Table and the Council of Bishops. The amendments in this group would change nomenclature for areas outside the
United States of America from “central” conferences to “regional” conferences. The General Conference approved
these proposed amendments by votes consistently about 72% in favor (629 for, 248 against).

Rationale FOR
The same rationale discussed in support of Amendments IV, X, XIII, XXVI are applicable to these amendments.
These constitutional amendments changing the nomenclature from “central” to “regional” conferences” are
important in disassociating ourselves from past racist structures in Methodism. From the formation of The
Methodist Church in 1939 until the formation of The United Methodist Church in 1968, the church perpetuated
and institutionalized patterns of racism through the racially segregated “central conference” structure in the
United States. Changing the nomenclature for the current “central conferences” outside the United States to
“regional conferences” will further distance us from a racist past and affirm our desire to set aside racial barriers.
Rationale AGAINST
The same rationale discussed in opposition to Amendments IV, X, XIII, XXVI are applicable to these amendments.
These amendments are a part of a “package” of proposed constitutional changes. While these amendments do
not create any structural changes, the entire “package” should be set aside until a clearer plan of re-structuring is
agreed upon.
Subject II: Inclusiveness in Membership & Participation—Amendment I
Constitution Paragraph 4
Proposed Constitutional Amendment I emphasizes the wideness of God’s mercy and the availability of the
ministry of the church to all. Amendment I revises language in Division One, ¶ 4, Article IV specifying that The
United Methodist Church is in ministry to all. Additionally, more detailed language about “race,
color, national origin, status, or economic condition” is replaced with “all persons.” The General Conference
approved this proposed amendment by a vote of 67% in favor (558 for, 276 against).
Rationale FOR
The United Methodist Church is committed to inclusiveness and to being in ministry to and with all persons. This
amendment strengthens our commitment by placing clearer and broader language in the constitutional article
which most directly deals with the Inclusiveness of the Church.
The proposed amendment replaces cumbersome lists identifying race, color, national origin, status, or economic
condition with succinct and direct language (i.e., “all persons”).
This amendment clarifies that no member of any constituent body can be barred from membership in The
United Methodist Church so long as that person is prepared to take vows declaring the Christian faith and
relationship with Jesus Christ.
The Discipline of the United Methodist Church has been used to exclude persons who are gay, lesbian, bi-sexual,
and transgendered from membership in the church. In the past, The Discipline of the United Methodist Church
has also been used to exclude women and people of color from full and equal participation in the life of the
church. This amendment clarifies that all are welcome as members.
The Discipline of the United Methodist Church is silent on the issue of pastors’ determining readiness. That was
dropped from The Discipline when pastors were using it to bar membership in the church on the basis of skin
color. Inclusiveness is a part of our Wesleyan heritage and United Methodist ethos. We extend the love and
grace of Jesus Christ to all.
C-26 2009 Missouri Annual Conference
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