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The Function and role of the Jurisdictional Conference
July 7, 2016 / By Tom Salsgiver
There are five United Methodist Jurisdictions that make up the jurisdictions in the United States. The 2012 Book of Discipline of the United Methodist Church, defines the role and function of the jurisdictions. The five jurisdictions all convene on the same day. The beginning date is set by the Council of Bishops. The ending day and time is up to each jurisdiction. The Discipline names six main functions and duties of each jurisdiction.
- “To promote the evangelistic, educational, missionary, and benevolent interests of the Church....” We will hear and read reports from committees and ministries within the jurisdiction that help promote these very important interests. We will also hear and approve the budget and apportionments for the next four years which will undergird and aid our outreach in these areas.
- “To elect Bishops and to cooperate in carrying out such plans for their support as may be determined by the General Conference.” Much of our time will be spent in Holy Conferencing around interviews and the balloting. We will also recognize the retirement of Bishop Marcus Matthews.
- “To establish and constitute jurisdictional conference boards and choose representatives to the general boards and agencies.” The Jurisdictional Nominating Committee will meet on Monday of Jurisdictional Conference to prepare a slate of persons to serve both on Jurisdictional Tables and Committees as well as persons to be representatives to general church boards and agencies.
- “To determine the boundaries of the Annual Conferences.” The report of the Boundaries Committee will be given to the Jurisdictional Conference. It is expected that the boundaries of the Annual Conferences will not change.
- “To make rules and regulations for the administration of the work of the Church within the jurisdiction.” The Jurisdictional Conference will take action on such resolutions that may come before the conference related to the work of the Jurisdiction.
- “To appoint a committee on appeals to hear and determine the appeal of a traveling preacher of that jurisdiction from the decision of a trial committee.” The Committee on Appeals is nominated by the College of Bishops and voted on by the delegates to Jurisdictional Conference.
Editor’s note: This article is published with amendments from the July 2016, Advanced Edition of the Daily Christian Advocate. The full Daily Christian Advocate is available here.