Change in Percentage of Proceeds from Closed Church Properties

Whereas, since 2003, the proceeds after expenses of sold closed church properties have be distributed such that 75 percent remain in the district and 25 percent are allocated to the conference, both for new church development and revitalization efforts; and Whereas, the funding of new church starts and new faith communities has become less the responsibility of a particular district and more a collaborative effort between a district and the Conference Church Vitality Team; and Whereas, the best location for a new church start or new faith community may or may not be in a district where closed church properties have been sold; and Whereas, for the wise and faithful stewardship of closed church proceeds it is important that a conference-wide perspective be utilized; and Whereas, the Church Vitality Team, Cabinet, and Connectional Table are recommending this change in the distribution percentage of sold church properties; therefore, be it Resolved that the proceeds after expenses for closed church properties sold on or after July 1, 2018 be distributed such that 25 percent remain in the district and 75 percent are allocated to the Conference Church Vitality Team to be used for new churches, new faith communities, new missional initiatives and other revitalization efforts described in ¶ 2549.7 of The 2016 Book of Discipline.