Whereas, New York City has unparalleled air transportation connections with every segment of United Methodism and the areas of the world served by United Methodism; and
Whereas, the most rapidly growing segments of The United Methodist Church are in Africa, eastern Europe and the Philippines, for whom the main point of entry into the United States is New York City; and
Whereas, New York City is an amalgam and microcosm of the world's diverse races, nationalities, religions and ethnic groups; and
Whereas, United Methodism in New York City and vicinity serves many of these racial, national, and ethnic groups; and
Whereas, the General Conference of The United Methodist Church in 1992 voted by a very narrow margin to approve relocation of the General Board of Global Ministries, pending recommendation by a Committee on Relocation created to investigate such relocation, its costs and disruptions to services and staffing, and ordered to report its findings and recommendations to the 1996 General Conference; and
Whereas, the Committee on Relocation has now ordered cost estimates for moving, renting, relocation and start-up costs to five cities (Atlanta, Chicago, Denver, Dallas, and Washington) as well as cost estimates of remaining in New York City; and
Whereas, the cost of remaining in New York City is, by decision of the Committee, not to be released until after the Committee has decided to recommend one of the five cities for relocation of the Board;
Now therefore, be it resolved, that the Committee on Relocation of the General Board of Global Ministries release its data and findings concerning costs of remaining in New York City at the time data and findings concerning relocation to the five cities is released; and
Be it further resolved, that cost analysis for both relocation to a selected city and for remaining in New York City be included in the Committee report to the 1996 General Conference; and
Be it further resolved, that The United Methodist Church is and should be a world church, not a provincial one, and that relocation of the General Board of Global Ministries at this time to a city in the interior of the United States sends a negative message to the growing edges of United Methodism in Africa, eastern Europe and the Philippines.
Therefore, be it resolved, that the 1996 General Conference rescind the 1992 action to force the General Board of Global Ministries to relocate and decide to support the General Board of Global Ministries at its present location.
General Conference Webmaster: Susan Brumbaugh
PETS Creator: John Brawn
Petition Text: 20517-GJ-NonDis-O
1996 United Methodist General Conference