In service to the delegates of the 2019 Special Session of the General Conference, the Council of Bishops asked for a declaratory decision of the Judicial Council regarding the constitutionality of the three plans contained in the report of the Commission on a Way Forward.
Your support of the Episcopal Fund apportionment helps pay the salaries and benefits of United Methodist Bishops and allows them to travel across their episcopal areas providing mentorship and leadership.
In a unanimous decision, the Judicial Council raised questions regarding petitions in all three plans while finding the One Church Plan, the plan supported by the Council of Bishops, to be most in compliance with the Constitution of The United Methodist Church and the Traditional Plan to have significant constitutional problems. The Judicial Council said that they did not have jurisdiction over the Connectional Conference Plan.
The work is now squarely in the hands of the delegates as they prepare for the limited three-day General Conference.
Bishop Ken Carter, president of the Council of Bishops, Bishop Cynthia Harvey, president-designate, and Bill Waddell, Counsel for the bishops presented at the oral hearing.
The proceedings were marked by fairness, respect and civility. Rev. Tom Berlin, Mrs. Pat Miller and Rev. Tom Lambrecht presented on behalf of the Commission on a Way Forward.
The Council of Bishops wishes to thank the Judicial Council for their work, understanding that it was complicated and complex yet sought to fulfill the mission of the church.
Bishop Carter shared "We continue to be guided by two core convictions: We want to help the delegates to do their best work at the Called General Conference, and we are seeking a way forward for the church that "maximizes the presence of the United Methodist witness in as many places in the world as possible, that allows for as much contextual differentiation as possible, and with a desire for as much unity as possible." (Mission, Vision and Scope of the Way Forward).
The Switzerland-France-North Africa Annual Conference were excellent hosts. "The time spent in Zurich proved fruitful as those representing the church from all parts of the denomination worshipped together, shared meals together and modeled what it means to be the Body of Christ," said Harvey. The time in Zurich concluded with a communion service led by the Resident Bishop Patrick Streiff.
Rev. Dr. Maidstone Mulenga, Director of Communications, Council of Bishops
One of seven apportioned giving opportunities of The United Methodist Church, the Episcopal Fund pays for bishops' salaries, office and travel expenses, and pension and health-benefit coverage. Please encourage your leaders and congregations to support the Episcopal Fund apportionment at 100 percent.
