Memorandum Number 1036
SUBJECT TO FINAL EDITING
Appeal of Bishop's Decision in the West Michigan Annual Conference with Respect to a Motion to Release Funds Held in Escrow by the United Methodist Foundation.
During the 2005 regular session of the West Michigan Annual Conference, the annual conference adopted a resolution authorizing a waiver of the Conference Parsonage Escrow Funds Policy. Following adoption, the presiding bishop ruled the action out of order. A motion was then adopted appealing the bishop's ruling under ¶ 2609.7 of the 2004 Book of Discipline.
The ruling of the bishop was parliamentary in nature. Parliamentary rulings are to be challenged by appeal to the body. There was no appeal to the body of the ruling of the chair. There is no disciplinary authority for the Judicial Council to assume jurisdiction to consider a parliamentary ruling by a presiding bishop.
Digest
There is no disciplinary authority for the Judicial Council to assume jurisdiction to consider a parliamentary ruling by a presiding bishop.