Decision Number 920

Decision

A statement by a clergy woman that she is living in a partnered, covenanted homosexual relationship with another woman is a sufficient declaration to subject such person's membership in her ministerial office to review under ¶ 359.1 of the Discipline. If, in the course of such review, such person affirms that she is engaged in genital sexual activity with a person of the same gender, she would have openly acknowledged to one or more of the persons enumerated in footnote 1 to ¶ 304.3 that she is a self-avowed practicing homosexual. Par. 304.3 sets forth minimum standards for a clergy person to remain in good standing and to be appointed. However, the prohibition of appointment contained in ¶ 304.3 must be exercised in compliance with the rights of all persons who are in full membership.

The last sentence of ¶ 325.1 and ¶ 304.3 are not in conflict. The annual conference must annually review the character and conference relations of all clergy persons holding membership in the annual conference. Absent a change in conference relation, elders in full connection remain in good standing and shall be continued under appointment. ¶ 325.1. Where a clergy person makes a declaration such as that quoted above, a bishop may not take unilateral action not to appoint such a person. The annual conference must be informed of the declaration, and the annual conference, and/or the resident bishop or district superintendent must initiate proceedings to subject her membership in her ministerial office to review under ¶ 359.1. While proceedings are conducted to address the issues of character and conference relations according to fair and due process, the bishop, with the recommendation of the executive committee of the board of ordained ministry, shall place the clergy person on suspension under ¶ 359.1(c). The clergy person shall be relieved of all clergy duties, but not from appointment during such suspension. If the process is not concluded within the period of suspension, then the clergy person should be placed on an involuntary leave of absence under ¶ 352.1. At all times, the constitutional right of the clergyperson to trial by a committee and an appeal shall be preserved, ¶¶ 18 and 56, and fair and due process shall be observed. The annual conference, in reviewing and acting upon the conference relation of such person, may not legally negate, ignore or violate the provisions of the Discipline, including, but not limited to, the provisions of ¶¶ 304.3, 359.2 and 2701.

Supplementary Opinion

We agree with our colleagues that the annual conference is required annually to review the character and conference relations of all clergy persons holding membership. We further agree that in reviewing the membership status of a clergy person that either the annual conference and/or the bishop/superintendent must initiate proceedings to address the conference relations of individual clergy. In doing so we affirm that the annual conference may not negate, ignore, or violate the provisions of the Discipline.

We assert that the annual conference plays an interpretive role in determining whether the provisions applicable to ¶ 304.3 have been triggered in a particular situation involving a clergy person in good standing. Primary, is that regardless of who initiates a complaint or review of clergy relations, it is the annual conference that must ultimately determine whether ¶ 304.3 has been violated.

We are a covenant people, living in a context of mutual care and accountability. This reality calls the entire church to live with faith and integrity. In maintaining the integrity of the church we must uphold the Order and Discipline of The United Methodist Church. This requires that annual conferences follow and implement the mandates of the General Conference. Another aspect of this integrity, however, is coming to terms with the fact that in essence The United Methodist Church has a don't ask, don't tell policy, with respect to gay and lesbian clergy. This reality is heightened when fair process provisions are overlooked or violated. Furthermore, while affirming that the annual conference does not function separately from the General Conference or other components of the church, it is the annual conference that is in the best position to determine whether a clergy person remains in good standing.

Larry Pickens
Sally Curtis AsKew
Rodolfo C. Beltran
Sally Brown Geis