wfn.org | Social Security clergy opportunity

[owner-umethnews@ecunet.org]

"UNITED METHODIST DAILY NEWS 97" by SUSAN PEEK on April 15, 1997 at 14:24
Eastern, about DAILY NEWS RELEASES FROM UNITED METHODIST NEWS SERVICE (25
notes).

Note 23 by UMNS on April 17, 1997 at 15:55 Eastern (2149 characters).

Produced by United Methodist News Service, official news agency of
the United Methodist Church, with offices in Nashville, Tenn., New
York, and Washington.

CONTACT:  Joretta Purdue                           211(10-71B){23}
          Washington, D.C.  (202) 546-8722          April 17, 1997

Clergy may get second chance
to join Social Security, Medicare

     EVANSTON (UMNS) -- An opportunity for clergy who have not
joined the Social Security system to enroll will become available
if legislation being proposed by Rep. Phil English (R-Pa.) becomes
law.
     Attorneys for two United Methodist agencies that deal with
pensions and finance are urging clergy in the denomination to
examine this bill, H.R. 939, and let their representatives and
senators know their feelings.
     The decision for clergy to opt out of Social Security when
they have the opportunity is generally irrevocable and bars the
person from Medicare participation as well.
     "We believe this bill deserves the broad-based support of
United Methodists," wrote Mary Logan, general counsel of the
General Council on Finance, and Michele Bush, general counsel of
the Board of Pension and Health Benefits.
     They advocate this position, they said, "because there are so
many United Methodist clergy who come to regret their decision to
opt out of the Social Security system once they realize the long-
term implications of ineligibility for Medicare (not to mention
the direct monetary Social Security benefits)."
     The last time clergy had the opportunity to re-enter the
program was following the Tax Reform Act of 1986, they said. Like
that occasion Rep. English's bill would provide a limited new
chance to opt in.
     In mid April, Logan and Bush sent a letter to active U.S.
bishops, district superintendents and annual conference treasurers
alerting them to the proposed legislation and asking them to
inform clergy in their annual conferences.
     For information on how to contact members of Congress, call
Dena Sutherland at the Board of Church and Society (202) 488-5629.
                              #  #  #

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

 To make suggestions or give your comments, send a note to 
 umns@ecunet.org or Susan_Peek@ecunet.org

 To unsubscribe, send the single word "unsubscribe" (no quotes)
 in a mail message to umethnews-request@ecunet.org

-----------------------------------------------------------------------