Whereas, Wesleyan theology supports the connectional system, community giving and sharing of resources; and
Whereas, the Book of Discipline, ¶ 112.4, states: "...we recognize there are stresses that must be addressed if the connectional principle is to continue to serve us well in the future. The stresses include issues surrounding...apportionments and designated giving, episcopal leadership, and mutual accountability. It is important for connectionalism to bend, to have tolerance in a changing world, to be able to live in the new days ahead of us with freshness and new commitment"; and
Whereas, the amount of the annual apportionments is the cause of growing discomfort for many local churches, with the financial strength of the local church impacting its apportionments;
Therefore, be it resolved, that the biblical expectation of ten (10) percent of each local church's operating budget for the same year be established as the measure of its apportionment; and
Be it further resolved, that such implementation of this standard be established for the year 2001.
General Conference Webmaster: Susan Brumbaugh
PETS Creator: John Brawn
Petition Text: 22359-FA-NonDis-O
1996 United Methodist General Conference