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From the desk of Bishop Webb: Wespath FAQ
January 18, 2019 / By Bishop Mark J. Webb
Editor's Note: On Thursday Jan. 17, Upper New York Area Resident Bishop Mark J. Webb sent the following letter to the Upper New York Conference regarding Wespath and the Special Session of General Conference.
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
Grace and peace to you in the name of Jesus Christ! As we approach the Special Session of General Conference in St. Louis, I continue to be committed to providing information that will allow for healthy conversations that are based on accurate information. Obviously there are many voices, opinions and information being shared over many platforms and overall I believe that is a healthy thing, but sometimes the information shared can add to our sense of uncertainty and anxiety in unhealthy and unnecessary ways.
Over the last few days, I have noticed the sharing of information related to how clergy pensions and benefits will be impacted depending upon the action of the special session and I want to invite you to examine a resource Wespath has provided for all of us.
Wespath has published FAQs, which they update regularly, in an attempt to share information with the Church about the pension impact of all the Commission's plans, which you can find here: https://www.wespath.org/WayForwardWespathFAQ/.
I have deeply appreciated the leadership of Wespath and their commitment to work closely with the Commission on a Way Forward and the Council of Bishops to help mitigate any risks to retirement benefits during the analysis of the Way Forward options.
May we continue to pray for the delegates of the special session of General Conference, care for one another in this time of discernment and stay committed to the mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. I continue to be grateful for your ministry and mission. You remain in my prayers!
Sincerely,
Mark J. Webb