REPORT 41A: DISCIPLINE REVISION

Referenda

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Referenda 1 : Criteria for Ministerial Delegates

DR-01

We used referenda in both 2001 and 2005 to change “Article I Personnel” of the Constitution to fit our changing structure. Knowing that structure and ministerial titles will no doubt change again in the future, it makes sense to put the criteria for ministerial delegates in the Discipline, where it can be changed without requiring a referenda (we’ve already done this with lay delegates).

11 Article I Personnel

Current Wording

1. All ecclesiastical power herein granted to make or repeal any rule of discipline is vested in a national conference, which shall consist of all conference licensed ministers in the Church of the United Brethren in Christ, USA, and laypersons chosen by the congregations in which they are members, according to a formula provided in the Discipline.

Replace with the following (the only content change is in 1.a). This cannot be revised. It must be voted upon as approved by the membership.

1. All ecclesiastical power herein granted to make or repeal any rule of discipline is vested in a national conference, which shall consist of:

a. Licensed ministers in the Church of the United Brethren in Christ, USA, who meet the criteria set forth in the Discipline.

b. Laypersons chosen by the congregations in which they are members, according to a formula provided in the Discipline.

Referenda 2 : Annual Conference Property

DR-02

Remove Paragraph 13.2, “Annual Conference Property,” and Paragraph 13.4, “Camp/Conference Center Property.” We no longer have annual conferences as part of our structure, nor do we have any camps or conference centers. Only points 2 and 4 below would be removed.

2. Annual Conference Property

The right, title, interest, and claim of any conference property, legacies, bequests, or donations of any kind, obtained by purchase or otherwise, by any person or persons, for the use and benefit of the said annual conference of the Church of the United Brethren in Christ, USA, is hereby fully recognized and held to be the property of the annual conference.

4. Camp/Conference Center Property

The right, title, interest, and claim of all property, whether consisting in lots of ground, buildings and other improvements, legacies, bequests, or donations of any kind, obtained by purchase or otherwise, by any person or persons, for the use and benefit of the Camp/Conference Center, is hereby fully recognized and held to be the property of the aforesaid as long as they are self incorporated.