Celebrate – General Conference 2019



(Require approval by 2/3 or more of the Lay House and 2/3 or more of the Clergy House)How to read the Bylaws Amendment Proposals: CURRENT LANGUAGE: The column labeled “Original Language” shows how the Bylaws currently read. STRIKETHROUGH LANGUAGE: The column labeled “Strikethrough Language” shows the proposed changes to the current language of the bylaws. Any words that appear in with strike-through are to be deleted. Any words that appear underlined are to be added.FINAL PROPOSED LANGUAGE: The column labeled “Final Proposed Language” shows how the particular portion of the Bylaws would read if the Bylaws amendment proposal is approved by General Conference. THERE ARE A TOTAL OF NINE (9) BYLAWS PROPOSALS INCLUDED IN THIS BUSINESS PACKAGE:#1: Article III.B.2. – The Rite of Attaining Membership in the Church2#2: Article IV – Ministry4#3: Article IV.B.1.c. – Ministry5#4: Article V.B.2.d. – Lay Delegate6#5: Article V.E.4.c. – Term of Office (Governing Board)7#6: Article V.E.4.e. – Vacancies (Governing Board)8#7: Article V.E.4.f. – Discipline (Governing Board)10#8: Article VIII.A.5 – Special General Conference13#9: Addendum 1 – Procedures for Submitting Bylaws 16Affected SectionArticle III.B.2.The Rite of Attaining Membership in the ChurchOriginal LanguageThe RITE OF ATTAINING MEMBERSHIP IN THE CHURCH shall be conducted by the Pastor or Interim Pastoral Leader before a local congregation at any regular worship service. In accordance with criteria established by the local church, a baptized Christian may become a member in good standing of the local church group through a letter of transfer from a recognized Christian body or through affirmation of faith.Strikethrough LanguageThe RITE OF ATTAINING MEMBERSHIP IN THE CHURCH shall be conducted by the Pastor or Interim Pastoral Leader before a local congregation at any regular worship service. In accordance with criteria established by the local church, a baptized Christian person who expresses a sincere desire to become a part of a local church community, intends to support its ministries and mission, and meets criteria established by the local church may become a member in good standing of the local church group through a letter of transfer from a recognized Christian body or through affirmation of faith.Final Proposed LanguageThe RITE OF ATTAINING MEMBERSHIP IN THE CHURCH shall be conducted by the Pastor or Interim Pastoral Leader before a local congregation at any regular worship service. In accordance with criteria established by the local church, a person who expresses a sincere desire to become a part of a local church community, intends to support its ministries and mission, and meets criteria established by the local church may become a member in good standing of the local church group.RationaleSome local church communities have already made this change by not asking about baptismal status before conferring the Rite of Membership. Some local churches have changed their bylaws to reflect this. It would be good for the denomination to have similarly inclusive bylaws.For many churches, refusing membership to people who are not baptized amounts to outright rejection of people who want to be a part of the community. This is antithetical to MCC’s values.This bylaw change does not preclude a local church group from making a baptism a prerequisite for membership if that is the will and desire of the particular church group.Those who were baptized (or not) as infants did not do this by choice, faith or commitment—a technical advantage/disadvantage by default.Any person who is denied membership due to baptismal status may feel wounded and leave. It would be far better for them to feel welcomed in the church and this could lead to a later desire for the sacrament of baptism.Impact StatementFinancial: N/AValues/Mission/Vision compatibility: ConsistentOther bylaw articles impacted: N/AAffected SectionArticle IVMINISTRYOriginal LanguageThe UFMCC affirms the universal priesthood of all believers (1 Peter 2:5‐10). All members of the Church are called by God to a ministry of the Gospel of Christ in the Church and in the world. UFMCC decrees that all people shall have equality of access and opportunity which is free from discrimination on grounds of gender, sexual orientation, race, age, physical challenge, HIV status, health status, gender identification, nationality, or economic status in terms of: (1) Employment and personnel procedures and (2) Service delivery ‐‐ all that we do.Strikethrough LanguageThe UFMCC affirms the universal priesthood of all believers (1 Peter 2:5‐10). All members of the Church are called by God to a ministry of the Gospel of Christ in the Church and in the world. UFMCC decrees that all people shall have equality of access and opportunity which is free from discrimination on grounds of sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, culture, tribe, age, physical or cognitive ability, medical diagnosis, health status, nationality, or economic status in terms of: (1) Employment and personnel procedures and (2) Service delivery ‐‐ all that we do.Final Proposed LanguageThe UFMCC affirms the universal priesthood of all believers (1 Peter 2:5‐10). All members of the Church are called by God to a ministry of the Gospel of Christ in the Church and in the world. UFMCC decrees that all people shall have equality of access and opportunity which is free from discrimination on grounds of sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, culture, tribe, age, physical or cognitive ability, medical diagnosis, health status, nationality, or economic status in terms of: (1) Employment and personnel procedures and (2) Service delivery ‐‐ all that we do.RationaleRationale: Live into the Core Values of MCC and increase visibility of all persons. Impact StatementFinancial: N/AValues/Mission/Vision compatibility: ConsistentOther bylaw articles impacted: N/AAffected SectionArticle IV.B.1.cMinistryOriginal Languagec. ORDINATION: Persons who have met the academic standards and qualifications as established by the Council of Elders may then be ordained. A person who is ordained cannot function as a UFMCC clergy person until he/she is licensed. Strikethrough Languagec. ORDINATION: Persons who have met the academic standards and qualifications as established by the Council of Elders may then be ordained. A person who is ordained cannot function as a UFMCC clergy person until he/she is licensed.Final Proposed Languagec. ORDINATION: Persons who have met the academic standards and qualifications as established by the Council of Elders may then be ordained. A person who is ordained cannot function as a UFMCC clergy person until such person is licensed.RationaleRationale: Live into the Core Values of MCC and ensure inclusion of non-binary persons. Impact StatementFinancial: N/AValues/Mission/Vision compatibility: ConsistentOther bylaw articles impacted: N/AAffected SectionArticle V.B.2.d.LAY DELEGATEOriginal LanguageLAY DELEGATE: Each affiliated church shall have one (1) vote for every one hundred (100) members in good standing or portion thereof and shall elect one (1) Lay Delegate for each vote. Each Lay Delegate shall carry one (1) vote. Each Lay Delegate shall be a member in good standing of the congregation that he/she represents, should be elected at the first congregational meeting following each General Conference and shall serve a term of three (3) years. The duties of the Lay Delegate shall include, but not be limited to, representation of the congregation at General Conferences and to be informed of the UFMCC concerns and policies.Strikethrough LanguageLAY DELEGATE: Each affiliated church shall have one (1) vote for every one hundred (100) members in good standing or portion thereof and shall elect one (1) Lay Delegate for each vote. Each Lay Delegate shall carry one (1) vote. Each Lay Delegate shall be a member in good standing of the congregation that he/she represents, should be elected at the first congregational meeting following each General Conference and shall serve a term of three (3) years. The duties of the Lay Delegate shall include, but not be limited to, representation of the congregation at General Conferences and to be informed of the UFMCC concerns and policies.Final Proposed LanguageLAY DELEGATE: Each affiliated church shall have one (1) vote for every one hundred (100) members in good standing or portion thereof and shall elect one (1) Lay Delegate for each vote. Each Lay Delegate shall carry one (1) vote. Each Lay Delegate shall be a member in good standing of the congregation that he/she represents and shall serve a term of three (3) years. The duties of the Lay Delegate shall include, but not be limited to, representation of the congregation at General Conferences and to be informed of the UFMCC concerns and policies.RationaleThere term of office remains the same. Since we host our General Conference every 3 years, to require a local church to elect new lay delegates at the first congregational meeting following the General Conference limits the church’s flexibility to elect lay delegates within the rhythm or timeliness of their congregation’s local bylaws and/or standing operation procedures. Oftentimes within a 3 year cycle, a church’s elected lay delegate may need resign for various reasons, death, and/or just leave the church before the General Conference. Hopefully this proposed change with provide options for the local church’s cycle.Impact StatementFinancial: N/AValues/Mission/Vision compatibility: ConsistentOther bylaw articles impacted: N/AAffected SectionV.E.4.c. TERM OF OFFICEOriginal LanguageTERM OF OFFICE: The term of office for members of the Governing Board shall be six years, with the exception that General Conference XXIV shall elect two (2) lay persons and two (2) clergy persons to three‐year terms until the next General Conference, when two (2) lay persons and two (2) clergy persons shall be elected to six‐year terms. Strikethrough LanguageTERM OF OFFICE: The term of office for members of the Governing Board shall be six three (3) years. with the exception that General Conference XXIV shall elect two (2) lay persons and two (2) clergy persons to three‐year terms until the next General Conference, when two (2) General Conference shall elect four (4) lay persons and two (2) four (4) clergy persons shall be elected to three (3) year terms of office until the next General Conference. six‐year terms.Final Proposed LanguageTERM OF OFFICE: The term of office for members of the Governing Board shall be three (3) years. General Conference shall elect four (4) lay persons and four (4) clergy persons to three (3) year terms of office until the next General Conference. RationaleProposed term of office for Governing Board members in the restructure at 2010 General Conference was three years. A bylaw amendment from the floor proposed to stagger half the Governing Board members so the term of office became six years. At General Conference 2016 seven vacant seats were filled and there will be seven vacant seats to be filled at General Conference 2019. For various reasons, a majority of Governing Board members elected have not sustained a six year term of office Thus, we think it is prudent to reduce the term of office to three years for both the laity and clergy seats. Impact StatementFinancial: N/AValues/Mission/Vision compatibility: Members offering the serve MCC’s Governing Board should be able to serve a term of office that is compatible with their availability. However we prefer that governors are able to serve three year increments to their fullest. If they feel called to serve another term of office, they can apply and be re-elected by the General Conference. It is the quality of their service rather than the quantity of the years served.Other bylaw articles impacted: N/AAffected SectionArticle V.E.4.ernment Organization and Officers, Fellowship, Governing Board, VacanciesOriginal LanguageVACANCIES: In the event of a vacancy on the Governing Board, the Governing Board may appoint someone who meets the qualifications to fill the vacancy until the next General Conference, when an election shall be held to fill the unexpired term.Strikethrough LanguageVACANCIES: In the event of a vacancy on the Governing Board?among membership elected at a duly convened General Conference, the Governing Board may appoint someone who meets the qualifications to fill the vacancy until the next General Conference, when an election shall be held to fill the unexpired term.?Appointments may only be utilized for filling vacancies up to 40% (3 members) of the total membership of the Governing Board. Any vacancies which would result in appointments of more than 40% (3 members) of the total Governing Board shall require a Special General Conference for the purpose of electing members to the Governing Board. The process for selecting candidates for election shall conform to the process outlined in Article V.E.4.d. - GOVERNING BOARD NOMINATING COMMITTEE.Final Proposed LanguageVACANCIES: In the event of a vacancy on the Governing Board?among membership elected at a duly convened General Conference, the Governing Board may appoint someone who meets the qualifications to fill the vacancy until the next General Conference, when an election shall be held to fill the unexpired term.?Appointments may only be utilized for filling vacancies up to 40% (3 members) of the total membership of the Governing Board. Any vacancies which would result in appointments of more than 40% (3 members) of the total Governing Board shall require a Special General Conference for the purpose of electing members to the Governing Board. The process for selecting candidates for election shall conform to the process outlined in Article V.E.4.d. - GOVERNING BOARD NOMINATING COMMITTEE.RationaleTo avoid any possibility of unrepresentative and/or biased leadership at the Governing Board level, these stipulations would require the Governing Board to call a Special General Conference for the purposes of electing governors in the event of resignations in excess of 40% of the elected board. Included in this provision is the full application, interview, and vetting processes of the Governance Committee’s Governing Board Nominating Committee.Impact StatementFinancial: See belowValues/Mission/Vision compatibility: CompatibleOther bylaw articles impacted: See belowCouncil of Elders: Impact Statement on Amendments to V.E.4.eThe proposal’s compatibility with UFMCC’s Values, Mission, and Vision:This proposal is compatible with the UFMCC’s values, mission and vision because the changes allow for a Special General Conference to meet the core values of inclusion, community, and justice by allowing for the election of the General Conference to fill vacancies on the Governing Board if there are vacancies of more than 40% (3 Governors) of the Governing Board membership, rather than having the appointments made by the Governing Board.The proposal’s potential financial impact:See the impact statement for the amendment to the Special General Conference, Article VIII.A.5.Other Bylaws provisions which would be affected by the current proposal:Governing Board Nominating Committee would be activated (or re-activated) under this amendment (Article V.E.4.d.)Special General Conference, Article VIII.A.5—see the proposed amendment to Article VIII.A.5. Affected SectionArticle V.E.4.ernment Organization and Officers, Fellowship, Governing BoardOriginal LanguageDISCIPLINE: The UFMCC cannot condone disloyalty, unbecoming conduct, or dereliction of duty on the part of any member of the Governing Board and, therefore, makes the following provisions for discipline or removal: (1) If the Governing Board determines that one of its members is unable or unwilling to fulfill the responsibilities of the position, the Governing Board may, by a majority vote of the full Board, remove that member from the Board. The member must be given written notice of the charges and, at that time, becomes inactive. The member has the right to appear and present his/her own defense before the Governing Board on his/her own behalf. The Governing Board will then review the charges and, upon majority vote of the members of the Governing Board not including the member charged, may remove the member of the of the Governing Board or take such other action as it may deem appropriate. The decision of the Governing Board shall be final. Strikethrough/Added LanguageDISCIPLINE: The UFMCC cannot condone disloyalty, unbecoming conduct, malfeasance, nonfeasance or dereliction of duty on the part of any member of the Governing Board and, therefore, makes the following provisions for discipline or removal: If the Governing Board determines that one of its members is unable or unwilling to fulfill the responsibilities of the position, the Governing Board may, by a majority vote of the full Board, remove that member from the Board. The member must be given written notice of the charges and, at that time, becomes inactive. The member has the right to appear and present his/her own defense before the Governing Board on his/her own behalf. The Governing Board will then review the charges and, upon majority vote of the members of the Governing Board not including the member charged, may remove the member of the of the Governing Board or take such other action as it may deem appropriate. The decision of the Governing Board shall be final. Governing Board members may be removed by a Special General Conference.Final Proposed LanguageDISCIPLINE: The UFMCC cannot condone unbecoming conduct, malfeasance, nonfeasance or dereliction of duty on the part of any member of the Governing Board and, therefore, makes the following provisions for discipline or removal: If the Governing Board determines that one of its members is unable or unwilling to fulfill the responsibilities of the position, the Governing Board may, by a majority vote of the full Board, remove that member from the Board. The member must be given written notice of the charges and, at that time, becomes inactive. The member has the right to appear and present his/her own defense before the Governing Board on his/her own behalf. The Governing Board will then review the charges and, upon majority vote of the members of the Governing Board not including the member charged, may remove the member of the of the Governing Board or take such other action as it may deem appropriate. The decision of the Governing Board shall be final. Governing Board members may be removed by a Special General Conference.RationaleCurrently there is no method for the removal of a Governing Board member except by other members of the Governing Board. Because the Governors are elected by the General Conference, and are responsible to the General Conference, there should be a mechanism by which the General Conference also has the power to remove a Governing Board member for the reasons cited in the original language, in addition to the grounds of malfeasance and nonfeasance, which are legal grounds for removal of Board members of a non-profit organization. The ground of “disloyalty” is removed because it has no objective definition, whereas the other grounds do have definitions found either in the law or in the MCC Code of Ethics. This provision differs from a judicatory procedure alleging a violation of the MCC Code of Ethics because this amendment is not a confidential process and holds Governors accountable to the General Conference, which elected the Governors.Impact StatementFinancial: See belowValues/Mission/Vision compatibility: CompatibleOther bylaw articles impacted: See belowCouncil of Elders: Impact Statement on Amendments to V.E.4.fThe proposal’s compatibility with UFMCC’s Values, Mission, and Vision:This proposal is compatible with the UFMCC’s values, mission and vision because the changes allow for the Special General Conference to deal with accountability of its elected leaders on the Governing Board. These amendments call for a Special General Conference for the removal of Governing Board members in appropriate circumstances, meeting the UFMCC mission statement of doing the work of justice and meeting the core values of inclusion, community and justice.The proposal’s potential financial impact:See the impact statement for the amendment to the Special General Conference, Article VIII.A.5.Other Bylaws provisions which would be affected by the current proposal:Special General Conference, Article VIII.A.5—see the proposed amendment to Article VIII.A.5. Affected SectionArticle VIII.A.5.SPECIAL GENERAL CONFERENCEOriginal Language5. SPECIAL GENERAL CONFERENCE: A special General Conference of the UFMCC can be called by the Governing Board or by a petition submitted to the Governing Board by fifty percent (50%) of all those persons eligible to vote at General Conference. Initiation of this petition may be by either clergy or laity. A special General Conference shall be governed by the same rules as those pertaining to the General Conference except when the purpose of the special General Conference is to consider affirmation of the appointment of an Elder. When the purpose of a special General Conference is to affirm the appointment of an Elder, notice of the time, place, and nature of the special General Conference must be given in writing to all members of the Lay House and of the Clergy House at least thirty (30) days in advance of the special General Conference.Strikethrough/Added Language5.SPECIAL GENERAL CONFERENCE: A sSpecial General Conference of the UFMCC can be called by the Governing Board or by a petition submitted to the Governing Board by fifty percent (50%) of all those persons eligible to vote at General Conference. Initiation of this petition may be by either clergy or laity. the clergy and lay delegates of no less than 15 churches within no less than 2 countries. A petition submitted by the clergy and lay delegates of no less than 15 churches within in no less than 2 countries is not confidential and the Governing Board shall call a Special General Conference pursuant to the petition. A sSpecial General Conference shall be governed by the same rules as those pertaining to the General Conference. except when the purpose of the special General Conference is to consider affirmation of the appointment of an Elder. When the purpose of a special General Conference is to affirm the appointment of an Elder, notice of the time, place, and nature of the special General Conference must be given in writing to all members of the Lay House and of the Clergy House at least thirty (30) days in advance of the special General Conference. a. PURPOSE: The purpose of a Special General Conference must be stated in the petition. The nature and purpose of a Special General Conference, including to affirm the appointment of an Elder, to elect Governing Board members to fill Governing Board vacancies or to remove Governing Board members, must be stated in the notices and written into the agenda of the Special General Conference. b.LOCATION: The location of the Special General Conference maybe be virtual, allowing electronic voting as needed based on the purpose. c. NOTICE: The written notice must be sent to all credentialed clergy and to all voting church bodies at least thirty (30) days prior to the Special General Conference.Final Proposed Language 5.SPECIAL GENERAL CONFERENCE: A Special General Conference of the UFMCC can be called by the Governing Board or by a petition submitted to the Governing Board the clergy and lay delegates of no less than 15 churches within no less than 2 countries. A petition submitted by the clergy and lay delegates of no less than 15 churches within in no less than 2 countries is not confidential and the Governing Board shall call a Special General Conference pursuant to the petition. A Special General Conference shall be governed by the same rules as those pertaining to the General Conference. a. PURPOSE: The purpose of a Special General Conference must be stated in the petition. The nature and purpose of a Special General Conference, including to affirm the appointment of an Elder, to elect Governing Board members to fill Governing Board vacancies or to remove Governing Board members, must be stated in the notices and written into the agenda of the Special General Conference. b.LOCATION: The location of the Special General Conference maybe be virtual, allowing electronic voting as needed based on the purpose. c. NOTICE: The written notice must be sent to all credentialed clergy and to all voting church bodies at least thirty (30) days prior to the Special General Conference.RationaleThis Bylaw Amendment Proposal incorporates the amendments suggested by the Governing Board, in addition to adding the use of a petition to call a Special General Conference by the clergy and lay delegates of no less than 15 churches in no less than 2 countries, as well as the use of a Special General Conference to elect Governing Board members to fill Governing Board vacancies or to remove Governing Board members.As regards the changes to the petition method to call a Special General Conference, under the previous 50% language, updated contact information for clergy and lay delegates is not available on a consistent, trustworthy basis to the denomination. This reality prevents the adequate collection of signatures on a petition for a Special General Conference. Also, given the annual changes of leadership at the local church level, the denomination may also not have accurate records sufficient to verify 50% of the lay or clergy houses.This proposed amendment uses similar petition guidelines for other measures of accountability elsewhere in these bylaws. The two-country requirement is meant to ensure that the calling of a special general conference has multi-national support.Finally, the proposal adds to the potential list of reasons for calling a Special General Conference the two prior proposals above, in the case of electing Governing Board members when the vacancies on the Governing Board are over 40% (3 Governors) of the Governing Board and in the case of requesting the removal of Governing Board members.Impact StatementFinancial: See belowValues/Mission/Vision compatibility: CompatibleOther bylaw articles impacted: See belowCouncil of Elders: Impact Statement on Amendments to VIII.A.5.The proposal’s compatibility with UFMCC’s Values, Mission, and Vision:This proposal is compatible with the UFMCC’s values, mission and vision because the changes allow for the General Conference to deal with accountability of its elected leaders on the Governing Board, while at the same time making sure there is a clear understanding about the procedure. These amendments speak directly to the vision of a global movement (by the requirement of no less than 2 countries when petitioning for a Special General Conference), by making leaders accountable (calling a Special General Conference for the removal of Governing Board members in appropriate circumstances), meeting the UFMCC mission statement of doing the work of justice (removal of Governing Board members by providing for petitions from clergy and lay delegates of no less than 15 churches) and meeting the core values of inclusion, community, and justice (allowing for the election to fill vacancies on the Governing Board if there are vacancies of more than 40% (3 Governors) of the Governing Board membership.)The proposal’s potential financial impact:It is unknown if there is a cost associated with calling a virtual Special General Conference. Perhaps there may be staff time that requires compensation.Other Bylaws provisions which would be affected by the current proposal:The article dealing with Special General Conferences: Article VIII.A.5. and if adopted, the two other proposed amendments above, Article V.E.4.e. and f.Affected SectionADDENDUM 1PROCEDURES FOR SUBMITTING BYLAW PROPOSALSOriginal LanguageIn order for a member of the Lay House or of the Clergy House to submit a Bylaw amendment, the proposal must:Have the written support of the sponsor’s local church andHave the written support of at least two (2) other churches from two (2) other countries.Strikethrough LanguageIn order for a member of the Lay House or of the Clergy House to submit a Bylaw amendment, the proposal must:Have the written support of the sponsor’s local church andHave the written support of at least two (2) other churches with at least one (1) from one (1) other country from two (2) other countries.Final Proposed LanguageIn order for a member of the Lay House or of the Clergy House to submit a Bylaw amendment, the proposal must:Have the written support of the sponsor’s local church andHave the written support of at least two (2) other churches with at least one (1) from one (1) other country.RationaleDuring the 2010 General Conference business meeting, an amendment from the floor was accepted to require two other countries to support a local church’s initial proposal. During the 2013 and 2016 General Conferences, no Clergy or Lay delegate bylaw amendment proposals were received. However, at our 2019 General Conference, one Clergy led bylaw amendment proposal was received with two other country supporters was received. We want to support Clergy and/or Lay Delegate sponsored bylaw proposals thus we propose keeping the spirit of connecting with other country’s Clergy and/or Lay Delegates to sponsor a bylaw amendment proposal but reduce it from two (2) to one (1) other country support.Impact StatementFinancial: N/AValues/Mission/Vision compatibility: ConsistentOther bylaw articles impacted: N/A ................
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