• By RJ Walters, Editor •
Provided is a detailed look at some of the most intriguing legislative sections set for discussion at the 2011 Detroit annual Conference. Click here for a complete handbook of all this year's voting items.
Rename the Detroit Annual Conference
What it means?
The proposal requests that the Detroit Annual Conference be renamed the Great Lakes Annual Conference and that it goes into effect Jan. 1, 2013 following the 2012 North Central Jurisdictional Conference.
Support
The proposal was submitted by Rev. Margaret “Peggy” Paige of Quinnesec and Iron Mountain First United Methodist Churches. Support has been offered by 38 other churches, which Paige said stretch from St. Ignace to St. Clair Shores to Nardin Park United Methodist Church in Farmington Hills.
Why?
Paige said she submitted this petition “what must have been 20 years ago” but the timing wasn’t right and it was withdrawn. She said 2011 seems more appropriate after the conference moved its central offices out of Detroit and two districts just affirmed name changes.
“I’ve been in the conference for 35 years and when I go to national meetings people see the ‘Detroit Conference,’ and say, ‘Oh, you live in Detroit?’ she said. “No, I’ve never lived in Detroit, we’re much bigger than that as a conference so I think as we try to attract new pastors, including younger ones, it’s helpful to say no, it’s not just Detroit.”
She said there might be some opposition from people in the Metro Detroit area, but she believes the diversity of the conference should be encapsulated in its name.
Add a conference benefits officer
What it means?
The proposal is requesting the conference add a full-time benefits officer to deal primarily with pension and health benefits of clergy. If the resolution passes in full, the benefits officer would receive a salary on par with other cabinet-level positions and a housing/furnishing allowance.
Support
The Conference Council on Finance and Administration Board of Pension and Health Benefits submitted the resolution.
Why?
Since 2006 the Rev. Don Emmert has dealt with issues related to pensions and health benefits of clergy families as part of his responsibilities in the Treasurer’s Office. As of 2011, the conference has 434 active and 292 retired clergy and families. The CFA and the Board of Pensions and Health Benefits recognize the complexity of an ever-changing health care system, the personal needs of families, and pension issues require the attention of a full-time benefits officer.
Other items to consider
There is a resolution on the table to change the New Church Development Table reporting structure for the conference. The proposal states the New Church Development Table shall administratively be transferred from the Conference Board of Global Ministries to the Conference Leadership Team and it shall be renamed the New Church Development Committee. The committee would report directly to the Conference Leadership Team instead of having to go through the Board of Global Ministries.
Also on tap are many resolutions that are aimed at legislation to be debated at the 2012 General Conference session that relate to the United Methodist Church’s stance on homosexuality and the church’s response to issues regarding sexuality.
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