Fair Process in Administrative Hearings.--The following procedures are presented for the protection of the rights of individuals and for the protection of the church in administrative hearings (¶¶ 418, 448.1(b), 452.3, and 454.3). The process set forth in this paragraph commences upon referral of a matter as an administrative complaint. Special attention should be given to ensuring racial, ethnic and gender diversity in boards and committees and timely disposition of all matters.
a) In any involuntary administrative proceeding the respondent (the person against whom the administrative complaint has been filed) shall have a right to be heard before any final action is taken.
b) Notice of any hearing shall advise the respondent of the reason for the proposed procedures with sufficient detail to allow the respondent to prepare a response. Notice shall be given not less than twenty (20) days prior to the hearing.
c) The respondent shall have a right to be accompanied by another clergy person to any hearing, in accordance with the appropriate Disciplinary provisions (¶¶ 448.1, 453.3). The person accompanying the respondent shall have the right of advocacy.
d) In any involuntary administrative hearing, under no circumstances shall one party or counsel, in the absence of the other party or counsel, discuss substantive issues with members of the hearing body, while the matter is pending. Questions of procedure may be raised with the presiding officer of the hearing body.
e) The respondent shall have access to all records provided to or in the files of the Board of Ordained Ministry or Administrative Review Committee.
f) In the event that a clergy person fails to appear for supervisory interviews, or refuses mail, or refuses to communicate personally with the bishop or district superintendent, or otherwise fails to respond to supervisory requests or requests from official administrative or judicial committees, such actions or inactions shall not be used as an excuse to avoid or delay any Church processes, and such processes may continue without the participation of such individual.
General Conference Webmaster: Susan Brumbaugh
PETS Creator: John Brawn
Petition Text: 21237-MN-454.2-D
1996 United Methodist General Conference