1. The Way Forward Three Possible Routes
Good morning everone! My name is Herzen Andone. I am the Pastor at Hillside UMC and am a clergy to General Conference 2019.
Three Possible Routes

2. Where It All Began: General Conference 2016
Members of the General Conference requested that the Council of Bishops lead the General Conference into a process that would once and for all settle the issue of the church’s stance on human sexuality and how we are to be in ministry with the LGBTQ community.
The Council of Bishops appointment a commission comprised 32 people – 1/3 Laity, 1/3 Clergy and 1/3 Bishops, from 9 different countries across the global denomination - to study the issue and to come up with a “Way Forward” through the impasse that has mired our mission and ministry since 1972.

3. The Commission on the Way Forward
Began meeting, praying and studying over 17 months, meeting in various locations around the world. Their task was to seek “future ways of being church that maximize United Methodist witness and mission.”
They agreed to:
Work to design solutions emphasizing unity while considering the challenges presented by diverse experiences
Balance the desire for a unified witness with respect for contextual and cultural dIfferences across the global church;
Take seriously the divergent interpretations of scripture characterizing the United Methodist connection
Be open to living our unity through “new forms and structures” and possible revisions to The Book of Discipline.

4. Guiding Core Values
Common Core rooted in the Apostles’ and Nicene creeds; Articles of Religion,Confession of Faith and General Rules; Wesleyan hymns; practices facilitating personal and social holiness; prayer, worship and the sacraments; accountability groups; church polity; and the conviction that God’s saving love is for all people, creating community and transforming lives
A need for space and separation where irreconcilable differences create harm
Consideration of the “present missional situation” and whether it calls for greater centralization or de-centralization

5. Guiding Core Values (cont1)
Three Values Perspectives: Traditionalist (a one-man/ one-woman view of marriage and sexual activity and greater accountability at all levels of the church); Contextual (translating and adapting the gospel into varying missional settings); and Progressive (full inclusion of all people, including the LGBTQI community, in the life of the church at all levels and celebration of same-gender marriages);
Learning to be a global church understanding how faith and culture shape conversations around LGBTQI identity and practice
Defining our unity in Jesus Christ and recognizing that when we cannot live in unity with one another our witness is compromised;

6. Guiding Core Values (cont2)
Maximizing our public mission “to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world” over private mission(s) to please constituencies already in the church
Ways of being with each other with a “heart of peace” (seeing others as created in the image of God with gifts) vs. a “heart of war” (seeing others as vehicles or obstacles to winning)
Praying our way forward daily, for one another, the church and in all commission processes and council meetings; asking United Methodists across the world to pray each day from 2:23-2:26, numbers that correspond to the dates of Feb

7. Theological Framework
Ecumenical consensus (Acts 2; John 3; Genesis 1, 3)
Grace and Holiness (Romans 5, Mark 12)
Connection and Mission (Philippians 2, Matthew 28)
A Convicted Humility [1 Corinthians 12-14]

8. What did the COWF determine?
In July of 2018, the Commission released its final report to the Council of Bishops and the General Conference of the UMC. The report identified three possible pathways through the impasse.
The Traditional Plan *
The One Church Plan
The Connection Conference Plan

9. Constitutional Compliance
The COB asked the Judicial Council – the top court of the UMC – to examine and rule on the constitutionality of the three plans at their Oct 2018 Meeting.
On Oct 25, in Decision 1366, the Judicial Council unanimously ruled:
The One Church Plan was largely constitutional
The Traditional Plan had some constitutional issues that would need to be addressed before it could pass a constitutional examination.
The Connectional Conference Plan contains proposals that would require several constitutional changes for implementation, the Court ruled it has no authority to review the plan at this time.

10. The One Church Plan

11. One Church Plan Summary
The OCP proposes an adaptable, “generous unity” without disbanding the “connectional nature” that makes global mission possible. It pledges the least disruption to United Methodist ministries, creating space for both traditionalists and progressives by providing space, freedom, flexibility and missional vitality through contextualized ministry.
The OCP redefines marriage, removes restrictive language related to same-sex marriage and the ordination of LGBTQI people and adds language protecting the religious freedom of pastors, bishops and conferences who as a matter of conscience do not support these practices.
No one is required to “act contrary to their convictions.”

12. One Church Plan Summary
For those who want change, it creates space for ministry without violating the Discipline. It also reinforces the existing freedom of:
local churches to set wedding policies
pastors to decide whom to marry
and bishops and annual conference boards of ordained ministry and clergy sessions to discern, recommend and credential those called to and suited for ordained ministry.

13. One Church Plan Summary
Churches may choose but will not be required to host same-sex weddings. Pastors are neither required to nor prohibited from performing same-sex marriage, union or blessing ceremonies.
Local congregations, conferences and pastors are not required to vote. It puts an end to the threat of church trials on charges related to ministry by, with and for LGBTQI people and maintains the current leadership structure of the church.
General boards and agencies continue their service and work. Affiliated institutions can remain connected. This path would continue to provide pension services to clergy.

14. One Church Plan Summary
It also calls for jurisdictional conferences and episcopal areas in the United States to provide the financial support for bishops and their offices, while maintaining the current general church support of the episcopacy in central conferences.
Any who cannot remain in connection may depart with grace following current Book of Discipline (BOD) processes.

15. One Church Plan Effects
Local churches do not have to vote or take positions on these issues and can continue current practices. They are free to rewrite policies that allow or prohibit same-sex weddings on church property per church conference approval. Churches may also express preferences about receiving appointed LGBTQI clergy through a covenant with their bishop. Bishops, district superintendents and cabinets may offer a collaborative process to help
Annual conferences do not have to vote. Boards of ordained ministry or clergy sessions can add language to their standing rules to restrict or permit ordination of LGBTQI clergy in consultation with the bishop and cabinet.

16. One Church Plan Effects
Clergy have freedom of conscience and can include their convictions in their clergy profile to assist the bishop and cabinet in the appointment process.
They are free to perform same-sex weddings where civil law permits. Clergy who cannot remain can leave The UMC with blessing and vested pension protected. Clergy transfer to another conference is supported.
LGBTQI candidates in conferences not ordaining “self-avowed practicing homosexual persons” can request a transfer. Clergy trials related to LGBTQI ministry end.

17. One Church Plan Effects
Bishops may follow their consciences on ordaining self-avowed practicing homosexual people. They are protected if they cannot in good conscience ordain LGBTQI clergy candidates.
Episcopal assignments in the United States will continue to be made by the jurisdictional committees on episcopacy.
Central conferences may create their own context-fitting guidelines for marriage and ordination through existing adaptable parts of The BOD.

18. One Church Plan Effects
Boards and agencies continue their work. Related institutions (camps, colleges and others) continue their affiliations or adapt based on The BOD and their own governing by-laws.
Central conferences are not compelled to act contrary to their beliefs and the contextual needs of their distinct missional fields.

19. One Church Plan Disciplinary Changes
Adds a paragraph to “Our Theological Task” (¶105) naming honest differences around human sexuality and affirming those who read scripture differently regarding “homosexual relationships.”
Changes the Social Principles sections on “Marriage” (¶161.C) and “Human Sexuality” (¶161.G) to recognize marriage as “between two adults,” honor the traditional understanding of marriage, protect religious liberty (clergy not required to perform a same-sex union) and remove incompatibility language (“the practice of homosexuality ... incompatible with Christian teaching”)

20. One Church Plan Disciplinary Changes
Changes ¶304.3, “Qualifications for Ordination,” and add a footnote to ¶310.2 f, “Candidacy for Licensed and Ordained Ministry,” reflecting changes to the Social Principles and expanding the responsibilities of the conference Board of Ordained Ministry and clergy session to set ordination standards for human sexuality with candidates.
Adds new sub-paragraphs after ¶¶329.3, and on the “Ministry, Authority, and Responsibilities of .... Deacons, Elders, and Licensed Pastors, protecting the religious liberty of clergy to exercise their conscience when asked to perform same-sex marriages.

21. One Church Plan Disciplinary Changes
Changes ¶341.6 on “Unauthorized Conduct” removing the prohibition of clergy performance of “homosexual unions” but requiring church conference approval and policies for performing same-sex marriages on church property.
Changes to ¶415.6 on “The Superintendency, Specific Responsibilities of Bishops,” protecting the religious liberty of bishops whose conviction/conscience prevent them from commissioning, licensing, and ordaining self-avowed practicing homosexual people. Jurisdictional colleges of bishops will provide for this with security of appointment continuing under the bishop of the annual conference.

22. One Church Plan Disciplinary Changes
Adds new sub-paragraphs to ¶¶416 and 419 on “Specific Responsibilities of Bishops and District Superintendents” preventing bishops and district superintendents from requiring or prohibiting the performance of same-sex marriage by pastors (or on church property), including the prohibition of any consequences of threat, coercion or retaliation by a district superintendent.
Adds new sub-paragraph to ¶605 on “Annual Conference – Business of the Conference” providing for a vote by the Board of Ordained Ministry regarding certification, ordination and appointment of self- avowed practicing homosexual people and restricting subsequent motions on that issue for 30 months unless consented to by the presiding bishop.

23. One Church Plan Disciplinary Changes
Changes ¶ on “Chargeable Offenses,” removing restrictive language concerning “self-avowed practicing homosexual” and the performance of same-sex ceremonies from the list of chargeable clergy offenses.
Adds new sub-paragraph to ¶ on “Central Conference Powers and Duties,” extending the post-General Conference time from 12 to 18 months for central conferences to adapt and translate new legislation.
Suggested changes to ¶1504 and ¶1504.1, reflecting unfunded pension liability requirements for churches leaving The United Methodist Church and pastor pension status following a termination of annual conference relationship.

24. The Traditional Plan

25. The Traditional Plan * Summary
Managing difference and diversity around human sexuality through accountability, certification and intentional, “gracious” division, the TP respects differing theological understandings by “giving each a space” through new ways of being in relationship.
Reflects a commitment to:
disciplinary accountability, clear consequences and enforced penalties for violating proposed broadened language on human sexuality in The Book of Discipline (BOD);
missional unity and alignment with the global church’s stance on human sexuality without the distraction of trials and conflict resolution processes;
an approach to contextuality that resolves the impasse over differing views of faithfulness related to human sexuality with intentional and strategic division into separate Wesleyan denominations.

26. The Traditional Plan Summary
Calling for greater accountability from bishops, clergy, credentialing bodies and conferences, the Traditional Plan promises space, freedom, flexibility and missional vitality by reinforcing the current definition of marriage and global United Methodist teaching on human sexuality.
It offers greater contextuality through “one unified moral stance on the issues of marriage and sexuality.”
The TP respects “different theological understandings” by redefining our current connectional life, creating separate spaces for authentic, contextual ministry with people with differing views.

27. The Traditional Plan Summary
The TP broadens the definition of “self-avowed practicing homosexuals” and provides for stipulated, “gracious” separation for those who cannot conform and be accountable to revised disciplinary language defining human sexuality and the qualifying rules governing the candidacy and ordination of clergy.
It offers an extensive new plan (proposed ¶2801 “Implementing Gracious Accountability”) for the creation of self-governing churches outside The United Methodist Church with a “new connectional status” and autonomy to engage in contextualized ministry with LGBTQI people – people who are also welcome to remain, worship and become members of The UMC.

28. The Traditional Plan Summary
The TP takes seriously the need for “greater contextualization” of mission and suggests that division, departure and the “formation of a new Wesleyan denomination” present “an opportunity for a different type of unity...for the sake of mission.”
Parting ways on the issue of human sexuality is a fitting response to the missional and contextual needs of our time: “It is appropriate for there to be two different Wesleyan bodies who teach differently” on same-gender marriage.
The TP promises to free progressives to pursue a fully inclusive version of Methodism to best reach people of all gender identities while assuring that traditional United Methodists can continue to be in mission and ministry with those valuing “traditional teaching” on marriage and sexuality.

29. The Traditional Plan Effects
The TP spells out the impact of its recommended changes to the Discipline for local churches, clergy, annual conferences, the COB, general agencies, United Methodist-related institutions, the broader mission field and the global church. It recognizes some financial impact, with little change to accumulated pension commitments. It also offers a specific timeline for recommended full implementation by the end of 2020.
A congregation does not have to vote. However, IF its annual conference votes to stay in The UMC, it may vote to join a new self- governing church. A local church may revote every four years. If its annual conference votes to leave The UMC, a congregation may vote any time within the first two years to remain in The UMC. Departing churches keep all property, assets and liabilities but must pay their share of the conference’s unfunded pension liability upon departure.

30. The Traditional Plan Effects
The TP requires remaining clergy to uphold and support the revised requirements of the Discipline on ordination and same-gender marriage. Those who cannot do so are encouraged to request transfer to a new self-governing church.
They keep their accumulated pension up to the time of departure. Clergy choosing to remain United Methodist who violate the revised policies will be subject to revised disciplinary processes to adjudicate complaints (first offense: one-year suspension without pay and commitment not to repeat; second offense: termination of conference membership and revocation of credentials).

31. The Traditional Plan Effects
Annual conferences must vote on one of two statements to indicate they will or will not abide by the new disciplinary requirements on human sexuality. Those that cannot will form or join a self-governing church allowing ordination of LGBTQI people and same-gender marriage.
Jurisdictional and central conferences remain the same unless annual conferences vote to leave. UMC boundaries may be adjusted and remaining bishops must certify support for new disciplinary requirements.

32. The Traditional Plan Effects
General boards and agencies continue their work. Related institutions (camps, colleges) can continue their affiliations or adapt based on the BOD and their own by-laws.
The Council of Bishops continues. All bishops must support new definitions and procedures, including a new Council Relations Committee. The global church continues to be treated the same. With no significant change in global church funding, the TP acknowledges departing churches will create an impact.

33. The Traditional Plan Effects
IF approved by General Conference in February 2019, the TP includes several milestone dates for disciplinary compliance:
Before March 31, 2020: Annual conferences vote on two statements in proposed ¶2801 indicating they will or will not “support, uphold, maintain accountability” to revised disciplinary standards.
March/April 2020: Local churches and clergy decide to remain or join a self-governing church.
By June 30, 2020: Bishops must certify one of two statements in ¶2801 saying they will or cannot “uphold United Methodist standards on marriage and sexuality in their entirety.”
Jan. 1, 2021: The General Council on Finance and Administration no longer sends or receives funds from annual conferences voting not to support revised disciplinary language of the TP.

34. The Traditional Plan Disciplinary Changes
The TP concludes with 17 sections offering additions and changes to the Book of Discipline that have been submitted as petitions to the special session of General Conference.
Section #1 broadens the Discipline’s definition in ¶304.3 of “self- avowed practicing homosexual” to include other ways individuals acknowledge engagement in homosexual practices (adding “or is living in a same-sex marriage, partnership or civil union, or is a person who publicly states she or he is a practicing homosexual”).
Public records or declarations in public forums, including social media, can be sources of this determination.

35. The Traditional Plan Disciplinary Changes
Sections #2, #3, and #4 seek to establish greater accountability for bishops by creating two new committees to monitor consistent and fair processes for placing a bishop on involuntary leave/retirement.
Bishops are accountable to a new COB Council Relations Committee (CRC) that responds to and presides over requests for involuntary leave/retirement proceedings. An Administrative Review Committee guarantees fair processes. The COB may affirm or reverse the CRC’s decision. These sections amend by adding to ¶¶408.3c, and and add ¶422.5 and

36. The Traditional Plan Disciplinary Changes
Sections #5 and #6 seek greater episcopal accountability in consecrating bishops, commissioning and ordaining clergy and nominating board of ordained ministry (BOM) members to guard against “non- conforming” boards of ordained ministry.
It amends ¶¶416.6 and a to prohibit bishops from consecrating bishops and/or commissioning and ordaining deacons and elders if they are self-avowed practicing homosexuals under the new ¶304.3.
The prohibition applies either if the BOM has made a determination using the new mandated certification process or if it has “failed to certify it carried out the disciplinarily mandated examination.”

37. The Traditional Plan Disciplinary Changes
Recommendation by the BOM and Clergy Session approval will not excuse bishops who ordain these candidates. BOM nominees must “certify that [they] will uphold, enforce and maintain The Book of Discipline related to commissioning, ordination and marriage of self- avowed practicing homosexuals.”
Bishops must certify that BOM nominees have certified they will uphold the BOD on these issues.

38. The Traditional Plan Disciplinary Changes
Sections #7, #8 and #9 also seek to guard against “non-conforming boards of ordained ministry” by amending ¶¶632.2h, 806.9, and to require BOMs to certify examination of candidates and annual conferences to certify a bishop’s BOM nominees.
Changes to ¶632.2.h require the BOM to certify and share results of their efforts to determine an individual’s fitness for ministry and if a candidate is a “practicing homosexual” (including review of social media).
Section #8 and #9 amend ¶¶806.9 and by adding that annual conferences will “certify” the bishop’s nominated BOM members will “uphold, enforce and maintain” the BOD around ordination and marriage (of “practicing homosexuals”).

39. The Traditional Plan Disciplinary Changes
Section #10 adds a new ¶2801 – Implementing “Gracious Accountability” – with a detailed exit strategy for annual conferences, bishops, clergy and churches who cannot certify they will uphold, enforce and hold others accountable to the expanded requirements of the BOD “forbidding same sex weddings and the ordination of self-avowed practicing homosexuals.”
It requires annual conferences (by March 31, 2020) and bishops (by June 30, 2020) to vote on or certify one of two statements indicating they will/will not “support, uphold, and maintain accountability” as the condition for remaining in The United Methodist Church or beginning a separation/exiting process to form new “self-governing churches.”

40. The Traditional Plan Disciplinary Changes
Section #10 also stipulates financial obligations, use of the United Methodist name and logo and participation in UM-affiliated organizations by self-governing churches. It also addresses ongoing relationships between UM-affiliated institutions and self-governing churches.
It offers annual conferences and local churches outside the United States a one-time 12-month extension on the voting process.

41. The Traditional Plan Disciplinary Changes
Section #11 amends the “Power of Trial Court Penalties” section of ¶ by creating minimum penalties for clergy: first offense, year’s suspension without pay; second offense, conference membership termination with credentials revoked.
Section #12 amends ¶304.5 to prevent district committees and conference boards of ordained ministry from recommending unqualified candidates to the clergy session. It requires bishops to rule such recommendations ineligible for action.
Section #13 amends the process in ¶¶362.1e and 413.3d to limit a bishop’s ability to dismiss complaints by adding new restrictive language. The cabinet/bishops must provide reasons for dismissal in writing copied and given to complainant.

42. The Traditional Plan Disciplinary Changes
Section #14 and #15 amends the “Just Resolution” complaints procedures (¶¶362.1, 413.3c, , c.3) by adding language stating “all identified harms,” naming how the church or others will address it and requiring clergy “commitment not to repeat the offense.”
This calls for amending the “Just Resolution” process to mandate the inclusion of the complainant in same paragraphs: “the complainant(s) shall be party to the resolution process and every effort shall be made to have the complainant(s) agree to the resolution before it may take effect.”

43. The Traditional Plan Disciplinary Changes
Section #16 amends ¶ to allow church complainants to appeal beyond the committee on appeals to the Judicial Council, which “levels the playing field” for complainants and “enables the church to correct errors in the trial process that prejudice the results of the trial.”
It introduces “of fact” language to sections dealing with the church having no right of appeal, adding “shall have a right of appeal to the committee on appeals and then to the Judicial Council...based on egregious errors of Church law or administration.”
This includes appeals to both jurisdictional and central conference committees on appeal and “then to the Judicial Council” It gives the committees an option to “remand the case for a new trial.”

44. The Traditional Plan Disciplinary Changes
Section #17 amends ¶¶570 and “to create the option of concordat churches in the United States.” It adds language allowing “churches formed through the provisions of ¶2801,” including self-governing churches, to enter into agreements with The UMC, permitting a “continuing connection with those congregations departing from the denomination because of conscience.”

45. Connectional Conference Plan

46. Connectional Conference Plan Summary
The Connectional Conference Plan (CCP) values remaining in relationship (unified mission and witness) while respecting different views.
It navigates the conflict and theological impasses around LGBTQI marriage and ordination through a restructuring of The UMC’s connectional life by replacing jurisdictional conferences in the United States with “connectional conferences.”
In the United States, three new values-based connectional conferences (CCs) – progressive, traditional and unity) – will be created to align by convictions and not geography.

47. Connectional Conference Plan Summary
These three missional “spaces” represent faithful but differing readings of scripture and the culturally specific needs of the contexts they serve.
Central conferences can remain in their current configuration (with a new CC name), join one of the new U.S. CCs (making it a global conference) or form new CCs attuned to regional and missional commitments.

48. Connectional Conference Plan Summary
The CCP affirms that space for contextual ministry and a common mission are possible. It addresses the present conflict with a strategy for redefining the connection for more effective mission and ministry so all “embody the divine love in the midst of our diversity and disagreement.”
With the CCP, each CC creates its own Book of Discipline to include shared core convictions/organizational portions of the General Book of Discipline and adapted sections specific to their context (e.g., policies on LGBTQ weddings, ordination, credentialing and approved schools/seminaries).
They may also create their own “connectional conference judicial courts” with authority to rule based on their specific Book of Discipline but subject to appeal to the Judicial Council.

49. Connectional Conference Plan Summary
The CCP requires a much longer implementation timeframe than do the other plans, with meetings, analysis, votes and other transition work required between 2019 and 2025.
The process begins with voting by jurisdictional conferences (2020) to select CC affiliation (progressive, traditional or unity). ACs that disagree with their jurisdictional conference’s decision can vote to join a different CC.
After that, local churches that disagree with their AC’s decision can vote to join another CC.
Jurisdictional conferences, ACs and local churches retain all property and liabilities, which follow them to the new CC

50. Connectional Conference Plan Effects
Local churches do not have to vote to join one of the three values-based CCs unless they differ from the choice made by their AC to follow/break with the jurisdictional conference decision.
Local church affiliation binds their ability to set policies related to whether their campus does/does not allow same-gender ceremonies (unless the church or its AC chooses the unity connectional conference). They can re- vote only after four years.

51. Connectional Conference Plan Summary
Annual conferences (AC) decide by simple majority vote to join another CC only if they disagree with the affiliation decision of their jurisdictional or central conference. ACs can only re-vote after four years. Geographical boundary adjustments may require the creation of new ACs.
The Transition Team will inform the conference of the impact of its decision. Shared information about pension and other questions will be available. ACs will inform and assist local churches who choose by a simple majority to join another CC. AC-owned property follows it to the new CC (as do jurisdictional conference assets).

52. Connectional Conference Plan Summary
Clergy must choose to affiliate with a CC, agreeing to meet its qualifications for ordination and standards of conduct. Boards of ordained ministry will communicate expectations and must approve a transfer with the possibility that clergy may serve through more than one connectional conference. CCs recognize each other’s ordinations.
Serving in a particular conference is determined by its expectations and qualifications. Each connectional conference sets transitional appointments and security of appointments. Willingness to serve in multiple CCs may affect whether a clergy person receives an appointment. Deacons and licensed local pastors may experience fewer opportunities.

53. Connectional Conference Plan Summary
Bishops must choose a CC. Organizing conferences for CCs in 2022 will elect new bishops. Mandatory retirement ages would be waived during the transition period ( ). Bishops may serve in a different CC during this time. Bishops and cabinets continue to administer appointments.
The CCP changes the function of the Council of Bishops. Colleges of bishops specific to and elected by each new CC will provide for episcopal oversight and accountability.
Each U.S. CC elects and funds its own bishops (episcopal funding by the general church for central conferences continues). The General Council on Finance and Administration (GCFA would help establish tax exemption status for each new U.S. CC. Central conferences are authorized to elect bishops and waive mandatory retirement age requirements until 2022.

54. Connectional Conference Plan Summary
Certain boards and agencies continue their work under the CCP, specifically, Wespath, GCFA, the Publishing House, UMCOR, Archives and History and some parts of the General Board of Global Ministries.
A task force with representation from all CCs will evaluate the board and agency structure and propose a new model to be adopted in Each CC will determine whether to affiliate with the newly configured general agencies.
Justice ministries (including but not limited to those focusing on racism and sexism) will be established by each CC with accountability and reporting to General Conference.
Related institutions like camps and colleges may choose affiliation with CCs based on their own by-laws.
Mission field/geography of the CCP. The plan opens up the entire U.S. to any CC to engage in ministry.

55. Connectional Conference Plan Summary
The Judicial Council retains authority over constitutional matters with specific CC judicial councils ruling on matters specific to their CC Book of Discipline (appeals may still be made to the Judicial Council).
Central conferences can either exist as their own renamed CC or align with a U.S. (or other global) CC. They choose their own bishops and continue to receive general church funding for episcopal expenses and mission.
The financial and pension considerations of the CCP include legal fees (GCFA will estimate), reconfigured budgets for ACs due to boundary reconfiguration (with additional/fewer churches and clergy), the continuation of Wespath and coverage for all CCs (including legacy pension issues and new plan structures), and transition fallout refiguring the 2020 and General Conference budgets.

56. Connectional Conference Plan Summary
The 2024 General Conference would move to 2025 to allow transition time and disconnect later general conferences from U.S. election years. A Transitions Team will assist with changes required by 2025 (organizational conferences, etc.).

57. Connectional Conference Plan Disciplinary Changes
Amend ¶101 defining what portions of the Discipline are adaptable (for example, sections on homosexuality). It replaces “central conferences” (as having permission to adapt portions of the Discipline) with “connectional conferences;” amends the outline of parts of the BOD not subject to change.
Add a new ¶2801 detailing processes and milestone dates for implementing the Connectional Conference plan
Add a new ¶2802 specifying the formation and work of a Transitions Team with a full- time project manager and other paid staff to help the COB oversee the transition and details for implementing the CCP

58. Connectional Conference Plan Disciplinary Changes
Amend ¶422 redefining the role of the Council of Bishops as a learning community and creating new episcopal supervision structure (“college of bishops”) for each connectional conference.
Amend and replace ¶2602 to include new paragraphs ¶ (with changes to ) reconfigure the Judicial Council as an elected body of clergy and laity with equal representation from each connectional conference to deal with up to 10 connectional conferences, each with a different Book of Discipline.

59. Connectional Conference Plan 9 Constitutional Amendments
Amends ¶9 and deletes ¶10 to replace “jurisdictional and central conferences” with renamed “connectional conferences” making it possible to create theologically based connectional conferences
Amends ¶14 to move 2024 General Conference to 2025 and shift subsequent assemblies from U.S. election cycles.
Amends ¶16 to allow connectional conferences to adapt structures and duties of leadership (to their ministry context).

60. Connectional Conference Plan 9 Constitutional Amendments
Amends ¶19 to allow the episcopacy to be adapted to transregional connectional conferences without expectation of serving in other areas of the church.
Amends ¶23 to standardize the powers of jurisdictional and central conferences as “connectional conferences;” requires U.S. connectional conferences to financially support their own bishops; allow all connectional conferences freedom to adapt The Book of Discipline and create judicial structures to review legal questions specific to it.
Amends ¶37 to establish three connectional conferences in the U.S. disconnected from specific geography (states and landscape borders).

61. Connectional Conference Plan 9 Constitutional Amendments
Amends ¶45 to reconfigure the Council of Bishops as an ecumenical, missional, general church vitality resource while creating Connectional Colleges of Bishops with authority, tenure and power shaped by each connectional conference.
Amends ¶ 56.3 to allow connectional conference judicial courts to rule on matters related to issues covered by the adapted portions of their specific Book of Discipline (allows appeal to the general church Judicial Council for final ruling).
Add name changes in ¶¶32-36, 56 and 61 to replace “jurisdiction,” “jurisdictional conference” and “central conference” with “connectional conference” and replace “of the central conferences” with “outside the United States.”