2026 Resolutions

At the 2026 Session of the Baltimore-Washington Conference, members will consider these resolutions:

Title: Fossil Fuel Divestment and A Just Transition for Creation Care

Subject: Fossil Fuel Divestment and A Just Transition for Creation Care

Budget Implications: In our view, this action would have no financial impact on the BWC or the Conference’s operating budget. Conference investments will simply be realigned within existing assets and authorities as divestment and reinvestment actions are carried out, thereby reducing exposure to a product that causes significant harm and can now be replaced with clean energy alternatives.

Rationale: The Baltimore-Washington Conference will more faithfully align its financial practices with the Social Principles and the Book of Discipline, join a growing body of faith communities divesting from fossil fuels, and bear public witness to climate justice and care for God’s creation.

Submitted by: Baltimore-Washington Creation Care Team

RESOLUTION

Whereas “all creation is the Lord’s, and we are responsible for how we use and abuse it,” and “water, air, soil, minerals, energy resources, plants, animal life, and space are to be valued and conserved because they are God’s creation and not solely because they are useful to human beings,” as affirmed in the Social Principles¹;

Whereas the Social Principles declare that God has entrusted humanity with stewardship of creation, calling the Church to protect the integrity, balance, and health of the natural world²;

Whereas the Social Principles further state that rampant industrialization and the corresponding increase in the use of fossil fuels have led to a buildup of pollutants in the atmosphere, that greenhouse gas emissions threaten to alter dramatically the earth’s climate for generations to come, and that the adverse impacts of global climate change fall disproportionately on individuals and nations least responsible for the emissions³;

Whereas for decades, The United Methodist Church has acknowledged the risks of fossil fuel dependence in its Energy Policy Statement and in resolutions urging conservation, efficiency, and a rapid transition to sustainable energy⁵;

Whereas scientific assessments indicate that any effective strategy to address climate change requires keeping a significant portion of remaining fossil-fuel reserves in the ground rather than burning them, and that roughly 80 percent of known fossil fuel reserves must remain unburned to avoid catastrophic warming⁶;

Whereas the extraction, processing, and burning of coal, oil, and natural gas accelerate climate disruption, intensify extreme weather events, degrade air and water quality, and cause direct harm to workers and communities, especially those living on or near extraction and industrial sites⁷;

Whereas United Methodists live and serve on the front lines of climate-related disasters—hurricanes, typhoons, floods, droughts, wildfires, and sea-level rise—that exacerbate hunger, disease, displacement, and poverty, undermining the Church’s ministries with the most vulnerable, including children and youth⁸;

Whereas the Book of Discipline instructs the Church to make a conscious effort to invest in institutions, companies, corporations, or funds whose practices are consistent with the goals outlined in the Social Principles and to avoid investments that undermine those goals, including those that contribute to environmental degradation and injustice⁹;

Whereas the Book of Resolutions on Socially Responsible Investing Strategies calls United Methodists to use portfolio screening so that Church investments do not derive significant revenue from products and practices contrary to long-standing United Methodist values¹⁰;

Whereas United Methodist-related entities manage substantial assets on behalf of clergy, laity, agencies, and institutions, and current portfolios include significant holdings in fossil fuel companies whose core business model depends on continued large-scale extraction and combustion of coal, oil, and natural gas¹¹;

Whereas while shareholder advocacy has a role, it cannot, by itself, alter the core business model of fossil fuel companies, whose economic success depends upon producing and selling the very fuels that must remain unburned to prevent catastrophic climate change¹²;

Whereas the Social Principles call United Methodists to stand with those most harmed by climate injustice and environmental racism, including low-income communities, communities of color, Indigenous peoples, and small island and coastal nations⁴;

Whereas the Baltimore-Washington Conference Creation Care Team has articulated objectives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, promote renewable energy and efficiency, advocate for just climate policy, and align Conference practices—including investment practices—with a faithful response to the climate emergency¹³; and

Whereas we can invest in alternatives—companies and funds that support renewable energy, energy efficiency, sustainable infrastructure, and community resilience—thus contributing to a just transition toward a truly sustainable global economy and bearing hopeful, practical witness to the Gospel¹⁴; now

Therefore, be it

Resolved, that the Baltimore-Washington Conference of The United Methodist Church affirms the theological and ethical imperative, grounded in the Book of Discipline and the Social Principles, to end our complicity in the fossil fuel economy and to pursue investment practices that advance climate justice, creation care, and the flourishing of all God’s people¹⁵; and

Be it Further Resolved, that the Baltimore-Washington Conference, through its Council on Finance and Administration, Board of Trustees, Conference Board of Pensions (or equivalent), and any related foundations or agencies under its authority, shall:

Identify all investments in their portfolios whose core business involves the ownership of reserves and or production of coal, petroleum or natural gas and immediately cease any new direct investment in companies or commingled funds whose core business activity involves the production of coal, oil, or natural gas, with “core business activity” defined as deriving 10 percent or more of revenue from the extraction, production, or refining of fossil fuels¹⁶; and

Reinvest funds divested from fossil fuel companies into investments that support climate solutions and a just transition, including but not limited to renewable energy, energy efficiency, sustainable and affordable housing, community development finance, and other vehicles that foster resilient, low-carbon communities¹⁷; and

Within three years of the close of the 2026 Annual Conference, ensure that none of the Conference’s directly held or commingled assets include holdings in public equities or corporate bonds of fossil fuel companies as determined by widely recognized fossil fuel industry lists and screens¹⁸; and

Provide at least annual public progress reports to the Baltimore-Washington Conference, detailing steps taken toward fossil fuel divestment, remaining exposure, and reinvestment in climate solutions, with the first report due no later than one year after the close of the 2026 Annual Conference¹⁹; and

Be it Further Resoled, that the Baltimore-Washington Conference, inspired by the hope of the Gospel and the call to love God, neighbor, and creation, commits itself—spiritually, financially, and publicly—to walk in covenant with God’s creation, to reject profiting from practices that threaten the habitability of the earth, and to bear courageous witness for a fossil-free, just, and life-giving future for all God’s children²⁰.

Effective Date: May 27, 2026

Co-Sponsors: Rev. Stacy Cole Wilson, CLM Kim Marie Walker, Cynthia Taylor

1. The United Methodist Church, Social Principles, 2020/2024, section “The Natural World,” affirming that “all creation is the Lord’s” and that natural resources are to be valued and conserved as God’s creation.

2. Social Principles, 2020/2024, “The Natural World,” paragraphs describing humanity’s responsibility for stewardship of creation and the call to protect the integrity, balance, and health of the natural world.

3. Social Principles, 2020/2024, “The Natural World,” climate‑related paragraphs addressing industrialization, increased fossil fuel use, greenhouse gas emissions, and their disproportionate impact on those least responsible.

4. Social Principles, 2020/2024, sections on environmental justice and racial justice, calling United Methodists to stand with communities most harmed by environmental racism and climate injustice, including low‑income communities, communities of color, Indigenous peoples, and small island and coastal nations.

5. Book of Resolutions of The United Methodist Church, 2020/2024, Energy Policy Statement and related climate and energy resolutions urging conservation, efficiency, and a rapid transition away from fossil fuels toward sustainable energy.

6. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) reports and related peer‑reviewed climate science indicating that a large portion of known fossil fuel reserves must remain unburned to limit catastrophic global warming.

7. Major scientific and public health assessments documenting how the extraction, processing, and combustion of coal, oil, and natural gas degrade air and water quality and cause direct harm to workers and nearby communities.

8. Social Principles, 2020/2024, “The Natural World” and sections on global justice and disaster response, alongside United Methodist experience responding to hurricanes, floods, droughts, wildfires, and other climate‑related disasters impacting vulnerable populations.

9. The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church, 2020/2024, paragraph on socially responsible investing in the “Stewardship of Our Resources” section, instructing the Church to invest in ways consistent with the Social Principles and to avoid investments that contribute to environmental degradation and injustice.

10. Book of Resolutions, 2020/2024, “Socially Responsible Investing Strategies,” calling for portfolio screening so that United Methodist investments do not derive significant revenue from products and practices contrary to long‑standing United Methodist values.

11. Reports and statements from United Methodist‑related boards, pension funds, and foundations describing the scope and composition of assets managed on behalf of clergy, laity, agencies, and institutions, including exposure to fossil fuel companies.

12. Analyses by faith‑based and values‑aligned investment organizations highlighting the limits of shareholder advocacy in changing fossil fuel companies’ core business models, which depend on continued large‑scale extraction and combustion of coal, oil, and gas.

13. Baltimore‑Washington Conference Creation Care Team ministry statements outlining objectives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, promote renewable energy and efficiency, advocate for just climate policy, and align Conference practices—including investments—with faithful creation care.

14. Examples from faith‑based and socially responsible investors who have shifted from fossil fuel holdings to investments in renewable energy, energy efficiency, sustainable infrastructure, and community resilience as part of a just transition strategy.

15. The Book of Discipline, 2020/2024, doctrinal standards and the theological task, together with the Social Principles, 2020/2024, “The Natural World,” and scriptural foundations such as Genesis 1–2; Psalms 24 and 104; and Matthew 22:37–40, which undergird the Church’s theological and ethical imperative to care for creation and pursue climate justice.

16. Denominational guidance on socially responsible investment screens used by United Methodist and other church‑related boards and foundations, which commonly define “core business” in fossil fuels by minimum revenue thresholds (for example, 10 percent or more of revenue from extraction, production, or refining).

17. United Methodist and ecumenical investment guidelines encouraging positive or “impact” investing that advances climate solutions and a just transition, including renewable energy, energy efficiency, affordable and sustainable housing, community development finance, and other investments that foster resilient, low‑carbon communities.

18. Fossil fuel industry lists and screens widely used by values‑based investors (for example, indices or exclusion lists that identify companies whose primary business is the extraction, production, or refining of coal, oil, or natural gas), which can be employed to ensure that Conference portfolios are free of such holdings.

19. Baltimore‑Washington Conference practices and wider denominational expectations for transparent reporting on financial and justice‑related commitments, including annual updates on implementation, remaining exposure, and progress toward stated goals.

20. The Book of Discipline, 2020/2024, doctrinal and ethical teachings on creation, neighbor love, and economic justice, together with biblical texts such as Genesis 1–2; Psalms 24 and 104; and Matthew 22:37–40, which call the Church to walk in covenant with God’s creation, reject profiting from harm to the earth and neighbors, and bear courageous public witness for a just, life‑giving future.

As per Baltimore-Washington Conference Rule Para. 3006.2.d., this resolution was reviewed by the Conference Secretary and found consistent with the current Book of Discipline.

The Connectional Table voted for concurrence with this resolution.

Title: Faith in Action

Budget Implications: No Financial Implications

Rationale: All of us are affected by tensions in the world in which we find ourselves, living in a country that came into being alongside the denomination of which we are a part, built on an ideal that, although not perfected over its 250 year history, we continue to support as a beacon of democracy in a troubled world, welcoming “your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free” (“The New Colossus”, Emma Lazarus, 1883) and a nation that embraced diversity as President Jimmy Carter put it, “We have become not a melting pot but a beautiful mosaic. Different people, different beliefs, different yearnings, different hopes, and different dreams.” We seek to live faithfully, but not ignorant of the challenges to our national ideals, and to respond as we are able to the circumstances we encounter, whether as individuals, as local churches, or as an Annual Conference.

Upon the recent death of Rev. Jesse Jackson, our Bishop, LaTrelle Easterling, a recipient of the Rainbow Push Trombone Award for Faith in Action, shared that, “The world lost a dedicated servant leader who tirelessly fought for justice, equality and civil rights.” This resolution is a call to take up the mantel of those servant leaders we have lost, Susan B. Anthony, John Lewis, Jimmy Carter, Jesse Jackson, Helen Ryde (RMN), Harvey Milk to name a few, so that we may live our faith in action.

Submitted by:
Rev. Ken Hawes, Convenor MFSA, Rev. Debbie Scott, Advocacy Chair BWARM

RESOLUTION:

Whereas we find ourselves living in heightened chaos, danger, bigotry, racism and outright hate, which targets especially immigrants and the LGBQT+ community, but also any vulnerable community;

Whereas we are watching history literally being erased and “whitewashed” and resources withdrawn from cherished institutions;

Whereas science is being dismissed (vaccines, climate warming, environmental protections, etc.);

Whereas our siblings, neighbors, friends and colleagues are being killed, arrested, sent to detention centers and deported without due process;

Whereas the very ideals of these United States are being challenged;

Whereas the founder of the Methodist movement , Rev. John Wesley, challenged us to do no harm, while silence in the face of injustice is tantamount to harm; and

Whereas the new vision statement of the United Methodist Church charges us to “form disciples of Jesus Christ who, empowered by the Holy Spirit, love boldly, serve joyfully, and lead courageously in local communities and worldwide connections”; now

Therefore, be it

Resolved, that following our United Methodist Baptismal Vows, we each actively resist evil, injustice and oppression in whatever forms they present themselves and that we model, in the face of hateful words and actions, that the only thing more powerful than hate is love;

Be it Further Resolved, that individually, as faithful churches, communities, and as the Baltimore Washington Annual Conference, we will use our voices, hearts, and resources to be mindful, that resistance to hatred and injustice must begin with us; and

Be it Further Resolved, that each leadership group within the BWC Annual Conference and each local church sets aside a portion of each meeting to reflect upon the individual phrases and the overall challenge of our Baptismal Vows and denominational Vision Statement, with a desire to embody those ideals within the life of the Baltimore Washington Annual Conference, its boards, agencies and committees and within each local church.

Effective Date: June 1, 2026

As per Baltimore-Washington Conference Rule Para. 3006.2.d., this resolution was reviewed by the Conference Secretary and found consistent with the current Book of Discipline.

The Connectional Table voted for concurrence with this resolution.

Title: Resolution to Revamp the Pastor’s Evaluation Form

Budget Implications: None

Rationale: The current Pastor Evaluation Tool, while well-intended, contains structural and conceptual limitations that hinder its effectiveness as a tool for growth, encouragement, and shared accountability. The following concerns necessitate a revision of the evaluation process:

1. Overemphasis on Negativity

The existing evaluation framework disproportionately emphasizes areas of weakness or “needs improvement,” which can unintentionally drive a deficit-focused narrative. This approach:

• Minimizes recognition of faithful service and progress;

• Overlooks pastoral labor spent addressing unplanned crises, conflict mediation, and emergencies not pre-listed as goals;

• Fails to adequately celebrate positive accomplishments, resilience, and adaptive leadership.

• A healthier evaluation tool should balance growth areas with intentional celebration of accomplishments, both planned and unexpected.

2. Goals Are Treated as Yearly “Clean Slates”

The current tool assumes that each evaluation year begins anew, without sufficient regard for:

• Ongoing initiatives and multi-year projects, which may still be active, appropriate, and necessary;

• Structural, financial, or systemic realities that prevent completion within a single year;

• Ministry goals that require sustained, long-term attention.

3. Creation of Unrealistic Expectations

The current evaluation process risks promoting unrealistic expectations by assuming unlimited pastoral bandwidth:

• Adding 2–5 new goals annually without identifying what responsibilities, tasks, or expectations will be reduced or removed to accommodate these new goals;

• Ignoring workload saturation and the cumulative weight of pastoral duties;

• Failing to acknowledge that clergy already function under intense emotional, spiritual, administrative, and relational demands.

4. Lack of Giftedness Awareness

No pastor possesses all the gifts of ministry. The current evaluation does not adequately recognize:

• Differing spiritual gifts and leadership strengths;

• The shared nature of ministry among clergy, laity, and leadership teams.

• The theological understanding that ministry effectiveness flows from collaboration, not individual perfection.

5. Vague and Confusing Verbiage

Several commonly used phrases in the evaluation tool lack clarity and consistency, leading to confusion among evaluators:

• “Needs Improvement”: Implies deficiency without defining developmental pathways or contextual constraints. (there is a common saying “The biggest room in the world is room for improvement,” which is meant to be a positive encouragement for perpetual learning, but this language encourages perpetual critique.)

• “Fully Meets Expectations”: Raises concern that growth has ended or that no further attention is needed in that area.

• “Exceeds Expectations”: Lacks a clear definition of what the expectations were to begin with.

6. Evaluation Should Drive Alignment, Not Discouragement

The intent of pastoral evaluation is not perfection, but alignment, clarity, encouragement, and mutual accountability.

Submitted by: Rev. Alexis F. Brown -Elder

RESOLUTION

Whereas The clergy who serve in local churches of the Baltimore-Washington Conference are committed to faithful leadership, spiritual vitality, accountability, and healthy pastoral support;

Whereas The evaluation of the Pastor is an important spiritual and administrative responsibility of the Staff-Parish Relations Committee (SPRC), intended to encourage growth, clarify expectations, and strengthen the ministry of the church;

Whereas The current Pastor’s Evaluation Form no longer fully reflects the evolving needs of congregations, the changing context of ministry, nor the scope of pastoral responsibilities in this season of the churches’ lives; and

Whereas Effective evaluation tools should be clear, fair, transparent, ministry-focused, and aligned with the mission, vision, and strategic goals of the Baltimore-Washington Annual Conference; now

Therefore, be it

Resolved, that the clergy members serving the local churches of the Baltimore-Washington Annual Conference request the revamping of the Pastor’s Evaluation Form to ensure it is relevant, comprehensive, and supportive of effective pastoral leadership;

Be It Further Resolved, that the revised evaluation form shall:

• Reflect biblical, spiritual, and leadership competencies appropriate for pastoral ministry;

• Align with the Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church and SPRC responsibilities;

• Include both qualitative and constructive feedback, emphasizing growth and shared accountability;

• Consider the full scope of pastoral duties, including worship leadership, pastoral care, administration, community engagement, and visioning;

• Be sensitive to the church’s current context, resources, and strategic priorities;

• account for capacity, sustainability, and prioritization of the pastor’s bandwidth

• affirm giftedness, encourage delegation, and align expectations with realistic and faithful pastoral roles;

Be It Further Resolved, that a task force sent out by the Board of Ordained Ministry or District Committee, or designated by the Bishop incorporating both lay and clergy (serving a local church) shall be charged with:

• Reviewing the current evaluation process;

• Developing or adopting a revised Pastor’s Evaluation Form;

• Seeking input as appropriate from relevant leadership bodies;

• Implementing the revised form beginning with the next scheduled evaluation cycle;

Be It Further Resolved, that this updated evaluation process shall be used as a tool for encouragement, alignment, and mutual ministry effectiveness, not solely as an assessment instrument; and

Be It Further Resolved, that upon adoption, the revised Pastor’s Evaluation Form shall be reviewed periodically to ensure continued relevance and effectiveness.

Conclusion: For these reasons, the Clergy of the Baltimore-Washington Annual Conference affirm the need to revise the Pastor Evaluation Tool so that it:

• Reflects the realities of pastoral ministry;

• Encourages sustainability and faithfulness over perfection;

• Honors both measurable goals and unseen labor;

• Supports a culture of trust, growth, and shared ministry.

Finally, this request is not intended to diminish accountability, but rather to strengthen it by ensuring that evaluation practices are faithful, fair, theologically sound, and responsive to the realities of pastoral ministry. A revised or newly developed evaluation tool will better serve both pastors and congregations as we live into our shared call to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.

Effective date: Immediately

Co-Sponsor

Rev. Selena Johnson – Elder

As per Baltimore-Washington Conference Rule Para. 3006.2.d., this resolution was reviewed by the Conference Secretary and found consistent with the current Book of Discipline.

The Connectional Table voted for concurrence with this resolution.

Title: Establish Campus Ministry Sunday

Budget Implications: None

Rationale: This resolution seeks to establish a dedicated Sunday each year where churches come together to support campus ministries, ensuring that students have the resources they need to grow in their faith while navigating academic and personal challenges. By designating a Sunday for this purpose, the Annual Conference can mobilize congregations to directly invest in the next generation of leaders, shaping the future of the church and society.

Submitted by: Rev. Rachel Livingston, Rev. Jacob Cogman, and Elijah Ferebee

RESOLUTION

Whereas campus ministries play a vital role in nurturing the spiritual lives of students and young adults throughout our conference at Howard University, Frostburg State University, American University, University of Maryland, Morgan State University, and Bowie State University, providing opportunities for worship, fellowship, and service to God and the community;

Whereas these ministries are often underfunded and face increasing financial challenges, making it difficult to sustain their mission, build sustainable ministries, and reach students seeking a connection with Christ;

Whereas The United Methodist Church has a long tradition of supporting higher education and the development of young people in faith, fostering spiritual growth that extends beyond college campuses into local communities and beyond;

Whereas by providing financial support for campus ministries, congregations will be able to participate in and support the critical work of outreach, discipleship, and service among college students in their communities and beyond; and

Whereas the establishment of a designated day for raising financial support for campus ministries will encourage congregations to be more intentional in their support of this essential ministry, promote awareness of its importance in the life of the Church, invest in the discipleship of our college students, and create sustainable Campus Ministry for years to come; now

Therefore, be it

Resolved, that the Baltimore Washington Conference establishes Campus Ministry Sunday as a special Sunday to appear annually on the first Sunday of May each year, when congregations will be encouraged to raise an offering to support the work of campus ministries throughout the conference;

Be it Further Resolved, that the funds raised through this offering be designated for active campus ministries within the Baltimore-Washington Annual Conference;

Be it Further Resolved, that the conference leadership, in partnership with campus ministry leaders, be tasked with providing resources to local churches to promote the observance of Campus Ministry Sunday; and

Be it Further Resolved, that the conference office will report annually on the funds raised through Campus Ministry Sunday.

Effective Date: July 1, 2026

As per Baltimore-Washington Conference Rule Para. 3006.2.d., this resolution was reviewed by the Conference Secretary and found consistent with the current Book of Discipline.

The Connectional Table voted for concurrence with this resolution.