Action Items

The 2010 Minnesota Annual Conference meets June 2-4. The following action items will be considered at conference session.

For more information, please contact Bruce Ruggles, Conference Secretary

Download conference legislation in PDF format here.

Download conference reports in PDF format here.

2010 Minnesota Annual Conference Legislation

Item Action Taken
Title of Legislation

500 approved Defining the Debate on General Conference Petitions

501 approved as amended Minnesota Child Custody Law Stand

502 approved Rename “Religion and Race Action Team” as the “Commission on Religion and Race”

503 approved Equitable Compensation Schedule for 2011—Option 1

504 withdrawn Equitable Compensation Schedule for 2011—Option 2 (Following Policy and Procedure Manual without amendment)

505 approved as amended Revision of Housing Allowance Policy (The current version of this policy is found on pp. 113–115.)

506 approved Opposition to a Supreme Court Decision

507 approved as amended Reaffirming Membership Standards (Judicial Council Decision 1032 is found on pp. 119–122.)

$525 approved 2011 Budget

Consent Calendar/Recommended for Adoption List

530 approved as amended Designation of 2011 Conference Advance Specials

531 approved 2011 Other Askings

532 approved 2011 Special Askings

533 approved Approval of Years of Service for Pension Credit

534 approved 2011 Pension Rate

535 approved Retired Clergy Subsidy Years of Service

536 approved Pre-1982 Pension Funding Plan

537 approved Resolution Relating to Rental/Housing Allowances for Retired or Disabled Clergypersons of the Minnesota Annual Conference

538 approved Loan Guarantee Ceiling

539 approved Designating Olivet UMC as a Historic Site

General Conference Petitions

591 approved 406 to 223 Petition 01 to the 2012 General Conference of the United Methodist Church to remove all discriminatory language about homosexuality from The Book of Discipline

592 approved 403 to 226 Petition 02 to the 2012 General Conference of the United Methodist Church to remove all discriminatory language about homosexuality from The Book of Discipline

593 approved 399 to 230 Petition 03 to the 2012 General Conference of the United Methodist Church to remove all discriminatory language about homosexuality from The Book of Discipline

594 approved 401 to 228 Petition 04 to the 2012 General Conference of the United Methodist Church to remove all discriminatory language about homosexuality from The Book of Discipline

595 approved 405 to 223 Petition 05 to the 2012 General Conference of the United Methodist Church to remove all discriminatory language about homosexuality from The Book of Discipline

596 approved 405 to 224 Petition 06 to the 2012 General Conference of the United Methodist Church to remove all discriminatory language about homosexuality from The Book of Discipline

597 approved 402 to 227 Petition 07 to the 2012 General Conference of the United Methodist Church to remove all discriminatory language about homosexuality from The Book of Discipline

598 approved 401 to 228 Petition 08 to the 2012 General Conference of the United Methodist Church to remove all discriminatory language about homosexuality from The Book of Discipline

Item 500—Defining the Debate on General Conference Petitions

Submitted by and contact: Bruce Ruggles, Conference Secretary

Action: General Conference petitions will be acted upon at the end of the 2010 Minnesota Annual Conference session. Bishop Sally Dyck will determine if there is time available for this debate and vote at the conclusion of regular legislation. Bishop Sally Dyck will designate a period of time for debating these petitions, limiting individual speeches to two minutes. At the end of debate a written ballot will be taken on the petitions before the conference. This will involve suspension of the Rules of Procedure relating to debate (14 and 15) and assumes no amendments will be made.

Rationale: To have an orderly and limited debate. General Conference petitions can be voted on this year or next year.

Implementation: Bishop Sally Dyck and the conference secretary

Outcome: The Minnesota Annual Conference will have an orderly and limited debate on the General Conference petitions.

Resources required: Paper for ballots and staff time to count them.

Common Table Analysis: This process worked well as the Minnesota Annual Conference prepared for the 2008 General Conference. The Common Table recommends adoption.

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Item 501—Minnesota Child Custody Law Stand

Submitted by and contact: John and Judy McEachran, (651) 303-3453; Paul Marzahn; and John Darlington

Action: The Minnesota Annual Conference will go on record requesting that the Minnesota legislature and governor pass a law that will direct the courts to provide minor children with frequent, meaningful, and continuing contact with both their parents and encourage parents to share in the equal rights and responsibilities of rearing their children following divorce or paternity cases. This law should expressly provide that joint physical custody and substantially equal parenting time is in the best interest of a child unless there is evidence that such a custody arrangement would be harmful to the child’s growth and development. This law should be supportive of the child or children's best interest in order to further the child's relationship with both parents.

Relationship to the Two Imperatives and Rationale Spiritual vitality is cultivated when the church supports justice. Taking such a position will allow the church to be seen as credible and relevant by those who are injured by the current system.

Many in our state have been injured by the existing family law system. We can reach them and help them as we are informed and as they become aware that we care and understand.

This action should happen because we stand for justice.

HF 1321 was introduced in the 2005–06 session. There were bills introduced in 2007 and 2008. The 2008 bill led to a “study committee,” which met in 2009. Another bill was offered at the 2010 session.

According to a report prepared for the Department of Human Services by the University of Minnesota in 2003, sample data showed that mothers were awarded sole physical custody 94 percent of the time, with fathers receiving sole physical custody 6 percent of the time. (Page 12, Table 2)

Resources:

2003 U of M Study for DHS
Affirmed again in 2007 by the Child & Family Studies Dept., St. Cloud State University
Additional information and rationale
One of their resources is legislative packet 1

Implementation: The conference secretary will e-mail Minnesota legislators and communicate the position of the Minnesota Annual Conference in reference to this action item.

Outcome: The Minnesota Annual Conference will appeal to Minnesota state legislators to “do justice.”

Resources Required: Conference Secretary time to communicate this action.

Common Table Analysis: The Common Table recommends adoption because the rights of children are of special interest to the Church. This recommendation is based on ¶162C of the Social Principles in The Book of Discipline and Resolution 2028 in the 2008 Book of Resolutions.

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Item 502—Changing the Name, Visibility, Responsibility and Accountability of Religion and Race Action Team to the Commission on Religion and Race (CORR)

Submitted by and contact: Bescye P. Burnett, (320) 761-7217

Action: Change the name of the Religion and Race Action Team to the Commission on Religion and Race (CORR).

Relationship to the Two Imperatives and Rationale: The name, visibility, responsibility and accountability of the Religion and Race Action Team will coincide with the name cited in The Book of Discipline and establish a clearer understanding of its relationship to the General Commission on Religion and Race (GCORR).

The Religion and Race Action Team is charged by our vision to influence the culture of the Minnesota Annual Conference and its local churches toward a culture of racial and ethnic inclusivity. Our vision is the ensuring of systems within the Minnesota Annual Conference to build capacity among populations of color to actively participate in the workings of the Church, to facilitate a transformed culture of inclusivity, and to make an intentional effort to ensure equal and diverse representation in the Minnesota Annual Conference committees.

We believe this action should happen because we would be fulfilling what we believe is God’s vision of a fully inclusive church, which is stated in the vision of General Commission on Religion and Race: “We believe that God’s vision is for a fully inclusive Church that is accountable for and proactive in addressing all forms of racial/ethnic oppression, and where all members strive, as disciples of Jesus Christ, to build God’s beloved community.”

Implementation: The people of the Minnesota Annual Conference in collaboration with the General Commission on Religion and Race will carry this out.

We hope to complete the following objectives during the next two years:

Train Minnesota Annual Conference committees in intercultural competency and intercultural conflict training and monitor for implementation and full integration of training within the policies and practices of the Minnesota Annual Conference.
Recruit and equip members for conference committees so that they reflect the demographic of the state.
Conduct an annual survey of conference committees to determine racial/ethnic makeup.
Work collaboratively with other committees to carry out joint programming and ensure inclusivity.
Train or mentor lay and clergy leadership to increase participation on conference committees among populations of color.
Regularly share stories and experiences that bear witness to the struggles of racism and the victories of overcoming it both personally and collectively within Commission on Religion and Race and train local churches and conference committees to do the same.

Outcome: The Religion and Race Action Team name will change to Commission on Religion and Race and the Minnesota Annual Conference will be a conference fully aware of God’s vision of the church by actively and intentionally engaging in issues of inclusivity around racial and ethnic issues.

Resources required: None beyond current budget.

Common Table Analysis: We are not of one mind regarding the nomenclature. The Common Table recognizes the need to review our nomenclature for consistency. The Common Table enthusiastically endorses the six objectives that Religion and Race plan to accomplish in the next two years. The Common Table makes no recommendation on this action item.

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Item 503—Equitable Compensation Schedule for 2011—Option 1

Submitted by and contact: Equitable Compensation Action Team (ECAT); Phil Strom, ECAT chair, (763) 441-2750; Rod Stemme, executive secretary, (507) 825-4348

Action: The following be adopted as the Equitable Compensation Schedule:

Equitable Compensation Schedule for 2011

The minimum base compensation for 2011 is defined as the 2010 base compensation plus the Cost Of Living Adjustment (COLA) used by the federal government for the year we are in (that is, the COLA announced last October for 2010 SSA, which was 0 percent).

In addition there is a step increase of $700 for years of service for the first eight steps. In keeping with our ongoing policy, the first step normally begins on January 1 following 18 months of service in the Minnesota Annual Conference.

Base $33,421

1 34,121

2 34,821

3 35,521

4 36,221

5 36,921

6 37,621

7 38,321

8 39,021

In considering additional compensation beyond these steps noted above the Staff/Pastor–Parish Relations Committee is encouraged to consider the announced COLA and merit increases in their mutual negotiation with the pastor.

Further, this proposal does not intend to reduce current compensation levels recommended by Staff/Pastor–Parish Relations Committees and approved by the church/charge conference during the ongoing tenure of a pastoral appointment.

Further, in recognition of the financial realities and to allow for flexibility in the appointment process, exceptions to above equitable compensation policy can be approved by a ¾ vote of the Cabinet and the voluntary consent of the pastor involved.

Seniority for clergy from other denominations and communions who have had their orders recognized by the Minnesota Annual Conference shall have their seniority status established by the Cabinet before their first appointment in the Minnesota Annual Conference. The Cabinet is urged to consider years of service in the ministry exercised in other denominations, especially those coming from the churches of the Commission on Pan-Methodist Cooperation and Union and other member churches of the Churches Uniting in Christ (See ¶625.10 in The 2008 Book of Discipline).

Furthermore, any revisions in any place of the 2009 Policy and Procedure Manual to bring that manual in line with this action are approved by the adoption of this action.

Rationale: This action fits into the need for change felt by the Cabinet, many local churches, and some pastors. It seeks to address issues that have been raised in discussions of compensation to seek a better way than our current way.

Favorable outcomes hoped to be realized include the following:

The increases are frontloaded during the time when many pastors have significant school loans to pay off. This schedule provides some more ability to do that than the scale currently in effect.
The frontloading also allows pastors some time to grow in their effectiveness and in their learning of the skills of negotiation before compensation is based more closely upon those results.
The ending of automatic increases beyond the eighth step addresses the issue of moving pastors up a salary schedule who have not proven that it is merited.
This method means we use figures we already have in hand and that are in use and are often applied to the income of many of the laity of our congregations. While not tied to the Conference Average Compensation (CAC), this method is understandable and based on figures to which all have access.

Implementation: The Equitable Compensation Action Team and the Cabinet will implement this policy and monitor its effect in light of the needs of congregations, the realities of appointments that are made by the Cabinet, and the resources of the annual conference for equitable compensation support.

Resources required: None required beyond support already included in the recommended annual conference budget with equitable compensation support funded through the Investing in Congregations Grant process (as authorized by 2007 Annual Conference Action).

Common Table Analysis: The Common Table recommends adoption of Action Item 503—Option 1 as proposed and presented in the rationale by the Equitable Compensation Action Team.

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Item 504—Equitable Compensation Schedule for 2011—Option 2
(following the Policy and Procedure Manual without amendment)

Submitted by and contact: Equitable Compensation Action Team (ECAT); Phil Strom, ECAT chair, (763) 441-2750; Rod Stemme, executive secretary, (507) 825-4348

Action: The following be adopted as the Equitable Compensation Schedule:

2011 Equitable Compensation Schedule

The 1998 annual conference set our minimum base compensation at 60 percent of the Conference Average Compensation (CAC). The minimum cash compensation for all pastors who qualify according to the operating policies of the Minnesota Annual Conference in 2011 shall be $35,149.

Increments for seniority shall be added to the base cash compensation: an increment of $450 for steps 1–5, $375 for steps 6–15, and $300 for steps 16–25 of full-time service under appointment in the United Methodist Church. Seniority for clergy from other denominations and communions who have had their orders recognized by the Minnesota Annual Conference shall have their seniority status established by the Cabinet before their first appointment in the Minnesota Annual Conference. The Cabinet is urged to consider years of service in the ministry exercised in other denominations, especially those coming from the churches of the Commission on Pan-Methodist Cooperation and Union and other member churches of the Churches Uniting in Christ (See ¶625.10 in The 2008 Book of Discipline).

Base $35,149

Step 1 35,599

Step 2 36,049

Step 3 36,499

Step 4 36,949

Step 5 37,399

Step 6 37,774

Step 7 38,149

Step 8 38,524

Step 9 38,899

Step 10 39,274

Step 11 39,649

Step 12 40,024

Step 13 40,399

Step 14 40,774

Step 15 41,149

Step 16 41,449

Step 17 41,749

Step 18 42,049

Step 19 42,349

Step 20 42,649

Step 21 42,949

Step 22 43,249

Step 23 43,649

Step 24 43,849

Step 25 44,149

Further, in recognition of the financial realities and to allow for flexibility in the appointment process, exceptions to above equitable compensation policy can be approved by a ¾ vote of the Cabinet and the voluntary consent of the pastor involved.

Rationale: This action follows the Policy and Procedure Manual of the Minnesota Annual Conference.

Resources required: None required beyond support already included in the recommended annual conference budget with equitable compensation support funded through the Investing in Congregations grant process (as authorized by 2007 Minnesota Annual Conference action).

Common Table Analysis: The Common Table recommends adoption of Action Item 503—Option 1 rather than Action Item 504—Option 2.

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Item 505—Revision of Housing Allowance Policy

Submitted by and contact: Equitable Compensation Action Team (ECAT); Phil Strom, ECAT chair, (763) 441-2750; Rod Stemme, executive secretary, (507) 825-4348

Actions: The following replaces section 400.02.b.1–2 (pp. 27–28) of the 2009 Policy and Procedure Manual. [Sections 400.02.b.3–9 (pp. 29–33) are retained as-is in the 2009 Policy and Procedure Manual. The current policy can be found here for your comparision.]

400. LOCAL CHURCH OPERATIONAL PROCEDURES

02. Pastoral Support and Service

b. Housing Policy
The historic parsonage system is the basic housing policy. In recognition of changing circumstances which may indicate that the basic policy of a church-provided parsonage may not be desirable in every situation, provision for exceptions may be made.
All pastors, as defined by paragraph 339 (2008 Book of Discipline), serving half-time or more ~~full-time~~ in local churches, all conference staff members who are clergy, and district superintendents shall be provided housing. Housing of clergy is for the convenience of the local church or the annual conference and may be in the form of a parsonage or a housing allowance, whichever best enables the various ministries and the itinerant ministry of the annual conference.
1) The guidelines for providing a housing allowance are as follows:

(a) Housing for clergy ~~and pastors~~: Negotiations to establish a housing allowance in a local church will include the clergy/~~pastor~~, the Committee on Staff/Pastor–Parish relations, a representative from the finance committee, and the chair of the Board of Trustees. The district superintendent shall be informed and regularly consulted before and as negotiations progress. The purpose of these negotiations is to develop a clear understanding by all parties as to mutually acceptable arrangements. Final arrangements must have approval of the district superintendent and of the church/charge conference.
(b) Housing for district superintendents: It is normally expected that the district superintendents will live in district parsonages. Where exceptions to this expectation are necessary, negotiations to establish the need, proposed location of housing, and amounts of a housing allowance for a Cabinet appointment will include the bishop, the district superintendent, and a single representative each for the District Committee on the Superintendency, the District Board of Church Location and Building, the Conference Council on Finance and Administration, and the Trustees of the annual conference. Final arrangements must be mutually agreed upon by these parties. Where relocation of a district parsonage is being considered, the same process will be followed.
(c) Housing for conference staff: Negotiations to establish a housing allowance for a conference staff appointment will include the staff person, the director of finance and administration, and the director of connectional ministries. The bishop shall serve if the arrangements concern the director of finance and administration or the director of connectional ministries. Final arrangements must be mutually agreed to by these parties.
(d) Housing for new-church-start ~~pastors~~ clergy: Negotiations to establish a housing allowance for a new-church-start ~~pastor~~ clergyperson will include the new-church-start ~~pastor~~ clergyperson, the director of congregational development, and the district superintendent. Final arrangements must be mutually agreed to by these parties.
2) A written record of the housing agreements (signed by the specified parties mentioned above) shall be maintained in the files of the district superintendent, the ~~pastor~~ clergyperson, and the charge conference, and also by the bishop’s office and conference trustees where applicable. The written agreement will stipulate clearly:

(a) the amount to be allowed every month;
(b) a written statement, signed by the ~~pastor~~ clergyperson, agreeing that the arrangement for a housing allowance in lieu of a parsonage shall not hinder his/her participation in the itinerancy for future appointments.
3) It is recommended that a housing allowance be based on the rental value of the current parsonage or, if the church/charge does not own a parsonage, on the rental value of a three to four bedroom home in the parish setting that substantially meets conference parsonage standards and IRS regulations. In addition to the housing allowance, an agreed upon allowance or the actual cost for utilities should be paid. The down payment and closing costs on a house and all other costs of purchase and maintenance are the responsibility of the pastor and shall not be loaned or given to the ~~pastor~~ clergyperson by the local church or by the congregation’s members.

4) No assets from the sale of a church-owned parsonage shall be used for current operating expenses of the charge (2008 Discipline, ¶2542). The board of trustees of the local church shall assure that from the proceeds of a church-owned parsonage being sold, at least 20 percent of the cost of the home in the area that meets Minnesota Annual Conference parsonage standards, plus an amount to cover closing costs, shall be held in escrow. Proceeds from the sale of such a church-owned parsonage shall be placed in escrow by the trustees of the local church, at least equaling an amount of not less than 20 percent of cost of home meeting parsonage standards in the area plus closing costs. It is recommended that the principal account on the escrow be adjusted annually to provide equity with inflation and the real estate market. Interest received from an escrow account may be used toward the provision of a housing allowance. Any such sale of a church-owned parsonage must include consent of the ~~pastor~~ clergyperson, district superintendent, district Board of Church Location and Building, and the charge conference, according to the process outlined in the current Discipline.

If the parsonage is not sold, but held for rental purposes, rental income should normally be applied toward a housing allowance for the ~~pastor~~ clergyperson or for current expenses. Said rental parsonage shall be maintained at the conference and local community rental housing code standards and inspected annually by the local Board of Trustees, in readiness for possible future use as the parsonage.

Assets from the sale of a new-church-start parsonage, prior to the constituting church conference, will conform to agreements made at the time of the original purchase of the parsonage.

5) Once initiated, a housing allowance is expected to continue for the duration of a pastoral appointment. The allowance shall be subject to annual approval of the charge conference. The charge conference shall not have the authority to reduce the housing allowance without negotiation and consent of the ~~pastor~~ clergyperson, the Committee on Staff/Pastor–Parish Relations, and the district superintendent.

6) The local church/charge shall allow the ~~pastor~~ clergyperson who receives a housing allowance to live where he/she chooses in the community served. If the ~~pastor~~ clergyperson needs or chooses to live outside the communities served, this must be agreed upon with the committee on pastor-parish relations and the district superintendent.

7) The housing allowance may be used for purchase, rent, or lease as desired by the ~~pastor~~ clergyperson.

8) The incoming ~~pastor~~ clergyperson shall have no obligation to purchase the home of his/her predecessor.

9) If a church needs to purchase a parsonage for an incoming ~~pastor~~ clergyperson, or if a parsonage ~~house~~ is not ready for new clergy-family residents, appropriate housing accommodation shall be provided for the ~~pastor~~ clergyperson until the ~~new~~ parsonage is ready, and any extra moving costs shall be the responsibility of the local church. If a ~~pastor~~ clergyperson requests a housing allowance, after living in the parsonage, the costs of moving to another home using a housing allowance is the ~~pastor~~ clergyperson's. If a church requests the move to a housing allowance, the move costs are borne by the church.

10) If a ~~pastor~~ clergyperson refuses to live in a local church-provided parsonage that meets annual conference parsonage standards, then the local church is not required to provide a housing allowance.

11) Clergy couple housing compensation: Each person of a clergy couple is entitled to housing. In circumstances that demand separate housing for the sake of itinerant ministry each member of the clergy couple will be given separate housing compensations. However, in cases where the itinerant ministry of the annual conference is served and the clergy couple resides together, one parsonage or the equivalency of one housing allowance will be understood to meet the requirements of housing.

12) Where a clergy couple serves two or more separate congregations, and there are two or more parsonages, the clergy couple may select one of the parsonages for use. The church(es) owning the parsonage(s) that is/are not in use will not be required to provide a housing allowance, though said church(es) is/are required to negotiate a fair share of expenses for utilities and home maintenance expenses for the clergy couple’s residence in the other church’s parsonage.

~~13) Such recommendations must be approved by the annual conference session.~~

12. Recognizing that paragraph 331.4b (2008 Book of Discipline) dos not list housing as part of the compensation of a deacon, it is strongly recommended that the Staff/Parish Relations Committee and District Superintendent consider costs relating to housing for deacons whose primary appointment is the local church as the compensation is developed and set.

Rationale: This action fulfills the task given to the Study Committee on Clergy Housing established by the 2006 Minnesota Annual Conference, whose responsibilities the 2009 Minnesota Annual Conference gave to the Equitable Compensation Action Team.

This action does not deal with the inequity of pastors who serve in parsonage-provided appointments and those who serve in housing allowance-provided appointments dealing with the compensation plan on which pension contributions are made. This issue remains to be resolved. The Equitable Compensation Action Team anticipates bringing to the 2011 Minnesota Annual Conference session a General Conference petition to help address this issue.

Implementation: The Cabinet will implement this policy and monitor its effect in light of the needs and resources of congregations, the needs and resources of pastors, and its impact on the realities of appointments that are made by the Cabinet.

Resources required: None required in the Minnesota Annual Conference budget beyond the costs of revising and distributing the Policy and Procedure Manual, which is already anticipated in the budget for the conference secretary.

Common Table Analysis: Note that about 50 percent of clergy are in housing allowances and about 50 percent of clergy are in parsonages. About 90 percent of housing allowances are in metropolitan areas. Housing allowances are treated uniquely in the tax code. No matter what policy is created equity is difficult to achieve. This is the most recent attempt to reach clarity and consistency in the conference housing policy. The Common Table recommends adoption.

Below is the current housing policy as found in the 2009 Policy and Procedures Manual:

400. Local Church Operational Procedures

02. Pastoral Support and Service

b. All pastors serving under appointment in local charges, director positions, or as district superintendents shall be provided either a parsonage or a housing allowance.

1) Housing allowances shall be subject to the following policies:

a) All pastors shall accept appointment according to The Book of Discipline, and it is understood that the provision of housing allowance or parsonage shall not be a primary consideration in future appointments.

b) Charges that elect to provide a housing allowance shall do so at a charge conference chaired by the district superintendent. After the approval of the charge conference, the charge will follow the procedures outlined in the accompanying flow chart.

c) The Housing Allowance Agreement will be drawn up by the local charge and shall be, at the request of the pastor, district superintendent, or local Staff/ Pastor Parish Relations Committee, presented to the District Board of Church Location and Building (steps 1, 2, 5, 6) for approval. The agreement shall include the following considerations:

d) The cost of living information for that particular community as provided by a reputable realtor in order that a dollar range for the actual housing allowance may be set for the incoming pastor as she/he considers the appointment (steps 3, 4) and then seeks out actual housing (step 5).

e) Rental: The housing allowance shall provide for rent, utilities, and other costs related to the rental unit, i.e., parking, association fees, etc.

f) Purchase: It is understood that the actual housing allowance will include at a minimum, payment of interest on loan(s), property taxes, and utilities. Charges providing a housing allowance should assist the pastor in obtaining a loan or grant for a down payment, if needed, and consider covering closing costs for the mortgage. The agreement for the down payment will become part of the final Housing Allowance Agreement (steps 5 & 6). This agreement will be signed by the pastor, Chair of the Trustees and Chair of the Staff/Pastor Parish Relations Committee.

g) All current IRS requirements will be met.

h) The basic steps will also apply when a charge moves from a parsonage to a housing allowance without a change of appointment.

i) When a charge has a change of appointment or a change from a parsonage to a housing allowance this policy shall be in effect. This policy and procedure shall be available to all charges.

j) A charge shall not be required to establish a parsonage after changing to a housing allowance. It may return to a parsonage in accordance with ¶2519 in The 2004 Book of Discipline.

k) Conference staff: Upon recommendation of the Human Resources Team, a housing allowance may be provided for appointed pastors serving on the conference staff.

l) All pastors serving under appointment in local charges, director positions, or as district superintendents.

m) District superintendents: Upon recommendation of the Committee on District Superintendency, the Bishop, and the Cabinet, a housing allowance may be provided for a district superintendent.

n) The above guidelines for establishing the amount of allowance shall be used for such recommendations in consultation with the Council on Finance and Administration and the Conference Board of Trustees.

o) Such recommendations must be approved by the annual conference session.

2) Process of arriving at and maintaining a Housing Allowance Agreement

a) Step 1 (Optional): Local Church, in consultation with the District Superintendent prepares a Housing Allowance Agreement

b) Step 2 (Optional): District Board of Church Location and Building approves plan.

c) Step 3: District Superintendent presents New Appointment to Pastor. In that meeting the housing situation is presented.

d) Step 4: Pastor meets with S/PPRC. Terms of Total Compensation and Housing Allowance discussed. If issues in agreement not accepted . . .

e) Step 5: Following the Introductory meeting, the Pastor meets with S/PPRC to finalize Housing Allowance Agreement When an agreement has been reached . . .

f) Step 6 (Optional): District Board of Church Location and Building approves Housing Allowance Agreement. If changes made in agreement the S/PPRC shall notify local council. If agreement is accepted . . .

g) Step 7 (Optional): District Superintendent shall be notified that an agreement is reached.

h) Step 8: Local Congregation Church Council and Church/Charge Conference receives/approves compensation package.

i) Step 9: Church/Charge Conference reviews Housing Allowance Agreement annually.

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Item 506—Opposition to a Supreme Court Decision

Submitted by and contact: Reverend Dr. Rolland Robinson, (715) 294-4436

Action: The Minnesota Annual Conference will go on record in opposition to the Supreme Court decision in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission, January 21, 2010.

Implementation: Bishop Sally Dyck will communicate the conference opposition to the Supreme Court decision to Minnesota representatives in the U.S. Senate and the House of Representatives by letter or e-mail; replies from government representatives to the bishop’s communiqué will be made available on the conference web site. Conference staff will also communicate the conference action and dialogue with government leaders to various newspapers, TV, and radio outlets.

Rationale: In 1976 the Supreme Court held in Buckley v. Valeo that the expenditure of money is a form of speech protected by the First Amendment. The implications of that decision came to an absurd and unfortunate head with the January 21, 2010, court decision. While the Buckley case allowed inpiduals unlimited spending in pursuit of political ends, Citizens United allows corporations that very same grace.

Whereas, the inanimate entity of corporation itself will now enjoy a range of First Amendment benefits not limited by principles of debate or substance, its only constraint the depth of corporate pockets as it displays various technological bullhorns that have the greatest change of drowning out every other voice. This inhibits the free market of ideas, so necessary in a democracy, in favor of a monopoly of self interest.

Hence, the questions on many minds are why “freedom” (as in speech) has become the functional equivalent of “expenditure” (as in money) and why on earth corporations are considered “persons” to begin with.

The Buckley decision has been interpreted as an expressive power of living inpiduals only. A corporation, by contrast, is not human: it is property. A corporation has no natural lifespan, it does not vote, and many are multinational. A corporation’s very existence is premised on bottom-line calculations, competitive power grabs, branding and prospecting for self promotion. A corporation is obliged by its bylaws to pursue its stated purpose and no other. It doesn’t change its nonexistent mind or respond with compassion or feel empathy. Thus, the “corporate citizenship” that the majority on the court in Citizens United tout so blithely is a very different beast from citizenship founded on a constitution of enfranchised inpiduals and premised on a constituency of souls united in allegiance to a community of justice, a community pledged to the common good, not to the shelter of private interests. It is this vision of community the church best represents in its finest hour and must not neglect to share this vision with the nation.

The United Methodist Church holds the individual in high esteem as being created in the image of God; such an image transcends and informs legal descriptions of “persons.” It is not beyond the most simpleminded or the most cynical to conclude that corporations are not persons and therefore not entitled to the same civil and dignitary rights as actual, fully-endowed people, as Jefferson so wisely stated in the Declaration of Independence: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator. . . .” The Citizens United opinion of the Supreme Court begs the question as to who is human as well as the question of equality in the influence of ideas.

Finally, the Supreme Court has employed a word—“prosopopoeia”—that needs to be shaken out as to its meaning so we will not be led astray. Prosopopoeia is Rhetoric: a. “A figure of speech in which an imaginary or absent person is represented or speaking or acting; the introduction of a pretended speaker.” b. “A figure of speech in which an inanimate or abstract thing is personified or given human characteristics.” There is no doubt the second definition was applied by the court giving corporations human characteristics so making it possible as “corporate citizens” to exercise their freedoms of speech. Freedom of speech, for the Christian church, has always found its source in the Word of God expressed freely in Christ Jesus to be freely received in faith. This is the Christian faith understanding of being human, expressed by Jefferson in the Declaration of Independence. Neither scripture nor Jefferson conceives that an inanimate or abstract thing was a living human being.

In jurisprudence, as in preaching, one must be clear as to the thought for reasons of a decision as against poetical devises for formulating a decision, just as the preacher is warned against substituting passion of conviction for belief in Christ, substituting charisma for chrism. What the Supreme Court has argument in the Citizens United decision is the window dressing of charisma that offers a mannequin dressed as a person.

Common Table Analysis: The Common Table makes no recommendation.

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Item 507—Reaffirming Membership Standards

Submitted by and contact: Hennepin Avenue UMC Reconciling Committee, Rob Gamble, chair, (763) 420-4777

Action: Be it Resolved:

The Minnesota Annual Conference requests a Declaratory Decision from the Judicial Council to determine if Article IV, ¶139 and ¶¶214–225 take precedence over Judicial Council Decision 1032. (Found on pp. 119–122 without opinions and here).
The Conference Board of Ordained Ministry, in consultation with the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry, assist the clergy of the Minnesota Annual Conference in understanding the disciplinary provisions and legislative changes concerning admission of persons into membership in the church (¶¶139, 214-225 and in accord with ¶635.2x) so that they conform to the order and discipline of The United Methodist Church.

Relationship to the Two Imperatives and Rationale: This legislation relates to both imperatives: reaching new people and cultivating spiritual vitality.

The primary purpose of the resolution is to reach out to people in a consistent policy within the Minnesota Annual Conference and across the denomination that only requires two qualifications—the person makes a profession of faith and takes the vows of the Baptismal Covenant. The goal is to make disciples of Jesus Christ.

If the church follows this resolution this may enhance the spiritual vitality of a congregation and the whole church by allowing the diversity of gifts that diverse people can bring in their witness to the working of God in their lives.

First, the Constitution is unequivocal that:

All persons without regard to race, color, national origin, status, or economic condition, shall be eligible to attend its worship services, participate in its programs, receive the sacraments, upon baptism be admitted as baptized members, and upon taking vows declaring the Christian faith, become professing members in any local church in the connection [Division One, Article IV]; and

Second, The Book of Discipline, 2008, defines inclusiveness to mean the “total involvement of all person who meet the requirements” for membership at every level of the church (¶139); and

Third, the church’s official interpretive statement on baptism and membership does not acknowledge or grant pastoral authority to judge a person’s eligibility for membership [By Water and the Spirit: A United Methodist Understanding of Baptism]; and

Fourth, the 2008 General Conference amended ¶225 and changed “may” to “shall” in order to affirm that “A member in good standing in any Christian denomination who has been baptized and who desires to unite with the United Methodist Church shall [emphasis added] be received as either a baptized or a professing member.”

Implementation: A copy has been sent to the Chair of the Conference Board of Ordained Ministry.

Annual conference votes on the Resolution in June 2010.
If the annual conference votes in the affirmative of the resolution, the conference secretary will forward the request for the Declaratory Decision to the Judicial Council.
Judicial Council meets and rules.
Annual conference receives the ruling and follows the decision.

Outcome: The United Methodist Constitution and The Book of Discipline will not have two standards—one for inpiduals wanting to become members on profession of faith and another for transferring members from other denominations.

Resources required: People and staff time—conference secretary transfers the action to a template to send to the Judicial Council. The ruling will be passed on to the Board of Ordained Ministry.

Common Table Analysis: The final revision of this item arrived too late for the Common Table to consider any recommendation, therefore no position was taken.

Judicial Council Decision No. 1032

In Re: Review of Bishop's Decisions of law in the Virginia Annual Conference Related to the Authority of a Pastor under ¶¶ 214 and 225 of the 2004 Discipline to Exercise Judgment in Determining Who May Be Received into Membership in the Local Church.

DIGEST OF CASE

The decisions of law of Bishop Charlene P. Kammerer are reversed. The 2004 Discipline invests discretion in the pastor-in-charge to make the determination of a person’s readiness to affirm the vows of membership (¶ 217). Paragraphs 214 and 225 are permissive and do not mandate receipt into membership of all persons regardless of their willingness to affirm membership vows.

STATEMENT OF FACTS

On December 8, 2004, the associate pastor of South Hill United Methodist Church contacted the Petersburg District Superintendent informing him that a person had expressed interest in becoming a member of the Church. He had been participating in the life of the Church in a variety of ways. The pastor of South Hill United Methodist Church met with the person aspiring to membership on at least five occasions over a two-month period discussing his membership request. The person was a member of another denomination and was seeking to become a professing member by transfer of his membership from another denomination. The aspiring member's sexual orientation and practice was a significant part of the ongoing discussions between him and the pastor. Although he continued to be in ministry to the person, including enrolling him as a constituent member of the Church, the pastor refused to transfer him to the Church from another denomination.

On January 26, 2005, the district superintendent discussed the situation with the pastor, and the pastor informed the district superintendent that he would continue to be in ministry with the person but that he would not receive him into membership in the Church. On January 27, 2005, after consulting with Bishop Charlene P. Kammerer, the district superintendent met again with the pastor and informed him that he was required to receive the person into membership in the Church as well as anyone else who acknowledged that they would receive the vow, affirm the vow, and promise to fulfill the vow. Since the pastor would not acquiesce, the district superintendent filed a complaint charging him with "unwillingness or inability to perform ministerial duties."

On March 15, 2005, the bishop referred the administrative complaint to the Board of Ordained Ministry for review of the district superintendent's charge. Following a number of hearings and meetings, the Board of Ordained Ministry sustained the complaint against the pastor and recommended to the annual conference clergy session that the ninety-day notice be waived and recommended that he be placed on involuntary leave of absence along with other remedial actions. The recommendation of the Board was taken to the June 13, 2005, clergy session. Following the approval of the waiver of the ninety-day notice, the members of the clergy session voted the place the pastor on involuntary leave of absence, with health benefits, by the required two-thirds affirmative vote (448 for, 114 against, 18 abstentions). Decision 1031 addresses certain aspects of the procedures followed by the Virginia Annual Conference in this case.

Following the action of the clergy session of the Virginia Annual Conference, questions of law were posed to Bishop Charlene P. Kammerer who ruled as follows:

Question 1:

Must a clergy person at the direction of a bishop and/or district superintendent and subject to their administrative complaint or charge, receive into the membership of a local United Methodist church anyone who is able to receive the vow, affirm the vow, and promises to fulfill the vow and who at the same time acknowledges and impenitently practices homosexual relations?

Bishop's ruling of law: The bishop ruled "that the bishop and district superintendent are charged to give guidance, as they did to Rev. Johnson in this matter."

Question 2:

In a June 9, 2005, Hearing Presentation by the Board of Ordained Ministry the Board identifies three paragraphs from the Book of Discipline on which to base their recommendation of Involuntary Leave of Absence. Does the permissive language of ¶ 214 and ¶ 225 grant the appointed senior minister, in this case the Rev. Ed Johnson, the right and responsibility to exercise responsible pastoral judgment in determining who may be received into church membership of a local church?

Bishop's ruling of law:

The bishop "ruled in the negative in this case."

Oral hearings were held in Houston, Texas on October 27, 2005. Rev. H. O. Thomas, Jr. and Pat Meadows, Esquire, spoke seeking reversal of the decision of law. Bishop Charlene P. Kammerer, Rev. Jeffrey P. Mickle and Clark Williams, Esquire, spoke seeking affirmation of the decision of law.

Jurisdiction

The Judicial Council has jurisdiction under ¶ 2609.6 of the 2004 Discipline.

Analysis and Rationale

Paragraph 340.3(a) of the 2004 Discipline includes among the responsibilities and duties of elders and licensed pastors their being “the administrative officers of the local church.” Paragraph 340.3(b)(1) further provides that elders and licensed pastors are to “administer the provisions of the Discipline.” As part of these administrative responsibilities the pastor in charge of a United Methodist church or charge is solely responsible for making the determination of a person's readiness to receive the vows of membership. The vows of membership for uniting with a United Methodist church (¶ 217) are detailed and explicit.

The pastor-in-charge is entrusted with discretion in the exercise of this responsibility. Paragraph 214 states: "Eligibility – The United Methodist Church is a part of the holy catholic (universal) church, as we confess in the Apostles' Creed. In the church, Jesus Christ is proclaimed and professed as Lord and Savior. All people may [emphasis added] attend its worship services, participate in its programs, receive the sacraments and become members in any local church in the connection . . . . ” The operative word in connection with the phrase "become members in any local church in the connection" is "may." Decision 930 established the premise that "shall" cannot be used to replace "may" in the Discipline. Thus, the General Conference has determined that any person “may” become a member of any local church in the connection.

Paragraph 225 states: "Transfer from Other Denominations – A member in good standing in any Christian denomination who has been baptized and who desires to unite with The United Methodist Church may [emphasis added] be received as either a baptized or a professing member by a proper certificate of transfer from that person's former church, or by a declaration of Christian faith, and upon affirming a willingness to be loyal to The United Methodist Church (see ¶¶ 214-217) . . . ." Decision 930 applies to this paragraph of the Discipline as well, and may means may.

Since the pastor is not required by the Discipline to admit into membership all persons regardless of their willingness to affirm the vows of membership, and since the Discipline designates the pastor "to be the administrative officer of the local church" (¶ 340.3a) and to "administer the provisions of the Discipline” (¶ 340.3b(1)), a pastor-in-charge cannot be ordered by the district superintendent or bishop to admit into membership a person deemed not ready or able to meet the requirements of the vows of church membership of The United Methodist Church. The appointed pastor in charge has the duty and responsibility to exercise responsible pastoral judgment in determining who may be received into the membership of a local church.

The rulings of law of Bishop Charlene P. Kammerer on Questions 1 and 2 are reversed. The disciplinary language of ¶¶ 214 and 225 is permissive.

Decision

October 29, 2005
Shamwange P. Kyungu was absent.
Jon R. Gray, Beth Capen and Susan T. Henry-Crowe dissent.

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Item 530 Designation of 2011 Conference Advance Specials

Submitted by and contact: Missions Ministry Team; Rev. Paul Bosshardt, sgbphb@q.com

Action: The Minnesota Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church approves the following groups or organizations to be designated as having Conference Advance Special Status for 2011. New groups are in bold type.

African United Methodist Church Riverview UMC, Brooklyn Park
All Feathers Spiritual & Community Center, Cass Lake
Banyan Foundation, Minneapolis
Camphor: Advance Partners, Saint Paul
Camphor Project SPIRIT, Saint Paul
Care Crew, Sunrise UMC, Mounds View
Center for Victims of Torture Minneapolis
Churches United in Ministry (CHUM), Duluth
Church World Service (CROP), Minneapolis
Community Renewal and Stabilization, North UMC, Minneapolis
Congregational Development, Spirit River Community UMC, Isanti
Congregational Development, Good Samaritan UMC, Saint Peter
Congregational Development, New Day UMC, Big Lake
Department of Indian Work, Saint Paul Area Council of Churches, Saint Paul
Dignity Center, Hennepin Avenue UMC, Minneapolis
Disability Awareness Ministries, Inc., Minneapolis
Disaster Response & Training, Minnesota Annual Conference
Emma Norton Services, Saint Paul and Maplewood
Family Table, Fridley UMC, Fridley
Feed My Starving Children, Brooklyn Park
God’s Closet, Epworth UMC, Saint Paul
Grace in the City, Minneapolis
Grace Korean UM Fellowship, Hope UMC, Duluth
Greater Minneapolis Council of Churches, Minneapolis
Grocery Giveaway, Mounds Park UMC, Saint Paul
Harbor House Crisis Shelter, Superior, Wis.
Hmong Community UMC, Saint Paul
House of Hope Minnesota, Marshall
Interfaith Hospitality Network, Rochester
Isaiah—Building Just Communities Minneapolis
Joyce Preschool, Joyce UMC, Minneapolis
Korean Evangelical UMC Restart, Hopkins
Korean United Methodist Church Centenary UMC, Mankato
La Puerta Abierta UMC, Saint Paul
La Puerta Abierta UMC Building Fund, Saint Paul
Lighthouse Ministries International, Kenya, Messiah UMC, Plymouth
Metro West—United Methodist Builders, Minneapolis
MICAH, Minneapolis
Midwest Mission Distribution Center, Chatham, Illinois
Minnesota Builders East, Saint Paul
Minnesota AIDS Project, Minneapolis
Minnesota FoodShare, Minneapolis
Minnesota UM Parish Nurse Association, New Brighton
Mobile Ministry, Orr
Multicultural Ministries, Living Spirit UMC, Minneapolis
OC Ministries (Operation Classroom), Minnesota Annual Conference
Palawan Orphanage Project, Forest Lake UMC, Forest Lake
Palestine/Israel Justice Project, Minneapolis
Park Avenue UMC Youth & Family Ministries, Minneapolis
Project AgGrad, Minneapolis
Reading Rocks, Mounds Park UMC, Saint Paul
Recovery Resource Center, The Recovery Church, Saint Paul
Refugee Services, Minneapolis Council of Churches
Russian Initiative Task Force, Minnesota Annual Conference
Saint Martin's Church and School, Haiti
Saint Paul Area Council of Churches, Saint Paul
SeLuz Ministries, Pilgrim UMC, Plymouth
Shalom Community Youth Group, Minneapolis
Simpson Housing Services, Inc., Minneapolis
Society of Saint Andrew, Big Island, Va.
Southside Coalition, Minneapolis
STORM Faith Community, Minnesota
TEAM Tutoring/Mentoring, Living Spirit UMC, Minneapolis
Urban Servants, Camp Kingswood, Mound
Vietnamese–American Language Ministry, Richfield UMC, Minneapolis
Volunteer in Mission Scholarship Fund, Minnesota Annual Conference
Witness Against Poverty, statewide
Work with Dignity, Community Emergency Service, Minneapolis
World Beat, Anoka UMC
Zimbabwe Outreach, Brunswick UMC, Crystal

Relationship to the Two Imperatives and Rationale: These various groups or organizations, within their goals, ministries, and structure, identify and respond to basic human and societal needs. A primary focus is those new populations whose needs can be addressed by their programs. This generates a desire to instill a basic spiritual vitality from within the organization and extends to the client/recipient.

Implementation: Mission Ministry Team, Council on Finance and Administration.

Outcome: The churches of the Minnesota Annual Conference will have the opportunity to support and become involved in mission with a variety of significant ministries that are reaching and helping new people.

Resources required: Mailing labels for churches will be provided (upon request to the designated group or organization).

Rationale: Conference policies require the Annual Advance Special status designations be approved by the annual conference session. Contact information for these ministries can be obtained in the “Resource Book of Mission and Missionaries - 2009 - 2011” or by checking the conference web site.

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Item 531—2011 Other Askings

Submitted by and contact: Council on Finance and Administration, Kevin Schill, president, kevinschill@hotmail.com

Action: “Other Askings” are institutions, agencies, or ministries that are recognized by the annual conference as able to receive funds from local churches. The Council on Finance and Administration has reviewed applications and recommends this status for the year 2011 for the organizations listed below:

Higher Education Ministries
Hamline University
Hamline Development Committee
Hamline University Scholarship Committee
Metropolitan United Methodist Campus Ministries
United Campus Ministry at MSU, Mankato
United Campus Ministry at MSU, Moorhead, and North Dakota State University
Wesley UMC outreach to students at the U of M, Crookston

Camping Ministries
Boundary Waters Fund
Decision Hills Camp
Frontenac Resource Development Foundation
Kingswood Camp
Lake Koronis Assembly Grounds
Northern Pines Assembly Grounds
RCMT/Campership Fund
RCMT/Inclusiveness Disability Accessibility
Star Lake Wilderness Camp

Other Ministries
Lakeview UM Health Services Auxiliary
Resource Center for Churches
Youth Ministry Action Team

Relationship to the Two Imperatives and Rationale: Due to the wide range of activities undertaken by the groups requesting Other Askings status, Other Askings relate to both of the imperatives.

Other Askings are those ministries that do not fit the guidelines for status as special askings nor as general or conference advance specials, yet are considered worthy of consideration for contributions. This designation will allow them to be listed in the Conference Journal and receive contributions.

Implementation: Council on Finance and Administration.

Outcome: Ministries designated as Other Askings will be listed in the conference Journal and may continue to receive contributions from churches and inpiduals.

Resources required: Minimal staff time to implement with costs covered under current budget for conference staff and printing and mailing costs covered under the current budget for postage and printing.

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Item 532—2011 Special Askings

Submitted by and contact: Council on Finance and Administration Kevin Schill, president

Action: The Council on Finance and Administration recommends Special Asking status for the year 2011 for Hamline University at $1 per member and camping at $2 per member. “Special Askings” are institutions, agencies, or ministries that have been given the right to send, with apportionments to each church, a suggested amount for the ensuing year.

Relationship to the Two Imperatives and Rationale: The Special Askings relate to both of the imperatives. The Special Askings provide funds for Hamline University and for the Camping Ministries of the conference that enable them to reach out to new people and to cultivate spiritual vitality in students and campers of all ages and backgrounds.

Special Askings are those ministries that receive special recognition by having a suggested amount for churches to consider but are not apportioned funds. This designation as a Special Asking will allow them to be included in the annual mailing of the apportioned fund amounts to each church. The Camping Special Asking for 2010 is recommended at $2 per member. This is to provide sufficient revenue to camping ministries to replace $25,000 that was removed from the apportioned budget in 2008 and continued at a lower level in the 2009 and 2010 recommended budget.

Implementation: Council on Finance and Administration

Outcome: The Special Askings will be included in the annual mailing to churches with the 2010 apportionment calculation.

Resources required: Minimal staff time to implement with costs covered under current budget for conference staff and printing and mailing costs covered under current budget for postage and printing.

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Item 533—Approval of Years of Service for Pension Credit

Submitted by and contact: Conference Board of Pension and Health Benefits; Margaret Osborne, (612) 789-4216

Action: That the years of service and pension credit in the Minnesota Annual Conference as reported by the General Board of Pension and Health Benefits be approved for the persons who are requesting retirement at the 2010 Annual Conference session.

Resources required: None.

Years Served Pre-1982 Years Served Post 1981 Total Years Served

Ordained or Local Pastor w/ Pension Credit Years Served w/o Pension Credit Years Served w/ MPP & CRSP

Name Retirement Date w/ Minnesota Conf. Other Conf.

Donald Bird 7/1/2010 26 26

John Bromeland 7/1/2010 3.5 28.5 32

Dennis Buckley 7/1/2010 7.5 28.5 36

Gregory Garman 7/1/2010 0 23 23

Daniel Hair 3/1/2010 10.5 28.25 38.75

John Harris 7/1/2010 10.5 2 28.5 41

Patricia Hinker 7/1/2010 0 24 24

Mark Horst 7/1/2010 2.5 28.5 31

John Mueller Nowell 7/1/2010 7.5 2 1 28.5 39

Hilda Parks 7/1/2010 0 25 25

Hugh Stephenson 7/1/2010 11.5 28.5 40

Wayne Walther 7/1/2010 9.5 28.5 38

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Item 534—2011 Pension Rate

Submitted by: Conference Board of Pension and Health Benefits, Margaret Osborne, (612) 789-4216

Action: That the 2011 pension rate for Pre-1982 years of service be $639, a 2 percent increase from the 2010 pension rate.

Rationale:2004 Discipline, ¶1506.7 The increase in pension rate for years of service before 1982 is intended to better provide for retirees with pre-82 years of service. Per the plan document the minimum annual Past Service Rate (PSR) increase is 2% with a minimum Past Service Rate level at .08% of the Conference Average Compensation (CAC). For the foreseeable future, we expect future Past Service Rate’s to increase at a rate of 2% until the pension plan funding for all plans are funded and sustainable.

Outcome: Retired clergy with eligible years of Minnesota service prior to 1982 will receive $639 per year of that service as an annual retirement benefit.

Implementation: Conference and General Board of Pension and Health Benefits.

Resources Required: The valuation report supplied by the General Board of Pension and Health Benefits indicates adequate funding in the Pre-82 plan of the Minnesota Annual Conference to underwrite for 2011 with no additional financial commitment by the Minnesota Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church budget at this time.

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Item 535—Retired Clergy Subsidy Years of Service

Submitted by: Conference Board of Pension and Health Benefits

Action: That the 2011 year of service as calculated by the General Board of Pension and Health Benefits be counted toward retired clergy health insurance premium subsidy at the same subsidy rate as for years of service prior to 2011.

Rationale: Additional time is needed for research and analysis for the Conference Board of Pension and Health Benefits to determine what retiree health insurance alternative will work best for the clergy and the Minnesota Annual Conference for those with active service beyond 2010. This one-year extension will allow additional time for review and analysis of an ever-changing healthcare environment. The Conference Board of Pension and Health Benefits will continue to study the best approach for the Minnesota Annual Conference to provide medical subsidy in retirement. All eligibility, rates, and determination of subsidy rates will remain as stated in Item 509 from the 2003 Minnesota Annual Conference except that the years of service with subsidy of $4 per month per credited year of service will be extended to December 31, 2011.

Outcome: Retired clergy will receive credit for the 2011 service year as calculated by the General Board of Pension and Health Benefits toward MAC Plan premium subsidy as approved in Item 509 at the 2003 Minnesota Annual Conference.

Implementation: Conference and General Board of Pension and Health Benefits.

Resources Required: The addition of one year of service will not significantly change the current requirement for retiree medical subsidy in the apportioned budget and there would be no addition to the 2011 budget for this item. Adding the 2011 year of service will not increase the unfunded retiree health insurance subsidy liability above the 2003 actuarial projection of $12.1 million since actual premium rates have not increased as much as assumed in the actuarial projection at that time (and, therefore, the unfunded liability is currently calculated to be less than the $12.1 million originally assumed).

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Item 536—Pre-1982 Pension Funding Plan

Minnesota Annual Conference Funding Plan:

Supplement One to the Clergy Retirement Security Plan for the Year 2010

Submitted by and contact:Conference Board of Pension and Health Benefits; Margaret Osborne, (612) 789-4216

Action: The 2008 Discipline ¶1506.8 requires each annual conference to develop, adopt and implement a formal funding plan for retiring its Pre-1982 pension obligation:

The funding plan shall: (a) address the funding for both existing and incremental liabilities incurred by future increases in the past service rate, (b) be approved annually by the annual conference, following the receipt and inclusion of a written opinion from the General Board of Pension and Health Benefits, and (c) be published along with the written opinion of the General Board of Pension and Health Benefits in the Journal of the annual conference.

Rationale: The 2010 Past Service Rate (PSR) is $626, which is 1.1 percent of the Conference Average Compensation (CAC). The Past Service Rate increase for 2010 is 2 percent. The Past Service Rate increase is funded by the dedicated assets in the Pre-82 plan funds at the General Board of Pension and Health Benefits.

Outcome: Per the plan document the minimum Past Service Rate level is .8 percent of the Conference Average Compensation and a minimum annual Past Service Rate increase of 2 percent. For the foreseeable future, we expect future Past Service Rate s to increase at a rate of 2 percent until the pension plan funding for all plans are projected as funded and are sustainable.

Resourcing: All conference assets dedicated to the Pre-82 Plan have been contributed and make up the plan assets. The Minnesota Conference Board of Pension and Health Benefits approved redirection of Pre-82 plan funds for years 2007–2009 to fund the CRSP Defined Benefit because the valuation of Pre-82 plan funding status as supplied by the General Board of Pensions indicated plan funding significantly exceeded plan liabilities. The most current valuation of the Pre-82 plan supplied by the General Board of Pensions as of January 1, 2008, for the 2010 funding plan indicates the conference is sufficiently funded and, based upon such valuation; the Past Service Rate increase for 2010 would not significantly impair the funded ratio for the Pre-82 plan. The financial crisis of 2008 reduced the funded ratio across the denomination. The reduction in funded ratio is not reflected in the 2010 valuation for the Pre-82 plan. The Preliminary 2011 valuation does include the market losses of 2008; however, even with the 2008 market losses included, the Minnesota preliminary 2011 valuation indicates a funded ratio of 122 percent using annual PSR increases of 2 percent. The Minnesota Conference Board of Pensions and Health Benefits continues to work on a benefit funding model that includes all pension plan liabilities, retiree health liabilities, and the funding of those responsibilities into the future. The most current funded ratio for the Pre-82 plan, as computed from time to time by the General Board, will be used as a trigger for the Conference Board of Pensions and Health Benefits to determine if any surplus from the Pre-82 plan can be redirected to fund the CRSP Defined Benefit for any given year. The current valuation indicates that redirection of funds could be continued but the Conference Board of Pensions and Health Benefits will monitor the funded ratio regularly to determine if redirection of funds from the Pre-82 plan to fund the CRSP Defined Benefit or any other unfunded pension plan for any given year is prudent. The Conference Board of Pensions and Health Benefits will consider the funded ratio in determining for any given year whether an increase in the PSR above the minimum 2 percent recommended for the plan is prudent.

As of January 1, 2008, the 2010 funding plan is summarized below per information supplied by the General Board of Pension and Health Benefits. Any redirected funds or assumed earnings for 2010 are not included in these numbers nor is the investment loss of 2008.

Interest 7.0%/COL 5%

2010 Past Service Rate = $626

Plan Funding $72,574,041

Total Liability 47,446,365

Funded Status $25,127,676

Conference Funded Ratio 153%

As of January 1, 2009, the 2011 funding plan is summarized below per information supplied by the General Board of Pension and Health Benefits. The 2011 Preliminary Valuation does include the market losses for 2008 but does not include an actual market recovery or redirected funds for 2009.

2011 Valuation As of 1/1/2009 Interest 7.0%/COL 5%

Plan Funding $48,707,875

Total Liability 42,965,094

Funded Status $5,742,781

Funded Ratio 113%

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Item 537—Resolution Relating to Rental/Housing Allowances for Retired or Disabled Clergypersons of the Minnesota Annual Conference

Submitted by and contact: Conference Board of Pension and Health Benefits, Margaret Osborne, (612) 789-4216

Action: That an amount equal to 100 percent of the pension or disability payments received from plans authorized under The Book of Discipline of the United Methodist Church (the Discipline), which includes all such payment from the General Board of Pension and Health Benefits (GBOPHB), during the year of 2010 and 2011 by each active, retired, or disabled clergyperson who is or was a member of the conference, or its predecessors, be and hereby is designated as a rental/housing allowance for each such clergyperson; and

That the pension or disability payments to which this rental/housing allowance applies will be any pension or disability payments from plans, annuities, or funds authorized under the Discipline, including such payments from the GBOPHB and from a commercial annuity company that provides an annuity arising from benefits accrued under a GBOPHB plan, annuity, or fund authorized under the Discipline, that result from any service a clergyperson rendered to this conference or that an active, a retired, or a disabled clergyperson of this conference rendered to any local church, annual conference of the Church, general agency of the Church, other institution of the Church, former denomination that is now a part of the Church, or any other employer that employed the clergyperson to perform services related to the ministry of the Church, or its predecessors, and that elected to make contributions to, or accrue a benefit under, such a plan, annuity, or fund for such active, retired, or disabled clergyperson’s pension or disability as part of his or her gross compensation.

Implementation: The Minnesota Annual Conference adopts this resolution.

Outcome: The rental/housing allowance may be excluded from a clergyperson’s gross income in any year for federal income tax purposes under IRS Code Section 107(2) for pension or disability payments from plans, annuities or funds authorized under the Discipline as a result of the clergyperson’s service.

Resources required: None

Rationale: WHEREAS, the religious denomination known as The United Methodist Church (the “Church”), of which this conference is a part, has in the past functioned and continues to function through ministers of the gospel (within the meaning of Internal Revenue Code section 107) who were or are duly ordained, commissioned, or licensed ministers of the Church (“clergypersons”);

WHEREAS, the practice of the Church and of this conference was and is to provide active clergypersons with a parsonage or a rental/housing allowance as part of their gross compensation;

WHEREAS, pensions or other amounts paid to active, retired, and disabled clergypersons are considered to be deferred compensation and are paid to active, retired, and disabled clergypersons in consideration of previous active service; and

WHEREAS, the Internal Revenue Service has recognized the conference (or its predecessors) as the appropriate organization to designate a rental/housing allowance for clergypersons who are or were members of this conference and are eligible to receive such deferred compensation;

NOTE: The rental/housing allowance that may be excluded from a clergyperson’s gross income in any year for federal income tax purposes is limited under Internal Revenue Code section 107(2) and regulations thereunder to the least of: (1) the amount of the rental/housing allowance designated by the clergyperson’s employer or other appropriate body of the Church (such as this conference in the foregoing resolutions) for such year; (2) the amount actually expended by the clergyperson to rent or provide a home in such year; or (3) the fair rental value of the home, including furnishings and appurtenances (such as a garage), plus the cost of utilities in such year.

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Item 538—Loan Guarantee Ceiling

Submitted by and contact: Conference Board of Trustees, Don Sinnwell, Chair

Action: The ceiling on the total amount that may be obligated by the Capital Facilities Finance & Development Commission for loan guarantees for the period ending July 1, 2011, be maintained at the lesser of $7,500,000 or the total of the following: Capital Facilities funds, Permanent Church Extension Fund balance, conference-owned properties, and assets pledged by churches of the Minnesota Conference at the time the guarantee is made.

Relationship to the Two Imperatives and Rationale: The ability of local churches to borrow for building allows them to address their work of reaching out and cultivating spiritual vitality. The ceiling was reduced (from $15,000,000 prior to 2009) to $7,500,000 due to the current economy, which has reduced invested funds available to back loans and has also likely reduced values of assets pledged by local churches. Guaranteed loans remain current on their payments but we need to prevent overextending the guarantee program at a time the likelihood increases that a church might miss one or more payments. The amount currently guaranteed is approximately $4,500,000. The ceiling of $7,500,000 will leave additional guarantee capacity of $3,000,000.

Implementation: Capital Facilities Finance & Development Commission reviews applications for loan guarantees. Conference Board of Trustees authorizes use of conference assets for backing guarantees. Local Churches pledge assets to the program.

Outcome: Churches needing additional security for building, expansion, or remodeling loans may apply for a guarantee from the conference.

Resources required: Staff time, supplies, meeting costs are covered under other budget areas and current amounts are adequate for supporting this work.

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Item 539—Designating Olivet UMC as a Historic Site

Submitted by and Contact: Commission on Archives and History, David Werner, chair, (651) 464-5249; Kathy Spence Johnson, archivist, (612) 230-6149

Action: The Commission on Archives and History recommends that Olivet United Methodist Church of Robbinsdale be designated a Minnesota United Methodist Historic Site. According to ¶1712 of The Book of Discipline, historic sites must be designated by formal action of the Minnesota Annual Conference.

Relationship to the Two Imperatives and Rationale: In promoting historic sites we reach new people by sharing the rich heritage of 150 years of Methodist, Evangelical, and United Brethren in Christ history in Minnesota.

Olivet UMC of Robbinsdale has the distinction of being the first Evangelical United Brethren (EUB) church organized in Minnesota after the 1946 Uniting Conference of the Evangelical Association and the United Brethren in Christ. The Minnesota Conference of the Evangelical United Brethren took action in the spring of 1947 to start a new church in the immediate area where the present church is located. A house was purchased and was used for Sunday school and worship. The congregation broke ground for a church in May 1950. In 1959 Minneapolis Hope EUB merged with Olivet. In 1968, with the union of the Methodist Church and the Evangelical United Brethren Church, the church became Olivet UMC of Robbinsdale. The church continues its mission.

The Commission on Archives and History is called to recognize “firsts” in Minnesota Conference history. By recognizing this “first” we encourage all conference members to remember their history and heritage and be encouraged in their mission to reach new people and cultivate spiritual vitality.

A process has been established and Olivet UMC of Robbinsdale has been submitted to this process. The Commission of Archives and History, using its guidelines, deems Olivet UMC of Robbinsdale significant in its establishment as a suburban church created for outreach to an emerging midcentury suburban area after a significant merger of our church’s historic predecessors.

Implementation: The Commission on Archives and History will work with the church to promote this designation on the roster of historic sites. Historic sites are promoted on the annual conference web site and through publications.

Outcome: The Minnesota Annual Conference will then have thirteen historic sites. People will become more aware of the rich United Methodist heritage in Minnesota.

Resources required: There is no financial obligation to the site. Olivet UMC of Robbinsdale is an active congregation.

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General Conference Petitions

Item 591—Petition 01 to the 2012 General Conference of the United Methodist Church to remove all discriminatory language about homosexuality from The Book of Discipline

Submitted by and contact: Reconciling United Methodists from Minnesota, Walker Community UMC, Edina: Good Samaritan UMC, Duluth: First UMC; Walter Lockhart

Action: The secretary of the Minnesota Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church will petition the 2010 General Conference to amend ¶161F of The Book of Discipline as follows:

F) Human Sexuality—We affirm that sexuality is God’s good gift to all persons. We call everyone to responsible stewardship of this sacred gift.

Although all persons are sexual beings whether or not they are married, sexual relations are affirmed only with the covenant of monogamous~~, heterosexual~~ marriage.

We deplore all forms of the commercialization, abuse, and exploitation of sex. We call for strict global enforcement of laws prohibiting the sexual exploitation of children and for adequate protection, guidance, and counseling for abused children. All persons, regardless of age, gender, marital status, or sexual orientation, are entitled to have their human and civil rights ensured and to be protected against violence. The Church should support the family in providing age-appropriate education regarding sexuality to children, youth, and adults.

We affirm that all persons are inpiduals of sacred worth, created in the image of God. All persons need the ministry of the Church in their struggles for human fulfillment, as well as the spiritual and emotional care of a fellowship that enables reconciling relationships with God, with others, and with self. ~~The United Methodist Church does not condone the practice of homosexuality and considers this practice incompatible with Christian teaching.~~ We affirm that God’s grace is available to all. We will seek to live together in Christian community, welcoming, forgiving, and loving one another, as Christ has loved and accepted us. We implore families and churches not to reject or condemn lesbian and gay members and friends. We commit ourselves to be in ministry for and with all persons.

Rationale: The United Methodist Church (UMC) has historically welcomed into membership “all persons without regard to race, color, national origin, status, or economic condition” per Article IV of the Constitution.

Outcome: All people will recognize that even though we disagree with each other the United Methodist Church is truly welcoming people regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

Resources required: Staff time to prepare and properly format resolution for timely submission to General Conference.

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Item 592—Petition 02 to the 2012 General Conference of the United Methodist Church to remove all discriminatory language about homosexuality from The Book of Discipline

Submitted by and contact: Reconciling United Methodists from Minnesota, Walker Community UMC, Edina: Good Samaritan UMC, Duluth: First UMC; Walter Lockhart

Action: The secretary of the Minnesota Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church will petition the 2010 General Conference to amend ¶304 of The Book of Discipline as follows:

3. While persons set apart by the Church for ordained ministry are subject to all the frailties of the human condition and the pressures of society, they are required to maintain the highest standards of holy living in the world. The practice of homosexuality is incompatible with Christian teaching. Therefore self-avowed practicing homosexuals are not to be certified as candidates, ordained as ministers, or appointed to serve in The United Methodist Church.

Outcome: All people will recognize that even though we disagree with each other the United Methodist Church is truly welcoming people regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

Resources required: Staff time to prepare and properly format resolution for timely submission to General Conference.

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Item 593—Petition 03 to 2012 General Conference of the United Methodist Church to remove all discriminatory language about homosexuality from The Book of Discipline

Submitted by and contact: Reconciling United Methodists from Minnesota, Walker Community UMC, Edina: Good Samaritan UMC, Duluth: First UMC; Walter Lockhart

Action: The secretary of the Minnesota Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church will petition the 2010 General Conference to amend ¶341 of the The Book of Discipline as follows:

6. ~~Ceremonies that celebrate homosexual unions shall not be conducted by our ministers and shall not be conducted in our churches.~~

Outcome: All people will recognize that even though we disagree with each other the United Methodist Church is truly welcoming people regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

Resources required: Staff time to prepare and properly format resolution for timely submission to General Conference.

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Item 594—Petition 04 to 2012 General Conference of the United Methodist Church to remove all discriminatory language about homosexuality from The Book of Discipline

Submitted by and contact: Reconciling United Methodists from Minnesota, Walker Community UMC, Edina: Good Samaritan UMC, Duluth: First UMC; Walter Lockhart

Action: The secretary of the Minnesota Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church will petition the 2010 General Conference to amend ¶2702 of The Book of Discipline as follows:

1. A bishop, clergy member of an annual conference (¶369), local pastor, clergy on honorable or administrative location, or diaconal minister may be tried when charged (subject to the statute of limitations in ¶2702.4) with one or more of the following offenses: (a) immorality including but not limited to, not being celibate in singleness or not faithful in a ~~heterosexual~~ marriage; (b) practices declared by The United Methodist Church to be incompatible with Christian teachings, including but not limited to: being a self-avowed practicing homosexual; or conducting ceremonies which celebrate homosexual unions; or performing same-sex wedding ceremonies; (c) crime; (d) failure to perform the work of the ministry; (e) disobedience to the order and discipline of The United Methodist Church; (f) dissemination of doctrines contrary to the established standards of doctrine of The United Methodist Church; (g) relationships and/or behavior that undermines the ministry of another pastor; (h) child abuse; (i) sexual abuse; (j) sexual misconduct or (k) harassment, including, but not limited to racial and/or sexual harassment; or (l) racial or gender discrimination.

Outcome: All people will recognize that even though we disagree with each other the United Methodist Church is truly welcoming people regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

Resources required: Staff time to prepare and properly format resolution for timely submission to General Conference.

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Item 595—Petition 05 to the 2012 General Conference of the United Methodist Church to remove all discriminatory language about homosexuality from The Book of Discipline

Submitted by and contact: Reconciling United Methodists from Minnesota, Walker Community UMC, Edina: Good Samaritan UMC, Duluth: First UMC; Walter Lockhart

Action: The secretary of the Minnesota Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church will petition the 2010 General Conference to amend ¶806 of The Book of Discipline as follows:

9. It shall be responsible for ensuring that no board, agency, committee, commission, or council shall give United Methodist funds to any gay caucus or group, or otherwise use such funds to promote the acceptance of homosexuality or violate the expressed commitment of The United Methodist Church “not to reject or condemn lesbian and gay members and friends “ (¶ 161.F). The council shall have the right to stop such expenditures. It shall not limit the Church’s ministry in response to the HIV epidemic.

Outcome: All people will recognize that even though we disagree with each other the United Methodist Church is truly welcoming people regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

Resources required: Staff time to prepare and properly format resolution for timely submission to General Conference.

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Item 596—Petition 06 to the 2012 General Conference of the United Methodist Church to remove all discriminatory language about homosexuality from The Book of Discipline

Submitted by and contact: Reconciling United Methodists from Minnesota, Walker Community UMC, Edina: Good Samaritan UMC, Duluth: First UMC; Walter Lockhart

Action: The secretary of the Minnesota Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church will petition the 2010 General Conference to amend ¶316 of The Book of Disciplineas follows:

4. A local pastor shall be under the supervision of a district superintendent and shall be assigned a clergy mentor while in the Course of Study or in seminary (¶ 349).

All clergy members of the annual conference are accountable as to character and effectiveness to the annual conference throughout their entire ministry.

The General Conference has made it clear in the “Doctrinal Standards and Our Theological Task” (Part II of the Discipline) that Scripture, tradition, experience, and reason are our guidelines. “United Methodists share with other Christians the conviction that Scripture is the primary source and criterion for Christian doctrine.”

~~In the Social Principles, the General Conference has said that “we do not condone the practice of homosexuality and consider this practice incompatible with Christian teaching.~~” Furthermore, the Principles state that “we affirm the sanctity of the marriage covenant that is expressed in love, mutual support, personal commitment, and shared fidelity ~~between a man and a woman~~. We believe that God’s blessing rests upon such marriage, whether or not there are children of the union. We reject social norms that assume different standards for women than for men in marriage.”

Also, “we affirm the integrity of single persons, and we reject all social practices that discriminate or social attitudes that are prejudicial against persons because they are single.”

The General Conference affirms the wisdom of our heritage expressed in the disciplinary provisions relating to the character and commitment of ordained ministers. The United Methodist Church has moved away from prohibitions of specific acts, for such prohibitions can be endless. We affirm our trust in the covenant community and the process by which we ordain ministers.

In our covenant we are called to trust one another as we recommend, examine, and elect candidates for the ordained ministry and conference membership.

Outcome: All people will recognize that even though we disagree with each other the United Methodist Church is truly welcoming people regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

Resources required: Staff time to prepare and properly format resolution for timely submission to General Conference.

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Item 597—Petition 07 to the 2012 General Conference of the United Methodist Church to remove all discriminatory language about homosexuality from The Book of Discipline

Submitted by and contact: Reconciling United Methodists from Minnesota, Walker Community UMC, Edina: Good Samaritan UMC, Duluth: First UMC; Walter Lockhart

Action: The secretary of the Minnesota Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church will petition the 2010 General Conference to amend ¶613 of The Book of Disciplineas follows:

~~20.~~ To ensure that no annual conference board, agency, committee, commission, or council shall give United Methodist funds to any gay caucus or group, or otherwise use such funds to promote the acceptance of homosexuality or violate the expressed commitment of the UMC “not to reject or condemn lesbian and gay members and friends” (¶ 161.F). The council shall have the right to stop such expenditures. This restriction shall not limit the Church’s ministry in response to the HIV epidemic, nor shall it preclude funding for dialogs or educational events where the Church’s official position is fairly and equally represented.

Outcome: All people will recognize that even though we disagree with each other the United Methodist Church is truly welcoming people regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

Resources required: Staff time to prepare and properly format resolution for timely submission to General Conference.

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Item 598—Petition 08 to the 2012 General Conference of the United Methodist Church to remove all discriminatory language about homosexuality from The Book of Discipline

Submitted by and contact: Reconciling United Methodists from Minnesota, Walker Community UMC, Edina: Good Samaritan UMC, Duluth: First UMC; Walter Lockhart

Action: The secretary of the Minnesota Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church will petition the 2010 General Conference to amend ¶313 of The Book of Disciplineas follows:

Discontinuance and Reinstatement of Certified Candidates—

1. Discontinuance of a Certified Candidate—Certified candidates may be discontinued on their own request, upon severing their relationship with The United Methodist Church, or upon action to discontinue by the district committee on ordained ministry. The district committee on ordained ministry shall file with the conference Board of Ordained Ministry a permanent record of the circumstances relating to the discontinuance of the certified candidate . . .

The General Conference, in response to expressions throughout the Church regarding homosexuality and ordination, reaffirms the present language of the Discipline regarding the character and commitment of persons seeking ordination and affirms its high standards.

Outcome: All people will recognize that even though we disagree with each other the United Methodist Church is truly welcoming to people regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

Resources required: Staff time to prepare and properly format resolution for timely submission to General Conference.

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