What significant legislation was presented and passed or rejected during the Conference?

-- Anonymous, July 06, 2004

Answers

The eerily silence of Bro. Clark's question once again shows that for many of us, attending Gen Con is more about personalities (who's running for office) and less about the real work of the AMEC. Why is it so difficult to get a summary of bills which were passed or defeated? Are we that disinterested in this aspect of our work? QED

-- Anonymous, July 07, 2004

I know that is true of the delegation from my district.

-- Anonymous, July 07, 2004

Wow GenCon is an exhausting event. So much is going on.

Some Legislative Highlights

The Church is now on record prohibiting the ministers of the church from performing same-sex marriages and unions. These ceremonies are also prohibited in our church buildings.

The 75 age limit is now clearer. Bishops cannot give appointments to those over the 75 at Annual Conferences beginning in 2004. This is laid to rest. The 75 age limit does not mean a minister has to superannuate (retire) he or she can supernumerate (elder w/o charges) so that they may be used as necessary.

The budget was adopted with an increase of 12.88% with a 2% increase each year. The hope is that double digits increases will be less necessary in the future.

With 66 candidates, for 8 positions, it is not surprising that a lot of attention was paid to the election. Most of the legislation are technical adjustments to the discipline but I am sure as the delegates are rested more will respond to this post.

I have a few questions on legislation 33 bills passed on 3rd reading Tuesday night.

Were the requirements for local ministers changed? There was legislation to require them to hold an associates degree and to complete a course of study.

This is far from exhaustive but I am exhausted. God Bless!

-- Anonymous, July 08, 2004

Accordingto the church website, a full Conference Report will be available on July 12. I assume there will be a full explanation of the legislation. Bob McCain

-- Anonymous, July 09, 2004