REPORT 41D - DISCIPLINE REVISION
General Conference
33.3, General Conference Representation
DR-41
Rationale
Changes in recent years to the international structure of the United Brethren in Christ have resulted in the development of a peer relationship among national conferences. As such, our missional focus is better served if equal partners in the Great Commission task gather to encourage, strengthen, and join with each other to expand Christ’s kingdom and Church, rather than delegations based on size.
This change will permit us to:
1. Emphasize our shared ministry interests in expanding the work of God, rather than maintaining or protecting individual interests.
2. Significantly reduce the expenses associated with conducting a General Conference, a cost that has often been born by one or two conferences.
Here is the current and proposed wording for a change to the International By-laws. The change would be made by the General Conference delegates. A vote here would only affirm that the US National Conference is on board.
Current wording:
a. National conferences with an average attendance of 250-5000 are entitled to two delegates.
b. National conferences with an average attendance of 5001-10,000 are entitled to four delegates.
c. For each additional 5000 in average attendance, a national conference is entitled to two additional delegates.
Replace with the following:
Each national conference is entitled to two delegates—the conference’s highest leader, and his or her designee. Observers and advisors may attend General Conference at their own expense or the expense of the national conference.
Recommendation DR-41:
That the US National Conference affirm a change to the bylaws of the Church of the United Brethren in Christ International which would do the following:
1. Give each member national conference two voting delegates—the conference’s highest leader, and his or her designee (not a spouse).
2. Allow observers and advisors to attend at their own expense or the expense of their national conference.