2108. Responsibilities--The general commission will assume general church responsibility for such matters as:
1. Coordinating the denominational concern and providing a channel of assistance to ensure that ethnic and racial group members of The United Methodist Church will have equal opportunities for service, representation, and voice on every level of the Church's life and ministry.
2. Reviewing, evaluating, and assisting agencies and institutions of the Church as they seek to develop programs and policies to implement and mandate for racial inclusiveness.
3. Reviewing, evaluating, and assisting annual conferences and their appointive cabinets as they seek to develop appointments, programs, and policies designed to achieve racial and ethnic inclusiveness.
4. Providing channels of assistance to racial and ethnic groups as they seek to develop programs of empowerment and ministry to their local churches and communities.
5. Relating to and coordinating the concerns of the racial and ethnic groups as they relate to minority group empowerment and ministry within the Church.
6. Reviewing, investigating, and conducting hearings where necessary in response to written allegations of violation of the Church's policy of racial and ethnic inclusiveness which have not been satisfactorily resolved in the annual conference, any general agency or other institution of the Church. All involved parties shall meet with the General Commission on Religion and Race, or its designated representatives, presenting their briefs, arguments, and evidence related to said allegations. The commission will submit its findings and recommendations to the appropriate parties, conferences, general agencies, or institutions concerned, for the purpose of securing a satisfactory resolution to the case at hand.
7. Administering the Minority Group Self-Determination Fund.
8. Providing resources for the local church work area on religion and race enabling them to address the different situations in which they find themselves: inner city, suburbia, metropolitan and rural communities.
9. Counseling local churches that are seeking to establish multiracial fellowships and encouraging and supporting local Churches in maintaining a Christian ministry in racially changing neighborhoods.
10. Maintaining a close relationship with the General Board of Church and Society, as they both seek to coordinate the denominational support and cooperation with various movements for racial and social justice.
11. Being available to assist central conferences, autonomous and affiliated autonomous Methodist and United churches, and Methodist bodies in countries other than the United States as they address the issue of racism.
12. Providing opportunities for multiracial and interethnic dialogue and meetings throughout the Church.
13. Working directly with the Council of Bishops and the related annual conferences to plan workshops, seminars, and consultations on racism based on biblical and theological grounds.
14. Providing programs of sensitization and education at every level of the Church's life, on the nature and meaning of racism--attitudinal, behavioral, and institutional.
15. Relating to and assisting the annual conference commission on religion and race, enabling them to address their different communities and situations: inner city, suburbia, metropolitan, and rural communities.
16. Consulting with the General Board of Pension and Health Benefits in the administration of the Temporary General Aid Fund, recommending such adjustments from time to time as may be necessary under legislation to achieve the intended purpose. (See 920.)
17. Advising the General Council on Finance and Administration (911.1) with regard to the policies and practices of agencies and Church-related institutions receiving general Church funds concerning their implementation of the denomination's policy of inclusiveness and nondiscrimination on the basis of race and ethnic heritage. This shall be done by (1) consulting with the council in development, review, and maintenance of the certification form to be submitted to the council by agencies and institutions receiving general Church funds; (2) reviewing annually the submissions of certifications of compliance with 911.1a, b, and c; and (3) recommending to the council acceptance of the certifications, or other appropriate action, including withholding approval of the entire budget of an agency or institution because of noncompliance with 911.1a, b, or c.
18. Developing leadership among racial and ethnic groups for the total ministry in the life of the Church.
19. Facilitating the delivery of program services and information to racial and ethnic local churches.
20. Maintaining a close relationship with the General Board of Church and Society and the General Commission on Christian Unity and Interreligious Concerns, as they seek to coordinate denominational support and cooperation in eradicating racism, promoting social justice, and enhancing Christian unity.
General Conference Webmaster: Susan Brumbaugh
PETS Creator: John Brawn
1992 Book of Discipline: ¶ 2108
1996 United Methodist General Conference