2023 Resolutions

Budget Implications: There are no Conference budget implications. 

Rationale:  Surviving the death of a spouse or child requires the reordering of every aspect of life; this is true for clergy as well as laypersons. Since few pastors are adequately trained in processing grief, it is unrealistic to expect a congregation to understand or address the needs of a bereaved pastor. While not attempting to cover every situation regarding the death of a loved one, the following resolution establishes precedent and sets a baseline for response, providing much-needed direction to congregations seeking to support their pastors at critical life moments. 

Submitted by: Terri Cofiell   Elder in Full Connection  

RESOLUTION:

Whereas there is no existing policy specifically regarding clergy bereavement leave in the Baltimore-Washington Conference Policy and Procedure Manual; 

Whereas the death of a spouse or child is among the most traumatic life events a person can experience; and whereas unresolved grief can impact the physical and mental health of even the most devout people of faith; 

Whereas clergy often sacrifice self-care and family relationships in order to meet the needs and demands of their parishioners; and whereas the compassionate care of grief-stricken pastors has been left solely to congregations to offer (or withhold); now

Therefore, be it

Resolved, that The Baltimore-Washington Conference of The United Methodist Church adopt the following protocol and policy regarding bereavement leave for all Full and part-time ordained clergy and licensed pastors under appointment within the bounds of the Conference. 

• Within 48 hours after notification of the death of a clergy’s spouse, child, or parent, the District Superintendent shall collaborate with the SPRC to arrange pastoral coverage for the charge including, but not limited to, worship planning, preaching, pastoral care, and any immediate administrative needs.  
• The Superintendent will emphasize to the SPRC the need of the pastor for space and time to grieve and help the committee to discern appropriate ways to offer care and support. It will be stressed that pressing parish needs be addressed to the District Administrator until the pastor returns from leave. 
• The Superintendent, in conjunction with the District Administrator, shall provide to the SPRC a list of potential supply ministers, Certified Lay Speakers/Ministers, as well as retired and neighboring clergy. In addition, the Superintendent will inform (via email) possible supply/neighboring/retired pastors of the impending need. 
• The pastor's Full salary shall be maintained for six to eight weeks following the death of a spouse or child, and one to two weeks following the death of a parent. The length of the bereavement leave will be determined through consultation between the pastor and Superintendent.  
• Bereavement leave will be in addition to and not subtracted from vacation time, continuing education time, and/or days off. The local church or conference agency to which the clergy is appointed shall continue to provide salary and housing, as well as pension and insurance payments, during the Full bereavement leave period.   

Effective Date: July 1, 2023 

Co-Sponsors: 
Patricia Allen, Full Elder   
Erik Alsgaard, Elder,  
Michael Beiber Full Elder,   
Katie Bishop, Full Elder,  
Margaret Clemons, retired Full Elder.  
Jack Day, Full Elder,
Malcolm Frazier, Full Elder,  
Ken Hawes, Full Elder  
Joey Heath-Mason, Full Elder,  
Charlotte Hendee, retired Full Elder  
David A. Highfield, retired Full Elder,   
Jennifer Karsner, Full Elder,   
Elizabeth LeMaster, Full Elder,  
Vivian McCarthy, retired Elder,  
Bonnie McCubbin, Full Elder,   
Chris Owens, Full Elder,  
Mandy Sayers, Full Elder,  
Jennifer Smith Full Elder   
Malcolm Stranathan, Full Member Elder,  
Shannon Sullivan, Full Elder,   
Katherine A. Talley Full Elder  
Laurie Pierce Tingley, Full Elder,   
Laure Gates Ward. Full Elder,  
Patricia Watson, Full Member Elder,   
Angela Wells, Full Elder,  
Dana Werts, Full Elder  
Linda Yarrow, Full Elder,  
Dottie Yunger, Full Elder,  

As per Baltimore-Washington Conference Rule Para. 3006.2.c., this resolution was reviewed by the Conference Secretary and found consistent with the current Book of Discipline.  At a Feb. 25 meeting, 90 percent of Connectional Table members voted concurrence with this resolution.

Budget Implications: No expected budget implications.

Rationale: The financial challenges facing many of our Baltimore-Washington Conference churches are well known.  Membership and giving rates are down, while aging buildings are requiring increasingly costly maintenance and repairs.  At the same time, many of our churches have been blessed with property assets that are substantial.  The challenge we face is that of tapping into the property assets with which we have been blessed to address local churches’ financial needs, while engaging the local church in ministries that help address the needs of the community.  Developing affordable housing and other enterprises that meet community needs on church property may afford a “triple bottom line” solution: 1) providing quality affordable housing or other enterprise with the community to address its needs; 2) creating revenues for the local church—both short-term and long-term—to enable the church to focus and engage on mission instead of building maintenance; and 3) creating opportunities for new ministry engagement with its community through the church’s gospel witness of loving its neighbors.  The purpose of this resolution is to encourage the local church to consider affordable housing development or other initiatives to meet community needs as a possible path to help achieve vitality and sustainability.

Submitted by: Rev. Sam Marullo, , deacon in full connection. This resolution is submitted on behalf of the Affordable Housing Committee of the Greater Washington District.

RESOLUTION:

Whereas the United Methodist Churches of the Baltimore-Washington Conference seek to be faithful gospel witnesses throughout the entire geographic territory of the Annual Conference, in which we currently have 615 church locations, spread across the complex diversity of our Conference;

Whereas we seek to love and serve our neighbors—inviting them into relationships and witnessing the gospel truth of God’s love for them—in ways that reflect the giftedness of our faith communities while simultaneously embodying sensitivity and cultural awareness of our neighbors and the communities in which we are located, while acknowledging their ongoing transitions and transformations;

Whereas we seek to be faithful stewards of our churches’ properties, fully utilizing the assets with which we have been gifted to provide a foundation for our mission and ministry, while simultaneously caring for those property assets by maintaining them well and investing in them for the future, to provide a legacy for the saints who are to engage in ministry after us;

Whereas we are fully aware of the challenges of declining church memberships, declining rates of giving, the deterioration of our churches’ physical infrastructures due to aging and increasing maintenance costs, leading to further deferred maintenance and increasing likelihood of infrastructure failures, all of which exacerbate the likelihood of additional church closures;

Whereas through multiple Conference initiatives we seek to inspire our local UMC congregations to greater levels of vitality, to be faithful ministry innovators that seek to explore creative paths of missional and entrepreneurial ministry that utilize the church’s gifts and assets, including their property, and encourage them to share their experience, wisdom and fruit with other churches seeking to follow similar paths of ministry development. This includes the understanding that effective land use is a vital ministry and that property can be managed and developed by the local church in ways that address identified community needs; 

Whereas the Affordable Housing Committee of the Greater Washington District (AHC) has been created to develop and preserve affordable housing by utilizing the resources (property, people, money, ministries) of the United Methodist Churches of the Baltimore-Washington Conference, thereby serving a “triple bottom line” of: 1) meeting a desperate community need for affordable housing, 2) generating assets and revenues to support the entirety of the local church’s ministry needs, both currently and into the future, and 3) creating opportunities for missional engagement with new neighbors to demonstrate God’s love for all God’s children;

Whereas the AHC seeks to operate in accord with scriptural understanding of justice, generosity, and love of our neighbors, we seek to live into Jesus’ teachings to serve “the least of these” (Matthew 25:45); to pay forward our blessings so that additional churches can join in such development efforts in the future, as in the parable of the talents so that our gifts may multiply their impact (Mt. 25:14-30); while also being wise as serpents yet innocent as doves (Mt 10:16) in operating in the realm of property development; and show our love for our neighbors at greatest risk of housing insecurity by providing from the abundance we have been given (James 2:14-20);

Whereas the AHC has developed expertise, resources, and networks to be shared with local churches for the purposes of preserving and developing their property—and doing so in a timely manner—thereby making such property an asset for both the local church and the larger community;

Whereas the AHC seeks to partner with Conference ministries and committees to provide educational resources and opportunities for discussion as to how best to steward our church properties while creatively exploring additional and alternative uses for them; and

Whereas we seek to operate in full accord with the Book of Discipline, maintaining and developing our property assets so as to create long-term assets and revenue streams wherever possible that will support all of the ministries of the local church; now

Therefore, be it

Resolved, that all of our Baltimore-Washington Conference ministries, committees, and initiatives understand and take steps to ensure that the transfer of closed church properties be undertaken only after all reasonable steps have been taken to explore whether there are alternative mission and ministry opportunities that the property can be repurposed to address the needs and context of the communities, including, but not limited to, the development of affordable housing.  The steps listed below are not exhaustive of the ways in which we can collectively, creatively discern alternative ministry uses for church properties, but rather are intended to spark creative practices throughout our Conference’s ongoing ministry activities. We resolve that, at the minimum, these steps occur to ensure that a wide range of alternative uses be considered for mission and ministry of church properties, including the development of affordable housing: 

• Elders and Local Licensed Pastors who serve congregations that own property initiate with their Board of Trustees conversations on stewardship and best use of church properties to support ministry.
• District Superintendents work with churches to explore and discern how their property assets might be utilized to support relevant mission and ministry with the community. Especially for churches confronting severe financial challenges and considering closure, to explore alternative uses for their property that may generate revenues. This could include working with the AHC to attain a feasibility study of the church’s property, at no cost to the local church, to explore its potential use for affordable housing development or other community-based ministry that requires significant work to the building. 
• dMAP and cMAP (District and Conference Missional Action Planning) teams explore how alternative development of church properties might support District ministry innovation and missional strategy.
• Conference Trustees review recommendations of dMAP and, if provided, available feasibility studies as properties enter their portfolio upon church closures, to discern their alternative ministry uses for affordable housing and other community-based projects, prior to the sale of the property.
• Encourage our United Methodist seminaries and lay leadership training programs to offer courses that would help our church leaders understand property management and property development as integral elements of church leadership and stewardship; and

Further, we invite all Conference ministries and committees to discuss with the DS, dMAP teams and/or AHC additional strategies and processes through which these alternative property uses can be explored.

Effective date: immediately upon completion of Annual Conference

Co-sponsors: Members of the Affordable Housing Committee of the Greater Washington District.

Rev. Rochelle Andrews
Rev. Rachel Cornwell
Ms. Amelia Duroska
Rev. David Hall
Rev. Lucinda Kent
Rev. Sam Marullo
Rev. Samson Nortey
Mr. Gary Williams 

As per Baltimore-Washington Conference Rule Para. 3006.2.c., this resolution was reviewed by the Conference Secretary and found consistent with the current Book of Discipline.  At a Feb. 25 meeting, 83 percent of Connectional Table members voted concurrence with this resolution.

Budgetary Implications: None

Rationale: Current escalation of violence in the Holy Land, and particularly in “Occupied Palestinian Territories” where Palestinians are forced to live under increasingly discriminatory laws and polices, calls for people of faith to speak out against this situation. This resolution calls for the people called United Methodists in the Baltimore-Washington Annual Conference to take steps to demonstrate our abhorrence  for the actions of the current government of Israel that perpetuate this violence and oppression of Palestinians.   

Submitted by: Mittie Quinn, Laity, Dumbarton UMC, (primary sponsor) 

RESOLUTION:

Whereas the area identified as “The West Bank, Gaza and East Jerusalem,” and established as a separate entity from Israel in 1948 was intended as a homeland for Palestinians;

Whereas the Israeli government seized this area following the Six Day War, however, and their occupation has been declared "unlawful under international law" by the United Nations; ¹

Whereas Israel has gradually seized more than three-quarters of the land once designated for a future Palestinian state and continues their dispossession today, choosing to identify this land as Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT);

Whereas Palestinians in the OPT have lived under Israeli military law for generations without any protected civil rights;

Whereas within Israel and in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT), the Israeli government has established its control over the lives of Palestinians with discriminatory laws and policies specifying where they can live, whom they can marry, where and when they can travel short distances, which roads they can drive on, how much water they can use, when they can access their own farms, what land they can purchase, which justice system they are subject to, whether they will receive due process, and the kinds of punishment they will receive;

Whereas Israel has developed a governing principle in the Nation State Basic Law of 2018, which grants self-determination exclusively to the Jewish citizens of Israel and not Palestinians, and;

Whereas The Human Rights Watch report of April 2021² and Amnesty International’s investigation, published in February, 2022³, both show that Israel imposes a system of oppression and domination against Palestinians across all areas under its control: in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories, and against Palestinian refugees, in order to benefit Jewish Israelis. The conclusion of their findings is that this system is by definition a system of apartheid, which is prohibited in international law;

Whereas apartheid is named as a “crime against humanity” under international law⁴ and the primary features of apartheid include:

• codifying into law a preferred group of people and giving that group preferential access to resources, benefits and services,
• segregating the population into geographic areas based on identity, and
• establishing laws and policies designed to suppress opposition to the regime and enforcing domination through arbitrary imprisonment, torture, cruel and inhumane treatment, and other violations of human rights;

Whereas Kairos Palestine, the Palestinian Christian movement endorsed by all the major Christian denominations in Palestine, in their "Cry for Hope" of 2020 has called upon the Church around the world to nonviolently oppose both “apartheid and occupation” in the Holy Land and to “uphold a vision of inclusivity and equality for all peoples of the land;” ⁵ and

Whereas The United Methodist Church has forcefully declared its opposition to the crime of apartheid, calling it a “heresy” and “a sin” that must be “condemned unequivocally – within Southern Africa and neighboring countries and throughout the world;” ⁶ now

Therefore, be it

Resolved, that the Baltimore-Washington Conference of The United Methodist Church affirms that apartheid is antithetical to the Gospel message and that we recognize and oppose Israeli apartheid as we strive to "resist evil, injustice, and oppression in whatever forms they present themselves;"

Be it further Resolved, that United Methodists of Baltimore-Washington Conference are urged to contact their U.S. Representatives and Senators, and/or to contact President Biden to urge him to stand for peace with justice by recognizing the Israeli apartheid system and working to safeguard all the rights due to Palestinians under international law, and to condition U.S. funding to Israel upon Israel’s willingness to dismantle its apartheid system and implement all the rights due to Palestinians under international law; and

Be it further Resolved, that the Baltimore-Washington Conference urges all United Methodist clergy and laity to listen to the voices of Palestinians regarding their situation, by meeting with them in their homeland, by seeking opportunities to hear from them at online events, and through the study of the Palestinian Christians’ landmark 2020 document entitled “Cry for Hope: A Call for Decisive Action” and that any mission trips to the Holy Land that are sponsored by BWC will include such opportunities. 

______________________

FOOTNOTES

1. UN News (10/20/22); Israeli occupation of Palestinian territory illegal: UN Rights Commission. https://news.un.org/en/story/2022/10/1129722
2. Human Rights Watch report –
   “A Threshold Crossed: Israeli Authorities and the Crimes of Apartheid and Persecution”
   https://www.hrw.org/news/2021/07/19/israeli-apartheid-threshold-crossed#
   
3. Amnesty International report –
   “Israel’s Apartheid against Palestinians: A Look into Decades of Oppression and Domination”
   https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/campaigns/2022/02/israels-system-of-apartheid/
4. The International Convention on the Suppression and Punishment of the Crime of Apartheid, United Nations –
   https://legal.un.org/avl/ha/cspca/cspca.html
   The Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court –
   https://www.icc-cpi.int/resource-library/documents/rs-eng.pdf
5. Kairos Palestine Statement –
   “Cry for Hope: A Call for Decisive Action
   ”http://www.cryforhope.org 

6. Southern Africa,” United Methodist Book of Resolutions, adopted 1988; “Web of Apartheid. South Africa and the destabilization of its neighbors,” United Methodist Book of Resolutions, adopted 1992

Effective Date: June 3, 2023

Co-sponsors:
Rev. Ken Hawes, Clergy, Fairhaven UMC
Rev. Dr. Doris Warrell, BWC
Cynthia Taylor, Laity, Mt. Olive UMC, Randallstown
George Kahl, Laity, Grace UMC Baltimore
Helen L. Doman, Laity, Millian Memorial UMC
James W. Doman, Laity, Millian Memorial UMC
Tracy Collins, Laity, Foundry UMC
Ursula Alao, Laity, Dumbarton UMC
Michael Beard, Laity, Dumbarton UMC
Joan Countryman, Laity, Dumbarton UMC
Joe and Elaine Friebele, Dumbarton UMC
Roger Gilkerson, Laity, Dumbarton UMC
Karl Georgi, Laity, Dumbarton UMC
Rev. Judith L. Birch, Clergy, BWC
E. Virginia Lapham, Laity, Dumbarton UMC
Alan and Jackie Mayers, Laity, Dumbarton UMC
Sarah McKnight, Laity, Dumbarton UMC
Howard Moreland, Laity, Dumbarton UMC
Melinda G. Murray, Laity, Dumbarton UMC
Lorette Picciano, Laity, Dumbarton UMC
James E. Quinn, Laity, Dumbarton UMC
David Cook and Ann Thompson Cook, Laity BWC
Sandy Cheldelin, Laity, Dumbarton UMC
Gene Rice, Laity, Dumbarton UMC
Pam and Greg Thielmann, Laity, Dumbarton UMC 

As per Baltimore-Washington Conference Rule Para. 3006.2.c., this resolution was reviewed by the Conference Secretary and found consistent with the current Book of Discipline. At a Feb. 25 meeting, 53 percent of Connectional Table members voted nonconcurrence with this resolution.

Budgetary Implications: None

Rationale: This resolution provides pastors who are foster/resource parents the ability to focus much needed time and attention on children who come into their care in the very busy and crucial first two weeks of care. This resolution also affirms the importance and value of children who have been traumatized by offering them the opportunity to experience continuous care as trust is built and a relationship with the foster/resource parent is established. 

Submitted by: Rev. Dr. Alicia L. Vanisko

RESOLUTION:

Whereas “but Jesus said, “Let the children come to me, and do not stop them, for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs.’” (Matthew 19:14) and “for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me;” (Matthew 25:35-36)

Whereas Paragraph 355 in the 2016 Book of Discipline allows for maternity leave and paternity leave “for the birth or arrival of a child into the home for purposes of adoption;”

Whereas We affirm the social principle that states, “We lament that in some instances, birth parents are unable or unwilling to fulfill their caregiving obligations. Under these circumstances, we applaud the willingness of extended families and foster and adoptive parents to step in as primary nurturers. Even in these situations, however, we recognize the trauma that may be caused by separating children from their families of origin and urge that such actions be handled justly, sensitively and compassionately.” (pg. 21 of the Revised Social Principles);

Whereas Children entering into foster care do so because of trauma in their lives. They need time to bond with their foster family in order to feel safe;

Whereas The first few weeks of a foster care placement often involve appointments with social workers, doctors, court appointed special advocates (CASA workers), and court appearances as well as family visitation, meetings with school personnel, day care providers, and therapists; and

Whereas Neither the Book of Discipline nor the Baltimore-Washington Annual Conference Policies and Procedures Manual makes a provision for leave for pastors serving as foster parents who receive children into their home; now

Therefore, be it

Resolved, that a provision for two weeks of maternity and paternity leave be given to pastors serving as foster/resource parents (Maryland uses the term “Resource Parent”) when they receive the placement of a new child(ren) so that the foster/resource parents can focus on the immediate needs of the vulnerable and traumatized children placed in their care and begin to establish a relationship of mutual trust with the child(ren).

Effective date: July 1, 2023

As per Baltimore-Washington Conference Rule Para. 3006.2.c., this resolution was reviewed by the Conference Secretary and found consistent with the current Book of Discipline. At a Feb. 25 meeting, 62 percent of Connectional Table members voted concurrence with this resolution.

Budget Implications: None

Rationale: The Book of Discipline ¶ 140 states, “Inclusiveness means openness, acceptance, and support that enables all persons to participate in the life of the Church, the community, and the world; therefore, inclusiveness denies every semblance of discrimination.” LGBTQIA+ people are among the members faithfully serving the Baltimore-Washington Conference in many capacities and supporting its work with their prayers, their presence, their gifts, and their service and providing leadership throughout our connection. LGBTQIA+ people should be able to be fully included in the life of the Church without having to hide the light of who they are.

Submitted by: Ann Brown, BWC member, Foundry UMC

RESOLUTION:

Whereas in a groundswell response to the passage of harmful legislation at the 2019 Special Session of General Conference, Annual Conferences elected queer clergy and lay persons to be General and Jurisdictional Delegates in record numbers, for the first time empowering queer delegates to speak and act from our diverse experiences;

Whereas the 2019 Special Session of the United Methodist General Conference passed the Traditional Plan, which increased penalties for United Methodists clergy who are LGBTQIA+ and for clergy who support the LGBTQIA+ community through officiating their weddings;

Whereas in an attempt to address the divide within The United Methodist Church, an abeyance or moratorium was proposed to the General Conference, referenced below,^[1] by the authors of the Protocol of Reconciliation and Grace through Separation;

Whereas we understand our call and responsibility as United Methodists to do good, do no harm, and stay in love with God;

Whereas we call straight and cisgender allies to do good by using their voice and vote to support, empower, and amplify the voices of the LGBTQIA+ community in The United Methodist Church; and

Whereas 46 queer General and Jurisdictional Conference delegates from across all five jurisdictions wrote the original resolution, which was historically adopted at all five jurisdictional conferences in November 2022;^[2] now

Therefore, be it 

Resolved, that the Baltimore-Washington Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church: 

1. Supports and amplifies the queer delegates’ call to justice and empowerment for the LGBTQIA+ community throughout the Baltimore-Washington Annual Conference, within and beyond our local churches, districts, departments, centers, and committees;
2. Affirms the spirit of the abeyance or moratorium as proposed to the General Conference, as referenced above, until changes can be made in The United Methodist Book of Discipline;
3. Implores our Annual Conference to either not pursue (i.e., hold in abeyance) or resolve in a timely fashion through a non-punitive, just resolution process any complaints against clergy regarding their sexual orientation or the officiating of weddings of LGBTQIA+ persons;
4. Aspires to become a United Methodist Church in which LGBTQIA+ people will be protected, affirmed, and empowered throughout our life, mission, and ministry together.

Effective Date: Immediately upon passage of the resolution

As per Baltimore-Washington Conference Rule Para. 3006.2.c., this resolution was reviewed by the Conference Secretary and found consistent with the current Book of Discipline. At a Feb. 25 meeting, 75 percent of Connectional Table members voted concurrence with this resolution.

[1] The queer delegates chose to describe themselves using the umbrella term “queer,” but refer to the broader community of persons with the LGBTQIA+ acronym.

[2] “Effective immediately upon adjournment of the 2020 General Conference, no complaint proceedings (including, without limitation, a bishop’s supervisory response, suspension proceedings, attempts to achieve a just resolution, or referral of a complaint) shall be initiated, and all current or pending complaint proceedings shall be suspended, insofar as the alleged Book of Discipline violation asserted in the complaint is that the respondent is a ‘self-avowed practicing homosexual’ (however that term may be defined, including, without limitation, living in a same-gender marriage, domestic partnership or civil union); that the respondent has conducted, officiated, performed, celebrated, or blessed a same-gender wedding or other same-gender union; that the respondent has certified, licensed, commissioned, ordained, consecrated, or appointed a ‘self-avowed practicing homosexual’; that the respondent has provided ‘funds to any gay caucus or group’ or used funds ‘to promote the acceptance of homosexuality’; or that the respondent has otherwise engaged in conduct that The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church currently states is ‘incompatible with Christian teaching’ as it pertains to LGBTQ relationships. This moratorium on all new and pending complaint proceedings concerning human sexuality provisions applies not only to charges that are explicitly based on ¶ 2702.1b, but also to any charge that the same alleged underlying conduct constitutes a chargeable offense under any other provision of the Discipline, including (without limitation) ‘immorality’ under ¶ 2702.1a; ‘disobedience to the order and discipline of The United Methodist Church’ under ¶ 2702.1d; and ‘dissemination of doctrines contrary to the established standards of doctrine of The United Methodist Church’ under ¶ 2702.1e. This moratorium is inclusive of charges related to the following paragraphs: ¶ 161, ¶ 304.3, ¶ 310.2, ¶ 341.6, ¶ 613.19, ¶ 806.9, and ¶ 2702.1b. This moratorium does not apply to charges under any of these provisions in which the underlying alleged actions address a different subject matter, including but not limited to sexual misconduct, sexual abuse, and sexual harassment. This moratorium shall remain in effect until the close of the first General Conference of The United Methodist Church after other denominations separate. Any complaints pertaining to this paragraph filed during this period shall be held in abeyance, and no time limits shall commence until the above-referenced General Conference has concluded.” - From the Protocol of Reconciliation and Grace through Separation

[3] The Northeastern Jurisdictional Conference resolution is available at https://nejumc.org/pdf/NEJ%20DCA%20October%2031.pdf.  

Budgetary Implications: None

Rationale: Much misinformation has been circulating about The United Methodist Church, whether local churches need to take a vote to stay or disaffiliate and as hard as the BWAC tries to communicate and educate the reality of our denominational challenge, this information is not being received and processed. Our connectional relationship has certainly suffered during physical distancing during Covid and a more direct approach is needed with the assistance of our District Superintendents.

Submitted by: Rev. Debbie Scott, Elder Lovely Lane UMC, Ann Brown, Foundry UMC

RESOLUTION:

Whereas paragraph 53, Article IX of the Book of Discipline (BOD) states: ”In Each annual conference there shall be one or more district superintendents who shall assist the bishop in the administration of the annual conference and shall have such responsibilities and terms of office as the General Conference may determine;”

Whereas paragraph 419 in the BOD says “As an extension of the office of bishop, the district superintendent shall oversee the total ministry of the clergy….and of the churches in the communities of the district in their missions of witness and service in the world;”

Whereas paragraph 419.4 says “The superintendent shall establish working relationships with staff/pastor-parish relations committee, clergy, district lay leaders…Through the use of charge conferences (246.4-5), congregational studies (213) and other gatherings, the superintendent shall seek to form creative and effective connections with the local congregations on his or her district;”

Whereas paragraph 246.5 says, “The district superintendent shall preside at the meetings of the charge conference or may designate an elder to preside;”

Whereas these are very difficult and challenging times leading to the Dec. 31, 2023 deadline for paragraph 2553 Disaffiliation from the United Methodist Church over human sexuality;

Whereas there has been much misinformation distributed to local churches making decisions about staying or leaving our denomination;

Whereas this needs to be an opportunity to strengthen our connectional relationships. Charge conferences can and should be more than a check list; and

Whereas the time leading to the delayed 2020 General Conference scheduled for May, 2024 and the period following the decisions of the 2020 General Conference will have broad implications for the future of the United Methodist Church and each local church in the Baltimore Washington Annual Conference; now

Therefore, be it

Resolved, that for the calendar years 2023-2025, the appointed district superintendents will aspire to preside at each local church charge conference in the district they are responsible for or find another intentional time to be present and in person(or zoom) to “creatively and effectively” have intentional conversations about the state of the local church, the pastor and their shared ministry; and

Be it further Resolved, that to help make this possible, other duties and responsibilities that are assigned to appointed district superintendents will hopefully be reduced during this time period to ensure these creative and effective connections with all local churches and clergy.

Effective date: Immediately

As per Baltimore-Washington Conference Rule Para. 3006.2.c., this resolution was reviewed by the Conference Secretary and found inconsistent with BOD paragraphs 246.4, 246.5, 246.10, and 419 (especially 419.12). As written, the first “Be it Resolved” statement directs appointed District Superintendents to preside at Charge Conferences; however, the relevant BOD paragraphs (especially 246.5) give the District Superintendent the authority to designate another elder to preside and 419 grants the Bishop authority over the work of the District Superintendent. An Annual Conference cannot abrogate these authorities through its own rules; only the General Conference can make such changes.  After a change in language by the presenters of the resolution that made it aspirational rather than directive, the Conference Secretary found it consistent with the current Book of Discipline.  
At a Feb. 25 meeting, with the new language inserted into the resolution, 63 percent of Connectional Table members voted nonconcurrence with this resolution.

Budgetary Implications: None

Rationale: To ensure all nominated, elected and participating clergy and laity serving our Conference, District, Local Church and General Church are doing so with integrity working toward the future of the United Methodist Church.

Submitted by: Rev. Debbie Scott, Elder Lovely Lane UMC and Ann Brown, Foundry UMC

RESOLUTION:

Whereas the vibrant future of The United Methodist Church requires deep commitment and faithful leadership at every level;

Whereas grounded in a sense of duty and loyalty to the mission of the church, leaders are counted on and expected to make decisions about the future of The United Methodist Church with the absolute best interest of Christ’s church at heart;

Whereas the selection, election, and appointment of clergy and lay leaders throughout The United Methodist Church includes the implicit understanding that leaders will ethically serve in each of their leadership roles with the utmost integrity;

Whereas the Book of Discipline has proscribed steps for congregations and clergy to leave the United Methodist Church;

Whereas these steps include discussions, negotiations, and decisions of various Annual Conference bodies for separation;

Whereas such decisions should be made with full transparency and integrity of those involved;

Whereas Annual Conference Committees & District Committees, Boards, Agencies, Delegations make decisions impacting the future vitality of the domination;

Whereas such decisions should be made by those committed to the continuance and long-term vibrant future of the United Methodist Church; and

Whereas in November of 2022, and in historic fashion, a resolution in support of leading with integrity was adopted at all five Jurisdictional Conferences; now

Therefore, be it

Resolved, that the 2023 Baltimore-Washington Annual Conference request that the Bishop and Cabinet make inquiry of all persons on District and Annual Conference Committees, Boards, and Agencies as to their intention to remain in the United Methodist Church;

Be it further Resolved, that any persons that express an interest in leaving the United Methodist Church be asked to resign from their leadership roles on any District and Annual Conference Committees, Boards, and Agencies;

Be it further Resolved, that the Bishop and Cabinet shall report to the 2024 Baltimore-Washington Annual Conference the number of persons who expressed an intention to leave the denomination that were in leadership roles on District and Annual Conference Committees, Boards, and Agencies and the number of those persons, as requested by this resolution, stepped down from those roles; and

Be it further Resolved, that all appointed pastors in their role as Chair of the Lay Leadership Committee, make similar inquiries in their local churches and take the same action.

Effective date: Immediately

As per Baltimore-Washington Conference Rule Para. 3006.2.c., this resolution was reviewed by the Conference Secretary and found inconsistent with BOD paragraphs 251, 252.5, and 258 (specifically 258.2), in that the resolution adds requirements for participation in church leadership that is not part of the BOD and usurps the authority of the Committee on Nominations and Leadership Development. An Annual Conference cannot abrogate make such changes or these authorities through its own rules; only the General Conference can make such changes. At a Feb. 25 meeting, 67 percent of Connectional Table members voted nonconcurrence with this resolution.

Budget Implications: None

Rationale: To celebrate the breath and width of the United Methodist Church in very different geographical and cultural settings, Regional Conferences in the United States and across the Globe would affirm the many possibilities of transforming the world by making disciples of Jesus Christ.

Submitted by: Rev. Debbie Scott and Bryant Oskvig, Co-Chairs BWARM Advocacy

RESOLUTION:

Whereas the seven Central Conferences and five U.S. Jurisdictions of The United Methodist Church engage in mission together in 136 countries;

Whereas the connectional ties between the church in the United States and the Central Conferences are significant and vital to the continued mission and ministry of the worldwide United Methodist Church;

Whereas the existing structure of The United Methodist Church at the general church level has historically impeded each region from effectively tailoring its ministry to its specific contexts;

Whereas the existing structure of The United Methodist Church at the general church level diminishes our ability to be a vital and effective church and needs to be re-envisioned to achieve more fair and equitable church governance;

Whereas the creation of a U.S. Regional Conference and the conversion of the Central Conferences to Regional Conferences, as outlined in the Christmas Covenant, developed by Central Conference leaders in Africa and the Philippines, would establish structural parity throughout the worldwide church;

Whereas the creation of a U.S. Regional Conference, as outlined in legislation put forward by the Connectional Table will establish the governance necessary to allow each region to design ministry for its particular contexts, and thus more effectively make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world;

Whereas the Baltimore Washington Annual Conference aspires to vital, thriving, multicultural, and diverse ministries that are open to all people and can be a beacon of hope for the worldwide United Methodist Church; and

Whereas in November of 2022, and in historic fashion, a resolution in support of a U.S. Regional Conference was adopted at all five Jurisdictional Conferences; now

Therefore, be it

Resolved, that the Baltimore Washington Annual Conference supports the expressed intents of the Christmas Covenant and Connectional Table legislation, including the creation of Regional Conferences in Africa, Europe, the Philippines, and the U.S., respectively;

Be it further Resolved, that the Baltimore Washington Annual Conference recognizes and supports the leadership of our Central Conferences in the creation and furtherance of the Christmas Covenant as well the Connectional Table’s future visioning on behalf of our worldwide fellowship;

Be it further Resolved, that the Baltimore Washington Annual Conference urges the Council of Bishops to expedite the process of voting on the constitutional amendments necessary to enact the regional conferences legislation, calling special sessions of annual conferences where necessary;

Be it further Resolved, that in line with the intent of the non-disciplinary petition submitted by the Connectional Table, the Baltimore Washington Annual Conference requests the Council of Bishops to immediately appoint a 20-25 member Interim Committee on Organization for a US Regional Conference to develop and propose to the 2024 general conference the structure and organization of a US Regional Conference. In line with the CT’s legislation, this body would organize and plan for the establishment and functioning of a new United States Regional Conference comprising the five jurisdictions of the United States. Committee membership should have a minimum of 3 members of each US jurisdiction, 3 central conference members and shall meet standards of racial and gender diversity. The Committee should recommend a structure for the US Regional Conference including considerations such as its membership, committee structure, meeting time, agency, and function; and

Be it further Resolved, that the Baltimore Washington Annual Conference secretary shall send copies of this resolution to all delegates to General and Jurisdictional Conferences, including alternates, to the Commission on the General Conference, and to the Council of Bishops. 

Effective date: Immediately

As per Baltimore-Washington Conference Rule Para. 3006.2.c., this resolution was reviewed by the Conference Secretary and found consistent with the current Book of Discipline.  At a Feb. 25 meeting, 84 percent of Connectional Table members voted concurrence with this resolution.

Budgetary Implications: None

Rationale: We are all God’s children and as such we would hope that the United Methodist Church would broaden its welcome so all feel safe and part of this large circle. Removal of discriminatory policies will help this become a reality.

Submitted by: Rev. Debbie Scott and Rev. Bryant Oskvig, Co-Chairs BWARM Advocacy

RESOLUTION:

Whereas a more diverse and fully welcoming UMC is a testament to a more complete image of God, which includes persons of all sexual orientations and gender identities;

Whereas a more diverse and fully welcoming UMC allows all United Methodists to offer their prayers, presence, gifts, service and witness, as followers of Jesus, to further Christ’s mission;

Whereas by the power of the Holy Spirit, God calls and includes all persons into the life and leadership of the Church, transcending the limitations of human categorization;

Whereas the current language in the Book of Discipline places limits on Christ’s teaching and example of God’s universal love;

Whereas the current language in the Book of Discipline falls short of embodying the spirit of John Wesley’s simple rules to do no harm, do all the good we can, and love God; and

Whereas legislative changes to the Book of Discipline would reduce barriers and allow movement toward wider diversity and inclusion in our United Methodist Church; now

Therefore, be it

Resolved, that the Baltimore Washington Annual Conference supports the removal of all discriminatory policies and harmful language related to sexual orientation, and urges delegates to adopt the following petitions; petitions already submitted and that will be before the voting body of the next General Conference:

Petition No: 20730-CB-¶161-G;
Entitled: Revised Social Principles-161 and 162
ADCA Vol 2, Sec 1, Page 208
Summary: Removes the statement that affirms marriage as only between “one man and one woman.” Removes the statement that only affirms “heterosexual” marriage. Removes, “The UMC does not condone the practice of homosexuality and considers this practice incompatible with Christian teaching.”   

Petition No: 20177-FO-¶304.3
Entitled: A Simple Plan #3
ADCA Vol 2, Sec 2, Page 624
Summary: Removes ¶304.3 which states, “self-avowed practicing homosexuals are not to be certified as candidates, ordained as ministers, or appointed to serve in The United Methodist Church.” Also removes the corresponding footnote stating that “self-avowed practicing homosexual is understood to mean that a person openly acknowledges to a bishop, district superintendent, district committee of ordained ministry, Board of Ordained Ministry, or clergy session that the person is a practicing homosexual; or is living in a same-sex marriage, domestic partnership or civil union, or is a person who publicly states she or he is a practicing homosexual.”

Petition No: 20469-OM-¶341.6
Entitled: A Simple Plan #5
ADCA Vol 2, Sec 2, Page 1041
Summary: Removes ¶341.6, which states (under unauthorized conduct), “ceremonies that celebrate homosexual unions shall not be conducted by our ministers and shall not be conducted in our churches.” 

Petition No: 20181-FA-¶613-G
Entitled: A Fully Inclusive Way Forward-Part 6 of 8
ADCA Vol 2, Sec 1, Page 504
Summary: Removes ¶613.19, which prohibits annual conferences from giving “United Methodist funds to any gay caucus or group, or otherwise use such funds to promote the acceptance of homosexuality. 

Petition No: 20190-FA-¶806-G
Entitled: A Fully Inclusive Way Forward-Part 7 of 8
ADCA Vol 2, Sec 1, Page 508
Summary: Removes ¶806.9, which tasks GCFA with “ensuring that no board, agency, committee, commission, or council gives United Methodist funds to any gay caucus or group . . . “

Petition No: 20304-HS-¶415.6-G
Entitled: Next Generation UMC #11—Amend Episcopal Responsibilities
ADCA Vol 2, Sec 2, Page 977
Summary: Removes statements prohibiting bishops from commissioning, ordaining, or consecrating persons determined to be “self-avowed practicing homosexuals.”  

Petition No: 20387-JA-¶2711.3-G
Entitled: Next Generation UMC #22—Penalties
ADCA Vol 2, Sec 2, Page 933
Summary: Removes predetermined, mandatory minimum penalties for clergy who officiate same sex weddings. 

Petition Number: 20365-JA-¶2702.1-G
Entitled: Next Generation UMC #21 - Chargeable Offenses
ADCA Vol 2, Sec 2, Page 924
Summary: Removes chargeable offenses that target “self-avowed practicing homosexuals” and clergy who conduct same-sex weddings.  

Petition No: 20420-OM-¶310.2d-G
Entitled: A Simple Plan #4
ADCA Vol 2, Sec 2, Page 1022
Summary: Removes statements from Footnote 3 that repeat phrases being removed from other paragraphs in the BOD; and 

Be it further Resolved, that the Baltimore Washington Annual Conference secretary shall send copies of this resolution to: all General and Jurisdictional Conference delegates and alternates, the Commission on General Conference; and the Council of Bishops. 

Effective date: Immediately

As per Baltimore-Washington Conference Rule Para. 3006.2.c., this resolution was reviewed by the Conference Secretary and found consistent with the current Book of Discipline.  At a Feb. 25 meeting, 81 percent of Connectional Table members voted concurrence with this resolution.

Budgetary Implications: None

Rationale: Clarification for those churches who disaffiliate from the United Methodist Church and want to return in the future.

Submitted by: Rev. Debbie Scott and Rev. Bryant Oskvig, Advocacy Co-Chairs BWARM

RESOLUTION:

Whereas the 2019 Special Session of the General Conference of the UMC adopted paragraph 2553 Disaffiliation of a Local Church Over Issues Related to Human Sexuality (see full text below);

Whereas this paragraph cannot be used after Dec. 31, 2023; and

Whereas local churches who have exercised this onetime disaffiliation clause and have completed all requirements and payments; now

Therefore, be it

Resolved, that until new language is written by General Conference for the Book of Discipline, that at any future date a disaffiliated congregation reconsiders their decision and would like to return to The United Methodist Church and the BWAC, they would follow Book of Discipline Section VII. The Method of Organizing a New Church paragraph 259.

Effective date: Immediately

As per Baltimore-Washington Conference Rule Para. 3006.2.c., this resolution was reviewed by the Conference Secretary and found consistent with the current Book of Discipline.  At a Feb. 25 meeting, 84 percent of Connectional Table members voted concurrence with this resolution.

****2553. Disaffiliation of a Local Church Over Issues Related to Human Sexuality

1. Because of the current deep conflict within The United Methodist Church around issues of human sexuality, a local church shall have a limited right, under the provisions of this paragraph, to disaffiliate from the denomination for reasons of conscience regarding a change in the requirements and provisions of the Book of Discipline related to the practice of homosexuality or the ordination or marriage of self-avowed practicing homosexuals as resolved and adopted by the 2019 General Conference, or the actions or inactions of its annual conference related to these issues which follow.
2. Time Limits - The choice by a local church to disaffiliate with The United Methodist Church under this paragraph shall be made in sufficient time for the process for exiting the denomination to be complete prior to December 31, 2023. The provisions of ¶ 2553 expire on December 31, 2023 and shall not be used after that date.
3. Decision Making Process - The church conference shall be conducted in accordance with ¶ 248 and shall be held within one hundred twenty (120) days after the district superintendent calls for the church conference. In addition to the provisions of ¶ 246.8, special attention shall be made to give broad notice to the full professing membership of the local church regarding the time and place of a church conference called for this purpose and to use all means necessary, including electronic communication where possible, to communicate. The decision to disaffiliate from The United Methodist Church must be approved by a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of the professing members of the local church present at the church conference. 

4. Process Following Decision to Disaffiliate from The United Methodist Church - If the church conference votes to disaffiliate from The United Methodist Church, the terms and conditions for that disaffiliation shall be established by the board of trustees of the applicable annual conference, with the advice of the cabinet, the annual conference treasurer, the annual conference benefits officer, the director of connectional ministries, and the annual conference chancellor. The terms and conditions, including the effective date of disaffiliation, shall be memorialized in a binding Disaffiliation Agreement between the annual conference and the trustees of the local church, acting on behalf of the members. That agreement must be consistent with the following provisions:

• a) Standard Terms of the Disaffiliation Agreement. - The General Council on Finance and Administration shall develop a standard form for Disaffiliation Agreements under this paragraph to protect The United Methodist Church as set forth in ¶ 807.9. The agreement shall include a recognition of the validity and applicability of ¶ 2501, notwithstanding the release of property therefrom. Annual conferences may develop additional standard terms that are not inconsistent with the standard form of this paragraph.
• b) Apportionments - The local church shall pay any unpaid apportionments for the 12 months prior to disaffiliation, as well as an additional 12 months of apportionments.
• c) Property - A disaffiliating local church shall have the right to retain its real and personal, tangible and intangible property. All transfers of property shall be made prior to disaffiliation. All costs for transfer of title or other legal work shall be borne by the disaffiliating local church.
• d) Pension Liabilities - The local church shall contribute withdrawal liability in an amount equal to its pro rata share of any aggregate unfunded pension obligations to the annual conference. The General Board of Pension and Health Benefits shall determine the aggregate funding obligations of the annual conference using market factors similar to a commercial annuity provider, from which the annual conference will determine the local church’s share.
• e) Other Liabilities - The local church shall satisfy all other debts, loans, and liabilities, or assign and transfer them to its new entity, prior to disaffiliation.
• f) Payment Terms - Payment shall occur prior to the effective date of departure.
• g) Disaffiliating Churches Continuing as Plan Sponsors of the General Board of Pension and Health Benefits Plans - The United Methodist Church believes that a local church disaffiliating under ¶2553 shall continue to share common religious bonds and convictions with The United Methodist Church based on shared Wesleyan theology and tradition and Methodist roots, unless the local church expressly resolves to the contrary. As such, a local church disaffiliating under ¶ 2553 shall continue to be eligible to sponsor voluntary employee benefit plans through the General Board of Pension and Health Benefits under ¶ 1504.2, subject to the applicable terms and conditions of the plans.
• h) Once the disaffiliating local church has reimbursed the applicable annual conference for all funds due under the agreement, and provided that there are no other outstanding liabilities or claims against The United Methodist Church as a result of the disaffiliation, in consideration of the provisions of this paragraph, the applicable annual conference shall release any claims that it may have under ¶ 2501 and other paragraphs of The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church commonly referred to as the trust clause, or under the agreement.

From The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church - 2019 Addendum. © 2019 by The United Methodist Publishing House.