UNYAC2021.2 Administrative Fair Process for Local Pastors

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Book of Discipline (¶¶): 320.1; 361.1; 635.3d Conference Committee/Agency that would be affect by/responsible for implementation if passed: District Committees on Ordained Ministry, Board of Ordained Ministry, and Conference Relations Committee

Financial Implications: None

Brief Rationale:

Whereas ¶361 states, “Each Annual Conference Board of Ordained Ministry shall establish a Conference relations committee of at least three persons to hear requests for discontinuance of provisional members, involuntary leave of absence, administrative location, involuntary retirement, or other such matters as may be referred to them by the Board of Ordained Ministry (¶ 635).”

Whereas ¶635.3d states, “The [Board of Ordained Ministry] registrar shall file in the bishop’s office for permanent record, a copy of circumstances involving the discontinuance of provisional membership or termination of the local pastor status.”

Whereas the Board of Ordained Ministry Handbook states the following regarding the Discontinuance of Local Pastors, “The dCOM shall report the circumstances of discontinuance to the BOM, which in turn shall report them to the bishop (¶320.1).” (Chapter 26, p. 9).

Whereas the Board of Ordained Ministry Handbook states, “Ongoing responsiveness may be helpful for someone who has experienced severe criticism, delay or discontinuance.” (Chapter 9, p. 1).

Therefore, be it resolved that the Upper New York Annual Conference implores the Board of Ordained Ministry to ensure that the discontinuance and termination of local pastors are articulated and defensible as called for in ¶¶320.1 and 635.3d.

Date of Submission: March 15, 2021

Submitted by: Mike Mullin Electronic Signature: Mike Mullin 1050 East Avenue, Rochester, NY, 14607 (585) 271-1050 x105 (585) 271-3743 mmullin@asburyfirst.org Asbury First United Methodist Church, Rochester