1. b) Mediation.----1) Mediation is a process of reconciling people in dispute by allowing them to take part together with guidance of a neutral, trained third party in efforts to resolve the dispute. The intent is that the resolution be mutually agreeable and voluntary.
At any point where a grievance related to performance or character has been brought, mediation can be attempted in either or both of the disputes between the accused (respondent) and accuser (grievant) with respect to the grievance and between the respondent or grievant and the conference officials with respect to conference actions and concerns. Mediation may begin as soon as a mediator is selected and acceptable to the parties involved. Mediation is not binding. The effort, however, is to reach a resolution satisfactory enough that the decisions become accepted by the parties involved.
To initiate mediation, the superintendent must inform all parties of this opportunity and should encourage it as a step prior to further action on the grievance. Any of the parties involved may request mediation, and the superintendent must provide the opportunity.
2) Mediators may not be members of the supervisory structure of the conference but must be disinterested neutral parties trained for the task. Mediators may be allowed, with permission of the pastor involved, to have access to any records held by the conference about the pastor (see ¶ 706.9). Mediators shall have access to any church officer to gain information regarding disability, health insurance, pension, or any other matters that may be pertinent to resolving the mediation.
3) Mediation may result in any of the options later available to be recommended by the Joint Review Committee, including the dropping of any grievance, as well as those related to change of appointment, health and welfare of the pastoral family, and any other benefits or options available.
4) If mediation does not achieve mutual agreement, the mediation process may be ended. It may be reopened upon request of the superintendent or the parties involved at any time to obtain a voluntary resolution, no matter what further steps of fair process are occurring.
5) Grievances that could become chargeable offenses are not grounds to prevent mediation. Mediation may not be used to hinder fair process, though it may provide voluntary reconciliation and resolution which could end the matter and make further fair process steps unnecessary.
General Conference Webmaster: Susan Brumbaugh
PETS Creator: John Brawn
Petition Text: 21525-MN-454.1-D
1996 United Methodist General Conference