Social Principles Consultations
July 2014-February 2015
Application Form
Background
The 2012 General Conference approved legislation to carry out consultations to update the Social Principles (cf. Revise Social Principles 20986-CA-Non-Dis). The spring 2014 meeting of the General Board of Church and Society Board of Directors after consultation with the Secretary of the General Conference approved a recommendation from its Executive Committee to initiate a process for updating the Social Principles of The United Methodist Church.
Purpose and Focus
Each consultation will last two days and focus on these three questions:
1. What role do the current Social Principles play in enhancing the mission and ministry of the United Methodist Church?
2. How much or how well have the current Social Principles served to empower mission and ministry in your geographical area (conference)?
3. What might globally relevant Social Principles look like?
Who is invited to attend
Participants will be selected from a variety of racial and ethnic groups; clergy (including men and women); laymen and women; youths; young adults; older adults; and persons with disabilities.
Criteria for participation includes lay and clergy persons with experience and competencies in theology, ethics and practices that shape the mission and ministry of the Social Principles in a region.
Cost for participant transportation, lodging, meals, will be paid for by the General Board of Church and Society.
Outcomes
The findings from each of the five consultations will be recorded and collated. The report will be shared with the members of the General Board of Church and Society at its February 2015 spring meeting for further consideration and possible action at the 2016 General Conference in May 10-20, 2016.
Consultations (Application Deadline)
· Sept. 26-27, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. (ASAP)
· Oct. 17-18, Maputo, Mozambique. (Aug. 15)
· Nov. 7-8, Abuja, Nigeria. (Sept. 15)
· Dec. 14-15 Prague, Czech Republic. (Oct. 15)
· January 16-17, 2015, Washington, D.C., U.S.A. (Dec. 15)
· January 23-24, 2015, Washington, D.C., U.S.A. (Dec. 15)
Fill out the application on the following pages and return to Katie Montfortte, () via email.
General Board of Church and Society
The United Methodist Church
Social Principles Consultations — July 2014-February 2015
Application Form
First Name:
Family Name:
Contact Information
Address:
City/Postal Code:
Country:
Business Phone:
Cell phone:
Home phone:
Email:
Church Affiliation
Local Church:
Annual Conference:
Jurisdictional/Central Conference:
Bishop:
To help us ensure diversity and inclusivity of applicants, please answer the following:
Age:
Male or Female:
Clergy or Laity:
Ethnic/Racial background:
Spoken languages:
Please indicate which consultation you are interested in attending:
Please answer the following questions completely. Each answer should be 150 words or fewer.
1. Please list official responsibilities you hold in the church.
2. Do you have formal theological education or ethical training?
3. Do you have formal or professional training in another area?
4. Please list official responsibilities you hold in civic and governmental organizations.
5. Please describe below your positions of leadership and participation in Church and Society work in your conference and community.
6. What specific work have you done in your community to teach and implement portions of the Social Principles?
7. Have you attended any seminar or training or event on the Social Principles sponsored by the General Board of Church and Society? (If so please indicate the date and year of this training and the location of the training.)
8. Please describe what you would like to contribute to this consultation?
9. Did anyone recommend you to be involved in this consultation? If so who?
Please return completed application by email to no later than the application date listed.
For questions please contact: Katie Monfortte, or by phone +1(202) 488-5675
Thank you for your willingness to participate in this important global effort to reflect on how the Social Principles are lived out through word and action in our various contexts and as one United Methodist Church.
Yours in Christ,
The Rev. Neal Christie
Assistant General Secretary
General Board of Church and Society
The United Methodist Church
+1 202 488 5611
+1 202 341 1119
Page 1 of 5