The United Methodist connection is abuzz today about an email sent by Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar regarding General Conference’s action on ending guaranteed appointments for clergy. The email cites a note from the Rev. L. Fitzgerald Reist II, secretary of the General Conference. The bishop’s full note follows:
SUPER IMPORTANT UPDATE FROM 2012 GENERAL CONFERENCE
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Greetings in the precious name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
We have received the following communication this morning, from the Secretary of the General Conference, Rev. L. Fitzgerald Reist, II.
The Book of Discipline 2012 does not eliminate security of appointment for elders. The amendments to paragraph 334 that would have mirrored the changes in 337 were not supported by the committee. They were not voted on in the plenary. The language of 334.1,
“Every effective elder in full connection who is in good standing shall be continued under appointment by the bishop provided that if the elder is appointed to serve in an affiliated relationship in a missionary conference (¶ 586) and that appointment is terminated by the bishop who presides in the missionary conference, then the responsibility for meeting this obligation rests with the bishop of the conference of which the elder is a member.” remains in effect.
I wanted to share this with all of you immediately.
In Christ’s love,
Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar
