Decision Number 665
SUBJECT TO FINAL EDITING
Par. 906.12 as it Relates to the Decision of the General Commission on Christian Unity and Interreligious Concerns to be a "Reconciling Commission.
Digest
Paragraph 906.12 of the Discipline mandates that the General Council on Finance and Administration shall ensure that no board, agency, committee, commission, or council shall give United Methodist funds to any gay caucus or group, or use funds to promote the acceptance of homosexuality. We have been presented with no evidence to indicate that the General Commission on Christian Unity and Interreligious Concerns is using such funds to "promote" homosexuality.
Statement of Facts
he Northwest Texas Annual Conference meeting in Amarillo, Texas June 3-6, 1991, adopted a resolution requesting "that the General Council on Finance and Administration cease funding the General Commission on Christian Unity and Interreligious Concerns until it rescinds the decision to be a 'Reconciling Commission' thus promoting the acceptance of homosexuality."
Craig R. Hoskins of the General Council on Finance and Administration and Thomas H. Thomson, of the Northwest Texas Annual Conference appeared at the open hearing on October 24, 1991 at Indianapolis.
Jurisdiction
The Judicial Council has jurisdiction under ¶ 2615 of the 1988 Discipline.
Analysis and Rationale
The Discipline is clear in the prohibition of the General Conference for the use of United Methodist funds to promote homosexuality. Decisions 491 and 597 speak to the right to study but not to advocate or promote the cause of homosexuality.
The brief of GCFA officers states that the General Commission on Christian Unity and Interreligious Concerns (GCCUIC) declares itself a "reconciling commission" and is not in violation of the provisions of ¶ 906.12. No evidence was presented to demonstrate otherwise.
Among the duties and responsibilities of the General Council on Finance and Administration, is the responsibility to ensure that "no board, agency, committee, commission, or council shall give United Methodist funds to any 'gay' caucus or group, or otherwise use such funds to promote the acceptance of homosexuality." If such is discovered, the GCFA has the right and responsibility to stop such expenditures.
Decision
Paragraph 906.12 of the Discipline mandates that the General Council on Finance and Administration shall ensure that no board, agency, committee, commission, or council shall give United Methodist funds to any gay caucus or group, or use funds to promote the acceptance of homosexuality. We have been presented with no evidence to indicate that the General Commission on Christian Unity and Interreligious Concerns is using such funds to "promote" homosexuality.
Concurring Opinion
I agree with my colleagues in the foregoing decision that no evidence was presented to confirm that the GCCUIC is in violation of Par. 906.12. Substantial concern has been expressed by those who brought the case to us that the Commission aligns itself with groups dedicated to changing the position of the General Conference.
Unless and until the General Conference takes action to change the denomination's position in this matter, it must be remembered that the General Conference studied, debated and voted the present posture and ¶ 906.12 is clear in its intent that no United Methodist funds are to be used to fund any gay groups nor to promote homosexuality. The church's position is clearly set forth in Par. 71(f) as well. Not only does the GCFA have the responsibility to monitor the use of funds so they are not used for advocacy, but the GCCUIC must responsibly adhere to assure that no United Methodist funds are misused in light of ¶ 906.12
Gene E. Sease