wfn.org | Multicultural sensitivity to be required in recruiting pastors

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

CLEVELAND (UMNS) - Members of conference boards of ordained ministry must
participate in intensive training to help develop multicultural sensitivity
for more effective recruitment and support of United Methodist pastors.

The 992 delegates attending United Methodism's top legislative assembly made
that decision by a vote of 783-28 on May 12.

The delegates issued this mandate because communities surrounding United
Methodist churches are becoming more racially and culturally diverse. "It is
critical that pastoral leadership understands and is supportive of ministry
in a diverse society," the adopted petition said.

General Conference delegates asked that all members of conference boards and
district committees of ordained ministry, as well as district
superintendents, be encouraged to participate in intensive training to help
people develop multicultural sensitivity and competence. The assembly also
directed those people to assist in better identifying, recruiting,
developing and supporting racial-ethnic leadership and supporting pastors in
cross-racial appointments.

The delegates required all who are responsible for identifying and shaping
pastoral leadership to participate in this type of training in their first
year of service.

Each annual conference, in conjunction with the church's racial monitoring
commission and conference-level entities, is required to develop a new
sensitivity program or use an existing one to support clergy members in
their racially and culturally diverse communities.

Delegates at the General Conference also elected a cadre of bishops to the
membership of the churchwide agencies, commissions, councils and
organizations. In addition, a bishop and other clergy and lay people were
elected to serve as trustees of the Old John Street United Methodist Church
in New York.
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-- Linda Green

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United Methodist News Service
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