Summer 2008, No. 3 - United Methodist Men

The extent of the power of the MissionCouncil became a central issue whenSouthern Methodist University (SMU)––aschool owned by the jurisdiction––wantedto give the Bush Foundation a 99-year leaseto build a presidential library, museum andpolicy institute on school property. Thelease is renewable up to 249 years.United Methodists who oppose theconstruction of the library and the institute––over which the school would have nocontrol––say that only the South CentralJurisdictional Conference can give finalapproval for the lease.University officials and 10 bishops inthe South Central Jurisdiction disagree(one abstained). They say that jurisdictionalrules permit the Mission Council to makedecisions between quadrennial sessions.Kansas Area Bishop Scott Jones,president of the South Central Collegeof Bishops, said the bishops consideredconvening a special session of thejurisdictional conference. “The proposalwas rejected because that is not the normalway we make decisions,” said Jones.What may happen when the SouthCentral Jurisdiction gathers in Dallas isuncertain. David Severe, secretary ofthe South Central Jurisdiction, told UMNews Service, that it is not clear whetherthe decision needs to be ratified or justreported. “It’s a matter of interpretation,”he said, “and I’m only the secretary.”A resolution to General Conferencecalled for the denomination to prevent the“leasing, selling, or otherwise participatingin or supporting the presidential library forGeorge W. Bush at Southern MethodistUniversity.” The resolution was referred tothe South Central Jurisdictional Conference.Jurisdictional Conferences July, 2008North Central Jurisdiction - Grand Rapids, Mich. – 276 delegates.Northeastern Jurisdiction - Harrisburg, Pa. – 252 delegatesSouth Central Jurisdiction – Dallas, Texas – 296 delegatesSoutheastern Jurisdiction - Lake Junaluska, N.C. – 504 delegatesWestern Jurisdiction - Portland, Oregon – 80 delegatesThe Rev. James Swanson is applaudedshortly after he receives a sufficientnumber of votes to be electedbishop during the 2004 SoutheasternJurisdictional Conference (UMNS photo).UM Men respond to four focus areasDenominational leaders wantUnited Methodists throughoutthe connection to concentrateon ministries addressing four areas:1. Leadership development withparticular focus on leadingthe United Methodist way ofdiscipleship.2. Congregational development andnew church starts.3. Ministry with the poor, withparticular attention to caring for andprotecting children.4. Global health by confronting thediseases of poverty, including HIV,malaria and tuberculosis.The Connectional Table, a 60-memberbody of representatives of generalagencies, caucuses and regions aroundthe world, selected the four initiativesfrom “seven vision pathways” suggestedby the Council of Bishops and 54proposals put forth by table members.These focus areas are “not for thenext quadrennium, but for as far asthe eye can see,” says the Rev. LarryHollon, general secretary for UMCommunications. “Their purpose is notto limit the great work of anyone, but tofocus the great work of everyone.UM Men responsesI. Developing Christian principledleaders• Train and equip all UM Menleaders.• Train and equip at least onehundred men’s ministryspecialist by 2012.• Train and equip leaders in theDemocratic Republic of theCongo in scouting and men’sministry.II. New places for new people andrenewal of existing congregations:• Train UM leaders to relate tomen’s ministry.• Develop a seminary course forpastors and laity.• Help conferences and schoolsoutside the U.S. train laity andclergy in men’s ministry.• Enable men to mature spirituallyin order to pass on their faith toothers.III. Ministry with the poor:• Train UM Men leaders tobecome advocates for the poor.• Enhance hunger-relief ministriesin local churches through theSociety of St. Andrew.• Expand Amachi programs toevery conference.• Train officers of UM Men aboutpoverty and racism.• Work with the World MethodistCouncil Men’s Affiliate in theStop Hunger Now campaign.IV. Global health:• Develop scouting award toindividuals and troops forfundraising efforts for “Nothingbut Nets.”• Connect with partnersin Mozambique and theDemocratic Republic of theCongo to provide clean waterand develop scouting award.• Continue support for Hope ofHearing.• Continue anti-tobacco effortsin cooperation with the GeneralBoard of Church and Society.18 l Summer 2008 l UM MENUM MEN l Summer 2008 l 19