The American Churches Service, under The United Methodist Church, is to develop and strengthen the ministers serving the deaf and hearing-impaired communities in selected cities. The program includes (1) the silent United Methodist churches; (2) special schools (kindergarten through eighth grade); (3) a silent residential high school in each jurisdictional area of The United Methodist Church; (4) a university to be open to all students, both deaf and hearing, including a school of theology; (5) the mission programs; and (6) medical care programs. Other services that serve the deaf communities are also included. The responsibility of planning the budget for the American Churches Service rests under the Council of Deputy General Secretaries, Board of Directors, and general secretary who will submit the budget presentation to proper organization(s) of The United Methodist Church and friendly denomination(s). The purpose of this fund for the American Churches Service is to provide financial support for current operating budgets, capital improvements of the forementioned institutions, and ministers to the silent communities. The American Churches Service shall (1) establish the churches for the deaf in the selected cities within any annual conference of The United Methodist Church; (2) support them financially; and (3) have authority and responsibility over these churches.
General Conference Webmaster: Susan Brumbaugh
PETS Creator: John Brawn
Petition Text: 22710-GM-NonDis-O
1996 United Methodist General Conference