Resolution 2026-10

“Support for Associate Members and Local Pastors in Legislative Efforts Toward General Conference 2028”

Financial Implications: None Anticipated

Whereas: Associate Members and Licensed Local Pastors of The United Methodist Church are called by God, affirmed by the Church, and equipped through training and ongoing formation to proclaim the Gospel and shepherd God’s people.

Whereas: Associate Members and Licensed Local Pastors provide faithful pastoral leadership by preaching, teaching, administering the sacraments, and offering pastoral care to their congregations and communities.

Whereas: Associate Members and Licensed Local Pastors serve in vital ministry settings, including rural, urban, suburban, and mission congregations, often making significant personal and family sacrifices to answer God’s call.

Whereas: Associate Members and Licensed Local Pastors enrich the mission and ministry of The United Methodist Church through their diverse gifts, backgrounds, and commitments to Christ and the Church.

Whereas: the East Ohio Annual Conference is currently served by 128 active and retired Associate Members and Licensed Local Pastors whose congregations are essential to the witness and vitality of the conference.

Whereas: the churches served by these pastors continue to be underrepresented in Annual Conference votes on constitutional amendments and legislation, as the current The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church does not grant voting rights to associate and affiliate clergy members (¶602.1.c) or to full-time and part-time local pastors (¶602.1.d).

Whereas: leaders from East Ohio are working with others across the connection, including the National Fellowship of Associate Members and Local Pastors, to draft legislation for General Conference 2028 to address these inequities and advocate for the full representation of all pastors and the congregations they serve.

Therefore, Be It Resolved: that this East Ohio Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church affirms its deep gratitude and support for the ministry of Associate Members and Licensed Local Pastors, who embody Christ’s love in action and strengthen the witness of the church.

Be It Further Resolved: that this Annual Conference commits to prayerfully supporting and encouraging the collaborative legislative work underway, recognizing its importance for the life and mission of the church.

Be It Further Resolved: that this Annual Conference urges clergy and laity alike to engage in conversation, education, and advocacy around equitable representation, in preparation for General Conference 2028.

Be It Further Resolved: that this resolution be forwarded to the National Fellowship of Associate Members and Local Pastors, the Connectional Table, the Council of Bishops, and the East Ohio delegation to General Conference, as a sign of solidarity and commitment to shared work toward just representation.

Submitted by Rev. Jeri Johnson, chair of the East Ohio Conference Fellowship of Associate Members & Local Pastors (FAMLP), and Rev. Joseph Carney, vice chair of FAMLP.

Rationale:
Building upon the actions of the 2020/2024 General Conference regarding Associate Members and Licensed Local Pastors the East Ohio Conference explicitly advocates for these Associate Members and Licensed Local Pastors, and the congregations they serve who remain underrepresented in Annual Conference voting. Supporting efforts to prepare legislation for General Conference 2028 affirms the East Ohio Conference’s commitment to equity, representation, and the flourishing of the whole church.