Decision Number 1482

Decision

An annual conference cannot condition the disaffiliation of a local church upon a requirement that the pastor of a withdrawing church make a written statement as to whether he or she desires to remain in the United Methodist Church, retire or surrender their credentials. Clergy who withdraw from their annual conference membership by written request or by simply leaving their appointment have not surrendered their credentials unless action is taken against them under ¶¶ 327.6, 362, 2707 or 2711.

April 25, 2023

¹ Of course, it is the right and indeed the duty of a DS to find out the preferences of his or her clergy during the appointment season. However, this is a far cry from a requirement that one leave, retire or surrender as a condition of a local church departing the denomination.