In fulfilling this coordinating function related to legislative proposals, the General Council on Ministries organized an Interagency Task Force on Legislation. The purpose of the task force is to bring together representatives of the general agencies to examine each agency's legislation for clarity, and to resolve duplication and overlap, and conflicting approaches.
The task force functions as an adjunct group to General Council on Ministries and reports to its Committee on Legislation. The chairperson of the task force is also chairperson of the General Council on Ministries Committee on Legislation.
The task force was organized with each general agency naming two members. The Council of Bishops had two members/observers. The General Council on Ministries approved a timeline and process for the task force in April 1993. It called for each agency to develop and revise its legislation and then review all proposals with the Interagency Task Force on Legislation.
The task force met three times to review legislation being considered by all participants. In May 1994, the task force focused on broad topics of proposed legislation anticipated for change by each agency. Editorial changes and clarity of language was reviewed for continuation. Guidelines for preparation of agency legislation to the General Conference were presented and discussed.
In January 1995, the task force discussed specific legislative proposals submitted by each agency in the Workbook of the Interagency Task Force on Legislation. A final meeting in June 1995, reviewed all proposed legislation by each agency. Recommendations for changes and clarity were offered by task force participants for response by the agencies.
The General Council on Ministries Committee on Legislation was assigned the responsibility to review all legislative proposals and consider possible development of parallel legislation in areas where the committee indicated disagreement with agency proposals.
The agency participants reviewed the work of the task force during the 1993-96 quadrennium and encouraged the General Council on Ministries to continue an Interagency Task Force on Legislation for the 1997-2000 Quadrennium.
General Conference Webmaster: Susan Brumbaugh
PETS Creator: John Brawn
Petition Text: 21692-GJ-NonDis-O
1996 United Methodist General Conference