Corpus Christi meeting to
vote on 24 items

List of actions includes
initiatives discussed by
leaders since January

Southwest Texas Conference policy-makers are to vote on at least 24 legislative proposals June 7 to 10 in Corpus Christi.
Those votes are to be cast during the 148th session of the Southwest Texas Annual Conference. It is to meet in Corpus Christi’s American Bank Center Arena.
The new arena is adjacent to the convention center where United Methodist leaders have gathered each year since 1991. A bowling tournament is displacing church representatives from their accustomed meeting hall.
Details about the 24 legislative action items—along with nearly 90 reports for information only—are included in a 150-page Preconference Report. It was mailed this week to the clergy and laity representatives of the 346 United Methodist congregations in Southwest Texas.
Representatives of congregations in the Austin and Corpus Christi districts have the first opportunity to discuss items on the June agenda during May 7 district conferences. Meetings of congregational representatives in the other five districts are scheduled for May 20 and 21.
The list of legislative proposals includes four key initiatives that Southwest Texas leaders have been hearing about since January:
> The Bishop’s Initiative on New Church Development. That’s a concerted effort, proposed by the New Church Development Commission, to form partnerships to establish new congregations and ministries. The initiative includes authorization for a capital-fund campaign.
> A funding formula from the Board of Pensions and Health Benefits for the new Clergy Retirement Security Plan. That plan, established by the 2004 General Conference, goes into effect Jan. 1.
> A call from the Board of Ordained Ministry for a clergy effectiveness task force. That group is to develop methods for implementing a clergy effectiveness plan. That plan is to be presented to the 2007 annual conference session.
> A voluntary clergy wellness program called “Clergy Care.” The Board of Ordained Ministry is proposing to establish a comprehensive health and wellness program for clerics serving full-time appointments.
In addition, action items in the Preconference Report include:
> Seven proposals from the Council on Finance and Administration outlining the 2007 budget, the apportionments to fund it and financial support for district superintendents. The $8.92 million spending plan reflects a 3.96 percent increase over the 2006 budget. One proposal would increase the travel reimbursement rate for volunteers going to conference agency meetings from 14 to 20 cents per mile.
> A measure from the Board of Global Ministries setting Nov. 5 as Harvest Sunday in Southwest Texas and designating anti-hunger agencies to receive equal portions of the special conferencewide offering collected that day.
> A plan from the Commission on Equitable Compensation and Moving Expense presenting accountable-reimbursement guidelines for pastors’ business expenses.
> A resolution from the Board of Church and Society urging all United Methodists to participate actively, prayerfully and respectfully in 2006 Texas elections and calling for strict enforcement of laws governing political activities by religious organizations.
> An affirmation of a resolution from Methodist Children’s Home in Waco changing the way board members are selected.
> Two amendments from the Standing Rules Committee clarifying who are to be voting laity members of the conference session. Those changes are coming as a result of amendments to The United Methodist Church Constitution ratified last year.
Twelve of the 24 action items—those believed to face little or no dissent—are listed on a consent agenda for consideration as a group.
Another consent agenda includes 87 informational reports from conference agencies and United Methodist-related institutions. Conference members vote to receive those items for printing in the yearly journal.
More than 1,300 voting members of the annual conference session—half laity, half clergy—are expected to take part in the four-day meeting in Corpus Christi. Theme is “Offering Christ to All: Becoming a Better Witness.”