1220. Committee on Family Life--1. There shall be a Committee on Family Life which shall be administratively related to the General Board of Discipleship.
The committee shall provide the arena for information sharing, cooperative planning, and joint program endeavors as determined in accordance with the responsibilities and objectives of the participating boards and agencies. The committee shall serve as an advocate for family life concerns with all general agencies of The United Methodist Church and in the larger society.
The responsibilities of the committee shall include the following:
a) To identify the needs and concerns of families in our complex society.
b) To survey the Church's ministry with families and to collect and disseminate information on models and programs which inform the work of all boards and agencies to strengthen, enrich, and enable family living consistent with Christian teaching and practice.
c) To encourage exploration of the biblical, theological, and experiential understandings of family living and the Church's role in ministry to and with families.
d) To advocate the development and implementation of programs, policies, and services by agencies of The United Methodist Church which are designed to impact those systems and concepts which adversely affect family life.
e) To relate and provide liaison services to interdenominational and ecumenical agencies in the area of family life, including The World Methodist Council Committee on Family Life and the Commission on Family Ministries and Human Sexuality of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A.
2. The committee shall consist of staff and/or member representatives from the General Board of Discipleship, General Board of Global Ministries, General Board of Church and Society, General Board of Higher Education and Ministry, the General Commission on the Status and Role of Women, and two bishops selected by the Council of Bishops. Each general agency may name at least one additional member in order to provide additional expertise and consultation. It is strongly urged that the committee be inclusive.
General Conference Webmaster: Susan Brumbaugh
PETS Creator: John Brawn
1992 Book of Discipline: ¶ 1220
1996 United Methodist General Conference