446. Sabbatical Leave--A sabbatical leave should be allowed for a program of study or travel, approved by the conference board of ordained ministry. Ordained ministers who have been serving in a full-time appointment for six consecutive years from the time of their reception into full or associate membership may be granted a sabbatical leave for up to one year. Whenever possible, the compensation level of the last appointment served before the leave should be maintained in the appointment made at the termination of the leave. The appointment to sabbatical leave is to be made by the bishop holding the conference upon the vote of the annual conference after recommendation by the board of ordained ministry. Ordained ministers shall submit a written request for a sabbatical leave, including plans for study or travel, to the board of ordained ministry, with copies to the bishop and district superintendent, ordinarily six months before the opening session of the annual conference. To be eligible for an additional sabbatical leave, ordained ministers shall have served six consecutive years under full-time appointment following the previous sabbatical leave.37
37See Judicial Council Decision 473.
General Conference Webmaster: Susan Brumbaugh
PETS Creator: John Brawn
1992 Book of Discipline: ¶ 446
1996 United Methodist General Conference