Decision Number 356

Decision

Paragraph 21 established a principle of double relative numerical representation for members coming from The Evangelical United Brethren Church in relation to members coming from The Methodist Church during the three quadrenniums following union. In order to provide during the period following union for participation in decision-making bodies of the Church for persons coming into membership of The United Methodist Church without prior membership in the constituent denominations, minimal percentages of representation for members coming from The Evangelical United Brethren Church and The Methodist Church have been established in Paragraphs 602, 615 and 815. To the extent that the number of persons elected or appointed from the post 1968 new membership is less than the percentage of representation available to this group, the percentage remaining shall be divided between members coming from the constituent denominations in the original 13% to 87% ratio. When thus applied, Paragraphs 602, 615 and 815 are in conformity with Paragraph 21.