Whereas, 98.2% of the U. S. population now lives within 50 miles of a city; and
Whereas, the disciplinary formula for the creation of a new episcopal area limits the possibility of the placement of a resident bishop in every metropolitan area; and
Whereas, the population of Greater Kansas City is 1,566,000, making it the 25th largest metropolitan area in the nation, and yet this area which encompasses two annual conferences does not have a resident bishop; and
Whereas, the Kansas City Episcopal Area Task Force of the South Central Jurisdiction (established by the 1992 South Central Jurisdictional Conference to explore the viability of a Kansas City Episcopal Area) found that the United Methodist population of Kansas and Missouri was inadequate to sustain three episcopal areas; and
Whereas, it is essential to provide viable, visible, responsive, cohesive ministry to congregations in a growing cultural, racial and ethnically diverse population in urban areas; and
Whereas, state lines artificially fragment services, diffuse comprehensive planning for congregational development/redevelopment, and frustrate the design of a missional strategy for responding to emerging urban needs;
Therefore, be it resolved, that the 1996 General Conference of The United Methodist Church authorize the appointment of a task force which shall examine Paragraph 731.5j of The Book of Discipline, the current jurisdictional system, the present boundaries of the episcopal areas and the assignment of the bishops in the United States, and the impact on urban areas that cross state and jurisdictional lines. This task force shall be appointed by the Council of Bishops and shall consist of one lay and one clergy member from each Jurisdiction, two bishops, and five persons selected for inclusiveness. The task force shall report to the General Conference of The United Methodist Church in 2000 A.D.
General Conference Webmaster: Susan Brumbaugh
PETS Creator: John Brawn
Petition Text: 20542-CO-NonDis-O$
1996 United Methodist General Conference