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Petition to the General Conference, 2004, In accordance with the instructions for preparation of petitions, PAGE NUMBER: Page 1 of 2 SUGGESTED TITLE/SUBJECT MATTER: Celebration of 50 years of Continuous Full Clergy Rights for Women PETITION CONCERNS: New Resolution FINANACIAL IMPLICATIONS: None PETITION TEXT: Add new resolution to the Book of Resolutions as follows: Whereas God has God has given women gifts and graces for ministry to witness faithfully to Jesus Christ. Whereas The Church of The United Brethren in Christ gave full clergy rights to women in 1889. Whereas in 1946 The Church of the United Brethren in Christ merged with The Evangelical Church to become The Evangelical United Brethren Church ands ceased giving full clergy rights to women. Whereas in 1956 the General Conference of the Methodist Church granted full clergy rights for women; and 2006 will be the 50th anniversary. Whereas some women from The Central Jurisdiction of The Methodist Church were dissuaded from seeking full clergy rights. Whereas in 1968 The Evangelical United Brethren Church and The Methodist Church having abolished The Central Jurisdiction merged to form The United Methodist Church. Whereas there are now more than 10,000 clergywomen in The United Methodist Church. Therefore be it resolved that in 2006 every Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church be urged to celebrate 50 continuous years of the full clergy rights for women including a liturgical act during the annual conference session. Therefore be it further resolved that in 2006 every local congregation be encouraged to observe the celebration of 50 years of the full clergy rights for women. DATE: November 24, 2003 SUBMITTED BY: Kathryn J. Johnson, on behalf of PETITIONER IDENTIFICATION: Methodist Federation for Social Action TELEPHONE: 202-546-8806 |
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