Petition Text: 22892-GJ-NonDis-O

Understanding Petition Numbers

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Whereas, the mission arm of The United Methodist Church, now known as the General Board of Global Ministries (GBGM), has been established in New York City for decades and continues to enjoy productive and important relationships with denominational and interdenominational organizations in the New York City area; and

Whereas, the national and international dimensions of New York City allow for meetings with ecclesiastic and political figures and organizations of national and global importance; and

Whereas, to be the church of Jesus Christ throughout the world means to be in ministry with and among marginalized communities, including those in New York City; and

Whereas, the multi-ethnic and national communities of New York City allow for the recruitment and employment of persons of diverse backgrounds to enrich the life of the GBGM, thereby supporting "the right of members of racial and ethnic groups to equal opportunities in employment and promotion (¶ 72A); and

Whereas, the Interchurch Center, where GBGM is located, is a not-for-profit building that provides a wide range of services specifically designed for church agencies at below market rates; and

Whereas, international travel to/from New York City is among the best in the world in terms of cost and quantity and is necessary in carrying out the work of the GBGM; and

Whereas, we are called to be wise stewards of the Church's money; and the proposed relocation will cost tens of millions of dollars which could otherwise be used for national and world missional outreach; and

Whereas, the variety of and continuous access to public transportation in New York City allows GBGM to commit to reducing pollution and excessive expenditure of natural resources, thereby promoting the integrity of creation (¶ 70) and the wise stewardship of the Church's finances;

Therefore, be it resolved, that the General Board of Global Ministries of The United Methodist Church remain in New York City to continue the national and global missional outreach of The United Methodist Church.

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PETS Creator: John Brawn

Petition Text: 22892-GJ-NonDis-O
1996 United Methodist General Conference