News Stories
SEJ College of Bishops 'strongly recommends' merger of Memphis and Tennessee Conferences
1/25/2012
Bishop Benjamin R. Chamness, Interim Resident Bishop, Nashville Episcopal Area
A MESSAGE FROM:
Interim Resident Bishop
Nashville Episcopal Area
(Memphis and Tennessee Conferences)
The United Methodist Church
SUBJECT:
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It is true that the Southeastern Jurisdictional College of Bishops, in consultation with the Southeastern Jurisdictional Episcopacy Committee, approved a statement of resolution at its Jan. 5-6, 2012 meeting in Wilmington, NC "strongly recommending" the Memphis and Tennessee Conferences begin moving toward merger.
The officers of the College of Bishops and I conveyed this message to our Conference Lay Leaders and our representatives to the two conferences on the Jurisdictional Episcopacy Committee who were present in Wilmington at the time.
There is a strong feeling in the College that these two conferences would be a more viable witness and a stronger participant in the Jurisdiction and The United Methodist Church if they would unite structurally, spiritually and economically. With the denomination moving into the Call to Action/Vital Congregations (initiative), it is felt that this is an appropriate time to move forward on this matter, as well.
I am aware that the conferences have voted on merger twice in the past. The last time was about 20 years ago. Since I have been here, I have heard a great deal of undercurrent from people in both conferences that they should merge.
It is my intention in response to this statement by the College to have the two conference cabinets begin meeting regularly as the Nashville Area Cabinet to do business, make appointments and lead the conferences as one Cabinet.
Additionally, after consultation with the Cabinet and others, I intend to appoint a Committee to Study Uniting the Memphis and Tennessee Conferences. This committee will have representation from both conferences. They will explore the best way to move forward.
I would ask that everyone be prayerful about the future as we explore where this may take us. We certainly want to seek God's will for us at this time and at this place. Please pray for the Study Committee and for all who are engaged in exploring the roadmap to God's future for us.