as provided in what the penalty should be. The trial court ¶ 2709 with the pool of thirty-five or more per- shall determine the penalty, which shall re- sons to consist of clergy in full connection quire a vote of at least seven members. The named by the College of Bishops in approxi- trial court shall have the power to expel the re- mately equal numbers from each episcopal spondent from the Church, terminate the con- area within the jurisdictional or central confer- ference membership and/or revoke the cre- ence. Special consideration should be given so dentials of ordination or consecration of the that the pool includes persons representative respondent, suspend the respondent from the of racial, ethnic, and gender diversity. exercise of the functions of office, or to fix a 4. Counsel for the Church shall be a bishop

431 ¶ 2713 JUDICIAL ADMINISTRATION or another clergyperson in full connection. shall be diaconal ministers or, when necessary, 5. The secretary of the court shall at the members of the Church. Special consideration conclusion of the proceedings send all trial should be given so that the pool includes per- documents to the secretary of the jurisdic- sons representative of racial, ethnic, and gen- tional or central conference, who shall keep der diversity. them in custody. If an appeal is taken, the sec- 4. Counsel for the Church shall be a retary shall forward the materials forthwith to clergyperson in full connection. the secretary of the Judicial Council. After the 5. The secretary of the court shall at the appeal has been heard, the records shall be re- conclusion of the proceedings send all trial turned to the secretary of the jurisdictional or documents to the secretary of the annual con- central conference. ference, who shall keep them in custody. Such 6. A bishop suspended from office shall documents are to be held in a confidential file have claim on the Episcopal Fund for salary, and shall not be released for other than appeal dwelling, pension, and other related benefits. or new trial purposes without a signed release A bishop removed from office shall have no from both the clergyperson charged and the claim upon the Episcopal Fund for salary, presiding officer of the trial that tried the case. dwelling, pension and other related benefits If an appeal is taken, the secretary shall for- from the date of such removal. ward the materials forthwith to the president 7. For the purpose of this paragraph, the of the court of appeals of the jurisdictional or United Methodist bishops outside of the central conference. If a president has not been United States shall constitute one College of elected, the secretary shall send the materials Bishops. to such members of the court of appeals as the ¶ 2713. Trial of a Clergy Member of an president of the College of Bishops shall desig- Annual Conference, Local Pastor, Clergy on nate. After the appeal has been heard, the Honorable or Administrative Location, or Di- records shall be returned to the secretary of the aconal Minister—1. The resident bishop of the annual conference unless a further appeal on a respondent shall proceed to convene the court question of law has been made to the Judicial under the provisions of ¶ 2709. Council, in which case the relevant documents 2. The resident bishop shall designate an- shall be forwarded to the secretary of that other bishop to be presiding officer. body. 3. a) The trial for a clergy member or a local ¶ 2714. Trial of Lay Member of a Local pastor shall be convened as provided in ¶ 2709 Church—1. The district superintendent of the with the pool of thirty-five or more persons to person charged shall proceed to convene the consist of clergy in full connection. If there are court under the provisions of ¶ 2709. not enough persons in appropriate categories 2. The district superintendent may be the in an annual conference to complete the pool, presiding officer or may designate another additional persons may be appointed from clergyperson in full connection to preside. other annual conferences. All appointments to 3. The trial shall be convened as provided in the pool shall be made by the district superin- ¶ 2709, with the pool of thirty-five or more per- tendents. Special consideration should be sons to consist of lay members of local given so that the pool includes persons repre- churches other than the local church of the sentative of racial, ethnic, and gender diver- charged layperson within the same district. sity. Appointments to the pool shall be made by the b) The trial for a diaconal minister shall be district superintendent, who may consult with convened as provided in ¶ 2709 and shall con- the district lay leader. Special consideration sist of a pool of thirty-five or more persons who should be given so that the pool includes per-

432 INVESTIGATIONS, TRIALS, AND APPEALS ¶ 2715 sons representative of racial, ethnic, and gen- appellate body shall be limited to the grounds der diversity. set forth in such statement.21 4. Counsel for the Church shall be a lay or 2. When any appellate body shall reverse in clergyperson who is a member of The United whole or in part the findings of a committee on Methodist Church. investigation or trial court, or remand the case 5. The person charged may request a for a new hearing or trial, or change the pen- change of venue. This shall be a written re- alty imposed by the trial court, it shall return quest to the officers of the court within ten to the convening officer a statement of the days of receipt of notice to appear for trial. The grounds of its action. presiding officer shall rule upon the request af- 3. An appeal shall not be allowed in any case ter hearing argument for the defense and the in which the respondent has failed or refused Church. If the motion is approved, the presid- to be present in person or by counsel at the ing officer shall name another district wherein investigation and the trial. Appeals shall be the trial shall be held and shall notify the dis- heard by the proper appellate body unless it trict superintendent, who shall convene the shall appear to the said body that the appellant court. The thirty-five—member pool shall con- has forfeited the right to appeal by miscon- sist of lay members from that district. The cost duct, such as refusal to abide by the findings of of prosecution shall be borne by the annual the trial court; or by withdrawal from the conference. Church; or by failure to appear in person or by 6. If the trial court finds that the charges are counsel to prosecute the appeal; or, prior to proven by clear and convincing evidence, then the final decision on appeal from conviction, it may impose such penalties as it may deter- by resorting to suit in the civil courts against mine, including that the membership of the the complainant or any of the parties con- charged layperson in The United Methodist nected with the ecclesiastical court in which Church be terminated; provided that the trial the appellant was tried.22 court shall first consider other remedies that 4. The right of appeal, when once forfeited would fulfill the provisions of ¶ 220. by neglect or otherwise, cannot be revived by 7. The appropriate officer of the trial shall, any subsequent appellate body. at the conclusion of the proceeding, deposit all 5. The right to prosecute an appeal shall not trial documents with the secretary of the be affected by the death of the person entitled charge conference. If an appeal is taken, the to such right. Heirs or legal representatives secretary shall deliver all documents to the dis- may prosecute such appeal as the appellant trict superintendent. After the appeal has been would be entitled to do if living. heard, the records shall be returned to the cus- 6. The records and documents of the trial, tody of the secretary of the charge conference. including the evidence, and these only, shall be used in the hearing of any appeal. 7. The appellate body shall determine two Appeals questions only: (a) Does the weight of the evi- dence sustain the charge or charges? (b) Were ¶ 2715. Appeal Procedures—General—1. there such errors of Church law as to vitiate the In all cases of appeal, the appellant shall within verdict and/or the penalty? These questions thirty days give written notice of appeal and at shall be determined by the records of the trial the same time shall furnish to the officer re- and the argument of counsel for the Church ceiving such notice (¶¶ 2716.2, 2717.1, 2718.2) and for the respondent. The appellate body and to the counsel a written statement of the grounds of the appeal, and the hearing in the 21 See Judicial Council Memorandum 826. 22 See Judicial Council Decisions 3.

433 ¶ 2715 JUDICIAL ADMINISTRATION shall in no case hear witnesses. It may have le- ment of the grounds of its action. This is not to gal counsel present, who shall not be the con- be double jeopardy. ference chancellor for the conference from 11. Questions of procedure may be raised which the appeal is taken, for the sole purpose with the presiding officer or secretary of the of providing advice to the appellate body. appellate body. Under no circumstances shall 8. In all cases where an appeal is made and one party in the absence of the other party dis- admitted by the appellate committee, after the cuss substantive matters with members of any charges, findings, and evidence have been read appellate body while the case is pending (cf. ¶ and the arguments conclude, the parties shall 2701.4). withdraw, and the appellate committee shall 12. In all matters of judicial administration, consider and decide the case. It may reverse in the rights, duties, and responsibilities of clergy whole or in part the findings of the committee members and diaconal ministers of missionary on investigation or the trial court, or it may re- conferences and provisional annual confer- mand the case for a new trial to determine ver- ences are the same as those in annual confer- dict and/or penalty. It may determine what ences, and the procedure is the same. penalty, not higher than that affixed at the 13. Contacts with members of any appellate hearing or trial, may be imposed. If it neither body shall be limited to matters of procedure reverses in whole or in part the judgment of and shall be directed only to the presiding of- the trial court, nor remands the case for a new ficer or secretary of the appellate body. Under trial, nor modifies the penalty, that judgment no circumstances shall matters of substance shall stand. The appellate committee shall not be discussed. reverse the judgment nor remand the case for a ¶ 2716. Appeal of a Bishop, Clergy Mem- new hearing or trial on account of errors ber of an Annual Conference, Clergy on plainly not affecting the result. All decisions of Honorable or Administrative Location, Local the appellate committee shall require a major- Pastor, or Diaconal Minister—1. Each juris- ity vote. dictional and central conference, upon nomi- 9. In all cases, the right to present evidence nation of the College of Bishops, shall elect a shall be exhausted when the case has been committee on appeals composed of four heard once on its merits in the proper court, clergy, one diaconal minister, one full-time lo- but questions of Church law may be carried on cal pastor, and three laypersons who have been appeal, step by step, to the Judicial Council. at least six years successively members of The 10. The Church shall have no right of appeal United Methodist Church, and an equal from findings of the trial court. In regard to number of corresponding alternates. This cases where there is an investigation under ¶ committee shall serve until its successors have 2702, but no trial is held, egregious errors of been elected. No member shall participate in Church law or administration may be appealed the hearing of an appeal who is a member of a to the jurisdictional committee on appeals by conference in the episcopal area of the appel- counsel for the Church. The committee on in- lant. Any vacancy shall be filled by the College vestigation’s decision not to certify a bill of of Bishops. charges does not alone constitute an egregious The committee on appeals shall have full error of Church law or administration. When power to hear and determine appeals of bish- the committee on appeals shall find egregious ops, clergy members, clergy members on errors of Church law or administration under honorable or administrative location, local this part, it may remand the case for a new pastors, and diaconal ministers from any an- hearing, in which event it shall return to the nual conference, provisional or missionary chair of the committee on investigation a state- conference within the jurisdiction or central

434 INVESTIGATIONS, TRIALS, AND APPEALS ¶ 2717 conference. The committee shall elect its own specified in ¶ 2708.7. The presiding bishop of president nd secretary and shall adopt its own the conference or, in the appeal of a bishop, the rules of procedure, and its decisions shall be fi- president or secretary of the College of Bish- nal, except that an appeal may be taken to the ops, shall appoint counsel for the Church. Judicial Council only upon questions of law re- 4. All necessary traveling and sustenance lated to procedures of the jurisdictional com- expense incurred by the committee on appeals, mittee on appeals, central conference commit- including any cost for legal counsel retained to tee on appeals, or under the provisions of ¶ advise the committee, in the hearing of an ap- 2609.8. A bishop designated by the College of peal case coming from an annual conference Bishops shall convene the committee at the and appearing before any jurisdictional or site of jurisdictional or central conference for central conference committee on appeals, the purpose of electing officers. shall be paid out of the administrative fund of 2. In case of conviction by a trial court, a the central or jurisdictional conference in bishop, clergy member, local pastor, clergy on which the proceedings arise. The president of honorable or administrative location, or diaco- the committee on appeals shall approve all ex- nal minister shall have the right of appeal to penses. Expenses for counsel for the Church the jurisdictional or central conference com- shall be paid by the annual conference. Such mittee on appeals above constituted; provided expenses for counsel for the respondent shall that within thirty days after the conviction, the be paid by the respondent, unless in the inter- appellant shall notify the presiding bishop of est of fairness, the committee on appeals or- the conference (or, when the appellant is a ders the annual conference to reimburse the bishop, the president and secretary of the Col- respondent. lege of Bishops) and the presiding officer of ¶ 2717. Appeal of a Lay Member—1. A lay the court in writing of the intention to appeal. member convicted by a trial court shall have 3. When notice of an appeal has been given the right of appeal and shall serve written no- to the presiding officer of the court, the presid- tice of appeal with the pastor and the district ing officer shall give notice of the same to the superintendent within thirty days of convic- secretary of the committee on appeals of the tion. jurisdictional or central conference and sub- 2. The district superintendent shall, on re- mit the documents in the case, or in case the ceipt of notice of appeal, give written notice to documents have been sent to the secretary of all concerned of the time and place of the con- the annual conference, instruct the secretary vening of a committee on appeals not less than to send the documents to the president of the ten nor more than thirty days after such notice committee on appeals. The jurisdictional or has been delivered. central conference committee on appeals shall 3. The committee on appeals shall be con- within thirty days give notice to the presiding stituted in the following manner: The district bishop of the conference from which the ap- superintendent shall appoint eleven peal is taken (or to the president and secretary laypersons who are members of United Meth- of the College of Bishops when the appellant is odist Churches within the annual conference a bishop) and to the appellant of the time and other than the appellant’s local church, none of place where the appeal will be heard. Such whom shall have been members of the trial hearing shall occur within 180 days following court, and who hold office either as lay leader receipt of notice to the committee on appeals. or lay member of the annual conference. At the Both the annual conference, missionary con- convening of the committee on appeals, from ference, or provisional conference and the ap- seven to eleven of these shall be selected to pellant may be represented by counsel as serve on the committee. The counsel for the

435 ¶ 2718 JUDICIAL ADMINISTRATION appellant and the counsel for the Church shall the procedures agree that fairness will be bet- have the right to challenge for cause, and the ter served by having the procedures carried out decisions on the validity of such challenges by the appropriate officers of the annual con- shall be made by the presiding officer, who ference in which he or she is serving under ap- shall be the district superintendent. pointment, or if retired, currently residing. 4. The findings of the committee on appeals 2. When a bishop, clergy member, local shall be certified by the district superintendent pastor, or diaconal minister is charged with an to the pastor of the church of which the ac- offense under ¶ 2702 and desires to withdraw cused is a member. from the Church, the jurisdictional or central ¶ 2718. Other Appeals—1. The order of ap- conference in the case of a bishop, the annual peals on questions of law shall be as follows: conference in the case of a clergy member, or from the decision of the district superindent the district conference (where there is no dis- presiding in the charge or district conference trict conference, the charge conference) in the to the bishop presiding in the annual confer- case of a local pastor or diaconal minister will ence, and from the decision of the bishop pre- ask him or her to surrender his or her creden- siding in the annual conference to the Judicial tials and will remove his or her name from the Council, and from a central conference to the roll of members; in which case the record shall Judicial Council. be ”Withdrawn under charges.” 2. When an appeal is taken on a question of 3. When a member of the Church is charged law, written notice of the same shall be served with an offense and desires to withdraw from on the secretary of the body in which the deci- the Church, the charge conference may permit sion has been rendered. It shall be the secre- such member to withdraw, in which case the tary’s duty to see that an exact statement of the record shall be ”Withdrawn under com- question submitted and the ruling of the chair plaints.” If formal charges have been pre- thereon shall be entered on the journal. The sented, such member may be permitted to secretary shall then make and certify a copy of withdraw, in which case the record shall be the question and ruling and transmit the same ”Withdrawn under charges.” In either case, the to the secretary of the body to which the appeal status shall be the same as if the member had is taken. The secretary who thus receives said been expelled. certified copy shall present the same in open 4. In all matters of judicial administration, conference and as soon as practicable lay it be- the rights, duties, and responsibilities of clergy fore the presiding officer for a ruling thereon, members, local pastors, clergy on honorable or which ruling must be rendered before the final administrative location, and diaconal minis- adjournment of that body, that said ruling to- ters of missions, missionary conferences, and gether with the original question and ruling provisional annual conferences are the same may be entered on the journal of that confer- as those in annual conferences, and the proce- ence. The same course shall be followed in all dure is the sam subsequent appeals. ¶ 2719. Miscellaneous Provisions—1. Any clergy members residing beyond the bounds of the conference in which membership is held shall be subject to the procedures of ¶¶ 2701- 2718 exercised by the appropriate officers of the conference in which he or she is a member, unless the presiding bishops of the two annual conferences and the clergy member subject to

436 INDEX INDEX

A leave of absence for, ¶ 354 standards, ¶ 138 Social Principles, ¶ 161K animal life The Advance for Christ and His Church, Social Principles, ¶ 160C abandonment of local church property, ¶¶ 651 annual conference agencies ¶ 2548.3 Advance Special Gifts, ¶¶ 617.1a(5), administrative review committee, ¶ abortion 651.2-3 633 Social Principles, ¶ 161J advocate Advance program, ¶ 651 abstinence, ¶ 806.10 clergyperson as, in judicial proceed- annual conference responsibility for abuse in families ings, ¶ 2701.3 structure, ¶ 608 Social Principles, ¶ 161H affiliate membership, ¶¶ 226, 365.1 archives and history, conference accessibility audit of local church, ¶ of elders, ¶¶ 325.4, 335.3b commission, ¶¶ 638, 2548.4 2532.6 with missionary conference, ¶ 559.4 Christian unity and interreligious accountability roll, ¶ 229.5 concerns, conference commission, ¶ of congregations, ¶ 1116.2 affiliated autonomous Methodist 639 ††of ordained persons, ¶¶ 303.3, 304.1i churches, ¶ 547 church and society, conference of superintendency, ¶ 402.2 becoming, ¶ 548 board, ¶ 627 “Acknowledgment of Transfer of affiliated united church, ¶ 550 communications, conference Membership,” ¶ 238 beccoming, ¶ 548 commission, ¶¶ 611.4, 643 Act of Covenanting with The United affirmative action criminal justice and mercy minis- Methodist Church, ¶¶ 546.5, 547, Social Principles, ¶ 162F tries, ¶ 652 549 Africa Central Conference, ¶ 535.3a disability concerns, conference address of member, unknown,¶ age-level ministries, committee, ¶ 649 227.2b(3) coordinators, ¶ 252 discipleship, conference board,¶ 628. administration budget agencies, ¶ 701. See also General See also discipleship, conference council on finance and administra- agencies. board. tion recommendations, ¶ 612.2 elder appointment to, ¶ 335.1a(2) episcopacy, conference committee, ¶ administration of church employment of ordained minister, ¶ 634 pastor’s responsibilities, ¶ 331.3 334.2 episcopal residence committee, ¶¶ administrative committees in local jurisdictional conferences, ¶¶ 612.1c, 635 church, ¶ 258 527-534 finance and administration, confer- lay leadership committee, ¶ 258.1 archives and history, ¶ 530 ence council, ¶ 609-626. See also pastor-parish relations committee,¶ committee on ordained ministry, finance and administration, confer- 258.2 ¶ 532 ence council. administrative complaint, ¶ 359.1d(2) coordination of programs, ¶ 528 ††global ministries, conference board, ¶ against bishop, ¶ 413.3b program agencies, ¶ 529 630 disposition, ¶ 359.3 United Methodist Men, ¶ 534 parish and community development, administrative council, jurisdictional, ¶ United Methodist conference committee,¶ 630.5 528 Women,Constitution, ¶ 533 Higher Education and ministry, administrative general agencies Youth Ministry Organization Convoca- conference board, ¶ 631. See also term defined, ¶ 703.6 tion, ¶ 531 Higher Education and Ministry, administrative location, ¶ 359.3c special appeals, ¶ 612.5 conference board. administrative review committee agenda of annual conference, ¶¶ 605.2, incapacity, joint committee, ¶¶ 355, and, ¶ 633 605.5 648 readmission after, ¶ 361 aging laity, conference board, ¶¶ 603.9b, administrative process of Church rights, Social Principles, ¶ 162E 629 immunity from prosecution of agriculture meeting location, ¶ 608.4 complaints for participants, ¶ 359.2g Social Principles, ¶¶ 162N-O, 163H membership, ¶¶ 608.3, 608.5 administrative review committee, ¶ 633 AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Native American ministry, confer- immunity from prosecution of Syndrome) ence committee, ¶ 650 complaints, ¶ 359.2g Social Principles, ¶ 162S ordained ministry, conference board, review of involuntary leave process, air ¶ 632 ¶ 352.1 Social Principles, ¶ 160A ††parish and communitydevelopment, review of involuntary retirement Albright, Jacob, ¶ 102 conference committee, ¶ 630.5 process, ¶ 356.3 alcohol, ¶ 611.17 pensions, conference board, ¶ 636. review of procedures for administra- Social Principles, ¶ 162J See also pensions, conference board. tive location, ¶ 359.3c(3) use by ordained ministers, ¶ 306.4 religion and race, conference administrative services director, annual Amendments to Constitution, ¶¶ 57-59 commission, ¶ 640 conference, ¶ 617 American Methodism small membership church, confer- responsibilities, ¶ 617.2 doctrinal standards, ¶ 102 ence commission, ¶ 642 adoption Americans with Disabilities accessibility status and role of women, conference

437 INDEX

commission, ¶ 641 local pastor attendance at, ¶ 341.5 elders to various ministries trustees, board, ¶ 637. See also Ministerial Education Fund, reten- definition of pastor, ¶ 330 trustees, board of, tion of percentage, ¶ 820.1 general provisions, ¶ 328 annualconferences. nomination of members to general itinerant system, ¶ 329 United Methodist Men, constitution, agencies, ¶ 705.1 performance evaluations, ¶ 331 ¶ 645 organization, ¶ 603 support for elders appointed United Methodist Women, constitu- pension responsibility, ¶ 1504.8b to††pastoral charges, ¶ 333 tion, ¶ 644 pension support fund, ¶ 1506.20 unauthorized conduct, ¶ 332 young adult ministry, conference petitions to General Conference, ¶ frequency, ¶ 434 council, ¶ 647 507.7 as general evangelist, ¶ 628.3f-g youth ministry, conference council, ¶ powers and duties, ¶¶ 31, 604 of local pastor, and license award, ¶ 646 property, policy regarding govern- 343 annual conferences, ¶¶ 365.1, 601-652. ment designation as landmark, ¶ process of making, ¶ 433 See also conference benevolences; 2512.7 responsibility, ¶ 430 ordained ministry, changes in purpose, ¶ 601 of retired ordained minister, ¶ 356.6 conference relationship; property, readmission after termination by terminating incapacity leave, ¶ 355.3 annual conference; provisional action of, ¶ 362 apportioned funds annual conferences. records and archives, ¶ 606 local church notification of, ¶ 246.13 Advance program, ¶ 651 retired bishop as member, ¶ 410.2 apportionments. See also conference appointment across, ¶ 430.2 retired bishop presiding, ¶ 410.1 benevolences; World Service Fund. appointment of deacons from other, ¶ secretary annual conference payments, ¶ 808 322.8-10 election, ¶ 603.7 to annual conferences, ¶ 806.1c apportionments, ¶¶ 806.1c, 808 report of delegates to General council on finance and administra- distribution, ¶ 619 Conference, ¶ 502.5 tion recommendations, ¶¶ 611.3, 613 ††boundaries special session, ¶¶ 365.6, 603.5 to districts, ¶¶ 613.2-3, 619 ††††within central conferences, ¶¶ 29.4, lay delegates, ¶ 602.5 archives 537.10 statistician, election, ¶ 603.7 of churches in merger, ¶ 2545.5 ††††within jurisdictional conferences, ¶ Status and Role of Women, General term defined, ¶ 1711.1a 25.4 Commission relationship, ¶ 2103.4 archives and history, conference business of the conference, ¶ 605 time and location of meeting, ¶ commission, ¶ 638 child and dependent care during 603.2-4 responsibility for records of aban- sessions, ¶ 608.7 transfer of local churches, ¶ 260 doned or discontinued local church, ¶ clergy transfer between, ¶¶ 338.1, trustees' report, ¶ 2512.6 2548.4 604.7 worship services, ¶ 628.4b General Conference original docu- composition and character, ¶ 602 annual conferences, journal ments, ¶ 510.4 connectional ministries, ¶ 607 central conferences authority to supervision of Heritage Sunday, ¶ constitutional provisions, ¶¶ 9, 30-39 examine, ¶ 537.13 264.1 boundary changes and number, ¶ contents and divisions, ¶ 606.3-4 archives and history, jurisdictional 38 investment listing, ¶ 1508.7 commission, ¶ 530 boundary determination by Apostles’ Creed, ¶ 203 armed forces chaplain, ¶¶ 352.3, 1422 central conference, ¶ 29.4 apostolic ministry Armed Forces Reserve, ¶ 335.5e boundary determination by ordination and, ¶ 302 Articles of Religion, ¶ 102; ¶ 103 jurisdictional conference, ¶ 25.4 appeals committee, ¶¶ 2716.1, 2716.3 constitutional provisions, ¶ 3 delegate election to General ††Judicial Council review of opinion,¶ General Conference restrictive rules, Conference, ¶ 32 2609.8 ¶ 16 delegates, ¶ 30 appeals of trial decisions, ¶ 2715 Asian American United Methodists, delegates to appointment National Federation of, ¶ 1206.2a jurisdictionalconference, ¶¶ 21, 32 bishops' responsibilities, ¶ 416 assessment process for local church General Conference legislative certified candidate for licensing or potential in transitional communi- power, ¶¶ 15.3, 15.15 ordination, ¶ 309 ties, ¶ 213 ratio of representation to General clergy from outside the annual assistant general secretary, ¶ 703.7d Conference, ¶ 14 conference, ¶ 337 associate general secretary, ¶ 703.7c rights, ¶ 31 consultation and, ¶ 431 associate institutions, ¶ 1417.4 transfer of local churches, ¶ 39 criteria, ¶ 432 associate lay leader cooperative parish implementation, ¶ community context, ¶ 432.3 district, ¶ 655.2 206.2 congregations, ¶ 432.1 associate membership, ¶ 226 delegates to General Conference,¶ pastor, ¶ 432.2 in annual conference, ¶¶ 365.1, 602.1 502.2-3 as deaconess, ¶ 1313.3b election as full members, ¶ 366.2 election, ¶¶ 12, 502.4 deacons in full connection, ¶ 435 roll, ¶ 229.5 elder appointment to extension to various ministries, ¶ 322 associate pastor, ¶ 258.2f(5) ministries and relationship to, ¶ district superintendents, ¶¶ 335.1a(1), association 335.2 415.5, 417 term defined, ¶ 703.12 elders' affiliate relation to, ¶ 335.4 district superintendents' responsibili- audiovisual materials elders' right to vote, ¶ 325.1 ties, ¶ 422 Communication, General Commis- election to membership, ¶ 304.4 elders sion responsibility, ¶ 1806.7 and membership in order, ¶ 314 availability, ¶ 325.2a audit equitable compensation policy, ¶ to ecumenical shared ministries, ¶ of annual conference financial 322.14b 336 records, ¶ 615 full connection certificates of elders to extension ministries, ¶ 334, of church officers, ¶ 2511 honorable location, ¶ 357 335 of episcopal area offices, ¶ 827 funding assistance to cooperative affiliate relation to annual of financial records, ¶ 258.4c ministries, ¶ 206.7 conference, ¶ 335.4 of general agencies, ¶ 806.5 lay leader, ¶ 603.9 categories, ¶ 335.1 of General Treasurer's books, ¶ 809 local church lay delegate, ¶¶ 250.2, general provisions, ¶ 335.5 internal functions, ¶ 806.6 602.4-7 relation to annual conference, ¶ audit and review committee election, ¶ 248 335.2 General Board of Pension and Health local church report to, ¶ 606.7 relation to local church, ¶ 335.3 Benefits, ¶ 1502.4b

438 INDEX

of General Council on Finance and process, ¶ 406.2 leadershipóspiritual and tempo- Administration, ¶¶ 805.4b, 806.12 expiration of term in central confer- ral, ¶ 414 audit review committee ences, ¶ 412 presidential duties, ¶ 415 for annual conference, ¶ 615.4 immunity from prosecution work with ordained, licensed, autonomous Methodist churches, ¶ 546 ofcomplaints, ¶ 359.2g consecrated and commissioned affiliated, ¶ 547 interrupted service, ¶ 829 personnel, ¶ 416 becoming, ¶ 551 judicial complaint, ¶ 413.3a role in complaint process, ¶ 359.1a-b delegates to General Conference, ¶ finding of reasonable grounds and role in organizing new church, ¶ 259 502.1b referral for trial, ¶ 2706.5b(1) salaries, ¶¶ 822, 824 service by candidate for elders investigation committee, ¶ 2703.1 special ministry, not separate order, orders, ¶ 326.1 referral of complaint to counsel ¶ 403 for the church, ¶ 2704.1 spiritual leadership for Order, ¶ 313 right to appeal trial decision, ¶ superintendency, ¶¶ 401-402 B 2716 supervision of provisional annual trial, ¶¶ 2702.2, 2703.1, 2712 conference, ¶ 556.1 Judicial Council action support for surviving spouses, ¶ 822 banking policies, ¶ 806.7 on appeal of decisions of law suspension from office, ¶ 2712.6 baptism, ¶¶ 127, 225, 310 made by, ¶ 2609.7 termination of office, ¶ 409 elders in full connection availability on decisions of law made by, ¶ involuntary retirement, ¶ 409.3 for, ¶ 335.3 2609.6 mandatory retirement, ¶ 409.1 licensed ministry authority and leave of absence, ¶ 411 resignation, ¶ 409.4 duties, ¶ 341 list of, voluntary retirement, ¶ 409.2 during new church start, ¶ 259.6 meeting with ordained clergy in training in cooperative ministries, ¶ as pastor's responsibility and duty, ¶ extension ministries, ¶ 335.2b 206.5 331.1b membership in annual conference transfer across jurisdictional lines, ¶ reaffirmation of covenant, ¶ 331.1c boards and councils 511 recordkeeping, ¶¶ 225.3, 230 ††††committee on district superintend- travel expenses, ¶¶ 822, 826 withdrawal of membership and, ¶ 241 ency, ¶ 663.2 Bishop's Dinners for Scouting, ¶ 2302.5c base compensation for pastors, ¶ 621 ††council on finance and administra- Black College Fund, ¶¶ 617.1a(5), Equitable Compensation Fund tion, ¶ 610.2b 631.4a(5), 819 adjustments, ¶ 623.9 ††††United Methodist Women confer- annual conference apportionment, ¶ equitable range recommendations, ¶ ence organization, ¶ 644 808 623.12 membership on general boards and General Board of Higher Education recommendations on minimum,¶ agencies, ¶¶ 705.5d, 706.2 and Ministry role, ¶ 1405.20 623.3 attendance, ¶ 706.10 promotion by General Commission Basic Christian Affirmations, ¶ 101 General Board of Church and on Communication, ¶ 1806.12 birth control Society, ¶ 1006.1d Black colleges, ¶¶ 1411.5, 1413.3d Social Principles, ¶ 162I General Board of Discipleship, ¶ Black Colleges, Council of Presidents, ¶¶ bishops. See also College of Bishops; 1104.1d 819, 1420 Council of Bishops; retired bishop. General Board of Global Minis- Black Methodists for Church Renewal, ¶ accountability to jurisdictional tries, ¶ 1311.6 1206.2a conference, ¶ 521 General Board of Higher Educa- blended ministry parish, ¶ 206.3c appointments, ¶ 433 tion and Ministry, ¶ 1407.2d board of trustees. see Trustees, Board of. of deacons in full connection, ¶ General Board of Pension and bonding, ¶ 2511 322.6 Health Benefits, ¶ 1502.1 of conference and conference agency interim beyond the ministry, ¶ General Commission on Archives staff, ¶ 616 335.1d and History, ¶ 1704.2 persons handling pension funds, ¶ at less than full-time service, ¶ General Commission on Christian 1508.9b 329.2e Unity and Interreligious Concerns, ¶ United Methodist Publishing House apportionments for, ¶ 620 1906.1a corporate officers, ¶ 1626 assignment process, ¶ 407 General Comission on Communi- book editor of United Methodist special assignments, ¶ 407.3 cation, ¶ 1807.1a Publishing House, ¶ 1628 vacancies, ¶ 408 ††††General Commission on Religion salaries, ¶ 1630 assignment to visit central confer- and Race, ¶ 2003a suspension, ¶ 1631 ence, ¶ 536.4 General Commission on the Status Book of Discipline Central Conference Affairs, Commis- and Role of Women, ¶ 2104.1d central conferences adaptation of, ¶ sion membership, ¶ 2201 General Commission on United 537.9 complaints against, ¶ 413 Methodist Men, ¶ 2303.1a elders educational standards, ¶ Conference of Methodist Bishops, ¶ United Methodist Publishing 1424.5 428 House, ¶ 1602.1a electronic access to petitions impact, consecration, ¶ 406.2c for missionary conference, ¶ 559.1 ¶ 507.9 constitutional provisions, ¶¶ 43-52 number determination, ¶ 405.2 Judicial Council actions on provi- decisions on question of law, ¶¶ ordination of deacons, ¶ 321.6 sions, ¶ 2612.4 49, 54.2-3 ordination of elders, ¶ 324.3 pastor's responsibilities for adminis- elections, ¶ 15.10 pensions, ¶¶ 828-829, 1506.2c tering provisions, ¶ 331.3c elections by central conferences, ¶ personal papers in archives, ¶ 1711.3k petitions to General Conference 29.2 presiding officers at General affecting, ¶ 507.2 jurisdictional conference election, Conference, ¶ 503 Book of Discipline 1992 ¶ 25.2 presiding over annual conference, ¶ candidacy for licensed and ordained transfer between jurisdictions, ¶ 603.6 ministry, ¶ 366.1 47 presiding over jurisdictional confer- Book of Discipline 1996 Curriculum Resources Committee ence, ¶ 520 General Board of Pension and Health membership, ¶ 1125.1a presiding over mission, ¶ 563.3 Benefits, ¶ 1501.3 duties, ¶ 404.1 residence The Book of Resolutions of The United election committee, ¶¶ 612.1c, 635 Methodist Church, ¶ 510.2 by central conference, ¶ 537.2-3 jointly owned, ¶ 2514 boycott guidelines, ¶¶ 604.12, 702.5 nomination, ¶ 406.1 responsibilities covenanting relationship, ¶ 549

439 INDEX

and Higher Education and Ministry 631.4b-d General Council on Finance and Board responsibilities, ¶ 1406.11 Higher Education Administration, ¶ 805.1a(3) Book of Worship, ¶ 628.4b Divisionresponsibilities, ¶¶ General Council on Ministries, ¶ General Board of 1410.4c-d, 1412.2 907.1a(2)-1a(3) Discipleshiprecommendations, ¶ properties and investments, ¶ 1413.3c nomination of members, ¶ 705.1c 1112.3 campus pastor United Methodist Publishing borrowing by agencies, ¶ 811.3 receiving new members, ¶ 221 House board, ¶ 1602.1d School of Theology, ¶ candidacy for licensed and ordained organization, ¶¶ 536, 539 1425.3a ministry. see under ordained petitions to General Conference, ¶ boundaries ministry. 507.7 of annual conferences, central candidacy mentors, ¶ 347.1a powers, ¶¶ 537, 540 conference adjustment, ¶ 537.10 Candler School of Theology, ¶ 1425.3a provisional, ¶¶ 536.8, 538-545 constitutional provisions, jurisdic- capital punishment representation, ¶ 906.19 tional conferences, ¶ 35 Social Principles, ¶ 164A role in process for affiliated autono- Boy Scouts, ¶ 255.3 card index, for permanent church mous Methodist church, ¶ 548.5 boycott, ¶ 702.5 register, ¶ 232.2 schools of theology of the United annual conference action, ¶ 604.12 career development Methodist Church located in¶ 1425.4 charge conference action on, ¶ 246.18 ordained ministry, conference board secretary's report to General district conference action, ¶ 654.5 responsibility for support services, ¶ Conference secretary, ¶ 537.7 British Methodist Conference 632.2n special days, ¶ 262 delegates, ¶ 12 Central and Southern Europe Central training needs for pastors, ¶ 1424.8 budget. See also Finance and Adminis- Conference, ¶ 535.3b Central Congo Annual Conference tration. church name, ¶ 723 General Board of Church and Society of agencies, ¶ 806.4 Central Conference Affairs, Commission, membership, ¶ 1006.1b of annual conference, ¶¶ 611.1, 612 ¶¶ 548, 551, 553, 2201 certificate of baptism, ¶ 225 for general funds of the Church,¶ central conferences, ¶¶ 535-537 certificate of honorable location, ¶ 357 806.1 ad iterim provisions, ¶ 541 certificate of organization for new of local church for conferences outside U.S., ¶ 543 church start, ¶ 604.10 church council responsibility for, appeal of bishop's decision on certificate of transfer, ¶¶ 227.2b, 238 ¶ 251.4c question of law, ¶ 2609.7 for members received from other finance committee responsibility authorization, ¶ 535 denominations, ¶ 224 for, ¶ 258.4 bishops certification program agencies, ¶ 806.1b(7) assignment process, ¶ 407.2 ordained ministry, conference board program expenditures, general balloting for election, ¶ 406.1 responsibility, ¶ 632.2t agency decisions, ¶ 718 determining number, ¶ 405.1 of pastoral care, ¶ 1422.6b building committee, local church, ¶ 2543 expiration of term, ¶ 412 professional ministry careers, ¶ funding for plan, ¶¶ 2543.11-13 ††constitutional provisions, ¶¶ 9, 26-29 1108.11 information to district board for annual conference election of certified candidate for licensing or church location and building, ¶ delegates, ¶ 32 ordination, ¶ 306.4 2543.6 boundaries, ¶ 36 appointment, ¶ 309 presentation to church conference, ¶ College of Bishops, ¶ 46 discontinuance, ¶ 308.1 2543.6 delegates, ¶ 27 reinstatement, ¶ 308.2 burial election of bishops, ¶ 44 certified lay speaker, ¶¶ 266, 268 authority and duties of local pastors, General Conference legislative transfer of certification, ¶ 269 ¶ 341 power, ¶ 15.3 chancellor of conference, ¶ 603.7 Judicial Council authority over inclusion in annual conference, ¶ constitutionality of acts, ¶ 54.1 602.10 C powers and duties, ¶ 29 change of venue, ¶ 2708.4 proposals for Constitution in trial of layperson, ¶ 2714.5 changes, ¶ 59 chaplain cabinet, ¶ 429 time and location, ¶ 28 receiving person into membership, ¶ appointments to constitutionality of act, ¶ 2609.3 221 cooperativeministries, ¶ 206.6 Council of Bishops, ¶ 545 Chaplains and Related Ministries appointments to ecumenical shared episcopal supervision, ¶ 544 section ministries, ¶ 211 General Board of Global Ministries of General Board of Higher Educa- immunity from prosecution of relationship, ¶ 1312.3d tion and Ministry, ¶ 1422 complaints, ¶ 359.2g ††General Commission on Archives and charge conference, ¶ 243 calendar, ¶ 1112.5. see also Special History, ¶ 1704.2 annual membership report and audit, Sundays. journal, ¶ 536.7 ¶ 231 liturgical seasons, ¶ 1112.1 lay membership, ¶ 542 authority, ¶ 2528 year designations in curriculum membership on general boards, ¶ authorization of property ownership resources, ¶ 1121 705.5c change, ¶¶ 2539.2, 2540.2 calling, ¶ 132 General Board of Church and Board of Trustees report, ¶ 2549 Camp Fire Boys and Girls, ¶ 255.3 Society, ¶ 1006.1c church conference, ¶ 247 camping General Board of Discipleship, ¶ connection of deacon serving outside as conference board of discipleship 1104.1c annual conference, ¶ 322.11 responsibility, ¶¶ 628.1c, 628.2e General Board of Global Minis- constitutional provisions, ¶¶ 9, 41-42 as General Board of Discipleship tries, ¶ 1311.1 General Conference legislative responsibility, ¶ 1108.10 General Board of Higher Educa- power, ¶ 15.3 camps tion and Ministry, ¶ 1407.2c discontinuance of services, ¶ 332.2 title to properties, ¶ 2516 ††††General Commission on Archives district superintendents' respon- campus ministries and History, ¶ 1704.2 sibilities, ¶ 423.1 evaluating those related to annual ††††General Commission on Christian duties of leaders and members, ¶ 250 conference, ¶ 631.4a(7) Unity and Interreligious Concerns, ¶ elder in extension ministries relation funding, ¶ 1413.3b 1906.1b to, ¶ 335.3 Higher Education and Ministry, General Commission on Commu- election of leaders, ¶ 248 conference board responsibilities, ¶ nication, ¶ 1807.1c general provisions, ¶ 245

440 INDEX

lay leader membership, ¶ 250.1c on Communication, ¶ 1806.12 honorary members of charge local church foundation creation, ¶ The Christian Methodist Episcopal conference, ¶ 245.3 2534 Church; ¶¶ 1903.8, 2403 lay leader membership, ¶ 250.1c membership after retirement, ¶ 356.5 Christian unity and interreligious meetings, ¶ 251.3 for multi-church charge, ¶ 246.15-16 concerns, conference commission, ¶ membership, ¶ 251.5 for new church start, ¶ 259.9 639 mission and ministry, ¶ 251.2 powers and duties, ¶ 246 Christian Unity and Interreligious other responsibilities, ¶ 251.4 recommendation of declared Concerns, General Commission, ¶¶ purpose, ¶ 251.1 candidate for licensing or ordination, 639.2, 1901-1906, 2401.2, 2404.3b responsibility for care of members, ¶ ¶ 306.3b accountability, ¶ 702.2 227 recommendation on reinstatement of authority and powers, ¶ 1904 church historian, ¶ 246.5 local pastor, ¶ 346.4 General Council on Ministries Church in mission, ¶ 1301 recommendations on candidates for relationship, ¶ 906.22 church institutions ordained ministry, ¶¶ 246.8, 304.4 members' election, ¶ 705.1 Board of Trustees, standards and removal of member from roll, ¶¶ membership, ¶ 1906 requirements, ¶ 2552 227.2b, 229.3 organization, ¶ 1905 church local conference, ¶ 2526 removal of officers and filling of purpose, ¶ 1902 church location and building, district vacancies, ¶ 249 recommendations on Interdenomina- board, ¶ 2518 report of continuing education, ¶ tional Cooperation Fundallocations, ¶ appeals of decisions, ¶ 2521 349.5 818.1 building committee submission to, ¶ role in local church merger, ¶¶ responsibilities, ¶ 1903 2543.5 2545.1-2, 2546.1-2 selection of representatives to consent to property ownership satellite congregation sponsoring, ¶ ecumenical organizations, ¶ 2401.3 change, ¶ 2539.3, 2540.3 246.20 Christian year district superintendents' respon- special session, ¶ 245.7 liturgical seasons, ¶ 1112.1 sibilities, ¶ 423.5 to fill leadership vacancies, ¶ 249 Christians duties and responsibilities, ¶ 2519 chargeable offenses basic affirmations, ¶ 101 standards for approval of building and statute of limitations, ¶ 2702 “Christmas Conference” of 1784, ¶ 102 ; proposals, ¶ 2520 charges ¶ 724 church membership, ¶¶ 214-241 withdrawal under, ¶¶ 358.3, 2719.2 church, ¶ 139. see also charge confer- accountability, ¶ 220 charter members ence; local church. affiliate and associate membership, ¶ for new church start, ¶ 259.5 inclusiveness, ¶ 4 226 Chartered Fund nurture and mission, ¶ 101 annual report and audit, ¶ 231 constitutional provisions, General Church and Community Ministry charge conference receipt of, ¶ Conference restrictive rules, ¶ 20 program, ¶ 630.4b(22) 246.14 General Board of Pension and Health church and society, conference board, ¶ call to ministry of all the baptized, ¶ Benefits, ¶ 1504.10 627 219 child and dependent care church and society, district director, ¶ care of children and youth, ¶ 225 during annual conference sessions, ¶ 657 care of members, ¶ 227 608.7 Church and Society, General Board, ¶¶ changes, ¶¶ 234-241 children 1001-1008 lay missionaries in non-United adoption, Social Principles, ¶ 161K accountability, ¶ 702.2 Methodist churches, ¶ 236 baptism, ¶ 225 administration of Human Relations members residing at distance, ¶ Discipleship board responsibility for Day offering, ¶ 263.1 237 training in ministry for, ¶ 628.1g bylaws, ¶ 1011 members who move, ¶ 235 ministries, ¶ 1118.1 Christian Unity and Interreligious removal from roll, ¶ 227.2b rights, Social Principles, ¶ 162C Concerns, General Commission transfer from discontinued local television viewing, Social Principles, relationship, ¶ 1903.13 churches, ¶ 228 ¶ 162Q conference board connection with, ¶ transfer from other denomina- The Christian as Minister, ¶ 306.1 627.4 tions, ¶ 224 Christian communities financial support, ¶ 1008 transfer to other denominations, ¶ Social Principles, ¶ 161B headquarters, ¶ 1010 239 Christian denominations. See also incorporation, ¶ 1005 withdrawal without notice, ¶ 240 ecumenical relations. membership, ¶ 1006 definition for jurisdictional confer- appointment of clergy from other, ¶ election, ¶ 705.1 ence elections, ¶ 524 337.2 objectives, ¶ 1003 eligibility, ¶ 214 central conference agreements with organization, ¶ 1006 General Church Membership Roll,¶ other, ¶ 537.24-25 purpose, ¶ 1002 222 clergy transfer from other, ¶ 338.3 responsibilities, ¶ 1004 General Conference legislative power, recognition of clergy orders from secretary participation in Curriculum ¶ 15.1 other, ¶ 339 Resources Committee, ¶ 1125.1c growth in faithful discipleship, ¶ 217 representation at annual conference, staff, ¶ 1009 in jurisdiction, and number of ¶ 602.9 supervision of Peace with Justice bishops, ¶ 405.2 withdrawal of clergy to unite with Sunday, ¶ 263.5 licensed ministry authority and other, ¶ 358.1 vacancies, ¶ 1007 duties, ¶ 341 Christian discipleship, ¶ 133 church business administrators, United meaning of, ¶ 216 General Board of Discipleship Methodist Association, ¶ 807.16 mutual responsibility, ¶ 218 responsibility, ¶ 1116 church conference, ¶ 247 neglect in performance of vows, ¶ Christian education building committee presentation, ¶ 227.2b as conference discipleship board 2543.6 non-local church settings, ¶ 221 responsibility, ¶ 628.2 district superintendents' responsibili- pastor's responsibility to encourage, as General Board of Discipleship ties, ¶ 423.1 ¶ 331.1h responsibility, ¶¶ 1107-1108 for new church start, ¶ 259.7-8 permanent records, ¶ 232 in missions, ¶ 1109.2 church council, ¶ 243 receiving new members for new Christian Education Sunday, ¶ 265.1, chairperson church, ¶ 259.3 628.2d election, ¶ 248 receiving outside of congregational promotion by General Commission responsibilities, ¶ 250.3 settings, ¶ 223

441 INDEX

records and reports, ¶¶ 229-233 trial, ¶¶ 2702.2, 2713 317 of student local pastors, ¶ 341.7 membership in annual conference, ¶¶ commissions (organizations) voting rights at church conference, ¶ 365.1, 604.3 constitutional provisions, General 247 ministry to disabled, ¶ 648.b Conference legislative power, ¶ 15.13 in wider Church, ¶ 215 pensions, ¶ 1506 Committee on Official Forms and Church of Christ Uniting, ¶ 818.2 retirement, ¶ 356 Records, ¶ 232.1 Church of the United Brethren in Christ right to hearing, before involuntary communication Home Missions and Church Erection leave of absence, ¶ 352.1b coordinator for local church, ¶ 254 Society, ¶ 1305.2 right to trial training for, ¶ 1806.9 Women's Missionary Association, ¶¶ central conference rules, ¶ 537.16 and fair process in judicial proceed- 1305.2, 1319.3a constitutional provisions, ¶ 56 ings, ¶ 2701.4 church school, ¶¶ 255.1, 1108.7-8. See ††constitutional provisions, responsibility for, ¶ 1801 also Christian education. General††Conference restrictive Communication, General Commission, curriculum, ¶ 1634 rules,††¶ 18 ¶¶ 1801-1808 General Board of Discipleship transfer between conferences, ¶ 338.1 accountability, ¶ 702.2 amena- responsibility, ¶ 1118.1 transfer to other annual conference, ¶ bility and accountability, ¶ 1804 superintendent, ¶ 254 604.8 finance, ¶ 1808 Church School Publications clergy mentors, ¶ 347.1b General Council on Ministries ††Curriculum Resources Committee, clergy orders membership, ¶ 907.1a(9) responsibility, ¶¶ 1634, 1120 membership in order, ¶ 314 incorporation, ¶ 1803 staff responsibility for curriculum order of deacons, ¶ 311 and insignia of The United Methodist development, ¶ 1121 order of elders, ¶ 311 Church, ¶ 807.8 Church School Publications, editor, ¶ orders in relation to ministry of all members' election, ¶ 705.1 1124, 1632 Christians, ¶ 310 organization board participation, ¶ 1639 organization of order, ¶ 313 internal organization, ¶ 1807.4 book editor relationship, ¶ 1628 purpose of order, ¶ 312 meetings, ¶ 1807.2 ††content responsibility, ¶ 1124.3 recognition of those from other membership, ¶ 1807.1 duties, ¶¶ 1124,1, 1633 denominations, ¶ 339 officers, ¶ 1807.3 ††election, ¶ 1124.2 clergy session, ¶ 605.6 staff, ¶ 1807.5 salary, ¶ 1635 annual meeting, ¶ 365.5 Program and Benevolence Interpre- church secretaries election of associate members to full tation Division, ¶ 815.4 continuing education, ¶ 807.16 membership, ¶ 366.2 Advance participation, ¶ 907.5a Church Secretaries, Professional evaluation of probationary members, promotion of Special Sunday Association of United Methodist, ¶ ¶ 316 offerings, ¶ 816.7 807.17 jurisdiction over purpose, ¶ 1805 church universal, ¶ 4; ¶ 101 probationarymembers, ¶ 318 Religion in American Life, Inc., ¶ Church Women United, ¶ 1318.9 voting, ¶ 365.3 1809 Churches Uniting in Christ, ¶ 2404.1 cloning responsibilities, ¶ 1806 circuit, ¶ 205.2 Social Principles, ¶ 162M supervision of One Great Hour of civic youth-serving agencies/Scouting closed meetings Sharing, ¶ 263.2 Ministries, ¶ 255.3 restriction, ¶ 721 supervision of World Communion United Methodist Men, General closed session Sunday, ¶¶ 263.3, 816.4 Commission support, ¶ 2302.5 of annual conference committees, communications, conference commis- civil action agencies, boards, ¶ 604.14 sion, ¶ 643 instituting and defending, ¶ 2509 closed trial, ¶ 2708.12 council on finance and administra- civil disobedience cluster groups, ¶ 206.3g tion cooperation with, ¶ 611.4 Social Principles, ¶ 164E collateral for annual conference invested Communion elements. See Lord's civil obedience funds, ¶ 2512.3f Supper. Social Principles, ¶ 164E collective bargaining Community and InstitutionalMinistries Claremont School of Theology, ¶ 1425.3a Social Principles, ¶ 163B Program Area class leaders, ¶ 1116.2c College of Bishops in General Board of Global Minis- classes, ¶ 103 approval of bishop's leave of absence, tries, ¶ 1312.2 clergy. See also deacons; elders; local ¶ 411.1 Community Developers Program, ¶ pastors; ordained ministry. authority to call special session of 263.1 annual conferences power to inquire jurisdictional conference, ¶ 519.2 compensation. See salaries; salaries of about conduct, ¶¶ 604.4, 605.6 complaint against bishop, submission pastors; support. certificate of honorable location, ¶ to, ¶ 413.2-3 complaint procedures 357 constitutional provisions, ¶ 46 disposition of administrative complaint procedures, ¶ 359 consultation on assignment of complaints, ¶ 359.3 constitutional provisions bishops, ¶ 407.1 fair process in administrative delegate election to General and role in trial process, ¶ 2712.1-3 hearings, ¶ 359.2 jurisdictional Conference, ¶ 33 supervision of missionary confer- general provisions, ¶ 359.1 delegates to annual conference, ¶ ence, ¶ 559.1 complaints 30 and vacancy in office of bishop, ¶ 408 against bishops, ¶ 413 district superintendents' support and colleges. See also schools. withdrawal under, ¶ 358.3 leadership, ¶ 420 evaluating those related to annual Comprehensive Protection Plan, ¶¶ 355, election to General Conference, ¶ 502 conference, ¶ 631.4a(7) 356.2, 648.e, 1504.1 emergency aid, ¶ 624 Higher Education and Ministry, basic contribution base, ¶ 1506.19 employment status, ¶ 141 conference board responsibilities, ¶ and bishops' pensions, ¶ 828 judicial complaint 631.4b-c clergy enrollment, ¶ 1506.21 finding of reasonable grounds and Colored Methodist Episcopal Church, Computer Administrators, United referral for trial, ¶ 2706.5b(2) Come, Let Us Worship: The Korean- Methodist Association of Annual investigation committee, ¶ 2703.2 English United Methodist Hymnal, ¶ Conference, ¶ 807.19 referral of complaint to counsel 1112.3 computers. See electronic communica- for the church, ¶ 2704.2 commissioning tion; electronic system membership right to appeal trial decision, ¶ probationary members, ¶ 316 record. 2716 probationary service of ministers,¶ concordat agreements, ¶ 552

442 INDEX conference agencies and boards. See also Conference legislative power, ¶ 15.8 assignment of bishop to visit central the emphasis of specific boards (e.g. local church relations, ¶ 203 conference, ¶ 536.4 discipleship, conference board). responsibility in ecumenical shared authorization, ¶ 703.1 of jurisdictional conferences, ministries, ¶ 210 churchwide special assignment of constitutional provisions, ¶ 25.3 connectional ministries bishop, ¶ 407.3 retired ordained ministers as annual conference role, ¶ 607 constitutional provisions, ¶ 45 members, ¶ 356.6 connectional ministries, director, ¶ 607 cooperation with autonomous conference benevolences, ¶¶ 258.4b, ex officio member of council on Methodist church, ¶¶ 546.3, 546.4 617.1 finance and administration, ¶ 610.2b ecumenical liaisons, ¶ 2401.1 council on finance and administra- connectionalism, ¶¶ 130, 701.1 ecumenical responsibilities, ¶ 818.2 tion budget recommendations, ¶ church property held in trust, ¶ 2501 General Council on Ministries 612.3 consecration of bishops, ¶ 406.2c membership, ¶ 907.1a(4) definition, ¶ 612.3c consecration of church buildings, ¶ 2544 nomination of secretary-designate,¶ local church notification of, ¶ 246.13 constituency roll, ¶ 229.4 504 Conference Council Directors, National Constitution of The United Methodist operating budget, ¶ 822 Association of, ¶ 906.25 Church, ¶¶ 1-59 oversight of covenantal relationships, General Council on Ministries Amendments, ¶¶ 57-59 ¶ 549.1c membership, ¶ 907.1a(10) Episcopal supervision, ¶¶ 43-52 power to call General Conference conference grounds General, ¶¶ 1-6 special session, ¶ 13 title to properties, ¶ 2516 Judiciary, ¶¶ 53-56 retired bishop as member, ¶ 410 conference lay leader Organization, ¶¶ 7-42 role in resignation of bishop, ¶ 409.4 inclusion in annual conference preamble, statement of concordat agreement, ¶ agenda, ¶ 605.5 constitutions 552 Conference of Methodist Bishops, ¶ 428 placement in archives, ¶ 1711.3f Council of Presidents of the Black Conference Presidents of United United Methodist Men, ¶ 645 Colleges, ¶¶ 819, 1420 Methodist Men, National Association United Methodist Women, ¶ 644 counsel of, ¶¶ 2302.3b, 2303.1c consultation respondent's right to representation, conference sessions and appointment-making, ¶ 431 ¶ 2708.7 withdrawal between, ¶ 358.4 Consultation on Church Union, ¶¶ Counsel for the Church, ¶¶ 2706.2a, conference staff 602.9, 639.2, 818.2, 2404.1 2708.7 financial arrangements for continu- General Board of Church andSociety judicial complaint referred to, ¶¶ ing education, ¶ 349.4 membership, ¶ 1006.2 359.1d(1), 2704 training in cooperative ministries, ¶ General Board of Discipleship when respondent is bishop, ¶¶ 206.5 membership, ¶ 1104.1f 413.3a, 2704.1 Conference Treasurer/Director of General Board of Higher Education in trial of bishop, ¶ 2712.4 Administrative Services, ¶ 617 and Ministry membership, ¶ 1407.2f in trial of layperson, ¶ 2714.4 Conferences. See also annual confer- General Council on Ministries counseling ences; central conferences; charge membership, ¶ 907.1a(7) as pastor's responsibility and duty, ¶ conference; General Conference; reports from, ¶ 1903.12 331.1j-m jurisdictional conferences. consumerism preretirement, ¶ 356.4 constitutional provisions Social Principles, ¶ 163D counseling centers annual conferences, ¶¶ 9, 30-39 continuing education, ¶ 349 chaplains, ¶ 1422 central conferences, ¶¶ 9, 26-29 church secretaries, ¶ 807.16 Course of Study curriculum, ¶¶ 343, 344, charge conference, ¶¶ 9, 41-42 elders, ¶ 325.2b 632.2f General Conference, ¶¶ 7, 12-20 Ministerial Education Fund for, ¶ record of standing of students, ¶ jurisdictional conferences, ¶¶ 8, 820 632.3c 21-25 Ordained Ministry Division responsi- Section of Elders and Local Pastors Confession of Faith bility, ¶ 1421.8 responsibility, ¶ 1424.4 constitutional provisions, ¶ 3 for pastor, ¶ 258.2f(6) supervision of local pastor, ¶ 341.4 General Conference restrictive report by clergy to district superin- courses of study rules, ¶ 16 tendents, ¶ 421.5 central conferences power to Confession of Faith of 1889, ¶ 102 Section of Elders and Local Pastors prescribe, ¶ 537.19 Confession of Faith of Evangelical responsibility, ¶ 1424.13 Covenant Discipleship Groups, ¶ 1116.2b United Brethren Church, ¶ 103 conveyances covenant groups, ¶ 255.1b confessional confidences, ¶ 332.5 conformance with local law, ¶ 2508 for probationary members, ¶ 317 confidentiality conviction of crime covenant relationships in multi-ethnic Judicial Council, ¶ 2607 and removal from general agency and multi-language settings, ¶ 2551 maintenance by clergy, ¶ 332.5 membership, ¶ 711 covenanting church, ¶ 549 and work of ordained cooperative ecumenical parish,¶ 206.3i covenanting in ecumenical shared ministryconference board, ¶ 632.2l cooperative parish, ¶¶ 205.2, 206 ministries, ¶ 209 confirmation, ¶ 225.4 appointment to, ¶ 433.5b credentials licensed ministry authority and board of trustees, ¶ 2527.2 bishops of central conferences, ¶ 412 duties, ¶ 341 pastor-parish relations committee for delegates to General Conference, conflict of interest for, ¶ 258.2d ¶ 502.6 conference board of pensions coordinators diaconal ministers transfer to policies, ¶ 1508 for ministry groups, ¶ 253 deacon, ¶ 366.3 Congo Central Conference, ¶ 535.3c for scouting, ¶ 255.3 of local pastor, surrender and/or congregation. See local church. for specialized ministries, ¶ 252 restoration, ¶ 346 Congregation Development, Joint of young adult ministries,¶ 255.2d from other denominations, ¶¶ 337.2, Committee, ¶¶ 1111.13, 1312.1h of youth ministries, ¶ 255.2a 338.3-5, 339.1 congregational development, subcom- corporate responsibility withdrawal, ¶ 358 mittee, ¶ 630.5e Social Principles, ¶ 163I withdrawn under charges, ¶ 2719.2 congregational meetings council for youth empowerment, ¶ criminal justice constitutional provisions, General 255.2c Social Principles, ¶ 164F Conference legislative power, ¶ 15.3 Council of Bishops, ¶ 427 criminal justice and mercy ministries, connectional enterprises approval of bishop's leave of absence, conference committee, ¶ 652 constitutional provisions, General ¶ 411.1 Crusade Scholarships, ¶¶ 263.3, 1312.3i,

443 INDEX

1405.28, 1412.2f transfer from other conferences, ¶ Discipleship, General Board, ¶¶ conference board of global ministries 322.12 1101-1125 responsibility, ¶ 630.4b(12) Deacons and Diaconal Ministriessection accountability, ¶ 702.2 cultures of General Board of HigherEducation age-level, life-span, and family Social Principles, ¶ 165A and Ministry, ¶ 1423 ministries, ¶ 1118 Curriculum Resources Committee, ¶¶ Declaration of Union, ¶ 1 adult ministries, ¶ 1118.3 1108.13, 1634 declaratory decisions of Judicial children's ministries, ¶ 1118.1 authority to review teaching re- Council, ¶ 2610 family ministries, ¶ 1118.4 sources of general agencies, ¶ 1122 declared candidate for licensing or youth ministry, ¶ 1118.2 cooperation with Mission Education ordination, ¶ 306.3 Christian discipleship formation Program Area, ¶ 1312.4g dedication of church buildings, ¶ 2544 relationships, ¶ 1116 cooperative publications, ¶ 1636 deeds Christian education, ¶ 1107 curriculum requirements, ¶ 1121 of abandoned or discontinued local conference board connection with, ¶ duties and responsibilities, ¶ 1120 church, ¶ 2548.4 628 editor of Church SchoolPublications, conformance with local law, ¶ 2508 cooperation, ¶ 1109 ¶ 1124 trust clauses, ¶ 2503 curriculum requirements, ¶ 1121 evangelism inclusion in resources, ¶ denominations. See Christian denomi- Curriculum Resources Committee 1111.11 nations. authority to review teaching General Board of Discipleship depository resources of general agencies, ¶ 1122 relationship, ¶ 1112.10 for annual conference funds, ¶ 614 curriculum requirements, ¶ 1121 materials for youth, ¶ 1118.2 for pension funds, ¶ 1508.9 duties and responsibilities, ¶ 1120 membership, ¶ 1125 deputy general secretary, ¶ 703.7b editor of Church School Publica- publications, ¶ 1636 diaconal ministers, ¶ 366.1 tions, ¶ 1124 relationship to General Board candidacy, ¶ 602.2 membership, ¶ 1125 ofDiscipleship and United Methodist Higher Education and Ministry relationship, ¶ 1123.1 Publishing House, ¶ 1123 Board, Section on Deacons and relationship to General Board of custodianship of records, ¶ 1711.2 Diaconoal Ministries, ¶ 1423 Discipleship and United Methodist judicial complaint Publishing House,¶ 1123 educa- finding of reasonable grounds and tion responsibilities and standards, ¶ D referral for trial, ¶ 2706.5b(3) 1108 investigation committee, ¶ 2703.3 ethnic local church concerns, ¶ 1117 referral of complaint to counsel evangelism, ¶ 1110 Daily Christian Advocate, ¶ 504.2 for the church, ¶ 2704.3 responsibilities, ¶ 1111 Advance Edition right to appeal trial decision, ¶ Evangelization and Church Growth Judicial Council actions on Book 2716 Program Area relationship with, ¶ of Discipline provisions, ¶ 2612.4 trial, ¶ 2713.3b 1312.1h petitions in, ¶ 507.7 ordination as deacons, ¶ 366.3 financial support, ¶ 1106 corrections, ¶ 510.1 service records, ¶ 606.6 General Commission on Communica- Judicial Council nominees biographi- diaconal ministry, conference board, ¶ tion relationship, ¶ 1806.14 cal sketch, ¶ 2602.2 366.4 incorporation, ¶ 1103 secretary of General Conference diakonia, ¶ 310 members' election, ¶ 705.1 responsibility, ¶ 510.3 DIAKONIA (World Federation of ministry of the laity, ¶ 1115 Deaconess, office of, ¶ 1313 Diaconal Associations), ¶ 1423.16 Older Adult Ministries, Committee, ¶ Deaconess Service, Committee on, ¶ Diakonia of the America and Caribbean, 1119 1315 ¶ 1423.16 organization, ¶ 1104, 1105 deaconesses disabilities purpose, ¶ 1101 appointment, ¶ 415.7 agency meetings in settings to responsibilities, ¶ 1102 General Conference legislative power, accommodate, ¶ 715.2 spiritual formation responsibilities, ¶ ¶ 15.2 annual conference location accessible 1114 ††involuntary termination, ¶ 1313.10 to those with, ¶ 603.4 stewardship responsibilities, ¶ 1113 deacons, ¶¶ 137, 310 discipleship board responsibility for supervision of Laity Sunday, ¶ 264.2 appointments to various ministries, ¶ training in ministry for, ¶ 628.1d United Methodist Publishing House 322 pastor's responsibility for ministry to board participation, ¶ 1639 beyond the local church, ¶ 322.4 those with, ¶ 331.1f worship responsibilities, ¶ 1112 from other annual conferences,¶¶ rights of persons with, Social Discipline. See also Book of Discipline. 322.8-10 Principles, ¶ 162G for affiliated autonomous Methodist financial arrangements for continu- Disability Awareness Sunday, ¶ 265.4 church, ¶ 548.3 ing education, ¶ 349.4 disability concerns, conference commit- for autonomous Methodist church, ¶ General Conference legislative power, tee, ¶ 649 551.3 ¶ 15.2 disaster response central conferences publication, ¶ membership in annual conference, ¶¶ coordinators in annual conference, ¶ 537.20 365.1, 602.1 630.4b(21) United Methodist discontinuance ministry, ¶ 319 Committee on Relief responsibilities, of local church property, ¶ 2548.2 ministry, authority, responsibilities, ¶ ¶¶ 1326.2a(2), 1326.2c discontinuance of certified candidate for 320 Disaster Response Committee, ¶ licensing or ordination, ¶ 308.1 order, ¶ 311 630.4b(21) discontinued local churches ordained ministry, conference discipleship, conference board, ¶ 628 membership transfer from, ¶¶ 228, board work with, ¶ 632.2o Christian education responsibilities, 423.8 performance evaluations, ¶ 322.14d ¶ 628.2 dismissal of members and employees probationary service of commis- evangelism responsibilities, ¶ 628.3 by general agencies, ¶ 711 sioned ministers, ¶ 317.1 general responsibilities, ¶ 628.1 disposal schedule for records, ¶ 1711.3b requirements for ordination and ministry of the laity responsibilities, distribution system of United Methodist admission to full connection, ¶ 321 ¶ 628.7 Publishing House support for those under appointment spiritual formation responsibilities, ¶ use by general agencies, ¶ 1641 of bishop, ¶ 322.14 628.6 district conferences, ¶¶ 653-654 termination of employment, ¶ stewardship responsibilities, ¶ 628.5 constitutional provisions, ¶ 40 322.14e worship responsibilities, ¶ 628.4 district lay leader, ¶ 655

444 INDEX

inclusion on committee on district of those eligible for ordination as Union, Commission on, ¶ 2403.3 superintendency, ¶ 663.1 elder, ¶ 326.1 United Methodist representative relationship with district laity board, supervisory records on, ¶ 416.7 selection, ¶ 2401.3 ¶ 661.1b task, ¶ 401 World Council of Churches, ¶¶ 818.2, district office training, ¶ 906.14 2404.3 district superintendents' responsibili- training in cooperative ministries, ¶ reports from, ¶ 1903.12 ties, ¶ 423.2 206.5 World Evangelical Fellowship, ¶ district superintendency, district written consent requirements for 2404.3c committee, ¶ 663 engagement of evangelist, ¶ 332.1 World Methodist Council, ¶¶ 639.2, district lay leader as member, ¶ 655.2 district union, ¶ 654.4 1903.8, 2403.1 district superintendents districts. See also ordained ministry, reports from, ¶ 1903.12 appointment, ¶¶ 335.1a(1), 415.5, 417 district committee. ecumenical relations appointment to cabinet, ¶ 429.1 Advance Special Gifts, ¶ 651.4 in campus ministry, ¶ 1412.2c apportionments for, ¶ 620 apportionments to, ¶¶ 613.2-3, 619 Christian unity and interreligious approval of incapacity leave between audit of funds, ¶ 423.14 concerns, conference commission, ¶ conference sessions, ¶ 355.2 church and society, director, ¶ 657 639 authorization of church conference, ¶ ethnic local church concerns, commitment, ¶ 104 247 director, ¶ 658 constitutional provisions, ¶ 5 authorization of satellite congrega- laity board, ¶ 661 and general agencies, ¶ 719 tion sponsorship, ¶ 246.20 religion and race, director, ¶ 659 as General Board of Discipleship and charge conference affiliation, ¶ divorce responsibility, ¶ 1102.8 335.3 Social Principles, ¶ 161D in mission education, ¶ 1312.4i charge conference meeting time, ¶ Doctrinal Heritage, ¶ 101 as pastor’s responsibility and duty, ¶ 245.4 Doctrinal History, ¶ 102 331.1o consent to property ownership Doctrinal Standards of Women’s Division, ¶ 1318.9 change, ¶¶ 2539.3, 2540.3 and curriculum content, ¶ 1124.3 ecumenical shared ministries, ¶¶ constitutional provisions, ¶ 51 documentary record material 207-211, 2551.2a cooperative ministry recommenda- definition, ¶ 1711.1b appointments to, ¶ 211 tions, ¶ 206.2 inventorying, repairing, microfilm- of elders, ¶ 336 duties, ¶ 404.2 ing, ¶ 1711.3d connectional enterprises responsibil- ex officio member of council on preservation, ¶ 1711.3c ity, ¶ 210 finance and administration,¶ 610.2b double jeopardy covenanting in, ¶ 209 financial arrangements for continu- and fair process in judicial proceed- definition, ¶ 330 ing education, ¶ 349.4 ings, ¶ 2701.5 editor. See Church School Publications, guidelines, ¶ 402 Drew University Theological School, ¶ editor. limitations on years of service, ¶ 418 1425.3a editorial director of general publishing, membership transfer from discontin- drug use ¶ 1628. See also book editor. ued local church, ¶ 228 Social Principles, ¶ 162J education. See also schools. parsonage, ¶ 2517.1 Duke Divinity School, ¶ 1425.3a Mission Education Program Area, ¶ pastor-parish relations committee dying, faithful care 1312.4 meeting with, ¶ 258.2e Social Principles, ¶ 161L of ordination candidates, ¶ 1426 as presiding officer over trial of requirements for ordination and layperson, ¶ 2714.1-2 admission to full connection, ¶ 326.3 renewal and study leave, ¶ 425 E Social Principles, ¶¶ 162C, 164D responsibilities, ¶¶ 419-425 Education, General Board, ¶¶ 1103, 1402 administration, ¶ 423 education program of church appointment, ¶ 433 Ecclesiastical Approval, ¶ 1422.4 oversight as pastor’s responsibility appointments, ¶ 422 Ecclesiastical Endorsement, ¶ 1422.3 and duty, ¶ 331.1d program, ¶ 424 standards, ¶ 1422.6 elders, ¶¶ 137, 310 spiritual and pastoral leadership, ecumenical campus ministries, ¶ admission and continuance of full ¶ 420 631.4d(9) membership in annual conference, ¶¶ supervision, ¶ 421 ecumenical organizations, ¶¶ 2401-2405 324-327 role in complaint process, ¶ 359.1a-b American Bible Society, ¶ 2405 covenant, ¶ 324 role in local church merger, ¶¶ Christian Unity and Interreligious historical examination, ¶ 327 2545.3, 2546.3 Concerns, General Commission, ¶ questions for the examiners, ¶ role in local church property 2404.3b. See also Christian Unity 326.7 discontinuance, ¶ 2548.2 and Interreligious Concerns, General requirements, ¶ 326 role in organizing new church, ¶ 259 Commission. appointment to ecumenical shared selection and assignment, ¶ 417 Churches Uniting in Christ, ¶ 2404.1 ministries, ¶ 336 special ministry, not separate order, Consultation on Church Union, ¶ appointment to extension ministries, ¶ 403 2404.1. See also Consultation on ¶ 334 supervision Church Union. categories, ¶ 335.1 application from exploring Council of Bishops liaisons, ¶ 2401.1 general provisions, ¶ 335.5 candidate for ministry, ¶ 306.2b elder appointment to, ¶ 335.1a(4) relation to annual conference, ¶ credentials surrender by proba- financial support, ¶ 2402 335.2 tionary member, ¶ 318.6 National Association of Evangelicals, relation to local church, ¶ 335.3 credentials surrendered, ¶ 358 ¶ 2404.2c appointment to various ministries discontinuance of local church National Council of the Churches of definition of pastor, ¶ 330 services, ¶ 332.2 Christ in the U.S.A, ¶¶ 263.2, 639.2, general provisions, ¶ 328 evaluation of pastors' effective- 816.2, 818.2, 2404.2 itinerant system, ¶ 329 ness for ministry, ¶ 348.1 Department of Communication, ¶ performance evaluations, ¶ 331 of local pastors, ¶ 341.4 1806.4 support for elders appointed to participation in setting pastors' reports from, ¶ 1903.12 pastoral charges, ¶ 333 salaries, ¶ 246.12 Pan-Methodist unauthorized conduct, ¶ 332 of probationary members in Cooperation,Commission, ¶ 2403.2 financial arrangements for continu- appointments beyond the local relationships with Wesleyan ing education, ¶ 349.4 church, ¶ 318.5 churches, ¶ 2403.4 General Conference legislative power,

445 INDEX

¶ 15.2 audit of episcopal area offices, ¶ 827 responsibility, ¶¶ 1110-1111 membership in annual conference, ¶¶ bishops’ salaries, ¶ 824 leadership as pastor’s responsibility 365.1, 602.1 bishops whose service is interrupted, and duty, ¶ 331.1g ministry, ¶ 323 ¶ 829 evangelists ministry, authority, responsibilities, ¶ expense reimbursement and district superintendent written 325 honoraria policies, ¶ 826 consent requirements, ¶ 332.1 order, ¶ 311 housing expenses, ¶ 825 Evangelization and Church Growth ordained ministry, conference pensions, ¶ 828 Program Area board work with, ¶ 632.2o promotion by General Commission in General Board of GlobalMinistries, ordination, ¶ 324.3 on Communication, ¶ 1806.12 ¶ 1312.1 probationary service of commis- proportionality, ¶ 823 evidence sioned ministers, ¶ 317.2 requirements, ¶ 822 in judicial complaint, ¶ 2706.4d support for those appointed retired bishop appointed toad in trial process, ¶ 2710.9 topastoral charges, ¶ 333 interim service, ¶ 830 examination Elders and Local Pastors section episcopal residence committee, ¶¶ of candidate for probationary of General Board of Higher Educa- 612.1c, 635 membership, ¶ 315.9 tion and Ministry, ¶ 1424 episcopal residences executive committee electronic communication jointly owned, ¶ 2514 General Board of Global Ministries, ¶ petitions to General Conference, ¶ Episcopal supervision 1306 507.9 constitutional provisions, ¶¶ 43-52 General Board of Pension and Health Social Principles, ¶ 162R equitable base compensation Benefits, ¶ 1502.4a electronic signatures, ¶ 507.3 council on finance and administra- General Commission on Archives and electronic system membership record tion recommendations, ¶ 612.1e History, ¶ 1708 for permanent church register, ¶ equitable compensation, conference General Council on Finance and 232.2 commission, ¶ 623 Administration, ¶ 805.4a emergencies Equitable Compensation Fund, ¶¶ 333.1, United Methodist Publishing House adjustment to Advance structure and 619, 620, 623.8-9 board, ¶ 1606 administration, ¶ 815.6 apportionments for, ¶ 620 powers and duties, ¶ 1607 employee/employer relations short-term emergency subsidy grant, executive session. See also clergy Social Principles, ¶ 163B ¶ 622 session. employment policies utilization, ¶ 623.6 voting, ¶ 365.3 finance and administration, confer- Equitable Compensation of The United exhorters ence council development, ¶ 611.12 Methodist Church, National Associa- General Conference legislative power, employment status tion of Commissions on, ¶ 807.18 ¶ 15.2 of clergy, ¶ 141 estates experience endangered species held by General Board of Education, examination in Theological Task, ¶ Social Principles, ¶ 160C ¶¶ 1103, 1402 104 endowment funds, ¶ 811.7 Ethnic In-Service Training Program, ¶ exploring candidate, ¶ 306.2 of abandoned or discontinued local 263.3 extended ministry, ¶ 206.3f church, ¶ 2548.5 ethnic local church concerns extension ministries energy resources utilization district director, ¶ 658 appointment of elder, ¶ 334 Social Principles, ¶ 160B General Board of Discipleship compensation for, ¶ 626 enlarged charge, ¶ 206.3e responsibility, ¶ 1117 evaluation of clergy serving, ¶ 348.2 environmental responsibility ethnic persons. See also inclusiveness. local pastors and, ¶ 341 Social Principles, ¶ 160 collection of information and probationary service of commis- episcopacy. See also bishops; Council of materials on historical witness, ¶ sioned ministers, ¶ 317.3 Bishops. 1703.4 constitutional provisions, ¶¶ 43-51 rights, Social Principles, ¶ 162A General Conference legislative Ethnic Scholarship Program, ¶ 263.3 F power, ¶ 15.5 evaluation, ¶ 348 General Conference restrictive The Evangelical Church, rules, ¶ 17 Board of Church Extension, ¶ 1305.2 failure to appear or respond jurisdictional conference standing doctrinal traditions, ¶ 102 and fair process in judicial proceed- committee, ¶ 48 Missionary Society, ¶ 1305.2 ings, ¶ 2701.7 vacancies, special session of jurisdic- evangelical denominations and right to appeal, ¶ 2715.3 tional conference to fill, ¶ 519.2 deeding church property to, ¶ 2547 fair process in administrative hearings, ¶ Episcopacy, Central Conference The Evangelical Press 359.2 Committee on, ¶ 407.2 dissolution, ¶ 1620 fair process in judicial proceedings, ¶ involuntary retirement of bishop, ¶ Evangelical United Brethren Church 2701 409.3a Board of Missions, ¶ 1305.2 access to records, ¶ 2701.6 episcopacy, conference committee, ¶ 634 Board of Pensions, ¶ 1503.2c communications, ¶ 2701.4 Episcopacy, Interjurisdictional Commit- Board of Publication, ¶ 1608 double jeopardy, ¶ 2701.5 tee, ¶¶ 405.2c, 511 Confession of Faith, ¶ 102 ;¶ 103 failure to appear or respond, ¶ 2701.7 Episcopacy, Jurisdictional Committee, mission agencies of former, ¶ 1310.2 healing within congregation, ¶ 2701.8 ¶¶ 407.1, 522 statement of social principles, immunity of participants, ¶ 2701.9 approval of bishop’s leave of absence, tradition, ¶ 101 notice of judicial process hearings, ¶ ¶ 411.1 Women’s Society of World Service, ¶ 2701.2 involuntary retirement of bishop, ¶ 1319.3a right to be accompanied, ¶ 2701.3 409.3a Evangelical United Brethren Council of right to be heard, ¶ 2701.1 episcopal areas Administration, ¶ 722 faith audit of offices, ¶ 827 Evangelicals, National Association of, ¶ and good works, ¶ 101 in central conferences, ¶ 537.6 2404.2c family provisions, ¶ 405 Evangelischmethodistische Kirche, ¶ 723 Social Principles, ¶ 161A Episcopal Fund, ¶¶ 407.3, 617.1a(5), 619, evangelism violence and abuse, Social Principles, 806.2, 821-830 as conference discipleship board ¶ 161H apportionment to annual conference, responsibility, ¶¶ 628.1, 628.3 family farms ¶¶ 612.1b, 808 as General Board of Discipleship Social Principles, ¶ 163H

446 INDEX family leave, ¶ 353 bishops whose service is inter- World Service Special Gifts, ¶ 813 Family Life, Committee on, ¶ 1118.4 rupted, ¶ 829 guidelines for presenting budget family ministries, ¶ 1118 expense reimbursement and recommendations to annual confer- family ministry coordinators, ¶ 252 honoraria policies, ¶ 826 ence, ¶ 612.6 farms housing expenses, ¶ 825 incorporation, ¶ 803 Social Principles, ¶ 162N pensions, ¶ 828 members as ex officio members on for family-owned, ¶ 163H proportionality, ¶ 823 conference council, ¶ 610.2b on migrant workers, ¶ 163F requirements, ¶ 822 name, ¶ 802 federated church, ¶¶ 208a, 330 retired bishop appointed to ad organization deeding church property to, ¶ 2547 interim service, ¶ 830 committees, ¶ 805.4 membership report, ¶ 229 financial reports forms, ¶ 704 financial support, ¶ 805.6 fellowship, ¶ 703.12 fiscal responsibilities, ¶¶ 806-807 meetings, ¶ 805.2 Fellowship of Local Pastors accounting and reporting, ¶ 806.3 membership, ¶ 805.1 andAssociate Members, ¶ 345 agency compliance with fiscal officers, ¶ 805.3 Fellowship of United Methodists in accountability policies, ¶ 806.12 staff, ¶ 805.5 Music and Worship Arts, ¶¶ 628.4c, budgets, ¶ 806.1 supervisory records guidelines, ¶ 1112.14 church secretaries 423.4 Finance and Administration, conference continuingeducation, ¶ 807.17 World Service Special Gifts commit- council, ¶¶ 609-626 employment policies, ¶ 807.11 tee participation, ¶ 907.6 amenability, ¶ 610.6 financial management leadership, finance committee of local church, ¶¶ apportionments, ¶ 613 ¶ 807.2 243, 258.4 auditing, ¶ 615 funds receipt and disbursement, ¶ election, ¶ 248 authority over treasurer/director of 806.2 lay leader membership, ¶ 250.1c administrative services, ¶ 617.3 general agency audits, ¶ 806.5 financial appeals bonding, ¶ 616 general agency budget review, ¶ churchwide, ¶ 811.4 budgets, ¶ 612 806.4 financial obligations administration budget, ¶ 612.2 insurance program, ¶ 807.20 by annual conference, ¶ 604.2 clergy support budgets, ¶ 612.1 internal audit functions, ¶ 806.6 limitations of responsibility, ¶ 2510 Conference Benevolences, ¶ 612.3 investment policies, ¶ 806.11 of local church, annual conferences conference committee on legal action to protect interests of power to inquire about, ¶ 604.8 episcopacy, ¶ 634.4 the United Methodist Church, ¶ financial secretary episcopal residence committee 807.7 election, ¶ 248 recommendations, ¶ 635.4c-d local church business administra- fiscal year, ¶ 720.1 other apportioned causes, ¶ 612.4 tion guidance, ¶ 807.16 food safety special appeals, ¶ 612.5 operating system management, ¶ Social Principles, ¶ 160F Conference Treasurer/Director of 807.10 Foreign Missions, Board of, ¶ 1305.3 Administrative Services, ¶ 617 policies on banking, payroll, forms depository, ¶ 614 accounting, ¶ 806.7 responsibility for preparation, ¶ membership, ¶ 610.2 prohibition of fund use for 805.4c election, ¶ 610.2a alcoholic beverages, ¶ 806.10 foundations, ¶ 811.7 ex officio members, ¶ 610.2b properties management, ¶ 807.4 of abandoned or discontinued local officers, ¶ 610.3 property reporting function, ¶ church, ¶ 2548.5 organization, ¶ 610.5 807.5 council on finance and administra- pastoral support, ¶¶ 618-626 right to stop expenditures for tion recommendations, ¶ 611.16 apportionment distribution, ¶¶ promotion of acceptance of homo- General Board of Discipleship 619-620 sexuality, ¶ 806.9 guidance, ¶ 1113.6 base compensation, ¶ 621 statistics preparation, ¶ 807.14 local church, ¶ 2534 compensation for supervision of use of church 4-H, ¶ 255.3 extensionministries, ¶ 626 name, ¶ 807.9 freedoms, basic equitable compensation, ¶ 623 United Methodist insignia use freedom of information, Social pastors’ expenses and allowances, supervision, ¶ 807.8 Principles, ¶ 164C ¶ 625 General Board of Higher Education freedom of religion, ¶ 1806.5 payment obligation, ¶ 622 and Ministry relationship, ¶ 1406.10 freedom of the press, ¶ 1806.5 Sustentation Fund, ¶ 624 General Commission on Communica- Social Principles, ¶ 164A purpose, ¶ 610.1 tion promotion, funding determina- full membership roll, ¶ 229.1 relationships, ¶ 610.7 tion, ¶ 1806.13 full-time local pastors, ¶ 343.1 responsibilities, ¶ 611 General Council on Ministries full-time service for ordained elders, ¶ Finance and Administration, General relationship, ¶ 906.26 329.1 Council, ¶¶ 801-830 general funds compensation, ¶ 333.1 Advance participation, ¶ 907.5a The Advance, ¶¶ 651, 814, 1806.12 funding. See also stewardship. amenability, ¶ 804 Black College Fund, ¶ 819. See central conferences limitations, ¶ annual conference journal sent to, ¶ also Black College Fund. 537.30 606.2 ††††definition, ¶ 810 constitutional provisions, General annual reports by general treasurer general administration fund, ¶ 817 Conference legislative power, ¶ 15.9 to annual conferences, ¶ 809 general directives, ¶ 815 for continuing education, ¶ 349.4 central conferences stateent to, ¶ Interdenominational Cooperation ecumenical organizations, ¶ 2402. 537.4 Fund, ¶ 818. See also Inter-denomi- See also Interdenominational Committee on Official Frms and national Cooperation Fund. leadership as pastor’s responsibility Records, ¶ 232.1 Ministerial Education Fund, ¶ and duty, ¶ 331.1e conference council cooperation, ¶ 820. See also Ministerial Education provisional annual conferences, ¶ 611.13-15 Fund. 556.3 conference payments of apportioned ††††policies, ¶ 811 travel and sustenance expense of funds, ¶ 808 Special Sunday offerings, ¶¶ committee on appeals, ¶ 2716.4 Episcopal Fund, ¶¶ 21-830 807.3, 816. See also Special Sundays, Uited Methodist Women, ¶ 255.4 audit of episcopal area offices, ¶ with offerings. funds of annual conference 827 World Service Fund, ¶ 812. See investment policies, ¶ 611.5 bishops’ salaries, ¶ 824 also World Service Fund.

447 INDEX

G Social Principles, ¶ 162M Golden Cross Sunday offering for, ¶ Germany Central Conference, ¶ 535.3d 265.2 Girl Scouts, ¶ 255.3 trustees of institutions, nomination, ¶ global ministries, conference board, ¶ 630.4b(33) gambling 630 health care Social Principles, ¶ 163G parish and community development, Social Principles, ¶ 162T gas leases, ¶ 2505 conference committee, ¶ 630.5 hearing gender for provisional annual conferences, ¶ clergy rights before administrative Social Principles, ¶ 161F 557 location, ¶ 359.3c(2) General Administration Fund ¶¶ global ministries, conferencesecretary, ¶ clergy rights before involuntary leave 617.1a(5) 630.3 of absence, ¶ 352.1b closed meetings restriction, ¶ 721 Global Ministries, General Board fair process in administrative retired bishop assignment to, ¶ administration of Human Relations hearings, ¶ 359.2 409.1c Day offering, ¶ 263.1 before involuntary retirement,¶ 356.3 General Church Membership Roll, ¶ 222 administrative guidance for mission- probationary member right to, ¶ General Conference, ¶¶ 501-510 ary conference, ¶ 558 318.6 Book of Resolutions, ¶ 510.2 annual conference board of global Heritage Sunday, ¶ 264.1 boycott actions, ¶ 246.18 ministries as connection, ¶ 630.4b higher education. see also Black College composition, ¶ 502 central conferences relationship with, Fund. constitutional provisions, ¶¶ 7, 12-20 ¶ 536.6 Higher Education and Ministry, amendments to Constitution, ¶ 57 elders in service, ¶ 335.1c conference board, ¶ 631 annual conference election of members’ election, ¶ 705.1 fiscal responsibilities, ¶ 631.4b delegates, ¶ 32 mission, ¶¶ 562-563 general responsibilities, ¶ 631.4a basis of representation in Special Sunday supervision public policy, ¶ 631.4e jurisdictional conferences, ¶ 23 Disability Awareness Sunday, ¶ responsibilities with cmpus minis- delegates, ¶ 12 265.4 tries, ¶ 631.4d Judicial Council authority over Golden Cross Sunday, ¶ 265.2 responsibilities with schools, colleges onstitutionality of acts, ¶¶ 54.1, 55 Native American Ministries ad universities, ¶ 631.4c legislative power, ¶ 15 Sunday, ¶ 263.6 Higher Education and Ministry, General meeting time and location, ¶ 13 Rural Life Sunday, ¶ 265.3 Board, ratio of representation, ¶ 14 God and Country award program, ¶ accountability, ¶ 702.2 special session, ¶ 13 255.3 appointment to extension ministries delegates Golden Cross Sunday, ¶ 265.2, endorsed by, ¶ 335.1b from affiliated autonomous 630.4b(35) certification for clergy transfer from Methodist churches, ¶ 547.3 conference board of globalministries other Methodist denominations, ¶ from missionary conferences, ¶ responsibility, ¶ 630.4b(12) 338.2c 559.3 good works exceptions to undergraduate from provisional annual confer- faith and, ¶ 101 requirements for probationary ences, ¶ 556.4 government members, ¶ 315.3 designation by calendar year, ¶ 724 Social Principles, ¶ 164 funding, ¶ 1409 determining number of bishops in government responsibility for job Higher Education Division, ¶¶ jurisdiction, ¶ 405.2c creation 1410-1413 election of secretary-designate, ¶ 504 Social Principles, ¶ 163C ordained ministry,conference Interjurisdictional Committee on grace, ¶ 101 board work with, ¶ 632.2v Episcopacy report to, ¶ 511.4 graduate studies Ordained Ministry Division, ¶ 1421 legislation effective date, ¶ 508 as requirement for probationary organization, ¶ 1407 permanent records, ¶ 510 membership candidate, ¶ 315.4 purpose, ¶ 1404 petitions to, ¶ 507 Great Britain responsibilities, ¶ 1406 powers defined, ¶ 501 Wesleyan “Standards”, ¶ 102 schools of theology of the United presiding officers, ¶ 503 group ministry, ¶ 206.3d Methodist Church, ¶ 1425 quorum, ¶ 506 secretary participation in Curriculum rules of order, ¶ 505 Resources Committee, ¶ 1125.1c secretary duties, ¶ 510 H standards to validate special ministry speaking for the Church, ¶ 509 settings, ¶ 335.1d status of missionary conference, ¶ United Methodist Higher Education 560 healing within congregation Foundation, ¶¶ 631.4a(8), 631.4b(2), time of legislation effect in central 1419 conferences, ¶ 537.21 and fair process in judicial proceed- ings, ¶ 2701.8 Hispanic, Asian, and Native Americans United Methodist Publishing House Educational Ministries, ¶ 631.4a(5) report to, ¶ 1612 health certificate for local pastor as candi- historian, annual conference, ¶ 638.3 General Conference of 1808, ¶ 102 historical examination for admission to General Conference of the United date for probationary membership, ¶ 315.8 full connection, ¶ 327 Brethren in Christ (1815), ¶ 102 historical records Conference Claimants, ¶ 1504.11 certificate for local pastor licensing, ¶ 340.2 of local church, ¶ 246.5 General Episcopal Fund historical society, annual conference, ¶ central conference participation, ¶ certificate for return after involun- tary retirement, ¶ 364.5 638.2 537.4 historical statement, general evangelists certificate for return to effective relationship after retirement, ¶ 356.7 history. See archives and history, appointment as, ¶ 628.3f-g conference commission. General Funds incapacity leave resulting from health and disabling conditions, ¶ 355 HIV (Human Immune Virus) The Advance, ¶¶ 651, 814, 1806.12 Social Principles, ¶ 162S General Membership roll as reason for bishop’s involuntary retirement, ¶ 409.2b holy catholic church, ¶ 203 for new church start, ¶ 259.3 homosexual persons General Rules, ¶ 101 ; ¶ 135 as reason for bishop’s voluntary retirement, ¶ 409.2d ceremonies for unions, ¶ 332.6 constitutional provisions, General ordination candidacy, ¶¶ 304.3, Conference restrictive rules, ¶ 19 conference board of global ministries responsibility, ¶ 630.4b(26-30) 306.4f (footnote 2) origin, Social Principles, ¶ 161G genetic technology coordinator, ¶ 254

448 INDEX

rights, ¶ 162H interim license as local pastor, ¶ 342 declaratory decisions, ¶ 2610 honorable location, ¶ 357 Interjurisdictional Committee on duties and responsibilities, ¶ 2601 ordained ministry, conference board Episcopacy, ¶ 511 expenses, ¶¶ 817.1, 817.3 responsibility, ¶ 632.2k International Court of Justice jurisdiction and powers, ¶ 2609 readmission after, ¶ 361 Social Principles, ¶ 165D membership housing allowance international justice alternates, ¶ 2603 distribution of costs in multi-church Social Principles, ¶ 165D composition and term, ¶ 2602.1 charge, ¶ 246.17 Internet expiration of term, ¶ 2605 housing for bishop Social Principles, ¶ 162R ineligibility, ¶ 2606 episcopal residence committee The Interpreter nominations and election, ¶ responsibility, ¶ 635 Judicial Council actions, ¶ 2612.1 2602.2 expenses, ¶ 825 Judicial Council notice, ¶ 2610.3 vacancies, ¶ 2604 housing for pastor. See also parsonage. investigation committee for judicial notification and publication, ¶ 2612 church council responsibility for, ¶ complaint organization and procedure, ¶ 2608 251.4e when respondent is bishop, ¶ 2703.1 precedential value, ¶ 2611 Human Relations Day, ¶¶ 263.1, 816.1 when respondent is clergy, ¶ 2703.2 time and place, ¶ 2608.2 human rights when respondent is diaconal judicial proceedings Social Principles, ¶ 164A minister, ¶ 2703.3 chargeable offenses and statute of human sexuality when respondent is layperson, ¶ limitations, ¶ 2702 Social Principles, ¶ 161G 2703.4 fair process, ¶ 2701 hunger investment policies judicial system conference board of global ministries of annual conference board of central conference establishment of responsibility, ¶ 630.4b(20) trustees, ¶ 2512.3e court, ¶ 537.32 of local church board of trustees, ¶ constitutional provisions 2532.5 central conference role, ¶ 29.6 I of local church permanent endow- General Conference legislative ment fund committee, ¶ 2532.5 power, ¶ 15.7 involuntary leave of absence, ¶ 352.1b Judiciary immunity from prosecution of com- administrative review committee constitutional provisions, ¶¶ 53-56 plaints, ¶ 359.2g and, ¶ 633 jurisdiction immunity of participants involuntay retirement, ¶ 356.3 church membership and number of and fair process in administrative review committee bishops, ¶ 405.2 judicialproceedings, ¶ 2701.9 and, ¶ 633 jurisdictional nominating committee, ¶ incapacity, conference joint committee, bishops, ¶ 409.3 705.1 ¶¶ 355, 648 readmission after, ¶ 364 justice incapacity leave itinerant system, ¶ 329, 430 Social Principles, ¶ 165D bishops, ¶ 411.4 elders in appointment beyond the justification, ¶ 101 ordained ministry, conference board local church in, ¶ 335 responsibility, ¶ 632.2k inclusiveness L annual conference ministries and J procedures, ¶ 608 appointment of distrct superintend- laity, conference board, ¶ 629 ents, ¶ 417 job descriptions conference lay leader as chair, ¶ call to, ¶ 138 for local church staff, ¶ 258.2f(5) 603.9b constitutional provisions, ¶ 4 joint charge conference, ¶ 245.10 laity, district board, ¶ 661 election of bishops, ¶ 406.2a journal. See also annual conferences, laity ministry jurisdictional conference agency journal. annual conference responsibility, ¶ membership, ¶ 527 central conferences, ¶ 536.7 628.7 pastor’s responsibility for leadership, judicial complaint, ¶ 359.1d(1). See also Laity Sunday, ¶¶ 264.2, 628.7b ¶ 331.2 trial. landmarks incorporation bill of charges and specifications, ¶ annual conference policy on govern- conference council on finance and 2706.5a ment designation of church property administration, ¶ 610.5c against bishop, ¶ 413.3a as, ¶ 2512.7 newly organized church, ¶ 259.10 form, ¶ 2705 late-term abortion information technology, ¶ 244 investigation committee, ¶ 2703 Social Principles, ¶ 161J inquiring candidate, ¶ 306.1 finding of reasonable grounds and law institution of higher education referral for trial, ¶ 2706.5b Social Principles, ¶ 165D retired bishop assignment to, ¶ finding other than reasonable law enforcement 409.1c grounds, ¶ 2706.5c Social Principles, ¶ 164F institutional and voluntary ministries, hearing before, ¶ 2706.4 lay leader subcommittee, ¶ 630.5c legal counsel,¶ 2706.2b of annual conference, ¶ 603.9 institutional racism procedures, ¶ 2706.1 of district, ¶ 655 Social Principles, ¶ 162A parties ad counsel, ¶ 2706.2 of local church institutions preliminary meeting, ¶ 2706.3 election, ¶ 248 employment of ordained minister, ¶ procedures for referral and investiga- responsibilities, ¶ 250.1 334.2 tion, ¶¶ 2703-2708 lay leadership of United Methodist Church, elder referral of complaint to counsel for pastor’s responsibility for develop- appointment to, ¶ 335.1a(3) the churc, ¶ 2704 ment, ¶ 331.2b insurance trial, ¶¶ 2707-2714 lay leadership committee, ¶¶ 243, 258.1 local church trustees’ review of Judicial Council, ¶¶ 2601-2612 election, ¶ 248 coverage, ¶ 2532.2 authorization, ¶ 703.1 lay leader membership, ¶ 250.1c Interdenominational Cooperation Fund, confidentiality and ex parte commu- lay members ¶¶ 617.1a(5), 818, 2401.2, nication, ¶ 2607 ††annual conference, ¶¶ 2502, 602.4-7 interdenominational local church constitutional provisions, ¶¶ 53-56 constitutional provisions mergers, ¶ 2546 bishop’s report on decisions of ††delegate election to general and interim appointments, ¶ 329.3 law, ¶ 49 jurisdictional conference, ¶ 34

449 INDEX

††††election to annual conference, ¶ 30 and disabling conditions, ¶ 355 committee responsibilities, ¶ delegate to General Conference, ¶ appointment termination, ¶ 355.3 258.2f(10) 502 maternity or paternity, ¶ 354 profiles, ¶ 432.1 judicial complaint, ¶ 2702.3 ordained ministry, conference board proportional payment to pensions, ¶ finding of reasonable grounds and responsibility, ¶ 632.2k 636.4 referral for trial, ¶ 2706.5b(4) sabbatical, ¶ 350 protection of congregation rights, ¶ investigation committee, ¶ 2703.4 termination, ¶ 352.4 261 referral of complaint to counsel leisure recommended procedures for for the church, ¶ 2704.4 Social Principles, ¶ 163C funding, ¶ 611.6 right to appeal trial decision, ¶ less than full-time appointment, ¶ 433.7 relation to wider Church, ¶ 203 2717 for deacon, ¶ 322.7 report to annual conference, ¶ 606.7 trial, ¶ 2714 for ordained elders, ¶ 329.2 resources for ministry group in provisional central conferences, ¶ compensation, ¶ 333.2 onreligion and race, ¶ 2008.8 542 ordained ministry, conference board restrictions on discontinuance of lay missionaries in non-United Method- responsibility, ¶ 632.2k services, ¶ 332.2 ist churches license for pastoral ministry, ¶¶ special appeals from conference church membership, ¶ 236 340-346. See also local pastors. agencies, ¶ 612.5 lay missioners authority and duties, ¶ 341 Special Sundays, ¶¶ 262-263 provisions, ¶ 270 candidacy process, ¶ 306 Human Relations Day, ¶¶ 263.1, lay speakers, ¶ 266 entrance procedures, ¶ 305 816.1 charge conference recommendations surrender, ¶ 346.1 Native American Ministries on, ¶ 246.11 life-sustaining medical treatment Sunday, ¶¶ 263.6, 650 lay leader as, ¶ 250.1f Social Principles, ¶ 161L One Great Hour of Sharing, ¶¶ local church, ¶ 267 Loans and Scholarships, Office 263.2 pastor-parish relations committee of annual conference, ¶ 631.4a(6) Peace with Justice Sunday, ¶¶ recommendations, ¶ 258.2f(7) local church, ¶¶ 201-270. See also charge 263.5, 627.2 training, ¶ 266.4 conference; church council; church United Methodist Student Day, ¶¶ Lay Speaking Ministries membership; pastoral charge. 263.4, 631.4a(5) conference committee, ¶ 629.6 building accessibility, ¶ 630.4b(36) World Communion Sunday, ¶¶ conference director, ¶ 629.6d care of members, ¶ 204 263.3, 631.4a(5) conference lay leader relation to,¶ congregation responsibility following Special Sundays without churchwide 603.9b baptism, ¶ 225.2 offerings, ¶ 264 ††district committee, ¶ 662 constitutional provisions Heritage Sunday, ¶ 264.1 ††lay leader as member, ¶ 655.6 election of officers, ¶ 42 Laity Sunday, ¶¶ 264.2, 628.7b leadership transfer between conferences, ¶ Organ and Tissue Donor Sunday, bishops’ responsibilities, ¶ 414 39 ¶ 264.3 district superintendents’ responsibili- contributions to Advance Specials, ¶ specialized ministries, ¶¶ 252-257 ties, ¶ 420 651.5 age-level, family, and specialized- style for superintendency, ¶ 402.1 cooperative parish, ¶ 205.2, 206 ministries coordinators, ¶ 252 leadership development andresourcing covenant relationships in multi- church school, ¶ 255.1 ministries of local church, ¶ 251.2 ethnic and multi-languagesettings, ¶ church-school superintendent, ¶ leadership in local church. See also 2551 254 administrative committees in local definition, ¶ 201 civic youth-serving and Scouting church; board of trustees. designation by located clergy ministries, ¶ 255.3 church historian, ¶ 246.5 members, ¶ 357.2 other age-level councils, ¶ 257 churc-school superintendent, ¶ 254 ecumenical shared ministries, ¶¶ other ministry group coordina- consecutive terms of office, ¶ 246.7 207-211 tors, ¶ 253 cordinators elder in extension ministries relation program ministries, ¶ 255 communications, ¶ 254 to, ¶ 335.3 small-group coordinator, ¶ 254 health-and-welfare ministries, ¶ elders’ affiliate relation to, ¶ 335.3b small-group ministries, ¶ 255.1 254 ethnic local church concerns United Methodist Men, ¶ 256 for ministry groups, ¶ 253 district director, ¶ 658 United Methodist Women, ¶ 255.4 for specialized ministries, ¶ 252 financial status, annual conferences young people’s ministries, ¶ 255.2 development as discipleship board power to inquire about, ¶ 604.8 standards for approval of building responsibility, ¶ 628.7c function, ¶ 202 proposals, ¶ 2520 duties, ¶ 250 giving plan, district superintndents’ Sundays approved for election, ¶ 248 responsibilities, ¶ 423.8 annualconference observation, ¶ 265 membership secretary, ¶ 233 healing within congregation after Christian Education Sunday, ¶¶ removal of officers and filling of judicial proceedings, ¶ 2701.8 265.1, 628.2d vacancies, ¶ 249 lay speakers, ¶ 266 Disability Awareness Sunday, ¶ resources for developing, ¶ 1115.3 membership, annual conferences 265.4 for United Methodist Women, ¶ power to inquire about, ¶ 604.9 Golden Cross Sunday, ¶ 265.2. See 255.4 merger also Golden Cross Sunday. lease interdenominational, ¶ 2546 Rural Life Sunday, ¶ 265.3 of annual conference property, ¶ 2515 within The United Methodist supervisory follow-up to complaint, ¶ of district property, ¶ 2523 Church, ¶ 2545 359.1e of incorporated local church prop- obligation to pay pastor’s compensa- transfer between conferences, ¶ 260 erty, ¶ 2540 tion, ¶ 622 in transitional communities, ¶¶ of unincorporated local church organization and administration, ¶¶ 212-213 property, ¶ 2539 242-258 assessment process for potential, leave of absence, ¶ 352 administrative committees, ¶ 258 ¶ 213 bishops, ¶ 411 church council, ¶251 local laws for continuing education, ¶ 349.2 information technology, ¶ 244 property provisions compliance with, family, ¶ 353 organization, ¶ 243 ¶¶ 2506-2510 for formation and spiritual growth, ¶ primary tasks, ¶ 242 local pastor 349.3 organization method for new, ¶ 259 appointment as pastors, ¶ 328.2 incapacity leave resulting from health paid staff, pastor-parish relations authority and duties, ¶ 341

450 INDEX

categories, ¶ 343 General Board of Pension and Health interdenominational, ¶ 2546 committee membership, ¶ 343.5 Benefits, ¶ 1502.3 of The United Methodist Church, ¶ continuation as, ¶ 344 meetings of agencies 2545 discontinuance, ¶ 346.1 restrictions on closed, ¶ 721 The Methodist Book Concern, financial arrangements for continu- members The Methodist Church. See also United ing education, ¶ 349.4 local church care of, ¶ 204 Methodist Church. interim license, ¶ 342 membership, ¶ 1101.2. See also church Christmas Conference of 1784, ¶ 724 judicial complaint, right to appeal membership; laity ministry. Methodist Church in Great Britain trial decision, ¶ 2716 in annual conference boards and delegates to General Conference, ¶ licensing, ¶ 340.2 committees. 502.1b membership in annual conference, ¶¶ Christian unity and interreligious delegates to United Methodist 365.1, 602.1 concerns, ¶ 639.2 General Conference, ¶ 12 mentors, ¶ 347.1b church and society, ¶ 627.2 Methodist denominations person on honorable location disability concerns, ¶ 649.1 clergy transfer from other, ¶ 338.2 appointed as, ¶ 357.2 episcopacy, ¶ 634.1 Methodist Episcopal Church (North) probationary members classed as finance and administration, ¶ social creed, after discontinuance, ¶ 318.6 609.2 The Methodist Episcopal Church, South, records on termination, ¶ 632.3d global ministries, ¶ 630.2 The Methodist Protestant Church, reinstatement of status, ¶ 346.4 laity, ¶ 629.3 metropolitan commission in annual requirements for probationary ordained ministry, ¶ 632.1 conference, ¶ 630.5j membership, ¶ 315.6 parish and community develop- migrant workers restriction as lay member to annual ment, ¶ 630.5a Social Principles, ¶ 163F conference, ¶ 250.2 pensions, ¶ 636.2 military service retirement, ¶ 346.5 religion and race, ¶ 639.2 Social Principles, ¶ 164G service for pension credit, ¶ 1506.4f status and role of women, ¶ 639.2 mineral leases, ¶ 2505 student, ¶¶ 341.7, 343.3-4 young adult ministry, ¶ 647.2 minerals training, ¶ 1421.6. See also Course of youth ministry, ¶ 646.2 Social Principles, ¶ 160A Study curriculum. in central conferences, ¶ 536.1 Ministerial Education Fund, ¶¶ trial, ¶¶ 346.3, 2713 in charge conference, ¶¶ 245, 245.2 258.2f(8), 617.1a(5), 632.2u, 632.2v voting rights in annual conference, ¶ in church council, ¶¶ 243.3, 251.5 Ministers Reserve Pension Fund, ¶ 648.e 341.6 Church Location and Building, Ministries, annual conference council withdrawal under complaints and district board, ¶ 2518 chairperson of annual conference charges, ¶ 346.2local preachers clergy in annual conference, ¶ 602.1 board of higher education and General Conference legislative power, ††clergy orders, ¶ 314 campus ministry as member,¶ 631.3 ¶ 15.2 in council for youth empowerment, ¶ higher education and campus loose-leaf book 255.2c ministry, conference board relation- for permanent church register, ¶ Curriculum Resources Committee, ¶ ship, ¶ 631.4 232.2 1125 ministries, jurisdictional coucil, ¶ 528 Lord’s Supper in district boards and committees Ministry of All Christians, ¶¶ 125-130, elders in full connection, availability committee on district superin- 310 for, ¶ 335.3 tendency, ¶ 663.1 ministry of the ordained. See ordained laity training in distribution to council on youth ministry, ¶ 666.2 ministry. homebound persons, ¶ 1115.9 laity, ¶ 661.2 miscnduct. See complaint procedures. licensed ministry authority and ordained ministry, ¶ 660.1 mission, ¶¶ 562-563 duties, ¶ 341 episcopal residence committee, ¶ mission congregation as pastor’s responsibility and duty, ¶ 635.2 organizing, ¶ 259 331.1b on equitable compensation commis- mission groups, ¶ 255.1c sion, ¶ 623 mission of the Church, ¶ 120 Judicial Council global nature, ¶ 123 M alternates, ¶ 2603 process for carrying out, ¶ 122 composition and term, ¶ 2602.1 rationale, ¶ 121 expiration of term, ¶ 2605 in the world, ¶ 124 making disciples. See mission of the ineligibility, ¶ 2606 mission traveling preachers, ¶ 563.5 Church. nominations and election, ¶ General Council on Ministries role in mandatory retirement 2602.2 developing, ¶ 906.18 of bishop, ¶ 409.1 vacancies, ¶ 2604 missionaries of clergy, ¶ 356.1 in lay leadership committee, ¶ appointment, ¶ 415.7 of general agency staff personnel, ¶ 258.1c-d General Board of Global Ministries 714.3 local church board of trustees, ¶ 2529 responsibility for facilitating, ¶ marriage pastor-parish relations committee, ¶ 1302.15 central conferences adaptation of 258.2 inclusion in annual conference, ¶ rites and ceremonies, ¶ 537.18 membership secretary, ¶ 233 602.9 licensed ministry authority and men. See United Methodist Men, lay members in non-United Method- duties, ¶ 341 General Commission. ist churches, church membership, ¶ as pastor’s responsibility and duty, ¶ men and women. See women and men. 236 331.1i mentoring and mentors, ¶ 347 recruitment, ¶ 630.4b(23) Social Principles, ¶ 161C assignment of exploring candidate, ¶ missionary conferences, ¶¶ 558-561 Master of Divinity, ¶ 315.4 306.2c change in status, ¶ 560 maternity leave, ¶ 354 for local pastors, ¶ 341.4 constitutional provisions media violence ordained ministry, conference board delegates to jurisdictional Social Principles, ¶ 162Q responsibility, ¶ 632.2e conference, ¶ 21 mediation, ¶¶ 359.1e, 413.3 for probationary members, ¶ 317 General Conference legislative medical experimentation for those eligible for ordination as power, ¶ 15.3 Social Principles, ¶ 162L elder, ¶ 326.1 ratio of representation to General medical treatment for the dying merged church, ¶ 208.c, 330(footnote Conference, ¶ 14 Social Principles, ¶ 161L 16) definition, ¶ 558 meetings merger of local churches delegates to General Conference, ¶

451 INDEX

502.1a officers commissioning, ¶ 316 organization, ¶ 559 audit of, ¶ 2511 eligibility and rights of probation- representative to central conference, oil leases, ¶ 2505 ary membership, ¶ 318 ¶ 536.1 One Great Hour of Sharing, ¶¶ 263.2 probationary service of commis- rights and privileges, ¶ 561 open space use sioned ministers, ¶ 317 monastic orders Social Principles, ¶ 162N qualifications for election to Social Principles, ¶ 161B open trial, ¶ 2708.12 probationary membership, ¶ 315 mortgage ordained ministry complaints, ¶ 359 of annual conference property, ¶ 2515 appointment after retirement, ¶ evaluation for continuing formation of district property, ¶ 2523 356.6 for full members and local pastors, ¶¶ of incorporated local church prop- appointments to extension minis- 348-350 erty, ¶ 2540 tries, ¶¶ 334-336 continuing education and spiritual restrictions on proceeds, ¶ 2542 clergy from outside the annual growth, ¶ 349 of unincorporated local church conference, ¶ 337 evaluation, ¶ 348 property, ¶ 2539 ecumenical shared ministries, ¶ sabbatical, ¶ 350 movies and violence 336 general provisions, ¶¶ 365-366 Social Principles, ¶ 162Q provisions, ¶ 335 license for pastoral ministry, ¶¶ Moving United Methodists program, ¶¶ appointments to various ministries, 340-346 235, 2302.2g ¶¶ 328-333 authority and duties, ¶ 341 multi-ethnic/multi-languagesettings general provisions, ¶ 328 categories of local pastor, ¶ 343 covenant relationships, ¶ 2551 itinerant system, ¶ 329 interim license as local pastor, ¶ multiple charge parish, ¶ 206.3b pastor, definition, ¶ 330 342 music performance evaluations, ¶ 331 meaning of ordination and confer- as discipleship board responsibility, ¶ support for elders appointed to ence membership, ¶¶ 301-304 628.4d pastoral charges, ¶ 333 ordination and apostolic ministry, name of church unauthorized conduct, ¶ 332 ¶ 302 constitutional provision, ¶ 2 candidacy for licensed and ordained purpose of ordination, ¶ 303 National Association of Stewardship ministry, ¶¶ 305-309. See also qualifications, ¶ 304 Leaders, ¶ 628.5i Ministerial Education Fund. membership in missionary confer- National Association of United Method- appointment of certified candi- ence, ¶ 559.4 ist Foundations, ¶¶ 628.5i dates, ¶ 309 mentoring and mentors, ¶ 347 National Council of the Churches of candidacy for licensed and ordained deacon in full connection, Christ in the U.S.A, ¶¶ 263.2, 639.2 ordained ministry, ¶ 306 ¶¶ 319-322. See also deacons. National Plan for Hispanic Ministries charge conference recommenda- ministry, ¶ 319 lay missioners guidelines, ¶ 270 tions, ¶ 246.8 ministry, authority, responsibili- nations continuation of candidacy, ¶ 307 ties, ¶ 320 Social Principles, ¶ 165A discontinuance and reinstatement requirements, ¶ 321 Native American ministries of certified candidacy, ¶ 308 ordained elder in full connection, ¶¶ funding considerations, ¶ 623.6 district committee role, ¶ 660 323-327. See also elders. Native American Ministries Sunday, ¶¶ education, ¶ 1426 historic examination for admis- 263.6, 650, 816.6 entrance procedures into licensed sion into full connection, ¶ 327 Native American ministry, conference and ordained ministry, ¶ 305 ministry, ¶ 323 committee, ¶ 650 examination by conference ministry, authority, responsibili- new churches committee, ¶ 632.2g ties, ¶ 325 annual conference recognition, ¶ mentors, ¶ 347.1a requirements for admission, ¶ 326 604.10 mission annual meeting to certify, organization and administration, ¶¶ organization method, ¶ 259 ¶ 563.4 301-323 readmission to confer- news-gathering pastor-parish relations committee ence relationship, ¶¶ 360-366 General Commission on Communica- recommendations, ¶ 258.2f(7) after honorable or administrative tion, responsibility, ¶ 1806.1 transitional provisions, ¶ 366.1 location, ¶ 361 Newscope certified candidate for licensing or after involuntary retirement, ¶ Judicial Council actions, ¶ 2612.1 ordination, district conference 364 Judicial Council notice, ¶ 2610.3 issuance of certificate, ¶ 654.3 after leaving ministerial office, ¶ nomination of bishops, ¶ 406.1 changes in conference relationship, 362 non-United Methodist congregations ¶¶ 351-358 after termination by action of conference members as pastors, ¶ family leave, ¶ 353 annual conference, ¶ 363 335.1d incapacity leave resulting from probationary membership, ¶ 360 nonsalaried position health and disabling conditions, ¶ as servant leadership, ¶ 137 deacon appointment to, ¶ 322.6d 355 service records, ¶ 606.6 Northern Europe Central Conference, ¶ leave of absence, ¶ 352 withdrawal from, ¶ 358.2 535.3e maternity or paternity leave, ¶ 354 ordained ministry, conference board, ¶ notice of judicial process hearings provision for change, ¶ 351 632 and fair process in judicial proceed- retirement, ¶ 356 administrative complaint referred to, ings, ¶ 2701.2 withdrawal, ¶ 358 ¶ 359.1d(2) “Notice of Transfer of Membership,” ¶ clergy from other annual conferences administrative costs, ¶ 632.4 238 or other Christian denominations, ¶¶ consultation on incapacity leave, ¶ nurturing ministries of local church, ¶ 336-339 355.2 251.2 clergy orders, ¶¶ 310-314 coordination of Fellowship of Local membership in order, ¶ 314 Pastors and Associate Members, ¶ order of deacons, ¶ 311 345 O order of elders,¶ 311 duties, ¶ 632.2 orders in relation to ministry of all examination of candidate for Christians, ¶ 310 ordination as deacon, ¶ 321.3-4 oaths in trial, ¶ 2710.3 organization of order, ¶ 313 examination of candidate for obligation, ¶ 135 purpose of order, ¶ 312 commis- probationary membership, ¶ 315.9 offering sioned minister as probationary immunity from prosecution of recordkeeping, ¶ 258.4a member, ¶¶ 315-318 complaints, ¶ 359.2g

452 INDEX

membership, ¶ 632.1 requirements when purchasing, ¶ counted for credit, ¶¶ 1506.3-4 mentor assignment to probationary 2543.3b pensions, conference board, ¶¶ 636 member, ¶ 347.1b trust clause in deeds, ¶ 2503.2 authorization, ¶ 636.1 organization, ¶ 632.1c part-time local pastors, ¶ 343.2 consultation on incapacity leave, ¶ recommendations on candidates for pastor. See also clergy; license for 355.2 licensing, ¶ 340 pastoral ministry; local pastors. financing pension and benefit registrar, ¶ 632.3 appointment to launch new church, ¶ programs, ¶ 1507 role in clergy transfer from other 259 membership, ¶ 636.2 denominations, ¶ 338.4 associate, ¶ 258.2f(5) organization, ¶ 636.3 voting, ¶ 365.3 charge conference responsibility for proportional payment, ¶ 636.4 ordained ministry, district committee, ¶ salary, ¶ 246.12 responsibility for census data, ¶ 660 church council responsibility for 1504.7 certification of local pastor studies, ¶ recommendation, ¶ 251.4d perfection, ¶ 101, 343 church property use for religious performance evaluations certified candidate appearance services, ¶ 2532.1 deacons, ¶ 322.14d before, ¶ 306.4a consent to property ownership elders, ¶¶ 325.2.c-d conference board representative on, ¶ change, ¶¶ 2539.3, 2540.3 permanent church register, ¶ 232.1 632.1e continuing education, ¶ 258.2f(6) permanent endowment fundcommittee district superintendents’ work with, ¶ definition, ¶ 330 in local church, ¶ 2533 422.2 emergency aid, ¶ 624 personal equality local pastor examination and expenses and allowances, ¶ 624 Social Principles, ¶ 162 recommendation, ¶ 340.2 membership in church committees, ¶ personnel issues in local church. See mentor assignment to local pastor, ¶ 243.3 pastor-parish relations committee. 347.1b profiles, ¶ 432.2 personnel records recommendation on candidate for program journal, ¶ 1806.15 access to, ¶ 606.9 probationary membership, ¶ 315.10 responsibilities and duties, ¶ 331 petitions to General Conference, ¶ 507 reinstatement of discontinued administration, ¶ 331.3 pews, ¶ 2532.1 certified candidate, ¶ 308.2 care of members, ¶ 227 planning review and renewal of candidacy, ¶ duty to notify trustees of gifts an as pastor’s responsibility and duty, ¶ 307 bequests, ¶ 2512.5 331.2b voting, ¶ 365.3 equipping and supervising, ¶ plants Ordained Ministry Division 331.2 Social Principles, ¶ 160A of General Board of Higher Educa- ministry within congregation and plea tion and Ministry, ¶¶ 1408, 1421 world, ¶ 331.1 entering, ¶ 2710.4 ordained ministry, jurisdictional register maintenance of baptized “Policies Relative o Socially Responsible committee, ¶ 532 children, ¶ 225.3 Investments”, ¶¶ 611.5, 716 Order of St. Luke, ¶¶ 628.4c, 1112.14 role in complaint process, when political responsibility orders. See clergy orders. respondent is layperson, ¶ 2703.4 Social Principles, ¶ 164B orders of worship, ¶¶ 1112.4, 1112.8 unauthorized conduct, ¶ 332 pollution Organ and Tissue Donor Sunday, ¶ pastor-parish relations committee, ¶¶ Social Principles, ¶ 160A 264.3 243, 258.2 population growth organ transplants church profile development, ¶ 432.1 Social Principles, ¶ 162I Social Principles, ¶ 162U consultation on appointment, ¶ 431 poverty organization and administration consultation with declared candidate Social Principles, ¶ 163E administrative committees, ¶ 258 for licensing or ordination, ¶ 306.3a power of nations constitutional provisions, ¶¶ 7-42 district superintendent consultation Social Principles, ¶ 165B Otterbein, Phillip William, ¶ 101 ; ¶ 102 with, ¶ 421.3 prayer in public schools Otterbein Press election, ¶ 248 Social Principles, ¶ 164D dissolution, ¶ 1620 evaluation of pastor, ¶ 348.1 preparatory member, ¶ 225.2 outreach ministries of local church, ¶ parsonage review, ¶ 2532.4 Preparatory Membership Roll, ¶ 229.2 251.2 role in pastoral appointment change, preretirement counseling, ¶ 356.4 ¶ 258.2f(9) presbyteros, ¶ 310 pastoral advisory committee, ¶ 258.2c presidential duties of bishop, ¶ 415 P pastoral charge presiding officer of trial definition, ¶ 205 authority, ¶ 2710.1 paternity leave, ¶354 presumption of innocence, ¶ 2701 pacifism payroll policies, ¶ 806.7 prevenient grace, ¶ 101, Social Principles, ¶ 164G peace prison ministry, ¶ 627.3 paper medium Social Principles, ¶ 165C chaplains, ¶ 1422 for permanent church register, ¶ Peace with Justice Sunday, ¶¶ 263.5, criminal justice and mercy minis- 232.1 816.5 tries, conference committee, ¶ 652 parish and community development, coordinator, ¶ 627.2 privacy. See confidentiality. conference committee, ¶ 630.5 Pension and Health Benefits, General private reprimand, ¶ 359.3a(10) parish and community development, Board, ¶¶ 356.7 probationary membership, ¶¶ 315-317, district committee, ¶ 2519.2 joint committee on incapacity 365.1 parsonage relationship, ¶ 648.e annual conference membership, ¶ annual review, ¶ 2532.4 payments due to incapacity leave, ¶ 602.1 disposition and mortgage, ¶ 2541 355 appointment of clergy from outside distribution of costs in multi-church pensions, ¶ 356 the annual conference, ¶ 337.1 charge, ¶ 246.17 after return to effective relationship, appointments beyond the local district, ¶ 2517.1 ¶ 356.7 church, ¶ 318.5 application of standards to of bishops of clergy from other Christian acquisition, ¶ 2522 in mandatory retirement, ¶ 409.1b denominations, ¶ 338.3b sale due to boundary changes, ¶ in voluntary retirement, ¶ 409.2 commissioning, ¶ 316 2517.3 funding requirements, ¶ 612.1d discontinuance, ¶ 318.6 requirements when building, ¶ for retired local pastor, ¶ 346.5 district superintendents’ provision of 2543.4d service prior to January 1982 supervision, ¶ 421.4

453 INDEX

eligibility and rights, ¶ 318 2517.3 of candidate for elders orders, ¶ eligibility for election to full member- sale, transfer, lease, mortgage, ¶ 2523 326.7 ship, ¶ 324.2 property, local church historical examination for admission local pastors’ fulfillment of require- accessibility audit, ¶ 2532.6 to full connection, ¶ 327 ments, ¶ 315.6 church local conference, ¶ 2526 from Wesley, ¶ 305 mentors, ¶ 347.1b consecration and dedication of quorum ordained ministry, conference board buildings, ¶ 2544 for charge conference, ¶ 245.6 responsibility, ¶ 632.2k deeding to federated church, ¶ 2547 for church council, ¶ 251.6 qualifications for election and discontinuance or abandonment, ¶ for General Conference, ¶ 506 commissioning, ¶ 315 2548 Judicial Council, ¶ 2608.2 readmission, ¶ 360 disposition and mortgage, ¶ 2541 recommendation to discontinue, ¶ exceptions to requirements, ¶ 2550 359.3d ††fee simple, ¶ 2543.10 R recommendations for licensing ¶ foundations, ¶ 2534 340.1 incorporated records on discontinuance, ¶ 632.3d notice and authorization, ¶ 2538 race discrimination request for change in conference sale, transfer, lease, mortgage, ¶ policy on elimination, ¶ 604.1 relationship, ¶ 351 2540 race relations requirements for ordination as title and purchase, ¶ 2537 religion and race, conference deacon and admission to full insurance coverage, ¶ 2532.2 commission, ¶ 639 connection, ¶ 321 mortgage or sale, restrictions on racism service of commissioned ministers, ¶ proceeds, ¶ 2542 Social Principles, ¶ 162A 317 parsonage, disposition and mortgage, re-baptism, ¶ 331.1c time limitations and extensions, ¶ ¶ 2541 real estate. See also property. 318 permanent endowment fund reason, ¶ 104, probe staff, ¶ 206.3h committee, ¶ 2533 recess in trial process, ¶ 2710.5 Professional Association of United planning and financing requirements recording secretary for charge confer- Methodist Church Secretaries, ¶ for building project, ¶ 2543 ence, ¶ 246.4 807.17 building committee, ¶¶ 2543.3, recordkeeping. See also General professional certification 2543.4 Commission on Archives and ordained ministry, conference board charge conference authorization, ¶ History. responsibility, ¶ 632.2t 2543.3 for abandoned or discontinued local profiles study committee, ¶ 2543c church, ¶ 2548.4 local church, ¶ 432.1 trustees’ powers and limitations, ¶ annual membership report and audit, pastor, ¶ 432.2 2532 ¶ 231 program minitries, ¶ 255 unincorporated for candidates, ordained and diaconal property. See also Trustees, Board of. notice and authorization, ¶ 2536 ministers, guidelines, ¶ 606.9 central conerence authority to sale, transfer, lease, mortgage, ¶ for charge conference, ¶ 246.4 purchase, own, hold or transfer, ¶ 2539 by conference treasurer, ¶ 617.1c 537.27 title and purchase, ¶ 2535 district superintendents’ responsibili- for divine worsip, trust clause in use by outside organizations, ¶ ties, ¶¶ 423.4, 423.7 deeds, ¶ 2503.1 2532.3 financial record audit, ¶ 258.4c General Board of Global Ministries property ownership General Conference, ¶ 510 administration, ¶ 1310 Social Principles, ¶ 163A historical records, ¶ 246.5 General Board of Pension and Health proportional pension credit, ¶ 1506.4b incapacity leaves, ¶ 355 Benefits management, ¶ 1503.1a provisional annual conferences, ¶¶ list of members removed from roll, ¶¶ proposed sale or transfer, district 554-557 227.2b(5), 229.3 superintendents’ responsibilities, ¶ board of global ministries, ¶ 557 mailing addresses, ¶ 807.13 423.6 delegates to General Conference, ¶ membership records, ¶ 229 titles, ¶ 261 502.1a offering, ¶ 258.4a camps, conference grounds, General Conference legislative power, for office of deaconess, ¶ 1313.3c retreat centers, ¶ 2516 ¶ 15.3 ordained ministry conference board, compliance with local law, ¶¶ organization, ¶ 556 ¶ 632.2 2506-2510 provisions, ¶ 555 ordained ministry, district commit- constitutional provisions, ¶ 6 provisional central conference, ¶¶ 536.8, tee, ¶ 660.3 effect of union, ¶ 2504 538-545 pastor’s responsibilities, ¶ 331.3d oil, gas, and mineral leases, ¶ psychological testing of certified pension fund payments, ¶¶ 636.4, 2505 candidate for licensing or ordination, 636.5 trust clause requirement, ¶¶ ¶ 306.4b permanent records, ¶ 232 2501-2503 public policy by person on honorable location, ¶ property, annual conference, ¶¶ Higher Education and Ministry, 357.2 2512-2516 conference board responsibilities, ¶ register of baptized children, ¶¶ conference trustees, ¶ 2512 631.4d 225.3, 230 jointly owned episcopal residences, ¶ publishing houses. See also United by registrar of ordained ministry 2514 Methodist Publishing House. conference board, ¶ 632.3 sale, transfer, lease, mortgage, ††net income restrictive rule, ¶ 20 removal of member from roll, ¶ purchase, ¶ 2515 purchase of annual conference property, 227.2b United Methodist Foundations, ¶ ¶ 2515 report forms, ¶ 606.8 2513 retired clergy report to charge property, district, ¶¶ 2517-2523 conference, ¶ 356.5 church location and building board, ¶ Q service records of ordained and 2518 diaconal ministers, ¶ 606.6 duties and responsibilities, ¶ 2519 supervisory records on district parsonage, ¶ 2517.1 qualifications for ordination, ¶ 304 superintendents, ¶ 416.7 application of standards to questions for the examiners for trial proceedings, ¶ 2710.8 acquisition, ¶ 2522 of candidate for deacons orders, ¶ of bishop, ¶ 2712.5 sale due to boundary changes, ¶ 321.4 of clergy, ¶ 2713.5

454 INDEX

of layperson, ¶ 2708.7 jurisdictional conferences, ¶ 517 seminaries records and archives of annual confer- rural life United Methodist, ¶ 138 ence, ¶ 606 Social Principles, ¶ 162N seminary students records and history committee of local Rural Life Sunday, ¶ 265.3 scholarships, ¶ 632.2u church, ¶ 246.5 separation of church and state referral of complaint, ¶ 359.1d Social Principles, ¶¶ 164B, 164D refugee ministry, ¶ 630.4b(19) S servant leadership, ¶¶ 136-137 register of baptized children, ¶¶ 225.3, servant ministry, ¶¶ 131-135 230 service religio and race, conferencecommission, sabbatical, ¶ 350 as requirement for probationary ¶ 640 bishops, ¶ 411.3 membership candidate, ¶ 315.2 religion and race, district director, ¶ 659 clergy affiliate membership in local service records religious minorities’ rights annual conference, ¶325.4 of ordained and diaconal ministers, ¶ Social Principles, ¶ 162B ordained ministry, conference board 606.6 remedial action responsibility, ¶ 632.2k sexual harassment in disposition of administrative Sacraments. See also baptism; Com- Social Principles, ¶ 161I complaint, ¶ 359.3a munion; Lord’s Supper. sexual orientation. See also homosexual renewal leave licensed ministry authority and persons. bishops, ¶ 411.2 duties, ¶ 341 rights regardless of, Social Principles, district superintendents, ¶ 425 as pastor’s responsibility and duty, ¶ ¶ 162H reprimand, private, ¶ 359.3a(10) 331.1b sexuality, human reserve commission as armed forces Saint Paul School of Theology, ¶ 1425.3a Social Principles, ¶ 161G chaplain salaries shared facilities, ¶ 206.3j leave of absence, ¶ 352.3 bishops on special assignment, ¶ shared ministry, ¶ 206.3f resignation 407.3 signatures, electronic, ¶ 507.3 of bishop, ¶ 409.4 salaries of pastors single persons resolutions of General Conference, ¶ charge conference responsibility for, Social Principles, ¶ 161E 510.2 ¶ 246.12 slavery responsibility of nations during leave of bsence, ¶ 352.1 Social Principles, ¶ 164A Social Principles, ¶ 165B local church responsibility fo small-group coordinator, ¶ 254 restorative justice deacon’s, ¶ 322.14b small-group ministries, ¶¶ 255.1, 1116.1 Social Principles, ¶ 164F during maternity/paternity leave, ¶ small membership church retired bishop, ¶ 409 354.4 inclusion in annual conference compensation support for elders appointed to agencies, ¶ 608.3 for assignment of churchwide pastoral charges, ¶ 333 small membership church, conference responsibility, ¶ 409.1c sale commission, ¶ 642 from former central conferences, ¶ of annual conference property, ¶ 2515 small membership church, subcommit- 537.31 of district property, ¶ 2523 tee, ¶ 630.5i pension, ¶ 409.1b of incorporated local church prop- Social Creed, ¶ 166 status, ¶ 410 erty, ¶ 2540 Social Principles, ¶ 101 ; ¶¶ 160-166 retired clergy of unincorporated local church soil ordained ministry, conference board property, ¶ 2539 Social Principles, ¶ 160A liaison, ¶ 632.2j sanctification, ¶ 101 space retirement, ¶ 356. See also pensions. satellite congregation Social Principles, ¶ 160D appointment of retired ordained charge conference sponsorship, ¶ special appeals ministers, ¶ 356.6 246.20 by onference agencies or institu- charge conference membership, ¶ schools tions,¶ 612.5 356.5 affiliation with The United Methodist special session clergy affiliate membership in local Church annual conferences, ¶ 603.5 annual conference, ¶ 325.4 evaluating those related to annual lay delegates, ¶ 602.5 of general agency staff personnel, ¶ conference, ¶ 631.4a(7) charge conference, ¶ 245.7 714.3 Higher Education and Ministry, jurisdictional conferences, ¶ 519 involuntary, ¶ 356.3 conference boardresponsibilities, ¶ Special Sundays, ¶¶ 262-264, 617.1a(5) of local pastor, ¶¶ 346.1, 346.5 631.4b-c approved for Annual Conference mandatory, ¶ 356.1 Higher Education Division observation, ¶ 265 ordained ministry, conference board responsibilities to, ¶ 1411.6 conference board of global ministries responsibility, ¶ 632.2k science and technology responsibility, ¶ 630.4b(25) preretirement counseling, ¶ 356.4 Social Principles, ¶ 160E Human Relations Day, ¶¶ 263.1, return to effective relationship, ¶ Scripture 816.1 356.7 basic affirmations, ¶ 101 Native American Ministries status of honorable location, ¶ 357.3 United Methodist views, ¶ 104 Sunday, ¶¶ 263.6, 650 voluntary, ¶ 356.2 Wesley’s beliefs, ¶ 104 One Great Hour of Sharing, ¶¶ retreat centers secretary-designate 263.2. See also One Great Hour f title to properties, ¶ 2516 election at General Conference, ¶ Sharing. right to be accompanied 504.1 Peace with Justice Sunday, ¶¶ and fair process in judicial proceed- secretary for charge conference, ¶ 246.4 263.5, 627.2 ings, ¶ 2701.3 secretary of annual conference, ¶ 603.7 purpose, ¶ 263 right to be heard secretary of General Conference United Methodist Student Day, ¶¶ and fair process in judicial proceed- assigned duties, ¶ 504.3 263.4, 631.4a(5) ings, ¶ 2701.1 assumption of office, ¶ 504.2 World Communion Sunday, ¶¶ Ritual calculation of number of delegates, ¶ 263.3, 631.4a(5) central conferences adaptation of, ¶ 502.3 without churchwide offerings, ¶ 264 537.17 duties, ¶ 510 Heritage Sunday, ¶ 264.1 constitutional provisions, General petitions sent to, ¶ 507.1 Laity Sunday, ¶¶ 264.2, 628.7b, Conference legislative power, ¶ 15.6 self-control by ministers, ¶ 306.4f 1115.5 Rules of Order self-examination Organ and Tissue Donor Sunday, for General Conference, ¶ 505 by ordination candidate, ¶ 306.4f ¶ 264.3

455 INDEX specialized ministries, ¶¶ 252-257 council on finance and adminis- erty, ¶ 2539 age-level, family, and specialized- tration recommendations, ¶ 612.1a transitional communities ministries coordinators, ¶ 252 equitable compensation, ¶ 623 churches in, ¶ 212 church school, ¶¶ 255.1, 1108.7-8. See pastors’ expenses and allowances, travel expenses of bishops, ¶¶ 822, 826 also Christian education. ¶ 625 traveling preacher curriculum, ¶ 1634 payment obligation, ¶ 622 committee to hear appeal, constitu- superintendent, ¶ 254 Sustentation Fund, ¶ 624 tional provisions, ¶¶ 25.6, 29.7 other age-level councils, ¶ 257 for retired bishop, with assignment of transfers, ¶ 604.6 other ministry group coordinators, ¶ churchwide responsibility, ¶ 409.1c treasurer of annual conference, ¶ 617 253 support groups, ¶ 255.1d ex officio member of concil on program ministries, ¶ 255 suspension in complaint process, ¶ finance and administration, ¶ 610.2b small-group coordinator, ¶ 254 359.1c as treasurer of council on Finance small-group ministries, ¶¶ 255.1, against bishop, ¶ 413.3 and Administration, ¶ 610.3 1116.1 sustainable agriculture treasurer o local church, ¶ 258.4b United Methodist Men, ¶ 256. See Social Principles, ¶ 162O election, ¶ 248 also United Methodist Men. sustentation fund, ¶ 624 trial United Methodist Women, ¶ 255.4. appeal, general procedures, ¶ 2715 See also United Methodist Women. of bishop, ¶ 2712 young people’s ministries, ¶ 255.2. T convening and organization, ¶ 2709 See also young adult ministries; alternates, ¶ 2709.4 youth ministry. selection of trial court, ¶ 2709.3 spiritual formation teaching. See also Christian education; trial court questions, ¶ 2709.5 as General Board of Discipleship schools; training. trial pool, ¶ 2709.2 responsibility, ¶ 628.6 teaching parish, ¶ 205.3 fundamental principles, ¶ 2707 spiritual growth, ¶¶ 134, 349 technology general organization and pre-trial staff-parish relations committee. See Social Principles, ¶ 160E procedures, ¶ 2708 pastor-parish relations committee. television amendments to bill of charges and statistician of annual conference, ¶ violence, Social Principles, ¶ 162Q specifications, ¶ 2708.11 603.7 termination of employment change of venue, ¶ 2708.4 status and role of women, conference for deacons, ¶ 322.14e combining for multiple persons, ¶ commission, ¶ 641 testimony 2708.13 stewardship before legislative body, members commissioned out-of-court as conference discipleship board representing United Methodist testimony, ¶ 2708.10 responsibility, ¶ 628.5 Church, ¶ 509.2 counsel, ¶ 2708.7 student appointment theological schools. See schools of notice, ¶ 2708.5 ordained ministry, conference board theology. officers of the court, ¶ 2708.1 responsibility, ¶ 632.2k theological studies open or closed trials, ¶ 2708.12 student local pastors, ¶¶ 341.7, 343.3 as requirement for probationary pre-trial motions, ¶ 2708.3 study leave membership candidate, ¶ 315.4b(3) scheduling ad continuances, ¶ district superintendents, ¶ 425 Theological Task, ¶ 103 2708.6 subdistrict, ¶ 653 theology time and place, ¶ 2708.2 suburban life present challenge to, ¶ 104 witnesses, ¶ 2708.8-9 Social Principles, ¶ 162P tithing, ¶ 628.5e guidelines and rules suicide title to properties, ¶ 261 authority of presiding officer, ¶ Social Principles, ¶ 161M church property, trust clause 2710.1 superintendency. See also appointment; requirement, ¶ 2501 entering the plea, ¶ 2710.4 bishops; Cabinets; district superin- constitutional provisions, ¶ 6 evidence, ¶ 2710.9 tendents. district property, ¶ 2517.2 exclusion of witnesses, ¶ 2710.7 Conference of Methodist Bishops, ¶ unincorporated local church, ¶ 2535 instructions and charges, ¶ 428 tobacco 2710.10 Council of Bishops, ¶ 427. See also Social Principles, ¶ 162K oaths, ¶ 2710.3 Council of Bishops. use by ordained ministers, ¶ objections, ¶ 2710.6 guidelines, ¶ 402 306.4f(footnote 2) order of trial, ¶ 2710.2 task, ¶ 401 town and country ministries, subcom- recess and trial procedures, ¶ superintendent mittee, ¶¶ 630.5f, 630.5h 2710.5 of mission, ¶¶ 563.3, 563.4 tradition, ¶ 104 recording of proceedings, ¶ 2710.8 of provisional annual conferences, ¶ training local pastors, ¶ 346.3 556.1 as conference discipleship board power of trial court, ¶ 2711 supervisory response in complaint responsibility, ¶ 628 penalties, ¶ 2711.3 process, ¶ 359.1b lay leader responsibility for encour- voting, ¶ 2711.2 supply preachers aging, ¶ 250.1f trust clause in deeds, ¶ 2503 General Conference legislative power, for lay speakers, ¶ 266.4 trustee, ¶ 2507 ¶ 15.2 transcript trustees, board of, ¶¶ 637, 2507 support of local pastor, ¶ 315.7 annual conferences, ¶ 2512 conference-wide plan for pastors,¶ of ordination candidate, ¶ 307 authority, ¶ 2512.3 604.13 transfer of clergy meetings, ¶ 2512.2 for deacons under appointment of from other annual conferences, ¶¶ membership, ¶ 2512.1 bishop, ¶ 322.14 338.1, 604.7 responsibilities for abandoned district superintendents’ responsibili- transfer of members, ¶ 238 local church property, ¶ 2548.3 ties, ¶ 423.3 after move, ¶ 235 for charge or cooperative parish, ¶ for elders in full connection ap- from other denominations, ¶ 224 2527 pointed to pastoral charges, ¶ 333 to other denominations, ¶ 239 for church institutions, ¶ 2552 for extension ministries, ¶ 626 transfer of property for district, ¶ 2517.2 for pastors, ¶¶ 618-626 district property, ¶ 2523 for local church, ¶¶ 243, 258.3 base compensation, ¶ 621 incorporated local church property, ¶ direction from charge conference, compensation for 2540 ¶ 2528 extensionministries, ¶ 626 unincorporated local church prop- election, ¶ 248, 2525

456 INDEX

insurance review, ¶ 2532.2 United Methodist seminaries, ¶ 138 W meetings, ¶ 2531 United Methodist Student Day, ¶¶ 263.4, organization and membership, ¶ 631.4a(5) 2529 United Methodist Student Loan Fund, powers and limitations, ¶ 2532 ¶¶ 263.4 wage levels qualifications, ¶ 2524 United Methodist Voluntary Services Social Principles, ¶ 163E removal of members, ¶ 2530 Program, ¶ 263.1 war report to charge conference, ¶ United Methodist Women, ¶ 255.4. See Social Principles, ¶¶ 164G, 165 2549 also Women’s Division, General water trusts Board of Global Ministries. Social Principles, ¶ 160A of abandoned or discontinued local conference lay leader relation to, ¶ Wesley, John, ¶ 101; ¶ 102 church, ¶ 2548.5 603.9b General Rules, ¶¶ 101, 135 administration by board of trustees, ¶ constitution Historic Examination for Admission 2532.5 for annual conference, ¶ 644 into Full Connection, ¶ 327 for district, ¶ 664 on obligation of servant leader, ¶ 136 jurisdictional conferences, ¶ 533 practice of examining experience, ¶ U district lay leader relationship, ¶ 104 655.3 questions for the examiners, ¶ 305 United Methodist Youth view on Scripture, ¶ 104 Wesley Foundation UMCom (United Methodist Communi- district lay leader relationship, ¶ 655.3 board of directors, ¶ 631.4d(4-10) cations), ¶ 1803 West Africa Central Conference, ¶ undergraduate studies United Methodist Youth Fellowship, ¶ 255.2b 535.3g as requirement for probationary withdrawal from clergy membership, ¶ membership candidate, ¶ 315.3 United Methodist Youth Organization conference lay leader relation to, ¶ 358 union church, ¶ 208.b, 330 (footnote 16) withdrawal of membership, ¶ 241 membership report, ¶ 229 603.9b Convocation, ¶¶ 531 without notice, ¶ 240 The United Brethren Church, withdrawal under complaints, ¶ 358.3 doctrinal traditions, ¶ 102 annual conference representa- tives, ¶ 646.3f witness ministries of local church, ¶ united church 251.2 becoming, ¶ 551 petitions to General Conference, ¶ 507.7 witnesses The United Methodist Book of Worship, in judicial complaint, ¶ 2708.8-9 ¶¶ 628.4b Steering Committee, ¶ 531 United Nations examination, ¶ 2706.4c The United Methodist Church exclusion, ¶ 2710.7 autonomous Methodist churches Social Principles, ¶ 165D United Societies interview, ¶ 2706.4b becoming part of, ¶ 553 women. See also Status and Role of civil action, ¶ 2509 Nature, Design and General Rules, ¶ 103 Women, General Commission. distinctive heritage, ¶ 101, ††General Commission on the Statusand doctrinal standards, ¶ 102 unity of ministry in Christ, ¶ 129 universities. see also schools. Role of Women, ¶ 641 Heritage Sunday to observe union, ¶ right, Social Principles, ¶ 162F 264.1 evaluating those related to annual conference, ¶ 631.4a(7) United Metodist Women, ¶ 255.4. historical statement, See also United Methodist Women. inclusiveness, ¶ 4 higher education and ministry, conference board responsibilities, ¶ women and men mission, ¶ 120 Social Principles, ¶ 161F name 631.4b-c The Upper Room, ¶¶ 628.6c Women’s Division, General Board of registration, ¶ 2502 Global Ministries, ¶¶ 533 property held in trust, ¶ 2501 urban ministries, subcommittee, ¶ 630.5g women’s work, central conference speaking for, ¶ 509 committee on, ¶ 537.14 terms referring to, ¶ 139 urban-suburban life Social Principles, ¶ 162P work United Methodist Committee on Relief, Social Principles, ¶ 163C ¶ 630.4b(10) World Communion Sunday, ¶¶ 263.3, One Great Hour of Sharing fund 631.4a(5) administration, ¶ 263.2 V World Council of Churches Assembly, ¶ refugee ministry, ¶ 630.4b(19) 639.2 World Hunger/Poverty Ministry,¶ World Federation of Methodist Women, 630.4b(20) violence ¶¶ 537.14 United Methodist Foundation for in families, Social Principles, ¶ 161H World Methodist Council, ¶¶ 639.2 Christian Higher Education. See in media, Social Principles, ¶ 162Q World Service and conference benevo- United Methodist Higher Education visiting lences, ¶¶ 258.4b, 612.3d Foundation. pastor’s responsibility and duty, ¶ local church notification of appor- United Methodist Foundations, ¶ 2513 331.1n tionment, ¶ 246.13 United Methodist Higher Education voluntary leave of absence, ¶ 352.1a World Service and Finance, Council, ¶ Foundation, ¶¶ 631.4a(8), 631.4b(2) voluntary retirement, ¶ 356.2 803 The United Methodist Hymnal, ¶¶ bishops, ¶ 409.2 World Service contingency funds, ¶ 628.4b Volunteers in Mission, ¶¶ 630.6 806.1b(6) United Methodist Loan Fund, ¶ voting by trial court, ¶ 2711.2 World Service Fund, ¶¶ 617 631.4a(6) voting membership World Service Gifts, ¶ 617.1a(5) United Methodist Men, ¶ 256 in annual conference, ¶ 602.1 world trade in agricultural products conference lay leader relation to, ¶ of clergy accepted from other Social Principles, ¶ 162O 603.9b denominations, ¶ 337.2 World Wide Web constitution of elders, ¶ 325.4 United Methodist site of annual conference, ¶ 645 in general agency, ¶ 710 Judicial Council notice, ¶ 2610.3 for district, ¶ 665 of General Conference, ¶ 502 Judicial Council summary of district lay leader relationship, ¶ of local pastor, ¶ 341.6 actions, ¶ 2612.1 655.3 vows of membership, ¶ 216 worship jurisdictional committee, ¶ 534 as conference discipleship board ††net income restrictive rule, ¶ 20 responsibility, ¶ 628.4 United Methodist scholarships, ¶ 263.4 constitutional provisions, General

457 INDEX

Conference legislative power, ¶ 15.6 as pastor’s responsibility and duty, ¶ 331.1a pastor’s unauthorized conuct, ¶ 332.4 restrictions on discontinuance of services, ¶ 332.2

Y yoked parish, ¶¶ 208.d, 330 (footnote 6) young adult ministries, ¶ 255.2 conference coordinator, ¶ 647.3f conference council, ¶ 647 coordinators of, ¶ 255.2d youth. See also United Methodist Youth Organization. as church council members, ¶ 243.3 coordinator of youth ministries, ¶ 255.2a discipleship board responsibility for training in ministry for, 628.1h rights and responsibilities, ¶ 225.5 Social Principles, ¶ 162D youth ministry annual conference coordinator, ¶ 646.3j conference council, ¶ 646 Youth Offender Rehabilitation Program, ¶ 263.1 Youth Service Fund, ¶¶ 646.3g-i

458