Whereas this new definition of Deacons in Full Connection includes the right to be elected as clergy delegates to General Conference; and
Whereas The United Methodist Constitution in Section VII, Article IV, (¶ 38) prohibits the implementation of provision;
Therefore, the following constitutional amendment is proposed:
Article IV.--The ordained ministerial delegates to the General
Conference and Jurisdictional or Central Conferences shall be elected by and
from the ordained ministerial members in full connection with the
Annual Conferences or Provisional Annual Conferences provided that such
delegates shall have been traveling preachers in The United Methodist Church
for at least four years next preceding their election and are in full
connection with the Annual Conference or Provisional Annual Conference electing
them when elected and at the time of holding the General and Jurisdictional or
Central Conferences.
Further, the Annual Conferences and Provisional Annual Conferences will vote on this proposed constitutional amendment at their next regular session following the close of the 1996 General Conference. If approved, the amendment and the portion of the Ministry Study document affected by it shall become effective the date the Council of Bishops announce the required majority vote (¶ 62).
General Conference Webmaster: Susan Brumbaugh
PETS Creator: John Brawn
Petition Text: 22009-MN-38-C
1996 United Methodist General Conference