Every four years, United Methodists vote on who will represent them at General, Jurisdictional and Central Conferences. Half of the delegation is comprised of laity, that is elected by annual conference lay delegates, half of the delegation is comprised of clergy that are elected by clergy at annual conference.
This amendment, submitted by the United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry, specifies the educational requirements for licensed local pastors to participate in clergy delegate elections.
This amendment clarifies that local pastors who have completed the contextual equivalent to course of study or a Master of Divinity degree may participate in the election of clergy delegates. The amendment reads “local pastors who have completed course of study or a Master of Divinity degree from a University Senate-approved theological school or its equivalent as recognized in a central conference and have served a minimum of two consecutive years under appointment immediately preceding the election.”
General Conference supported this amendment by a vote of 547 to 99 and at Annual Conference this May, delegates will have the opportunity to cast their votes to ratify this amendment. As with other amendments, the outcome will not be shared until all annual conferences have met and the Council of Bishops has had the opportunity to certify the votes.
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