Whereas, we recognize our responsibility in proclaiming that gospel through the worship, wisdom, and structure of The United Methodist Church; and
Whereas, we as the laity of First United Methodist Church, Port Lavaca, Texas, wish to have a voice as laity in order to maintain the worship, wisdom, and structure of The United Methodist Church; and
Whereas, the Holy Bible, Book of Acts 6:1-6 provides for and sanctions the appointment of members in good standing to an exalted position of servanthood and ministry; and
Whereas, The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church in Section IV, ¶ 309 has allowed and condoned the voice of paid church ministers to be heard by the Church and given the vote as laity representatives in the quota ratio on questions requiring the vote of laity and clergy of The United Methodist Church; and
Whereas, the perspective of The United Methodist Church by a full-time church staffperson is different from that of the average person in the pew;
Be it therefore resolved, that the 1996 General Conference of The United Methodist Church create a separate entity to allow paid church professionals a vote on church matters apart from the laity of The United Methodist Church.
General Conference Webmaster: Susan Brumbaugh
PETS Creator: John Brawn
Petition Text: 20899-XX-NonDis-O
1996 United Methodist General Conference