Since the passage of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act in 1964, our Courts of Appeals have consistently held that a “ministerial exception” exists, based on the First Amendment, that prohibits secular courts from interfering with the freedom of a religious organization to select its ministers.  However, in the US Supreme Court, this precise question had not been presented.  There is a long line of Supreme Court precedent, dating to Watson v. Jones, 1872, and continuing to the present, that has recognized the right of the religious organization to select its ministers, but these cases have only addressed the issue in the context of property disputes.

The unanimous opinion in the Hosanna-Tabor case is that the Religion Clauses of the First Amendment do, indeed, bar suits against religious organizations on behalf of ministers claiming wrongful termination in violation of employment discrimination laws.  This opinion will have real significance for our annual conferences and local churches.

The opinion specifically allows the religious organization to define the meaning of “minister” and to make decisions regarding selection of ministers.  The probable effect will be to reduce the number of complaints made to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and lawsuits initiated on behalf of ministers removed from ministry.  Another consequence may be an increase in complaints made within the church’s disciplinary process.

Many annual conferences are already engaged in work to develop more thorough and effective processes for selection, supervision, and even discharge of ministers.  The United States Supreme Court has recognized the church’s responsibility for ministerial leadership selection.  This work is vitally important.  As the concurring opinion of Justice Alito states, “A religion cannot depend on someone to be an effective advocate for its religious vision if that person’s conduct fails to live up to the religious precepts that he or she espouses.”

In order to fulfill the church’s mission, we must be careful in our selection processes and dedicated in our efforts to support the ongoing education and development of ministers filled with integrity.

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If you’d like to listen to the program, you can do so here. If you’d like more information about Safe Sanctuaries, please contact Rev. Joy Melton.

Taking a few common-sense steps can ensure your holiday traditions are protected and that your ministries are ready to serve. If you have questions or need more information, contact us.

Join us for a series of informative videos.

Join Chief Resource Officer Joy Melton as she shares more information about why Safe Sanctuaries is so important to your United Methodist ministries, children and elders.

United Methodist Annual Conference season is here!

Over the last couple of months, United Methodist Insurance folks have traveled from California to Georgia visiting with conference delegates. Every conference saw beloved pastors retire and new conference relationships born. Also at every conference, both lay and clergy delegates were chosen for the general and jurisdictional conferences.

Yes, it’s an exciting time to be a United Methodist, because this is the backbone of how we make disciples of Jesus Christ. The passion and leadership inherent in the conference attendees was palpable! They had big dreams for their churches and their ministries. This is what we, as United Methodists, do best: serve others.

Here are a few of our take-aways:

• Imagine No Malaria: Many conferences supported Imagine No Malaria generously.
• New faith communities were born: Many conferences had a double-digit number of pastors moving in their communities and creating new communities of faith.
• Global and local focuses: From Brazil to Mozambique, conferences are making things happen globally. Yes, many conferences focused on ministering to the poor or the youth locally, too. Hundreds of organizations benefited from the generosity of the conference attendees.
• Hearts afire: There is no ministry or church without risk. Churches are perhaps the only organizations that exist to serve those who are NOT yet members. To reach more and do more for both members and the un-churched requires commitment, focus, and risk. We heard about many wonderful initiatives in local communities and about the risk they were afraid would be a part of those initiatives.

We’re honored to support many conferences, agencies and local churches in their quest to set hearts afire.

What are some of the differences you will see?

• Updated website: Yes, the new website get another update. Look for the updated logo and some changes to the verbiage throughout the site.
• Updated resources: Along with United Methodist Insurance’s superior coverage, you’ll see that we are continuing our history of innovation in the resources section. Check it often for additional content that is exclusively for members of United Methodist Insurance.
• Improved communication: Would you like to learn more about protecting your people and assets? Our monthly eNews is made just for you. It focuses on areas that are both practical and actionable – with valuable tips that you can use today in your food programs, daycares, and more! Opt-in to receive this fresh communication. That newsletter is already up and running! No waiting is required.

What are other things I can expect?

• Claims number: The number you have used for questions, support and claims will remain the same. You can find it on your policy or throughout the website right now.
• Great service: We have a history of continuous improvement and the high quality service and coverage you’ve expected will only improve.

This is an exciting time to be a United Methodist. We are needed in our local communities and around the globe like never before. It’s a distinct honor to be an organization that was built specifically for the connection. We look forward to serving you.

Sign up today using the form on the right!

Communicating risk management information to you in a timely and convenient manner is of the utmost importance to the health and welfare of your conference and church. Our monthly Connection emails are filled with best practices, tips and ministry risk management updates. It’s a wonderful way to stay in touch!

Please take a moment, use the form at the RIGHT and sign up to receive this valuable communication. We look forward to hearing from you!

Remember:

Privacy is important to us; therefore, we will not sell, rent, or give your name or address to anyone. At any point, you can select the link at the bottom of every email to unsubscribe, or to receive less or more information.

United Methodist Annual Conference season is here!

Annual Conference is an important time in the life of the United Methodist Church and its members. From California to Florida, Annual Conferences have been taking place since the beginning of June.

We’ve been honored to visit and be a part of many of these conferences so we’d know what was most important to you.

Resources:

Online: Did you know that many of the Annual Conferences have new media set up so you can follow all of the important activity from your mobile device or online? Here’s a list courtesy of the UMC.org

More sights from Annual Conference

website. Even if the conference is over, you can still review the online conversation and follow leaders in your area.

Reports: Several of the reports are available for review.

By United Methodists for United Methodists

You’ve heard the saying “birds of a feather flock together”? Well, there is some truth to that. Isn’t it more comfortable for you to spend time with those who have similar interests? Don’t you prefer to do business with folks who understand your unique situation?

Choosing an insurance partner is similar. When it comes to understanding the unique needs of United Methodist churches, agencies and conferences, the United Methodist Property and Casualty Trust is your partner.

In fact, because of our total focus on the needs of the United Methodist Church and its members, we are becoming United Methodist Insurance.

What benefits will that mean to you?

• More exceptional coverage: As UMPACT, we already provide coverage options that you won’t find anywhere else. We are constantly looking at innovative ways to cover your good works.
• New communication resources: As part of our continued focus on convenience, customer service and education, we are launching a wide range of online resources tailored to the specific needs of United Methodists.
• Renewed focus on service: We have a long history of great service, and we’ve redoubled our commitment to providing timely claims service, faster information delivery and quicker turn-around.

We are honored to be members of this flock and look forward to continuing to serve you.