Clamping Down on Retirees in the UMC
Update: The 2020/24 General Conference did not adopt these petitions. The Ordained Ministry legislative committee overwhelmingly voted not to recommend them for adoption and they died in committee. I am grateful for the decision. In October 2024, the Judicial Council issued a decision affecting the service of retired clergy. See Judicial Council Decision 1514 . As I looked over the petitions to General Conference, I was extremely disappointed to read the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry’s proposed revision of paragraphs 344.1.d and 357.6 in the Book of Discipline . The petitions seek to prohibit retired clergy from taking “paid or unpaid positions” in non-United Methodist churches without the approval of the bishop and the Board of Ordained Ministry. United Methodist clergy members shall not serve in paid or unpaid positions in non-United Methodist churches without the prior approval of the bishop and the Board of Ordained Ministry. - Proposed cha...