Decision Number 668
SUBJECT TO FINAL EDITING
Grievance Procedures in ¶ 453 as Applied to Local Pastors.
Digest
The grievance procedures in ¶ 453 of the 1988 Discipline apply to Local Pastors.
Statement of Facts
A local pastor under appointment in the California-Nevada Conference, had charges preferred against him under provisions of ¶ 2621.1(a), (d), and (f). He was subsequently relieved of his pastoral duties. The California-Nevada Conference seeks a declaratory decision to determine if ¶ 453 applies to local pastors.
Jurisdiction
The Judicial Council has jurisdiction under ¶ 2615 of the 1988 Discipline.
Analysis and Rationale
The grievance procedure outlined in ¶ 453 mentions only the ordained ministry. However, ¶¶ 2621-2626 relating to investigations, trials and appeals specifically include local pastors in the procedures. Par. 2623.1(b) refers to the grievance procedures in ¶ 453.1(b). Given these references it is clear that 453 is intended to apply to local pastors as well as to the ordained clergy.
Decision
The grievance procedures in ¶ 453 of the 1988 Discipline apply to Local Pastors.