wfn.org | Communicators seek clarity on church's open meetings rule

[NewsDesk <NewsDesk@UMCOM.UMC.ORG>]

Nov. 9, 1998	Contact: Linda Bloom·(212) 870-3803·New York     {654}

NOTE:  This story may be used with UMNS #653.

ORLANDO, Fla. (UMNS) - The United Methodist Association of Communicators
(UMAC) wants an opinion from the denomination's high court regarding its
open meetings policy.

During UMAC's Nov. 5-7 meeting, members voted to ask United Methodist
Communications, an official church agency, to request a decision from
the Judicial Council regarding the policy, which is part of the United
Methodist Book of Discipline.

The group wants to know if the policy applies directly to the United
Methodist Council of Bishops and official organizations of the annual
conferences.

UMAC also approved sending an invitation to the Council of Bishops,
asking that it designate several bishops to meet with a representative
group of communicators. The meeting would cover such concerns as the
role of bishops as spokespersons with the news media; the value of open
communications throughout the church; and the relationship of the bishop
to conference communications staff.

The theme of the UMAC meeting was "Deep Impact: What to Do When Crisis
Hits." Presentations focused on dealing with both natural and social
disasters, including criminal, political and sexual situations that have
attracted public attention.
 
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