Recommendation to the General Conference
Whereas, the Council of Bishops has deliberated upon the global expression of United Methodism; and
Whereas, the Council of Bishops received a report from its Committee to Study the Global Nature of the Church which addresses the theological and ecclesiological foundations of our global connection; and
Whereas, the Council of Bishops has considered a potential form for United Methodism's global mission; and
Whereas, the Council of Bishops' Committee to Study the Global Nature of The United Methodist Church and The Connectional Issues Task Force of GCOM have shared in a productive exchange of information and thinking leading to an emerging consensus as to United Methodism's global mission; and
Whereas, the 1996 General Conference of The United Methodist Church will be receiving the report from the Council of Bishops relative to the Global Nature of The United Methodist Church, along with other reports on structure and connectionalism that shall also be presented to The General Conference.
Therefore, be it resolved, that we request that the report of The Council of Bishops on the Global Nature of the United Methodist Church shall be assigned to the Legislative Committee on General and Judicial Administration for consideration and implementation; and
Be it further resolved, that a Task Force or Committee be authorized by The General Conference to develop further the proposals that address connectionalism and globality within the following considerations:
a). The Task Force or Committee shall be composed of 30 persons:
1. 6 persons to be nominated by a Nominating Committee composed of two representatives from GCOM and two representatives of The Council of Bishops and elected by The Council of Bishops.
2. Four persons at large, elected by The Committee to ensure inclusive membership on The Committee.
3. Three persons elected by and representing GCOM.
4. One person elected by and representing GCFA.
5. Six bishops (three Central Conference and three U.S. bishops to represent the laos.
6. Three persons from the Affiliated and Autonomous churches be invited to participate in the work of the Task Force or Committee.
b). The Committee shall engage in dialogue with The Council of Bishops and GCOM in a manner determined by the respective bodies and in a fashion so as to facilitate reporting and response, as well as shared discussion on at least three scheduled times during the quadrennium and with the understanding that the final report of The Committee will be reviewed by the respective bodies. Consultation with the General Boards and Agencies shall also occupy the work of the Committee.
c). Staffing for the Committee will be provided by GCOM with funding determined by GCFA; and also
Be it further resolved, that the proposal of The Council of Bishops on the Global Nature of The Church, along with other studies, reports, and proposals on United Methodism's connectional life in a global context be given over to the aforementioned Task Force or Committee.
Be it further resolved, that all consideration of United Methodist Connectional life in the global context be done in light of The United Methodist Church's commitment to strive for the unity of all Christians in each place where the church is present.
General Conference Webmaster: Susan Brumbaugh
PETS Creator: John Brawn
Petition Text: 21719-GJ-NonDis-O$
1996 United Methodist General Conference