Decision Number 446

Decision

The General Conference has the power to establish formulas for the membership of General and Annual Conference program boards and agencies within the limits of the Constitution. In the absence of any constitutional requirements for equal clergy and lay membership representation on Annual Conference and general church boards and agencies, the General Conference has the authority to establish membership representation, including the requirement that one-third be clergy, one-third laymen and one-third laywomen.

This decision is limited to the question presented, whether the General Conference has the power to set membership formulas on General and Annual Conference boards other than equal clergy and laity.