CONFERENCE BUSINESS COMMITTEE D Administration Division

Transcription

1 CONFERENCE BUSINESS COMMITTEE D Administration Division CONVENER: Nan Russell QUESTION 28: What are the decisions of Conference on matters relating to the Administration Division? Report pp D1 D7 2. The membership of the Disciplinary Tribunal Panel for 2008 is: Ian Gordon (Deputy Chairperson), Ruth Bilverstone, David Bush, Mervyn Dine, Rob Ferguson, Keith Hopner, Howard Lawry, Valerie Nicholls, Ken Olsen, Hugh Rennie (Chairperson), Jeff Sanders, Indira Sirisena and Sheila Thorne and such additional persons as may be appointed by the President after consultation with Wasewase ko Viti kei Rotuma, Sinoti Samoa and Vahefonua Tonga. 3. The membership of the Review Panel for 2008 is: John Bennett, Wendy Conwell, Suiva aia Teo, Uesifili Unasa, Alan Upson and Peter Williamson (Chairperson) and such additional persons as may be appointed by the President after consultation with Wasewase ko Viti Rotuma, Sinoti Samoa and Vahefonua Tonga. 4. Conference affirms the name of Rev David Bush as General Secretary designate and notes his name will appear on the 2008 stationing sheet as General Secretary. 5. Conference notes that the Methodist Church s data for registration under the Charities Act will be presented to the Commissioner by mid December. 6. Membership of the Board of Administration for 2008 is: Bruce Anderson, Alan Bettany, Ruth Bilverstone (Chairperson), Richard Blakeborough, Donald Biggs, Frank Claridge, Geoff Peak, Nan Russell, Diana Tana, Paula Taumoepaeu, Pari Waaka and the General Secretary. Stipends Paper 7. That the report is received. 8. The report and suggested decisions 8-22, 23(b), 24-31(a) are referred back to parishes, rohe, synods, Tauiwi Strategy and Hui Poari for further consideration and report to Conference Conference asks the Stipend Review Task Group to note the concerns expressed at Conference, and to facilitate the continued consideration and reporting. 10. The membership of the Stipend Review Task Group be Marion Hines, Setaita Kinahoi Veikune, David McGeorge, Alex Webster, Rex Nathan, John Murray, Ron Gibson, the Director Pasifika Ministries, the General Secretary, the General Secretary designate, and one other to be appointed by Te Taha Maori. 11. Conference requires that the Stipends Committee no longer measures stipend changes against the CPI and parity to partner churches only, but be required to seek appropriate professional guidance in setting stipends. Property Paper 12. That the report be received. 13. Conference affirms the need for Church property to serve the mission of the Church and that the development and ownership of property is not an end unto itself. 14. Rev Dr Jim Stuart and Rev Donald Phillips be thanked for their work in researching and preparing the resource Property Stewardship and the Economy of Grace. 15. The need for well researched, considered and complementary strategies for the place of property in the mission of the Church be confirmed at local, regional and Connexional levels and that Conference encourages Synods to seek out resources to develop and maintain such strategic planning. 16. Conference notes the suggested changes to the requirements for property approvals and the use of property professionals as set out in the report and asks the Law Revision Committee in collaboration with the Methodist Connexional Property Committee to draft appropriate changes to Church Law for ratification at Conference Conference removes the existing loan limit on Church Building and Loan Fund advances of $100,000 and authorises the Board of Administration in association with Methodist Connexional Property Committee to manage the loans from the Church Building and Loan Fund to the Church so as to: (i) (ii) Maintain the security of the Fund s capital and income for the protection of deposits. Provide loans of a size and term to facilitate recognised strategically important projects to proceed subject to prudential limits to protect both the Fund and borrowing Parishes from over extension and default. 18. Conference approves the Synodal and Connexional view of the use of sales proceeds, including the wider use of income earned on sales proceeds and the cross Synodal use of capital as suggested in the Report and requests the Law Revision Committee in collaboration with Methodist Connexional Property Committee to draft appropriate changes to Church Law for ratification at Conference Conference encourages Methodist Connexional Property Committee and UCANZ in association with the denominational partners to review all Cooperating and Union agreements involving Methodist D - 70

2 property to ensure that property schedules and ratios are properly completed and appropriate capital ratios established to reflect the contributions made to such ventures at their commencement together with any changes to capital contributions over time. 20. Conference notes the covenants and agreements set out in the Guide to Procedures in Cooperating Ventures as the current provisions governing the relationship between the partners and notes all Cooperating and Union agreements are covenants between the participating denominations rather than independent local undertakings. QUESTION 28(a): What are the decisions of Conference on matters relating to the Investment Advisory Board? Report pp D That the Investment Advisory Board of 2008 be: David Bush, John Chittenden, David Cleal, Hugh Garlick, Michael Greer, Chris Gregory, David Hunt, Jack Jenner, Norman Johnston, Kay Kendall, Manase Latu, Meleane Nacagilevu, Lorraine Parker, Geoff Peak, Jill van de Geer (General Secretary)and Greg Wright (Executive Officer). QUESTION 28(b): What are the decisions of Conference on matters relating to the Methodist Trust Association? Report pp D Board for 2008: David Bush, John Chittenden, David Cleal, Hugh Garlick, Michael Greer, Chris Gregory, David Hunt, Jack Jenner, Norman Johnston, Kay Kendall, Manase Latu, Meleane Nacagilevu, Lorraine Parker, Geoff Peak, Jill van de Geer (General Secretary), and Greg Wright (Executive Officer). QUESTION 28(c): What are the decisions of Conference on matters relating to Connexional Trusts? Report p D27 2. Conference approves the changes to the Trust Deed of the Supernumerary Fund of the Methodist Church of New Zealand as printed in the 2007 Conference Agenda pages D Conference notes that the Superannuation Fund Trustee will continue to explore issues relating to superannuation for Presbyters and will report to Hui Poari and Synods during 2008 and report to Conference QUESTION 28(d): What are the decisions of Conference on matters relating to the PACT 2086 Trust? Report p D37 DECISION: QUESTION 28(f): What are the decisions of Conference on matters relating to the PAC Distribution Group? Report pp D36 2. The Board for 2008 be: Jocelyn Boys, Motekiai Fakatou, Gillian Laird, Arthur Davis, Margaret Giles, Tevita Finau, Elspeth Mclean, the Ex President, the General Secretary. QUESTION 28(g): What are the decisions of Conference on matters relating to the Robert Gibson Trust? Report pp D That the Trust Board Members for be: D - 71

3 Rex Ashley, Preston Bulfin, John Chittenden, Reba Hunt, Geoff Marx, Christian Padrutt, Andrew Richardson, Rev Margaret Springett, Bill Yateman, Taranaki Wanganui Synod Superintendent (Rev Tony Bell), the Manaia Union Parish Presbyter (vacant) and the General Secretary (Rev Jill Van de Geer). QUESTION 28(h): What are the decisions of Conference on matters relating to Statistics? Report pp N1-5 DECISION: QUESTION 28(i): What are the decisions of Conference on matters relating to Travel and Study?Report pp D Conference reiterates the value of funding available for travel and study and commends the Connexional Appeal to the Church. 3. That for the foreseeable future the Travel and Study Committee remain on the Connexional Budget Guaranteed Funding ($20,000), and the Budget Task Group be asked to investigate possibilities for increasing to $25, The closing dates for 2008 are 15 th February, 15 th May, 15 th August, and 15 th November at the Connexional Office. 5. The Committee for 2008 be: Don Biggs (Convenor), Mary West (Meeting Secretary), Tovia Aumua, Elizabeth Hopner, Prince Devanandan, and representation from Te Taha Maori; and ex-officio (Corresponding or attending) the Principal of Trinity Theological College, Directors of Mission Resourcing, Tumuaki Te Taha Maori, Co-ordinator Mission and Ecumenical, and the General Secretary. QUESTION 28(j): What are the decisions of Conference on matters relating to the Wesley Historical Society? Report pp D42-43 DECISION: A. Memorial to Conference from Auckland Synod: Preamble In the light of deep dissatisfaction with the Presidential selection process and concern for the effects of the process on candidates, the Auckland Synod in 2005 presented a Memorial to Conference which suggested the Conference considered a partnership model of Presidency between Taha Maori and Tauiwi. Conference passed the Memorial on to the Council of Conference as part of a review of the Presidency. During 2006, the Presidential Review Committee presented a paper for consideration by Synods. The Synod responded to the paper noting that our real issues of concern relating to feelings of an unsafe system and a lack of trust in the system, were not addressed by the paper. An apparent desire from the committee to tighten the system was not seen as a constructive way forward. We stated that we believed that there should be no change to the existing processes until fundamental questions relating to leadership of the church were addressed. The Stipends Review Committee is now suggesting a need to comprehensively review the structures of the church. Notice of Motion Conference, in respect of matters relating to the Presidency notes: That the Council of Conference has not produced any final recommendations regarding its nature and the selection process; That the Stipends Review Committee in this year s reports indicates the need to review the structures of the church; and That the church has struggled to find willingness among presbyters, deacons and laity to undertake the role. D - 72

4 Decision: 1. Conference asks the Council of Conference to appoint a 4+4 group which shall: Research the most appropriate and responsible model of Presidency to take the church into the future given its changing nature and size, as well as the understanding that people have of the role of President and Vice President. Investigate the reasons behind the resistance of people to be nominated for the positions. Prepare a discussion paper for June Synods, with possible models. Bring a report to Conference C. Moved by: Auckland Synod The Economy of Grace, Stewardship & Property a response We would first like to thank the Board of Administration s Methodist Connexional Property Committee (MCPC) for their report and acknowledge their expression of frustration regarding the lack of response to previous requests for input. Some members of the Auckland Synod Property Advisory Committee (ASPAC) participated in the Working Group, (Christchurch in 2005) set up to discuss the papers written by Jim Stewart and Donald Phillipps. Within this Working Group there was a sense of excitement, hope and anticipation to moving forward in a new way. These feelings are not fully represented in the paper presented to Synods by MCPC. We believe much is lost because of this. We affirm the six principles outlined by Jim Stewart in the booklet Property, Stewardship and the Economy of Grace. We believe, however, that they are not just matters about property. They are about: The very nature of Te Haahi Weteriana o Aotearoa and hold the key to the future The theological understandings that must under gird our being as a Connexional Church A process of change that requires a change of mind-set and heart as well as processes and procedures. They require: A way to truly engage congregational members in a process of change that will enable them to examine: + their theological beliefs + the practical implications and outworking of the principles + the feelings of anxiety and grief that may be raised in addressing these matters + a way of seeing themselves as part of a Connexional Church and what that means. Suggested Decisions: 1. The presentation of the matters in the MCPC Report to the 2007 Conference regarding Property, Stewardship and the Economy of Grace be referred back to Synods for further consideration during All material relating to the above matters is translated into the Pasifika languages represented within Te Haahi Weteriana o Aotearoa 3. In the light of the above a Working Group is established to address these matters and assist congregations to explore the implications of the 6 principles for the life of the church. 4. The Working Group: Be representative of the theological and ethnic make up of our church. Comprise people with the appropriate knowledge and skills required to do the task. Decisions: All material relating to the above matters is translated into the Pasifika languages represented within Te Haahi Weteriana o Aotearoa In the light of the above a Working Group is established to address these matters and assist congregations to explore the implications of the 6 principles for the life of the church. The Working Group: (a) Be representative of the theological and ethnic make up of our church (b) Comprise people with appropriate knowledge and skills required to do the task. D - 73

5 F. Moved by: Sinoti Samoa PREAMBLE Sinoti Samoa believes the Methodist Church of New Zealand, Te Haahi Weteriana o Aotearoa has reached a critical stage in its life. The global context and theological thinking of the new millennium have impacted upon its sense of mission and ways of being church. The effects vary with different sections of the Church and manifest through issues like leadership, financial viability, decreasing membership, to mention a few. For the Pacific ministries, there is growth and vitality with a strong sense of mission; along with urgent needs for financial support, nurture and sustainability. Growth generates vision. INTRODUCTION As a nation we have been challenged to build healthy families and to stop violence and abusive relationships. Sinoti Samoa believes that the Methodist Church, Te Haahi Weteriana o Aotearoa needs to take a positive lead and work in partnership with Parishes, Missions and Government Agencies to fulfill this mandate. Sinoti Samoa has a vision for a Methodist National Centre for Women. The roles of the Samoan women are fundamental to building healthy families and communities - to nurture, heal, protect, care and provide for, and to promote the holistic well-being of families. The Samoan women are inherently forefronts in the development of families, church and community. For five years now the women have been praying, talking, exploring and fundraising to bring this vision into reality. VISION To build a Methodist multi-purpose building that would provide: a centre and a home for women to gather for fellowship, nurture, worship, strengthening their faith in God and to equip themselves for mission; a Pasefika healing and nurturing centre that will cater for the growing needs of children and youth of our Church families and those of the communities; a mission outpost for community engagement. Hopes & Dreams - Such vision provides endless opportunities for mission such as: Providing a place for meeting, learning and nurturing for women of all ages, cultures, and of all walks of life women reaching out to women. Providing a centre for education, leadership training and development for women, youth and community leaders. Providing and accommodating the mission and ministry needs of Te Haahi Weteriana o Aotearoa such as meetings, conferences, conventions, camps and as well as community functions. Providing community education/support for Pacific nuclear and extended families. Providing space for groups such as lay preachers, Sunday School teachers etc. to hold seminars, retreats, Bible Studies, and others. Providing space and community activities for the increasing number of aging parents. STRATEGICAL GOAL 1 To secure a five acres of land, currently available in Manurewa, Manukau. The land has a government evaluation of $1.85 million. This property which is strategically located in a district with escalating social problems offers such an ideal opportunity for mission. STRATEGICAL GOAL 2 To build an appropriate multi-purpose building. The current estimated cost of such building is around $3.2 million. FUNDING With its insufficient funds to consider the purchase of this property, Sinoti Samoa is now passionately committed to fund raising activities in pursuit of its vision. We are also anxiously aware that inflation, re-zoning and the rich property developers are competing elements beyond our control. Sinoti Samoa is encouraged by the positive directions taken by the Methodist Connexional Property Committee towards using the Church s capital funds to support mission across Parishes and Synods. Sinoti Samoa is aware that all properties of the Methodist Church rest in the ultimate ownership and control of the Methodist Conference. Over the years, Samoan congregations have contributed considerable resources towards the acquisition and construction of various church properties, knowing that these resources are under the direct control of Conference. D - 74

6 PROPOSAL Sinoti Samoa is now wishing to approach Conference 2007 with a proposal that would see the capital resources and designated funds of the church being made available for mission. We recognise that the release of such funds would require the agreement of the whole Church but it would be possible for the church as a whole to give assurances that those for whom the funds are designated would not be disadvantaged by such a connexional strategy. We recognize that this proposal is very much in the spirit of the Methodist Connexional Property Committee s Report and Recommendations to Conference. Property, Stewardship and the Economy of Grace We note with much approval the report presented to Synods, Hui Poari and this Conference by the Board of Administration s Methodist Connexional Property Committee. We note the proposed additional Law book regulation which would allow Connexional strategy to require reinvestment of surplus funds in a property project in other parts of the Connexion. We note also that such transferred funds would be recorded as an advance by the parish and synod with a matching obligation on the recipient parish and synod. We suggest to Conference that it considers the intrinsic family nature of the Methodist connexion with the ensuing fact that all Methodist property is under the direct ownership and control of Conference. From this essential understanding of who we are as a church, we further suggest that within such a structure, questions of advances or obligations are ultimately of technical interest only. We affirm Rev. Jim Stuart s and Rev. Donald Phillips booklet on the theology of property and the 6 Principles of Christian Stewardship of Property. These principles of Entitlement, Generosity, Commonality, Responsibility, Integrity and Context all give the church a lead on how to handle our request. This vision of Sinoti Samoa is a good example of an area where our connexionality could be warmly expressed. We ask that Conference requests that the Methodist Connexional Property Committee further examines the questions raised in this notice of motion, together with their report to the church, to see where the capital resources within the Connexion can be more readily released for the benefit of those sections of the church that have mission projects. Whilst recognising the important association of various groups with their dedicated funds it now seems appropriate to Sinoti Samoa that the church expresses the commonality of these funds in a way that is consultative and sensitive but also proactive. For the Methodist Church of New Zealand, such a move would continue to exhibit its positive response to its diversity, in this case, in terms of mission and ways of being church. Sinoti Samoa commends this strategy to Conference SUGGESTED DECISIONS 1 The report is received. 2 Conference warmly supports the intentions of this Notice of Motion and refers it to the Board of Administration, the Methodist Connexional Property Committee, and the Law Revision Committee: a. to consider how the capital resources of the church can be made available for mission projects by other sections of the Church, and in such ways that would enhance the Connexional nature of the Church; b. to put in place an appropriate mechanism for a connexional strategic priority for funding resources; c. to report to Hui Poari, Synods, Wasewase ko Viti kei Rotuma, and to Conference Conference warmly supports the Sinoti Samoa Strategy for a Building Project and: a. asks the Methodist Connexional Property Committee to make funds available to purchase the land at Manurewa. b. encourages Sinoti Samoa to consult with the Methodist Connexional Property Committee, Methodist Mission Northern and appropriate Government Agencies to explore available funding for a building complex. Decisions: 1. Conference warmly supports Sinoti Samoa s Strategy for their building project and refers it to the Board of Administration for consideration and action to Methodist Mission Northern for General oversight and to report to Hui Poari, Synods, Tauiwi Strategy and Stationing, Wasewase ko Viki kei Rotuma and Vahefonua Tonga during 2008 and to report to Conference Conference encourages Sinoti Samoa in consultation with the President and General Secretary to approach appropriate Government and Community agencies to explore available funding for their building project. D - 75

7 H. Moved by: Tauiwi Strategy Committee That 5% of the available 80% interest from Methodist Invested funds in CB&L go into a Connexional Strategic Mission Fund each year. Suggested Recommendations: 1. No recommendation pending the outcome of the property discussions put forward at Conference this year. Decision: 1. No recommendation pending the outcome of the property discussions put forward at Conference this year. D - 76