Referral of Complaint.--If a supervisory response does not achieve resolution and/or reconciliation, the bishop may refer the complaint based on the following criteria:
1. If the bishop determines that the complaint is based on allegations of one or more offenses listed in ¶ 2623.1, the bishop may refer the complaint to the counsel for the church who shall be appointed by the bishop. The counsel for the church shall be an elder in full connection and shall have the right to choose one assistant counsel without voice who may be an attorney. The counsel for the church shall sign the complaint as a judicial complaint, forward it to the Committee on Investigation and represent the church in any proceedings of the Committee on Investigation. No complaint shall be considered for any misconduct which shall not have been committed within six years immediately preceding the filing of the complaint (¶ 454.1a) except in the case of sexual or child abuse. In the case of sexual or child abuse there shall be no limitation.*
2. If the bishop determines that the complaint is based on allegations of incompetence, ineffectiveness or unwillingness or inability to perform ministerial duties, he/she may refer the complaint as an administrative complaint to the Board of Ordained Ministry for its consideration of remedial or other action [cross-reference].
*See Judicial Court Decisions 691, 701, 723.
General Conference Webmaster: Susan Brumbaugh
PETS Creator: John Brawn
Petition Text: 21236-MN-454.1-D
1996 United Methodist General Conference