Resolution 5 was brought to the body by the NC Conference chapter of the Methodist Federation for Social Action (MSFA). The resolution echoes The UMC Council of Bishop’s call for peace in the Middle East. The MSFA expressed their wish that this resolution was not necessary, and encouraged all parties involved in conflict in Israel and Gaza to engage in peacemaking. This resolution was amended to highlight the suffering of Israeli and Palestinian civilians. A second amendment urged the US Department of State to work with Israeli and Palestinian authorities and other regional interests to create a long term solution to the conflict that would ensure long lasting peace, stability, and security for both Palestinians and Israelis. The resolution passed as amended.
The NC Conference Creation Care Committee brought the issue of church land use to the attention of the annual conference with Resolution 6. It encourages churches and other associated offices to take action to bring their land and grounds back into harmony with nature, as well as to implement sustainable practices and support native biodiversity. The resolution passed.
Resolution 7, brought by the Corridor District Anti-Racism Team, highlights the disparity in compensation between white male clergy, and both female clergy and clergy of color in the NC Conference. This resolution urged the Bishop’s Cabinet and Office of Clergy Life to report on the diversity of active clergy as well as establish yearly measurable goals that work toward equity in closing racial and gender wage gaps among clergy in the Conference. The resolution passed.
The Clergy Spouse Association of the NC Conference brought Resolution 8 to the attention of the annual conference in order to share the difficulties experienced by clergy families in accessing and paying for healthcare as impacted by the conference health plan. The Clergy Spouse Association agreed with the Resolutions Committee’s recommendation to refer this resolution to the Insurance Committee of the NC Conference. The Insurance Committee will be including more folks, especially those experiencing difficulties accessing care, as they determine the best health plan for the plan participants in the future. The Resolution Committee’s recommendation to refer the resolution to the Insurance Committee passed.
Update: We previously reported that Resolution 8 passed. We clarified that the Resolution Committee’s recommendation to refer passed.