449. Family Leave--1. This relationship is granted to ordained ministers who are probationary, associate, and full members who, because of an immediate family member's need for full-time care, are temporarily unwilling or unable to perform the duties of a full-time itinerant ministry. This relationship may be initiated by the pastor through the board of ordained ministry, and granted or renewed by the vote of the clergy members in full connection upon the board's recommendation. Between sessions of the annual conference this relationship may be granted or terminated with the approval of the bishop, district superintendents, and executive committee of the board of ordained ministry. This interim action shall be subject to the approval of the annual conference at its next session. This relationship shall be approved annually upon written request of the clergy member and shall not be granted for more than five years in succession except by a two-thirds vote of the clergy members in full connection. The written request for this relationship shall be made at least ninety (90) days prior to annual conference. This leave shall not count as a part of the eight-year limit for probationary members unless the board of ordained ministry recommends otherwise. After consultation with the pastor, ordained ministers on family leave shall designate a charge conference in which they shall hold membership and to which they shall submit an annual report. The exercise of their ministry shall be limited to the charge conference in which their membership is held and under the supervision of the pastor in charge, to whom they shall report all marriages performed, baptisms administered, and funerals conducted. They shall be held amenable for their conduct and the continuation of their ordination rights to the annual conference. Ordained ministers on family leave who affiliate with a charge conference outside the geographical boundaries of their home annual conference shall follow the procedures outlined in 443.3b. In case of failure to report to the charge conference, the annual conference may locate them without their consent. They shall have no claim on conference funds except by vote of the clergy members in full connection. They may participate in the conference health and pension program through their own contributions. They shall be eligible for membership on conference committees, commissions, or boards.
2. Persons on family leave may, with the permission of the charge conference in which membership is held and with the approval of the Division of Chaplains and Related Ministries, continue to hold an existing reserve commission as an armed forces chaplain but may not voluntarily serve on extended active duty.
3. When a member requests to terminate the family leave, it shall be by written request to the board of ordained ministry at least ninety (90) days prior to the session of annual conference.
4. When clergy members do not request an extension of the family leave annually during the five-year period, or do not indicate willingness to return to the itinerant ministry at the end of the five-year period, the provisions of 454 shall be invoked.
General Conference Webmaster: Susan Brumbaugh
PETS Creator: John Brawn
1992 Book of Discipline: ¶ 449
1996 United Methodist General Conference