The mandatory language in the Constitution is too broad. It would require every group in each local United
Methodist Church to adopt ethics and conflict of interest policies.
Groups would include, but not be limited to UMW, UMM, UMYF, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, all “groups” in ministry
at a local UMC.
Not every “group” needs an ethics and conflict of interest policy
Mandatory language this is unnecessary encourages disregard for that portion of the Discipline which also affects
the rest of the Discipline
Legislation is already being drafted for the 2012 General Conference by Conference Chancellors to place
appropriate ethics and conflict of interest policy requirement in the Book of Discipline.
Amendment VI – Transitional Representation for New Conferences
Constitution Paragraph 15
This amendment provides an avenue for General Conference to establish representation for newly created
conferences on a non-proportional basis under certain circumstances for a transitional time period. The General
Conference approved this proposed amendment by a vote of 81% in favor (690 for, 165 against).
Rationale FOR
The Methodist Church of Cote d’Ivoire applied for and was granted membership in the United Methodist Church
at the 2004 General Conference with the provision for less representation at General Conference 2008 than their
membership would require. An ensuing Judicial Council decision determined that the limited representation
would stand despite no provision for “transitional” status in the Constitution. This amendment rectifies this
circumstance.
A transitional status allows General Conference to receive new bodies into the UMC while permitting time to
determine accurate membership data.
Rationale AGAINST
This amendment deprives new conferences and bodies joining The United Methodist Church of equal
representation and creates a two-class system of representation at General Conference.
The permissive language of the amendment (“may”) opens the door to unequal and potentially prejudicial
treatment of conferences and bodies seeking affiliation with The United Methodist Church.
Many believe that the 2004 General Conference action to admit the Cote Devoir Annual Conference was
illegal, because The Discipline does not provide for a transitional period. If that is so, then The Judicial Council
inappropriately affirmed that illegal action. Retroactively amending the constitution to correct previous errors is
not good policy.
Amendment VIII -- Gender
Constitution paragraphs 16.1 and 16.14
The amendment recommends adding gender to the categories of persons protected against discriminatory
treatment in the denominations global foundations document. The General Conference approved this proposed
amendment by a vote of 95% in favor (804 for, 39 against).
Rationale FOR
Given our long standing work in eliminating gender bias and sexual misconduct in the Church, it is glaring that
gender inclusiveness is not included in the duties of the General Conference. This amendment will provide this
inclusiveness.
For the Church to model the community of Jesus Christ, our ministries must not be based on the norms of our
2009 Missouri Annual Conference C-29
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