Release #044 {2908} April 24, 1996
DENVER (UMNS) -- General Conference of the United Methodist Church voted here April 24by an overwhelming margin to authorize creation of a task force to study the concerns and ministry needs of Korean Americans.
The adopted resolution took the place of a petition requesting the creation of three Korean-American missionary conferences submitted through the National Division of the church's Board of Global Ministries.
Controversy had surrounded the original proposal as some individuals and groups, including the Korean-American clergywomen's organization, opposed the plan.
The original petition requested formation of Korean-language conferences in the Northeastern, North Central and Western jurisdictions of the United Methodist Church.
Instead, an "inclusive task force representing the five jurisdictions" was created, pending approval of the financial provision for the study.
The task force will be composed of three clergymen, three clergywomen, three Korean-American laymen, three Korean-American laywomen, three transgeneration clergy, a representative of the Commission on the Status and Role of Women, a representative of the Commission on Religion and Race and three bishops.
The measure passed by a vote of 839 to 35.
The task force is to report the result of its study including recommendations to the 2000 General Conference, but, through an amendment from the floor, the theological schools and general agencies of the church could implement findings that did not require financial support from the whole church.
-- Joretta Purdue
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