Petition Text: 20713-FA-NonDis-O

Understanding Petition Numbers

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Whereas, the Christian church has a long history of caring for widows, orphans, and those who are unable to provide for themselves; and

Whereas, our disabled pastors are currently receiving 40% of the Denominational Average Compensation (DAC). [The DAC for 1995 is $34,832. 40% of the DAC is $13,932.80]; and

whereas, although the majority of United Methodist pastors on disability are receiving Social Security Disability benefits as well, there are United Methodist pastors not receiving Social Security Disability who are attempting to live on $13,932.80 per year; and

Whereas, the tests for Social Security Disability are far more stringent than required by private disability providers and require inability to do any work, not just the work for which they are trained; and

Whereas, the disability payments of many, if not the majority of, businesses are provided at 60% of a person's annual salary; and

Whereas, our need to be fiscally responsible must not be at the expense of our disabled pastors; and

Whereas, for the few pastors who are not receiving Social Security Disability income, a percentage increase would mean the difference between poverty level income and surviving more adequately;

Therefore, be it resolved, that the General Conference consider avenues for increasing the current disability benefits of 40% of the DAC.

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Petition Text: 20713-FA-NonDis-O
1996 United Methodist General Conference