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Connectional Table would have maximum of 131 members

April 8, 2004 

A UMNS Report By John A. Lovelace*

The United Methodist Connectional Table, as proposed by the church’s General Council on Ministries, would comprise between 131 and 134 members as follows:

·        One from each of the 63 U.S. annual conferences.

·        Three from each of seven central conferences outside the United States.

·        Up to 12 members-at-large for a balance of laity-clergy, racial-ethnic background, geographic origin and gender.

·        Up to 14 bishops.

·        Top staff executives and presidents of the following 10 general agencies accountable to the Connectional Table: Board of Church and Society, Board of Discipleship, Board of Global Ministries, Board of Higher Education and Ministry, Commission on Christian Unity and Interreligious Concerns, Commission on Religion and Race, Commission on the Status and Role of Women, Commission on Archives and History, Commission on United Methodist Men and Commission on Communication.

The top staff executives and presidents of the United Methodist Publishing House and the Board of Pension and Health Benefits would have voice without vote at the table.

*Lovelace is a writer and editor in Dallas. He has covered eight United Methodist General Conferences.  News media can contact Tim Tanton at (615)742-5470 or newsdesk@umcom.org.

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