GCFA Requests Declaratory Decision

on ¶ 404.2 of The Book of Discipline

Media Contact: Brandy M. Bivens

bbivens@gcfa.org

615-403-3514

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Nashville, TN — The General Council on Finance and Administration (GCFA) of The United Methodist Church has submitted a request to the Judicial Council for a declaratory decision regarding the meaning, application, and effect of ¶ 404.2 of The Book of Discipline, 2020/2024, with full support of this request by the leadership of the Interjurisdictional Committee on Episcopacy. GCFA’s intent is to ask the Judicial Council to issue a declaratory decision to resolve these questions in a clear and consistent manner that supports faithful administration of the Discipline across the denomination. The questions and brief to the Judicial Council can be found here.

“This request reflects our commitment to transparency, clarity, and responsible stewardship,” said GCFA General Secretary Moses Kumar. “GCFA wishes to carry out the intent of our General Conference delegates faithfully and efficiently.”

GCFA brings this request in a spirit of collaboration, seeking to ensure that all parties have a shared understanding of their responsibilities under ¶ 404.2 and the time necessary to carry them out faithfully. Leadership of the Interjurisdictional Committee on Episcopacy is supportive of the request for greater clarity.

“We have appreciated the collaborative work with GCFA and other church leaders as we seek to interpret ¶ 404.2 as amended by the General Conference. We look forward to the guidance of the Judicial Council in response to this request,” said Rev. Kim Ingram, Interjurisdictional Committee on Episcopacy Chairperson. “Over the past year, the Interjurisdictional Committee on Episcopacy, the individual Jurisdictional Committees on Episcopacy, and related task forces have been actively engaged in fulfilling the mandates of The Book of Discipline and ensuring the provision of necessary episcopal leadership for the coming quadrennium. This work will continue in the months ahead as we remain committed to faithful discernment together.”

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About GCFAThe General Council on Finance and Administration (GCFA) is the administrative agency of The United Methodist Church responsible for ensuring financial integrity and providing support services that strengthen the connectional ministries of the Church.

About the Interjurisdictional Committee on Episcopacy

The Interjurisdictional Committee on Episcopacy is elected by the General Conference, consisting of the individual members of the respective Jurisdictional Committees on Episcopacy. The Interjurisdictional Committee on Episcopacy is tasked with recommending to the General Conference the total number of bishops to be elected within the jurisdictions based on missional reasons according to the process outlined in Par 404.2, Par. 513, and Par. 525 of The Book of Discipline.