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2019 Rules, Petitions, Elections

Graphic for 2019 Mountain Sky Conference

The Legislative Process

In the Mountain Sky Conference, it is our intent to advocate for, build up, and live into Beloved Community. One of the ways we do that is by having intentional and careful conversations with one another about the ministries we do together as an annual conference. This page  highlights some of the important rules and guidelines governing the Legislative Process. Please review this page carefully since some of the rules and guidelines for our new annual conference have changed from what you have known in previous years.

This year, we will be considering petitions both for the Mountain Sky Conference and the 2020 General Conference. These are two different kinds of petitions with different rules and formats. Some of the differences are noted below. Throughout the Legislative Process, our goal is to help you accomplish what you intend to do. We look forward to working with you at this year’s annual conference session.

Click here to review and download the 2019 Annual Conference petitions

 

Click here to review and download the Mountain Sky Session Rules

 

Click here to review and download the Mountain Sky Guiding Policies and Procedures

PETITIONS TO THE MOUNTAIN SKY CONFERENCE
Two Types of Petitions
Most motions considered at an annual conference session come in the form of written petitions. Once adopted, these petitions may be in one of two forms:

  • Binding Action
    • A Binding Action presents a request for action by the annual conference.  It uses declarative language such as “shall” or “expects,” and assumes that action will be taken by the appropriate board, committee, or agency of the annual conference.  
  • Non-Binding Resolution
    • A Non-Binding Resolution presents a position – either political, social, theological, or otherwise – and is not binding either on the Annual Conference or the wider church. It uses language such as “recommends” or “urges,” and is not considered to be binding or enforceable.  

“Action” / “Rationale” / “Evaluation”

  • Action: This section states clearly and concisely what you are asking the annual conference to do.
  • Rationale: This section presents the motivation and reasons for the Action.
  • Evaluation: This section sets the criteria for how we will know when we have accomplished the intended Action.
  • For all petitions, only the “Action” section may be debated and amended. The “Rationale” and the “Evaluation” are presented for information as a resource for the conversation. By focusing our conversation just on what we want to do as an annual conference, we avoid unnecessary distractions and strengthen our mutual commitment to our Beloved Community.

Petition Details
All petitions are effective on July 1, 2019, and terminate on June 30, 2023, unless otherwise stated.  

Financial Impact
The Conference Council on Finance and Administration (CFA) will review all petitions for financial impact to the annual conference. Comments from CFA will become part of the petition as presented. These comments are not debatable, and will not be construed as either acceptance or veto of the petition.

Contact information: petitions@mtnskyumc.org

Robert's Rules of Order

The Mountain Sky Conference will be using Robert's Rules of Order throughout our legislative process at Annual Conference, which can be a bit challenging for those who are not well versed in parliamentary procedure. To prepare for conference and familiarize yourself with Robert's Rules of Order, please look over the following documents:

Robert's Rules of Order - A Quick Overview for the Mountain Sky Conference

Handy short sheet for Robert's Rules of Order