Decision Number 1514

Decision

The bishop erred in deciding Question 1 regarding whether voluntary withdrawal under ¶360 of The Book of Discipline, 2016, [hereinafter Discipline] can occur by virtue of serving a disaffiliated church. The question was moot and hypothetical because it did not state a connection to a specific action taken or to be taken by the conference. Therefore, the bishop’s ruling is reversed.

The Judicial Council affirms the bishop’s ruling on Question 2 as to whether service as a United Methodist clergy in Word, Sacrament, Order and Service in a non-United Methodist Church or location is a chargeable offense and subject to ¶2702.2. The bishop correctly ruled that the question was moot and hypothetical. It was not germane to the regular business, consideration, or discussion of the clergy session of the conference and did not state a connection to a specific action taken or to be taken by the conference.

Molly Hlekani Mwayera was absent. Erin Hawkins, first lay alternate, participated in this decision. 

Øyvind Helliesen was absent.