Part VI ORGANIZATION AND ADMINISTRATION

Chapter Three THE SUPERINTENDENCY

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GBOD New Part VI, chap. 3 GBOD New Part VI, chap. 3 Comments

With tracking changes to BOD 2016: As published in ADCA additions underlined and deletions struck through. With references to BOD 2016 Part VI, e.g. [201]

Section I. The Nature of Superintendency Section I. The Nature of Superintendency ¶ 401. Nature – 1. From apostolic times, persons have [401] ¶ 401. Task Nature-The task of superintending in been entrusted with particular tasks of oversight within The United Methodist Church resides in the office of the body of Christ. In The United Methodist Church, this bishop and extends to the district superintendent, with oversight, or superintendency, resides in the office of each possessing distinct and collegial responsibilities. bishop and extends to the district superintendent for the The mission of the Church is to make disciples of Jesus purpose of equipping the Church in its disciple-making Christ for the transformation of the world (see Part IV, ministry for the transformation of the world. Bishops Section I). From apostolic times, certain ordained persons possess distinct and collegial responsibilities, working have been entrusted with the particular tasks of together to order the life of the Church, to enable the superintending oversight within the body of Christ. In gathered Church to worship and evangelize faithfully, The United Methodist Church, this oversight, or and to facilitate the initiation of structures and strategies superintendency, resides in the office of bishop and for extending the service in the Church and in the world extends to the district superintendent for the. The purpose in the name of Jesus Christ. of superintending is to equipping the Church in its 2. The office of bishop is a particular ministry, not a disciple-making ministry for the transformation of the separate order. Bishops are elected from the group of world. Bishops possess distinct and collegial elders in full connection who are ordained to the ministry responsibilities, working together to . Those who of Service, Word, Sacrament, and Order. They superintend carry primary responsibility for ordering the participate in the servant ministry of Christ, in sharing a life of the Church, . It is their task to enable the gathered royal priesthood that has apostolic roots (1 Peter 2:9; Church to worship and to evangelize faithfully, .

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John 21:15-17; Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 5:2-3; 1 Timothy 3:1- It is also their task and to facilitate the initiation of 7). structures and strategies for extending the the equipping >VII: —< of Christian people for service in the Church and in the GBOD ¶ 401.1 = 401; 401.2=402 world in the name of Jesus Christ and to help extend the Deleted sentences: see GBOD service in mission. It is their task, as well, to see that all ¶404.1 matters, temporal and spiritual, are administered in a manner that acknowledges the ways and the insights of the world critically and with understanding while remaining cognizant of and faithful to the mandate of the Church. The formal leadership in The United Methodist Church, located in these superintending offices, is an integral part of the system of an itinerant ministry.

Section II. Offices of Bishop and District Superintendent

[402] ¶ 402. Special Ministry, Not Separate Order—2. The offices of bishop and district superintendent exist in The United Methodist Church as is a particular ministry, not a separate order. ies. Bishops are elected and district superintendents are appointed from the group of elders in full connection who are ordained to be ministers the ministry of Service, Word, Sacrament, and Order. and thereby They participate in the servant ministry of Christ, in sharing a royal priesthood that has apostolic roots (1 Peter 2:9; John 21:15-17; Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 5:2-3; 1 Timothy 3:1-7).

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Section II. The Council of Bishops and the Role of a Section II. The Council of Bishops and the Role of a Bishop Bishop ¶ 402. The Council of Bishops. – 1. By virtue of their [422] ¶ 402. Council of Bishops-1. Bishops, although election and consecration, bishops are members of the elected by jurisdictional or central conferences, are Council of Bishops and are bound in special covenant elected general superintendents of the whole Church. As with all other bishops. In keeping with this covenant, all ordained ministers are first elected into membership

2 bishops fulfill their servant leadership and express their of an annual conference and subsequently appointed to mutual accountability. The Council of Bishops is a faith pastoral charges, so bishops become through their community of mutual trust and concern responsible for election members first of the Council of Bishops before the faith development and continuing wellbeing of its they are subsequently assigned to areas of service. By members. virtue of their election and consecration, bishops are 2. The Council of Bishops is thus the collegial members of the Council of Bishops and are bound in expression of episcopal leadership in the Church and special covenant with all other bishops. In keeping with through the Church into the world. The Church expects this covenant, bishops fulfill their servant leadership and the Council of Bishops to speak to the Church and from express their mutual accountability. The Council of the Church to the world and to give leadership in the Bishops is a faith community of mutual trust and quest for Christian unity and interreligious relationships. concern responsible for the faith development and 3. In order to exercise meaningful leadership, the continuing well-being of its members. Council of Bishops is to meet at stated intervals. The 2. The Council of Bishops is thus the collegial Council of Bishops is charged with the oversight of the expression of episcopal leadership in the Church and spiritual and temporal affairs of the whole Church, to be through the Church into the world. The Church expects executed in regularized consultation and cooperation the Council of Bishops to speak to the Church and from with other councils and service agencies of the Church. the Church to the world and to give leadership in the 4. The Council of Bishops may assign one of its quest for Christian unity and interreligious relationships. members to visit another episcopal area or Methodist- 3. In order to exercise meaningful leadership, the related church. When so assigned, the bishop shall be Council of Bishops is to meet at stated intervals. The recognized as the accredited representative of the Council of Bishops is charged with the oversight of the Council of Bishops, and when requested by the resident spiritual and temporal affairs of the whole Church, to be bishop or president in that area or Church, may exercise executed in regularized consultation and cooperation therein the functions of episcopacy. with other councils and service agencies of the Church. 5. The Council of Bishops may provide, if and when 4. The Council of Bishops may assign one of its necessary, for episcopal visitation of mission fields not members to visit another episcopal area or Methodist- included in central or provisional central conferences. related church. When so assigned, the bishop shall be 6. Retired bishops may participate in the Council of recognized as the accredited representative of the Bishops and its committees, but without vote. Further Council of Bishops, and when requested by the resident provisions shall be according to General Conference bishop or president in that area or Church, may exercise Regulations (GC-R 412). therein the functions of episcopacy. >VII: —< [567] 5.¶ 567. The Council of Bishops may provide, if GBOD ¶ 402.1-4 = 422.1-4; 402.5=567; 402.6=409 and when necessary, for episcopal visitation of mission fields not included in central or provisional central conferences. 3

[409] 6. Retired bishops may participate in the Council of Bishops and its committees, but without vote. Further provisions shall be according to General Conference Regulations (GC-R 412)

>VII: —<

¶ 403. Role of a Bishop. – 1. Bishops undertake a [403] ¶ 403. The Role of a Bishops and District On District Superintendent: ministry of servant leadership, general oversight and Superintendents-Bishops and superintendents are elders see GBOD ¶ 416ff supervision. They are authorized to guard the faith, order, in full connection. liturgy, doctrine, and Discipline of the Church. 1. Bishops are elected from the elders and set apart 2. Additionally, the role of a bishop includes the for a ministry of servant leadership, general oversight and following: supervision (¶ 401). As followers of Jesus Christ, b a) To faithfully practice, model and lead the spiritual Bishops are authorized to guard the faith, order, liturgy, disciplines of our faith and to call and inspire the clergy doctrine, and Discipline discipline of the Church. and laity within the Church to practice the Christian The role and calling forth of the bishop is to exercise disciplines in their individual lives through the Wesleyan oversight and support of the Church in its mission of tradition of personal holiness. The bishop is to lead in making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of public worship, in the celebration of the sacraments and the world. The basis of such discipleship of leadership in the commendation of our faith. (episkopé) lies in discipline and a disciplined life. The b) To continue to learn and to teach how to make bishop leads therefore through the following disciplines: disciples and lead faithful and fruitful congregations 2. Additionally, the role of a bishop includes the using scripture, spiritual disciplines, our Wesleyan following: heritage, and the history and doctrines of the Church. a) A vital and renewing spirit. The role of the c) To work in partnership with the Council of bishop is t To faithfully practice, model and lead the Bishops, the cabinet and lay and clergy leadership of the spiritual disciplines of our faith and to call and inspire the annual conference, and the professing members of the clergy and laity within the Church to practice the church, to urge the whole church to move toward the Christian disciplines in their individual lives through the vision of sharing Christ with the world in fulfillment of Wesleyan tradition of personal holiness. The bishop is to our mission, faithful discipleship and “an even better lead in public worship, in the celebration of the way” of being Christ’s people in the world. sacraments and in the commendation of our faith. d) To be a prophetic voice for justice in a suffering b) An enquiring mind and a commitment to the and conflicted world through the Wesleyan tradition of teaching office. The role of the bishop is t To continue to social holiness, encouraging and modeling the mission of learn and to teach how to make disciples and lead faithful and fruitful congregations using scripture, spiritual 4 witness and service in the world through proclamation of disciplines, our Wesleyan heritage, and the history and the gospel and alleviation of human suffering. doctrines of the Church. e) To have a passion for the unity of the church in c) A vision for the Church. The role of bishop is being the shepherd of the whole flock and thereby to lead the whole Church in claiming its mission of providing leadership toward the goal of understanding, making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of reconciliation and unity within the Church – The United the world. The bishop leads by discerning, inspiring, Methodist Church and the church universal. strategizing, equipping, implementing, and evaluating f) To uphold the Discipline and order of the Church the fulfillment of the mission of the church. Working To by consecrating, ordaining, commissioning, supervising work in partnership with the Council of Bishops, the and appointing persons in ministry to the Church and the cabinet and lay and clergy leadership of the annual world. As the presiding officer of the annual conference, conference, and the professing members of the church, the resident bishop provides order and leads in new the bishop to urges the whole church to move toward the opportunities for ministry within the annual conference. vision of sharing Christ with the world in fulfillment of The bishop shares with other bishops the oversight of the our mission, faithful discipleship and “an even better whole church through the Council of Bishops and is held way” of being Christ’s people in the world. accountable through the Council of Bishops in d) A prophetic commitment for the collaboration with committees on episcopacy. transformation of the Church and the world. The role of >VII: —< the bishop is t To be a prophetic voice for justice in a GBOD ¶ 403Intro = 403.1; 403.a-f=403.1a-1f suffering and conflicted world through the tradition of social holiness, The bishop encouraginges and modelings the mission of witness and service in the world through proclamation of the gospel and alleviation of human suffering. e) ATo have a passion for the unity of the church in being . The role of the bishop is to be the shepherd of the whole flock and thereby provide leadership toward the goal of understanding, reconciliation and unity within the Church - The United Methodist Church and the church universal. f) The ministry of administration. The role of the bishop is to uphold the Discipline discipline and order of the Church by consecrating, ordaining, commissioning, supervising and appointing persons in ministry to the Church and the world. As the presiding officer of the annual conference, the resident bishop provides order and 5

leads in new opportunities for ministry within the annual conference. The bishop shares with other bishops the oversight of the whole church through the Council of Bishops and is held accountable through the Council of Bishops in collaboration with conference and jurisdictional committees on episcopacy. 2. District superintendents are elders in full connection appointed by the bishop to the cabinet as an extension of the superintending role of the bishop within the annual conference through the same disciplines and in accordance with their responsibilities designated in the Book of Discipline under the supervision of the resident bishop.

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Section III. The Responsibilities of a Bishop Section III.IV. Specific The Responsibilities of a ¶ 404. Leadership Responsibilities. – 1. To lead and Bishops oversee the spiritual and temporal affairs of The United [414] ¶ 404. Leadership Responsibilities.-Spiritual and

Methodist Church in a manner that acknowledges the Temporal-1. To lead and oversee the spiritual and ways and the insights of the world critically and with temporal affairs of The United Methodist Church in a understanding, while remaining cognizant of and faithful manner that acknowledges the ways and the insights of to the mandate of the Church. the world critically and with understanding, while 2. To guard, transmit, teach, and proclaim, remaining cognizant of and faithful to the mandate of corporately and individually, the apostolic faith as it is the Church. which confesses Jesus Christ as Lord and expressed in Scripture and tradition, and, as they are led Savior, and particularly to lead the Church in its mission and endowed by the Spirit, to interpret that faith of witness and service in the world. evangelically and prophetically. 2. To strengthen the local church, giving spiritual 3. To teach and uphold the theological traditions of leadership to both laity and clergy; and to build The United Methodist Church. relationships with people of local congregations of the 4. To travel through the connection at large as the area. Council of Bishops to implement strategy for the 2.3. To guard, transmit, teach, and proclaim, concerns of the Church. corporately and individually, the apostolic faith as it is

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5. To promote and support the evangelistic witness of expressed in Scripture and tradition, and, as they are led the whole Church. and endowed by the Spirit, to interpret that faith 6. To provide liaison and leadership in the quest for evangelically and prophetically. Christian unity in ministry, mission, and structure and in 4. To travel through the connection at large as the the search for strengthened relationships with other faith Council of Bishops (¶ 422) to implement strategy for the communities. concerns of the Church. 7. To strengthen the local church, giving spiritual 3.5. To teach and uphold the theological traditions leadership to both laity and clergy; and to build of The United Methodist Church. relationships with people of local congregations of the 4. To travel through the connection at large as the area. Council of Bishops (¶ 422) to implement strategy for the 8. To convene the Order of Deacons and the Order of concerns of the Church. Elders and work with the elected chairperson of each 5.8. To promote and support the evangelistic witness order. of the whole Church. 9. To promote, support, and model generous 6. To provide liaison and leadership in the quest for Christian giving, with special attention to teaching the Christian unity in ministry, mission, and structure and in biblical principles of giving. the search for strengthened relationships with other 10. To discharge such other duties as the Discipline living faith communities. may direct. 7.2. To strengthen the local church, giving spiritual >VII: —< leadership to both laity and clergy; and to build GBOD ¶ 404.1 = 414.1+401; 404.2=414.3; 404.3=414.5; relationships with people of local congregations of the 404.4=414.4; 404.5=414.8; 404.6=414.6; 404.7=414.2; area. 404.8=414.10; 404.9=414.11; 404.10=414.9 7. To organize such missions as shall have been authorized by the General Conference. 8. To promote and support the evangelistic witness of the whole Church. 9. To discharge such other duties as the Discipline may direct. 8.10. To convene the Order of Deacons and the Order of Elders and work with the elected chairperson of each order. 9.11. To promote, support, and model generous Christian giving, with special attention to teaching the biblical principles of giving. 10. To discharge such other duties as the Discipline may direct. 7

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¶ 405. Presidential Responsibilities. – 1. To preside in [415] ¶ 405.. Presidential ResponsibilitiesDuties-1. To the General, jurisdictional, central, and annual preside in the General, jurisdictional, central, and annual conferences. 1 conferences.1 2. To provide general oversight for the fiscal and 2. To provide general oversight for the fiscal and program operations of the annual conference(s). This program operations of the annual conference(s). This may include special inquiry into the work of agencies to may include special inquiry into the work of agencies to ensure that the annual conference and general church ensure that the annual conference and general church policies and procedures are followed. policies and procedures are followed. 3. To ensure fair process for clergy and laity as set 3. To ensure fair process for clergy and laity as set forth forth in ¶ 2701 in all involuntary administrative and in ¶ 2701 in all involuntary administrative and judicial judicial proceedings through monitoring the performance proceedings through monitoring the performance of of annual conference officials, boards, and committees annual conference officials, boards, and committees charged with implementing such procedures.2 charged with implementing such procedures.2 4. To form the districts after consultation with the district 4. To form the districts after consultation with the superintendents and after the number of the same has district superintendents and after the number of the same been determined by vote of the annual conference.3 has been determined by vote of the annual conference.3 >VII: 405.001< Any district may be designated to be a mission 5. To consecrate bishops, to ordain elders and deacons, to district, and the district superintendent of that district, or commission deaconesses, home missioners and his or her designee, shall be the agent in charge of the missionaries. As these services are acts of the whole mission status, nature, and goals of the district. If there is

Church, the text and rubrics approved by General a district missionary organization, or if funds for the

Conference shall be used. (see ¶ 512.6 for central district are anticipated from a conference organization, conferences). those bodies shall also be asked to approve the method of

organization for a mission district. A mission district may GBOD ¶ 405.1-4 = 415.1-4; 405.5=415.6 1 See Judicial Council Decision 395. be designated when any of the following conditions exist:

2 See Judicial Council Decision 524. 1) Membership opportunities and resources are limited 3 See Judicial Council Decision 422. and not likely to result in regular status for an extended

period of time. 2) A strategic demographic, cultural, or language opportunity for serving a limited population is present. 3) It is expected that long-term sustaining funding from sources outside the district will be necessary to enable the district to exist. 4) The district is 8

geographically located in a remote location from other districts of the annual conference. When any of these conditions exist, the bishop, in consultation with the congregational development area of the annual conference, may designate any district a mission district. Deleted section moved to The mission district may be organized in the same GBOD ¶406.3b manner and have the same rights and powers as any district. 5. To appoint the district superintendents annually (¶¶ 417-418). [415.6] 5.6. To consecrate bishops; to ordain elders and deacons; to commission deaconesses, home missioners and missionaries.; and to see that the names of the persons commissioned and consecrated are entered on the journals of the conference and that proper credentials are furnished to these persons. As these services are acts of the whole Church, text and rubrics approved by General Conference shall be used. See GBOD¶ 512.6 for in the form approved by the General Conference. central conferences. 7. To fix the appointments of deaconesses, home missioners, and missionaries and to see that the names and appointments are printed in the journals of the conference.

¶ 406. Appointment-making Responsibilities. – 1. ¶ 406. Appointment-making Responsibilities.-Working GBOD ¶ 406.1 → ¶ 425.1+3 Through appointment-making, the connectional nature of with Ordained, Licensed, Consecrated, and GBOD ¶ 406.2 → ¶ 425.4 the United Methodist system is made visible. The bishop Commissioned Personnel-1. To make and fix the GBOD ¶ 406.4 → ¶ 426 is empowered to make and fix all appointments of clergy appointments in the annual conferences, provisional in the episcopal area. annual conferences, and missions as the Discipline may The United Methodist Church promotes and holds in direct (¶¶ 425-429). [425.1]1. Through appointment- high esteem the opportunity of an inclusive church (¶ 4) making, the connectional nature of the United Methodist with the formation of open itineracy. Open itineracy system is made visible. The bishop is empowered to means appointments are made without regard to race, make and fix all appointments of clergy in the episcopal ethnic or tribal origin, gender, being differently abled, area. [425.3] The United Methodist Church promotes and 9 marital status, or age, except for the provisions of holds in high esteem the opportunity of an inclusive mandatory retirement. church (¶ 4) with the formation of open itineracy. Appointments are to be made with consideration of [425.1] Open itineracy means appointments are made the gifts and evidence of God’s grace of those appointed, without regard to race, ethnic or tribal origin, gender, to the needs, characteristics, and opportunities of being differently abled, marital status, or age, except for congregations and institutions, and with faithfulness to the provisions of mandatory retirement. the commitment to an open itineracy.4 Appointments are to be made with consideration of the 2. A change in appointment of pastors may be gifts and evidence of God's grace of those appointed, to initiated by a pastor, a committee on pastor-parish the needs, characteristics, and opportunities of relations, a district superintendent, or a bishop. congregations and institutions, and with faithfulness to 3. A change in appointment of deacons may be the commitment to an open itineracy.4 initiated by a deacon, an agency seeking their service, a [428.1] 2. A change in appointment of pastors may district superintendent, or a bishop. The appointment be initiated by a pastor, a committee on pastor-parish shall reflect the particular nature of the ministry of a relations, a district superintendent, or a bishop. deacon. [430] 3. A change in appointment of deacons may be 4. Annual conferences shall, in their training of staff- initiated by a deacon, an agency seeking their service, a parish relations committees, emphasize the open nature district superintendent, or a bishop. The appointment of itineracy and prepare congregations to receive the gifts shall reflect the particular nature of the ministry of a and graces of appointed clergy without regard to race, deacon. ethnic origin, gender, color, disability, marital status, or [425.1+4] 4. Annual conferences shall, in their age. The concept of itineracy is important, and sensitive training of staff-parish relations committees, emphasize attention should be given in appointing clergy with the open nature of itineracy and prepare congregations physical challenges to responsibilities and duties that to receive the gifts and graces of appointed clergy meet their gifts and graces. Annual conferences shall without regard to race, ethnic origin, gender, color, prepare clergy and congregations for cross-racial and disability, marital status, or age. The concept of cross-cultural appointments. itineracy is important, and sensitive attention should be

5. Cross-racial and cross-cultural appointments are given in appointing clergy with physical challenges to appointments to a congregation in which the majority of responsibilities and duties that meet their gifts and its constituency is different from the clergyperson’s own graces. Annual conferences shall prepare clergy and racial/ethnic and cultural background. They are made as congregations for cross-racial and cross-cultural a creative response to increasing racial and ethnic appointments. diversity. When such appointments are made, cabinets 5. Cross-racial and cross-cultural appointments are and boards of ordained ministry shall provide specific appointments of clergypersons to congregations in training for the clergy persons so appointed and for their which the majority of its their constituency ies is are congregations. different from the clergyperson’s own racial/ethnic and 10

6. As part of the appointment-making process, the cultural background. Cross-racial and cross-cultural bishop is responsible for: appointments They are made as a creative response to a) Dividing or uniting a circuit(s), station(s), or increasing racial and ethnic diversity. in the church and mission(s) as judged necessary for missional strategy and in its leadership. Cross-racial and cross-cultural then to make appropriate appointments. appointments are appointments of clergypersons to b) Appointing the district superintendents annually. congregations in which the majority of their c) Fixing the charge conference membership of all constituencies are different from the clergyperson’s own ordained clergy appointed to ministries other than the racial/ethnic and cultural background. Annual local church in keeping with ¶ 331.3. conferences shall prepare clergy and congregations for d) Fixing the appointments of deaconesses, home cross-racial and cross-cultural appointments. When such missioners, and missionaries. appointments are made, bishops, cabinets, and boards of e) Transferring, upon the request of the receiving ordained ministry shall provide specific training for the bishop, clergy member(s) of one annual conference to clergy persons so appointed and for their congregations. another, provided said member(s) agrees to said transfer.5 6. As part of the appointment-making process, the >VII: 406.001< bishop is responsible for: 7. The process of consultation shall be mandatory in a)2. To divide or to unite Dividing or uniting a every annual conference.6 Consultation is the process circuit(s), station(s), or mission(s) as judged necessary whereby the bishop and /or district superintendent confer for missional strategy and then to make appropriate with the pastor and committee on pastor-parish relations, appointments. taking into consideration a performance evaluation, [415.5] b) To appoint Appointing the district needs of the appointment under consideration, and superintendents annually (¶¶ 417-418). mission of the Church. The role of the committee on 3. To announce the appointments of deaconesses, pastor-parish relations is advisory. Each central diaconal ministers, home missionaries, and laypersons conference shall establish its minimum standards for the in service under the General Board of Global Ministries. consultation process. Jurisdictional conferences shall c) Fixing4. To fix the charge conference follow the procedures in Part VII of the Discipline. membership of all ordained clergy ministers appointed

>VII: 406.002< to ministries other than the local church in keeping with

GBOD ¶ 406.1 = 425.1+3; 406.2=428.1; 406.3=430; ¶ 331.3 406.4=425.1+4 d) Fixing the appointments of deaconesses, home 406.5=425.4; 406.6a=416.2; 406.6b=415.5; missioners, and missionaries. 406.6c=416.4; 406.6d=416.3; 406.6e=416.5; e) Transferring5. To transfer, upon the request of the 406.7=426.1+Intro receiving bishop, clergy member(s) of one annual 4 See Judicial Council Decision 492. conference to another, provided said member(s) agrees 5 See Judicial Council Decisions 114, 254, 554. to said transfer.5 >VII: 406.001< 6 See Judicial Council Decision 701 11

; and to send immediately to the secretaries of both conferences involved, to the conference boards of ordained ministry, and to the clearing house of the General Board of Pension and Health Benefits, written notices of the transfer of members and of their standing in the Course of Study if they are undergraduates. 6. To appoint associate members, provisional members, or full members to attend any school, college, or theological seminary listed by the University Senate, or to participate in a program of clinical pastoral education in a setting accredited by the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education or another accrediting agency approved by the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry. Such appointments are not to be considered as extension ministry appointments. 7. To keep and maintain appropriate supervisory records on all district superintendents and other records on ministerial personnel as determined by the bishop or required by the Discipline or action of the annual conference. When a district superintendent is no longer appointed to the cabinet, the bishop shall give that person’s supervisory file to the superintendent of record. Supervisory records shall be kept under guidelines approved by the General Council on Finance and Administration. The supervisory records maintained by the bishop are not the personnel records of the annual conference. 7. [426.1] The process of consultation shall be mandatory in every annual conference.7 Judicial Council Decision 701 [426.Intro] Consultation is the process whereby the bishop and/or district superintendent confer with the pastor and committee on pastor-parish relations, taking into consideration a performance evaluation, needs of the appointment under consideration, and mission of the Church. The role of 12

the committee on pastor-parish relations is advisory. Each central conference shall establish its minimum standards for the consultation process. Jurisdictional conferences shall follow the procedures in Part VII of the Discipline. >VII: 406.002 Section IV. Election, Assignment, and Termination of Section IV.III. Election, Assignment, and Bishops Termination of Bishops ¶ 407. Provisions for Episcopal Areas. – The number of ¶ 407. Provisions for Episcopal Areas-The number of bishops shall be determined by the General Conference bishops shall be determined by the General Conference on recommendation of the proper committees, the on recommendation of the proper committees, the Standing Committee on Central Conference Matters or Standing Committee on Central Conference Matters or jurisdictional conferences, according to the provisions in jurisdictional conferences, according to the provisions in the General Conference Regulations (GC-R 407).7 the General Conference Regulations (GC-R 407).7 >VII: —< GBOD ¶ 407 = 404 >VII: —< 7 See Judicial Council Decision 1312. 7 See Judicial Council Decision 1312.

GC-R ¶ 407. Provisions for Episcopal Areas— 1. In [404] GC-R 407. Provisions for Episcopal Areas-1. In Central Conferences -In central conferences, the number Central Conferences- In central conferences, the number of bishops shall be determined on the basis of missional of bishops shall be determined on the basis of missional potential, as approved by the General Conference on potential, as approved by the General Conference on recommendation of the Standing Committee on Central recommendation of the Standing Committee on Central Conference Matters. Before recommending changes in the Conference Matters. Before recommending changes in number of episcopal areas, the Standing Committee on the number of episcopal areas, the Standing Committee Central Conference Matters shall: on Central Conference Matters shall: a) consider these criteria in the following order of a) consider these criteria in the following order of priority: priority: (1) the number of charge conferences and the (1) the number of charge conferences and the number of active clergy in episcopal areas; number of active clergy in episcopal areas; (2) the geographic size of episcopal areas, (2) the geographic size of episcopal areas, measured by the square miles / square km, and the measured by the square miles / square km, and the numbers of time zones and nations; numbers of time zones and nations; (3) the structure of episcopal areas, measured (3) the structure of episcopal areas, measured by the number of annual conferences, and the overall by the number of annual conferences, and the overall 13 church membership in all annual, provisional annual, and church membership in all annual, provisional annual, missions in episcopal areas. missionary conferences, and missions in episcopal areas. b) conduct a further analysis of the context and b) conduct a further analysis of the context and missional potential of changes in episcopal areas. missional potential of changes in episcopal areas. 2. In Jurisdictions -In the jurisdictions, the number of 2. In Jurisdictions- In the jurisdictions, the number of bishops shall be determined on the following basis: bishops shall be determined on the following basis: a) Each jurisdiction having 300,000 church a) Each jurisdiction having 300,000 church members or fewer shall be entitled to five bishops and members or fewer shall be entitled to five bishops and each jurisdiction having more than 300,000 church each jurisdiction having more than 300,000 church members shall be entitled to one additional bishop for each members shall be entitled to one additional bishop for additional 300,000 church members or major fraction each additional 300,000 church members or major thereof. fraction thereof. b) If the number of church members in a b) If the number of church members in a jurisdiction shall have decreased by at least ten percent jurisdiction shall have decreased by at least ten percent below the number of church members which had below the number of church members which had previously entitled the jurisdiction to its number of previously entitled the jurisdiction to its number of bishops, then the number of bishops to which it shall be bishops, then the number of bishops to which it shall be entitled shall be determined on the basis of missional entitled shall be determined on the basis of missional needs, as approved by the General Conference on the needs, as approved by the General Conference on the recommendation of the Interjurisdictional Committee on recommendation of the Interjurisdictional Committee on Episcopacy, provided however that said jurisdiction shall Episcopacy, provided however that said jurisdiction shall be entitled to no less than the number of bishops to which be entitled to no less than the number of bishops to which it would be entitled under subparagraph a) above. It shall it would be entitled under subparagraph a) above. It shall be the responsibility of the affected jurisdiction, through be the responsibility of the affected jurisdiction, through its Committee on Episcopacy, to request consideration of its Committee on Episcopacy, to request consideration of its missional need for an exception, and in the absence of its missional need for an exception, and in the absence of such a request, there shall be no obligation on the part of such a request, there shall be no obligation on the part of the Interjurisdictional Committee on Episcopacy to the Interjurisdictional Committee on Episcopacy to consider such an exception nor to make any report on such consider such an exception nor to make any report on an exception to General Conference. In no case shall there such an exception to General Conference. In no case shall be any constraint on General Conference’s power to act in there be any constraint on General Conference’s power the absence of such a recommendation or to reject any to act in the absence of such a recommendation or to recommendation that might be received. reject any recommendation that might be received. c) If a jurisdiction, as a result of the provisions of c) If a jurisdiction, as a result of the provisions of this paragraph, shall have the number of bishops to which this paragraph, shall have the number of bishops to which 14 it had previously been entitled reduced, then the reduction it had previously been entitled reduced, then the in the number of bishops to which it is entitled shall be reduction in the number of bishops to which it is entitled effective as of September 1 of the calendar year in which shall be effective as of September 1 of the calendar year said reduction has been determined by the General in which said reduction has been determined by the Conference. General Conference. >VII: —< >VII: —< GBOD GC-R ¶ 407.1-2 = 404.1-2

¶ 408. Election and Consecration of Bishops. – 1. Each ¶ 408. Election and Consecration of Bishops-1. central conference – in cooperation with their committee Nomination-An annual conference, in the session on episcopacy shall fix a procedure for the election of immediately prior to the next regular session of the their bishops according to their own context. It may fix jurisdictional or central conference, may name one or the tenure and term of office. Jurisdictional conferences more nominees for episcopal election. Balloting at shall follow the procedures in Part VII of the Discipline. jurisdictional and central conferences shall not be The following minimum standards shall be followed limited to nominees of annual conferences nor shall any in central and jurisdictional conferences: jurisdictional or central conference delegate be bound to a) Balloting shall not be limited to nominees of vote for any specific nominee. 1. Each jurisdictional or annual conferences nor shall any delegate be bound to central conference in cooperation with their committee vote for any specific nominee. on episcopacy shall fix a procedure for the election of b) Delegates, in electing bishops, shall give due their bishops according to their own context. It may fix consideration to the inclusiveness of The United the tenure and term of office. Jurisdictional conferences Methodist Church. shall follow the procedures in Part VII of the Discipline. c) The conferences are authorized to fix the The following minimum standards shall be followed in percentage of votes necessary to elect a bishop. It is central and jurisdictional conferences: recommended that at least 60 percent of those present [405] a) Balloting shall not be limited to nominees of and voting be necessary to elect. >VII: 408.001< annual conferences nor shall any jurisdictional or central 2. It is strongly urged that the consecration service conference delegate be bound to vote for any specific also include representatives from other Christian nominee. communions. shall develop appropriate procedures for furnishing 3. Expiration of Terms in Central Conferences - In a information about nominees from annual conferences. central conference where term episcopacy is in practice, This shall be done at least two weeks prior to the first day bishops whose term of office expires prior to the time of of the jurisdictional or central conference. Similar their retirement and who are not reelected by the central procedures shall be developed for persons nominated by conference shall be returned to membership as traveling ballot who receive ten votes, or 5 percent of the valid elders in the annual conference (or its successor) of votes cast, and the information shall be made available to 15 which they ceased to be a member when elected bishop. the delegates at the site of the conference. Outgoing bishops are entitled to participate as a bishop in 2. Process-b)a) Jurisdictional and central conference the consecration of their successor. d Delegates, in electing bishops, shall give due The credentials of office as bishop shall be submitted consideration to the inclusiveness of The United to the secretary of the central conference, who shall make Methodist Church. with respect to sex, race, and national thereon the notation that the bishop has honorably origin. In addition, consideration shall be given to the completed the term of service for which elected and has nature of superintendency as described in ¶ 401. ceased to be a bishop of The United Methodist Church.8 c)b) The jurisdictional and central conferences are authorized to fix the percentage of votes necessary to GBOD ¶ 408.1 = 405.1-2b; 408.2=405.2c; 408.3=411 elect a bishop. It is recommended that at least 60 percent 8 See Judicial Council Decisions 61, 236, 370. of those present and voting be necessary to elect. c) Consecration of bishops may take place at the session of the conference at which election occurs or at a place and time designated by the conference. The consecration service may include bishops from other jurisdictional and central conferences. 2. It is strongly urged that the consecration service also include representatives from other Christian communions (see ¶¶ 124, old 422.2). [411] 3.¶ 411. Expiration of Terms in Central Conferences-In a central conference where term episcopacy is in practice, prevails, bishops whose term of office expires prior to the time of compulsory their retirement because of age and who are not reelected by the central conference shall be returned to membership as traveling elders in the annual conference (or its successor) of which they ceased to be a member when elected bishop. Their term of office shall expire at the close of the central conference at which their successor is elected, and they shall therefore be Outgoing bishops are entitled to participate as a bishop in the consecration of their successor. The credentials of office as bishop shall be submitted to the secretary of the central conference, who shall make thereon the notation that the bishop has honorably completed the term of service for 16

which elected and has ceased to be a bishop of The United Methodist Church.8

8 See Judicial Council Decisions 61, 236, 370.

¶ 409. Assignment Process – 1. The central or [406] ¶ 409. Assignment Process-1. Jurisdictional jurisdictional conference committee on episcopacy, after Committee on Episcopacy-The jurisdictional committee consultation with the College of Bishops, shall on episcopacy, after consultation with the College of recommend the assignment of the bishops to their Bishops, shall recommend the assignment of the bishops respective residences for final action by the central or to their respective residences for final action by the jurisdictional conference. >VII: 409.001< jurisdictional conference; it shall not reach any 2. Special assignments shall be done according to conclusion concerning residential assignments until all the provisions in the General Conference Regulations elections of bishops for that session are completed and all (GC-R 409). bishops have been consulted. A bishop may be GBOD ¶ 409 = 406 recommended for assignment to the same residence for a third quadrennium. The date of assignment for all bishops is September 1 following the jurisdictional conference.2 A newly elected bishop shall be assigned to administer an area other than that within which his or her membership was most recently held, unless by a two- thirds vote the jurisdictional committee shall recommend that this restriction be ignored and by majority vote the jurisdictional conference shall concur.3 2. Central Conference Committee on Episcopacy-The central or jurisdictional conference committee on episcopacy, after consultation with the College of Bishops, shall recommend the assignment of the bishops to their respective residences for final action by the central or jurisdictional conference. >VII: 409.001< 2. Special assignments shall be done according to the provisions in the General Conference Regulations (GC- R 409). GC-R ¶ 409. Assignment Process for Special Assignments – The Council of Bishops may, with [406.3] GC-R 409. Assignment Process for Special

17 consent of the bishop and the concurrence of the central Assignments.3. Special Assignments-The Council of or jurisdictional conference committee on episcopacy, Bishops may, with consent of the bishop and the assign one of its members for one year to some specific concurrence of the jurisdictional or central or churchwide responsibility deemed of sufficient jurisdictional conference committee on episcopacy, importance to the welfare of the total Church. In this assign one of its members for one year to some specific event, a bishop shall be released from the presidential churchwide responsibility deemed of sufficient responsibilities within the episcopal area for that term. importance to the welfare of the total Church. In this Another bishop or bishops, active or retired, and not event, a bishop shall be released from the presidential necessarily from the same central or jurisdictional responsibilities within the episcopal area for that term. conference, shall be named by the Council of Bishops on Another bishop or bishops, active or retired, and not recommendation of the College of Bishops of the necessarily from the same jurisdictional or central or jurisdiction involved to assume presidential jurisdictional conference, shall be named by the Council responsibilities during the interim. In the event that more of Bishops on recommendation of the College of Bishops than one retired bishop is assigned to fulfill presidential of the jurisdiction involved to assume presidential responsibilities in one episcopal area, the Episcopal Fund responsibilities during the interim. In the event that more shall be responsible only for the difference between the than one retired bishop is assigned to fulfill presidential pensions paid the retired bishops and the remuneration of responsibilities in one episcopal area, the Episcopal Fund one active bishop. This assignment may be renewed for a shall be responsible only for the difference between the second year by a two-thirds vote of the Council of pensions paid the retired bishops and the remuneration of Bishops and majority vote of the central or jurisdictional one active bishop. This assignment may be renewed for a conference committee on episcopacy, and the consent of second year by a two-thirds vote of the Council of the bishop and the College of Bishops involved. The Bishops and majority vote of the jurisdictional or central bishop so assigned shall continue to receive regular or jurisdictional committee on episcopacy, and the salary and support. consent of the bishop and the College of Bishops >VII: —< involved. The bishop so assigned shall continue to GBOD GC-R ¶ 409 = 406.3 receive regular salary and support. >VII: —<

¶ 410. Review and Evaluation of Bishops – The central or [412] ¶ 410. Review and Evaluation of Bishops-In its jurisdictional conference committee on episcopacy shall review of the work, character and official administration establish and implement processes that provide, at least of the bishops under ¶ 524.3.a, the Jurisdictional orThe once each quadrennium, for each active bishop, a full and cCentral or jurisdictional Conference Committee on formal evaluation which will include self-evaluation, Episcopacy shall establish and implement processes that assessment by episcopal peers, and comment by persons provide, at least once each quadrennium, for each active bishop, a full and formal evaluation which will include

18 affected by his or her superintendency. >VII: 410.001< self-evaluation, assessment by episcopal peers, and GBOD ¶ 410 = ¶412 comment by persons affected by his or her superintendency. >VII: 410.001<

(such as cabinets, lay leaders, directors of agencies served). Such processes shall include the participation of the Conference or Area Committee on Episcopacy. It shall be the duty of each jurisdiction’s College of Bishops/central conference’s College of Bishops, under the leadership of its president, to consult with and to cooperate with the committee in order to schedule and facilitate such reviews and evaluations as well as to address issues that may arise in the course of that work.

¶ 411. Leaves – 1. Renewal Leave – Every bishop in the [410] ¶ 411. Leaves-1.2. Renewal Leave-Every bishop active relationship shall take up to three months’ leave in the active relationship shall take up to three months’ from his or her normal episcopal responsibilities for leave from his or her normal episcopal responsibilities purposes of reflection, study, and self-renewal during for purposes of reflection, study, and self-renewal each quadrennium. The College of Bishops, in during each quadrennium. The College of Bishops, in consultation with the respective central or jurisdictional consultation with the respective appropriate conference committee on episcopacy, shall coordinate jurisdictional or central or jurisdictional conference details pertaining to such leaves. committee on episcopacy, shall coordinate details 2. Generalities for Leaves Exceeding Three Months – pertaining to such leaves. Leaves exceeding three months may be granted for a 2. 1. Leave of Absence-A bishop Generalities for Leaves justifiable reason for not more than six months in Exceeding Three Months-Leaves exceeding three consultation with the area committee on episcopacy and months may be granted a leave of absence for a with the approval of the College of Bishops, the central justifiable reason for not more than six months in or jurisdictional conference committee on episcopacy, consultation with the area committee on episcopacy and and the executive committee of the Council of Bishops. with the approval of the College of Bishops, the During the period for which the leave is granted, the jurisdictional or respective central or jurisdictional bishop shall be released from all episcopal conference committee on episcopacy, and the executive responsibilities. Another bishop chosen by the executive committee of the Council of Bishops. During the period committee of the Council of Bishops shall preside in the for which the leave is granted, the bishop shall be episcopal area. released from all episcopal responsibilities, and another.

19

3. Leave of Absence of Up To Six Months – a) Salary Another bishop chosen by the executive committee of and other benefits shall be continued through the the Council of Bishops shall preside in the episcopal Episcopal Fund. area. b) Such leave may be granted including for medical 3. 1. Leave of Absence of Up To Six Months- a)-Salary reasons. If, due to impaired health, the bishop is still and other benefits shall be continued through the unable to perform full work after the six-month period is Episcopal Fund. over, disability benefits through the benefit program [410.4] b) 4. Medical leave- Bishops who by reason of provided to the bishop should be applied for. impaired health are temporarily unable to perform full 4. Sabbatical Leave – A bishop who has served for at work may be granted a leave of absence for a justifiable least two quadrennia may be granted a sabbatical leave of reason for not more than six months in consultation with not more than one year for a program of study or the area committee on episcopacy and with the approval renewal. The bishop shall receive one-half salary and, of the College of Bishops, the jurisdictional or central where applicable, housing allowance for the period of the conference committee on episcopacy, and the executive leave. committee of the Council of Bishops. During the period >VII: −< for which the leave is granted, the bishop shall be GBOD ¶ 411.1 = 410.2; 411.2=410.1+3+4; released from all episcopal responsibilities, and another 411.3a=410.1; 411.3b=410.4; 411.4=410.3 bishop chosen by the executive committee of the

Council of Bishops shall preside in the episcopal area. Salary and other benefits shall be continued through the Episcopal Fund. Such leave may be granted including for medical reasons. If, due to impaired health, after the six-month time period is over the bishop is still unable

to perform full work after the six-month period is over

due to impaired health, disability benefits through the

benefit program provided to the bishop should be

applied for.

4.3. Sabbatical Leave-A bishop who has served for

at least two quadrennia may be granted a sabbatical leave of not more than one year for a program of study or renewal. in consultation with the area committee on episcopacy and with the approval of the College of Bishops, the jurisdictional or central or jurisdictional conference committee on episcopacy, and the executive committee of the Council of Bishops. During the period for which the sabbatical leave is granted, the bishops 20

shall be released from the presidential responsibilities within the episcopal area, and another bishop or bishops shall be designated by the Council of Bishops to assume the presidential duties. The bishop shall receive one-half salary and, where applicable, housing allowance for the period of the leave. 4. Medical Leave-… [see above]

>VII: −<

¶ 412. Retirement of Bishops. – 1. An elder who served [408] ¶ 412. Retirement of Bishops Termination of as a bishop up to the time of retirement shall have the Office-1. An elder who served is serving as a bishop up status of a retired bishop.9 to the time of retirement shall have the status of a retired 2. A retired bishop is a bishop of the Church in every bishop.9 respect and continues to function as a member of the [409] 2. A retired bishop is a bishop of the Church in Council of Bishops in accordance with the Constitution every respect and continues to function as a member of and other provisions of the Discipline. the Council of Bishops in accordance with the 3. A retired bishop may be considered a member of Constitution and other provisions of the Discipline. an annual conference, without vote, for purposes of 3. A retired bishop may be considered a member of appointment to a local charge within the said conference. an annual conference, without vote, for purposes of 4. Mandatory Retirement –a) In jurisdictional appointment to a local charge within the said conference. conferences, a bishop shall be retired on August 31 next 4.1. Mandatory Retirement-a) In jurisdictional following the regular session of the jurisdictional conferences, a A bishop shall be retired on August 31 conference if the bishop’s sixty-eighth birthday has been next following the regular session of the jurisdictional reached on or before July 1 of the year in which the conference if the bishop’s sixty-eighth birthday has been jurisdictional conference is held. reached on or before July 1 of the year in which the b) In central conferences, a bishop shall be retired at jurisdictional conference is held.10 the end of the month following the scheduled session of [408] b) A bishop in a In central conferences, a bishop the central conference if the bishop’s sixty-eighth shall be retired at the end of the month following the birthday is reached on or before the opening day of the scheduled session of the central conference a date no later scheduled session of the central conference.10 than one year following the adjournment of General

5. Voluntary Retirement –Bishops who have attained Conference, if the bishop’s sixty-eighth birthday is age sixty-two or have completed thirty years of service reached on or before the opening day of his or her the under full-time appointment as an elder or a bishop may scheduled session of the central conference effective on request the central or jurisdictional conference to place January 1, 2016.10

21 them in the retired relation. They shall notify their A bishop in a central conference shall be retired respective committee on episcopacy and the president of at a date no later than three months following the the Council of Bishops at least six months prior to the adjournment of General Conference, if the bishop’s sixty- General Conference. eighth birthday is reached on or before the opening day 6. Involuntary Retirement –A bishop may be placed of his or her scheduled conference effective on January in the retired relation regardless of age by a two-thirds 1, 2016. This action becomes effective at the adjournment vote of the central or jurisdictional conference committee of General Conference 2016. on episcopacy if, after not less than a thirty-day notice in 5.2. Voluntary Retirement- writing is given to the affected bishop and hearing held, c) Bishops who have attained age sixty-two or such relationship is found by said committee to be in the have completed thirty years of service under full-time best interests of the bishop and / or the Church. The appointment as an elder or a bishop may request the reason for the action must be clearly stated in the report jurisdictional or central or jurisdictional conference to of the committee. The provisions for fair process in place them in the retired relation. with the privilege of administrative hearings (¶¶ 349.4 & 352.2) shall apply to receiving their pension to the extent permitted under the this administrative process. >VII: 412.001< Clergy Retirement Security Program or the Global 7. Resignation – A bishop may voluntarily resign Episcopal Pension Program (or, in either case, any from the episcopacy at any time, by submitting his or her successor bishop pension or retirement plan or program), resignation to the Council of Bishops. The consecration as either may apply. papers of a bishop in good standing so resigning shall be d) Any bishop who seeks a voluntary retired properly inscribed by the secretary of the Council of status They shall notify their respective committee on Bishops and returned, together with a certificate of episcopacy and the president of the Council of Bishops at resignation, which shall entitle him or her to membership least six months prior to the General Conference. The as a traveling elder in the annual conference (or its provisions of ¶ 408.2c are suspended until January 1, successor) in which membership was last held. 2009.

Notification of this action shall be given by the secretary 6.3. Involuntary Retirement-a) A bishop may be of the Council of Bishops to the chairperson and placed in the retired relation regardless of age by a two- secretary of the central or jurisdictional conference thirds vote of the jurisdictional or central or jurisdictional committee on episcopacy. conference committee on episcopacy if, after not less 8. Further Provisions – All further provisions shall than a thirty-day notice in writing is given to the affected be according to General Conference Regulations (GC- bishop and hearing held, such relationship is found by R 412). said committee to be in the best interests of the bishop GBOD ¶ 412.1 = 408Intro; 412.2=409Intro; and/or the Church. This action may or may not be taken 412.3=409.2; 412.4a=408.1a; because of the performance of the bishop., and t The 412.4b=408.1b(BOD2012); 412.5=408.2c+d; reason for the action must be clearly stated in the report 412.6=408.3; 412.7=408.4; 412.8=NEW of the committee. The provisions of ¶ 361.2 for fair 22

9 See Judicial Council Decisions 361, 407. process in administrative hearings (¶¶ 357.3 & 361.2) 10 See Judicial Council Decisions 1248, 1370. shall apply to this administrative process. Written notice also should be given to the chairperson of the jurisdictional/central conference administrative review GC-R412.1: new subtitle committee (¶ 538/543.22). >VII: 412.001< “General Provisions” as the 7.4. Resignation-A bishop may voluntarily resign old subtitle from BOD408.1 from the episcopacy at any time, . A bishop may resign “Mandatory Retirement” is from the office by submitting his or her resignation to the not adequate for BOD408.1c+d. Council of Bishops. The Council of Bishops shall have authority to take appropriate actions concerning matters relating to the resignation, including the appointment of an acting bishop to act until a successor is elected and assigned. The consecration papers of a bishop in good standing so resigning shall be properly inscribed by the secretary of the Council of Bishops and returned, together. He or she shall be furnished with a certificate of resignation, which shall entitle him or her to membership as a traveling elder in the annual conference (or its successor) in which membership was last held. Notification of this action shall be given by the secretary of the Council of Bishops to the chairperson and secretary of the jurisdictional or central or jurisdictional conference Some sections move to GC-R committee on episcopacy. Pension benefits will be 412 payable to the resigned bishop to the extent permitted

under the Clergy Retirement Security Program or the

Global Episcopal Pension Program (or, in either case, any

successor bishop pension or retirement plan or program),

as either may apply. 8. Further Provisions - All further provisions shall be according to General Conference Regulations (GC-R 412).

9 See Judicial Council Decisions 361, 407. 10 See Judicial Council Decisions 1248, 1370.

23

GC-R ¶ 412 Retirement of Bishops. – 1. General [408] GC-R 412 Retirement of Bishops. – 1. General Provisions Provisions.- a)c) Pension, as provided under the Clergy a) Pension, as provided under the Clergy Retirement Security Program or the Global Episcopal Retirement Security Program or the Global Episcopal Pension Program (or, in either case, any successor bishop Pension Program (or, in either case, any successor bishop pension or retirement plan or program), as either may pension or retirement plan or program), as either may apply, shall be payable as provided in such plan or apply, shall be payable as provided in such plan or program following the close of the jurisdictional or program following the close of the central or central or jurisdictional conference. jurisdictional conference. b)d) If, however, the retired bishop accepts any b) If, however, the retired bishop accepts any one one of the following assignments of churchwide of the following assignments of churchwide responsibility, the General Council on Finance and responsibility, the General Council on Finance and Administration, after consultation with the Council of Administration, after consultation with the Council of Bishops, shall set a level of compensation not to exceed Bishops, shall set a level of compensation not to exceed a a maximum determined by the General Conference on maximum determined by the General Conference on recommendation of the General Council on Finance and recommendation of the General Council on Finance and Administration, with the compensation costs borne by the Administration, with the compensation costs borne by Episcopal Fund: (1) assignment of a special nature with the Episcopal Fund: (1) assignment of a special nature direct relationship and accountability to the Council of with direct relationship and accountability to the Council Bishops, or (2) assignment to a general agency or United of Bishops, or (2) assignment to a general agency or Methodist Church-related institution of higher education. United Methodist Church-related institution of higher Assignment of retired bishops to United Methodist education. Assignment of retired bishops to United Church-related institutions of higher education must be at

Methodist Church-related institutions of higher education the initiative of the institutions, with service not to exceed must be at the initiative of the institutions, with service the mandatory retirement ages of the institutions. not to exceed the mandatory retirement ages of the If a bishop is assigned to a general agency or institutions. United Methodist Church-related institution of higher

If a bishop is assigned to a general agency or education, that agency or United Methodist Church-

United Methodist Church-related institution of higher related institution of higher education will pay 50 percent education, that agency or United Methodist Church- of the compensation established by GCFA for the related institution of higher education will pay 50 percent position. The general agency or United Methodist of the compensation established by GCFA for the Church-related institution of higher education shall position. The general agency or United Methodist further assume all responsibility for the bishop’s Church-related institution of higher education shall operational and travel expenses related to the assignment. further assume all responsibility for the bishop’s Compensation for any special assignment shall operational and travel expenses related to the assignment. cease after the bishop has reached the mandatory age of 24

Compensation for any special assignment shall retirement for all ordained ministers (¶408.1d) or cease after the bishop has reached the mandatory age of completes the assignment, whichever comes first, except retirement for all ordained ministers (¶ 412.3) or that retired bishops elected by the Council of Bishops as completes the assignment, whichever comes first, except Executive Secretary and Ecumenical Officer may that retired bishops elected by the Council of Bishops as continue to be compensated for such special Executive Secretary and Ecumenical Officer may assignment(s) throughout the terms of office. No continue to be compensated for such special assignment to a jurisdiction, central conference, annual assignment(s) throughout the terms of office. No conference, or non-United Methodist agency shall assignment to a jurisdiction, central conference, annual qualify for additional compensation from the Episcopal conference, or non-United Methodist agency shall Fund under the provisions of this paragraph. The status qualify for additional compensation from the Episcopal of a retired bishop on special assignment shall, for Fund under the provisions of this paragraph. The status purposes of housing and other benefits, be that of a retired of a retired bishop on special assignment shall, for bishop. purposes of housing and other benefits, be that of a 2. Voluntary Retirement- a) Bishops who have retired bishop. completed twenty years or more of service under full- 2. Voluntary Retirement- time appointment as ordained ministers or as local pastors a) Bishops who have completed twenty years or more with pension credit prior to the opening date of the of service under full-time appointment as ordained session of the jurisdictional or central or jurisdictional ministers or as local pastors with pension credit prior to conference, including at least one quadrennium as the opening date of the session of the central or bishop, may request the jurisdictional or central or jurisdictional conference, including at least one jurisdictional conference to retire them with the privilege quadrennium as bishop, may request the central or of receiving their pension to the extent permitted under jurisdictional conference to retire them with the privilege the Clergy Retirement Security Program or the Global of receiving their pension to the extent permitted under Episcopal Pension Program (or, in either case, any the Clergy Retirement Security Program or the Global successor bishop pension or retirement plan or program), Episcopal Pension Program (or, in either case, any as either may apply. successor bishop pension or retirement plan or program), b) Vocational Retirement-A bishop who has as either may apply. served at least eight years in the episcopacy may seek b) Vocational Retirement-A bishop who has retirement for vocational reasons and may be so retired served at least eight years in the episcopacy may seek by the jurisdictional or central or jurisdictional retirement for vocational reasons and may be so retired conference committee on episcopacy on recommendation by the central or jurisdictional conference committee on by the involved College of Bishops. Such bishops shall episcopacy on recommendation by the involved College receive their pensions as provided in §2a) above. ¶ of Bishops. Such bishops shall receive their pensions as 408.2a. If the employing entity provides or makes health provided in §2a) above. If the employing entity provides insurance available to employees, then the bishop who 25 or makes health insurance available to employees, then retires under this provision will be insured under that the bishop who retires under this provision will be program, whether or not the bishop is required to pay the insured under that program, whether or not the bishop is premium for that coverage, and the Episcopal Fund will required to pay the premium for that coverage, and the assume no future obligation to provide health insurance Episcopal Fund will assume no future obligation to for the bishop or the bishop’s family. If the employing provide health insurance for the bishop or the bishop’s entity does not provide or make health insurance family. If the employing entity does not provide or make available to employees, either while employed or in health insurance available to employees, either while retirement, then the bishop retiring under this provision employed or in retirement, then the bishop retiring under will be provided with health and welfare benefits for this provision will be provided with health and welfare retirees as specified from time to time by the General benefits for retirees as specified from time to time by the Council on Finance and Administration. General Council on Finance and Administration. c) Bishops who have attained age sixty-two or c) Bishops who have attained age sixty-two or have completed thirty years of service under full-time have completed thirty years of service under full-time appointment as an elder or a bishop may request the appointment as an elder or a bishop may request the jurisdictional or central or jurisdictional conference to central or jurisdictional conference to place them in the place them in the retired relation with the privilege of retired relation with the privilege of receiving their receiving their pension to the extent permitted under the pension to the extent permitted under the Clergy Clergy Retirement Security Program or the Global Retirement Security Program or the Global Episcopal Episcopal Pension Program (or, in either case, any Pension Program (or, in either case, any successor bishop successor bishop pension or retirement plan or program), pension or retirement plan or program), as either may as either may apply. apply. d)e) A bishop may seek voluntary retirement for d) Any bishop who seeks a voluntary retired health reasons and shall be so retired by the jurisdictional status shall notify the president of the Council of Bishops or central or jurisdictional conference committee on at least six months prior to the General Conference. episcopacy upon recommendation by the involved e) A bishop may seek voluntary retirement for College of Bishops and upon presentation of satisfactory health reasons and shall be so retired by the central or medical evidence. Such bishops shall receive their jurisdictional conference committee on episcopacy upon pensions to the extent permitted under the Clergy recommendation by the involved College of Bishops and Retirement Security Program or the Global Episcopal upon presentation of satisfactory medical evidence. Such Pension Program (or, in either case, any successor bishop bishops shall receive their pensions to the extent pension or retirement plan or program), as either may permitted under the Clergy Retirement Security Program apply. or the Global Episcopal Pension Program (or, in either 3. Involuntary Retirement—b) A bishop, for health case, any successor bishop pension or retirement plan or reasons, may be retired between sessions of the program), as either may apply. jurisdictional or central or jurisdictional conference by a 26

3. Involuntary Retirement--A bishop, for health two-thirds vote of the jurisdictional or central or reasons, may be retired between sessions of the central or jurisdictional conference committee on episcopacy upon jurisdictional conference by a two-thirds vote of the the recommendation of one third of the membership of central or jurisdictional conference committee on the involved College of Bishops. The affected bishop, episcopacy upon the recommendation of one third of the upon request, shall be entitled to a review of his or her membership of the involved College of Bishops. The health condition by a professional diagnostic team prior affected bishop, upon request, shall be entitled to a to action by the involved College of Bishops. Notification review of his or her health condition by a professional of action to retire shall be given by the chairperson and diagnostic team prior to action by the involved College secretary of the jurisdictional or central or jurisdictional of Bishops. Notification of action to retire shall be given conference committee on episcopacy to the secretary of by the chairperson and secretary of the central or the Council of Bishops and the treasurer of the Episcopal jurisdictional conference committee on episcopacy to the Fund. Appeal from this action may be made to the secretary of the Council of Bishops and the treasurer of Judicial Council with the notice provisions being the Episcopal Fund. Appeal from this action may be applicable as set forth in ¶ 2716. Upon such retirement, made to the Judicial Council with the notice provisions the bishop shall receive a pension to the extent permitted being applicable as set forth in ¶ 2712. Upon such under the Clergy Retirement Security Program or the retirement, the bishop shall receive a pension to the Global Episcopal Pension Program (or, in either case, any extent permitted under the Clergy Retirement Security successor bishop pension or retirement plan or program), Program or the Global Episcopal Pension Program (or, in as either may apply. either case, any successor bishop pension or retirement 4. Resignation— Pension benefits will be payable to plan or program), as either may apply. the resigned bishop to the extent permitted under the 4. Resignation— Pension benefits will be payable to Clergy Retirement Security Program or the Global the resigned bishop to the extent permitted under the Episcopal Pension Program (or, in either case, any Clergy Retirement Security Program or the Global successor bishop pension or retirement plan or program), Episcopal Pension Program (or, in either case, any as either may apply. successor bishop pension or retirement plan or program), ¶ 409. Status of Retired Bishops-A retired bishop is as either may apply. a bishop of the Church in every respect and continues to 5. Status of Retired Bishops a) Retired bishops may function as a member of the Council of Bishops in participate in the Council of Bishops and its committees, accordance with the Constitution and other provisions of but without vote. They may preside over sessions of an the Discipline. annual conference, provisional annual conference, or [409] 5.1. Status of Retired Bishops-a) Retired mission if requested to do so by the bishop assigned to bishops may participate in the Council of Bishops and that conference, or in the event of that bishop’s its committees, but without vote. They may preside over incapacity, by the president of the College of Bishops to sessions of an annual conference, provisional annual which the conference is related. Retired bishops elected conference, or mission if requested to do so by the 27 by the Council of Bishops may serve as the executive bishop assigned to that conference, or in the event of secretary and the ecumenical officer of the Council. In that bishop’s incapacity, by the president of the College emergency situations, where the resident bishop is unable of Bishops to which the conference is related. Retired to preside, the College of Bishops shall assign an bishops elected by the Council of Bishops may serve as effective or retired bishop to preside over the sessions of the executive secretary and the ecumenical officer of the the annual conference (¶ 48). They may not make Council. In emergency situations, where the resident appointments or preside at the central or jurisdictional bishop is unable to preside, the College of Bishops shall conference. However, when a retired bishop is appointed assign an effective or retired bishop to preside over the by the Council of Bishops to a vacant episcopal area or sessions of the annual conference (¶ 48). They may not parts of an area, that bishop may function as a bishop in make appointments or preside at the jurisdiction or the effective relationship.11 central or jurisdictional conference. However, when a b) A bishop retired under ¶ 412.4, .5 may be retired bishop is appointed by the Council of Bishops to appointed by the Council of Bishops upon a vacant episcopal area or parts of an area under the recommendation of the involved College of Bishops to provisions of ¶¶ 409.3, 410.1, or 410.3, that bishop may presidential responsibility for temporary service in an function as a bishop in the effective relationship.11 area in the case of death, resignation, disability, or 2. A retired bishop may be considered a member of procedure involving a resident bishop (¶ 2705.1). This an annual conference, without vote, for purposes of appointment shall not continue beyond the next central or appointment to a local charge within the said jurisdictional conference. conference. c) Colleges of Bishops are encouraged to work with b)3. A bishop retired under ¶GBOD 412.4, or .5 prospective retirees and institutions across the 408.1, .2 above may be appointed by the Council of Connection on possible retirement assignments (e.g. Bishops upon recommendation of the involved College bishop-in-residence), particularly assignments expressive of Bishops to presidential responsibility for temporary of the office’s residential, presidential and missional service in an area in the case of death, resignation, nature. disability, or procedure involving a resident bishop (¶ 6. Retirement After Term Episcopacy - An ordained 2703.1). This appointment shall not continue beyond the minister who has served a term or part of a term as a next jurisdictional or central or jurisdictional bishop in a central conference where term episcopacy has conference. prevailed shall, upon retirement from the effective c)4. Colleges of Bishops are encouraged to work relation in the ministry, be paid an allowance from the with prospective retirees and institutions across the General Episcopal Fund in such sum as the General Connection on possible retirement assignments (e.g. Council on Finance and Administration shall determine bishop-in-residence), particularly assignments for the years during which the ordained minister served expressive of the office’s residential, presidential and as a bishop.12 missional nature. 7. On Becoming an Autonomous or United Church - [548.1] 6.Retirement After Term Episcopacy-¶ 548. 28

When former central conferences of The United Bishops in Retired Relation-1. An ordained minister Methodist Church become or have become autonomous who has served a term or part of a term as a bishop in a churches or entered into church unions, retired bishops central conference where term episcopacy has prevailed therein shall continue to have membership in the Council shall, upon retirement from the effective relation in the of Bishops if the retired bishops involved so desire. ministry, be paid an allowance from the General >VII: —< Episcopal Fund in such sum as the General Council on GBOD GC-R ¶ 412.1a+b = 408.1c+d; 412.2=408.2; Finance and Administration shall determine for the 412.3=408.3b; 412.4=408.4; 412.5=409.1+3+4; years during which the ordained minister served as a 412.6=548.1; 412.7=548.2 bishop.12 11 See Judicial Council Decision 248. [548.2] 7.2. On Becoming an Autonomous or United 12 See Judicial Council Decision 394. Church-When former central conferences of The United Methodist Church become or have become autonomous churches or entered into church unions, retired bishops therein shall continue to have membership in the Council of Bishops if the retired bishops involved so desire.

>VII: —< 11 See Judicial Council Decision 248. 12 See Judicial Council Decision 394.

¶ 413. Complaints Against Bishops. – 1. Episcopal [413] ¶ 413. Complaints Against Bishops-1. Episcopal leadership in The United Methodist Church shares with leadership in The United Methodist Church shares with all other ordained persons the sacred trust of their all other ordained persons in the sacred trust of their ordination. Whenever a bishop violates this trust or is ordination. The ministry of bishops as set forth in The unable to fulfill appropriate responsibilities, continuation Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church also in the episcopal office shall be subject to review. This flows from the gospel as taught by Jesus the Christ and review shall have as its primary purpose a just resolution proclaimed by his apostles (¶ 402). Whenever a bishop of any violations of this sacred trust, in the hope that violates this trust or is unable to fulfill appropriate God’s work of justice, reconciliation, and healing may be responsibilities, continuation in the episcopal office realized. shall be subject to review. This review shall have as its 2. Any complaint concerning the effectiveness, primary purpose a just resolution of any violations of competence, or one or more of the offenses listed in this sacred trust, in the hope that God’s work of justice, ¶ 2702 shall be submitted in a written statement to the reconciliation, and healing may be realized. president of the College of Bishops in that central or 2. Any complaint concerning the effectiveness, jurisdictional conference. If the complaint concerns the competence, or one or more of the offenses listed in ¶ president, it shall be submitted to the secretary of the 2702 shall be submitted in a written statement to the 29

College of Bishops or, if non existing in a central president of the College of Bishops in that jurisdictional conference, to the chair of the central conference or central or jurisdictional conference. If the complaint committee on episcopacy. The bishop to whom the concerns the president, it shall be submitted to the complaint has been submitted shall inform the chair of secretary of the College of Bishops or, if non existing in the central or jurisdictional conference committee on a central conference, to the chair of the central conference episcopacy within ten days.13 committee on episcopacy. A complaint is a written 3. Each central conference shall make provisions for statement claiming misconduct, unsatisfactory complaint procedures, including suspension, supervisory performance of ministerial duties, or one or more of the response, just resolution, administrative complaint, and offenses listed in ¶ 2702 The bishop to whom the reporting, as well as a protocol for the caring of the complaint has been submitted shall inform the chair of affected episcopal area. Such provisions shall follow, as the central or jurisdictional conference committee on appropriate, the complaint procedures for ordained clergy episcopacy within ten days.13 (¶ 353) and shall define the role of the central conference 3. Each central conference shall make provisions for committee on episcopacy in complaints against a bishop. complaint procedures, including suspension, supervisory Jurisdictional conferences shall follow the procedures in response, just resolution, administrative complaint, and Part VII of the Discipline. reporting, as well as a protocol for the caring of the >VII: 413.001< affected episcopal area. Such provisions shall follow, as GBOD ¶ 413.1-2 = 413.1-2; 413.3=413.3-5 appropriate, the complaint procedures for ordained clergy 13 See Judicial Council Decision 1149. (¶ 362) and shall define the role of the central conference committee on episcopacy in complaints against a bishop. Jurisdictional conferences shall follow the procedures in Part VII of the Discipline.

>VII: 413.001<

13 See Judicial Council Decision 1149.

¶ 414. Vacancy in the Office of Bishop – A vacancy in [407] ¶ 414. Vacancy in the Office of Bishop-A vacancy the office of bishop due to death, leave of absence, in the office of bishop may occur due to death, leave of medical leave, retirement, resignation, or judicial absence, retirement (¶ 408.1, .2, .3), resignation (¶ 408.4), procedure, shall be filled by the Council of Bishops on or judicial procedure, (¶ 2712), leave of absence (¶ nomination of the active bishops of the respective 410.1), or medical leave (¶ 410.4). In case assignment of College of Bishops, after consultation with the respective a bishop to presidential supervision of an episcopal area committee(s) on episcopacy. is terminated by any of the above causes, the vacancy >VII: 414.001< shall be filled by the Council of Bishops on nomination 30

GBOD ¶ 414 = 407 of the active bishops of the respective College of Bishops of the jurisdiction or central conference concerned, after consultation with the jurisdictional or central conference and annual conference respective committees on the episcopacy. and the cabinet(s). If; or, if the vacancy should occur within twenty-four months of the episcopal assumption of presidential supervision of that area, the College of Bishops of the jurisdiction or central conference concerned may call a special session of the jurisdictional or central conference as provided in ¶ 521.2. When a bishop is elected under the provisions of this paragraph, the years remaining in the quadrennium within which the election occurs shall count as a full quadrennium for purposes of assignment. It is recommended that the previous bishop serving the vacant episcopal area not be appointed to serve in the interim.

>VII: 414.001<

Section V. Cabinet and District Superintendency Section V. Cabinet and District Superintendency GBOD ¶ 415.1 is a repetition ¶ 415. The Cabinet. —1. Oversight, or superintendency, [401] ¶ 415. The Cabinet-1. Oversight, or of 401.1 adapted to district resides in the office of bishop and extends to the district superintendency, resides in the office of bishop and superintendents, and 415.2 a superintendency for the purpose of equipping the Church extends to the district superintendency for the purpose of repetition of 402.1. in its disciple-making ministry. Like bishops, district equipping the Church in its disciple-making ministry. superintendents possess distinct and collegial Like bishops, district superintendents possess distinct and responsibilities, working together with bishops to order collegial responsibilities, working together with bishops the life of the Church, to enable the gathered Church to to order the life of the Church, to enable the gathered worship and evangelize faithfully, and to facilitate the Church to worship and evangelize faithfully, and to initiation of structures and strategies for extending the facilitate the initiation of structures and strategies for service in the Church and in the world in the name of extending the service in the Church and in the world in Jesus Christ. the name of Jesus Christ. 2. Like the office of bishop, the district [402.1] 2. Like the office of bishop, the district superintendency is a particular ministry, not a separate superintendency is a particular ministry, not a separate order. Bishops appoint superintendents from the group of order. Bishops appoint superintendents from the group of elders in full connection who are ordained to the ministry

31 elders in full connection who are ordained to the ministry of Service, Word, Sacrament, and Order. >VII: 415.001< of Service, Word, Sacrament, and Order. >VII: 415.001< 3. District superintendents, although appointed to the 3. Under the leadership of the bishop, the cabinet is cabinet and assigned to districts, are also to be given the expression of superintending leadership in and conference-wide responsibilities. As all ordained through the annual conference. It is expected to speak to ministers are first elected into membership of an annual the conference and for the conference to the spiritual and conference and subsequently appointed to pastoral temporal issues that exist within the region encompassed charges, so district superintendents become through their by the conference. selection members first of a cabinet before they are 4. As all ordained ministers are first elected into subsequently assigned by the bishop to service in membership of an annual conference and subsequently districts. appointed to pastoral charges, so district superintendents [424.2] 3.2. The cabinet u Under the leadership of the become through their selection members first of a cabinet bishop, the cabinet is the expression of superintending before they are subsequently assigned by the bishop to leadership in and through the annual conference. It is service in districts. District superintendents appointed expected to speak to the conference and for the and assigned to districts are also to be given conference- conference to the spiritual and temporal issues that exist wide responsibilities as members of the cabinet. The within the region encompassed by the conference. cabinet is thus also the body in which the individual [415.1] 4.1. District superintendents, although district superintendents are held accountable for their appointed to the cabinet and assigned to districts, are also work, both for conference and district responsibilities. to be given conference-wide responsibilities. As all 5. In order to exercise meaningful leadership, the ordained ministers are first elected into membership of an cabinet is to meet at stated intervals. The cabinet is annual conference and subsequently appointed to charged with the oversight of the spiritual and temporal pastoral charges, so district superintendents become affairs of a conference, to be executed in regularized through their selection members first of a cabinet before consultation and cooperation with other councils and they are subsequently assigned by the bishop to service service agencies of the conference. Central conferences in districts. District superintendents appointed and may determine how best to implement the ministry of the assigned to districts are also to be given conference-wide cabinet according to their regional contexts. responsibilities as members of the cabinet.3. The cabinet

Jurisdictional conferences shall follow the procedures in is thus also the body in which the individual district Part VII of the Discipline. superintendents are held accountable for their work, both >VII: 415.002< for conference and district responsibilities. GBOD ¶ 415.1 = 401; 415.2=402.1; 415.3=424.2; [424.4] 5.4. In order to exercise meaningful 415.4=415.1; 415.5=424.4 leadership, the cabinet is to meet at stated intervals. The cabinet is charged with the oversight of the spiritual and temporal affairs of a conference, to be executed in regularized consultation and cooperation with other 32 councils and service agencies of the conference. 6. Central conferences may determine how best to implement the ministry of the cabinet according to their regional contexts. Jurisdictional conferences shall follow the procedures in Part VII of the Discipline. >VII: 415.002< 5. The cabinet is to consult and plan with the district Moved to adaptable GBOD committee and conference Board of Ordained Ministry in 415.001 order to make a thorough analysis of the needs of the district for clergy, implementing this planning with a positive and conscious effort to fill these needs (¶ 635.2a). 6. When the cabinet considers matters relating to coordination, implementation, or administration of the conference program, and other matters as the cabinet and director of connectional ministries, or equivalent, may determine, the director shall be present. The conference lay leader shall be invited to be present. 7. The cabinet shall assume leadership responsibility for ascertaining those places where ecumenical shared ministry would be an effective way of expressing the United Methodist presence in a community.

Section VII. Expressions of Superintendency ¶ 421. Relationship Between Bishops and District Superintendents-The offices of bishop and district superintendent are linked with each other in ways described elsewhere (¶ 402). The interdependence of the offices calls for a collegial style of leadership. However, both the office of bishop and that of district superintendent are embedded in their own contexts.

33

¶ 416. Selection and Term of District Superintendents — Section V. Selection, Assignment, and Term 1. Selection—District superintendents are elders in full of District Superintendents connection appointed by the bishop in consultation with [417] ¶ 416 Selection and Term of District the cabinet. They serve under the supervision of the Superintendents Assignment- 1. Selection-District resident bishop. In the selection of superintendents, superintendents are elders in full connection appointed bishops shall give due consideration to the inclusiveness by the bishop in consultation with the cabinet. They of The United Methodist Church (¶ 4). >VII: 416.001< serve under the supervision of the resident bishop. 2. Term of Service. —The central conference Inasmuch as the district superintendency is an extension shall determine the maximum term for district of the general superintendency, the bishop shall appoint superintendents. Jurisdictional conferences shall follow 14 elders to serve as district superintendents. Prior to each the procedures in Part VII of the Discipline. appointment, the bishop shall consult with the cabinet >VII: 416.002< and the committee on district superintendency of the GBOD ¶ 416.1 = 417; ¶416.2=418+new district to which the new superintendent will be assigned 14 See Judicial Council Decisions 368, 512. (¶ 426) for the purpose of determining leadership needs

of the annual conference and the district (¶ 401). In the selection of superintendents, bishops shall give due consideration to the inclusiveness of The United Methodist Church (¶ 4).with respect to sex, race, national origin, physical challenge, and age, except for the provisions of mandatory retirement. >VII: 416.001< ¶ 418. Limitations on Years2. Term of Service-The central conference shall determine the maximum term for district superintendents. Jurisdictional conferences shall follow the procedures in Part VII of the Discipline.14 >VII: 416.002< The normal term for a district superintendent shall be up to six years, but this may be extended to no more than up to eight years at the discretion of the bishop, in consultation with the cabinet and the district committee on superintendency. No superintendent shall serve for more than eight years in any consecutive eleven years. No elder shall serve as district superintendent more than fourteen years. In addition, consideration shall be given to the nature of superintendency as described in ¶ 401.15 34

¶ 417. Duties. – 1. The district superintendent shall Section VI. Specific Responsibilities of District oversee the total ministry of the clergy (including clergy Superintendents in extension ministry and ministry beyond the local [419] ¶ 417. Duties.-1. TAs an extension of the office of church) and of the churches in the communities of the bishop, the district superintendent shall oversee the total district in their missions of witness and service in the ministry of the clergy (including clergy in extension world. This oversight requires the superintendent to use ministry and ministry beyond the local church) and of his or her gifts and skills related to spiritual and pastoral the churches in the communities of the district in their leadership, personnel leadership, administration, and missions of witness and service in the world. This program. oversight requires the superintendent to use his or her 2. Superintendents are the chief missional strategists gifts and skills related to spiritual and pastoral of their respective districts. They shall be committed to leadership, personnel leadership, administration, and living out the values of the Church, including a mandate program. The superintendent is the acting administrator of inclusiveness, modeling, teaching, and promoting of any pastoral charge in which a pastoral vacancy may generous Christian giving, cooperating to develop develop, or where no pastor is appointed.[see added text Christian unity, and ecumenical, multicultural, in 417.3] multiracial, and cooperative ministries. Superintendents 2.1. The Church expects, as part of the work with persons across the Church, including clergy in superintendent ministry, that the s Superintendents are settings beyond the local church, to develop programs of will be the chief missional strategists of their respective ministry and mission that extend the witness of Christ districts. They shall and be committed to living out the into and across the world. >VII: 417.001< values of the Church, including a mandate of 3. Superintendents shall work with the bishop and inclusiveness, modeling, teaching, and promoting cabinet in the process of appointment and assignment for generous Christian giving, cooperating to develop ordained and licensed clergy, or assignment of qualified Christian unity, and ecumenical, multicultural, and trained lay servant ministries. Within their district, multiracial, and cooperative ministries. Superintendents they are the acting administrator of any pastoral charge in work; and working with persons across the Church, which a pastoral vacancy may develop, or where no including clergy in settings beyond the local church, to pastor is appointed. They shall establish working develop programs of ministry and mission that extend relationships with pastor-parish relations committees, the witness of Christ into and across the world. clergy, and lay leadership, to develop faithful and >VII: 417.001< effective systems of ministry within the district. 3.2. The s Superintendents shall work with the 4. Superintendents shall work with the Board of bishop and cabinet in the process of appointment and Ordained Ministry to develop an effective process for assignment for ordained and licensed clergy, or recruitment, mentoring and examination of candidates for assignment of qualified and trained lay servant ordained or licensed ministry. >VII: 417.002< ministries laypersons, lay ministers or lay missioners 35

5. In the framework of their supervisory (BOD¶ 205.4; GBOD236). Within their district, they are responsibility, superintendents shall offer support, care, the acting administrator of any pastoral charge in which and counsel to clergy. >VII: 417.003< a pastoral vacancy may develop, or where no pastor is 6. Superintendents shall maintain appropriate records appointed. They shall establish working relationships of all clergy on the district, including clergy in extension with pastor-parish relations committees, clergy, and lay ministry, as well as records dealing with property, leadership, to develop faithful and effective systems of endowments, and other tangible assets of The United ministry within the district. Methodist Church within the district. 4.3. The s Superintendents shall work with the 7. Superintendents shall interpret and decide all Board of district committee on ordained ministry to questions of Church law and discipline raised by the develop an effective and functioning system process for churches in the district, subject to review by the resident recruitment, mentoring and examination of candidates bishop of the annual conference. for ordained or licensed ministry, and the ongoing 8. Superintendents shall serve at the pleasure of the oversight of persons approved for licensing (¶ 349). bishop and assume other leadership responsibilities as the >VII: 417.002< bishop determines for the health and effectiveness of the 4. The superintendent shall establish working district and annual conference. relationships with staff/pastor-parish relations 9. Central conferences may establish further committees, clergy, district lay leaders, and other lay provisions, including renewal and study leaves for leadership, to develop faithful and effective systems of superintendents. Jurisdictional conferences shall follow ministry within the district. Through the use of charge the procedures in Part VII of the Discipline. conferences (¶ 246.4-5), congregational studies (¶ 213) >VII: 417.004< and other gatherings, the superintendent shall seek to GBOD ¶ 417.1 = 419Intro; 417.2=419.1; form creative and effective connections with the local

417.3=419.2+Intro+4; 417.4=419.3; 417.5=419.6; congregations on his or her district.

417.6=419.8; 417.7=419.10; 417.8=419.12; 417.9=new. 5. The superintendent shall serve as an example of

spiritual leadership by living a balanced and faithful life,

and by encouraging both laity and clergy to continue to

grow in spiritual formation through both personal and

corporate worship and devotional practices, including participation in the sacraments. 5.6. In the framework of their supervisory responsibilities, superintendents shall offer support, care, and counsel to clergy concerning matters affecting their effective ministry. Further, the superintendents shall encourage the building of covenant groups and communities among both the clergy and clergy families, 36 and the laity on the district. 7. The superintendent shall seek to be in regular contact with the clergy on the district for counsel and supervision, and shall receive written or electronic reports of the clergy’s continuing education, spiritual practices, current ministry work, and goals for future ministry. 6.8. The s Superintendents shall maintain the appropriate records of all clergy appointed to or related to the charges on the district (including clergy in extension ministry and ministry beyond the local church), as well as records dealing with property, endowments, and other tangible assets of The United Methodist Church within the district. 9. The superintendent, in consultation with the bishop and cabinet, shall work to develop the best strategic deployment of clergy possible in the district, including realignment of pastoral charges when needed and the exploration of larger parishes, cooperative parishes, multiple staff configurations, new faith communities, and ecumenical shared communities. 7.10. The district s Superintendents shall interpret and decide all questions of Church law and discipline raised by the churches in the district, subject to review by the resident bishop of the annual conference.

11. The superintendent shall cooperate with the conference Board of Ordained Ministry in its efforts to provide or arrange support and liaison for clergy in a time of a change in conference relationship or termination. 8.12. The s Superintendents shall serve at the pleasure of the bishop and assume other leadership responsibilities as the bishop determines for the health and effectiveness of the district and annual conference. 9. Central conferences may establish further 37

provisions, including renewal and study leaves for superintendents. Jurisdictional conferences shall follow the procedures in Part VII of the Discipline.

Renewal and Study Leave-A district superintendent may ¶ 420 →GBOD ¶ 417.004 take up to three months’ leave from his or her normal superintendent responsibilities for purposes of reflection, study, and self-renewal once during his or her term as superintendent. The bishop and cabinet, in consultation with the committee on district superintendency, shall coordinate details pertaining to such leaves.

Section VI. Ecumenical Relationships Section VI. Ecumenical Relationships ¶ 418. Council of Bishops, Ecumenical Officer, and [436] ¶ 418. Council of Bishops, Ecumenical Officer, and Office of Christian Unity and Interreligious Office of Christian Unity and Interreligious Relationships – 1. The Council of Bishops shall be the Relationships- 1. TAs provided in ¶ 431.2, “In formal primary liaison in formal relations with other churches relations with other churches and/or ecclesial bodies, the and/or ecclesial bodies. Council of Bishops shall be the primary liaison in formal 2. In pursuit of its responsibilities and in order to relations with other churches and/or ecclesial bodies.for deepen and expand the ecumenical and interreligious The United Methodist Church.” Further, as provided in ¶ ministries of The United Methodist Church, the Council 403.1.e), “The role of the bishop is to be the shepherd of of Bishops shall receive the input of the Office of the whole flock.” Therefore, the bishops of The United Christian Unity and Interreligious Relationships Methodist Church are called to lead the Church in its (OCUIR). ecumenical and interreligious ministries. 3. Funding for the ecumenical and interreligious [437] 2.¶ 437. In pursuit of its responsibilities and in ministries of the Church shall be provided by the Council order to deepen and expand the ecumenical and of Bishops in one or more clearly identified line items in interreligious ministries of The United Methodist the Episcopal Fund budget request to General Church, the Council of Bishops shall receive the input Conference. and support of the Office of Christian Unity and 4. OCUIR shall be organized according to the Interreligious Relationships (OCUIR). provisions in the General Conference Regulations (GC-R [440] 3. ¶ 440. Funding-Funding for the ecumenical and ¶ 418). interreligious ministries of the Church shall be provided

38

>VII: —< by the Council of Bishops in one or more clearly GBOD ¶ 418 = 436; 418.2=437; 418.3=440; 418.4=new identified line items in the Episcopal Fund budget request to General Conference. 4. OCUIR shall be organized according to the provisions in the General Conference Regulations (GC- R 418). >VII: —<

GC-R 418. Office of Christian Unity and Interreligious [441] GC-R 418. 1. ¶ 441. Responsibilities and powers- Relationships (OCUIR) —1. Responsibilities and Responsibilities and powers of the OCUIR shall be as Powers—The responsibilities and powers of OCUIR assigned by the Council of Bishops. shall be assigned by the Council of Bishops. [438] 2. ¶ 438. Membership-Members of the OCUIR 2. Membership—The OCUIR shall be composed of shall be elected by the Council of Bishops as follows: one episcopal member from a jurisdictional conference 1. The OCUIR shall be composed of one episcopal and one episcopal member from a central conference, one member from a jurisdictional conference and one of whom shall be the ecumenical officer of the Council of episcopal member from a central conference, one of Bishops, and of one person from each jurisdiction and one whom shall be the ecumenical officer of the Council of person from each of the following regions: Africa, Europe, Bishops, and of one two episcopal members as and the Philippines. The bishop who is not the ecumenical determined by the Council of Bishops, including the officer shall be counted as one of these eight persons. In ecumenical officer of the Council of Bishops. One of the aiming at inclusiveness, each central or jurisdictional episcopal members shall be from a central conference. conference will nominate two candidates, and the Council 2. One person from each jurisdiction, and one person of Bishops will elect seven members from this pool of from each of the following regions: Africa, Europe, and nominees. Two additional members with voice and vote the Philippines.the central conferences in Africa, one will be from churches in Full Communion, nominated by person from the central conferences in Europe, and one them. person from the central conference in The Philippines. 3. Staff—a) There shall be an ecumenical staff officer The bishop who is not the ecumenical officer shall be of The United Methodist Church to be selected by the counted as one of these eight persons. In aiming at Council of Bishops. The work of the OCUIR shall be inclusiveness, each central or Each jurisdictional or facilitated by the ecumenical staff officer who shall be in central conference will nominate two candidates, and the charge of the day-to-day work of the OCUIR. The Council of Bishops will elect seven members from this ecumenical staff officer shall be the OCUIR’s principal pool of nominees. administrative and executive officer and report to the 3. It is recommended that the Council of Bishops Ecumenical Officer of the Council of Bishops. ensure that the United Methodist membership persons be 39 b) Additional staff shall be selected in number and inclusive of ethnic representation, youth, young adults, responsibility as determined by the Council of Bishops and women, with a minimum of five laity. and serve at the pleasure of the ecumenical staff officer. c) 4. Two additional members with voice and vote will The staff of the OCUIR shall be positioned in locations to be from churches in from our Full Communion, be determined by the Council of Bishops. nominated by them. Ecumenical Partners 4. Interdenominational Cooperation Fund—The 5. The chairperson and secretary of the Council of OCUIR shall consult with the Council of Bishops in Bishops Leadership Team on Ecumenical and establishing the guidelines for the administration of the Interreligious Relations, or its successor group, shall be Interdenominational Cooperation Fund. Financial support non-voting members of the OCUIR Steering Committee. of ecumenical organizations, ecumenical dialogues, and [439] 3.¶ 439. Staff-a)1. There shall be an ecumenical multilateral conversations, approved by the Council of staff officer of The United Methodist Church to be Bishops, shall be remitted from this fund in accordance selected by the Council of Bishops. The work of the with ¶ 814. OCUIR shall be facilitated by the ecumenical staff officer >VII: —< who shall be in charge of the day-to-day work of the GBOD GC-R 418.1 = 441; 418.2=438; 418.3=439; OCUIR. The ecumenical staff officer shall be the 418.4=431.3+432; OCUIR’s principal administrative and executive officer and report to the Ecumenical Officer of the Council of Bishops. b)2. Additional staff shall be selected in number and responsibility as determined by the Council of Bishops. 3. The ecumenical staff officer shall report to the ecumenical officer of the Council of Bishops. All other staff members shall report to and serve at the pleasure of the ecumenical staff officer. c)4. The staff of the OCUIR shall be positioned in locations to be determined by the Council of Bishops. [432] 4. Interdenominational Cooperation Fund-¶ 432. Financial Support-United Methodist The OCUIR shall consult with the Council of Bishops in establishing the guidelines for the administration of the Interdenominational Cooperation Fund. Ffinancial support of the ecumenical organizations, ecumenical dialogues, and multilateral conversations, approved by the Council of Bishops, shall be remitted from this fund in the following paragraphs shall be remitted from the 40

Interdenominational Cooperation Fund through the General Council on Finance and Administration in accordance with ¶ 814. The general agencies of the Church may make such payments to these ecumenical organizations as they deem to be their responsibility and proportionate share in the cooperative programs. Such payments shall be reported to the General Council on Finance and Administration, and that Council shall include a summary report of United Methodist financial support in its annual financial report to the Church. United Methodist financial support of ecumenical dialogues and multilateral conversations, approved by the Council of Bishops, shall also be remitted from the Interdenominational Cooperation Fund in the same manner. >VII: —<

¶ 419. Ecumenical Agreements and Full Communion—1. Section IX. Ecumenical Relationships

The Council of Bishops shall have the authority to enter [431] ¶ 419. Ecumenical Agreements and Full into ecumenical agreements with other Christian bodies. Communion Relationshipsa)-1. The Council of Bishops However, all proposed denominational level agreements shall have the authority to enter into ecumenical of formal “full communion” relationships and permanent agreements with other Christian bodies. However, all membership in ecumenical organizations must be proposed denominational level agreements of formal approved and ratified by General Conference, before “full communion” relationships and permanent coming into effect. membership in ecumenical organizations must be 2. A formal “full communion” relationship is one that approved and ratified by General Conference, before exists between two or more Christian churches that: coming into effect. a) recognize each other as members of the one, holy, 2.b) A formal “full communion” relationship is catholic and apostolic church, the Body of Christ, as one that exists between two or more Christian churches described in the Holy Scriptures and confessed in the that: church’s historic creeds; a)(1) recognize each other as constituent members of the b) recognize the authenticity of each other’s one, holy, catholic and apostolic church, the body of sacraments and welcome one another to partake in the Christ, as described in the Holy Scriptures and confessed Eucharist; in the church’s historic creeds;

41

c) affirm the authenticity of each church’s Christian b)(2) recognize the authenticity of each other’s ministry; sacraments and welcome one another to partake in the d) recognize the validity of each other’s offices of Eucharist, ministry. c)(3) affirm the authenticity of each church’s Christian 3. A formal “full communion” relationship commits ministry; the churches to working together as partners in mission d), and (4) recognize the validity of each other’s offices toward fuller visible unity. The Council of Bishops is of ministry. charged to implement this relationship. 3.c) A formal “full communion” relationship 4. A formal “full communion” relationship does not commits the churches to working together as partners in mean there are no differences or distinctions between mission toward fuller visible unity. The Council of churches; but does mean that these differences are not Bishops is charged to implement this relationship. church dividing. d) A formal “full communion” relationship is >VII: —< entered into in order to: (1) actively commit the GBOD ¶ 419.1 = 431.1a; 419.2-4=431.1b, c, +e participants to working together as partners in mission and co-laborers in the ministry of Christ Jesus, and (2) as a visible witness to the unity of Christians in sharing the love of God among all peoples and throughout Creation. 4.e) A formal “full communion” relationship does not mean there are no differences or distinctions between churches; but does mean that these differences are not church dividing. f) It is understood and affirmed that informal relationships exist with other Christians at all levels throughout the church; these relationships are manifested in creative and dynamic ways and the Body of Christ is enriched by the initiative and leadership that takes place at many levels. Formal “full communion” relationships entered into by General Conference build upon the faithful unity of Christians in local communities and throughout God’s Creation that bring the compassion, love, and witness into the lives of a multitude of persons. Formal and informal relationships among Christians are integral to authentic Christian ministry. g) No membership in an ecumenical organization, statement or policy of an ecumenical organization of 42 which The United Methodist Church is a part, or formal “full communion” agreement shall be construed as modifying, interpreting, or changing the doctrinal and disciplinary standards of The United Methodist Church. h) When a "full communion" relationship has been approved by General Conference, it will remain in effect until an action by the General Conference is taken to change it. 2. Liaison Role of the Council of Bishops-1. In formal relations with other churches and/or ecclesial bodies, the Council of Bishops shall be the primary liaison for The United Methodist Church. The ecumenical officer of the Council of Bishops shall be responsible for these relationships. 3. The Office of Christian Unity and Interreligious Relation-ships shall consult with the Council of Bishops in establishing the guidelines for the administration of the Interdenominational Cooperation Fund (see ¶ 814). 4. The United Methodist representatives to ecumenical organizations in the following paragraphs shall be selected by the Council of Bishops. Such representatives shall be inclusive in terms of gender, race and ethnicity, age, persons with disabilities, and region. Representatives shall reflect consideration of balances required both by The United Methodist Church and the respective ecumenical organization. Consideration shall be given to persons named to jurisdictional and central conference pools (see ¶ 705.1.b, c). When proxies are needed to substitute for United Methodist representatives to a specific ecumenical organization, the ecumenical officer of the Council of Bishops is authorized to name such proxies. Consideration shall be given to United Methodists residing in the area of the ecumenical organization’s 43

meeting, and to the inclusivity of the delegation. The names of proxies shall be reported at the next meeting of the Council of Bishops. Representatives and proxies from The United Methodist Church to various working groups of any of the ecumenical organizations in the following paragraphs shall be named by the ecumenical officer of the Council of Bishops. 5. Notwithstanding the other provisions of this section, should structural changes be voted between sessions of the General Conference by any of the ecumenical organizations in the following paragraphs, necessitating election of a new group of United Methodist delegates, the Council of Bishops is authorized to elect such delegates as may be required.

¶420. Methodist Unity—1. World Methodist Council—a) [433] ¶420. Methodist Unity-1. World Methodist The United Methodist Church is a member of the World Council-a) The United Methodist Church is a member Methodist Council, its predecessor Methodist and of the World Methodist Council, its predecessor Evangelical United Brethren churches having been Methodist and Evangelical United Brethren churches charter members of such body. The council is a having been charter members of such body. The council significant channel for United Methodist relationships is a significant channel for United Methodist with other Methodist churches and with autonomous relationships with other Methodist churches and with Methodist churches, affiliated autonomous Methodist autonomous Methodist churches, affiliated autonomous churches, affiliated united churches formerly part of The Methodist churches, affiliated united churches formerly United Methodist Church or its predecessor part of The United Methodist Church or its predecessor denominations, and other churches with a Wesleyan denominations, and other churches with a Wesleyan heritage. heritage. b) Each affiliated autonomous Methodist church and b) Each affiliated autonomous Methodist church each affiliated united church that is a member of the and each affiliated united church that is a member of the World Methodist Council may choose to send delegates World Methodist Council may choose to send delegates either to the General Conference or to the World either to the General Conference as proposed in ¶ 570.2, Methodist Council (receiving from the General .3 or to the World Methodist Council (receiving from the Administration Fund the expense of travel and per diem General Administration Fund the expense of travel and

44 allowances thereto for one of the two events in a per diem allowances thereto for one of the two events in quadrennium). a quadrennium). But no such church shall be entitled to 2. Pan-Methodist Commission—Given the send delegations at the expense of the General relationship and shared history of the denominations of Administration Fund to both the World Methodist the Wesleyan tradition in the United States, there shall be Council and the General Conference. a Pan-Methodist Commission established jointly among 2. Pan-Methodist Commission-Given the The African Methodist Episcopal Church, The African relationship and shared history of the denominations of Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, The African Union the Wesleyan tradition in the United StatesAmerica, Methodist Protestant Church, The Christian Methodist there shall be a Pan-Methodist Commission established Episcopal Church, The Union American Methodist jointly among The African Methodist Episcopal Church, Episcopal Church, and The United Methodist Church. The African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, The >VII: 420.001< African Union Methodist Protestant Church, The 3. Conference of Methodist Bishops - There may be a Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, The Union conference of Methodist bishops, composed of all the American Methodist Episcopal Church, and The United bishops elected by the central and jurisdictional Methodist Church. >VII: 420.001< The membership of conferences and one bishop or chief executive officer the commission shall consist of nine persons from each from each affiliated autonomous Methodist or united member denomination, with each denomination naming church, which shall meet on call of the Council of three bishops, three clergypersons, and three lay persons Bishops after consultation with other members of the to include at least one young adult. Each denomination conference of Methodist bishops. The travel and other will pay the expenses of its delegation to participate in necessary expense of bishops of affiliated autonomous the work of the commission. Methodist or united churches related to the meeting of The commission shall work to define, determine, the Conference of Methodist Bishops shall be paid on the plan, and, in cooperation with established agencies of same basis as that of bishops of The United Methodist the several denominations, execute activities to foster Church. meaningful cooperation among the six Methodist 4. Striving Toward Union—As a result of our denominations, and to explore possible union and heritage as a part of a people called Methodist, The related issues. The commission may develop one or United Methodist Church commits itself to strive toward more Pan-Methodist coalitions to further meaningful closer relationship with other Methodist or Wesleyan cooperation on a particular activity or issue. churches wherever they may be found (¶ 6). Each quadrennium, the commission shall plan and GBOD ¶ 420.1 = 433.1; 420.2=433.2Intro; 420.3=433.3; convene a Consultation of Methodist Bishops. The commission shall report to each of its member denominations through their General Conferences. The commission may be expanded by the inclusion of other denominations of the Wesleyan tradition and the 45

commission may establish guidelines to provide for such expansion. Before another Wesleyan or American Methodist denomination may become a part of the commission, it must have the approval of its general conference or equivalent. [433.3] 3.¶ 423. Conference of Methodist Bishops- There may be a conference of Methodist bishops, composed of all the bishops elected by the jurisdictional and central and jurisdictional conferences and one bishop or chief executive officer from each affiliated autonomous Methodist or united church, which shall meet on call of the Council of Bishops after consultation with other members of the conference of Methodist bishops. The travel and other necessary expense of bishops of affiliated autonomous Methodist or united churches related to the meeting of the Conference of Methodist Bishops shall be paid on the same basis as that of bishops of The United Methodist Church. 4.3. Striving Toward Union-As a result of our heritage as a part of a people called Methodist, The United Methodist Church commits itself to strive toward closer relationship with other Methodist or Wesleyan churches wherever they may be found (¶ 6).

¶ 421. Relationships with churches of the Wesleyan Section V. Autonomous Methodist Churches, Affiliated GBOD ¶ 421 has been tradition and United Churches - 1. Autonomous Autonomous Methodist Churches, Affiliated United shortened and all further Methodist Churches – Autonomous Methodist churches Churches, Covenanting Churches, Concordat Churches provisions are in GC-R 421, are self-governing churches of the Wesleyan tradition [570] ¶ 421. Churches located outside the boundaries of but without repetition between the two. which may or may not have entered into the Act of the jurisdictional conferences and which have entered Covenanting with The United Methodist Church. They into relationship with or have agreements with The are not entitled to send delegates to the General United Methodist Church, including that of sending Conference of The United Methodist Church. representatives to General Conference of The United Methodist Church are described as follows: 46

2. Affiliated Autonomous Methodist Churches – 1. Autonomous Methodist Churches Affiliated autonomous Methodist churches are self- a) A- Autonomous Methodist Churches are self- governing churches in whose establishment The United governing churches of the Wesleyan tradition and which Methodist Church or one of its predecessor churches has may or may not have entered into the Act of Covenanting assisted and which by mutual agreement has entered into with The United Methodist Church. a Covenant of Relationship (in effect from 1968 to 1984) b) Autonomous Methodist churches They are not or an Act of Covenanting (GC-R 421.5) with The United entitled to send delegates to the General Conference of Methodist Church. The United Methodist Church. 3. Affiliated United Churches- Affiliated united 2. Affiliated Autonomous Methodist Churches churches are self-governing churches formed by the a) A- Affiliated autonomous Methodist churches uniting of two or more denominations, at least one of are self-governing Methodist churches in whose which was related to The United Methodist Church or establishment The United Methodist Church or one of one of its predecessor churches. its predecessor churches constituent members (The 4. Covenanting Churches – A covenanting Evangelical United Brethren Church and The Methodist relationship, whose elements were adopted by the 1992 Church or its predecessors) has assisted and which by General Conference in an action called an “Act of mutual agreement has entered into a Covenant of Covenanting Between Christian Churches and The Relationship (in effect from 1968 to 1984) or an Act of United Methodist Church” may be established between Covenanting (see ¶ 573GC-R 421.5) with The United autonomous Methodist churches, affiliated autonomous Methodist Church. Methodist churches, affiliated united churches, or other b) Each affiliated autonomous Methodist church Christian churches and The United Methodist Church. shall be entitled to two delegates, one clergy and one 5. Methodist Churches with Concordat Agreements – layperson, to the General Conference of The United A Methodist church which has Methodist heritage in Methodist Church in accordance with ¶ 433.1b. They common with The United Methodist Church or one of its shall be entitled to all the rights and privileges of predecessor churches and which has entered into delegates, including membership on committees, except concordat agreements with the purpose of manifesting the right to vote. Such a church having more than 70,000 the common Methodist heritage, affirming the equal full members shall be entitled to one additional delegate. status of the two churches and expressing mutual At least one of the three delegates shall be a woman. The acceptance and respect, and creating opportunities for bishop or president of the affiliated autonomous closer fellowship between the two churches, especially Methodist churches may be invited by the Council of on the leadership level becomes a concordat church. Bishops to the General Conference. 6. Relationships with these churches shall be 3. Affiliated United Churches organized according to the provisions of General a) A- Affiliated united churches are self- Conference Regulations (GC-R ¶ 421). governing church which is formed by the uniting of two >VII: —< or more denominations, at least one of which shall have 47

GBOD ¶ 421.1-3 = 570.1-3; 421.4=573.1; 421.5=570.5; been related to The United Methodist Church or one of 421.6=New its predecessor churches.constituent members (The Evangelical United Brethren Church and The Methodist Church or its predecessors). b) Each affiliated united church shall be entitled to two delegates, one clergy and one layperson, to the General Conference of The United Methodist Church in accordance with ¶ 433.1b. They shall be entitled to all the rights and privileges of delegates, including membership on committees, except the right to vote. Such a church having more than 70,000 full members shall be entitled to one additional delegate. At least one of the three delegates shall be a woman. The bishop or president of the affiliated united churches may be invited by the Council of Bishops to the General Conference. [573.1] 4. Covenanting Churches- A covenanting relationship, whose elements were adopted by the 1992 General Conference in an action called an “Act of Covenanting Between Christian Churches and The United Methodist Church” may be established between autonomous Methodist churches, affiliated autonomous Methodist churches, affiliated united churches, or other Christian churches and The United Methodist Church. a) An autonomous Methodist church, an affiliated autonomous Methodist church, an affiliated united church, or another Christian church which has entered into a covenanting relationship with The United Methodist Church through an Act of Covenanting as described in ¶ 573. b) The Act of Covenanting does not warrant that the covenanting churches shall be entitled to delegates at the General Conference of The United Methodist Church, or at the equivalent body of the covenant partner. [570.5] 5. Methodist Churches with Concordat 48

Agreements a) Other- A Methodist churches which have has Methodist heritage in common with The United Methodist Church or one of its predecessor churches constituent members (The Evangelical United Brethren Church and The Methodist Church or their predecessors) and which have has entered into concordat agreements in accord with ¶ 574 with the purpose of manifesting the common Methodist heritage, affirming the equal status of the two churches and expressing mutual acceptance and respect, and creating opportunities for closer fellowship between the two churches, especially on the leadership level becomes a concordat church. b) Such concordat agreement, with the exception of The Methodist Church of Great Britain (see ¶ 13.3), shall entitle the two churches to the following rights and privileges: (1) The two churches, entering a concordant relation-ship, shall each elect two delegates, one clergy and one lay, to be seated in each other’s General Conference or equivalent bodies with all rights and privileges. The agreements with the Methodist Church of Mexico and the Methodist Church of the Caribbean and the Americas shall be honored. (2) The host church shall make provisions for hospitality, including room and board, for the delegates of the other concordat church. Travel and other expenses shall be the responsibility of the visiting church. 6. Relationships with theses churches shall be organized according to the provisions of General Conference Regulations (GC-R 421)

>VII: —<

49

GC-R ¶ 421. Relationships with churches of the [570.2b+3b] GC-R 421. Relationships with churches of Wesleyan tradition and United Churches— 1. Affiliated the Wesleyan tradition and United Churches— Autonomous Methodist Churches— Each affiliated 1.2. Affiliated Autonomous Methodist autonomous Methodist church shall be entitled to send Churches— b) Each affiliated autonomous Methodist two delegates, one clergy and one layperson to the church shall be entitled to send two delegates, one clergy General Conference of The United Methodist Church, and one layperson, to the General Conference of The and to one additional delegate, if the church has more United Methodist Church in accordance with ¶ 433.1b, than 70,000 full members. They shall be entitled to all and to one additional delegate, if the church has more the rights and privileges of delegates, including than 70'000 full members. They shall be entitled to all the membership on committees, except the right to vote. At rights and privileges of delegates, including membership least one of the three delegates shall be a woman. The on committees, except the right to vote. Such a church bishop or the president of the affiliated autonomous having more than 70,000 full members shall be entitled Methodist churches may be invited by the Council of to one additional delegate. At least one of the three Bishops to the General Conference. delegates shall be a woman. The bishop or president of 2. Affiliated United Churches— Each affiliated the affiliated autonomous Methodist churches may be united church shall be entitled to send two delegates, one invited by the Council of Bishops to the General clergy and one layperson, to the General Conference of Conference. The United Methodist Church, and to one additional 2.3. Affiliated United Churches— b) Each delegate, if the church has more than 70’000 full affiliated united church shall be entitled to send two members.. They shall be entitled to all the rights and delegates, one clergy and one layperson, to the General privileges of delegates, including membership on Conference of The United Methodist Church in committees, except the right to vote. At least one of the accordance with ¶ 433.1b, and to one additional delegate, three delegates shall be a woman. The bishop or the if the church has more than 70'000 full members. They president of the affiliated united churches may be invited shall be entitled to all the rights and privileges of by the Council of Bishops to the General Conference. delegates, including membership on committees, except 3. Transfers and Cooperation With Autonomous the right to vote. Such a church having more than 70,000 Methodist Churches, Affiliated Autonomous Methodist full members shall be entitled to one additional delegate. Churches, and Affiliated United Churches- a) At least one of the three delegates shall be a woman. The Certificates of church membership given by clergy in one bishop or president of the affiliated autonomous church shall be accepted by clergy in the other church. Methodist churches may be invited by the Council of b) When the requirements of such a Methodist church Bishops to the General Conference. for its ordained ministry are comparable to those of The [571] 3.¶ 571. Transfers and Cooperation With United Methodist Church, clergy may be transferred Autonomous Methodist Churches, Affiliated between its properly constituted ministerial bodies and Autonomous Methodist Churches, and Affiliated United the annual and provisional annual conferences of The Churches-a)1. Certificates of church membership given 50

United Methodist Church and their ordination(s) by clergy in one church shall be accepted by clergy in recognized as valid, with the approval and consent of the the other church. bishops or other appointive authorities involved in b)2. When the requirements of such a Methodist compliance with ¶ 331. church for its ordained ministry are comparable to those c) A program of visitation may be mutually arranged of The United Methodist Church, clergy may be by the Council of Bishops in cooperation with the transferred between its properly constituted ministerial equivalent leadership of the autonomous Methodist bodies and the annual and provisional annual church, affiliated autonomous Methodist church, and/or conferences of The United Methodist Church and their affiliated united church. ordination(s) recognized as valid, with the approval and d) The Council of Bishops, in consultation with the consent of the bishops or other appointive authorities General Board of Global Ministries and the Office of involved in compliance with ¶ 347 342 and ¶ 343. Christian Unity and Interreligious Relationships, shall c)3. A program of visitation may be mutually work out plans of cooperation with these churches. The arranged by the Council of Bishops in cooperation with General Board of Global Ministries shall serve as the the equivalent leadership of the autonomous Methodist agent of The United Methodist Church for a continuing church, affiliated autonomous Methodist church, and/or dialogue looking to the establishment of mission affiliated united church. priorities with special reference to matters of personnel d)4. The Council of Bishops, in consultation with and finance.15 the General Board of Global Ministries and the Office 4. Covenanting Churches— a) The purpose of an Act of Christian Unity and Interreligious Relationships, shall of Covenanting with another Christian church is to work out plans of cooperation with these churches. The encourage a new sense of global common cause, mutual General Board of Global Ministries shall serve as the support, mutual spiritual growth, common study of agent of The United Methodist Church for a continuing Scripture and culture, creative interaction as ministers in dialogue looking to the establishment of mission the mission of God’s church, cross-fertilization of ideas priorities with special reference to matters of personnel about ways to be in that mission, sharing of resources, and finance.16 and exploration of new forms of service directed at old [573] 4. Covenanting Churches-¶ 573. 1. A and emerging needs. covenanting relationship, whose elements were adopted b) An Act of Covenanting will include recognition of by the 1992 General Conference in an action called an our respective baptisms as different facets of the one “Act of Covenanting Between Christian Churches and baptism; recognition of one another as authentic The United Methodist Church” may be established expressions of the one holy, catholic, and apostolic between autonomous Methodist churches, affiliated church of Jesus Christ; recognition of the ordained autonomous Methodist churches, affiliated united ministries of the two churches; commitment to churches, or other Christian churches and The United systematic participation in full eucharistic fellowship; Methodist Church. a) The purpose of an Act of Covenanting with 51 and commitment to function in new ways of partnership, another Christian church is to encourage a new sense of visitations, and programs. global common cause, mutual support, mutual spiritual c) For The United Methodist Church, oversight of the growth, common study of Scripture and culture, creative covenantal relationships is the responsibility of the interaction as ministers in the mission of God’s church, Council of Bishops, while participation in specific cross-fertilization of ideas about ways to be in that projects is the responsibility of the appropriate general mission, sharing of resources, and exploration of new agency or agencies. forms of service directed at old and emerging needs. d) The Council of Bishops shall represent The United b) An Act of Covenanting will include Methodist Church in developing an Act of Covenanting recognition of our respective baptisms as different facets with a prospective partner church. It shall make of the one baptism; recognition of one another as recommendations to General Conference as to the authentic expressions of the one holy, catholic, and specific covenanting agreements. When approved by apostolic church of Jesus Christ; recognition of the General Conference and by the chief legislative body of ordained ministries of the two churches; commitment to the partner church, the Act of Covenanting becomes systematic participation in full eucharistic fellowship; effective when signed by the president of the Council of and commitment to function in new ways of partnership, Bishops and the secretary of the General Conference of visitations, and programs. The United Methodist Church and by the authorized c) For The United Methodist Church, oversight persons in the covenanting church. The text of each Act of the covenantal relationships is the responsibility of of Covenanting as adopted shall be printed in the the Council of Bishops, while participation in specific appropriate General Conference journal or equivalent.16 projects is the responsibility of the appropriate general e) The Act of Covenanting does not warrant that the agency or agencies. covenanting churches shall be entitled to delegates at the d)2. The Council of Bishops shall represent The General Conference of The United Methodist Church, or United Methodist Church in developing an Act of at the equivalent body of the covenant partner. Covenanting with a prospective partner church. It The 6. Methodist Churches With Concordat Council of Bishops shall make recommendations to Agreements—a) Concordat agreements may be initiated General Conference as to the specific covenanting by a Methodist church or by The United Methodist agreements. When approved by General Conference and Church through the Council of Bishops. The Council of by the chief legislative body of the partner church, the Bishops who shall, in cooperation with the Methodist Act of Covenanting becomes effective when signed by church in question, ascertain that all disciplinary the president of the Council of Bishops and the secretary conditions are met and then prepare the necessary of the General Conference of The United Methodist enabling legislation for adoption by the General Church and by the authorized persons in the Conference. covenanting church. The text of each Act of b) When such concordat agreement has been Covenanting as adopted shall be printed in the approved by the General Conference, the Council of appropriate General Conference journal or equivalent. 52

Bishops shall prepare a statement of the concordat e) The Act of Covenanting does not warrant that the agreement to be signed by the president of the Council of covenanting churches shall be entitled to delegates at the Bishops, the secretary of the General Conference, and General Conference of The United Methodist Church, or two representatives of the Methodist church with whom at the equivalent body of the covenant partner. the concordat agreement is made. Such concordats shall [574] ¶ 574.6. Methodist Churches With Concordat be printed shall be printed in the appropriate General Agreements-1. With the exception of The Methodist Conference journal or Church of Great Britain, such concordats may be equivalent. established by the following procedure: c) Such concordat agreement shall entitle the two a) Concordat agreements may be initiated by a churches to the following rights and privileges: Methodist church or by The Methodist church shall, (1) A program of mutual visitation may be through its major decision-making body, request a arranged by the Council of Bishops in cooperation with concordat relationship with The United Methodist the equivalent leadership of the other concordat church. Church through the Council of Bishops. Concordats The Council of Bishops may assign one or more of its may also be initiated by The United Methodist Church members for episcopal visitation to concordat churches. acting through t The Council of Bishops who shall, in (2) Clergy may be transferred between the two cooperation with the Methodist church in question, churches in accordance with ¶ 337.2. ascertain that all disciplinary conditions are met and d) Concordat churches, with the exception of The then prepare the necessary enabling legislation for Methodist Church of Great Britain (see ¶ 13.3), shall be adoption by the General Conference. entitled to two delegates, one clergy and one lay, to be b) When such concordat agreement has been seated in each other’s General Conference or equivalent approved by the General Conference, the Council of bodies with all rights and privileges. The agreements Bishops shall prepare a statement of the concordat with the Methodist Church of Mexico and the Methodist agreement to be signed by the president of the Council Church of the Caribbean and the Americas shall be of Bishops, the secretary of the General Conference, and honored. The host church shall make provisions for two representatives of the Methodist church with whom hospitality, including room and board, for the delegates the concordat agreement is made. Such concordats shall of the other concordat church. Travel and other expenses be printed in the appropriate General Conference journal shall be the responsibility of the visiting church. or equivalent. Daily Christian Advocate of that General >VII: —< Conference. GBOD GC-R ¶ 421.1 = 570.2b; 421.3=570.3b; b)2. Such concordat agreement shall entitle the two 421.3=571; 421.5=573+570.4b; 421.6=574+570.5b churches to the following rights and privileges: 15 See Judicial Council Decision 692. (1)a) A program of mutual visitation may be 16 See Judicial Council Decision 692. arranged by the Council of Bishops in cooperation with the equivalent leadership of the other concordat church. The Council of Bishops may assign one or more of its 53

members for episcopal visitation to concordat churches. (2)b) Clergy may be transferred between the two churches in accordance with ¶¶ 342.2.347.2b and 571.2. c) Concordat churches Such concordat agreement, with the exception of The Methodist Church of Great Britain (see ¶ 13.3), shall be entitled to the two churches to the following rights and privileges: (1) The two churches, entering a concordant relationship, shall each elect two delegates, one clergy and one lay, to be seated in each other’s General Conference or equivalent bodies with all rights and privileges. The agreements with the Methodist Church of Mexico and the Methodist Church of the Carribean and the Americas shall be honored. (2) The host church shall make provisions for hospitality, including room and board, for the delegates of the other concordat church. Travel and other expenses shall be the responsibility of the visiting church.

>VII: —<

15 See Judicial Council Decision 692. 16 See Judicial Council Decision 692.

¶ 422. Ecumenical Relationships—The United Methodist [434] ¶ 422. Ecumenical Relationships- Covenantal or Church strives toward greater Christian unity through its Conciliar Relationships-The United Methodist Church participation in councils of churches and/or covenantal strives toward greater Christian unity through its relationships. Permanent membership in ecumenical participation in councils of churches and/or covenantal organizations shall be approved and ratified by the relationships. Permanent membership in ecumenical respective conference, worldwide by General organizations shall be approved and ratified by the Conference, regional by Central Conferences, and where respective conference, worldwide by General within the boundaries of one single annual conference by Conference, regional by Central Conferences, and where the respective annual conference. within the boundaries of one single annual conference

54

1. The World Council of Churches—The United by the respective annual conference. The United Methodist Church is a member of the World Council of Methodist Church may establish covenants with other Churches, its predecessor Methodist and Evangelical Christian churches through bilateral or multilateral United Brethren churches having been charter members efforts. of such body. 1. Churches Uniting in Christ-The United Methodist 2. Other Worldwide Ecumenical Organizations— Church is a member of Churches Uniting in Christ, its The Council of Bishops shall lead the church in sending predecessor Methodist and Evangelical United Brethren observers or prepare membership in other worldwide churches having been involved in its very beginnings ecumenical organizations. and in all its committees and plenary consultations. The 3. The Council of Bishops shall be in dialogue with United Methodist Church is in covenantal relationship United Methodists in whatever countries they may with other churches in Churches Uniting in Christ. reside, and shall coordinate, explore, and advocate 2. National or Regional Ecumenical Organizations- United Methodist participation in regional ecumenical a) The National Council of the Churches of Christ in the and interreligious organizations. >VII: 422.001< U.S.A.-The United Methodist Church is a member of the 4. Further regulations shall be organized according to National Council of the Churches of Christ in the the provisions in the General Conference Regulations U.S.A., its predecessor Methodist and Evangelical (see GC-R ¶ 422). United Brethren churches having been charter members GBOD ¶ 422Intro = 434Intro+434.2b; 422.1=434.3a; of such body. 422.2=434.3b+c; 422.3=434.2b; 422.4=New b) Other National or Regional Ecumenical Organizations-The Council of Bishops, shall be in dialogue with United Methodists in whatever countries they may reside, and shall coordinate, explore, and

advocate United Methodist participation in regional ecumenical and interreligious organizations and shall address the Interdenominational Cooperation Fund funding of financial needs and the advisability of support of these organizations. c) The United Methodist Church shall seek observer status in the National Association of Evangelicals. United Methodist observers to these bodies shall be appointed by the Council of Bishops. 1.3. The World Council of Churches and Other International Ecumenical Organizations-a) World Council of Churches-The United Methodist Church is a member of the World Council of Churches, its 55

predecessor Methodist and Evangelical United Brethren churches having been charter members of such body. 2.b) Other Worldwide International Ecumenical Organizations-The Council of Bishops shall lead the church in sending observers or prepare membership in other worldwide ecumenical organizations. 3. The Council of Bishops shall be in dialogue with United Methodists in whatever countries they may reside, and shall coordinate, explore, and advocate United Methodist participation in regional international ecumenical and interreligious organizations. and shall address the Interdenominational Cooperation Fund funding of financial needs and the advisability of support of these organizations. c) The United Methodist Church shall seek observer status in the World Evangelical Fellowship. United Methodist observers to these bodies shall be appointed by the Council of Bishops. 4. Further regulations shall be organized according to the provisions in the General Conference Regulations (see GC-R 422).

GC-R ¶ 422. Ecumenical Relationships – 1. The United [431.4] GC-R 422. Ecumenical Relationships – 1. The Methodist representatives to ecumenical organizations United Methodist representatives to ecumenical shall be selected by the Council of Bishops and reflect organizations in the following paragraphs shall be consideration of balances required both by The United selected by the Council of Bishops and. Such Methodist Church and the respective ecumenical representatives shall be inclusive in terms of gender, organization. race and ethnicity, age, persons with disabilities, and 2. When proxies are needed to substitute for United region. Representatives shall reflect consideration of Methodist representatives to a specific ecumenical balances required both by The United Methodist Church organization, the ecumenical officer of the Council of and the respective ecumenical organization. Bishops is authorized to name such proxies and shall Consideration shall be given to persons named to report their names at the next meeting of the Council of jurisdictional and central conference pools (see ¶ Bishops. 705.1.b, c). 56

3. The Council of Bishops shall receive reports of the 2. When proxies are needed to substitute for United ongoing partnership of The UMC in the central Methodist representatives to a specific ecumenical conferences that are in full communion with Lutheran organization, the ecumenical officer of the Council of Churches and other denominations in order to learn from Bishops is authorized to name such proxies and. each other how to “provide leadership toward the goal of Consideration shall be given to United Methodists understanding, reconciliation and unity within the residing in the area of the ecumenical organization’s Church-the United Methodist Church and the church meeting, and to the inclusivity of the delegation. The universal” (¶ 403.2e). names of proxies shall be reported their names at the >VII: —< next meeting of the Council of Bishops. GBOD GC-R ¶ 422.1-2 = 431.4; 422.3=442.2 Representatives and proxies from The United Methodist Church to various working groups of any of the ecumenical organizations in the following paragraphs shall be named by the ecumenical officer of the Council of Bishops. [442.2] 3.2. The Council of Bishops shall receive reports of the ongoing partnership of The UMC in the central conferences that are in full communion with Lutheran Churches and other denominations in order to learn from each other how to “provide leadership toward the goal of understanding, reconciliation and unity within the Church-the United Methodist Church and the church universal” (Art. 403.1e). >VII: —<

[435] 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 distribution essential thereto, the American Bible Society shall be recognized as a means of mission 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.

[442]Full Communion with Other Churches 1. To fulfill the vision of full communion between The United Methodist Church and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, there shall be a Joint 57

Commission on ELCA/UMC Full Communion. The commission shall serve the following functions: a) Coordinate the implementation of action taken by the two churches to achieve full communion. b) Assist joint planning for mission. c) Facilitate consultation and common decision making through appropriate channels in fundamental matters that the churches may face together in the future. d) Report regularly and appropriately to each church. The United Methodist membership of this commission shall be the Ecumenical Officer of the Council of Bishops and one lay and one clergy member of OCUIR elected by OCUIR. 2. The Council of Bishops … [--> GC-R422.3]

Section VII. Committee on Faith and Order Section VII.X. Committee on Faith and Order ¶ 423. Committee on Faith and Order – 1. There shall be [443] ¶ 423. Committee on Faith and Order- 1. There a Committee on Faith and Order related and amenable to shall be a Committee on Faith and Order related and the Council of Bishops. This relationship shall be amenable to the Council of Bishops. This relationship collaborative, with attention paid in particular to working shall be collaborative, with attention paid in particular to with the persons designated by the Council of Bishops. working with the persons designated by Council of 2. Purpose- The Committee on Faith and Order shall Bishops. give leadership to The United Methodist Church in [444] 2. ¶ 444. Purpose—The Committee on Faith and reflecting upon, discerning and living out matters of Order shall give leadership to The United Methodist faith, doctrinal teaching, order, and discipline in the Church in reflecting upon, discerning and living out midst of mission and ministry in the church and world. matters of faith, doctrinal teaching, order, and discipline The committee shall be a visible expression of the in the midst of mission and ministry in the church and commitment of the United Methodist Church to carry on world. The committee shall be a visible expression of the informed theological reflection for the present time in commitment of The United Methodist Church to carry on dynamic continuity with the historic Christian faith, our informed theological reflection for the present time in common heritage as Christians grounded in the apostolic dynamic continuity with the historic Christian faith, our witness, and our distinctive Wesleyan heritage. The common heritage as Christians grounded in the apostolic witness, and our distinctive Wesleyan heritage. The

58 committee shall be charged with three broad committee shall be charged with three broad responsibilities: responsibilities: a) Upon request of the Council of Bishops, to a)1. Upon request of the Council of Bishops, to support support and provide resources to the council in its and provide resources to the council in its responsibility responsibility to “guard, transmit, teach, and proclaim, to “guard, transmit, teach, and proclaim, corporately and corporately and individually the apostolic faith as it is individually the apostolic faith as it is expressed in expressed in Scripture and tradition, and as they are led Scripture and tradition, and as they are led and endowed and endowed by the Spirit, to interpret that faith by the Spirit, to interpret that faith evangelically and evangelically and prophetically”. prophetically” (¶ 414.3). b) To lead and coordinate studies commissioned by b)2. To lead and coordinate studies commissioned by the the General Conference in matters related to faith, General Conference in matters related to the faith, doctrine, order and discipline of the church. doctrine, order and discipline of the church. c) To prepare and provide resources and study c)3. To prepare and provide resources and study materials materials to The United Methodist Church as deemed to The United Methodist Church as deemed appropriate. appropriate. [445] 3. ¶ 445. Responsibilities—The Committee on 3. Responsibilities – The Committee on Faith and Faith and Order shall have the authority and power to Order shall have the authority and power to fulfill all the fulfill all the responsibilities according to the provisions responsibilities according to the provisions in the General in the General Conference Regulations (GC-R 423). Conference Regulations (GC-R ¶ 423). ¶ 446 Authorities and Powers—The Committee on Faith >VII: —< and Order shall have the authority and power to fulfill all GBOD ¶ 423.1 = 443; 423.2=444; 423.3=446=>445 the responsibilities noted in ¶¶ 444 and 445.

>VII: —<

[445] GC-R 423. Responsibilities- The responsibilities GC-R ¶ 423. Responsibilities—The responsibilities of of the Committee on Faith and Order shall be: the Committee on Faith and Order shall be: 1. To provide a venue and context for ongoing 1. To provide a venue and context for ongoing conversation on matters of faith, doctrine, order and conversation on matters of faith, doctrine, order and discipline. discipline. 2. To draw upon scholars and scholarship in biblical 2. To draw upon scholars and scholarship in biblical studies, biblical theology, systematic theology, historical studies, biblical theology, systematic theology, historical theology, Christian ethics, Wesleyan studies, practical theology, Christian ethics, Wesleyan studies, practical theology, missiology, and other areas thereby providing theology, missiology, and other areas thereby providing expertise and knowledge to lead and assist the church in expertise and knowledge to lead and assist the church in 59 addressing matters of faith and order critical to the life, addressing matters of faith and order critical to the life, ministry and mission of the church. ministry and mission of the church. 3. To provide research and resourcing for the Council 3. To provide research and resourcing for the Council of of Bishops upon their request in matters related to faith, Bishops upon their request in matters related to faith, doctrine, order and discipline. doctrine, order and discipline. 4. To receive and administer mandates from the 4. To receive and administer mandates from the General General Conference for studies on matters that require Conference for studies on matters that require significant significant inquiry into and application of the faith and inquiry into and application of the faith and order of the order of the church. church. 5. To bring studies, materials, or publications as 5. To bring studies, materials, or publications as appropriate to the Council of Bishops or to the General appropriate to the Council of Bishops or to the General Conference for approval and action. Conference for approval and action. 6. To make provision for the preparation and 6. To make provision for the preparation and dissemination of study documents and materials for the dissemination of study documents and materials for the Church upon request of the Council of Bishops, or the Church upon request of the Council of Bishops, or the General Conference. General Conference. 7. To coordinate and provide for effective interaction 7. To coordinate and provide for effective interaction and and communication among various study committees, communication among various study committees, commissions, and teams when multiple studies have been commissions, and teams when multiple studies have been mandated. mandated. >VII: —< GBOD GC-R ¶ 423=445 >VII: —<

¶ 424. Organization—1. The Committee on Faith and [447] ¶ 424.. Organization- 1.¶447. Membership—The Order (CFO) shall be composed of sixteen persons. Committee on Faith and Order (CFO) shall be organized 2. It shall be organized according to the provisions in each quadrennium and shall be composed of sixteen the General Conference Regulations (see GC-R ¶ 424). persons. 3. In collaboration with the Council of Bishops, it 2. It shall be organized according to the provisions in shall propose its budget as part of the Episcopal Fund, to the General Conference Regulations (see GC- be approved by General Conference. Regulations 426). >VII: —< [450] 3. ¶450. Funding—In collaboration with the GBOD ¶ 424.1 = 447Intro; 424.2=>447, 448, 449; Council of Bishops, it the Committee on Faith and Order 424.3=450 shall propose its budget as part of the Episcopal Fund, to be approved by General Conference. >VII: —< 60

GC-R ¶ 424 Organization of the Committee on Faith [447] GC-R 424 Organization of the Committee on and Order- 1. Membership-a) Nominations to the CFO Faith and order- 1. Membership-a)1. Nominations to the shall be made by the CFO Executive Committee, in CFO shall be made by the CFO Executive Committee, in consultation with the General Board of Higher Education consultation with the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry and the Office of Christian Unity and and Ministry and the Office of Christian Unity and Interreligious Relationships, and sent to the Council of Interreligious Relationships, and sent to the Council of Bishops and to the entire Committee on Faith and Order Bishops and to the entire Committee on Faith and Order for their review. for their review. (1) Four bishops shall serve as members one of (1)2. Four bishops shall serve as members one of whom whom shall be the ecumenical officer of the Council of shall be the ecumenical officer of the Council of Bishops Bishops of The United Methodist Church and three other of The United Methodist Church and three other bishops bishops as assigned by the Council of Bishops. At least as assigned by the Council of Bishops. At least one of the one of the bishops shall be from central conferences. bishops shall be from central conferences. (2) New members of the committee shall be elected (2)3. New members of the committee shall be elected by by the Council of Bishops at its spring meeting in the the Council of Bishops at its spring meeting in the year year of the General Conference. Election shall be for a of the General Conference each quadrennium. Election term of eight (8) years, and no person shall serve as a shall be for a term of eight (8) years, and no person shall member of the Committee on Faith and Order for more serve as a member of the Committee on Faith and Order than sixteen (16) years in succession. The classes of for more than sixteen (16) years in succession. The membership shall be established so that the terms of classes of membership shall be established so that the service of 50 percent of the membership expire when terms of service of 50 percent of the membership expire their successors are seated at the organizational meeting when their successors are seated at the organizational of the committee following each General Conference. meeting of the committee following each General b) The composition of the committee, and all sub- Conference. committees and teams, shall attend to lay and clergy b)4. The composition of the committee, and all sub- status, racial/ethnic and gender diversity, and regional committees and teams, shall attend to lay and clergy representation. It shall model effective representation of status, racial/ethnic and gender diversity, and regional the theological diversity of The United Methodist representation. It shall model effective representation of Church. The Council of Bishops shall exercise oversight the theological diversity of The United Methodist in the nomination and election of members with regard to Church. The Council of Bishops shall exercise oversight inclusiveness, diversity, and representation. Vacancies in the nomination and election of members with regard to occurring during any quadrennium shall be filled by the inclusiveness, diversity, and representation. Vacancies CFO Executive Committee in consultation with the occurring during any quadrennium shall be filled by the Council of Bishops. CFO Executive Committee in consultation with the Council of Bishops. 61

c) The committee may, in consultation and b)5. The committee may, in consultation and collaboration with the Council of Bishops, carry out any collaboration with the Council of Bishops, carry out any mandated study internally or may create such sub- mandated study internally or may create such sub- committees and teams using members from within the committees and teams using members from within the committee and others beyond the committee as may be committee and others beyond the committee as may be required by the volume and complexity of work. required by the volume and complexity of work. d) Membership on the board of directors of any other c)6. Membership on the board of directors of any other general agency, or serving as a staff member of a general general agency, or serving as a staff member of a general agency, does not make one ineligible to serve as a agency, does not make one ineligible to serve as a member of this committee, ¶¶ 710.5 and 715.6 to the member of this committee, ¶¶ 710.5 and 715.6 to the contrary notwithstanding, and the limitations specified in contrary notwithstanding, and the limitations specified in ¶ 710.4 for membership on general agencies shall not ¶ 710.4 for membership on general agencies shall not apply to anyone as a result of membership on this apply to anyone as a result of membership on this committee. committee. 2. Organization and Meetings-a) The committee shall [448] 2. ¶448. Organization and Meetings—The elect from its episcopal membership a chairperson and Committee on Faith and Order shall be organized as from its total membership other officers as it may follows: determine. 1.a) The committee shall elect from its episcopal b) There shall be an executive committee of the CFO membership a chairperson and from its total membership with powers as determined by the CFO. other officers as it may determine. c) The committee shall meet for organizational b)2. There shall be an executive committee of the CFO purposes each quadrennium prior to the end of the first with powers as determined by the CFO. quarter of the year following the year in which the c)3. The committee shall meet for organizational General Conference is held. purposes each quadrennium prior to the end of the first d) The committee shall meet at least annually and at quarter of the year following the year in which the such other times as it shall deem necessary. A majority of General Conference is held. members of the committee shall constitute a quorum. d)4. The committee shall meet at least annually and at 3. Staffing- Staff for the work of the Committee on such other times as it shall deem necessary. A majority of Faith and Order shall be provided as determined by the members of the committee shall constitute a quorum. Council of Bishops in consultation with the Executive 3. ¶449 Staffing—Staff for the work of the Committee on Committee of the Committee on Faith and Order. The Faith and Order shall be provided as determined by the Council of Bishops may request staff assistance and Council of Bishops in consultation with the Executive consultation from agencies and other bodies of the Committee of the Committee on Faith and Order. The Church. Council of Bishops may request staff assistance and >VII: —< 62

GBOD GC-R ¶ 424.1 = 447.1-6; 424.2=448; 424.3=449 consultation from agencies and other bodies of the Church.

>VII: —<

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