Release #038 {2902} April 23, 1996
DENVER (UMNS) -- A framework around which a major study of domestic and international structures of the United Methodist Church will be fashioned was approved April 23.
By a vote of 720 to 230, the delegates approved formation of a "Connectional Process Team (CPT) of 31 people to conduct the study and bring their recommendations to the 2000 General Conference in Cleveland, Ohio. The action decided one of the major issues on the agenda for the 998 delegates from around the world meeting April 16-26 at the Colorado Convention Center.
The report was developed during the past four years by the church's General Council on Ministries (GCOM). What has been formally known as the Connectional Issues Study was done in collaboration with the Council of Bishops, denominational agencies, local churches and annual conferences inside and outside the U.S.
The Rev. Gordon C. Goodgame, Lake Junaluska, N.C., introducing the report, said it is time for the 9.7-million-member denomination to plan for a "relevant transition" toward the future "while holding fast to the core of religious values."
"This is one small step for the United Methodist Church, putting into place a process that will lead us into the 21st Century," said the Rev. Charlie O. Dundas, a delegate from Rosemount, Minn.
Supporters of the proposal said it will lead to greater flexibility in organization and ministry for local churches and annual conferences, while at the same time reducing the size and cost of general church agencies. Legislation is pending during the session in Denver that will confirm a reduction in the number of directors of the 13 agencies from about 950 to 630 during the l997-2000 "transitional" quadrennium.
The report emphasizes an "interactive, connectional" design. According to the report's glossary, an "interactive" organization is one in which United Methodists respond to the "working of the Holy Spirit, intentionally working through a connectional polity based upon mutual responsiveness and accountability." The "connectional" design comes from the traditional Methodist practice in which each congregation is linked with others through the Council of Bishops, a series of conferences, and other structures.
One of the tasks of the CPT will be to "facilitate an interactive organizational process" to "clarify the mission of the general church" and "define and recommend the most faithful structure to enable the ministries" of the denomination at all levels.
Staffing for the CPT will be provided by GCOM. Funding will come from the General Council on Finance and Administration. The Council of Bishops will nominate most of the CPT members who then will be elected by the General Conference at this session.
A minority report that backers said would provide greater flexibility for local churches, and a slimmer national structure, was defeated 567 to 374.
At present the United Methodist Church has 13 national/international agencies. The present structure of the church has been in place since 1972.
--Robert Lear
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