511. Leaves--1. Renewal Leave--Every bishop in the active relationship shall take up to three consecutive months' leave from his/her normal episcopal responsibilities, for purposes of reflection, study, and self-renewal, once during each quadrennium. The College of Bishops, in consultation with the appropriate jurisdictional or central conference committee on episcopacy, shall coordinate details pertaining to such leaves.
2. Sabbatical Leave--A bishop who has served for at least two quadrenniums may be granted a sabbatical leave of not more than one year for a justifiable reason other than health if the request is made and if the involved College of Bishops, the committee on episcopacy of that jurisdiction or central conference, and the Council of Bishops or its executive committee approve. In this event the bishop shall, for the period for which the leave is granted, be released from the presidential responsibilities within the episcopal area; and another bishop or bishops, active or retired and not necessarily from the same jurisdiction or central conference, shall be designated by the Council of Bishops, on recommendation of the College of Bishops of the jurisdiction or central conference involved, to assume the presidential duties during the interim. The bishop shall receive one-half salary and, where applicable, housing allowance for the period of the leave.
3. Disability Leave--Bishops who by reason of impaired health are temporarily unable to perform full work may be released by the jurisdictional or central conference committee on episcopacy from the obligation to travel through the connection at large. They may choose a place of residence, and the Council of Bishops shall be at liberty to assign them to such work as they may be able to perform. They shall receive support as provided by the Episcopal Fund.
General Conference Webmaster: Susan Brumbaugh
PETS Creator: John Brawn
1992 Book of Discipline: ¶ 511
1996 United Methodist General Conference